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Peyton Risk Suspense Thriller #1
What’s His
When a serial killer strikes in Yellowstone National Park, leaving a mysterious trail of geothermal deaths, National Parks Officer Peyton Risk, solving homicides within the National parks, is summoned to hunt him down. With Peyton’s deep knowledge of the wilderness, she can track a killer as no one can. Yet this time, she may be walking right into a trap….
WHAT’S HIS (A Peyton Risk Suspense Thriller—Book 1) is the debut novel in a new series by mystery and suspense author Ella Swift.
Raised in the heart of the mountains by avid outdoors enthusiasts, Peyton followed in her parents’ footsteps and became an expert in the natural world. Until, at just 12 years old, an idyllic family camping trip in their favorite national park turned into a nightmare. Her parents were brutally murdered, the killer vanished into the wild, and the case went cold.
Despite being haunted by the unsolved deaths of her parents, Peyton turned her trauma into determination, studying environmental science in college and becoming a respected National Parks Officer. Peyton’s unique perspective blends an intuition for the outdoors with a sharp intellect that allows her to decipher secrets hidden within the parks—set on ensuring that no other family endures the same pain that hers did.
But will she find herself the next victim claimed in the park’s unforgiving wilderness?
A page-turning and harrowing thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured protagonist, the PEYTON RISK series is a riveting mystery, packed with non-stop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night.
Future books in the series are also available!
WHAT’S HIS (A Peyton Risk Suspense Thriller—Book 1) is the debut novel in a new series by mystery and suspense author Ella Swift.
Raised in the heart of the mountains by avid outdoors enthusiasts, Peyton followed in her parents’ footsteps and became an expert in the natural world. Until, at just 12 years old, an idyllic family camping trip in their favorite national park turned into a nightmare. Her parents were brutally murdered, the killer vanished into the wild, and the case went cold.
Despite being haunted by the unsolved deaths of her parents, Peyton turned her trauma into determination, studying environmental science in college and becoming a respected National Parks Officer. Peyton’s unique perspective blends an intuition for the outdoors with a sharp intellect that allows her to decipher secrets hidden within the parks—set on ensuring that no other family endures the same pain that hers did.
But will she find herself the next victim claimed in the park’s unforgiving wilderness?
A page-turning and harrowing thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured protagonist, the PEYTON RISK series is a riveting mystery, packed with non-stop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night.
Future books in the series are also available!
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2023
562 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 26, 2024
I liked this book but two glaring mistakes jumped out at me. In one instance the two agents are riding ATV's but one of them quits and they can't start it again. A bit later in the same scene the author wrote " as the two ATV's idled" hmm, one quit and couldn't be started again. The other instance the kidnapper throws the victim into the trunk of a vehicle but they learn it's a Ford Explorer which doesn't have a trunk but they search for it anyway! Spoiler alert -- kidnapper is caught with the victim and his Explorer. Also at the end of the book the ranger tells one of the agents it's hard to find the cabin on all of the back trails but as the story ends there are ambulances, police cars, and a fire truck arriving at that cabin.
Yeah, I'm kind of a stickler for details but to me these were obvious and should have been caught.
Yeah, I'm kind of a stickler for details but to me these were obvious and should have been caught.
February 2, 2024
not my favorite
I only finished this book because it was a short read. I found it rather boring, kind of hard to follow, with imagery that was hard to picture. There were WAY too many descriptors and often adjectives were consistently reused. I’m not even interested in read the sequel because I found it to be rather annoying and bland. If you want real suspense, go read Frieda McFadden.
I only finished this book because it was a short read. I found it rather boring, kind of hard to follow, with imagery that was hard to picture. There were WAY too many descriptors and often adjectives were consistently reused. I’m not even interested in read the sequel because I found it to be rather annoying and bland. If you want real suspense, go read Frieda McFadden.
April 22, 2025
An easy read with a quick pace throughout. I have the next book in the series so I'll try it to see if things improve.
If you're annoyed by main characters who make stupid decisions, you probably won't like Peyton because that seems to be all she does. There was a bit of backstory but not much time spent with the development of the case itself.
If you're annoyed by main characters who make stupid decisions, you probably won't like Peyton because that seems to be all she does. There was a bit of backstory but not much time spent with the development of the case itself.
July 11, 2024
What's his
This was a second book I've read by this author so far. I'm not sure what the problem here is, but it feels like this was written by someone else entirely. Can't remember the name of the first book I've read, but it was a huge difference in style. This must have been an earlier work. It can be compared at all. Usually, I'm really not stingy with the stars and book ratings, but I've expected a much better book. This feels like it was written by someone still going to high school. If this was an earlier work, I guess it's not fair to punish the author. She has definitely evolved then, I'll just have to pay attention to what series to read.
This was a second book I've read by this author so far. I'm not sure what the problem here is, but it feels like this was written by someone else entirely. Can't remember the name of the first book I've read, but it was a huge difference in style. This must have been an earlier work. It can be compared at all. Usually, I'm really not stingy with the stars and book ratings, but I've expected a much better book. This feels like it was written by someone still going to high school. If this was an earlier work, I guess it's not fair to punish the author. She has definitely evolved then, I'll just have to pay attention to what series to read.
November 23, 2025
What's His? More like what's this?
Wow. It's very clear this is a debut novel. There are multiple inconsistencies, honestly way too many to list. I just dont understand how these books get published when I could do a better job editing with zero training. The storyline was decent but the writing was not. Classic case of telling instead of showing.
Wow. It's very clear this is a debut novel. There are multiple inconsistencies, honestly way too many to list. I just dont understand how these books get published when I could do a better job editing with zero training. The storyline was decent but the writing was not. Classic case of telling instead of showing.
May 21, 2024
Decent, Quick Read
This was a decent and quick read but there were a lot of what I deem as plot holes…characters introduced but quickly removed from the plot, somewhat in a choppy manner. But if you just want a quick mystery, it satisfies the craving.
This was a decent and quick read but there were a lot of what I deem as plot holes…characters introduced but quickly removed from the plot, somewhat in a choppy manner. But if you just want a quick mystery, it satisfies the craving.
April 19, 2024
Quick, easy read! Not my favourite, not the worst!
January 27, 2025
For such a short book, it was a really good story. The characters were multi dimensional, there was a strong plot and a good, authentic ending
June 13, 2025
3.5 rating
3.5 Good story but some mistakes in the writing. Just not quite a 3 but not a 4 either .
3.5 Good story but some mistakes in the writing. Just not quite a 3 but not a 4 either .
August 1, 2024
I was eager to dive into "What’s His," anticipating a vivid exploration of Yellowstone National Park. Given that the book was free, I was hopeful that it would deliver both engaging storytelling and insightful descriptions of the park’s landscapes. Unfortunately, the novel fell short on both counts.
The setting of Yellowstone, which should have been a rich backdrop, was disappointingly underdeveloped. Rather than offering immersive descriptions of the park’s unique features and natural beauty, the book barely touched on its landscape. This was particularly disheartening for readers who, like me, were drawn to the novel for its promise of showcasing the park.
Moreover, the action sequences were alarmingly implausible. Without giving away spoilers, I can say that the events that unfolded were far from believable, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story. The exaggerated action scenes seemed out of place and undermined the narrative's credibility.
Additionally, the portrayal of the FBI agent and other law enforcement characters was riddled with errors. Their actions and decisions often seemed unrealistic, which further detracted from the story's believability and engagement.
On a positive note, the book's brevity and straightforward writing style made it an easy read. This was a saving grace, as it meant I didn't have to invest too much time in a disappointing read. Overall, while "What’sHis" had potential, it missed the mark in several key areas, leaving me quite unsatisfied.
The setting of Yellowstone, which should have been a rich backdrop, was disappointingly underdeveloped. Rather than offering immersive descriptions of the park’s unique features and natural beauty, the book barely touched on its landscape. This was particularly disheartening for readers who, like me, were drawn to the novel for its promise of showcasing the park.
Moreover, the action sequences were alarmingly implausible. Without giving away spoilers, I can say that the events that unfolded were far from believable, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story. The exaggerated action scenes seemed out of place and undermined the narrative's credibility.
Additionally, the portrayal of the FBI agent and other law enforcement characters was riddled with errors. Their actions and decisions often seemed unrealistic, which further detracted from the story's believability and engagement.
On a positive note, the book's brevity and straightforward writing style made it an easy read. This was a saving grace, as it meant I didn't have to invest too much time in a disappointing read. Overall, while "What’sHis" had potential, it missed the mark in several key areas, leaving me quite unsatisfied.
June 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because I enjoyed the vibe and this being a quick, intriguing read. There were several typos I came across, but I enjoyed the plot and suspense enough that I just let them slide. I also feel like some plot holes could have been closed had this been setup as a longer novel, but I’m still overall satisfied with this and will likely read the others in the series when I need future palette cleansers.
Peyton Risk has spent the last 5 years building her career in the FBI, but her tactics fail to follow protocol and she finds her self sent off to the National Parks Task Force. Although she is less than thrilled about this “demotion”, she is immediately thrown into a case for a missing senators daughter at Yellowstone and decides to do her best alongside O’Malley. With two women recently found murdered within 48 hours of their disappearances and one missing for 24 hours already, these two agents are working against the clock to rescue her.
Action
Suspense
Mystery
Chapters surrounding different characters
This one is under 200 pages and I read it in one sitting. I would like to have seen closure on a few of the persons of interest, but I’m also okay not knowing. If you’re looking for something quick and suspenseful with some action, this is a great choice. There are 5 total in the Peyton Risk series (so far).
Peyton Risk has spent the last 5 years building her career in the FBI, but her tactics fail to follow protocol and she finds her self sent off to the National Parks Task Force. Although she is less than thrilled about this “demotion”, she is immediately thrown into a case for a missing senators daughter at Yellowstone and decides to do her best alongside O’Malley. With two women recently found murdered within 48 hours of their disappearances and one missing for 24 hours already, these two agents are working against the clock to rescue her.
Action
Suspense
Mystery
Chapters surrounding different characters
This one is under 200 pages and I read it in one sitting. I would like to have seen closure on a few of the persons of interest, but I’m also okay not knowing. If you’re looking for something quick and suspenseful with some action, this is a great choice. There are 5 total in the Peyton Risk series (so far).
April 18, 2024
3 stars for the story, 1 star for the audiobook. I picked up this ebook for free on Amazon and found one platform that had the audiobook (hoopla), which should have been a red flag. But the narrator is a "synthesized voice" and it's terrible in so many ways. It starts out ok with a woman's voice, but every few minutes it goes very robotic with many mispronounced and awkwardly spoken words, and then back to a regular voice. The characters' voices all sound the same (including men sounding like women), the intonations are bad, emotionless, and inappropriate at times (she's yelling over the sound of an ATV and we don't hear her yelling, but practically whispering).
The next audiobooks are also narrated with a synthesized voice and the rest of the books in the series aren't free, so I won't be continuing this series. A shame, because serial killers in the national parks are right up my favorite plot alley.
The next audiobooks are also narrated with a synthesized voice and the rest of the books in the series aren't free, so I won't be continuing this series. A shame, because serial killers in the national parks are right up my favorite plot alley.
April 22, 2024
3.5 stars...(why doesn't goodreads do half stars? ) This was a pretty good start to a series. I liked the main characters, though I thought Risk as a last name was a bit over the top. FBI agent Peyton has been "demoted" to the National Park Service for her rash (risky...get it?) behaviour in apprehending criminals. She is paired with Sean to hunt down a serial killer who has kidnapped a senator's daughter in Yellowstone National Park before she too is killed. The rest of the story is like a police procedural where they uncover clues. The killer is so stereotypical that it was almost farcical. The epilogue was totally unnecessary for the most part, mainly a conversation with her foster father. But in the last two pages, Peyton does see something she has not noticed in 16 year (really?) in a photo of her parents the same day they were killed. I supposed that is setting up the next story, though I am not invested enough to get the next in the series.
May 10, 2024
FBI Agent Peyton Risk & partner search for a killer
Agent Risk is with the FBI. She successfully apprehend s a dangerous killer. Instead of praise, she is reprimanded for being reckless and demoted to a National Park Ranger liaison.
There have been women who had disappeared and later found horribly murdered in Yellowstone Park. There is another who has disappeared. This one a politicians daughter.
The book reads like most mysteries. Her thoughts and actions described. Her partner and the rest of the team well developed.
The dialogue is real and procedural and detection methods seem on point. Although, one scene seemed far fetched and unnessessary.
It appears this is a first of a series based in National Parks. The author described the park in its Spencer a d of some of the wildlife. Although, I would have wanted more.
Agent Risk is with the FBI. She successfully apprehend s a dangerous killer. Instead of praise, she is reprimanded for being reckless and demoted to a National Park Ranger liaison.
There have been women who had disappeared and later found horribly murdered in Yellowstone Park. There is another who has disappeared. This one a politicians daughter.
The book reads like most mysteries. Her thoughts and actions described. Her partner and the rest of the team well developed.
The dialogue is real and procedural and detection methods seem on point. Although, one scene seemed far fetched and unnessessary.
It appears this is a first of a series based in National Parks. The author described the park in its Spencer a d of some of the wildlife. Although, I would have wanted more.
May 21, 2024
I wanted to love this book because I love Yellowstone and the surrounding area and have spent a lot of time there. It was very obvious that the author has not. The timelines for things happening in this book just don't work when you know the area. The remote parts of the park are long drives from any towns with homes and the possibility of a health system's headquarters being close by is not good. The idea that the book's hero could go from Yellowstone to Virginia in the same day was not realistic. The author needs to do more research to include a more realistic time line for everything that happens.
I found the book to be poorly proofread also. A couple of instances of the wrong name being used and repetitive phrases.
The storyline was good and could have been great with a little more attention to detail.
I found the book to be poorly proofread also. A couple of instances of the wrong name being used and repetitive phrases.
The storyline was good and could have been great with a little more attention to detail.
September 5, 2025
I grew up outside Yellowstone National Park. I'm not sure the author has ever even traveled there. if you are going to use a real place for your setting atleast try to be authentic or just choose a random forest. YNP would never allow an RV outside of a campground. No one would be building their own cabin inside the park and no one would be living in it. No motorized vehicles on hiking trails. Hikers file backcountry permits. I could go on. I know it doesn't really matter but if you choose a real place, do your research. For me it detracts from the story.
The story had the same feeling as the setting--sloppy, rushed, and unauthentic. I'm 85 % through according to my kindle but I'm 100% finished. I don't even care enough to finish.
The story had the same feeling as the setting--sloppy, rushed, and unauthentic. I'm 85 % through according to my kindle but I'm 100% finished. I don't even care enough to finish.
April 21, 2024
I just read the first book in the Peyton Risk series, What's His. I'll probably read more in the series . There interesting and a fun easy read about FBI agent Peyton Risk who loved her job in Washington D.C. After capturing a wanted killer Peyton's superior is unhappy with her and transfers her to the Yellowstone National Park Service. There is a serious need for her there as two women have been murdered and one women is missing, a Senator's daughter. Peyton is partnered up with Sean O'Malley a wilderness survival specialist who first off doesn't appear to be happy with this partnership, but things change as the hunt for killer intensives.
April 23, 2024
Riveting drama
When all seems to be turning into a substantial losing situation things start to change for FBI agent Peyton. After successfully capturing a dangerous villain her immediate superior, who has never bothered to try and support her, arranged to shuffle her out of her FBI position and has her transferred to a Parks and Wildlife job instead. So begins a frightening case of young women being kidnapped and murdered. Can she and her new partner track down and find the killer or will more kidnappings and deaths occur. Follow the suspenseful actions as more is revealed.
When all seems to be turning into a substantial losing situation things start to change for FBI agent Peyton. After successfully capturing a dangerous villain her immediate superior, who has never bothered to try and support her, arranged to shuffle her out of her FBI position and has her transferred to a Parks and Wildlife job instead. So begins a frightening case of young women being kidnapped and murdered. Can she and her new partner track down and find the killer or will more kidnappings and deaths occur. Follow the suspenseful actions as more is revealed.
June 24, 2024
It had an interesting storyline but wasn't very well written. Of course, part of that could have been because I couldn't relate to the character. She wasn't very professional at her job. She and her partner had an awkwardly written relationship. She acted more like a new high school graduate than a woman who's been in the FBI for years. Add in that she was texting while driving and had a loved one pressuring her to date and start a family, and this was not even close to my favorite read. Maybe other people feel they can relate more to her and the story. I could not.
March 6, 2025
Enjoyable. There are several other books written with somewhat the same premise, so I didn't find much suspense in it, but there were still moments that were new to this book alone. It was a quick, easy listen while working around the house. It doesn't take much effort to grasp the story, so even if you are interrupted for a bit, you can easily pick right back up where you left off. (That's not necessarily good as it means there's a lot of filler. However, if you are looking for an easy listen, this will work.)
Recommended 👍
📚 📚📚
Recommended 👍
📚 📚📚
August 3, 2025
Risk
The story is clean. It is also simple.
However, the author has taken liberties with the subject of national parks. Obvious as the first few times the NPS is mentioned it is mislabeled as the “National Parks Service.” It is actually the National Park Service. It is also written that a new officer gets to a park and hops on an atv without training. There are a number of other things written about Yellowstone National Park that lead the reader to believe that anything goes in the park. The author would do well to do better research so the writing is not misleading.
The story is clean. It is also simple.
However, the author has taken liberties with the subject of national parks. Obvious as the first few times the NPS is mentioned it is mislabeled as the “National Parks Service.” It is actually the National Park Service. It is also written that a new officer gets to a park and hops on an atv without training. There are a number of other things written about Yellowstone National Park that lead the reader to believe that anything goes in the park. The author would do well to do better research so the writing is not misleading.
March 3, 2024
Very interesting
Very good book. It will pull you in from the beginning and not let up until the last paragraph. The characters are pretty true to life and it feels like you are there with them. A twist at the end will get you. Peyton goes from the FBI to the National Forest Service and she feels like she has been demoted. She wants to hunt serial killers and feels like the NFS is not the place to do it. She is in for a big surprise!
Very good book. It will pull you in from the beginning and not let up until the last paragraph. The characters are pretty true to life and it feels like you are there with them. A twist at the end will get you. Peyton goes from the FBI to the National Forest Service and she feels like she has been demoted. She wants to hunt serial killers and feels like the NFS is not the place to do it. She is in for a big surprise!
April 23, 2024
Unlike a similar series by Claire Kells, this book’s FBI agent does not seem as fully developed. And this book’s case becomes a predictable trail of tracking down unlikeable suspects with motives, but with alibis. The time ticks for the fate of a senator’s daughter, but much like a typical drama, the resolution produces a case solved just in the nick of time. And unlike the other series, the details, grandeur, danger, and wonder of the parks are hardly more than a back drop.
April 23, 2024
Two women have already been abducted and found murdered; now the senator's daughter is missing. Peyton Risk, a former FBI agent, has become a part of the National Parks Service task forces formed to help find the missing girl and track down the killer. With the clock ticking, Peyton and her new partner, Sean, must work quickly to prevent another tragedy.
The plot was serviceable, but Peyton was a difficult character to like.
The plot was serviceable, but Peyton was a difficult character to like.
May 20, 2024
Loved it.
A realistic and meaningful story line work well formed characters and down descriptions of the scenery and surroundings.
I couldn't keep feeling that some of the detailed action was a bit contrived and slightly forced, but that did not distract from the overall enjoyment.
The inevitable hint at the main characters eventual romance was evident from the instant dislike they took to each other at the outset.
On balance , read worthy!
A realistic and meaningful story line work well formed characters and down descriptions of the scenery and surroundings.
I couldn't keep feeling that some of the detailed action was a bit contrived and slightly forced, but that did not distract from the overall enjoyment.
The inevitable hint at the main characters eventual romance was evident from the instant dislike they took to each other at the outset.
On balance , read worthy!
May 13, 2025
Good book in general. Caught me up pretty quick. My concern? I listened to the audio book and unfortunately it’s read by AI. And a very poor one at that. Many mispronunciations. Mun-DAY-nee (mundane.) Un-WAH-shed (unwashed.) The antagonist (I assumed it was Charon from mythology) was at times SHARE-on (as in the name Sharon.) CHAR-on (as in char meaning burnt.) and KARE-on (as the name Karen.) I could go one but you get the point. Also many instances of improper voice inflection.
September 17, 2025
Hey, I'm Elaine, an editor at Novelsnack. Your book "What’s His" is truly captivating! We’d love to introduce your books to our readers with competitive royalties and solid performance bonuses. Would you be open to a quick chat?
Additionally, we’re currently hosting a suspense writing competition with attractive cash prizes for the winners! Your work aligns perfectly with what we're looking for, and we would be thrilled to have you participate!
Additionally, we’re currently hosting a suspense writing competition with attractive cash prizes for the winners! Your work aligns perfectly with what we're looking for, and we would be thrilled to have you participate!
January 22, 2024
I listened to this, and I’m not sure if it was read by AI or if the person was inexperienced, but the same word was pronounced multiple (incorrect) ways within a sentence or two. I thought it was a fluke at first, but it happened over and over and over. It was ridiculously distracting, and I couldn’t enjoy the book.
June 21, 2024
Can they rescue Elisabeth?
Women are disappearing and then 48 hours later they are found dead. Peyton is moved from the FBI office and sent to Yellowstone Park as punishment for being reckless. This case falls under her jurisdiction and her new partner acts like he hates her.
The characters are developed nicely. The plot is a little different, but you keep turning the pages.
Women are disappearing and then 48 hours later they are found dead. Peyton is moved from the FBI office and sent to Yellowstone Park as punishment for being reckless. This case falls under her jurisdiction and her new partner acts like he hates her.
The characters are developed nicely. The plot is a little different, but you keep turning the pages.
June 27, 2024
A killer on the loose
Someone is murder p young women in Yellowstone Park and Peyton has to find the killer before someone else dies. But can she work with her new partner Sean as he seems so distant & aloof? They need to work together to save a young women but all the clues aren't leading them to find her. Will they find her in time? A good read
Someone is murder p young women in Yellowstone Park and Peyton has to find the killer before someone else dies. But can she work with her new partner Sean as he seems so distant & aloof? They need to work together to save a young women but all the clues aren't leading them to find her. Will they find her in time? A good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews