Lisa Towles’ Switch is a breakneck techno-thriller that dives headfirst into the world of private investigations, buried family secrets, and high-stakes covert operations. At the center is Marissa Ellwyn—a sharp, seasoned former CIA operative turned private investigator—who’s recovering from a hit-and-run attack that lands her in the middle of an investigation laced with mystery, betrayal, and emotional landmines. As she navigates through the murky entanglements of a multi-million-dollar heist, her missing mother, a mysterious John Doe, and a midnight visit from a coroner, the layers of plot unravel in a satisfying tangle of danger and introspection.

I found the writing electrifying and, at times, deeply poignant. Towles excels at keeping the tension high without sacrificing emotional depth. Her dialogue crackles. It’s smart, biting, and authentic, and the first-person narrative gives us raw access to Marissa’s inner world. The pacing is intense. Scenes leap from intimate reflections to explosive action, and it works because Marissa is such a magnetic narrator. That said, the rapid switches in location and the density of subplots made me double back more than once. But honestly, I didn’t mind. The richness of detail, particularly in how Marissa analyzes people and situations, kept me anchored even when the plot went labyrinthine.

What I enjoyed most was the emotional honesty behind all the spy games and shootouts. Marissa’s relationship with her elusive and emotionally detached father resonated with me because it felt real and messy. The themes of abandonment, trust, and resilience ground the story in something human. And the dog, Trevor, was a total scene-stealer. I would’ve liked a touch more clarity around some of the secondary characters, who sometimes blurred together in the thick of the action. Still, this wasn’t a dealbreaker. I appreciated how the book never spoon-fed answers; it trusted me to keep up, and that felt refreshing.

Switch is for readers who crave a smart and emotionally charged thriller with an awesome female lead and just enough espionage spice to keep things edgy. If you love Karin Slaughter, Robert Dugoni, or early Patricia Cornwell, you’ll devour this. It’s not a beach read—it’s a bunker-down, turn-off-your-phone, and hang-on-tight read. And I loved it.

Pages: 372