cover image She Can Tell

She Can Tell

Melinda Leigh. Amazon/Montlake Romance, $12.95 trade paper (352p) ISBN 978-1-61218-565-1

Relentless tension builds to a riveting crescendo in Leigh’s romantic thriller even as sparks ignite between Westbury, Pa., police chief Mike O’Connell and plucky farmer Rachel Parker. Rachel receives an urgent phone call from her sister, Sarah, and dashes over to confront Sarah’s abusive husband, Troy. Chief Mike comes to the rescue just as Troy lands a direct hit to Rachel’s face. The injury is the least of Rachel’s problems; somebody is trying every threatening means possible to drive her off the family farm that she’s only recently returned to. As the threats escalate from graffiti to murder attempts, Mike decides he must protect Rachel 24/7, at the expense of his job if need be. A subplot involving local graft and corruption intensifies Mike’s stress while ramping up the conflict. Leigh (She Can Run) easily juggles multiple story lines, romance, and suspense. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Dec.)