Beverly Barton

Beverly Barton (1946-2011) was an American author known for writing romantic suspense novels and contemporary romance fiction. She published over 70 books during her career, with many becoming USA Today and New York Times bestsellers. Barton began her writing career in 1989 with the publication of "Yankee Lover" and went on to write multiple successful series, including the Griffin Powell novels and the Dead By trilogy. Her work often combined elements of romance with dark psychological suspense and crime thriller plotlines. She was particularly recognized for creating complex characters and intricate plots that balanced romantic relationships with suspenseful criminal investigations. Her novel "Dead By Midnight" was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times. Barton was a founding member of the Southeastern Writers Association and remained an active member of Romance Writers of America throughout her career. She wrote until her death in 2011, with her final novel "Dead By Morning" published posthumously.

Readers describe Beverly Barton's romantic suspense novels as page-turners with strong character development and intricate plots. Her books maintain consistent 4+ star ratings across platforms. Readers appreciate: - Complex relationships between characters - Detailed police procedural elements - Balance of romance and suspense - Southern settings and atmosphere - Unpredictable plot twists Common criticisms: - Graphic violence in some books - Slow pacing in early chapters - Repetitive descriptions - Traditional gender roles that feel dated Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.9/5 across all titles Amazon: 4.2/5 average rating The Dead Girl's Revenge: 4.3/5 Silent Killer: 4.1/5 Cold Hearted: 4.4/5 One frequent reader comment notes: "Her villains are truly frightening and their motives feel real." Another mentions: "The romance doesn't overshadow the suspense - both elements get equal attention."

Every Move She Makes - A woman is stalked by an obsessed police detective who believes she murdered her husband.

The Last To Die - A Cherokee Pointe detective investigates a series of murders where victims are found with their lips sewn shut.

Close Enough To Kill - A small-town Alabama sheriff tracks a serial killer who kidnaps women and returns their bodies days later.

As Good As Dead - A woman's past comes back to haunt her when her former kidnapper is released from prison.

The Murder Game - A criminal profiler returns to her hometown to help solve a series of murders mimicking a killer from her past.

The Fifth Victim - A woman helps a sheriff investigate the Cherokee Pointe Valentine Killer while confronting her own dark history.

Dead By Midnight - A police chief and medical examiner work together to catch a killer who murders victims at exactly midnight.

Silent Killer - A prosecutor faces danger when she returns to her hometown to investigate a series of murders connected to her past.

Don't Cry - A special agent pursues a serial killer who targets young mothers and their children.

Dead By Morning - An FBI agent tracks a murderer who kills engaged couples and stages their bodies in elaborate wedding scenes.