"A fine romantic police procedural"

In the small Hudson Valley town of Sokanan, with less than two weeks before retirement, Detective Hank Bonner investigates the murder of convenience store employee Luka Kole. The case looks like a simple robbery turned ugly, but Hanks has problems because the thief failed to take a bank sack containing one thousand dollars. When he notices a newspaper clip involving the Renaissance Oil of Russia deal inside the victim's wallet, he visits the consultant listed in the article.

Alexandra Baker informs Hank she does not know Luka before tossing him out as she hosts a gala for Renaissance Oil guru Miki Petrov. Alex is upset with her friend's murder, but continues with her plan to destroy the man who killed her father thirteen years ago in Russia. Though Hank looks forward to nurturing his depressed niece and nephew, he places the pressure on Alex. He is told to back off by everyone including his brother the mayor. He ignores everyone except Alex who he falls in love with even as he wonders how she is connected to Luka and his killer.

TELL NO LIES is a fine romantic police procedural that fans will enjoy as an obsessed Alex goes through with her scheme though she knows how dangerous it is to her and her loyal comrades. Hank is a hero refusing to fade into the night and though he worries that he now loves a murderer, he is the one person who changes Alex's passion for vengeance into an ardor of love. Though the resolution is too neat, readers will appreciate this solid romantic suspense.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 18, 2004

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Summary

TOO MUCH AT STAKE

In a small town in the Hudson Valley, Alexandra Jane Baker has set the perfect trap for a murderer. Already she's relishing the moment when her father's killer is finally exposed and she gets justice after thirteen long years. But the fatal shooting of a dear friend puts her plans—and her own life—in jeopardy.

TOO MANY SECRETS

Counting down his last two weeks on the force, Detective Hank Bonner catches a homicide that looks open and shut—until he uncovers a trail leading to Alex. Beautiful, wealthy, and alone, she arouses his suspicions . . . and stirs his desire. His orders are to leave her alone, get on with his new life of raising his orphaned niece and nephew. But Hank is about to break every rule, cross every line. Because a ruthless predator is very near, and to protect Alex and everything he holds dear, Hank will put himself in the line of fire.