Cradle and All

Rating:
Summary: Brutal and frightening! Very highly recommended
Review: A brutal serial killer murders young mothers, slashing their uterus with the precision of a surgeon, and killing their children as well. Named Bloody-Shoes by the media, the killer ruthlessly destroys life according to some sort of bizarre plan only he understands.

Midwife at the Jordan Martin Center, Joanna Michaels loves her work, which affords her opportunity to seek out Dr. Kevin Willman. Abrupt and bordering on rude, there's something strangely attractive about the young intern. Perhaps it is his unconventionality. Perhaps it is because his brooding melancholy and brilliance result in a fascinating difference from the staid security of most men she's encountered. Whatever the reason, Joanna underestimates the danger and perversions he represents.

Joanna practically forces a relationship with Kevin. Drawn to the challenge of rescuing someone who obviously needs help, Joanna doesn't see the pathological problems concealed behind those burning, intense eyes. When Kevin attempts suicide, the act draws them together, as if she's somehow responsible for keeping him alive even after his wrists heal. He never tells her what tortures him, what drives him to such deep despair. At last, after two years, Joanna leaves Kevin. She carefully conceals her pregnancy in fear of his threatening words, "If I ever find out you're pregnant, I'll do more than just walk out on you."

Rather than a "who done it", CRADLE WILL FALL explores the murky world of a serial killer and gristly path that leads to his acts of violence. There's no question for the reader as to who the killer is; rather the author does build intense fascination for this character. I must admit to wanting to yell at the heroine to get away from the suicidal maniac, but I suppose her need for the unusual does explain why she lingers too long in such a destructive relationship. Indeed, her growth past the need for such a relationship gives Joanna depth, allowing her to become a very sympathetic and capable character. Also, the characterization of Kevin is compelling, and frightening as each layer is stripped away revealing his sordid past. Indeed, CRADLE WILL FALL is a mesmerizing exploration of the macabre and chilling, and promises to keep readers up way past bedtime -- with the lights on! Highly recommended.