ARC Review: The Seventh Victim [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Seventh Victim" by Mary Burton.

It's been seven years since the Seattle Strangler terrorized the city. His victims were all young, pretty, their lifeless bodies found wrapped in a home-sewn white dress. But there was one who miraculously escaped death, just before the Strangler disappeared.  Lara Church has only hazy memories of her long-ago attack.

What she does have is a home in Austin, a job, and a chance at a normal life at last. Then Texas Ranger James Beck arrives on her doorstep with shattering news: The Strangler is back. And this time, he's in Austin.  He's always craved her, even as he killed the others. For so long he's been waiting to unleash the beast within. And this time, he'll prove he holds her life in his hands - right before he ends it forever.

About the Author

Mary Burton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several historical romance and romantic suspense novels, including Senseless, Dying Scream, and Dead Ringer. Her novella Christmas Past appears in the 2008 New York Times bestselling anthology Silver Bells. Her commitment to realism has led to eye-opening interviews with law enforcement, to forensic seminars and to the firing range. She is a graduate of the Henrico County Citizens Police Academy and the Richmond FBI Citizen's Academy, and has participated in Sisters in Crime's Forensic University program. Mary lives in Virginia with her family.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Zebra (January 29, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420125052
ISBN-13: 978-1420125054

My Review:

Storyline:  Seven years ago in Seattle a killer nicknamed "The Seattle Strangler" left his calling card young pretty women were found wearing home-made white dresses.  Lara Church just barely got away before the Strangler disappeared and her memory is very hazy about the attack.

Lara has moved to Austin Texas with a nice paying job, a home, has adopted a dog and is living a normal life.  Now the Strangler has resurfaced in Austin, Texas and Lara finds out when Texas Ranger James Beck arrives on her doorstep. James believes Lara is the key to solve the case and he vows to protect her to the very end!

Characters:  I didn't really like Lara that much because when someone asked her not to do something to ensure her safety she didn't listen to them and did it anyways (ex:  visit a former crime scene to take pictures)  If I was her I would definitely like to remember what happened that day and to figure out who the culprit was.

I really liked James because he was persistent and persuasive to convince Lara that she needed to seek therapy to remember what happened the day she was attacked and left for dead.  He was determined to protect Lara and make sure no one hurt her again on his watch.  Glad that he didn't listen to his captain and went with his own instincts.


Romance:  You could feel the chemistry between Lara and James and it was simmering below the surface.  The love scene between them was very steamy and hot.

Villain(s):  Both villains were quite creepy in their own individual ways and the way they both thought.

This book focused more on the suspense then the romance and I really enjoyed reading about all the Tex-Mex food that was eaten.

4/5

Thanks Joan Schulfer for sending me this ARC to review, greatly appreciated!