My first romantic suspense read. Although this plot isn't as intriguing as a Greg Illes or Lisa Gardner book, the story is interesting and entertaining, especially if you're looking for a quick read without too much depth.

Bailey Wells left her small hometown of Stokesville, North Carolina hoping to become a success in the literary world, but for the past two years she has served as the research and editorial assistant to renowned mystery author Paul Ellis. Now her boss is leaving New York City to relocate in the hometown of his wife Helen, also Stokesville. Half in love with her employer, Bailey agrees to accompany them when they move to the south.

However, instead of a welcome homecoming, Bailey finds the murdered body of Helen floating in the pool of their new home. Local police detective, widower and single father of a preadolescent daughter Gabrielle, Steve Burke heads the investigation, but he immediately notices that Bailey is attracted to her employer as she tries to protect him. Though he wants Bailey, Steven remains professional as she is one of the two prime suspects, the spouse being the other, in what looks increasingly like a crime of passion. Unbeknownst to either of the pair someone wants the truth involving a 1987 homicide to remain buried and if more must die so be it.

HOME BEFORE MIDNIGHT is an entertaining small town police procedural amateur sleuth tale though some might quiver that Bailey is a pro with her research into criminology. The story line is filled with action, but is driven by the triangular relationship between the author, the cop, and the researcher. The whodunit is cleverly developed to insure that Bailey and Paul are the prime suspects, which leads to Steve struggling to control his desire for the woman. Fans will enjoy Virginia Kantra's fine regional romantic mystery.

Harriet Klausner

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Suspense and passion ... the sins of the past are never forgiven and murder is never forgotten.

very entertaining whodunit with a little romance thrown in

Here's the story...
Years ago, Bailey Wells left behind her small-town North Carolina roots for New York City, working as personal assistant to bestselling true crime author Paul Ellis. Now, Ellis and his wife are moving to rustic Stokesville, NC, and Bailey follows them right back home.


When Ellis's wife turns up murdered in their new house, Bailey attracts the attention of tough police detective Steve Burke - who wrestles his growing feelings for the pretty murder suspect. But Bailey soon discovers more than Steve's duty and her own heart is at risk. The violence is far from over - and to bury a secret from the past, someone is willing to kill again...

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