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The books of May are here—fresh, fierce, and full of feels.

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Wedding season includes searching for a missing bride�and a killer . . .


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A twisty, "addictive," mystery about jealousy and bad intentions


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Trapped by magic, haunted by muses�she must master the cards before they�re lost to darkness.


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Masquerades, secrets, and a forbidden romance stitched into every seam.


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A vanished manuscript. A murdered expert. A castle full of secrets�and one sharp-witted sleuth.


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Two warrior angels. First friends, now lovers. Their future? A WILD UNKNOWN.


Dead Before Dark

Dead Before Dark, May 2009
by Wendy Corsi Staub

Zebra
Featuring: Randall Barakat; Lucinda Sloan
416 pages
ISBN: 1420101323
EAN: 9781420101324
Paperback
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"You might want to reconsider wearing bright red lipstick..."

Fresh Fiction Review

Dead Before Dark
Wendy Corsi Staub

Reviewed by Betty Cox
Posted June 22, 2009

Romance Suspense

After a particularly dangerous kidnapping case (DYING BREATH), in which psychic Lucinda Sloan played a major part in safely retrieving the victim, she is being interviewed on an early morning television show. Unfortunately, a psychopath is watching and fixates on Lucinda's bright red lipstick. This man has recently been released from prison after thirty-five years for accidentally killing his mother. However, before killing his mother, he had killed and slaughtered numerous women and was never caught. After so many years the police case on his victims has grown cold, and it is assumed the killer died or moved on. But, he's baaaack, and fascinated by bright red lipstick. Lucinda is dragged into the killer's pernicious game when she finds the mutilated body of Detective Randall Barakat's estranged wife. Clues as to the next killing are left near the body, and they are meant for Lucinda to follow. The clock is ticking on a deadly contest where there can only be one winner. DEAD BEFORE DARK is a tautly told, evenly paced, blood- chilling thriller from beginning to end. The villain is a vile, twisted individual who truly loves his handiwork, and appreciates Lucinda's intelligence. Lucinda Sloan is a worthy opponent -- it's too bad she will have to die. This is a first class tale written by an equally first class author. "Beach reading" doesn't get any better than this one.

Learn more about Dead Before Dark

SUMMARY

After thirty-five years in prison, he is free to commit the same twisted atrocities that once made him as notorious as the Zodiac Killer and Jack the Ripper. Now, at last, his moment has come... The Nightmare Begins... For renowned psychic Lucinda Sloan, fame is a double-edged sword. Through her television appearances, she helps police capture America's most elusive serial killers. Unfortunately, she also catches the eye of the Night Watchman. Once this madman learns that Lucinda 'sees' murders after they're committed, it's time to play... And The Fear Never Ends. The first victim is someone she knows - a personal shock that brings Lucinda closer to her ex-lover, Detective Randall Barakat. Then a second murder in Chicago, and a third in Denver, makes her realize that the Night Watchman is toying with her. Each victim wears a wristwatch...each watch bears a message...and each message is a warning for Lucinda that her time is up - and soon she'll be next to die...


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