Augusta Langan is a petite beauty and has been branded a gold digger by Drew's family, especially his Aunt Phyllis. Brother Adam Langan likes her, though, and Policeman Nick is totally smitten. The passion is mutual, if ill-advised. The murder investigation complicates things, as does the fact that Augusta has a sealed juvenile record in San Francisco. The charge: attempted murder.

Multiple murders, child abuse, a bomb, blackmail and the mob all figure in this murder investigation. And it seems that there is far more to Drew Langan than we are first led to believe.

Author Ann Bruce gives us a number of plot twists, but skimps a bit on character development. Augusta's character is fairly well-developed, but why had she no clue about friend Adam's torture? a loveless marriage may have made sense for her, but why did Drew choose her? Drew fought his divorce but had multiple mistresses. Partner Ethan and his model wife Torie could have been given larger roles. And hero Nick could have been given more of a backstory.

Author Bruce could have dropped a few more clues along the way, but the action packed conclusion is satisfying and well-written.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
January 11, 2008