Vickie Watts
A fast-paced and intriguing mystery involving a Natchez Trace ranger who is also an historian and her former fiancé who is a law enforcement ranger. Emma doesn’t like it when Sam is assigned to investigate the case after someone shoots at her in the park early one morning. But since Sam is tasked to keep her safe, Emma just has to suck it up and go along with his constant presence. Unfortunately, there is someone else who has Emma in his sights, someone who is totally obsessed with her. Sam can’t keep her safe unless he can figure out what his really happening and the twists and turns in this book are rampant. I enjoyed meeting Emma and Sam and how they interacted with each other. It was apparent from the beginning that Sam was still smitten with Emma, but Emma wanted nothing to do with him. There are several layers of mystery here, including the disappearance of Emma’s twin brother Ryan and the death of Ryan’s girlfriend Mary Jo. The historical part of the story deals with a cemetery for slaves and that in itself was interesting. I loved how the deeper Emma dug into the cemetery, the more that was revealed from past mysteries and the more intrigue about the present. The story was complex but not hard to follow since the clues to the killer were clearly laid out. I did not guess the perpetrator because there were a lot of red herrings, but I did understand all of the clues once the identity was revealed. My kind of mystery! This book gave me just the right amount of chills and thrills and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Although the book is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone and it is a good, clean read! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #RevellReadsBloggerProgram via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Betti Mace
How many more people would die before this person was caught? The author has once again captured the reader with a mystery that requires intense concentration in order to even try to figure out who the perpetrator is. Emma and her twin brother Ryan had just celebrated their 21st birthday when he went missing. Years later there is still no body, no murderer and no closure! Emma’s job on the interpretive side of the National Park Service has her surveying old slave quarters and a cemetery. When illegal digging occurs, shots are fired and attempted murders happen, law enforcement steps in. Who is the project backer that doesn’t want anything disturbed? Why is she suddenly the target of a stalker? Sam Ryker works on the law enforcement side of the National Park Service. Cold cases are not usually within their jurisdiction, but when evidence is found regarding the missing person from years earlier, the case is reopened. Original reports are missing requiring further investigation. Suddenly there is more information that has been overlooked all these years. Will answers finally be found? This ARC of Natchez Trace Park Rangers, #2 was received through Revell, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. The rating, impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Marilyn Johnson
This is book two in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, however I feel it is a stand alone book. I had no idea it was part of a series till I went to write my review and had no problem knowing what was going on. Now that I know I probably missed a good read and a little history but nothing major. Emma Winters is an independent, strong, woman whom sometimes has a hard time trusting men. When she is forced to trust the one man she never expected to see again, sparks fly. Sam Ryker has moved back home, where he was hoping to never be, when he now must protect his one true love there may be more to lose than his heart this time. Sam and Emma must find the killer before he finds them. This book is full of mystery, suspense, surprise, forgiveness and romance. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.