The Doll/Taylor Stevens/335 pgs.

This is Stevens' third novel featuring Vanessa "Michael" Munroe, a character similar to Stieg Larsson's Lisbeth Salander. The book hits the ground running, and doesn't let up until the very end! "Michael" Munroe is abducted in front of her workplace--the workplace owned by her "boyfriend," Miles Bradford. The man known as the Doll Maker wants Michael to transport a Hollywood starlet to the man who has "purchased" her. The Doll Maker runs a very profitable business selling girls to the highest bidders. This is what Munroe, and eventually, Bradford are up against. I had really enjoyed Stevens' The Informationist, but felt she had fallen somewhat short with The Innocent. She is back on track, and then some, with The Doll. Highly recommended!