Lights Out by Natalie Walters is the first in a new series about the SNAP Agency. It is a suspense novel set in Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia concerning a threat to international security. CIA analyst Brynn Taylor finds herself in the center of a national security scare when an Egyptian attending an international anti-terrorism program she developed goes missing. Brynn must work with Jack Hudson, the leader of the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency to find the missing Egyptian. She knows there is more to the story and that’s when the story really takes off.

Hudson’s team is a likable group that has all the tension and teasing you might expect of an elite team of agents. It reminded me of the team on Hawaii Five-O. Knowing her career is on the line, Brynn must fit in with this team and find answers. But Jack doesn’t trust Brynn, having been betrayed by her in the past.

There is plenty of action, a little romance, and lots of danger as the plot unfolds. With a looming threat to national security, the stakes are high. The character development is strong. We learn the back story of each of the SNAP agency members and other key players. I liked how Brynn grew as the case went on. There is a light romantic thread that is teased throughout and a mention of each character’s faith. The danger and very timely real-world scenarios amp up the intensity of the plot. The story with all its twists is heart-pounding and is an excellent read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”