Next To Die

Lt. Penelope (Penny) Price and her sister, Ophelia (Lia) believes they know who murdered their father. They have turned over their evidence to the FBI that Eric Tomlinson, their father’s former partner did it. They believe he stole and sold a deadly toxin to the enemy. They are receiving harassing phone calls and accidents start to happen. Lt. Commander Joe Montgomery is recovering from wounds sustained during a mission where everyone died except him. He is experiencing major “survivor guilt”. Since they are neighbors, Penny has taken care of his cat and his lawn while he was away.

Not only does it have a suspenseful plot, NEXT TO DIE features two romances. Although Joe and Penny’s relationship takes center stage, Lia and Vinny’s are right up there with them. It is to the author’s credit that she is able to keep them both interesting and draw the reader into their stories.

Joe is the first man Penny has been interested in since her fiancé dumped her. Joe is definitely a ladies man who warns his women of his love them and leave them attitude. Penny believes she can live with it but it was not surprising that she wants to be the only woman he sleeps with. Joe can’t believe Penny is what she seems – a genuinely nice and caring person. His trust is tough to earn and she has to prove herself over and over. As a couple, Joe and Penny have chemistry as we watch them take one step forward and then two steps back. It is poignant to watch them as we know what they have been through.

Vinny assumed responsibilities at a young age. He survived the tough street gangs on the east side of Philadelphia and has made something of his life. He is a Navy Seal and proud of it. He displays maturity far greater than his age. Lia is the older woman but she definitely feels younger than Vinny. She is a free spirit who enjoys life. It is not a surprising match as opposites do attract.

NEXT TO DIE is a tautly written suspense novel that will keep the reader at the edge of their seats. It strikes the right balance as the author presents the dual romance storyline. The reader doesn’t feel shortchanged as the dynamics of the relationships are explored. It goes without saying we wanted happy endings for Penny and Lia. The characters are well drawn and the reader will empathize with them. They feel like real people with human shortcomings. This is definitely another must read by Ms. Melton!

August 2007