Don't Look Now

Austin homicide detective Jordan Poe hunts a killer who targets young college students. The investigation intensifies when DNA evidence links these murders to cold cases from Jordan's past. The killer sends taunting messages and appears to know details about Jordan's personal life. Texas Ranger Carter Spencer joins the investigation, bringing additional resources and expertise while Jordan grapples with memories of her own traumatic history. FBI profiler Sylvia Trent becomes involved as the murders cross state lines, and the team races to prevent more killings. The investigation forces Jordan to confront both professional and personal challenges as she closes in on the perpetrator. The novel explores themes of trauma, justice, and the psychological toll of working violent crimes. Burton's narrative examines how past experiences shape present actions, particularly in law enforcement.

Readers describe this as a fast-paced thriller with realistic characters, though some note the romance elements feel forced. The investigative details and forensic science aspects draw particular praise for their authenticity. Liked: - Strong female protagonist who reads as competent without being unrealistic - Multiple viewpoint chapters maintain suspense - Detailed crime scene descriptions and police procedures - Austin, TX setting adds atmosphere Disliked: - Romantic subplot feels rushed and unnecessary according to multiple reviewers - Some find the ending predictable - A few readers note similarities to Burton's other works - Several mention the violence level is high for romantic suspense Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,900+ ratings) BookBub: 4.3/5 (400+ ratings) Common reviewer quote: "Great procedural details but the romance feels shoehorned in" appears in various forms across platforms.

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🔍 Mary Burton wrote Don't Look Now as part of her romantic suspense Criminal Profiler series, which follows experts who use behavioral analysis to catch killers. 🎓 The author extensively researches forensics and police procedures, including attending the Writers' Police Academy, to ensure accuracy in her crime writing. 🏆 Don't Look Now reached #1 on Amazon Charts for Serial Killer Fiction shortly after its release in 2020. 📚 The novel weaves together multiple perspectives, including that of the killer, which is a signature technique Burton uses to build psychological tension. 🌟 The book's protagonist, Zoe Spencer, is based on real-life criminal profilers who specialize in analyzing digital evidence and social media footprints to track predators.