Cut and Run    by Ridley Pearson Order:  USA  Can Hyperion, 2005 (2005) Hardcover, Audio, CD     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Ridley Pearson's Cut and Run revolves around the U.S. government's witness protection program. In this case, one of those being protected becomes involved with the protector. That's a no-no. Hope Stevens, protectee, and Roland Larson, protector, are separated when she is whisked away during the night to a new safe house. Hope is a witness against the mob and her life is in danger until she testifies. Roland looks for her for five years and finally hears her laugh at a theater. Since they both know her life is still in danger, they don't communicate and she disappears again. Hope has left the program to run on her own, now that there is a daughter involved. The plot becomes more complex at this point - but the main thrust is that the computer program listing all the protected witnesses (thousands) - has been broached, and they are all in danger. Action picks up and keeps the reader on edge. The attempt at rescue is breathtaking and the background of how this work could be done intriguing. I like Roland. Maybe because he is so faithful to a woman he has spent so little time with. Maybe because he sees what must be done and does it. Pearson has a knack for dropping the reader into the scene. His descriptions are short, but very apt and skillful. I've read a number of Ridley Pearson's books. I have to say that Cut and Run is not one of his best. Even so, he can still give most mystery authors a run for their money. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews