Laurie Breton

Two years after Robin Spinney's husband was killed she found the evidence her husband had dug up exposing a cover-up involving the chief of police and the district attorney. When a friend is killed trying to help her, Robin knows that it is time to take her daughter and get as far away as she can. After months of running, Robin decides to settle down in Serenity, Maine and change her name to Annie Kendall. While she is there, she begins a reluctant relationship with the temporary police chief, Davy Hunter, but she worries that it may just be a matter of time before she is found.

Criminal Intent is a pretty average small town romantic suspense but does include realistic dialogue that moves the story along. However, the mystery involving Robin is nothing special and the story lacks emotion. Also, the plot drags, especially in the middle where very little is mentioned about the mystery, and the protagonists have almost no interaction. In addition, character development is weak, most notably with the villains as well as with the supporting characters. Overall, Criminal Intent begins with a bang, but that energy isn't maintained throughout the book.… (mehr)

FBI Special Agent Carolyn Monahan returns to Boston after ten years to help local police hunt down the serial killer who is killing young women. Caro’s sister was the victim of an unsolved murder ten years ago, so Caro’s memories of home are not good and her family relations are strained. On top of that, she’s now working with homicide lieutenant Conor Rafferty, who just happens to be her ex-boyfriend.

This was such an enjoyable romantic suspense/police procedural novel. It had a great cast of characters. I especially liked Caro’s and Conor’s good friend (who is a priest) who later became their number one suspect, Father Clancy Donovan. I really enjoyed the investigation into the murders and the interactions between the cops and detectives working the case. I thought I had the killer pegged and I ended up being so wrong. The story had a good mix of suspense and romance in this very entertaining read.… (mehr)