St. Elizabeth’s is closing, and the class of 1986 is finally having a reunion. A killer is once again on the prowl, stalking the women who had been important to Jake.

This highly suspenseful collaboration concentrates on Lindsay Farrell, who had broken up with Jake months before his death, Kristen Daniels, his new steady, and Rachel Alsace, who could never hide her crush on Jake.

Lisa Jackson tells Kristen’s story. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of a typically difficult teen, Kristen’s marriage is dissolving. Her husband claims she still carries a torch for Jake. Kristen thinks her spouse has given too much of his life to his work. And someone has broken into her house and car, leaving ominous messages about the past.

Wendy Corsi Staub tells of Lindsay, who became pregnant as a senior on New Years Eve. She thought no one knew her secret, but she is being plagued by phone calls. Someone knows she gave up her now 19-year-old child.

Beverly Barton relates the story of Rachel, now a cop in Alabama, wounded in the line of duty. Her father worked the Marcott case, and she thinks it helped put him in early retirement.

These three were best friends in their Portland area high school, but things were never the same after Jake’s death. They all adored him, failing to see his darker side.

Another in their clique, Haylie, never forgave Jake for his part in an auto accident that killed her boyfriend Ian. Haylie still harbors that resentment 20 years later, as the reunion committee starts its plans and the killer once more becomes active.

Kristen and Jake’s sister Bella are on the reunion committee, along several others. They all have good reason to fear for their lives.

This is a real page-turner. We see into the mind of the stalker, but her identity isn’t clear. We can figure out who the killer isn’t, but the full truth comes in a satisfyingly slow manner. The three authors blend their stories seamlessly, each giving us a romance as well as murder and suspense.

A highly recommended read. The fictional truth about Jake Marcott is engrossing and believable. And so are the enduring truths about high school friendships.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
April 12, 2007