Love You to Death

Spine-tingling intrigue, heated romance and a twisted madman are just a few of the makings of an excellent romantic suspense. Shannon K. Butcher proves unquestionable expertise on the subject with LOVE YOU TO DEATH. Reporter Elise McBride is terrified when she doesn't hear from her younger sister, Ashley, for several days. Elise leaves her most recent story in Hong Kong to hurry home to find Ashley. When she breaks into Ashley's home in the middle of the night, she's quickly intercepted by Ashley's neighbor, former cop Trent Brady, and her exasperation grows even more. Repeatedly refusing Trent's insistence that she allow the police to handle the investigation into Ashley's disappearance, Elise feels a heartbreaking desperation and has no qualms about placing herself in danger. Once the two join forces and discover angles not being investigated by police, it isn't long before they're fully immersed in a dark, dangerous world unknown to most. Trent Brady's confidence as a capable cop takes a severe blow and he battles self-imposed demons after accidentally shooting and paralyzing his partner on the job. Despite that, he jumps in to assist Elise and although it would undoubtedly pain him to admit it, it was good for him to be involved with an investigation. When threats are made against Elise, escalating into violent attacks on her life, he has to admit that his feelings for her run much deeper than simply helping a neighbor's sister. This was my first time reading Shannon K. Butcher's work. It won't be my last. This book is an exceptional example of romantic suspense. The risks Elise takes in trying to find her sister could have appeared foolish but her painful desperation is written so exactly as to be reasonable and understandable. Trent's sudden realization that he loved Elise was sweet, especially his understanding that her despair over her missing sister is so strong that she doesn't recognize the same feelings for him. "Bad guy" is far too mild for the serial killer in this book. His evil runs so deep that you could wonder how an author thinks up someone so bizarrely twisted. The suspense is intense and while implications of the most chilling violence are made, it is done so without the most gruesome details. Romance readers will be satisfied with the passions of Trent and Elise. The balance of suspense and romance is just right and I truly don't think it could have been done any better. LOVE YOU TO DEATH has my highest recommendation. COURTESY LAURIE/ROMANCE JUNKIES

I normally read romance suspense novels and never get creeped out but this book did it. I had to get up at 2 am to make sure my alarm was on and doors were closed. Great job, the book was fast paced and well written.

After spending too many years as an Industrial Engineer, Author Shannon K. Butcher learned to write from her husband, best-selling author Jim Butcher. Other titles include: No Control, No Regrets, and No Escape, (for which she won an award). She resides in Missouri with her husband and son. Free-lance reporter, Elise McBride, hasn't heard from her sister, Ashley, in more than a week. The artist side of Ashley often has her flighty and distracted in her own paintings, but this time, Elise knew something was wrong. Convinced that Ashley has met with foul play, Elise breaks into her sister's house to try to find some information or leads, since the police seem to think Ashley just ran off. Instead, she finds Trent Brady, an ex-cop still trying to wash the blood off his hands from before he resigned. The last thing he wants or needs is to become involved in a missing persons case, or become romantically involved with said person's sister. But Elise needs his help, and he's determined to keep her out of trouble until the police find Ashley. Except now, the bodies of other missing women are surfacing bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ashley, and it would appear that Elise is the next target of this brutal serial killer. Two things stand out to me after reading this book. One: it was extremely well-paced, having a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and humor where appropriate. And two: the heroine, Elise, was not your typical hard-ass, strong as nails lead character you'd typically find in romantic suspense. She was strong and determined, but her insecurities and flaws were crafted nicely, making her enormously relatable. I found the other lead hero, Trent , very realistic in his flaws as well. Readers will appreciate being inside the killer's head, as well as Ashley's while she was in captivity. Mostly, you'll never leave your doors unlocked again. The murders, the investigation, and fear the author illustrates will remain with you long after the pages are closed- a true testament to stellar writing. The setting was appropriate and the secondary characters moved the plot well. There wasn't a dead spot to find in the entire book. Shannon is most definitely an author to keep your eye out for. Kelly Moran Author and Reviewer

Reporter Elise McBride knows her beloved capricious sister Ashley is missing a card or two from the deck of fifty two, but the siblings always stay in touch in spite of the former being in Hong Kong and the latter in Chicago. However, when she fails to hear from her artistic sister for a few days and is unable to reach her, Elise becomes a bit concerned. She panics especially when CPD blows her away even after she learns of a serial killer murdering women in the Windy City. She flies home to insure her sibling is safe. In Chicago, former police officer Trent Brady catches Elise trying to break into the home of his neighbor. She explains who she is and why she is there. Realizing how obstinate and resolute yet vulnerable Elise is, he offers to assist her while wondering what made him do so as they team up to track down and hopefully rescue Ashley. The irony behind this tense thriller that never takes a breather is Elise and Trent are obsessive compulsive disorder types who feel a deep need to protect those they see as vulnerable, she to her sister and he to her. The story line is fast-paced as Shannon K. Butcher places her pedal to the metal throughout the tale. With the romance playing an important but secondary theme as saving the sister is paramount; LOVE YOU TO DEATH will grip readers as increasingly the evidence points towards Ashley as a victim of the serial killer and Elise a potential target. Harriet Klausner

The story opens as reporter, Elise McBride, has just flown home from Hong Kong to look for her sister. Ashley hasn't been heard from in several days, so Elise knows something has to have happened to her... something very serious. Almost immediately after arriving at her sister's house, she meets Ashley's next door neighbor and former cop, Trent Brady. Elise is satisfied that her sister has met with foul play and sits out to prove it, not heeding the dire warnings of Trent. Elise convinces Trent to help her look for Ashley, and they soon discover they are searching for a crazed serial killer who mutilates the bodies of his victims for his own deviant purposes. Eventually, the gorgeous Elise becomes the killer's ideal candidate, as he sets her up for murder. Can Trent save her from a gruesome death? Will they find Ashley alive? The author delicately spins suspense and drama, touching on a bit of horror here and there, as the books forges on to it's dramatic climax. Building layer upon layer, character upon character, this well-developed story steadily unfolds, holding the reader spellbound with anticipation. Although, gory in some parts, it is fast moving, romantic, steamy, and very exciting. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.