Never Tell by Stacey Abrams (writing as Selena Montgomery)
Summary
Criminal psychologist Dr. Erin Abbott wants nothing more than to live a quiet life. That means no danger, no intrigue—and absolutely no romance. But when Erin suspects a serial killer is roaming New Orleans, her investigation throws her straight into the arms of the only man who can help her.
Journalist Gabriel Moss is hot to find his next huge story—and he knows Erin is on to something big. From the moment they meet, Gabriel senses that Erin is hiding something. One thing is certain: Erin's boxy suits and sensible shoes hide a delicate beauty waiting to emerge...and Gabriel is just the man to reveal the woman inside.
As they join forces to find the killer, Gabriel slowly seduces Erin with his soft kisses. But Erin knows their love can never be. For she is hiding a terrible secret—and if Gabriel reveals the truth, Erin's life will be shattered forever...
Book Setting: New Orleans
Royal Street: Popular among Mardi Gras goers and tourists, Erin had to make her way through the revelers to hunt a killer.
Lower Garden District: A quaint neighborhood full of cottages and townhouses where Julian Harris, the killer’s first victim lived.
New Orleans Historic District: Erin’s desire to relocated her life to New Orleans, the historic district represented a contrasting side to the French Quarter.
Lake Pontchartrain: The Moss Family “hidey-hole” near the edge of the swamp near Lake Pontechartrain, a sanctuary for Erin after the 8th murder.
8th District Police Station: An ally of Gabriel and Erins after initial skepticism.
New Orleans African American Museum: Another victim, a docent at the museum where Erin and Gabriel looked for leads.
Reviews
"The intense byplay between Erin and Gabriel, as well as the search for the murderer, will keep you reading late into the night. This compelling story is an amazing combination of emotion, suspense and drama."
-Romantic Times
"Selena Montgomery's atypical story deals with many sensitive subjects, and yet has an entertaining undercurrent of suspense and romance. As the story progresses, Montgomery takes readers deeper into the labyrinthine psyches of both protagonists and killer. The suspense is relentless...Never Tell is a well conceived, absorbing read."
-BookLoons
"NEVER TELL is a story filled with emotion, sexual tension, suspense and great characters. The main characters are African American, but the hero and heroine could be any race, as Ms. Montgomery has focused more on what's inside rather than the color of their skins. This story was gripping and kept me guessing to the very end. Ms. Montgomery is sure to be a must-read author. A very good read that I enjoyed very much."
-thebestreviews.com