Overview
When A Shocking Scandal Exposes Southern Secrets. . .
As the blazing heat of summer gives way to sultry September, a shroud of suspicion settles over Noble's Crossing, a sleepy Alabama town. Nothing is as it seems—and never will be again. Lane Noble Graham stands accused of murdering her ex-husband. And the one man who can help, Johnny Mack Cahill, vowed never to return to the town that scorned him—or the woman whose love he knew he didn't deserve.
. . .No One Is Safe From Cold-Blooded Murder
From the rusted-out trailers on the wrong side of the river to the stately pillared mansions along Magnolia Avenue, everybody has something to hide—but one secret could make Lane and Johnny Mack the next targets of a twisted killer, who's struck once and is bent on striking again. . .
"A sizzling, sexy tale that grabs the reader by the throat and doesn't let go." —Lisa Jackson, New York Times bestselling author
Editorials
Jill M. Smith
Southern atmosphere abounds, as do dark secrets and lies in this great new book by Beverly Barton. Romance, murder and family secrets…what more could you want from a thriller?— Romantic Times
Library Journal
Judd Walker is still suffering from the brutal murder of his wife almost four years earlier, so the last thing the bitter, reclusive attorney wants is to become involved once more with the Beauty Queen Killer. Still, when Detective Lindsay McAllister informs him that the killing cycle has started again, and this time the murderer has left one victim alive, Judd's quest for vengeance sparks him to action-and back into the land of the living. Romance blossoms reluctantly between Judd and Lindsay as they track a killer who sees murder as a twisted game in this latest chiller from the popular Barton (Most Likely To Die), noted for delivering fast-paced, serial-killer thrillers. She lives in Alabama.
—Kristin Ramsdell
Highly recommended
In her first romantic suspense novel, Beverly Barton tells the story of Johnny Mack Cahill, a redeemable bad boy in After Dark. Set in the small town of Noble's Crossing, the streets roll up after dark leaving a quiet, sleeping town. Nothing wild goes on — at least in public. Indeed, Noble's Crossing's secrets go on behind closed doors and mostly after dark.
Everyone in town knew that Johnny Mack Cahill was John Graham's illegitimate son, making him Kent Graham's half-brother. Fifteen years ago Kent hated his half-brother with a passion only matched by his determination to marry Lane Noble. When Kent found out about Lane's crush on Johnny Mack, he arranged for his half-brother's murder. Beaten nearly to death by Sheriff Buddy Lawler and his thugs, Johnny Mack was thrown into the cold waters of the Chickasaw River. Only Lane's discovery of his nearly dead body on the river's shore saved his life.
Johnny Mack returns to Noble's Crossing when an anonymous letter arrives stating that he has a son. He's stayed away from Noble's Crossing for fifteen years, but learning that he has son and that Lane stands accused of Kent's murder brings him back. Johnny Mack quickly discovers that fourteen year-old Will's life has been formed by lies, one stacked neatly on top of the next.
A dying woman's letter to adopted father Kent tore Will's world to shreds, revealing not only his adoption, but that his birth father is none other than Johnny Mack. Kent couldn't forgive the boy for being Johnny Mack's son. Nor could he forgive Lane for orchestrating the adoption of Johnny Mack's child.
Johnny Mack can't be scared off. He can't be run off. And he can't be bought off. He doesn't play by the rules and these days he's the one who always wins. Four years of college and eight years of sharing a compassionate man's home had polished Johnny Mack's rough edges, giving him the ability to pass himself off as a gentleman.
Edith runs Noble's Crossing, declaring that it is her town, her county and her state. Johnny Mack may be a big shot in Texas, but in Noble's Crossing he's still white trash with money. When her son Kent has been dead for two weeks, Edith persuades the DA to take the case to the grand jury. Further, she demands that the DA get a capital murder indictment against Lane. Edith wants Lane punished for her son's murder, she wants Will protected, and she wants Johnny Mack to learn that she still rules Noble's Crossing.
After Dark present a chilling account of small town intrigue. Beverly Barton presents the hidden motivations of each character with precision, creating a twisting plot line that keeps the pages turning. Indeed, the characters are multi-dimensional and realistic while acting in a believable and consistent manner. Fans of After Dark will be pleased to learn that in September 2001, Barton's second romantic suspense novel for Zebra, tentatively titled Every Move She Makes, will be released. After Dark is Highly recommended.