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The Monster of Silver Creek
TERROR HAS COME...
This small town in Prairie County, Montana, has been rocked to its very core with the brutal murders of four women. A serial killer, whose calling card is as unusual as it is twisted, is on the loose - and Police Chief Nathan Sommers is bent on stopping him at all costs.
While tracking the murderer, Nathan must battle his own demons as he tries in vain to cope with the death of his wife. He feels her dying was a direct result of his actions and is consumed with guilt.
His personal life becomes even more complicated when he meets Katie, the pretty new owner of the bakery. Nathan slowly builds a relationship with her, but still struggles with Jenny's death.
As Nathan closes in on the killer, everything in his life suddenly comes undone, forcing him to face his feelings for Katie as well as his love for his dead wife.
See the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM1QUt...
This small town in Prairie County, Montana, has been rocked to its very core with the brutal murders of four women. A serial killer, whose calling card is as unusual as it is twisted, is on the loose - and Police Chief Nathan Sommers is bent on stopping him at all costs.
While tracking the murderer, Nathan must battle his own demons as he tries in vain to cope with the death of his wife. He feels her dying was a direct result of his actions and is consumed with guilt.
His personal life becomes even more complicated when he meets Katie, the pretty new owner of the bakery. Nathan slowly builds a relationship with her, but still struggles with Jenny's death.
As Nathan closes in on the killer, everything in his life suddenly comes undone, forcing him to face his feelings for Katie as well as his love for his dead wife.
See the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM1QUt...
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2011
73 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Belinda G. Buchanan
10 books109 followersI am an author of character-driven women's fiction & mystery novels.
My stories are filled with angst, intimacy, despair, and hope. My women are not weak, and yet, my men are not always strong; you will also find that my characters aren't perfect - they are far from it, actually, because even heroes have a chink or two in their armor. It's what makes them human, and I find that fascinating.
I have written six novels to date: "After All Is Said And Done", "The Monster of Silver Creek", "Seasons of Darkness", "Tragedy at Silver Creek" , "Winter's Malice", and the recently released "The House on the Cliff".
Be sure and click on the video trailers to your left to get a sneak peek of what I'm talking about. <----
I love to chat almost as much as I like to write, so come visit me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Belinda.G.Buchanan.a...
Or hop on over to my website to learn about my newest releases and giveaways: https://belindagbuchanan.com
My stories are filled with angst, intimacy, despair, and hope. My women are not weak, and yet, my men are not always strong; you will also find that my characters aren't perfect - they are far from it, actually, because even heroes have a chink or two in their armor. It's what makes them human, and I find that fascinating.
I have written six novels to date: "After All Is Said And Done", "The Monster of Silver Creek", "Seasons of Darkness", "Tragedy at Silver Creek" , "Winter's Malice", and the recently released "The House on the Cliff".
Be sure and click on the video trailers to your left to get a sneak peek of what I'm talking about. <----
I love to chat almost as much as I like to write, so come visit me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Belinda.G.Buchanan.a...
Or hop on over to my website to learn about my newest releases and giveaways: https://belindagbuchanan.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 10, 2018
This was a very interesting and suspenseful book. The characters were flawed in many different ways which made them very relatable as well as likeable. The story revolves mainly about a hardworking, lonely and depressed sheriff trying to solve a series of murders while trying to keep his head above water with his department and town.
I found this book hard to put down and enjoyed it very much. I look forward to the second book in the series.
This book is very well-written and I highly recommend it to mystery and suspense lovers who enjoy a lot of character background and relationships throughout the story. I have rated this book 4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ stars.
I found this book hard to put down and enjoyed it very much. I look forward to the second book in the series.
This book is very well-written and I highly recommend it to mystery and suspense lovers who enjoy a lot of character background and relationships throughout the story. I have rated this book 4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ stars.
December 10, 2011
Just started the book this morning and already one fourth of the way done. Can't put it down. Easy to read, and u can almost feel the chief's frustration. Almost feel eyes watching as u read. A great read so far.
Just finished reading the book. Fast paced. Kept me guessing who the monster was right up til the end, but was not prepared for the ending. Good but sad!! Would recommend this book to anyone to read.
I received this book from GoodReads!!
Just finished reading the book. Fast paced. Kept me guessing who the monster was right up til the end, but was not prepared for the ending. Good but sad!! Would recommend this book to anyone to read.
I received this book from GoodReads!!
May 2, 2021
Wow!
A very good read. Some stories are very predictable but what you think is not what you get. Couldn't put it down.
A very good read. Some stories are very predictable but what you think is not what you get. Couldn't put it down.
December 2, 2011
THE MONSTER OF SILVER CREEK by Belinda G. Buchanan
10/11 – CreateSpace, 310 pages
Must we clear the ghosts of our past to live completely in the present?
