Though this book is a RITA Award winner for best romantic suspense, it skews a little more toward the suspense side but has enough sexual chemistry throughout to keep fans of both elements pleased. Griffin, a former journalist, writes in short sentences and paragraphs that offer rich detail at a rapid pace with a heavy dose of snappy dialogue. Readers quickly know they are in for a fast ride as they are catapulted into the action, with the protagonist witnessing the murder and nearly losing her own life within the first chapter. There is also little question of the immediate attraction between Courtney and Will, leaving readers wondering “when” rather than “if” their relationship will go to the next level. The pasts and lives of both Courtney and Will have a fair amount of exploration for the genre, but their cores are found in the typical romantic stereotypes. Readers learn primarily about the reasons she is keeping the whole truth from the police and some of the feelings behind Will’s attraction to her. Courtney is a strong woman who does not break down or whine despite her trauma; instead, she does not seem to fully realize the danger she is facing. The focus stays on them, with most chapters being told from either of their points of view (in third person), except a handful that deal with another officer working on the case. Because the characters are open ended, it is fairly easy for readers to find a way to relate enough to insert themselves into the story. Around these characters is a minimalist frame meant to emphasize the photo inside more than the container. There is a smattering of detail about the main Texas setting, and a little more space devoted to the small New Mexico town Courtney flees to. However, these elements provide little to the feeling of the novel, which could ultimately be set in a variety of modern cities. Griffin instead focuses on her successful blending of a suspenseful, romantic tone, with some light passages when possible. Peppered throughout the first half of the book, before the case really turns toward its culmination, are scenes of Courtney managing to evade the murderer, working through her feelings for Will, and enjoying her outings with other characters. The conversational tone, interesting but familiar characters, and a few steamy bits mixed with an interesting mystery make this a competent addition to the romantic suspense genre.

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