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South Dakota Badlands #2
Buried Truth
"Coming for you."
A note, impaled by a knife on Bill Cloudman's door, tells the former tribal agent a murderer has escaped. The vicious madman who murdered Bill's partner—and cost Bill the community's trust and his job—is on the loose in the South Dakota badlands again. Bill vows to put him behind bars once and for all. But when the woman he loved and lost returns to Eagle Rock reservation as a newspaper reporter determined to restore her own reputation with the story, Bill has to protect her…and his guarded heart.
A note, impaled by a knife on Bill Cloudman's door, tells the former tribal agent a murderer has escaped. The vicious madman who murdered Bill's partner—and cost Bill the community's trust and his job—is on the loose in the South Dakota badlands again. Bill vows to put him behind bars once and for all. But when the woman he loved and lost returns to Eagle Rock reservation as a newspaper reporter determined to restore her own reputation with the story, Bill has to protect her…and his guarded heart.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Dana Mentink
204 books2,234 followersUSA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 2, 2020
I loved the western feel to this short suspense novel. There was a mystery to figure out, but mostly the story was just one action sequence after another. I was left breathless and well entertained. Eager for the last of this series!
November 14, 2025
Another incredible suspenseful read from Dana Mentink. To date, I have enjoyed every book I've read by this author and she is one of my favorite authors. Dana does a wonderful job of having subplots within her stories, especially related to the places where her stories are set. She excelled at that in this story. I loved the setting of South Dakota near the Badlands and learning more about that area. I enjoyed all the books in this series.
In addition to being a mystery and suspenseful read, this story had one of the most profound ways of addressing the importance of forgiveness that I have ever read.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"...I thought that if there was a God, how very hard it must be to watch His children make their way in the world, loving them so much, yet allowing them to go through perils to find their way to Him.”
"Forgiveness was more precious than she’d ever realized, given so easily by Jesus but so reluctantly by His children."
In addition to being a mystery and suspenseful read, this story had one of the most profound ways of addressing the importance of forgiveness that I have ever read.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"...I thought that if there was a God, how very hard it must be to watch His children make their way in the world, loving them so much, yet allowing them to go through perils to find their way to Him.”
"Forgiveness was more precious than she’d ever realized, given so easily by Jesus but so reluctantly by His children."
August 16, 2011
Riveting Suspense Novel
Dana Mentink’s new book, Buried Truth, published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, is an action-packed thriller that any reader will find difficult to put down. The book is well-written, is a fast read with believable characters, and has a gripping story line with many plot surprises along the way.
The reader is plunged immediately into the depths of suspense and mystery from the very first page and there is rare opportunity to come up for air as the intensity and danger build. In the first chapter, the tension mounts as the hero finds himself and everyone he loves in grave peril.
His reunion with a past girlfriend only serves to draw her into the vortex as well. As his friends and family team up to help fight the threat, there is a race for time as an ex-con terrorizes them while drawing them into his sick agenda.
When the tension is finally resolved, a bizarre twist to the story is revealed as yet another character is found to be harboring a dangerous secret.
This book successfully escorts the reader through the complications of relationships. There is an emphasis on the need to turn to God for help and strength, especially when it comes to issues of forgiveness. Many relationships are healed throughout the story and the reader is left with a deep sense of satisfaction and resolution.
The author speaks of the next book in the series and the wait for this book will be difficult as one anticipates joining this delightful family once again for the next great adventure.
I highly recommend Buried Truth to anyone who enjoys a gripping suspenseful romance, with a deep Christian message.
Reviewed by Barbara Horn
Writer
Dana Mentink’s new book, Buried Truth, published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, is an action-packed thriller that any reader will find difficult to put down. The book is well-written, is a fast read with believable characters, and has a gripping story line with many plot surprises along the way.
The reader is plunged immediately into the depths of suspense and mystery from the very first page and there is rare opportunity to come up for air as the intensity and danger build. In the first chapter, the tension mounts as the hero finds himself and everyone he loves in grave peril.
His reunion with a past girlfriend only serves to draw her into the vortex as well. As his friends and family team up to help fight the threat, there is a race for time as an ex-con terrorizes them while drawing them into his sick agenda.
When the tension is finally resolved, a bizarre twist to the story is revealed as yet another character is found to be harboring a dangerous secret.
This book successfully escorts the reader through the complications of relationships. There is an emphasis on the need to turn to God for help and strength, especially when it comes to issues of forgiveness. Many relationships are healed throughout the story and the reader is left with a deep sense of satisfaction and resolution.
The author speaks of the next book in the series and the wait for this book will be difficult as one anticipates joining this delightful family once again for the next great adventure.
I highly recommend Buried Truth to anyone who enjoys a gripping suspenseful romance, with a deep Christian message.
Reviewed by Barbara Horn
Writer
September 19, 2012
Bill Cloudman came back to Rockvale, South Dakota after his partner died eight months earlier. When he comes back, he notices a note with a knife dug through on his door and paint is on his walls. He finds out that his partner's murderer has escaped jail. His ex-girlfriend, Heather Fernandes, comes to get her job back and ends up almost dying by the escapees hands. Together, they catch the man while trying not to die or get their loved ones dead in the cross-fire.
This book was so good to read. There are some twists in it like when they found out that Leanne, Bill's sister, didn't overdose, but was murdered. Heather gets part of a message from her father and finds out that someone from her past is back.
Everyone should read this book. This book is a great second book after Betrayal in the Badlands. It is also good alone. She wrote the book as if it were a movie.
This book was so good to read. There are some twists in it like when they found out that Leanne, Bill's sister, didn't overdose, but was murdered. Heather gets part of a message from her father and finds out that someone from her past is back.
Everyone should read this book. This book is a great second book after Betrayal in the Badlands. It is also good alone. She wrote the book as if it were a movie.
July 5, 2011
I read the print edition and not the kindle version. I really enjoyed Buried Truth. This is a very fast paced read. The hero Bill Cloudman and the heroine Heather Fernandes are very likeable characters. You can't help but root for them and hope they overcome their struggles. I absolutely loved the complex bond between Heather and her mother. This story also has a truly evil and vicious villain, a true madman. There were enough twists and turns to suck you into the story. This is one of those stories that you find very hard to put down and stays with you even after you've finished it.
July 7, 2011
Pretty standard fare.
June 19, 2017
I appreciate the fact that this novel focuses on older protagonists - Bill is 45 and Heather is not much younger. The most satisfying part of the story was Bill's revelation of self-forgiveness for things beyond the lawman's control.
September 17, 2022
Book. Love Inspired Romance. Indian Reservation killing and trying to kidnap threaten many people.
March 15, 2025
Exciting and unusual second chance romance. Very good Love Inspired Suspense
September 7, 2012
Bill Cloudman is back in a small town in South Dakota after leaving the Tribal Rangers that patrol the local Indian reservation. He left in shame, knowing that he was responsible for the death of his partner, Johnny, when they were chasing a man who killed his wife and walked into a booby trap. Johnny’s father blames him for sloppy police work, and the rest of the town questions his reputation as well.
Heather Fernandes is back in town, too. She used to be Bill’s girlfriend, but left town after he arrested her for drunk driving. She went through rehab to beat her addiction to alcohol and is trying to rebuild her career as a newspaper reporter, covering small stories in a small town, hoping for her big break.
Oscar Birch is back in town as well. He escaped from law enforcement after his arrest for murdering his wife, and is intent on killing Bill. Bill arrested his son as well, and the boy was killed while resisting arrest. Nothing will satisfy him until Bill is dead, and if he has to take a few more people with him, well, that’s just too bad.
And just when you think that all the people who have run away from something are back in town, Heather’s mother shows up. A geologist, she left Heather and her father years ago, and has only contacted Heather once in all those years.
Buried Truth is a pleasant read that is well written and well plotted. While Heather doesn’t act completely like an alcoholic, her character is still that of a nice, wounded child trying to recoup from her mistakes and earn respect. Bill is the classic iron man who keeps his feeling hidden, but yearns for love and forgiveness inside.
The ending makes sense as pieces of the puzzle are put together. Some of those pieces could have been foreshadowed more to make them more believable. Heather could have read a book about geology and spent more time hunting for rocks as a way of filling the hole her mother left in her heart. They could have wondered about the clues more than once. Heather could have found an interesting rock earlier in the plot, and looked it up instead of remembering something her mother said in passing when she was six years old. It needed a few more “hmmmmm” moments to keep the edge.
This is a story about forgiveness and what a lack of forgiveness can do to torture a soul. It made several valid points on that subject. All in all, it was a pleasant read.
Heather Fernandes is back in town, too. She used to be Bill’s girlfriend, but left town after he arrested her for drunk driving. She went through rehab to beat her addiction to alcohol and is trying to rebuild her career as a newspaper reporter, covering small stories in a small town, hoping for her big break.
Oscar Birch is back in town as well. He escaped from law enforcement after his arrest for murdering his wife, and is intent on killing Bill. Bill arrested his son as well, and the boy was killed while resisting arrest. Nothing will satisfy him until Bill is dead, and if he has to take a few more people with him, well, that’s just too bad.
And just when you think that all the people who have run away from something are back in town, Heather’s mother shows up. A geologist, she left Heather and her father years ago, and has only contacted Heather once in all those years.
Buried Truth is a pleasant read that is well written and well plotted. While Heather doesn’t act completely like an alcoholic, her character is still that of a nice, wounded child trying to recoup from her mistakes and earn respect. Bill is the classic iron man who keeps his feeling hidden, but yearns for love and forgiveness inside.
The ending makes sense as pieces of the puzzle are put together. Some of those pieces could have been foreshadowed more to make them more believable. Heather could have read a book about geology and spent more time hunting for rocks as a way of filling the hole her mother left in her heart. They could have wondered about the clues more than once. Heather could have found an interesting rock earlier in the plot, and looked it up instead of remembering something her mother said in passing when she was six years old. It needed a few more “hmmmmm” moments to keep the edge.
This is a story about forgiveness and what a lack of forgiveness can do to torture a soul. It made several valid points on that subject. All in all, it was a pleasant read.
April 7, 2015
Badlands
Book 2
We met Bill Cloudman in the first book. His younger partner was killed while trying to capture a bad man. Bill helped the hero in the first book capture the son of Oscar when he was terrorizing a local rancher, the hero's current girlfriend. Bill is a Lakota Indian and lives on the reservation. He's still hurt over having to arrest his girlfriend for drunk driving and her abandoning him upon doing so. His sister died of a drug overdose, and he feels he can never love anyone again.
Meanwhile, Heather, the woman he loved, has returned to Eagle Rock's reservation when she hears that Bill has moved away to heal from his partner's murder. But when she returns, he's the first person she runs into and she finds herself having to face what she did to him in the past. But that's the least of her worries since a bad man is apparently after her. They learn that Bill's enemy, Oscar, has escaped and is coming after him - and those he loves - for revenge.
To be quite honest, I was just bored with this book. I put it down and picked it up several times. I enjoyed the last couple of chapters when there was a lot of action, and I enjoyed watching Heather and her mother heal from the past. But overall, I just didn't really enjoy this book...
Book 2
We met Bill Cloudman in the first book. His younger partner was killed while trying to capture a bad man. Bill helped the hero in the first book capture the son of Oscar when he was terrorizing a local rancher, the hero's current girlfriend. Bill is a Lakota Indian and lives on the reservation. He's still hurt over having to arrest his girlfriend for drunk driving and her abandoning him upon doing so. His sister died of a drug overdose, and he feels he can never love anyone again.
Meanwhile, Heather, the woman he loved, has returned to Eagle Rock's reservation when she hears that Bill has moved away to heal from his partner's murder. But when she returns, he's the first person she runs into and she finds herself having to face what she did to him in the past. But that's the least of her worries since a bad man is apparently after her. They learn that Bill's enemy, Oscar, has escaped and is coming after him - and those he loves - for revenge.
To be quite honest, I was just bored with this book. I put it down and picked it up several times. I enjoyed the last couple of chapters when there was a lot of action, and I enjoyed watching Heather and her mother heal from the past. But overall, I just didn't really enjoy this book...
March 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. I don't want to give the story away, but it is a inspired-love story-mystery. I liked this so much I did not to quit reading. The story line is well written and the characters are very interesting. One of the main people in this story was a Tribal Indian reservation police officer who lost faith in himself and God and leaves the force after some bad things happen. When he finds out the bad guy has returned he finally realizes he has to try to catch him and that he has to re-accept God back into his life and have faith before he can forgive himself and others, so he could love someone again.
September 17, 2011
Just finished reading Buried Truth by Dana Mentink. Considering the fact I am a fan of historical romance this Love Inspired Suspense was a bit outside the box for me. I loved it. Dana Mentink is an incredible writer. From page one I was transported from my quite couch at home in the Ozarks to the hills of South Dakota. Her three dimensional characters were so real I was drawn to them from the start. The twist and turns of their journey were unpredictable (good, good thing when you’re talking fiction romance) leading them to save the day as well as learn to forgive and heal.
March 6, 2013
The second half of this book was very very good and suspenseful! I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen if or anyone else would have to die. She had good topics of interest and facts included in the story. The story started a little slow, but the second half made up for it and I would like to try another of her books now! I say 3 1/2.
October 1, 2011
Could not put the book down! Dana is talented at creating deep characters with realistic problems and back stories that make them very human. The twists and turns kept me glued to the story. Great job, Dana!
March 19, 2012
This was written beautifully! I couldn't put it down and I ended up reading it in one sitting. The characters were very well developed. I loved this book! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves suspenseful books.
November 2, 2011
loved it, great action too,
April 30, 2012
This was action packed and full of suspense. I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series.
January 9, 2014
Wow! Faced paced, lots of suspense and mystery. Keeps you wondering until the end of the book why everything has been happening. Worth the read!
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June 15, 2016Forgiving one's self.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews