Dying Scream

Mary Burton delivers on all accounts in this tension filled, gripping romantic suspense. She manages adeptly to create a story of dark secrets, hidden agendas and deadly obsession. Woven through the story, is a mystery. Mary engages the reader and captivates as she leads closer and closer to the identity of the killer and a dramatic conclusion. The relationship between Gage and Adrianna is rocky, their shared past a barrier that's not easily broken down. I liked particularly that she didn't just have the hero and heroine make up and start over when they meet again. Their relationship is a gradual process, intense and seductive with a satisfying ending with plenty of breathless, on the edge of your seat moments in between. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is the first I've read from Mary Burton, but it won't be the last. I shall be looking out for future releases and checking out those of her back list. This book comes highly recommended for those lovers of dark and somewhat twisted romantic suspense. - Abi

As soon as Adrianna Barrington removes the familial graves from the Thorton estate, she can sell the property and for the first time in her life, be free of the Thortons. Adrianna's deceased husband Craig was a spoiled wealthy man who never appreciated what he had with Adrianna so she left him and had a brief affair with Detective Gage Hudson. However, Gage's career and Craig's dominating family ended it. Years later, questions circle around Craig. What kind of man was he really? And why are some of the women from his past missing? When the graves are dug up, bodies are found and all signs point to Craig, again. Adrianna is stuck in the middle trying to find the truth while preserving the good name of the Thorton's and helping Gage find a killer. A cast of compelling characters light the stage for a stellar romantic suspense with Dying Scream. Gage and Adrianna's relationship is tumultuous and angst-filled and the suspense of discovering the killer's identity is a true mystery until the very end. Gage's sister's abduction changed him. His sole focus became protecting others, leaving little room for anything or anyone else. Adrianna's past is full of secrets and uncertainty. Her vulnerability and sadness is well hidden. Gage and Adrianna's first go round was almost doomed from the start. Their second chance is long in the making and even more meaningful. Neither Gage and Adrianna's romance nor the mystery surrounding the killer's motives is contrived or forced. I was guessing until the very end. I was as riveted to the story of secondary characters Alex and Tess, as I was to Gage and Adrianna. There is amazing characterization across the board in Dying Scream. The plot and characters are well thought out. I was thoroughly impressed with Dying Scream. I plan to read Kendall and Warwick's story in Dead Ringer while waiting for Mary Burton's next novel. Nannette Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I highly recommend this book. It is intriguing with great characters and a surprising twist. I will go on to read another novel by this author.

The DUI shattered Adrianna Barrington's life as she lost the baby she was carrying and her husband Craig Thornton never came out of the coma. Although the other driver drunkenly caused the accident, Adrianna went bankrupt to pay the medical bills; finally leading to her selling her family estate. However, the buyer demands the family graveyard be relocated, but when the extraction begins, more bodies are found than should be there. Detective Gage Hudson investigates. Soon afterward three females who knew Craig vanish while Adrianna receives calls and cards from allegedly her dead husband claiming he misses his wife and will soon come for her. This is a tense romantic suspense that grips the audience from the moment Adrianna receives an anniversary card from the grave. The story line is fast paced throughout with the "required" romantic subplot taking a needed back seat to the thriller elements especially that of a serial killer who either is her husband whom the beleaguered heroine interred though he is not in his coffin or something or someone else playing Craig's life, but motive remains elusive. Dying Scream is a taut serial killer investigative thriller. Harriet Klausner

Mary Burton's "Dying Scream" was a real treat to read. I found that it was hard for me to put down once I would start reading! Her character development was phenomenal - I really felt as though I knew the characters on a very intimate level. The sense of loss that is conveyed by several tragedies which happened to the characters was very real for me. The only thing I found completely unnecessary in this book (keeping me from giving it 5 stars) was the explicit sex scenes. They made me feel as though I was reading a cheap romance novel that you would find in a pharmacy. Overall though, I would highly recommend this book. It was enjoyable - definitely worth the money!