Chief of Police Nathan Sommers is a man weighed down with an excessive amount of professional and personal baggage. He lost his wife and unborn child by making poor decisions that he has sworn never to repeat. Yet Nathan refuses to allow himself any forgiveness for his sins or move forward with a new relationship. He is taking care of the residents of Silver Creek, Montana to the best of his ability and worries for the residents and vacationers safety. This is especially true now that there is a murderer walking among them preying on young women. Nathan has made it his personal mission to find the person responsible for the brutal murders pay for what they have done.
Katie Winstead is new in town and giving herself a fresh start with her bakery business. Life may have given her some lemons but she has her grandma’s recipe to make lemonade so watch out. Meeting Nathan has been a fabulous but frustrating experience as he will not share his problems and keeps running from her questions as fast as he arrives. Katie is sure she can win him over but getting past the wall around his heart is proving to be a daunting task.
With the body count rising and the mystery creating havoc in this small town Nathan has to dig deep into every resource and stop these crimes. No clue makes sense, the women have no connection, and the pattern is not something the FBI can even help with.
Nathan treats every crime with the same respect and is beginning to see that he is a better person than he thought. His friendships run deep and the possibility of a relationship with Katie is within reach. Solving the murders and then working on his personal life are the order of priority but Nathan can feel himself among the living again after so much grief.
This book will scare you, entertain you, and make you think twice before opening the door to a stranger. The content is one to give you reason to question those that walk around us but it also shows that you can move past your own mistakes and forgiveness is possible.
10/11 – CreateSpace, 310 pages
Must we clear the ghosts of our past to live completely in the present?
Chief of Police Nathan Sommers is a man weighed down with an excessive amount of professional and personal baggage. He lost his wife and unborn child by making poor decisions that he has sworn never to repeat. Yet Nathan refuses to allow himself any forgiveness for his sins or move forward with a new relationship. He is taking care of the residents of Silver Creek, Montana to the best of his ability and worries for the residents and vacationers safety. This is especially true now that there is a murderer walking among them preying on young women. Nathan has made it his personal mission to find the person responsible for the brutal murders pay for what they have done.
Katie Winstead is new in town and giving herself a fresh start with her bakery business. Life may have given her some lemons but she has her grandma’s recipe to make lemonade so watch out. Meeting Nathan has been a fabulous but frustrating experience as he will not share his problems and keeps running from her questions as fast as he arrives. Katie is sure she can win him over but getting past the wall around his heart is proving to be a daunting task.
With the body count rising and the mystery creating havoc in this small town Nathan has to dig deep into every resource and stop these crimes. No clue makes sense, the women have no connection, and the pattern is not something the FBI can even help with.
Nathan treats every crime with the same respect and is beginning to see that he is a better person than he thought. His friendships run deep and the possibility of a relationship with Katie is within reach. Solving the murders and then working on his personal life are the order of priority but Nathan can feel himself among the living again after so much grief.
This book will scare you, entertain you, and make you think twice before opening the door to a stranger. The content is one to give you reason to question those that walk around us but it also shows that you can move past your own mistakes and forgiveness is possible.
September 22, 2017
OMG!!! WTF??? Are you fucking insane?? Why the hell would you do that shit? Holy shit!! I can’t fucking believe it!!! Never, never, never again will I read anything by this author!!
SPOILER!! SPOILER!! SPOILER!!
SHE KILLED THE HERO?
We even got to go to his funeral, watch Katie and Cheryl and Jack and Hoskins and Manning cry! He and Katie loved each other for chrissakes! WTH?
As to the narration: Awful!! Besides the hero getting killed that is, J. Bruce did nothing but read the book, no feelings, no emotions, no nothing. He never whispered or yelled or laughed or changed his tone at all. And males and females all sounded just alike. I couldn’t listen to him again. When Katie sounded exactly like Nathan the narrator should give up being a narrator or TRY harder. AND if you can’t read with any emotions whatsoever then something’s wrong. Horrible book and horrible narration!
SPOILER!! SPOILER!! SPOILER!!
SHE KILLED THE HERO?
We even got to go to his funeral, watch Katie and Cheryl and Jack and Hoskins and Manning cry! He and Katie loved each other for chrissakes! WTH?
As to the narration: Awful!! Besides the hero getting killed that is, J. Bruce did nothing but read the book, no feelings, no emotions, no nothing. He never whispered or yelled or laughed or changed his tone at all. And males and females all sounded just alike. I couldn’t listen to him again. When Katie sounded exactly like Nathan the narrator should give up being a narrator or TRY harder. AND if you can’t read with any emotions whatsoever then something’s wrong. Horrible book and horrible narration!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2012
‘The Monster of Silver Creek’ is a very good novel. I started this book on a Sunday afternoon and found myself stuck to it until bed time. The next evening I finished it off. From start to finish I enjoyed a swift storyline and compelling characters. This novel compares well with anything of the genre the print world offers.
Richly developed characters were the best part of the reading experience and made a few small lapses in plot tension nearly imperceptible. On the other hand, when threat and character collided, the tension crossed into nail biting territory.
Anyone who enjoys a cop / serial killer thriller with excellent romantic suspense will not be disappointed.
Richly developed characters were the best part of the reading experience and made a few small lapses in plot tension nearly imperceptible. On the other hand, when threat and character collided, the tension crossed into nail biting territory.
Anyone who enjoys a cop / serial killer thriller with excellent romantic suspense will not be disappointed.
January 2, 2012
Nathan Sommers, a widower, is Chief of Police of Silver Creek.He is haunted by his past and the loss of his wife Jenny. He mets Katie, who is the new bakery owner, and attempts to get to know her. Things are complicated for Nathan as he hunts for a serial killer while battling his feelings about his wife and Katie.
March 25, 2012
Heartwarming, frustrating, gripping, enticing, lots of suspense. I found this a very good book, i read it in 2 sittings, the twist was unexpected and came from no-where. It had both happy and sad elements. Very pleased i won it in the competion or i would have had no idea of it.
July 2, 2012
Great wring Belinda I couldnt put it down. Cant wait for more! =o)
December 29, 2014
The plot kept me interested and the ending was surprising. A great read!
March 17, 2023
Awesome murder mystery
The author had written the perfect murder mystery novel. This is the second book I've read by this author and I knew going in that the narrative would be exceptional. And it was...from the start. All the feels are felt, tears, love, sorrow, anger, guilt, and more wrapped in a mystery wound so well that I guessed wrong on the perpetrator. As the reader, you don't see it coming until it's in front of you! If you're me, you take stock of your own life, how it is, where it's going, where you want to be, and doing it all safely. When a deranged serial killer is on the lose, he's hard to catch even with great detectives. If you like this genre, buy this book.
The author had written the perfect murder mystery novel. This is the second book I've read by this author and I knew going in that the narrative would be exceptional. And it was...from the start. All the feels are felt, tears, love, sorrow, anger, guilt, and more wrapped in a mystery wound so well that I guessed wrong on the perpetrator. As the reader, you don't see it coming until it's in front of you! If you're me, you take stock of your own life, how it is, where it's going, where you want to be, and doing it all safely. When a deranged serial killer is on the lose, he's hard to catch even with great detectives. If you like this genre, buy this book.
October 20, 2020
Wow. I was actually prepared to give this at least four, if not five stars... until the ending. What an awful way to end a book!
The characters are great - flawed and realistic. The action and suspense capture you and keep you guessing.
I was planning to read to the next in the series, I'm just not sure I can do it now. Did I mention already what a HORRIBLE ending this book has?
The characters are great - flawed and realistic. The action and suspense capture you and keep you guessing.
I was planning to read to the next in the series, I'm just not sure I can do it now. Did I mention already what a HORRIBLE ending this book has?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
this is a local author in my town that I'd never heard of. I met her at a craft fair where she was selling books and she was absolutely the sweetest! signed books for both me and my mom. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next. I'll definitely be getting the rest of her books. She deserves more acknowledgment than she's gotten. Her books are on par with some of the best I've read!
February 14, 2018
I really enjoyed the monster of silver creek and want to read the next book but it didn't come up on my kindle
Let me know where to find the sequel and also after all is said and done. Thank you please respond.
Let me know where to find the sequel and also after all is said and done. Thank you please respond.
July 5, 2019
Wonderful
I enjoyed this completely. The characters are so lifelike and it was easy to drown into the storyline. I'm looking forward to reading the second book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
I enjoyed this completely. The characters are so lifelike and it was easy to drown into the storyline. I'm looking forward to reading the second book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
November 12, 2019
Thrilling
This book was good from the first page to the last, I was up all night to finish it. I was so engrossed in the characters and the story line was so good. The ending was so unexpected that I was speechless. I highly recommend this book.
This book was good from the first page to the last, I was up all night to finish it. I was so engrossed in the characters and the story line was so good. The ending was so unexpected that I was speechless. I highly recommend this book.
February 10, 2019
Disappointed in
The story is very well written but the ending ruined it. It seems like th author got tired and rushed to end it.. I was very disappointed.
The story is very well written but the ending ruined it. It seems like th author got tired and rushed to end it.. I was very disappointed.
May 13, 2012
i love this story, i got the mystery, the romance and really the ending is unpredictable and trustly make me sad arghh... why?
Overall, i love belinda's writing sytle even i thought the murder's scene was not written so detail, but that's good because as my opinion sometimes murder's scene was only a bad lesson for readers.
my short review :
nathan sommers is a police in silver creek who is facing 2 ghosts in his life : one is a murder of young girl and another is his dead wife. and now he has to battle the fear itself and decide to make a new life or remain mired in grief of losing a wife, can he especially when katie - a newcomer came into the city and his life? and also can he found the murder when there is no clue at all
Buku Genre suspense romance yang pertama kali aku baca setelah tergila-gila banget dengan HR dan PR ;)
Terus terang semua perasaan campur aduk wkt baca buku ini : penasaran, kesal dan sedih. Yg pasti suka krn aku tidak bisa berhenti membaca buku ini blm lagi tulisannya jg besar-besar jd asik untuk membacanya tp lagi-lagi aku hrs kecewa… T_T
Disini pengarang menceritakan ttg seorang polisi kota Silver Creek bernama Nathan Sommers yang harus menghadapi 2 monster dalam hidup nya yaitu :
Seorang pembunuh yang mengincar dan membunuh gadis-gadis yang lengah
Bayangan istrinya yang sudah meninggal - Jenny
Dpt dirasakan betapa besar kekecewaan Nathan sejak istrinya meninggal akibat kecelakaan dan juga karirnya yang semakin menurun dan selalu di cap tidak becus oleh atasannya yang tak lain adalah mertuanya sendiri.
Sampai akhirnya seorang wanita bernama Katty, pendatang baru di kota mrk membuat Nathan lgsg merasakan ketertarikan ketika pertama kali bertemu. Katty membuka toko bakery didepan station kepolisian tmpt Nathan bekerja.
Nathan selalu mencoba menghindari Katty dan berusaha mengingkari perasaan sukanya kpd Katty bahkan dia sgt marah kpd Cherry istri sahabat karibnya – jake yg jg serog polis ditmpt Nathan bekerja krn mencoba menjodohkan mereka. Cherry ingin mrk mengalami hal-hal seperti dulu lg, melihat mrk berpasang-pasangan : cherry dgn jake dan Nathan dgn Jenny. Yg hal ini jg di sambut baik oleh Jake krn tdk ingin Nathan terlalu terpuruk dan mencoba melupakan Jenny dan memulai hidup baru dan merasa kesel knp Nathan tdk mau menerima Jenny. Sampai akhirnya br diketahui oleh Jake, ternyata Nathan berselingkuh yg akhirnya membuat Jenny tewas dgn membawa kendaraan dlm keadaan sakit hati dan sedang mengandung shg membuat Jake sgt marah dan memukul Nathan habis-habisan dan bahkan msh tdk percaya bmgn Nathan bs berselingkuh terlebih krn mrk slg mencintai dan saat itu Jenny sedang hamil à ini yg benar-benar buat aku kesal setengah mati, hadeuh knp jg authornya musti tulis yg begini, tp mgkn menang hrs spt ini jalan crita yg hrs ditulis sang author dan ada benarnya kdg pepatah indo yg mengatakan rumput tetangga kelihatan lebih hijau dari rumput dihalaman sndr dan terkadang org dpt berbuat kesalahan yg akhirnya hanya bs disesali belakang.
Ketika akhirnya Nathan bisa melupakan masa lalunya dan mulai menerima Katty, sang pembunuh yg sdh berhasil membunuh 5 gadis akhirnya muncul dan menyandera Katty.
Berhasilkah Nathan menyelesaikan tugasnya yaitu menangkap pembunuh yg sdh begitu kejam membunuh 5 org gadis yg tdk berhasil dan jg menyakinkan Katty bahwa dia tdk dpt hidup tanpa Katty. Lalu sbtlnya apa yg membuat aku sedih di ending critanya, hem… terlebih ada kata-kata dibuku yang membuat hati ku sedih bgt… lupa ni, ntr klo ada buka bukunya lg baru aku post.
Walo kesal, marah sama si Nathan tp aku selalu berharap selalu ada kesempatan ke 2 bagi org-org yang mau berubah dan memulai hidup baru.
Tdk direkomendasikan bt yg tdk sk ada selingkuh2nya. Tp balik lg kependapat msg2, selain selingkuhan tsb, critanya bgs
Aku ksh 4 bintang
Overall, i love belinda's writing sytle even i thought the murder's scene was not written so detail, but that's good because as my opinion sometimes murder's scene was only a bad lesson for readers.
my short review :
nathan sommers is a police in silver creek who is facing 2 ghosts in his life : one is a murder of young girl and another is his dead wife. and now he has to battle the fear itself and decide to make a new life or remain mired in grief of losing a wife, can he especially when katie - a newcomer came into the city and his life? and also can he found the murder when there is no clue at all
Buku Genre suspense romance yang pertama kali aku baca setelah tergila-gila banget dengan HR dan PR ;)
Terus terang semua perasaan campur aduk wkt baca buku ini : penasaran, kesal dan sedih. Yg pasti suka krn aku tidak bisa berhenti membaca buku ini blm lagi tulisannya jg besar-besar jd asik untuk membacanya tp lagi-lagi aku hrs kecewa… T_T
Disini pengarang menceritakan ttg seorang polisi kota Silver Creek bernama Nathan Sommers yang harus menghadapi 2 monster dalam hidup nya yaitu :
Seorang pembunuh yang mengincar dan membunuh gadis-gadis yang lengah
Bayangan istrinya yang sudah meninggal - Jenny
Dpt dirasakan betapa besar kekecewaan Nathan sejak istrinya meninggal akibat kecelakaan dan juga karirnya yang semakin menurun dan selalu di cap tidak becus oleh atasannya yang tak lain adalah mertuanya sendiri.
Sampai akhirnya seorang wanita bernama Katty, pendatang baru di kota mrk membuat Nathan lgsg merasakan ketertarikan ketika pertama kali bertemu. Katty membuka toko bakery didepan station kepolisian tmpt Nathan bekerja.
Nathan selalu mencoba menghindari Katty dan berusaha mengingkari perasaan sukanya kpd Katty bahkan dia sgt marah kpd Cherry istri sahabat karibnya – jake yg jg serog polis ditmpt Nathan bekerja krn mencoba menjodohkan mereka. Cherry ingin mrk mengalami hal-hal seperti dulu lg, melihat mrk berpasang-pasangan : cherry dgn jake dan Nathan dgn Jenny. Yg hal ini jg di sambut baik oleh Jake krn tdk ingin Nathan terlalu terpuruk dan mencoba melupakan Jenny dan memulai hidup baru dan merasa kesel knp Nathan tdk mau menerima Jenny. Sampai akhirnya br diketahui oleh Jake, ternyata Nathan berselingkuh yg akhirnya membuat Jenny tewas dgn membawa kendaraan dlm keadaan sakit hati dan sedang mengandung shg membuat Jake sgt marah dan memukul Nathan habis-habisan dan bahkan msh tdk percaya bmgn Nathan bs berselingkuh terlebih krn mrk slg mencintai dan saat itu Jenny sedang hamil à ini yg benar-benar buat aku kesal setengah mati, hadeuh knp jg authornya musti tulis yg begini, tp mgkn menang hrs spt ini jalan crita yg hrs ditulis sang author dan ada benarnya kdg pepatah indo yg mengatakan rumput tetangga kelihatan lebih hijau dari rumput dihalaman sndr dan terkadang org dpt berbuat kesalahan yg akhirnya hanya bs disesali belakang.
Ketika akhirnya Nathan bisa melupakan masa lalunya dan mulai menerima Katty, sang pembunuh yg sdh berhasil membunuh 5 gadis akhirnya muncul dan menyandera Katty.
Berhasilkah Nathan menyelesaikan tugasnya yaitu menangkap pembunuh yg sdh begitu kejam membunuh 5 org gadis yg tdk berhasil dan jg menyakinkan Katty bahwa dia tdk dpt hidup tanpa Katty. Lalu sbtlnya apa yg membuat aku sedih di ending critanya, hem… terlebih ada kata-kata dibuku yang membuat hati ku sedih bgt… lupa ni, ntr klo ada buka bukunya lg baru aku post.
Walo kesal, marah sama si Nathan tp aku selalu berharap selalu ada kesempatan ke 2 bagi org-org yang mau berubah dan memulai hidup baru.
Tdk direkomendasikan bt yg tdk sk ada selingkuh2nya. Tp balik lg kependapat msg2, selain selingkuhan tsb, critanya bgs
Aku ksh 4 bintang
August 26, 2012
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Nathan Sommers is the police chief of a small Montana town and people are losing faith in the police as young girls are being murdered; their bodies being left along the lake. Not only do the police not have any leads, but they can’t even figure out the murder weapon as each victim has two small wounds about three inches apart over their hearts. The Mayor is breathing down Nathan’s neck to solve the case as it’s an election year and the murders have caused a severe drop in tourism.
While trying to figure out who is killing these young women, a new business owner in town catches Nathan’s eye. Katie has recently bought the bakery across from the police station. Nathan is interested in her, but can he get past the tragic loss of his wife and unborn daughter and the guilt he feels over it to be with Katie?
I thought this was a cute little story and it was a quick easy read. It did take me a little bit to get into it as I thought the beginning was a bit rough. I think that Katie and Nathan could have met in a better way. The dog ate my cat storyline seemed a bit corny to me. But once I got past that I did find myself enjoying the story.
I’m a person that doesn’t usually like a whole lot of flashbacks in my books, but I found that I actually enjoyed the ones Nathan was having. They really painted a story about Nathan and Jenny’s life and why he is so consumed with guilt. Although I would have liked to have seen the flashbacks, in the order they happened, slowly building up to the heart-wrenching end.
I liked the story, despite the fact that it was pretty obvious that Katie would eventually be taken by the killer and that Nathan would have to ride to the rescue or risk losing his new love forever. Sometimes it’s nice enjoying the journey, even though you know where the destination will lead.
But when I arrived at the destination there was a turn in the road that threw me for a loop. I was really expecting the happily ever after ending and was surprised and a bit disappointed when I didn’t get it. I think that alone is what keeps me from giving this book a higher rating. Yes, I know that not every book can end happily, but I really wanted this one to. Nathan has suffered so much and I just wanted to see that there is life after loss.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
Nathan Sommers is the police chief of a small Montana town and people are losing faith in the police as young girls are being murdered; their bodies being left along the lake. Not only do the police not have any leads, but they can’t even figure out the murder weapon as each victim has two small wounds about three inches apart over their hearts. The Mayor is breathing down Nathan’s neck to solve the case as it’s an election year and the murders have caused a severe drop in tourism.
While trying to figure out who is killing these young women, a new business owner in town catches Nathan’s eye. Katie has recently bought the bakery across from the police station. Nathan is interested in her, but can he get past the tragic loss of his wife and unborn daughter and the guilt he feels over it to be with Katie?
I thought this was a cute little story and it was a quick easy read. It did take me a little bit to get into it as I thought the beginning was a bit rough. I think that Katie and Nathan could have met in a better way. The dog ate my cat storyline seemed a bit corny to me. But once I got past that I did find myself enjoying the story.
I’m a person that doesn’t usually like a whole lot of flashbacks in my books, but I found that I actually enjoyed the ones Nathan was having. They really painted a story about Nathan and Jenny’s life and why he is so consumed with guilt. Although I would have liked to have seen the flashbacks, in the order they happened, slowly building up to the heart-wrenching end.
I liked the story, despite the fact that it was pretty obvious that Katie would eventually be taken by the killer and that Nathan would have to ride to the rescue or risk losing his new love forever. Sometimes it’s nice enjoying the journey, even though you know where the destination will lead.
But when I arrived at the destination there was a turn in the road that threw me for a loop. I was really expecting the happily ever after ending and was surprised and a bit disappointed when I didn’t get it. I think that alone is what keeps me from giving this book a higher rating. Yes, I know that not every book can end happily, but I really wanted this one to. Nathan has suffered so much and I just wanted to see that there is life after loss.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
February 16, 2013
This was honestly just the perfect book for me to read this week. A good thriller never goes astray and it has been a while. And even better, it's a standalone so there's no major backstory or foreshadowing of future events (even if there is apparently a sequel).
Most summers Silver Creek is a vacation getaway. Lots of tourists come in, money is made, and all is happy. However over the past month a serial killer has been leaving bodies next to the lake and there are no clues to the murder weapon let alone who it is.
Police Chief Nathan Sommers is trying his best to find the killer before another body is discovered. He's getting pressure from a local reporter . The mayor is concerned about his re-election later in the year and is saying that Nathan has 'lost his urge'. On top of this Nathan is dealing with personal problems
I liked that the murder investigation wasn't the only thing which the police concentrated on during the course of this book. At various times they had to deal with unpaid parking tickets, domestic arguments, bar fights, planning for Fourth of July celebrations, and strangers in the neighbourhood. Crime as a whole didn't stop while they investigated and that felt realistic to me (it bugs me that some thrillers have the police able to devote every single minute to chasing the killer - not realistic in a small town).
There was a romantic thread weaving through this (between Nathan and Katie) but we also heard events from other characters POV (Jack one of the deputies) which rounded this out. Things didn't proceed smoothly at all.
I didn't suspect who the 'monster' was but it didn't feel as though it had been 'sprung' on the reader. There were even clues dropped (when considered in hindsight). The ending was unexpected but it felt right.
A definite worthwhile read and I'll be looking out for this author's work to read again.
Most summers Silver Creek is a vacation getaway. Lots of tourists come in, money is made, and all is happy. However over the past month a serial killer has been leaving bodies next to the lake and there are no clues to the murder weapon let alone who it is.
Police Chief Nathan Sommers is trying his best to find the killer before another body is discovered. He's getting pressure from a local reporter . The mayor is concerned about his re-election later in the year and is saying that Nathan has 'lost his urge'. On top of this Nathan is dealing with personal problems
I liked that the murder investigation wasn't the only thing which the police concentrated on during the course of this book. At various times they had to deal with unpaid parking tickets, domestic arguments, bar fights, planning for Fourth of July celebrations, and strangers in the neighbourhood. Crime as a whole didn't stop while they investigated and that felt realistic to me (it bugs me that some thrillers have the police able to devote every single minute to chasing the killer - not realistic in a small town).
There was a romantic thread weaving through this (between Nathan and Katie) but we also heard events from other characters POV (Jack one of the deputies) which rounded this out. Things didn't proceed smoothly at all.
I didn't suspect who the 'monster' was but it didn't feel as though it had been 'sprung' on the reader. There were even clues dropped (when considered in hindsight). The ending was unexpected but it felt right.
A definite worthwhile read and I'll be looking out for this author's work to read again.
December 10, 2011
Nathan Sommers had great intentions when he allowed himself to be convinced to move to Silver Creek by his wife. She was expecting, wanted to be “home”, all the usual. He was in love with Jennifer and would move earth to make her happy. Until he met someone at his best friend’s wedding. That was going well until the local reported – always in love with Jennifer, never got a second glance – sent her photos. Nathan tried to stop her from leaving but she wouldn’t listen and wrapped the car arou9nd a tree, killing herself and her unborn child.
The fact that the Mayor of Silver Creek was Jennifer’s father didn’t help things any. Nathan could do nothing right and was thinking of leaving when the killings began. All alike in pattern, two punctures, 3” apart on each female victim. That is the only clue and the Mayor is getting very testy for an arrest.
Nathan and team are doing all they can along with the usual cat-up-a-tree reports, drunks wandering in the streets and the new bakery owner’s cat getting eaten by her neighbor’s dog. (She was NOT happy!) (Dog was!!) Nathan and his deputy, Jake, don’t need anything to get in their way, especially since Jake’s wife in nearly due to have their first baby and it making everyone especially nervous. Who is the murderer?
WARNING! This is a great book. But don’t plan on reading just a bit to put yourself to sleep. It won’t work. You’ll be up until 2:30 a.m. like I was today finishing it! Ms. Buchanan is a good storyteller. Her plots are well thought out, the “Who” will amaze you and the ending……well, let’s just leave it at that.
The fact that the Mayor of Silver Creek was Jennifer’s father didn’t help things any. Nathan could do nothing right and was thinking of leaving when the killings began. All alike in pattern, two punctures, 3” apart on each female victim. That is the only clue and the Mayor is getting very testy for an arrest.
Nathan and team are doing all they can along with the usual cat-up-a-tree reports, drunks wandering in the streets and the new bakery owner’s cat getting eaten by her neighbor’s dog. (She was NOT happy!) (Dog was!!) Nathan and his deputy, Jake, don’t need anything to get in their way, especially since Jake’s wife in nearly due to have their first baby and it making everyone especially nervous. Who is the murderer?
WARNING! This is a great book. But don’t plan on reading just a bit to put yourself to sleep. It won’t work. You’ll be up until 2:30 a.m. like I was today finishing it! Ms. Buchanan is a good storyteller. Her plots are well thought out, the “Who” will amaze you and the ending……well, let’s just leave it at that.
June 29, 2016
Police Chief Nathan Sommers is haunted by the death of his wife and unborn child. To make matters worse, a serial killer is on the loose in the picturesque resort town of Silver Creek. With personal and professional demons knocking at his door, Nathan struggles to find the killer and come to grips with his guilt over the death of his loved ones. Nathan also meets a woman he is attracted to, but his loyalty to his late wife makes the budding relationship difficult. When the serial killer ups the ante, Nathan finally manages to hunt him down and sadly, more tragedy ensues.
This is a fast paced murder mystery that keeps you turning the pages. I was taken with almost every character immediately and knowing this was book 1 in a series, made it all the more fun to read because I knew there was more to come.
Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however if I find an author whose work is exceptional, I will purchase their novels. That is the case with Ms. Buchanan’s work and I hope more Silver Creek books are in the works (see all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... )
This is a fast paced murder mystery that keeps you turning the pages. I was taken with almost every character immediately and knowing this was book 1 in a series, made it all the more fun to read because I knew there was more to come.
Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however if I find an author whose work is exceptional, I will purchase their novels. That is the case with Ms. Buchanan’s work and I hope more Silver Creek books are in the works (see all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... )
January 26, 2012
Luckily I started reading this early in the day because I couldn’t put it down until I was done! This story is full of mystery, suspense, guilt, love, reflection, and a whole bunch of other stuff that will have your emotions locked to the pages.
Nathan is a well-developed character that will have you feeling both hatred and hope. The flashbacks give you a deeper understanding of the man he was and the man he has become within the past couple of years. The secondary characters add so much depth to the story, but it really is a story about Nathan, so there doesn’t need to be too much depth to the information we need.
The murder mystery will keep you asking who and why throughout the entire book. When we get to the whodunit scene I was glued wide eyed and holding my breath. Without giving the ending away, I just have to say it’s refreshing to read a story that feels like a real ending instead of always the happily ever after for the main character.
Overall it’s a great, fairly quick, read that will have your attention from the first word until the last. There were a few errors, but nothing too distracting. This is a great read for you suspenseful types!
