. . . about a single mother's struggle for worth after a vicious attack. It's about a police sergeant seeking redemption for a crime he didn't realize he had committed--until the victim died.   Tracy Michaels grew up believing her stepfather, Jim Hammond, when he said she wasn't good enough, smart enough or pretty enough. Now a single mother, she works as a tour guide in one of Denver's old Victorian museums barely making enough to survive. During long, sleepless nights in her studio apartment, she worries about stretching her meager paycheck for the basic necessities. She wants more for her life, more for Ritchie, her baby son, so she studies self-improvement and arranges longer hours at work, trying desperately to scrape together enough money to attend classes at a local tech school. Then one night her entire world shatters. She's beaten and sexually attacked. She survives, but he's watching her, threatening Ritchie's life if she talks to the authorities. Sergeant Reese Sanders, Denver PD, struggles through his own recovery, tormented by memories of another young victim, one who had looked up to him--as a police officer and as her brother. When she was attacked the year before, she expected sympathy and comfort. But Reese had become hardened and was never able to offer understanding or anything beyond the standard platitudes. His sister slashed her wrists. Reese spent a year failing to drown his guilt with bourbon. Now back on the force, he discovers his true redemption lies in finding the man responsible for his sister's attack, the same man he believes attacked Tracy. His very sanity depends on convincing her to help him bring the perpetrator to justice. Meanwhile, the perp watches. Even in the hospital Tracy isn't safe from his threats. She is forced to run, seeking shelter for Ritchie and herself in a safe house for battered women. With Suzy Banning's guidance, a white-haired grandmother rape counselor who loves gaudy jewelry and sequined clothes, Tracy discovers inner strength and courage, qualities she must test when the offender finds her and demands she meet him. TO READ AN EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER ONE, visit my website, http://www.brendahill.com/novelexcerpt.htm

Professional Reviews
Romantic Times Magazine
Mystery
January, 2006
4 Stars

...Hill mesmerizes with the horrific details of rape, self-blame and the will to live. Tracy's tale speaks for all victims who have been brutalized and fought back. It also speaks for those who suffered and died without ever seeing their attacker brought to justice. A compelling tale of pain, courage and hope.

Faith V. Smith, reviewer

Best Seller in the Making
Brenda Hill’s passion for the world of writing and her experiences as an editor, proofreader and educator have definitely worked exceptionally well together to develop her book - Ten Times Guilty. This suspense thriller is truly an outstanding novel. I do not mean to sound cliché when I say that I had difficulty setting aside this review project. In fact, for two days I had forgotten about lunch entirely!

The author displays her skill right from the first few sentences, which really grabbed hold of me, dragged me into the story and would not let me go. The novel has incredible insight to the daily troubles that rape victims endure. From medical procedures and healing – both physically and mentally – all were well done without being too technical. Historical and present-day societal views of rape are discussed with clarity and understanding. The level of suspense was consistent throughout the book and each character’s inner battles were clearly portrayed. Brenda certainly deserves to sit among the ranks of best-selling writers like Nora Roberts (Carolina Moon), William Diehl (Thai Horse) and Trevanian (Shibumi)!


Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit

Lighthouse Literary Reviews
The meticulous research done for this book was obvious and impressive. The background information on rape standards was very well put together and fit perfectly into the story. This author has just been put on my list of favorites. I will be looking for many more books from Brenda Hill and recommend that everyone else does too.

Lighthouse Literary Reviews
http://www.lighthouseliteraryreviews.com

Reader Reviews for "Ten Times Guilty"

Reviewed by Paul Judges	11/12/2008
Looks like a great book
Reviewed by Janet Bellinger	3/13/2006
This is a suspenseful psychodrama, with lots of depth. It's all the more chilling, because Brenda Hill has based it on the experiences that rape vicims have. COmpelling read. Janet Bellinger
Reviewed by Anne Lebrecht	12/22/2005
Review of "Ten Times Guilty." by Brenda Hill I now have to add this title to my list of the best books I have read recently. I am sure that most reviewers are tempted to call this a thrilling and suspenseful novel. Frankly that is not enough to describe this well written novel as it is and offers so much more to it's credit. Brenda Hill has succeeded in grabbing your interest from the opening page and holding you in suspense to the end. However, she also webs a thoughtful and fascinating story with depth of character and successfully allows you to get into the mind of the criminal as well as his victims. The main theme is rape, and how the victims cope with the horrific feelings and fears in it's aftermath. Tracy has been raped and brutalized and above all threatened. Her son will die if she tells. How she copes and comes to realize what she must do to confront these threats, and go on with her life is a tribute to the writing skills and power this writer Brenda Hill has over you, her reader. Forget what you think is your favorite genre to read! Regardless, you must include this book as a must to read. A definite 5 star. It surprises me that this is not yet on the New York Times Best sellers list. I will quickly search to find more books from this author. Anne Lebrecht. http://www.annelebrecht.com

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