Killing Me Softly

Rookie cop Bryan Kendall awakens one morning to find his lover, Bettina Wright, strangled in his bed. The crime is identical to those committed by the so-called Nightcap Strangler, a convicted serial murderer who died in prison just weeks before Bettina's death. Bryan's worry intensifies after Dawn Jones, his ex, returns to his little Vermont town and he recognizes the strong resemblance both women share with Nightcap's former victims. Bryan's mentor, a "hero cop" who brought down the original Nightcap Strangler, is sure that a copycat killer with a grudge is trying to frame Bryan, but further murders convince the local police that Bryan is the perp. Bryan and Dawn go on the lam with Nick's help, struggling to prove Bryan's innocence as their romance rekindles. Romantic suspense fans will find this a pleasant beach read, if not particularly scary or tense. (July)