"Great thriller with lots of twists and schemes."

The victim of a stalker who left her scarred inside and out, Amanda Crosby has put her life back together, running a small antiques shop with her partner and good friend, Derek England. When Derek is found dead after Amanda argues with him about a recent purchase, Police Chief Sean Mercer considers her the prime suspect. But when he discovers that she's been receiving mysterious calls and gifts, and then another friend of hers is murdered, Sean quickly realizes that Amanda is not dangerous, but more likely in danger herself. Thrust into his company by the investigation, Amanda finds herself falling for Sean, and his protection of her gradually becomes more than simply part of his job. But can they stop a brutal killer before he claims his next victim - possibly Amanda?

This new thriller features a twisted scheme of revenge and is a terrific, fast-paced read. Amanda is a survivor who finds strength she didn't know she had. Sean is a good cop and a decent, caring man, despite a rough childhood. (The secondary story involving his family is also interesting.) Although this is the second book in a series, there's enough information to make it work as a stand-alone novel. I think that once readers finish this book, however, they'll want to read the whole series!

Reviewed by Lenore Howard
Posted June 12, 2004

Read an Excerpt

She thought the terror was behind her....she was right.

Summary

Three devious prisoners vow murderous revenge.
Now the second is free.

With her stalker captured, antiques dealer Amanda Crosby can finally sleep at night. Having worked hard to put the nightmare behind her, Amanda has vowed to never be a victim again. But when her business partner, Derek England, is found with a bullet through the back of his head just hours after she left an incriminating message on his voice mail, Amanda finds herself in danger of becoming a victim of another sort.

All the evidence points to Amanda as Derek's killer, and Chief of Police Sean Mercer is building the case against her. But when another of her colleagues is found brutally murdered, it's obvious that someone other than Amanda is behind the killings. Suddenly Amanda is a target once again, as a diabolical killer circles ever closer—and the only thing that stands between her and becoming the third and final victim is the man who had tried to put her behind bars. . . .