Before the Dawn

Eden expertly twines terror and true love in her second Killer Instinct contemporary romantic thriller (following After the Dark). As a teen, Dawn Alexander was the sole survivor of a serial killer named Jason Frost; she was saved by Jason’s brother, Tucker, who shot him to save her. Seven years later, Dawn is working as a private investigator in New Orleans and is determined not to be a victim ever again. Tucker, who joined the SEALs and is now with the FBI, is an honorable man—unlike his sadistic father and evil brother. When a serial killer starts operating in New Orleans with his brother’s hallmarks, Tucker and his FBI team move in, not sure whether they’ll find a copycat or Jason somehow returned from the dead. Either way, Tucker believes Dawn is in danger, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe, even if it means sacrificing his own life. Eden employs countless red herrings, making it impossible to tell who the real killer is until the book’s end. This winning tale is a tightly plotted, expertly characterized adrenaline rush from start to finish. (Aug.)