Monday, October 8, 2007

Flowers for Emily-T.L. Vance

Flowers for Emily
T.L. Vance
iUniverse, Sep 2007, $11.95
ISBN 9780595444991

Scotland Yard Inspector Veronica (Roni) Donovan had given up ever finding the serial killer who murdered her sister; her obsession with bringing this animal down also killed her marriage. However, the culprit seemingly vanished as the murders suddenly stopped.

She remains frustrated until he “sends” her his deadly business card from Denver. Apparently, he has surfaced and she plans to help the local police bring this predator down. In Denver before she reports to the cops, she stops for a workout at a gym where she engages and knocks down Dean Colby in a kickboxing match. He is the FBI agent in charge of the serial killing investigation. As they team up, they are attracted to one another; ironically the culprit is also fascinated by Roni as the sister of a victim. She offers herself up as bait over the Fed’s objection as he fears he will lose her to this lethal genius.

FLOWERS FOR EMILY is a fabulous romantic police procedural starring a tough ass female and an open minded male “matchmake” by a devious killer. The story line is fast-paced as the two law enforcement officials from separate sides of the pond work together to end the murderous reign. The instant attraction seems unnecessary, but does add to the triangle once the killer hones in on Roni. Readers will enjoy this strong thriller with a terrific final twist that should have been obvious, but most aficionados will not see it coming until Monday morning quarterbacking.

Harriet Klausner