Nathan is a well-developed character that will have you feeling both hatred and hope. The flashbacks give you a deeper understanding of the man he was and the man he has become within the past couple of years. The secondary characters add so much depth to the story, but it really is a story about Nathan, so there doesn’t need to be too much depth to the information we need.
The murder mystery will keep you asking who and why throughout the entire book. When we get to the whodunit scene I was glued wide eyed and holding my breath. Without giving the ending away, I just have to say it’s refreshing to read a story that feels like a real ending instead of always the happily ever after for the main character.
Overall it’s a great, fairly quick, read that will have your attention from the first word until the last. There were a few errors, but nothing too distracting. This is a great read for you suspenseful types!
October 26, 2015
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; OCTOBER 26, 2015
Narrator: J. Bruce
The book wasn't much different from its B-movie-sounding title. It started off feeling like another run-o-the-mill serial killer story then it lost its way. Police Chief Nathan came off sounding more like a middle-aged woman than a 34 year-old male. While the plot did revolve around a killer in the town of Silver Creek, Montana, most of the story was about Nathan and his struggle to get over his wife's death, his guilt, and his romance with Katie.
I felt like I was listening to a book from the Women's Fiction genre. If you like those, and don't mind some murders thrown in, then Monster of Silver Creek should work for you. For me, it was mostly "wtf am I doing here?" It's not horrible despite the thriller cliches (Katie becoming the killer's target), just totally wrong for me as I was expecting a gritty police thriller, not a romance, though this book doesn't even qualify as a Romantic Suspense.
My conclusion, at the end of the book, is that the author needed to decide which genre she was writing for before she started.
Narrator: J. Bruce
The book wasn't much different from its B-movie-sounding title. It started off feeling like another run-o-the-mill serial killer story then it lost its way. Police Chief Nathan came off sounding more like a middle-aged woman than a 34 year-old male. While the plot did revolve around a killer in the town of Silver Creek, Montana, most of the story was about Nathan and his struggle to get over his wife's death, his guilt, and his romance with Katie.
I felt like I was listening to a book from the Women's Fiction genre. If you like those, and don't mind some murders thrown in, then Monster of Silver Creek should work for you. For me, it was mostly "wtf am I doing here?" It's not horrible despite the thriller cliches (Katie becoming the killer's target), just totally wrong for me as I was expecting a gritty police thriller, not a romance, though this book doesn't even qualify as a Romantic Suspense.
My conclusion, at the end of the book, is that the author needed to decide which genre she was writing for before she started.
February 5, 2016
I read Monster of Silver Creek straight through, finishing at 3 am. It was such a riveting story there was no way I was going to sleep if I put it down, and I'm glad I made that choice. I absolutely did not anticipate the ending, and it came as quite a shock. Author Buchanan is a master at creating unforgettable characters and her descriptions are so vivid, I felt I was in Silver Creek. The murderer was revealed in a surprising manner and while I can often figure out who did it, I was blindsided here – the writing was that good. No matter the story, in my opinion a book is always a bit better if it includes a cat, and Lance the cat becomes a part of this story. I'm eager to discover what Tragedy at Silver Creek (book 2 in the series), has to offer. Monster of Silver Creek is one of the best murder mysteries I've read in some time, and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys getting involved in the story.
~ Linda Thompson, Host of The Authors Show
~ Linda Thompson, Host of The Authors Show
April 12, 2016
Raced through this read. It played out in my mind almost like a Criminal Minds episode, the characters jumped off the page. Chief of Police, Nathan Sommers is tormented with grief after the death of his wife, something he is taking the blame for and has left him in a bit of a blasé state of mind. So when his small town is hit by a serial killer, he needs to bring his A game. In the midst of the investigation he finds himself getting close to new girl in town, Katie, which messes with his head. How can be be happy when he is still carrying around so much guilt? Can he find the killer and get the girl? Lots of twists and turns and an unexpected ending. Will be downloading the sequel.
December 22, 2016
This was an okay story, but could have been better with a good editor, starting with one who'd delete the much overused "immediately" and someone who knows the term APB is virtually extinct, and one who would point out scenes that didn't move the story forward enough to justify their existence.
POV switches weren't clear, and after a while, I wanted to shake Nathan, or get him fired. The ending might disappoint some, because readers like characters to redeem themselves. I have the second book in the series on my Nook, but I think I'll read a few other books before returning to Silver Creek. Not a "bad" book, but had potential to be much better.
POV switches weren't clear, and after a while, I wanted to shake Nathan, or get him fired. The ending might disappoint some, because readers like characters to redeem themselves. I have the second book in the series on my Nook, but I think I'll read a few other books before returning to Silver Creek. Not a "bad" book, but had potential to be much better.
July 26, 2012
Really an enjoyable read, it had such a good pace I felt I was part of the action.
March 10, 2013
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