Detective Vito Ciccotelli (great name!) is the lead detective in a case of multiple murders. Sophie Johannsen is an archaeologist he enlists to help determine what lies beneath the frozen earth of a field in the Philly area. Sophie is haunted by the matrix of graves they find and the way the victims have been murdered. Of course they are both troubled by the immediate attraction they feel for one another.
The villian is cold and calculating, the arrogant master of a twisted game who has been getting away with murder for some time. As Vito and Sophie get closer to finding him he is getting too close to them for comfort.
Both Sophie and Vito are wounded people who begin a relationship warily because of things in both of their pasts. Watching their relationship grow is a great counterpoint to the horrible things going on in the murderer's lair. The author skillfully builds the suspense and romance as the villian's plans begin unraveling.
I loved Vito who is my kind of hero--tall, dark, handsome, Italian and sensitive without being a wimp. Sophie is wonderful--beautiful and strong but very vulnerable. The villian is so creepy he gives you chills. The secondary characters are very well-developed and add depth to the story.
Karen Rose is a new to me author who was recommended by some of my buddies here at eharl. I'm glad I took their advise. Rose writes a long satisfying book with a good ending. I will definitely be reading more of her books and would highly recommend this one.
One final note: This story delves into the world of violent video games. I hope that parents are aware of what games their children are playing because some of them are not suitable for anyone let alone young people. These game are a far cry from the Nintendo games my dd used to play like Pac Man, Zelda, and SuperMario Brothers.
