This books takes off from the first page and doesn't let up until the last. This entry in Toby Neal's Lei Crime World Series is an excellent story by M.L. Doyle, with events centering around colleagues of Lei. This gives a different view into their lives apart from her and the author keeps the action moving while giving glimpses into their personal lives.

I especially enjoyed the tie-in to the military and how one of the main characters makes her entrance into the story by falling flat on her face! This book was a very enjoyable read either as a standalone story or as a part of the larger Lei Crime world.

**I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review** ( )

When FBI Special Agents Marcella Scott and Ken Yamada are brought in to solve a kidnapping, initially they are curious as to the reason why they were specifically chosen for the case. To be honest, nothing about this particular case makes any sense. Who would abduct the child of a member of the military, yet wait for a period of time before sending out a ransom note?

Yet that is exactly the sort of case that FBI Special Agents Scott and Yamada are faced with. An army colonel's daughter isn't a typical target when it comes to the crime of kidnapping, but that's only the first of the variety of red flags that reveal themselves about this case. FBI Special Agent Marcella Scott knows that the word 'unusual' is remarkably synonymous with unpredictability, and she also realizes that unpredictability can quickly translate into any case becoming incredibly dangerous for those involved.

But this case isn't the only issue that must be resolved for the partners. Just when their wits need to be at their sharpest, Agent Scott's partner, Special Agent Ken Yamada is suffering from a serious case of déjà vu. And that feeling is quickly becoming a major personal distraction for him. Agent Yamada has had to make several painful decisions throughout his career; many of which have led to some very painful sacrifices for that career.

When the young girl's abduction brings him face to face with one of those sacrifices, Major Chuck Mathews, Agent Yamada begins to question all his choices. In their desperate search for the teenage girl, the agents will face numerous foes more than willing to use deadly force to protect themselves and their secrets. Yet what was hidden before will ultimately be revealed, and the truth can change everything.

Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle is actually the fifth novella that I've read from the Kindle Worlds Lei Crime Series, based on the books in the Lei Crime Mystery Series by Toby Neal. In my opinion, this novella was very well-written and I actually found this plot to be remarkably well-developed despite the length of the story. I would give Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle a definite A! and am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. ( )