Does anyone else remember the books they used to publish that were 2-in-1s? One book would be printed 'normally', but to read the other you had to flip it over and start from the back?
No, Night and Day isn't printed that way. I was just reminded. Night and Day is actually printed normally, and contains two very short books -- Night by Anne Stuart and Day by Gayle Wilson. They are related stories, having to do with cat burglers, antiques stolen by the Nazis, and the two hero/heroine pairs tangled up in the whole mess.
Night tells the story of Michael Blackheart, illegitimate son of Patrick Blackheart, a world-famous cat burglar Ms. Stuart has written about before. Michael has been convinced by his Gypsy uncle Felix that before he retires from the business, that he should take one last job. He should steal the Norenheld Treasure from the company auctioning it off, as it is comprised of antiques stolen from Jewish families by the Nazis. In the process, he can get back at the father who doesn't know he exists, who is providing the security for the auction preview.
Of course he can't refuse. What good thief and bastard could? Once inside, he meets Isabel Linden, publicity coordinator for Jack Helms, a computer billionaire and the 'owner' of the Treasure. She's a leggy blonde in a gorgeous silver dress. Within an hour of meeting her, Michael's got her in a corner, locked in a passionate tongue-lock, and his determination not to get involved with the woman has flown right out the window.
Some thief.
I think this is mostly a factor of Ms. Stuart only having 100 pages in which to tell this story. There's no emotional attachment. The big reveal, begun by Ferris Blackheart, Patrick's new wife, about Michael being an illegitimate son happens too quickly and too easily. The heist itself is too uncomplicated, given the set up. The resolution seems to have come because it had to, and worst of all, the hero and heroine seem to have been thrust together simply because according to the rules of writing, 'it had to happen'.
Day is the stronger book. Ms. Wilson tells us the story of Duncan Culhane, an ex-CIA and special forces agent, who is called in to help an old partner's widow.
Andrea Sorennson has been contacted by her grandparents. It seems that a lovely crystal music box (which first appeared in Night) belonged to her grandmother and was left behind when they fled. Grandma would like it back. Andrea has arranged, through a mutual friend, to have Duncan assigned to help her get it.
There's history between these two, and though the confessions of feelings held in check comes a little easily, it feels sincere. Duncan is a tortured hero, both literally and emotionally, and I admit, I'm a sucker for a guy who needs healing, when it's done right.
The villain of both books, Jack Helms, only really shines, really stands out as a bad guy in Day.
There is more action packed into Ms. Wilson's 140 pages. There's more time to explain what's going on, to engage the reader, and I honestly believe that this is because of the length of the books. Had Ms. Stuart been given the same 'time' to get her story told, the differences might not have been as obvious as, well, Night and Day.
Recommended:
