Review and Giveaway - Dying Scream

Title: Dying Scream
Author: Mary Burton
Publishing Date: December 2009
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: C
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: Received an ARC from the publisher requesting a book review.

Adrianna Thornton is selling her husband's large family estate that has been his family's home for generations in order to pay off her husband's medical bills. She and Craig were hit by a drunk driver which put Craig in a coma for two years and caused Adrianna to miscarry their baby. Adrianna is trying to put her life back together but she keeps receiving these creepy gifts saying they are from her late husband Craig. Also, two bodies are found on her husband's estate and they are the bodies of missing women from several years ago. The detective Gage Hudson has Craig as his chief suspect. Then a new victim appears and what seemed an open and shut case becomes complicated.

As I started reading Dying Scream, I realized right away that there was a previous book with a connection to these same characters. I did a little research and discovered that Dead Ringer features Adrianna's sister Kendall and another detective Jacob Warwick. Oddly enough, the author's website does not disclose that these two books are connected. At any rate, enough information is given to clue the reader in to what happened in Dead Ringer.

I have mixed feelings about Dying Scream, as it has its good points and bad. On the plus side, the mystery surrounding the dead bodies was excellently done. I was never able to guess who the real killer was the whole time. Burton leads the reader through a twisting maze of clues, keeping the reader guessing up until the very end.

Where the book failed for me was the romance between Gage and Adrianna. Adrianna is described frequently in the book as cold and regal. Gage grew up in a trailer park while Adrianna lived in a mansion. Gage feels like Adrianna is too good for the likes of him. I never really felt a connection between them or got the sense that they really loved each other. Gage seemed more wrapped up in the idea of Adrianna, than the actual woman herself. On the otherhand, Adrianna never really looked passed what was on the surface of Gage's personality. I really can't recommend this book, unless you are a die hard fan of suspense.

Now after that glowing review, the publisher generously sent me an extra book that I can offer up in a giveaway. So.... if anyone would like a copy of Dying Scream just comment on this post. This contest will close Thursday, December 10th at midnight. I will pick a winner randomly and announce the winner on Friday. This contest is open to anyone.

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This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.