cover image Never Look Back

Never Look Back

Mary Burton. Montlake, $12.95 trade paper (378p) ISBN 978-1-5420-0984-3

The promising premise of this romantic thriller from Burton (Senseless) gives way to an unbelievable, overcrowded plot. After two prostitutes go missing in South Nashville, Agent Melina Shepard of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation goes undercover as a prostitute. When a john attempts to abduct her, she stabs her assailant in self-defense, but the man gets away. The DNA on the knife she used is linked to at least 10 murders across the country, leading Melina to be partnered with an FBI profiler, Special Agent Jerrod Ramsey. But their hunt for the killer gets sidetracked when they’re called to the scene of a car accident. A grisly discovery in the trunk soon has them searching for a second serial killer, one with unexpected ties to Melina’s past. Though the addition of the second killer feels unnecessary and contrived, the character’s relationships are well-drawn throughout: Melina and Jerrod’s romance builds gradually from initial attraction to mutual respect and desire, and Melina’s relationship with her parents is heartwarming. Readers willing to forgive the implausible suspense elements will enjoy the sweet love story. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Assoc. (July)