The Seventh Victim

By: Mary Burton

Narrated by: Johanna Parker

It's been seven years since the Seattle Strangler terrorized the city. His victims were all young, pretty, their lifeless bodies found wrapped in a home-sewn white dress. But there was one who miraculously escaped death, just before the Strangler disappeared.

Lara Church has only hazy memories of her long-ago attack. What she does have is a home in Austin, a job, and a chance at a normal life at last. Then Texas Ranger James Beck arrives on her doorstep with shattering news: The Strangler is back. And this time, he's in Austin.

He's always craved her, even as he killed the others. For so long he's been waiting to unleash the beast within. And this time, he'll prove he holds her life in his hands - right before he ends it forever....

©2013 Mary Burton (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Best-seller Burton ( Before She Dies) delivers action-packed tension as a cold case becomes new again...a compelling romantic thriller." ( Publishers Weekly)

Needed a stronger heroine

Great plot. Lots of suspense. But the leading character, Laura Church, who was raped and almost killed 7 years ago, needed to be a little more proactive in her safety. She still needed a man to save her. She kept putting herself in dangerous situations and being stubbornly idiotic when they were pointed out to her. She cared way too much for her dog and put herself in danger twice over his well being. Texas is a gun friendly state, she should've had a concealed carry and had learned some self-defensive moves. Her killer was still out there! Other than that, it was a very good book.

not really a romance

I wouldn't put this in the romance category. there was one consenual sex secene and the rest was a mystery / thriller. good book though

Not my fav Burton Book, but good

I enjoy Mary Burtons books, there’s a couple moments I have to pause and put on the headphones for sexually charged scenes, but well written and entertaining. This one was a bit slower than most and probably just a bit too long. I still enjoyed it and it was worth reading. A couple mispronunciations and a couple moments lacking research made it less than perfect though.

excellent story.

this was really good and the narrative was great! really wanted to make u listen. and it has a ending u dont ever expect. A plus to this author!

Loved it

I loved the story and the suspense. I read the series Where The Blame Lies so I actually figured out a lot of the story early on, but I was still surprised. It was just excellently told, it was a real mystery.

Great story but the narrator

I love Mary Burton books and this one didn’t let me down but narrator is horrible.

Wonderful murder mystery. Intriguing and suspenseful.

The reader did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Thrilling, surprising, suspenseful, everything you want in a murder mystery.

Good Book!!

This book was really good!! Laura’s stubborn behavior and macho attitude really grated my nerves!! I’m not saying she should have played the damsel in distress, but she didn’t have to act so stupid at time!! But in the end, great book overall!!

good read

The plot was captivating and successfully maintained my interest. The conclusion was unexpected, yet it was ultimately revelatory.

very enjoyable

I enjoyed the story and the narration. the characters were likeable and easy to root for, get annoyed with and felt real. I figured out who the strangler was pretty early on, but enjoyed listening to the story unfold.