Silent Scream    by Karen Rose Order:  USA  Can Grand Central, 2010 (2010) Paperback, e-Book      Reviewed by Martina Bexte When a condominium complex is burned to the ground, investigators find clues that lead them to believe that it might be a politically motivated crime. However, as they continue sifting through the ashes, the body of a runaway teenager and a security guard are discovered and ultimately prompt fire investigators to turn things over to the police. Olivia Sutherland isn't too happy when she discovers that firefighter David Hunter pulled the dead girl from the ashes. She and David have something of a stormy history, one she'd rather forget, but one that David cannot forget. As the investigation surrounding the fire heats up, so does their attraction and the many questions and uncertainties Olivia harbours as to why David left her hanging two years before. It soon becomes clear that they aren't on the hunt for eco-terrorists but rather a cunning, anonymous and coldblooded killer who's intent on eliminating witnesses, Olivia and David included. David Hunter was initially introduced as a secondary character in Rose's 2005 release, Nothing to Fear. Now at last he's featured as the lead in a timely and multi-layered tale where the intrigue rises with every turn of the page and the action never lags. It culminates in a pulse pounding, surprising and thoroughly satisfying ending. As always, Rose gifts her readers with exemplary characterizations and a touching - and sizzling - romance between David and Olivia. Those unfamiliar with Rose's previous books might find it difficult to identify with past story references and various recurring characters, some of whom have small roles here. I'd encourage them to pick up her backlist and indulge. Silent Scream proves that Karen Rose is still at the very top of her game. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews