As the opening day for the Jumper nears, Sam is contacted by Rachel White, an investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board. Rachel is investigating a deadly accident on the Cyclone, a roller coaster on Coney Island. Until a note is found at the scene, Rachel assumes the accident was just that - but the note makes it clear that this was sabotage and that other coaster accidents will occur. A second crash occurs shortly after, followed by Rachel receiving a note that will lead her to the third crash, maybe before it happens, giving her time to try and stop it.

As Rachel and Sam join forces, the investigation brings them closer and closer to a very ugly truth, and closer to each other. Sam races against time to get the Jumper ready for its debut, but also to keep the ride safe so its premier ride isn’t a murderer’s grand finale.

Jumper is a simply written mystery that is very easy to read; in many ways, it is like the roller coasters that are at the center of it. The story stars out slowly, building toward the top, followed by a fast-paced drop, and just when everything seems to have leveled out and calmed down, there is one more unexpected twist and turn. While the suspense is only really intense at the very end, the plot has lots of forward momentum that propels the story forward.

The developing relationship between Sam and Rachel is interesting to watch. They start out as strangers, advance to mutually respecting colleagues and then quickly progress to friends and lovers. Even after a quarrel, they both stay the course to reach the common goal and in the end, Rachel puts her life on the line as a testament to her faith in Sam. Jumper is one of several non-series books by Richard Barth, but the developing relationship between Sam and Rachel has left the door open for a sequel.

Either as the first of a series, or as a stand alone mystery, Jumper is a fast-paced read full of surprise twists and turns and a most likable pair of heroes.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry