Dead in Her Tracks [Kindle in Motion] (Rogue Winter Novella Book 2)

(PureTextuality.com)This is the second in this series, that features two authors, not writing the same book, but instead, each writing every other book. This is the second time this duo has written a set of novellas about the small town of Solitude, Oregon. These are mysteries, with a thriller aspect, and each features one of two couples-the same two that were in the original set of books.I received a copy of this from Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Taking place soon after the first in the series,Tracks of Her Tears by Melinda Leigh, this one begins with the body of a murdered woman being found in a motel room. The police chief, Zane Duncan, and his girlfriend, police officer Stevie Taylor, are called in to investigate. Since in the previous book, another woman had been murdered and the murderer is in jail, their thought is that it could have been done by the same person because the body has been there awhile. So the question here is, is there one murderer in town, or is there two? And of course, why this girl, as they already know the motive for the first murder.

I enjoyed the characters of Stevie and Zane as much as I did in the first series featuring them, titled, Rogue River. In that series, Stevie had come back to town, after being a big city police officer for years. Her father had died, leaving her mother and brother alone on their ranch. Of course, Stevie and Zane fell in love in that novella. Stevie is still taking it slow(seven months), and won’t move in with him-although she is there most nights. For Zane’s part, he can’t wait to marry her.She’s everything he wants. So yes, this is both a mystery and a continuation of the couple’s relationship.

Since this is a novella, I am not going more into the mystery. I enjoyed this read, probably a tiny bit more than the first one, but they both are definitely worth the read. I recommend this, and the previous novella, to readers of romantic suspense or mystery. If you enjoy these, be sure to check out the previous series,Rogue River.

FYI-No sexual scenes, but some violence-for people probably 15+

A very well written book, although way too short (in my opinion, of course!)

This was an excellent story, one that no matter the length, I would have wanted more! More because: first, I enjoyed the main characters, they were very interesting; second, I was quickly caught up in the plotline right from the very first page (that does not happen often); lastly, a lovely romance was quickly introduced between the two main characters -- a romance I immediately wanted to root for even though the characters jobs certainly would make it difficult.

The author has written an excellent tale, one I wish had been longer (okay, I've said it three times, enough already)! I saw many places she could have fleshed it out. Perhaps with more background on some of the characters in the book, including: the victims, I would have liked to know them better; I would have liked to have more background on main players, too, what brought them to the place they were; perhaps a bit more about the town and surrounding area as well.

I truly enjoyed this book and even if the author never changes her preference for novella length, I will still be a happy and satisfied fan!

LATER ADDITION: Now I understand better, there are two different "Rogue" series (with the same main characters), they are both extremely well-written. Two authors collaborated in writing the six books. I think it was very effective and successful. It would have been fun to be in those planning/writing sessions! I certainly hope there will be more next times! Both "Rogue" series are excellent and I would love to read more novels with these characters!

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Review Received from NetGalley.

The book begins when a young woman's naked body is found in a motel room on Christmas Day. The local law enforcement, Police Chief Zane Duncan and his girl friend and fellow police officer, Stevie Taylor, are called to the scene. Their chief suspect is already in custody in the town jail after admitting to killing another young woman. Did he kill this young woman as well? I wont give away any more of the story line but I will say, I enjoyed their investigation and the cast of characters in the book. There is a reveal at the end of the book and I liked how it all came together. I thought the Author did a great job of tying everything up at the end.

I really enjoyed this book. I was drawn into the story right away. I liked how the Author gave us information about the couples romantic life while having them remain professional while conducting their investigation into the murder of the young woman. The story was told at a fast pace as this is a Novella. It did not feel rushed in any way, yet I wanted more. I found that I really liked the characters of Zane and Stevie and will definitely be reading the first book in the series to see how "it all began".

I think this is a great book for those who enjoy some mystery. It also has a light romance yet nothing "intimate" happens. There are no sex scenes. The investigation seems real and was interesting. I did not read the first book in the series but I image it was good as well.

Oh, those poor law enforcement officers in Solitude, Oregon. Even on a holiday, they just don't get a break...

Dead in Her Tracks picks up right where book one, Tracks of Her Tears left off. It's Christmas morning, and another dead girl's body has been found--this time in Solitude's single (and not terribly nice) motel. Though book one's murderer was caught, the timeline of the two crimes is such that it could have been the same person.

The person who is currently safe and sound in jail.

Or is he?

Zane and Stevie are suddenly faced with all kinds of questions--are the murders actually related? What about the girl being abducted on the security tape? And the ones missing from the nearby town--are they missing, or dead?

And, gosh darn it, is Stevie ever going to move in with Zane for real?

Okay, so that last question's not quite on par with the earlier ones. But it's still one that weighs on Zane's mind this holiday season. A guy can't be all about the job all the time, you know. ;)

Dead in Her Tracks does a good job of keeping you guessing. I have to admit I did have my suspicions early on about who the culprit was, though I can't exactly say why--just a feeling. Unfortunately for Stevie, she didn't share my feeling; but then we might not have had the major drama toward the end, so it's probably for the best.

Zane and Stevie's relationship takes a backseat to the mystery here, but that's as it should be, with a murderer on the loose. They still make an adorable couple, though, and there is some big relationship news by the book's end, so it's a win-win, really.

Laat year's series (Rogue River) had four books in it, so I'm hopeful that this one will too. I'm definitely not ready to say goodbye to Zane, Stevie, Seth, and Carly yet!

Rating: 4 stars / B+

Once I started reading this novella, I didn't want to put it down until I had finished. It is the second in this series, but I did not have any problem reading the book. There did not seem to be any information that I was missing in order to enjoy the story.

This story was non-stop action right from the beginning. Zane and Stevie work together in the police department which has been quite busy in this little town. They are called on Christmas Day when a dead body is found at the local motel and before long they are trying to solve two different murders that are possibly linked. The first is a local girl and someone has already confessed to that murder. The link is a computer USB that shows the same man putting the body of a young woman in the back of his truck, who looks like the woman who was found dead in the hotel. After one more murder, Zane and Stevie are not much closer to the truth.

There is also romance in the story with Stevie and Zane being a couple. The relationship between the pair worked well. I never felt that anything was forced or sappy. The excitment in this story really built until the very end and I was almost holding my breath before it was over.

I would highly recommend this novella to others. This is the first time that I have read any of Kendra Elliot's work but I plan to look for her books in the future.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once I started reading this novella, I didn't want to put it down until I had finished. It is the second in this series, but I did not have any problem reading the book. There did not seem to be any information that I was missing in order to enjoy the story.

This story was non-stop action right from the beginning. Zane and Stevie work together in the police department which has been quite busy in this little town. They are called on Christmas Day when a dead body is found at the local motel and before long they are trying to solve two different murders that are possibly linked. The first is a local girl and someone has already confessed to that murder. The link is a computer USB that shows the same man putting the body of a young woman in the back of his truck, who looks like the woman who was found dead in the hotel. After one more murder, Zane and Stevie are not much closer to the truth.

There is also romance in the story with Stevie and Zane being a couple. The relationship between the pair worked well. I never felt that anything was forced or sappy. The excitment in this story really built until the very end and I was almost holding my breath before it was over.

I would highly recommend this novella to others. This is the first time that I have read any of Kendra Elliot's work but I plan to look for her books in the future.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas in Solitude, Oregon wakes up to the death of a young woman, dragging Sheriff Zane Duncan and his girlfriend/detective Stevie Taylor out into the cold winter of evil and secrets.

Connecting from the death in the first Rogue Winter Novella, “Tracks Of Her Tears”, Zane and Stevie are thrown right into the path of a serial killer, who’s practicing his skill of killing until her gets to his ultimate goal Stevie. People are not what they seem to be and things are not what they are led to be believed. With drugs making its rounds in Solitude, Zane and Stevie have to put their best foot forward to keep Solitude safe.

Co-written by the author duo Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, the Rogue Winter novellas are short and quick reads that keep the readers captivated and interested. I love the little details of humor and everyday life that Kendra injects into the gripping tale as we revisit Zane and Stevie. It’s nice to reconnect with some lovable characters as they try to live a normal life amidst evil and danger.

For the uninitiated or new readers, this series would be a great start to get to know two wonderful authors/writers. And you would be tempted to read the Rogue River Series where all the suspense, evil, death and romance started.

Received an ARC from the store Publishing/Montlake Romance via Net Galley for an honest review.

DEAD IN HER TRACKS begins on Christmas Day when Zane is called to the local hotel where a body has been discovered. Zane and Stevie are investigating when they are called back to the jail because their prisoner - Bob Fletcher - has been murdered. Someone went in while all the police were investigating at the hotel and cut Bob's throat.

