I have quite a little collection of Lisa Jackson novels. But, truthfully, I have only read a handful of them. Part of the reason I pass them over is because half of the time her books are really, really good, but the half of the time they are too full of "filler" and not much story. Sometimes it's not until the last 100 pages or so that the story actually gets moving. But, "Shiver" was one of the good ones. This is a hefty book, 495 pages.
But, the story got off to a quick start, and then stays on track.
Abby, divorced and still single has decided to leave New Orleans. She has even put her home on the market and plans to move to California. But, then her ex husband is murdered. Abby looks like a suspect to the detectives at first. She is questioned by a nice looking cop named Montoya.
Montoya knows he can't get involved with Abby because she is connected with the case, but once he realizes Abby is a potential victim, he has no trouble getting involved.
The key to the murders lies in a connection to an old mental institution where Abby's mother died. Abby still has dreams about that day her mother fell through the window. Something about the memories of that day are "off". Montoya thinks there is a connection, but can't figure out what it is. But, the bodies keep piling up and Abby could be in danger.
I think this book could be placed in Romantic suspense, as well as mystery and maybe even psycological thriller. It's not like there are a string of suspects and you have to try and guess who did it. In fact, the way the book is written, it's impossible to try and figure out who is responsible. I can't say too much more without giving too much away. But, I like that the author was able to keep me interested in the story and keep me guessing.
There is a follow up to this book, BTW, that will tie up some loose ends. (there isn't a cliffhanger here, but some new info comes out at the end that makes Montoya beleive there is more to the story about Abby's mother)
The romance part was a little stiff and hurried, IMO. But, the main focus was on the mystery. I do like Bentz and Montoya a lot.I'm sure we will see them again. Overall I give this one a B.