Crime scene investigator Susannah Quinn has only worked for the Aurora Police Department for nine months, transferring here from Arizona. She's trying to restart her life and put her past behind her. Susie devotes her time to all work and no play, opening the door for few friendships since arriving in Aurora. When she is called to the scene of a murdered woman, Susannah meets Detective Christian Cavanaugh O'Bannon. Chris is instantly attracted to Susie, but she isn't interested in giving him the time of day. That doesn't deter Chris.

Since his partner is out on leave, Chris asks Susie to partner with him to solve this case. She shows an unusual interest in it, and Chris is intrigued with her curiosity. He's intrigued with Susie as well and doesn't back down from her sarcastic comments. Susie's interest is a little more personal than professional, and she's overly determined to find this killer. She believes this is just the tip of the iceberg and that a serial killer is loose in Aurora. Can they find him before he kills again?

CAVANAUGH IN THE ROUGH is another delightful installment in Marie Ferrarella's Cavanaugh Justice Series. Susie and Chris are strong, determined characters and the banter in their dialogue is priceless. Ms.Ferrarell is a master at creating charming character dialogue in her books. Of course, there is a plethora of Cavanaugh supporting characters -- it's a very large close-knit family. The plot is full of twists and turns and sometimes dead ends, but Chris and Susie plod on full speed ahead, despite her supposed dislike for him. You will not be disappointed this time, as there is the traditional Andrew Cavanaugh party with all the family present, and Susie is welcomed with open arms. CAVANAUGH IN THE ROUGH is a great, quick winter read, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and snuggle up by the fireplace with this romantic suspense tale.