Next to Die

Back in America following a disastrous mission in Afghanistan, lone survivor Cmdr. Joe Montgomery lives in a whiskey-induced haze, consumed with guilt over the death of his men. His neighbor, navy physical therapist Penny Price, helps him heal both mentally and physically, but she has demons of her own—namely Eric Tomlinson, former business partner of her murdered father. She’s been receiving threatening phone calls she believes are tied to Tomlinson, and soon the unknown assailant makes Penny and her sister, Lia, his targets. Joe, looking for redemption, throws himself headfirst into the mystery, discovering love with Penny along the way. The latest in Melton’s Navy SEALS series (after Time to Run ) features a romance that sizzles, and a subplot involving Lia’s own special SEAL works well. Unfortunately, Melton’s mystery doesn’t maintain the kind of suspense that keeps readers hunting for clues. (Aug.)