Let me start of saying there is nothing wrong per se with this book. But its 90% interviews and 10% actual story. I cant give a high rating on a book that only has such a small amount of an actual story. I also think the price is a little high for most of what we could get from her webpage or from interviews she's done on blogs.

My main reason for wanting this book was I had heard it was going to be a Sam and Alyssa, Max and Gina and Jules and Robin story. That is in this book but its a very short story. Max, Jules and Alyssa are going to third world countries the President would visit to see if the locations he would land in would be safe. Sam decided they should make it a vacation trip too with he and Gina and Robin taking the kids to Athens to wait for there significant others. But the best laid plans and all that.. The whole gang end up landing in a tiny little place called Tusisia. Max, Jules and Alyssa are able to get a flight out to Afghanistan but things don't go well for the spouses and kids left. Not only cant they get a flight out but everyone comes down with the flu.. And poor macho Seal Sam has never been able to take puking. But Sam goes into like its a mission he needs to survive and Robin and Gina are his team members. It was great to get a glimpse of there lives. Would have been nice to have a POV or two from Max or Gina.

My rating/disappointment comes from thinking this was going to be a full length book as it was first advertised a year ago. Then the synopsis suddenly changed when the release date was close.

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This book is filled with very short stories... but they are stories about the characters that fans have come to love from the 16 "Troubleshooter" books. It was intended to be a "catch-up" on Sam and Alyssa, Jules and Robin and the others. Through these stories and the commentary before each one we learn about the missing pieces in their lives before and after the full length book that featured them. This must have been harder than writing a full length novel, but Suzanne Brockman did an excellent jib of pulling it together. Sadly, if I understand correctly, there will only be one more full length books in this series due for release in February 2014. Where do past, much loved characters go when their series is done? Hopefully they will live on in the hearts of the fans that read their stories. ( )

3.5* ( )

If you are a fan of Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooter series, you will enjoy reading the variety of short works ranging from character sketches, descriptive scenes of characters in action, to lengthier short stories. Even if you haven’t read the series, you can appreciate the book and get an introduction to the author’s writing style and her amazing ability for character development. Reading this anthology may be all the motivation needed to start this series.

There are currently sixteen books that comprise the Troubleshooter’s series. Brockmann provides a timeline and brief description of each book to either introduce you or remind you of the ongoing plot sequence and numerous characters involved. At the start of each story, readers are given a time frame to help understand how these short pieces fit into the overall story line.

A sampling of my favorites from this collection:

“When Frank Met Rosie” –Readers get greater insight into Frank O’Leary’s character and background, learning more about his thoughts and feelings beyond his military role. His encounter with Rosie is a great reminder that we have to embrace the opportunity for love when it knocks on our door, no matter how inconvenient the timing may be.

“Waiting”-A heart-wrenching look at what families of those serving out of country emotionally endure on a regular basis, never knowing if their loved ones are safe. While taking care of his daughter at home while his wife Alyssa is away on a mission, Sam learns that her group has come under fire and the wait begins to find out whether she has been injured or worse. Brockmann shows the fear, worry, and absolute helplessness that Same feels for the woman he loves. It’s hard to be calm and patient under these almost unbearable circumstances.

“Interview with Tom and Kelly” –I loved these protagonists from the first book, Unsung Hero, in the series, and it was nice to learn more about how their relationship has progressed since the resolution of their story.

“Trapped”-Wow! This story will give readers a good idea of how Brockmann builds suspense in her writing. The plot sequence of starting in the middle of the story and then using a flashback before moving forward toward the end kept me uncertain of what to expect and minimized the predictability of the work.

“Shane’s Last Stand”-a poignant novella showing Shane Laughlin’s willingness to do what’s right no matter what the personal cost. He is truly an admirable character.

In addition, Suzanne peppers the anthology with details about her thought process in character development and themes.

It is a great anthology that allowed me to read short bits at a time and really savor my experience with these characters.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Random House Publishing- Ballantine Books via NetGalley for an honest review. ( )

Headed for Trouble is a compilation of short stories featuring many of the characters from previous Troubleshooters stories. Brockmann includes a timeline showing where each story fits within the list of Troubleshooter novels. It's a fun book to read if you've been a Troubleshooter fan all along. It catches you up on the lives of some of your favorite Troubleshooter characters, after the novel in which they first appeared. ( )