Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Authors Ink Books
Release Date: Summer 2004
ISBN: 0972238549
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Paperback
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Genre:   Mystery
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Dennis Collins
Reviewer Notes:  
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The Butterfly Game 
By Gloria Davidson Marlow

     When Genevieve Lewiston, the signature model for Butterfly Cosmetics, is assaulted by a serial killer and left for dead, she flees the area and becomes Jenny Lewis, a high school English teacher in St. Augustine, Florida. Jenny enjoys her newly created, uncomplicated life, living with her dog in an old house on a quiet street. In time, she considers resuming her life and has even finds herself attracted to the new high school coach, Nick Jensen.

     She wants to move into the future very cautiously, but the past catches up with her when a man arrives at her door with the news that the killer has resurfaced and is demanding the return of his “Butterfly Girl,” and that he will continue killing until she shows herself.
Though the risk factor is extremely high, Jenny knows that the only way to draw the killer into the open is to present herself as bait.

    The Butterfly Game is Gloria Marlow’s second novel. The story has a healthy dose of romance in it and while I’m no romance fan, it’s the love angle that makes this mystery work so well. The romantic side of the story is nicely balanced with a “Don’t go down the basement!” type of chilling terror. It’s definitely a white-knuckle ride, guaranteed to produce goose flesh.

     I really liked the pace of the story and the straightforward plot that doesn’t depend on a confusing, oversized cast of characters. Every person in the story has a distinct personality, making each one of them easy to remember. The author doesn’t try to write over everyone’s head and does a very nice job of keeping the reader guessing as to who the killer might be. It’s a good story, suitable for a wide range of readers. Definitely a keeper.