David Bell examines the unlived life in his new thriller Layover.

The book opens with Joshua Fields, a frequent flyer in his father’s business, passing time during an Atlanta layover from his home base of Chicago, enroute to a Florida business meeting.

When he bumps into a beautiful woman, their one drink leads to more true conversation than he’s had in a long time, and he feels an instant connection to Morgan. That’s why it’s frustrating when, after a passionate kiss that leaves no doubt she feels the same connection, Morgan apologizes and tells him they will never see each other again.

The impromptu meeting changes Joshua’s life. He switches planes to follow Morgan, who refuses to acknowledge with him, and when he tries to follow her, has to answer for his actions.

At the same time, Kimberly Givens, a Kentucky police detective, runs interference with the Mayor of her small town, after a wealthy businessman goes missing. How the two incidents tie together form the backbone of the story, alternating the search for missing people.

Things continue to spiral in terms of tension, with lies and secrets Morgan and others are holding at the center. Joshua finds himself feeling as if he’s in an alternate reality, one in which he and Morgan have a future together, if only he can find out what’s haunting her and why she’s running.

A hint of romance adds to the tension of an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances.