Jayne Ann Krentz is well-known for writing romantic suspense novels featuring smart, likeable female characters and interesting, complex alpha males. Filled with the characteristic wit and humor one expects from a Krentz novel, All Night Long also delves into the darker side of human nature as Irene Stenson learns just how far some people will go to keep their secrets.

Fifteen-year-old Irene Stenson’s life changes forever one hot summer night. No one quite knows why studious, shy Irene is friends with the older, wilder Pamela Webb. But for one summer the two are best friends. Their friendship comes to a sudden end when Pamela drives her home late, making Irene break her curfew. Irene knows her friend has done it on purpose, and she also knows that she will probably end up grounded.

But she thinks that sheis in luck when the lights are off when she gets home. It is unusual for her father, the local chief of police, not to leave a light on over the front door. Irene goes around to the back of the house, hoping to sneak in while her parents are asleep. She finds it strange that there is no light on over the back door either, but she is too grateful to worry. Something is blocking the door when she tries to let herself in to the house. Pushing it open, she turns on the light and is faced with an horrific scene in front of her: both of her parents lie dead in the kitchen. It is ruled a murder-suicide, and within days Irene leaves town with an elderly aunt, determined never to return.

Seventeen years later, the past reaches out to Irene when she gets an e-mail from her ex-best friend, Pamela, to whom she hasn’t spoken since that fateful night. Irene is now a reporter for a small newspaper and still has nothing in common with the beautiful daughter of a United States senator. But the e-mail alludes that there are things Pamela needs to tell Irene about the past, but she doesn’t trust e-mail or phone and asks Irene to come back to the town of Dunsley, where it all began.

Reluctantly, Irene returns to her hometown. A part of her has never accepted the official ruling of her parents’ death, and she is still dealing with the effects of the tragedy even as an adult. She checks into the dilapidated Sunrise on the Lake Lodge and meets its owner, Luke Danner.

Scholar and soldier, this former marine has demons of his own to deal with. His own family is pressuring him to return to the family business, but all Luke wants is peace and quiet while he decides what to do with the rest of his life. From the moment he meets Irene, he is intrigued by her and is quickly drawn into the mystery surrounding her.

Outwardly confident, Irene goes to meet Pamela only to discover that she is too late. Pamela is dead, a victim of an apparent overdose of liquor and pills. Irene is not convinced as her reporter’s instincts kick in. Deep in her gut, she knows that Pamela’s death is linked to her parents’ horrific death so many years ago. No one wants her asking questions, and danger lurks everywhere.

With Luke’s help, Irene sets out to discover the truth. What she uncovers is a tale of dark secrets, blackmail and murder - and some people will go to any lengths to keep their secrets and bury the truth. Both Luke and Irene must deal with their individual issues along with their growing attraction for one another. Can they uncover the truth before it is silenced forever? Irene must find the courage within herself to face the past head-on if she wants to find out the truth about her past and have a chance at a future with Luke.

Once again Jayne Ann Krentz delivers a fast-paced book loaded with suspense and danger. With her trademark witty dialogue and humor, she creates two main characters readers can relate to as they deal with very real problems. Krentz never disappoints with her romantic suspense, and All Night Long is no exception.