Book Review: No Sanctuary

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

No Sanctuary     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Helen R. Myers
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Romance
Mira, May 2003, $6.50, 384 pp.

In 1995 Tyler, Texas, metal sculptor Bay Butler works late on completing the "iron maiden" gate for client Madeleine Ridgeway. However, someone viciously kills her business partner Glenn English in their studio. The police arrest Bay, who is convicted on weak circumstantial evidence and sent to Gatesville Women Penitentiary.

Just under six years later, Madeleine sends her lawyer Lyle Gessler with new evidence that vacates the conviction and frees Bay. However, instead of freedom, Bay finds her benefactor Madeleine demands she attend the ministry she runs. At the same time, Bay meets Detective Jack Burke, who has not slept well since the conviction. Needing to know the truth and not accepting Gessler’s version, Bay plans to investigate, but Bay wants to help her. As they fall in love, they begin to uncover a town without pity run by blood money.

NO SANCTUARY is an exciting investigative romance that works on several levels, but especially when Bay and Jack share a scene, whether that it is fighting, inquiries, or falling in love. The conspiracy climax seems a bit thin, but the lead couple more than just makes up for that. Fans of taut small town Texas romantic suspense will find sanctuary in Helen R. Myers’ latest thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner