Gina Gray is a brilliant scientist with a penchant for finding simple solutions to complex problems that can change the world. She has chosen to focus her current efforts on the science and application of sonar and satellite technology for use by the Navy in order to better protect her brother, Jeff Gray, and the other submariners who patrol the seas. While managing data and looking for patterns is as natural as breathing, relationships have presented uncomfortable complications. With her thirtieth birthday just around the corner, Gina is eager to marry and start a family but her relationships to date haven't lasted. Is there something about her that pushes the men away or has she yet to meet the right man?

Mark Bishop, commander of the ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada gold crew, patrols the pacific ensuring his crew is ready to face any crisis that may arise. Between his biological family and his Navy family, Mark has a full life but there has been a hole in his life since the death of his wife. Mark is ready to consider remarrying the right woman, someone who can share his life and understand what it means to be a Navy family. It never occurred to him that the right woman might just be his friend's genius sister but then circumstances throw them together and everything changes.

One thing that has impressed me in Dee Henderson's recent books is the obvious research that has gone into understanding and creating the central activities that matter to her characters; be it federal investigations ( Full Disclosure), coin collecting (Unspoken), or in the case of UNDETECTED, submarines. I thoroughly enjoy learning about these professional worlds as much as I enjoy the slowly developing romantic relationship. I appreciate that Ms. Henderson gives her characters time to get to know each other as we get to know them. Mark and Gina make an appealing couple whose friendship develops into something more. They are well matched in their intelligence, faith, and commitment to family.

UNDETECTED has everything I have come to expect from Ms. Henderson and more.

Book Summary

When asked what he does for a living . . .

Commander Mark Bishop is deliberately low-key: "I'm in the Navy." But commanding the ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada, keeping her crew trained and alert during ninety-day submerged patrols, and being prepared to launch weapons on valid presidential orders, carries a burden of command like few other jobs in the military. Mark Bishop is a man who accepts that responsibility, and handles it well. And at a time when tensions are escalating around the Pacific Rim, the Navy is glad to have him.

Mark wants someone to come home to after sea patrols. The woman he has in mind is young, with a lovely smile, and very smart. She's a civilian, yet she understands the U.S. Navy culture. And he has a strong sense that life with her would never be boring. But she may be too deep in her work to see the potential in a relationship with him.

Gina Gray would love to be married. She has always envisioned her life that way. A breakup she didn't see coming, though, has her focusing all her attention on what she does best--ocean science research. She's on the cusp of a major breakthrough, and she needs Mark Bishop's perspective and help. Because what she told the Navy she's figured out is only the beginning. If she's right, submarine warfare is about to enter a new and dangerous chapter.