Bailey Wells is personal assistant to true-crime writer Paul Ellis in New York city. She's suffering from a case of hero-worship, or maybe infatuation, so she agrees to go with him when he moves to his wife's hometown -- the same town Bailey escaped from years ago. Then Paul's wife is murdered in that same North Carolina town and Bailey begins to see her boss as he really is.

Steve Burke, detective on the local police force, has problems of his own. A widower with a young daughter, he's moved back home from Washington, DC, to give his daughter a small-town life. He's done his best to discourage his mother's matchmaking, but he finds himself drawn to Bailey -- against his will. However, Steve's personal feelings for Bailey won't work as long as she's a murder suspect.

Ms. Kantra drew me into this story from the get-go. Great characters, suspense, passion and a smart, moving plot make HOME BEFORE MIDNIGHT a winner. Though this is my first book by Ms. Kantra, it won't be my last. I like her sexy, intelligent writing. Don't miss this one -- a very good read.