The Shark

“Shield is based near Quantico. We handle mostly high-end problems that our clients need dealt with quickly and quietly.”

“Such as?”

He traced a path through the condensation of his glass.

“Discretion is a big part of our appeal. But we generally find missing things or people.”

“Nothing illegal.”

“Nothing unethical.”

She didn’t press that point. “I’m guessing Shield Security is doing well judging by the suit.”

“It’s rewarding. By the way, you dress well.”

She arched a brow. “Stop, you’re going to make me blush.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “We appreciate your discretion on the Carter arrest.”

“If you hadn’t asked for silence, I would’ve given you credit.You passed up a lot of publicity.”

“Which is exactly what we never want.”

Small gold earrings dangled from her ears. He remembered she’d been wearing them during their night together five years ago. “So, if you’re doing so well and making money hand over fist, what’re you doing on my case?”

He sipped his water, allowing the ice-cold liquid to cool his throat. “My boss, Joshua Shield, and I were both with the FBI twelve years ago and assigned to New Orleans. We investigated a series of murders. Four young women were strangled and their bodies left in plain sight in the space of weeks.”

Sitting back, she folded her arms. Her expression was blank, as if waiting for the punch line. “Not following.”

He realized she didn’t know about the four women. “At each murder scene the detectives found five playing cards. They all were hands from a five-card stud poker game. Three were definitely losing hands. One wasn’t terrible, but likely not good enough to win. And in handwritten black ink, Loser was scrawled on each.”

Carefully, she leaned forward and tapped a fingertip on the side of her glass. “Like my victim.”

“Exactly.”

“Was the handwriting the same on the cards?”

“Same word but each set appeared to be written by a different person.”

“You said this guy killed four girls. And let me guess, they all had a similar look. Like Vicky.”

“And like you, which you already know.”

“ Romantic suspense lovers are going to be thrilled with Mary Burton’s new series, The Forgotten Files . . . will also appeal to thriller fans . . . some of the most depraved bad guys I’ve encountered . . . the plot twists shocked me.”
Suspense Magazine

“This romantic thriller is tense, sexy, and pleasingly complex.”
Publishers Weekly

“Precise storytelling complete with strong conflict and heightened tension are the highlights of Burton’s latest. With a tough, vulnerable heroine in Riley at the story’s center, Burton’s novel is a well-crafted, suspenseful mystery with a ruthless villain who would put any reader on edge. A thrilling read.”
RT Book Reviews

“A romantic suspense thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seat . . . full of twists and turns . . . especially strong as the action heats up in a race of life and death spiraling toward a powerful end. The author teases readers by using the serial killers point of view, allowing tidbits to keep readers interested – especially those who like to guess the ending.”
Edie Dykeman, Bella Online Mystery Book Reviews

“An intriguing chiller, Mary Burton’s Vulnerable is a must read for suspense book enthusiasts . . . This thriller has it all . . . intriguing . . . Ms. Burton creates an incredibly realistic set of events, in an well visualized location.”
Long and Short Reviews

“I loved this book. Mary Burton is a wonderful . . .  This is a new series she’s starting and it’s off to a great start . . .  strong female characters. They are beautiful, smart, and in Riley’s case, tough . . . a twist that you will not see coming.”
As the Page Turns

“I absolutely loved THE SHARK  . . . Ms. Burton does a great job. . . with her deft touch, she created strong, likeable characters . . . I found myself glued to the pages . . . a fast paced thrill ride from start to finish that will leave you guessing till the very end . . . top notch characters  . . . a serial killer that gave me chills  . . . a series that is surely going to be my favorite in the future.”
Love Romances & More

“Really enjoying her writing style and the cases involved . . .  a great read.”
Carries Book Review

“Mary Burton was definitely on her game with The Shark . . . if this book is any indication of what we as readers have to look forward to with the Forgotten Files I can’t wait for more. This book had it all: romance, suspense, murder and a few twists that most people will not see coming . . . intriguing.”
Sarah’s Cozy Book Nook

“An engaging page turner . . . I really enjoyed reading The Shark . . . will definitelycontinue on with the series.”
Wicked Reads

“Full of intrigue and suspense . . . the characters are complex . . . well written, interesting, and action packed with twists and turns, and of course a little romance . . . I really enjoyed it.”
What’s Better Than Books

“I think that I might have found my new favorite author for romantic suspense! . . . what really impressed me about THE SHARK was the characters . . .  as soon as I start to think that I had it all figured out and relax, Ms Burton throws in another twist that I didn’t see coming.  One of the best romantic suspenses that I have read this year.”
Shaiha’s  Ramblings

“I love a good suspense with a tiny bit of romance thrown in and that’s exactly what Burton gives you!”
Next Book Review

“Wow, I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the plot, characters and suspense . . . You will love every second of Riley and Bowman chasing . . .  [The Shark] down. The next book will have Riley’s boss as the main hero and I cannot wait!”
My Novelesque Life

“An engaging suspense where past and present collide.”
Cindys Reviews