Carnal Innocence

Nora Roberts

12/22/2001

Caroline Waverly has taken a needed break from her concert tour and has returned to her grandparents' home in Innocence, Mississippi. She is getting away from all the pressures of her life, leaving behind her demanding parents and cheating boyfriend. She is anticipating a relaxing summer in the Delta.

Unfortunately, there is a serial killer in Innocence. Women are being mutilated and getting their throat cut. One of the suspects is the youngest son of the local wealthy family who owns most of Innocence. Tucker Longstreet is the furthest person imaginable by anyone who knows him. He is a slow moving, drawling womanizer. The only thing he does fast is drive his bright red Porshe.

Matthew Burns is the Yankee FBI agent brought to Innocence to solve the murders. He is straight and by the book. He has admired Caroline and her talent for years. He narrows down the suspect list to a few men in the area, including Tucker Longstreet and his older brother, Duane.

Austin Hattinger, another suspect, is a Bible spouting wife-beating evangelistic insane man. When Austin's daughter is one of the victims, he decides Tucker was the murderer and takes "God's justice" into his own hands. He starts stalking Tucker and the people who associate with Tucker.

This is an edge-of-the-seat suspense/romance. I was sure I knew who was the killer - right up until near the end. Then my suspect was accused and it wasn't quite time for the book to end. The final revelation was a shock to me. The feeling and tone of the South was brought to life for me in this. I also could feel the small town pull together. In a place where everyone knows each other, it is impossible to imagine one of your own could be a serial killer. Caroline's romance is also integral to the story and brings it together. This is a book to enjoy.

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Notice: Sexual situations