YOU CAN'T HIDE

Author: Karen Rose ISBN: 0446616893 4/2006 SUSPENSE Publisher: WARNER

Terror has forever changed the life of psychiatrist Tess Ciccotelli. Someone is tormenting her patients, pushing them to commit suicide, and setting her up to take the blame. But Tess can't break her oath to protect her patients' privacy at all costs. Even when detective Aiden Reagan demands a list of everyone she's treating. Even when the mounting danger threatens Tess herself. Aiden doesn't like anyone who stalls his cases. Still, he can't help but admire Tess's fierce loyalty to her patients. Especially when it becomes clear that a nameless, faceless enemy is set on destroying her career, her family, and finally, Tess herself. As Aiden's heart softens, the killer's will hardens, and one thing becomes clear—the noose is tightening around Tess's neck.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Karen Rose is one of those authors that takes it to the next level—more (of everything) is better, and complicated high body count thrillers are her specialty. Why have one bad guy, when you can have several? Why have one horrible murder, when you can write a plethora of gruesome endings? Though, at times, it can be over the top, YOU CAN'T HIDE lives up to that same standard and is a good tie-in story to my personal favorite Rose book, I'M WATCHING YOU.

If it's crazy, maniacal, outrageous suspense you want, look no further than this one. I confess to figuring out the top baddie in the tale somewhat early on, but it's still a fun ride getting to the ending. At least Rose makes you want to know why the heroine is being set-up, even if you know who is orchestrating the mess. You won't guess who all the players are or why they are helping our deranged killer. That's some good storytelling, if you ask me. It also takes talent to make me care about the characters being offed and being framed. Add the fact that some of my favorite people resurface for cameos, and voile, you've got a cool, romantic suspense read.

Though sometimes there is a bit too much chaos and far-fetched plot, Rose manages to deliver the best of everything. Great characters, romance, murder, suspense, drama, heartache, thrills and chills with a dose of hot sex. Plan on staying up late to finish this one.

Shannon Johnson