I like the author's humor. Pretty well written for, what I would call, a quick read. A bit unrealistic with the romance but that's typical.

Years ago, Elizabeth Denison came in contact with her worst nightmare. She became the victim and obsession of serial killer Chevy Bankes. She survived…if you can call always being on alert and scared a better alternative. Bankes was caught and sentenced to prison. He is now out and ready to pick up where he left off.

Former FBI special agent Neil Sheridan has been asked by his best friend, Rick, who is a cop to help him on a murder case. At first Neil has no interest. That all changes when Neil learns that the murder victim’s face was cut up to look like a doll; in addition to being raped and shot to death. The case brings back bad memories for Neil. When he was still active, he had caught and killed a serial killer. He believed that the killer was dead but now it seems he might have killed the wrong man.

Elizabeth Denison receives a phone call one day. The caller is none other then Bankes. He tells her that he is out and he hopes to hear her scream once more for him. Beth fears for her and her daughter’s lives but she keeps her mouth shut about the phone call. The police discover that the murder victim’s cell phone was used. The last call made on it was to a Beth Denison. Beth plans to take out Bankes herself but will her silence be deadly?

One Scream Away is what I call a good time. I just about read this book in one sitting. Both my eyes and hands were glued to the book. The sparks that Beth and Neil shared were really good. I liked that that the story line didn’t veer too far from the murderer and the characters and head more into a romance between Neil and Beth. While I do enjoy romantic suspenses; I like when they are evenly balanced. I scream for more Kate Brady!

another author that is unnecessarily rude to reviewers

In her debut novel, Kate Brady takes us into the world of Beth Denison. Beth is living in a sleepy little town near Arlington, Virginia with her daughter when women come up missing in Seattle Washington, the city she fled 7 years ago. Neil Sheridan, an ex-FBI agent, is drawn into the case of the missing women because their murders end up being similar to a murder Neil hunted for the killer in. That case was the end of Neil's career and he is very reluctant 7 years later to get drawn into this one by his friends.

We later find the new cases are linked to an ex-con named Chevy Banks. Banks is out for revenge against Beth and he doesn't care how he gets to her or who he hurts in the process. Beth is an appraiser of antique dolls and leads an ordinary life. The killer is leaving dolls with the victims or posing victims like dolls Beth is familiar with. Sheridan and the FBI rack their brains trying to figure out how and why in the world Beth is tied to a serial killer. Police tap her phone lines, follow her everywhere, and even put Neil on the case to get her to crack.
She is keeping a secret from everyone that she is willing to die with. Beth preps herself to take on Chevy alone to protect her daughter and Beth's secret.

While this is labeled a Romantic Suspense novel, there isn't much good romance in my opinion to label it as such. The plot is great, the suspense will keep you up late into the night trying to finish this book, but the tension that builds between Neil and Beth is flat. I guess I was expecting explosive love scenes when this book is more of a suspense thriller.

Kate Brady has very strong characters in her book. The way Chevy plays games with Beth, Neil, and all the characters in the book is classic and almost makes you like the bad guy of this tale! He is smart, cunning, and relentless. You can put yourself in Beth's shoes and imagine being in the situation and what you would do to protect your child even if it means lying and killing another human being. Neil's back story is riveting and pulls at the heartstrings. You can tell why he is so reluctant to get too close to Beth yet he wants to be loved and have a family.

I highly recommend this book for a curl up on the couch with a good book and hot tea kind of night! Just when you think things can't get any deeper, they do and you can't let this book sit for long without wanting to pick it up

3.5 STARS

"Killer Chevy Bankes is a master of disguise, and just paroled, he's coming after the woman who sent him to jail, the beautiful antiques expert Beth Denison. A set of antique dolls brings Beth into his sight, and inspire Chevy's disturbing crimes as he draws closer to Beth and her young daughter. Chevy sends the dolls to Beth one-by-one and she soon realizes that these antiques carry the same marks as his victims, signaling that the final piece in his collection will be for her.
Neil Sheridan gave up his FBI shield five years ago, but his best friend Rick, a cop, pulls him in as a consultant on a case involving a serial killer who is eerily similar to a murderer Neil encountered in the past. The investigation leads Neil to Beth's doorstep, and he is certain she isn't telling him the truth. Neil is the only one who can get through Beth's defenses and, as they grow closer, discover the secrets that Beth is hiding about her fateful night with Chevy." (From Amazon)

A fun romantic suspense...I cannot wait for the next book.

Ok, this book was c.r.e.e.p.y... I'm not a big fan of dolls, and to have them be the "message" in this book was just "ugh"-inducing. "Ugh"s aside though, One Scream Away is an edge-gripping, fast-paced read. Beth is stubborn and strong--she has to be, she's protecting her child. Neil is cynical. And Chevy is just creepy. Heebie-jeebies creepy. (have I mentioned creepy?)

The plot is tightly written, and you go on a ride to the finish line with Beth. And all the while you're wondering, why won't you speak up? What are you keeping hidden? Let him help!! *sigh* One Scream Away is a gripping read, all the way to the end.

The past few years has not been kind to Neil Sheridan, spending most of his time with the bottle instead of finding something to live for. When his old friend shows up and needs his help on a case he had worked on and believed to be solved, he finds he web of betrayal stretches farther than he can reach.

Beth Denison has moved on with her life, she has a beautiful daughter and has filled her home with love, as well as made sure she trains daily to protect herself from any threat that may come her way. She knows killer Chevy Bankes may not be done with her, but she plans to fight to the death if he ever gets close.

Neil is sent to see what he can find out what the link between Chevy and Beth is, but finds that one reason he has been looking for to get his act together instead, Beth. Something about her and Abby draws him into instant protection mode and he doesn't plan to let go.

A spine chilling read. I was on the edge of my seat reading this roller coaster ride of a novel, as Chevy has his target in mind and plans to cause a lot of chaos on the way to retrieve it. The beginning is a bit confusing because there are so many players in this book, but by chapter 2 it all makes sense, tons of surprises add to the intensity of this read.

One Scream Away would just be a typical serial killer story if not for all of the unique details added to the killer's background and lots of different kinds of forensic evidence added to the story to make it more interesting. I did have some trouble connecting with the protagonists, possibly because there was so much procedural information. We don't learn as much about their personalities and emotions as we do about what has happened to them in the past. Overall though, this was an interesting story.

This book was a GREAT adventure!

I really appreciated the cat-and-mouse back and forth as we saw how the Bad Guy was stalking, taunting and teasing our Female Lead, and as Our Hero started to interfere with his game.

Our Hero was a good guy but damaged by his past. The Bad Guy was a combination of mentally ill and pure evil. Our Female Lead was tough and feisty and in over her head.

Unfortunately, this book didn't work so well for me as a romance. I didn't really feel the attraction, although the author told me it was there. It also broke one of my rules of romantic suspense-- the lead characters didn't work as a team.

Once I decided to read it as a thriller rather than romantic suspense, I enjoyed it.

Brilliant storyline. Keeps you guessing and gets straight into the main story from the start without the faff and fluffing you normally get at the start of books. Can't wait to read more of Kate Brady.