Cindy J. (cindyj) - reviewed on 8/29/2016 + 62 more book reviews

Riveting suspense with a bit of romance

Burning Proof by Janice Cantore opens with Long Beach Detective Abby Hart and her new partner Bill Roper wrapping up a homicide case. Unfortunately an individual involved in the case is shot by Abby (not a spoiler, but you need to read the story for the details). Abby has to work through the emotions resulting from the shooting, and a major theme of the story is that process. During her time away from the police department, she re-evaluates many areas of her life, including looking at the foundation on which she has built her life. I loved following her search, seeing the truths she uncovered, and watching her use what she learned to help others. Also while on leave, she returns to her hometown where her fiancé Ethan is helping build a church. Both are Christians, but they don't have much in common and, in my opinion, are totally wrong for each other.

Luke Murphy is a private investigator who has been invited by the FBI to join a task force investigating cold cases. While waiting for the task force to become official, he takes on a cold case involving a serial rapist and killer who seems to have disappeared. His contact person is Faye Fallon who happens to be beautiful, intelligent, and genuinely nice. Although Luke is attracted to Abby, he also knows Abby is engaged to Ethan so Luke works hard to keep the right thoughts about and attitude with Abby. When Faye indicates an interest in Luke beyond the case, Luke decides he should explore the relationship. While I sincerely appreciate Luke honoring Abby's commitment to Ethan, I was frustrated when he agreed to go out with Faye.

Burning Proof picks up a couple of months after the end of Drawing Fire (book one), so I would highly recommend you read the stories in order if you plan to read both. Within the first 50 or so pages of the second book is a brief summary of events in book one and includes spoilers. The common thread running through both books is the cold case surrounding the death of Abby's parents 27 years ago. Although that case is still unsolved at the end of book two, more has been uncovered than was revealed in book one. Both are fabulous books, but I do believe you could read either book without it being necessary to read the other. The prominent mystery in Burning Proof is resolved satisfactorily. I loved this story and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense with a bit of romantic undertones. This one is going on my keeper shelf.

I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

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