I almost don’t want to call this novel a romantic suspense. I think of it as a thrilling and suspenseful love story.

Carol Mabry, Virginia’s Assistant Commonwealth Attorney, has put herself through college, built a stellar career, and raised her college sweetheart’s daughter for the past seven years. She has been led to believe country music superstar Bobby Kent could care less about the daughter he fathered. Meanwhile, Bobby doesn’t have a clue. On a surprise visit home, he arrives just in time for his daughter’s birthday party and for the first time learns he’s a father. His parents have kept the child a secret from him all these years, while accepting his extremely generous checks. They also lied to Carol, making her think he knew and had turned his back. I love country western music and thought this story scoped out and captured that environment well.

While Carol and Bobby cling to their Christian faith, work through their emotions, and embark on a path to mutual forgiveness a serial killer stalks women in Richmond. The case falls into Carol’s lap and she soon becomes the target of serial killer Richmond Red, a cunningly illusive and ritualistic killer. Suspense well written. The identity of the killer comes as a total surprise.

Part of a series, this remains a stand alone suspense novel. The main characters are fleshed out in depth and become living human beings on the page. Carol is strong, yet caring and compassionate. Just the type one would love to have as a friend. Bobby is a dreamboat, yet real.  Less so for Bobby’s parents. I didn’t quite think their greed and need for control of their granddaughter’s life was adequately explained. About one fifth of the pages contain recipes, a suggested luncheon menu, excerpts and blurbs from the author’s previous novels. It was kind of overkill. I took a look at the recipes and skimmed some of the blurbs. That said, this suspense story is a very good read.