Washington D.C., and South Carolina, 1865

Mirinda Caldwell is in Washington, D.C., for one reason only, and that is to free her brother, Bryce, from prison before he is hanged for treason. Seeking the help of some powerful people in hopes of helping her brother’s cause has gotten Mirinda nowhere. But when the people she sought help from start turning up dead, Mirinda becomes the number one suspect. She has the motive, means, and the knowledge to have carried out these murders, but did she commit them? Who is trying to kill Mirinda since she has been in Washington?

Major Heath Fallstaff wants only one thing, and that is to get away from Gabrielle Selinsgrove. Whether he likes it or not, she has been glued to his side at every social event he has attended, and Heath definitely does not like it. At a ball he is attending, Heath tries to escape Gabrielle’s clutches before she espies him. Heath slips onto the balcony; there he sees a woman and heads straight for her. Quickly, Heath forms a plan. Hoping that Gabrielle has followed him, he takes the woman on the balcony into his arms, kisses her and becomes instantly lost in her embrace. Gabrielle sees, is outraged, and, for now, Heath’s plan has worked. Of course, the woman -- Mirinda -- whom he has just kissed is less than pleased and slaps him across the face, good and hard. Heath begs her pardon and forgiveness, but only receives disdain from Mirinda. Nevertheless, Heath is deeply attracted to her. When his superiors are murdered, Heath becomes the provost Marshall in charge of solving the case. Unfortunately, all the clues lead to Mirinda. Will Heath do his job, or follow his heart?

DEADLY ATTRACTION is set just after the Civil War, and although Mirinda’s brother, Bryce, fought in the Union Army, and their father owned no slaves, Mirinda is treated with suspicion and anger in Washington, D.C. The attraction between Heath and Mirinda is believable. There are some truly hilarious moments, as Heath tries to apologize to Mirinda for kissing her on the balcony and her continued, stubborn refusal to accept it. Although DEADLY ATTRACTION is a novel of romantic suspense, in these moments, Ms. Hinchy-Wertman's gift for writing slap-stick comedy shines through.

DEADLY ATTRACTION is part romance, suspense and murder mystery, and part family drama. It is the latter part that puts a strain on an already layered plot. Transitions in the story are few and far between, and as a result, from one moment to the next, characters suddenly appear in new settings. Yet this technique helps draw readers immediately into the story. Ms. Hinchy-Wertman does explain details, absent in the beginning, later in the tale. Secondary characters are well placed within the story.

The one thing that is consistent throughout DEADLY ATTRACTION is that readers will care about Mirinda and Heath and what happens to them, and will take pleasure in trying to figure out exactly who is behind Bryce’s imprisonment and the attempts on Mirinda’s life. If you are looking for a romantic tale and a murder mystery set during the Reconstruction era and involving interesting characters, DEADLY ATTRACTION will fit the bill.

Nickole Yarbrough