Series:
Eagle Mountain: Unsolved Mysteries (Book 1)
Finding a would-be killer's motive…
May be the key to staying alive
Somebody wants Ian Seabrook to know that he's not welcome
in Eagle Mountain. Is it because they oppose his plan to build a high-end
tourist attraction, or is it because he and Bethany Ames have uncovered a
murder scene? Ian tries to keep the feisty search and rescue volunteer out of
harm's way, but staying apart may prove impossible given the attraction they
both feel. Working together, they begin to unravel a decades-old mystery, but
the closer they get to the truth, the closer they get to danger…
Terrific start to the new series. The Eagle Mountain
location feels more like home with every book I've read from the previous series,
and this was no exception. I can feel the love the author has for her state in
every book. I also loved the main characters.
Ian is a relatively new arrival to Eagle Mountain. A
professional climber, he has a vision for a unique climbing venue that will
attract climbers, from beginners to experts. However, he encountered resistance
from people who fear the influx of tourists would change their lifestyle. The
threats escalate when he and Bethany stumble on a murder scene.
Bethany and her family are relatively new to the area
also. Her family runs a tour company where Bethany works. As the youngest and only
girl in the family, Bethany is plagued with over-protective parents and three
over-protective brothers. She meets Ian when he rents a Jeep from their
business, and they immediately hit it off.
I enjoyed the development of Ian and Bethany's
relationship. Though immediately attracted to each other, neither is looking
for a relationship. Ian doesn't plan to stay in Eagle Mountain, and Bethany
doesn't want to get involved with someone who isn't going to stick around. However,
they can't stay away from each other, and their preferred "friends-only"
relationship quickly grows into something stronger.
I loved their support for each other. Between the
resistance to his plans and his father's lack of support for his plans, Ian
feels alone until Bethany appears in his life. Her belief in his vision helps
him stick to his plans. Frustrated by her family's treatment, Bethany is drawn
to the man who treats her like a capable adult. As they work together on his
project and the mystery of the murders, their feelings for each other grow. But
will it be enough to keep Ian in Eagle Mountain?
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to
finish. I was as intrigued as Ian and Bethany were by the decades-old murder
mystery and enjoyed Bethany's research into the victims' pasts. As Ian and
Bethany experienced escalating attacks on them, the question of why grew more
urgent. Are the attacks related to Ian's plans or the discovery of the bodies?
With two possible motives, the suspect list kept them guessing. The heart-pounding
final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was over.
I enjoyed seeing characters from previous books reappear
in their roles as law enforcement and first responders. It's always a pleasure
to catch up with old friends. My favorite secondary characters were Bethany's
brothers - Aaron, Dalton, and Carter. I enjoyed watching them navigate
Bethany's relationship with Ian and her growing independence. I look forward to
reading their stories.
