BEFORE SHE DIES

By Mary Burton

To be Published in February 2012

This is the first book I have read by t his author and I was not disappointed! Before she dies is the story of serial killer set against a carnival background. The characters that Burton developed are believable.

The book opens with a murder that occurred eighteen years before the story starts. It portends what is to come.  This is one seriously twisted soul and he will haunt the book.

When the story starts, we are introduced to all of the main players. Charlotte Wellington, Detective Daniel Rokov, his partner Jennifer Sinclair, Charlotte’s partner, Angie Kier and the cast from the carnival. The story moved quickly and we are allowed glimpses of the past as they interweave with the present. This technique works well for the story.

This is really a story about survival, re-invention, atonement, and letting go of a past so that the future can take place. Charlotte Wellington grew up a carnival worker, a past that she had no control over; however, she is determined to have control over her present life. She has so much control that the future is also butting up against both the past and present, not a good thing to happen. She reinvents herself so much that at times, even she doesn’t quite know who she is. Charlotte grew up as Grace Tate, with a sister, Mariah and a baby, named Sooner in her past

 We are introduced to her nemesis, Grady Tate, who is determined to make amends for his role in Charlottes past. Grady is a wonderfully written character, one you both like and dislike. He is a hardnosed carnival owner who works very hard at hiding his soft side. Grady is full of bluster, broken promises, and paths not taken. I would have liked to have read more about Grady, maybe in another book.

The main detective, Daniel Rokov, is a man looking to settle into a relationship with someone whom he considers an equal, he finds this. The killer is also out to  make amends for what he believes to be an affront to God.

The mystery in the story is really well developed and will hold you until the end. The surprise is the killer. I am looking for other books by this author and know that I will read her in the. The book is listed as a suspense/romance, I found more suspense and thoroughly enjoyed it!