Marissa Santos has left Tony. She suspects an affair between Tony and coworker Sally Gehrig. She's carrying a secret, along with the pain and guilt she feels about the loss of her daughter. She needs time and space to find herself. She is working with personal trainer Ally Underwood to become physically strong. Her character grows tremendously as the story unfolds.

Tony spent most of his boyhood at Philadelphia's Boys' Home for Displaced Children. He had lost both natural and adoptive parents to tragic accidents. Ally was at the home as well, disguised as the boy her father always wanted. Now she's sexually confused and trying to sort out her life. And the series of killings just might have to do with Tony's past.

The killings appear to be linked to the Juniper Texas Police Department. When one of the bodies is found in Tony's bed, he's in danger of losing his job. Several other members of the force come under suspicion.

Tony has friends on the force and in the FBI who believe in him. But the killer is determined and the suspense spine-tingling. The crimes are gory and the reader will have trouble beating the author to the solution. This is a great suspense adventure, peopled clearly drawn characters in desperate circumstances. The conclusion is both logical and believable. The pacing is superb. Highly recommended.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
November 27, 2007