Edge of Black by J. T. Ellison (Harlequin Mira)

This is the second book in the Dr. Samantha (Sam) Owens series. Sam is a forensic pathologist who gets involved in solving the crimes that put the bodies in her lab. She has sold her house and resigned from her job as chief medical examiner in Nashville TN, in an attempt to start over after the drowning death of her husband and children two years ago. She is moving to Washington DC where she will teach at Georgetown University and to be near her new boyfriend, Xander Whitfield, an ex-army ranger.

Sam is asked to consult on a case with the DC police when three people die after an unknown pathogen is released into the Washington Metro system. While many are ill—why are there only three deaths? Sam's gut tell her something is not right and leads her to investigate the lives of the three victims to determine if it is coincidence or if these unrelated people are somehow connected. Her boyfriend has an unusual relationship with several of the suspects that puts Sam and Xander on the firing line.

This is an adventure with lots of action (that only an Army Ranger can provide) and complex characters. While you do not need to read the first book, A Deeper Darkness, to get into the story, I recommend that you read it first. This will allow you to better understand the relationship between Sam and all the major characters and the hang-ups that each have. Both books are exciting and difficult to put down.

--Helen Jones

FTC Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher.