Don’t Breathe a Word

Craig’s warmhearted second romantic thriller set in Anniston, Tex. (Don’t Close Your Eyes) again features two engrossing investigations: one involving cold case detective Juan Acosta tracking down a long-missing young mother, and the other related to uncovering the truth about Vicki Trevor, Juan’s new neighbor. Juan withdrew from the world after his pregnant wife was murdered while he was working undercover, preferring to track down his leads via computer. But he can’t avoid his new neighbor, Vicki Trevor, or her daughter, Bell, as his tiny dog keeps sneaking into their yard. Almost immediately, Juan senses Vicki isn’t being honest about her history, but Vicki keeps secrets for her safety: she’s hiding from her deceased sister’s murderous ex-husband, who’s a cop. Texas is her second stop after leaving California, and as people she’s close to start turning up dead, she wonders how much further she’ll have to run. Craig’s tender development of Juan and Bell’s relationship is particularly moving. Series fans will enjoy this continuation. Agent: Kim Lionetti, BookEnds. (Nov.)