The victim was reportedly involved with many married women, and the rumor mill of the small village of Kinsey Green provides a lot of leads. There are at least nine suspects, and they are all very different. There’s an ex-model and her aristocratic husband, a landscaper and her computer nerd spouse, a business partner who can collect the insurance... Ryan has a large cast of characters here, and it is her skill as a writer that keeps them all distinct and interesting.

There is planted DNA, lots of sexual hanky panky, and the true depth of mother love. Randi’s young son Jamie, precocious and adorable, once again plays a major role.

The suspect list gradually narrows, and the conclusion is spellbinding and fraught with danger.

The small community setting adds a lot to this story. It feels real and engulfs the reader. A little blackmail, lots of extramarital sex, and red herrings galore -- what more could you want?

A spunky, totally likable heroine, four murders and a truly hair-raising climax make this a great read. Ryan has a talent for character development, and you will rarely meet such an arrogant madman. This builds on the earlier book, but takes it to a higher level. Recommended.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
August 4, 2008