Don't Cry-Beverly Barton

Don't Cry
Beverly Barton
Zebra, Sep 1 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9781420110340

Her traumatic childhood has turned Audrey Sherrod into a strong caring adult. She is a counselor who works closely with the Chattanooga police; especially helping victims of crime. When a serial killer terrorizes the town, Audrey is brought in to assist; as is TBI special agent J.D. Cass.

Audrey dislikes the pompous J.D., but likes his fourteen years old daughter Zoe; to his chagrin his child idolizes the counselor while hating him; though he knows part of the problem is he barely tolerates his offspring. As the homicide count rises, the clues seem to imply someone close to the investigators is involved. Meanwhile J.D. and Audrey overcome their initial disgust to fall in love. However, as a gruesome cold case ties to the present murders, a psychopath must be stopped before the pair can pursue the future.

Don’t Cry is another wonderful Beverly Barton romantic suspense (see Dead by Midnight). The key to the strong story line is the hooked reader keeps trying to identify the killer before the cop and the counselor can. Audrey is a terrific caring person; perhaps too nurturing. On the other hand the dysfunctional relationship between father and daughter seems real as J.D. and Zoe know neither loves or even likes the other. This is another winner by Ms. Barton.

Harriet Klausner