Texas Ranger, Book 2
Synopsis: Romantic suspense star Burton infuses every sentence with suspense in “Before She Dies,” her chilling new thriller in which a serial killer obsessed with the occult plays judge, jury, and executioner. Original.
In death, they are purified. Holding his victims under water, he washes away their sins as they struggle for their last breath. Then he stakes their bodies to the ground, exposing them for what they really are. Witches, sent to tempt and to corrupt.
No one knows about defense attorney Charlotte Wellington’s murdered sister, or about her childhood spent with the carnival that’s just arrived in town. For Charlotte, what’s past is past.
But others don’t agree. And as a madman’s body count rises, she and Detective Daniel Rokov are drawn into a mission that’s become terrifyingly personal.
Review: This is the second novel I read by Mary Burton and I was curious to see how it would be. I admit that I had a little more trouble to get into the novel than the first one but after several chapters, my feeling was improved and I was able to be carried by the story and the characters.
Charlotte has always fled her past. Indeed, she changed her name, and made a remarkable career. Yet nothing can remain hidden long and when the carnival comes back, her world collapses. It brings with it an old killer, buried memories and a life she thought she had abandoned. Our heroine is now a lawyer, a very good in fact, but her childhood was not easy. Oh no, because at 14, she was already working for her stepfather, as well as her sister as a good fortune teller. But with the Mariah’s death, Charlotte only wanted to leave this place and finally become someone. Abandoning all her life and the people she knew, she withdrew into herself and evolved into society.
I was intrigued by the story and the murders. I never had the opportunity to attend a carnival in a novel and it’s true that even if we do not go into the details of how it was managed, it’s interesting to see how it all happened. But that’s not all because I was also curious about the identity of the murderer, a man who aims to kill the women he sees as witches. By cons I was quite surprised because we finally quickly understand who the culprit of the story is. Or at least, that was my case. Of course, I was not 100% sure about him but I had trouble seeing another character. But I must say that I got a big surprise throughout the history over the Charlotte’s life and I confess that I was completely in shock, I was not expecting it at all. And then there is also the romance between our heroine and the inspector who wants more between them. But our lawyer is determined to stay away, and he is determined to make her flinch. It was very cute to see them together and see the young woman resist in vain.
So it was a good book, maybe a little less than the previous one I’ve read, but it was very interesting to discover our heroine, her history, all with some small flashbacks inserted in the story.
Missie
I love a good murder mystery, I will have to check this one out!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
Melliane
it was a good one!
Molly Mortensen
It’s strange that you guessed the murderer, but then the author still managed to surprise you. I don’t do scary, so I’m not sure about this one with the whole drowned women thing.
Melliane
yes, this time it wasn’t that much a surprise but I had other aspects to surprise me.
Braine Talk Supe
A lawyer heroine who can predict the future? Did I read that right? That would be awesome, she can have a 100% chance at winning cases LOL
P.S. Beth Bernobich emailed me, girl I felt so bad leaving that comment about TTR making me feel dumb. Good thing she’s cool with it.
Melliane
yes that’s right! Ah true, but she is a fortune teller so she needs to read a palm and all.
Joy (Joyousreads)
A lawyer who can predict the future?! I love me some good mystery, this one sounds like it’s right up my alley. 🙂
LilyElement
Sounds like a winner even though it started a bit slower than the previous.
blodeuedd
I wish I could go all cool, but right now, nah not a good fit for me
kindlemom1
Glad you were finally able to get into this and enjoyed it.
Sarah @ One Curvy Blogger
I’ve heard quite a bit about this author, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever picked up one of her books. I’ve been watching A LOT of Criminal Minds, and this books sounds right up my alley!
Melliane
yes it’s always so fun!
Christy
I’m not familiar with these books, but I’m glad you had an overall positive experience.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
That sounds pretty great! I love when an author can shock/surprise me on certain things. One day I’ll make it to her books 😀
Silvia
This is new to me, but it sounds like a very good book! I’m very happy you really enjoyed the read, Melliane 🙂
kim { Book Swoon }
I’m glad the story gave you some great surprises despite guessing early on the suspect. Before She Dies sounds like a interesting mix of mystery and a touch of romance. Thanks for the lovely review, Melliane 🙂
Heidi
I haven’t read this author before. I like the sound of the heroine and I always enjoy a good carnival or circus in a book.
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
I hate when book 2’s don’t live up to book 1’s, put at least it was still good.
Kirsty-Marie
Shame you had trouble getting into it at first, but at least it got better after a few chapters! Shame you didn’t like it as much as her first one, (but sometimes that happens, right? Unfortunately.) 🙁
Lily B
I have not read anything by Burton yet, but I do know a few people that seem to enjoy her a lot. Glad you still got a good mystery out of this book.