Blindsided

Physician Cadence Lawrence, the heroine of this appealing standalone from Watterson (the Ellie McIntosh series), flees her home in Indianapolis, Ind., because she fears she’s being stalked. Unfortunately, her car conks out in a remote part of northern Wisconsin during one of the worst snowstorms in recent history. She’s surprised when tall, dark, and handsome Mick McCutcheon appears, offering help. She reluctantly allows him to take her to his so-called cabin with its “soaring vaulted ceilings... enormous stone fireplace,” and a larder stocked with a case of decent Burgundy. She confides that she’s being stalked by Dirk Lyons, who she believes killed a close friend of hers several years before. Dirk, a charming high school football hero back then, was never arrested for the crime. Once love has blossomed and the storm has abated, Cadence returns to Indianapolis with Mick to find that FBI special agent Thea Benedict is also looking for Dirk. Thea suspects he has become a serial killer. Mystery fans should be prepared for minimal suspense and danger. Romance readers will best appreciate this one. Agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Literary. (July)