Book & Audio Review: Never Look Back by Mary Burton

Never Look Back
Author: Mary Burton
Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal
Publication: Montlake (July 1, 2020); Brilliance Audio (July 1, 2020)
Length: 337 p.; 10 hours

Description: Expect the unexpected in this gritty, tense, and page-turning mystery from New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton.

After multiple women go missing, Agent Melina Shepard of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation makes the impulsive decision to go undercover as a prostitute. While working the street, she narrowly avoids becoming a serial killer’s latest victim; as much as it pains her to admit, she needs backup.

Enter lone wolf FBI agent Jerrod Ramsey. Stonewalled by a lack of leads, he and Melina investigate a scene where a little girl has been found abandoned in a crashed vehicle. They open the trunk to reveal a horror show and quickly realize they’re dealing with two serial killers with very different MOs. The whole situation brings back memories for Melina—why does this particular case feel so connected to her painful past?

Before time runs out, Melina must catch not one but two serial killers, both ready to claim another victim—and both with their sights set on her.

My Thoughts: Tennessee Bureau of Investigations agent Melina Shepard is just helping out a friend when she has a narrow escape from a serial killer. FBI Agent Jerrod Ramsey has been following the trail of that same serial killer for quite a while and hopes the Melina's information will be the tipping point to catching the guy. 

The two of them are called to a scene which brings back a lot of Melina's past. A little girl has been found abandoned in a wrecked car. When they open the trunk, they find a pickle jar filled with severed ring fingers. Somehow, they have managed to cross paths with two different serial killers, but it seems Melina is a focus for both of them.

Melina was abandoned on the side of a dirt road when she was five. She was found and adopted by a cop and a schoolteacher. She's had a good life with her adoptive parents but hasn't been able to find out much about her past. She's had her DNA sampled but is reluctant to go further.

But it seems that her past has come to her and now she needs to unravel all of the things that happened to her in order to keep it from happening to another little girl. Meanwhile, another serial killer is determined to track her down and finish the "date" he had planned for her. 

The story was exciting and fast-paced. The narration was well-done and enhanced the mystery and suspense building throughout the story. 

Favorite Quote:

"I heard you were a real charmer," Sheriff Jones said. "What's your nickname again? I forgot."

"There are a few, but my favorite is Glinda the Good Bitch."

I bought this one in Kindle and audiobook editions. You can buy your copy here.