Film actress Jamie Riedel was barely a teenager when, while on a camping trip, she witnessed the brutal murder of her father. Fourteen years later, Jamie returns to Jackson Ridge to settle up the estate of her estranged mother. Soon after her arrival, a note appears on her door: 'I saw you in the woods today.' Now Jamie is questioning if the right man was sent to prison for her father's murder. Helping her to answer that question is childhood friend, Deputy Chief Gage Hansen. He's more than willing to find the truth that will finally bring Jamie peace in her life, but at what cost? A nasty divorce from his cheating wife has made Gage gun-shy when it comes to relationships, especially with beautiful women who use their feminine wiles to get what they want in life. His defenses start to crumble once he learns that most of the stories he's read about the starlet are lies, and that Jamie is basically the same girl he had a secret crush on when they were best friends. They live in two separate worlds, though, and Gage knows he could never fit into her celebrity lifestyle. When it becomes apparent that someone in Jackson Ridge will go to any lengths to get rid of Jamie, the pair risks everything to solve the fourteen-year mystery that's haunted the town.
Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith including the award-winning and best-selling Wounded Heroes Series, Fire and Ash and Out of the Darkness. When she isn't working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends. A former Oklahoma native, she now resides in Kansas. Look her up on social media. She loves to hear from her readers!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very engaging, interesting and enjoyable. The story pulls you in from the first paragraph and never lets go. Definitely worth your time.
Romance, suspense, mystery and more all woven into a really good story.
This is the second book by Anne Patrick and narrated by Leonor A. Woodworth that I have listened to, and it was just as entertaining and enjoyable as the first book. They make a great team.
Leonor A. Woodworth did a great job with the narration. Pleasant voice easy to listen to for long periods of time. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Good character voices. She was able to convey all the emotions of the characters. The characters and the story come to life through her narration.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Anne Patrick and will be sure to read other titles she has written.
I was totally invested in the story and the characters were well written. The story was interspersed with romance amidst the suspenseful moments and, though there was no sexual content, the chemistry between Jamie and Gage leaped from the pages. There was a perfect balance between suspense and enjoyable, light-hearted moments which made the story a delight to read.
Usually I can guess the murderer , but I was surprised at the ending. This story was good and kept me coming back to read. Will read more of Anne's books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read by Anne Patrick. The book was filled with everything I need to get me interested and keep me interested. There is suspense, romance and characters you really learn to like. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Jamie’s father was murdered 14 years ago, would like to find answers and move on. Back in town to settle her mother’s estate. Deputy Gage is wanting to help her, and secretly in love with her for years. Well Done
Totally loved everything about the book; story, characters, ending. Everything worked together and was interesting and believable. I will be able to recommend it to family and friends.
What a great story and written in such a way that she captured my attention from beginning to end. I could not put the book down . I would recommend this book.
Anne Patrick is becoming my favorite romantic suspense author! I love the way she weaves her Christian faith into the lives of her people. Keep it up, Anne!
4 1/2 Jackson Ridge is someplace actress Jamie Riedel left behind, along with the difficult memories. Fourteen years ago, while camping with her father, they’re attacked by someone wearing a ski mask. She was wounded but her father was killed. Not long after that her mother sent her away to live with her grandma, but never understood why her mother did that. When her mother passes away, she returns to Jackson Ridge to settle her estate. It's not long before Jamie finds out, by way of a note on her door, that someone doesn't want her there, but why? Deputy Chief Gage Hansen has always had feelings for Jamie but a cheating wife and ugly divorce has made him apprehensive about opening his heart again, especially to Jamie after reading the stories about her life. But as they work together to find the truth about the past as well as the threats she's now receiving, he finds she’s very much the same girl he remembers. They also discover that their feelings for each other are still very strong. Can two people on very different paths form a future together? The road ahead will have a few unexpected curves and just might result in a 'dead' end if they’re not careful.
I have read most, if not all, of Anne Patrick's books and I can honestly say that none have ever disappointed me. Murder at Black Lake was no exception. Although this was not really an 'edge of your seat' type story, it was full of mystery and intrigue and I will say that there were a couple of places where I held my breath. All the characters were very well drawn. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Jamie and Gage. Jamie was strong yet vulnerable. She had achieved success by the world’s standards but she never felt truly fulfilled. Gage was the perfect combination of strong and tender. I liked the fact that even though he had been badly hurt he didn't become hardened by it. I loved the interaction between them. It was fun and romantic and I appreciated that there wasn't a lot of angst. It made it a pleasure to read. I also appreciated that each had a personal faith that was evident in how they lived. That always encourages me. Gage's sister Mallory was someone I enjoyed getting to know. I would love to see a story with her as the lead and find out what happens with her and Cade. As I closed the book, I was reminded that the conclusions we draw about certain situations are not always correct, so we need to be careful to gather the complete truth before making a judgment. Wow, that was food for thought. If you enjoy a good romantic mystery with a side of suspense, then I would definitely recommend a trip to Jackson Ridge. Do be careful, I hear there's been a little trouble there lately.
*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
For more information about this book or other books by Anne Patrick I encourage you to visit her website at: www.annepatrickbooks.com
Anne Patrick is quickly becoming one of my favorite romantic mystery writers. I thoroughly enjoy the characters she creates and the story that she weaves, without having the pages filled with vulgarity.
The story unfolds as Jamie Riedel returns to Jackson Ridge to settle her mothers estate. Something menacing raises the hairs on her neck the first day as she goes to visit the spot where her father was killed only to run into long time friend Gage Hansen. Reuniting with the Hansen family, Jamie tries to understand why her mother abandoned her after her father was murdered and get some answers . When somebody tries to run Jamie off, Gage and Jamie look deeper into the murder to find out who really killed her father. As they look for answers, Gage rekindles his love for his childhood friend.
Leonor Woodard narrates this story very well. I like her range of voices and smooth reading.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
I gave this book 5 because the story line kept me on my toes , and the relationships between the characters of the book were really great . Jamie had experienced a lot of trauma early in her life with the tragic death of her dad , and her almost being killed. After the death of her father her mother sent her to live with her grandmother . Because of her grandmother's support Jamie was able to follow her dream of being an actress , and winning an Oscar . When she came home to prepare her mom's home to be sold her life to took a menacing turn . Someone wants her dead. As the story unraveled Jamie was able to see exactly what had transpired to cause her mother to become an alcoholic . Her renewed relationship with Gage and his family gives her lots of support and helps her learn to forgive.
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
This was an interesting read. It was quick and held my attention. When I first started reading this book I was unsure whether I would like it or not. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I hope to come across more books from this author in the future. The author has a way with words that makes it easier to imagine all that she writes about in the book. A good read.
I loved the story line. It wasn't what I would call a fast-paced, page-turner, but I loved how God was in every aspect of the story and no matter what a person chooses for their career, they can still be a Christian and stand up for what's right.
Anne Patrick doesn't disappoint. A bit of mystery, a bit of romance and a good dose of entertainment. Liked the twist toward the end...didn't see it coming.
This was a great read, from beginning to end. You can really connect and feel at home with the characters. Suspense was good, and ended in no way that I would have anticipated. I enjoy a good clean read, and look forward to reading more of this author's books