Dead Ringer
by Mary Burton
Published by Zebra Books/ Kensington Publishing Corporation (October 28 release)
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Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann
This book follows Burton’s I’m Watching You, with news anchor Kendall Shaw and her good friend and pregnant roommate, photographer Nicole Piper, again being the target of a serial killer.
Lindsey O’Neill Kier and her husband Detective Zack Kier are also characters in this book. Set in the Richmond, Virginia area, Detectives Jacob Warwick and Zack Kier are investigating the murder of a woman with a necklace with the name Ruth on it, found in the James River with evidence that her wrists were bound and that she was strangled. Warwick notices a strong resemblance to news anchor Kendall Shaw, a woman he has had a strong attraction to ever since he rescued her.
Kendall denies the resemblance and the danger, and just continues on with her job, reporting on the murders. Kendall, adopted at age three, has had recurring nightmares from her past and has begun hypnosis to help her recover those memories, and has started trying to find the truth about her past. Nicole is facing the birth of her baby alone with Kendall, and is seriously considering adoption. Her ex-husband was terribly abusive, and she is not sure she can ever love a baby connected to him.
Widower Detective David Ayden has developed a special interest in Nicole, but has not admitted even to himself that it might be more. Kendall has also aroused the interest of a handsome new neighbor, Cole. Her ex-boyfriend and boss Brett is also getting more controlling and wants back in her life. Detective Warwick is fighting to hide his continued attraction to Kendall, and not succeeding.
The intensely disturbing scenes of the killer murdering and torturing his victims are uncomfortable. There seem to be a surfeit of nasty people surrounding these women–like Dana, a wealthy real estate saleswoman who kidnaps Nicole at gun point to “take” her baby.
The suspense is riveting, and the romantic turns for all the characters sweet. If you like spine tingling creepy killers, and intense romance, this is one for you.
Armchair Interviews agrees.