by Shelley Civkin Richmond Public Library

A little romance, a lot of murder

Billed as "the quintessential summertime read," Beachcomber by Karen Robards is one hot number! But it's fun reading any time of year.

Robards, the bestselling author of more than 20 romantic suspense novels writes amazingly suspenseful, sexy, and sizzling prose.

Before I was even past page four, the tension was mounting and I couldn't stop reading.

We're introduced immediately to the eponymous beachcombing stalker of young, beautiful women on Ocracoke Island, a dangerous character who's ratcheted up his tally enough to claim the title of serial killer.

Soon after, we meet Christy Petrino, who's just disengaged from her fiancˇ Michael DePalma (A.K.A. Donnie Jr.) and quit her job at a Philadelphia law firm.

And by the way did I mention that DePalma is also her boss? Oh, and did I forget to tell you that "boss" should start with a capital "B"?

The law firm is definitely on the dark side of shady, and is actually a front for the mob. And the mob (surprise, surprise) is not exactly congenial when Christy decides she wants out. So they make a deal, which involves her delivering a briefcase to Ocracoke Island. And the plot thickens.

Let's recap—we have beautiful Christy who is neck deep in mob business, and a serial killer who just happens to be operating in the same territory.

Now what are the chances of their paths crossing? I'd say they're pretty darn good!

When Christy stumbles across an injured woman on the beach at night, then spots a large, menacing figure coming right at her, she's terrified and runs. Only to find out later that the woman on the beach has been brutally murdered.

Now Christy is not only inextricably tied up with the mob but she's a possible witness to a crime. How lucky can one girl get?

So, where does the romance come in, you ask? Ah...it comes in the form of Christy's hunky next-door neighbor Luke Rand, who, by all accounts is just down in Ocracoke hanging out. Yeah, right.

When Christy has the wits scared out of her by several attempts on her life, guess who just happens to be there at the exact right moment to rescue her? You got it—cool hand Luke.

But in this case, it's more like warm hand Luke, particularly when the chemistry heats up between them.

But Christy's trust has been perilously compromised and she starts to wonder if Luke is just one more person to fear.

Do the lines "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!" ring any bells? Read Beachcomber and you'll see what I mean.

Shelley Civkin is communications officer at Richmond Public Library. Her column appears Thursdays.

For other popular reading suggestions, see Richmond Public Library's Web site at www.yourlibraray.ca/goodbooks.