On the Line

A Riveting Novel of Suspense

By Fern Michaels | Publisher: Kensington Books

About the book

He’s a rising star in New York’s cutthroat culinary world. Until it all comes crashing down when a mysterious illness unearths dark secrets from his family’s past in Colombia, putting his career – and everyone he loves – on the line…

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels blends her trademark masterful storytelling with dual timeline suspense in this unputdownable new standalone for fans of Janet Evanovich, Danielle Steel, and JD Robb.


Mateo Castillo is a rising star chef on the Manhattan culinary scene. But just as he’s about to reap the rewards of his skill and hard work by being featured on a major TV cooking competition, Mateo collapses in his restaurant’s kitchen—and regains consciousness in a hospital emergency room.

If it weren’t for a security guard finding him in time, Mateo would have bled to death.  The cause of his sudden illness is as mysterious as it is worrying, and Mateo and his family undergo a battery of genetic tests. Yet the answers that start to emerge only raise more questions.

Mateo’s parents fled their home in Colombia many years ago, seeking refuge from the infamous cartels. Now the test results threaten to uncover a dark secret that exposes his family to dangers from the past—while clouding the investigation into who is trying to hurt Mateo in the present…

Editions of On the Line

Hardcover
ISBN 9781496737144
Paperback
ISBN 9781420154276
EBook
ISBN 9781496737182

Read an Excerpt

He’s a rising star in New York’s cutthroat culinary world. Until it all comes crashing down when a mysterious illness unearths dark secrets from his family’s past in Colombia, putting his career – and everyone he loves – on the line…

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels blends her trademark masterful storytelling with dual timeline suspense in this unputdownable new standalone for fans of Janet Evanovich, Danielle Steel, and JD Robb.


Mateo Castillo is a rising star chef on the Manhattan culinary scene. But just as he’s about to reap the rewards of his skill and hard work by being featured on a major TV cooking competition, Mateo collapses in his restaurant’s kitchen—and regains consciousness in a hospital emergency room.

If it weren’t for a security guard finding him in time, Mateo would have bled to death.  The cause of his sudden illness is as mysterious as it is worrying, and Mateo and his family undergo a battery of genetic tests. Yet the answers that start to emerge only raise more questions.

Mateo’s parents fled their home in Colombia many years ago, seeking refuge from the infamous cartels. Now the test results threaten to uncover a dark secret that exposes his family to dangers from the past—while clouding the investigation into who is trying to hurt Mateo in the present…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is On the Line about?

He’s a rising star in New York’s cutthroat culinary world. Until it all comes crashing down when a mysterious illness unearths dark secrets from his family’s past in Colombia, putting his career – and everyone he loves – on the line…

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels blends her trademark masterful storytelling with dual timeline suspense in this unputdownable new standalone for fans of Janet Evanovich, Danielle Steel, and JD Robb.


Mateo Castillo is a rising star chef on the Manhattan culinary scene. But just as he’s about to reap the rewards of his skill and hard work by being featured on a major TV cooking competition, Mateo collapses in his restaurant’s kitchen—and regains consciousness in a hospital emergency room.

If it weren’t for a security guard finding him in time, Mateo would have bled to death.  The cause of his sudden illness is as mysterious as it is worrying, and Mateo and his family undergo a battery of genetic tests. Yet the answers that start to emerge only raise more questions.

Mateo’s parents fled their home in Colombia many years ago, seeking refuge from the infamous cartels. Now the test results threaten to uncover a dark secret that exposes his family to dangers from the past—while clouding the investigation into who is trying to hurt Mateo in the present…

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in On the Line?

Fiction > Thriller / suspense fiction

Where can I read a sample of On the Line?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781496737144

How long is On the Line and how many pages does it have?

On the Line has 368 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book On the Line?

Fern Michaels

Who is the Publisher of the book On the Line?

Kensington Books

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

On the Line is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781496737144) and paperback(ISBN 9781420154276) and ebook(ISBN 9781496737182)

Where can I buy On the Line online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy On the Line from below

Where can I buy On the Line?