Sinister Returns

by Rachel Fitzjames

A new town is just what the doctor ordered.

When injury-prone librarian Charlotte Whitmore sprains her wrist on fuzzy pink handcuffs, she’s forced to deal with one of her greatest annoyances—doctors—in the form of Dr. Sawyer Thorne. And when he happens to rent the house next door a few weeks later, there’s no escaping the sparks between them, even if she can’t stand his profession.

Sawyer Thorne never quite lives up to his parents’ expectations, so leaving the hospital that’s his father’s domain for a new job in a new town gives him the chance of a lifetime—an escape from the past. And getting to know the mysterious woman from the emergency room who lives next door is icing on the cake.

But when Charlotte starts digging into a series of suspicious fires throughout town, someone else takes notice of her investigation.

Someone who will do anything to make sure those secrets stay buried.

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 16, 2026

About the author

Rachel Fitzjames is the author of a contemporary romantic suspense series set in the fictional town of Spruce Hill, NY. She started writing on her brother’s ancient computer back in the early 90s and never looked back, though her first short story about an underground cat thievery ring was sadly lost. With a degree in geography inspired by wanderlust, Rachel has a keen appreciation for the escape that the romance genre allows. She is a lifelong resident of Western NY and created Spruce Hill in order to give a little bit of home to all of her characters.

Reviews

[Bailey (Myveinsbleedink) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! 📕 I think Sawyer might be my favourite MMC of the Spruce Hill books I’ve read. He is just so darn genuine and loving and he’s a natural caregiver. He’s per much perfection wrapped in a sexy doctors coat. I liked Charlotte, I loved her passion for knowledge and her unrelenting curiosity. The fact that she’s a librarian made me love her even more.
I found this story was a bit on the tame side as far as Rachel’s previous romantic suspense novels. I didn’t get caught up in the build up like I have before. Still a beautiful love story and was fun to see some familiar names.
Solid 4 ⭐️. Thanks to Rachel for the eArc.

[Jessica Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC review - Thank you, Rachel, for the advanced read.

This is book 6 in the Spruce Hill series but was great as a standalone! If you like a meet-cute, some spice, an accident prone librarian, a hot doc, the closeness of a small-town and chosen family, and a HEA with a bit of mystery and suspense thrown in, along with some pups, then this read is for you!

Charlotte lives up to all the librarian stereotypes- clumsy, wants to research things that pique her interest, wears cute book-themed dresses, but is not afraid to tell you what she wants in the bedroom. Sawyer lives up to all the MMC energy that gives you unrealistic expectations in your own partner. Sweet, caring, reads people well and knows exactly when to give space or physical touch. Not to mention, nicknamed Dr. Hottie and with blue eyes and golden hair, he's definitely my new book crush.

Their story draws you in as fate (or a sneaky mutual acquaintance) brings them together multiple times that you forget this is also a suspense until it pops up. I didn't have a clue who the suspect was and was surprised when I found out. Then I was feeling let down by the quickness of it, but Rachel got me again as it continued on! It did not disappoint!

Definitely a solid 4 star read for me, and already planning to go back and read books 1-5 now!

[Ashley Kilgore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving Sinister Returns by Rachel Fitzjames a solid 4 stars!

I usually gravitate toward romantasy, fantasy, and dark romance, so picking up a small-town romance/suspense was a bit of a change of pace for me — but I’m so glad I did. From the very beginning, this story pulled me in, and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.

The small-town atmosphere mixed with the suspense elements kept the tension steady without overshadowing the romance. I especially loved both Sawyer and Charlotte as characters. They felt well-developed, relatable, and emotionally layered. Watching their relationship unfold and naturally develop throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. The way their connection built over time made the romance feel authentic.

Overall, this was an engaging, well-paced read that surprised me in the best way. If you’re looking for a romance with a touch of suspense and strong character development that feels real, this one is definitely worth picking up!

Thank you so much Rachel for the eARC!

[Taylorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

i knew i’d enjoy this book based on the dedication… it was a small town suspense romance taking place in the fictional town of Spruce Hill. it involves local librarian Charlotte and new in town doctor Sawyer, some 4 legged puppy friends and some entertaining side characters. i really enjoyed the suspense plot and it had me guessing until the end. it was a tad insta lovey and it had a mild third act break up which typically isn’t my favorite but i think they were done really well! the book was mild/ moderate spicy, lots of swoony behavior from our male MC, typical small town charm and all wrapped up nicely in the end. thank you Rachel for the early ARC and i look forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Zoe Costley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 glowing stars! ⭐️
I loved diving into another ARC from Rachel Fitzjames — she makes Spruce Hill feel like a place I could genuinely live in. The friendships in this story are so heartfelt and loyal that they blur into family, and that’s something Rachel writes better than almost anyone. I’m completely invested in the love stories she builds, and this one had me turning pages way too late at night.

My only (very small!) hesitation was the use of the word “angel,” which just isn’t a term I personally vibe with. But honestly, that’s such a minor thing in an otherwise beautifully written, emotionally rich book. I can’t wait for whatever she writes next.

[BreezyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this was a romance with spice and a mystery woven in — such a fun combo. And honestly, who doesn’t love a book that includes foster puppies?
Overall, this was a great read! I personally would’ve loved a bit more of a slow burn because they jumped into the spicy stuff pretty quickly. I also wouldn’t have minded a little more drama… but that may just be a personal issue of mine lol.
The chemistry was definitely there, and the mystery kept things interesting.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

At least 7 nicknames, and an FMC that everyone loves enough to keep adding nicknames to the list? Yes please, count me in! I absolutely adore Spruce Hill, and every time I finish a new book in this town, I'm already ready to dive back in.

This series has so much going for it - sweet romances that you can't get over, couples who always end up so down bad for each other if they don't start out there immediately, and a suspense element that keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next and trying to find out who-dun-it. With this book specifically, we have an injury prone librarian (Ehlers-Danlos potentially, but yay obnoxious doctors, so unconfirmed) and Dr. Hottie (just in case you wanted another nickname) who have the absolute best chemistry. And for your suspense? Let's add in a touch of arson. If that isn't enough for you, toss in a couple of absolutely adorable pups for good measure!

So if anyone needs me - I'll now be over here in the corner pining for my town until I'm allowed to come back for a new mystery!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my absolute favorites and it just keeps getting better! I love love love Charlotte and Sawyer.

Their first encounter had me chuckling. Charlotte ends up hurting herself in a very…interesting way and finds herself in the office of Dr. Thorne. While she’s waiting for him to arrive, he overhears her talking on the phone complaining about waiting on the goddam doctor. He walk in and says, "I'm the goddamn doctor, though most patients just call me Dr. Thorne.”😂 Sawyer (Dr. Thorne) moves to Spruce Hill for a fresh start. He accepts a job at the clinic in the small town and to his delight surprise he discovers that his new neighbor is non other than the woman with the mystery sprain that he couldn’t get out of his head. I love their awkward encounters and how smitten they both are with each other and the added suspense makes it that much better!

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the chemistry between Charlotte and Sawyer. Sawyer is the ultimate cinnamon roll. He always has Charlotte’s best interest. He is mature enough to know what he wants and doesn’t want from his family and his relationships. Charlotte is the librarian that loves her job, has a great supportive group of friends, and loves dogs and Sawyer too.
The mix of romance and suspense was great and the mystery was not obvious. In fact, the person responsible for the fires was shocking.
If you enjoy small town romance with a side of suspense you will love this steamy romance!

[Nifer Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐3🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person 371pgs
Charlotte and Sawyer
We've got a meet-cute, but with sass. They have a sweet story. The suspense in this one was a low simmer with a couple peaks until the near end. I loved how everyone had a different nickname for Charlotte, and not just one, but they usually had multiples.

[taylor winstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up all night long reading this book. I was obsessed and infatuated!! I couldn’t stop. Charlotte say never captivated my attention so quickly. I was invested from the first time we meet Doctor Stern!
There was so much where I never knew what was going to happen next and I was so invested in the ride! I can’t not recommend this book enough you will not be disappointed I promise! 💙🖤💙🖤

[Zara Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. will be buying a copy when its available. Keep up the good work.