Karen Young, Never Tell

Never Tell By Karen Young

CentrxO CEO Morton Trask informs his surprised wife Lillian that he is on the short list for an ambassadorship. She prefers to stay in Houston where her son Hunter from her first marriage lives and be available if her troubled daughter Jocelyn needs her; besides Lillian enjoys sponsoring the arts including serendipitously assisting clothing designer Erica Stewart.

Family friend Hank Colson reminds Hunter that for his mother's birthday she might enjoy an item from Erica's store since she mentions the gifted designer a lot. Hunter gives the present he bought from Erica to his mom and asks her about the designer. His mom turns pale and says she does not know her. Hunter sees Erica and they fall in love, but his mother's reactions and later that of his half-sister makes him wonder what is going on. Erica tells him that she is beginning to remember the details of nine years ago when her husband and child died in a hit and run accident. Someone is willing to kill to keep her from revealing the truth.

The lead couple is an interesting duet whose relationship seems increasingly doomed as the truth about the tragedy slowly surfaces in an intriguing way that includes the impact on others. The support cast provides insight into the personalities of the lead couple and the villain, who is too nasty with no redeeming qualities and is too easily dispatched. Still fans will read NEVER TELL in one sitting to learn along with the hero what the connection between his beloved and his family.

Harriet Klausner