When Sandra Sinclair, recently widowed and the mother of twelve-year-old Jane, meets wealthy lawyer Joe Gillette, he wins her over with his kind and conscientious attitude.

Falling in love faster than she ever thought possible, Sandra agrees to marry. But soon after they move into their new home, things begin to change, and Joe's controlling behavior causes her to question her decision. When her new husband becomes seriously abusive, Sandra decides that she and Jane must leave.

When Joe makes it clear that he will not just let her walk away, Sandra discovers that it's quite likely that he arranged his first wife's death, and that she is now part of his "contingency plan." She soon realizes that even the law is no defense against this meticulous and egotistical man. Fleeing to an old family cabin on a remote lake, mother and daughter prepare to live off the grid. And when Joe tracks them down, Sandra must come up with a contingency plan of her own.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for older teen readers and adults who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

Lou Allin sings two national anthems, having born in Toronto but raised in Ohio. She recently relocated to Sooke, British Columbia. After obtaining a Ph.D. in English Renaissance literature and discovering that she retained Canadian citizenship, Lou headed north, ending up at Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario, where she taught literature, writing and public speaking for twenty-three years. Northern Winters Are Murder, her first Belle Palmer mystery, was released in the fall of 2000. It was followed by Blackflies Are Murder, which was shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis Award in the category of Best Novel. Bush Poodles Are Murder, Murder, Eh, and Memories are Murder concluded the series. While discovering the delights of the outdoors in her new home on Vancouver Island, Lou has created a new west coast mystery series, the first of which, And on the Surface Die, was released in the fall of 2008. It features young RCMP corporal Holly Martin, whose adventures continue in She Felt No Pain.

Lou Allin's profile page

• Nominated, Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award
• Winner, The Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award - Best Crime Novella

"A fun, fast read that can bring enjoyment to anyone’s reading repertoire."

CM Magazine

"A standalone thriller, Contingency Plan is a fine, well-constructed story with an all-too-plausible plot line and convincing characters...Allin has done a remarkable job of creating characters we care about, and a plot that holds our attention."

www.reviewingtheevidence.com

"An adrenaline filled race to the finish...Perfect for ESL readers, reluctant readers, or adult readers who want a quick read."

TriState YA Book Review Committee