Unfortunately, Police Chief Clay Settlemeyer has heard about Marty's past. But he also believes in second chances. After meeting Marty, Clay has some reservations about her state of mind. Tensions run high among the small town police staff and Marty's new co-workers do not welcome her. They don't think much of an officer who's shown excessive force, and her response to their cruel behavior is not acceptable to her new boss. Clay wonders if he's made the right decision by hiring her. Of course, if he were brutally honest, his attraction to her may have added weight to his decision to hire her.

Clay relegates Marty to the job of being Rufus the Police Dog, wearing a dog costume and visiting the local schools. As much as she hates it and isn't comfortable around children, she does a great job, especially with Clay's little girl. As much as Clay knows he shouldn't have a personal relationship with Marty, he can't help himself. He's as drawn to her as man is to air. And the feeling is mutual.

Someone has murdered Marty's partner in Chicago, along with others who were involved in the arrest of the man she beat up. Now the man's brother and sister are after her. Marty's past comes barreling into Caprock Canyon putting Clay's little girl, Erica, in harm's way. Marty can't let anything happen to Erica, who's worked her way into Marty's heart, and she can't leave the man she loves without his daughter. Marty will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

Castillo captures emotions and visualizations in an intensely interesting story. OVERKILL is an appropriate title for the agonizing death planned for Marty. Reaching for a Linda Castillo book guarantees some exciting hours. It may be quiet where you're reading, but inside the covers of her books, you're sure to find suspenseful reading gratification.

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