cover image She Can Run

She Can Run

Melinda Leigh. Montlake, $13.95 trade paper (326p) ISBN 978-1-6121-8151-6

In her debut romantic suspense, Leigh carefully weaves the subplot of a serial killer with the main plot of an abused wife on the run and successfully ties the threads in a thrilling conclusion. Beth Markham discovers her politician husband’s secret and escapes with her children (from a previous marriage) before he kills her. After her hiding place is compromised, her uncle arranges for her to work as estate caretaker for a Special Forces buddy at a secluded country place in Pennsylvania. But the old man dies suddenly, leaving the estate to his nephew, Jack, a former cop. From the first meeting, Beth trusts Jack and feels an awakening emotion to balance the fear that dominates her life on the run. Leigh’s tight, consistent plotting marks her as an author to watch. Agent: Jill Marsal. (Dec.)