Holly Barrett is a young, single mother who lives in Birch Point, a small Cape Cod town. Her family has had property along the point for generations. After the death of both her parents, Holly has only her grandfather, who lives just down the road, to lean on for support and help with her five-year-old daughter.

Never a popular girl, this quiet, reflective and somewhat naive woman suddenly meets by chance an extraordinarily handsome British man on a bus. Jack has just relocated to her small town. In a matter of a few weeks, this dashing man manages to catch Holly's eye and get her to marry him. This whirlwind courtship would be romantic and exciting except for the flickers of anger that seep out when Holly's daughter cries or Holly does not agree with his wishes. When little Katy's dad comes back to town to be acquainted with his daughter, Jack takes ownership of little Katy and demands Billy leave them alone. It seems that Jack has everyone, including Holly's grandfather Henry, wrapped around his pinky, everyone that is except Billy, who does not trust the man at all.

Billy tries to convince Henry that they know nothing about Jack and something is terribly wrong. Billy's intentions start a horrific, probably destined turn of events. Events that include death.

Brooke Morgan has created this psychological thriller with believable characters who will engross you as the plot moves forward. You will cringe as you read each page, clues laid out, while Holly makes excuses for the man she loves. TAINTED is a work of fiction, but it could be every mother's nightmare. A great story.