The new victim had been staying in the hotel before going home to surprise her parents for Christmas. She might have been the young woman that Bob Fletcher was videotaped putting into the back of his SUV. She was killed elsewhere, cleaned with bleach, and dumped back into her hotel room. When Zane starts investigating, he learns that a couple of other young women were also missing from a nearby town too.

Zane is hoping that the serial killer isn't someone who lives in their community. He does have a couple of other possible suspects at the motel including a convicted sex offender. Meanwhile, Zane and Stevie are working on their relationship. Zane is giving Stevie time but he wants to marry her when she feels ready.

When Stevie is snatched by the killer, Zane has to put together all the clues to find the real killer.

Since the beginning, I found myself deeply into the story of Dead in Her Tracks, devouring the pages until reaching the end. It's just a novella but it's got all the elements that make a very good story: captivating main characters, emotion and riveting and mysterious events happening in a small town. Yes, it gave me a great pleasure reading this novella and seeing again this romantic couple from the Rogue River novellas: Stevie and Zane.

After Zane is called to a crime scene in a motel where the body of a young woman was found he comes to realize this murder may be tied to the activities of the murderer he just arrested on the previous day for murdering Stevie's brother's girlfriend, which happened in the previous novella, Tracks of Her Tears. From here, his investigation will reveal a new problem in the small town of Solitude and this just a few months after the events with a new drug that was the core of the Rogue River novellas.

This was a riveting story, that kept me glued to my ereader until the last word. Stevie and Zane are a beatiful and romantic couple and being with them and their family for a few hours was a pleasure!

This is book two in the collaborative novella series, Rogue Winter. The events in this book take place only days after book one. While book one focused on Carly, book two focuses on sister, Stevie. Stevie and Zane have been seeing each other for months. Zane wants to make things more permanent but knows Stevie is a slow mover. The couple tries to keep a professional distance at work, but with multiple murders, all they do is work. It leaves very little time for them to connect with each other. Solving their most recent case seems like the only way they will ever have any peace. With their only suspect dead, the case drags on and suspects dwindle. Unfortunately, the killer has set his sights on his next victim, and Stevie fits his pattern.

I like this collaboration between Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot. They definitely need to be read in order with the Rogue River series first, but following the order helps you understand the relationships and grow to love the little town of Solitude.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
Dead in Her Tracks is the second novella in Ms. Elliot & Ms. Leigh’s Rogue Winter’s series (which is a continuation of their Rogue River series, make sure to check them out too).
In Dead in Her Tracks we get to catch up with Zane Duncan and Steve Taylor. We pick up where we left off in Tracks of Her Tears (so if you have not read bk one please go do that) with everything put to rest, arrests made and the small town of Solitude, Oregon can breath and enjoy Christmas. But with a new day comes a new crime and a new murder to solve.

I really enjoyed this story. The who’s and what’s were a bit disturbing (I would expect nothing less from these ladies). I don’t want to say too much for fear that I will reveal anything. But for now this small Oregon town is quiet again. But the question is for how long????

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & the store Publishing/Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Review – DEAD IN HER TRACKS by Kendra Elliot

Kendra Elliot is back with the 2nd novella in the Rogue Winter series and it is a fast and compelling read. It picks up immediately where Tracks of Her Tears ends and is a continuation of Stevie and Zane’s story. After reading all of the novellas and being familiar with so many of the characters, this story left me with a sense of “coming home.” -- I loved it!

Kendra weaves suspense and action into a complex web of plot driven intrigue, mystery and romance. The tension is palpable and the characters belivable which makes it difficult to put down. She nails the small-town feel and makes you fall in love with the entire Taylor family. I wish the story came with an audio track of a Taylor-family music jam!

The deeper into the story you get the faster you will be turning pages. Each time you think you have it figured out Kendra throws in another plot twist, bringing more questions as the story unfolds.

What an incredible continuation of the Rogue River Winter novellas, stories that are alternately written by Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot. These lovely ladies are two of the most dynamic romantic suspense writers I have ever read.

Dead in Her Tracks was well written and I highly recommend reading it.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It is with great respect for the author and story, as well as my pleasure as a reader to rate Dead in Her Tracks five stars. Read it!!

First of all, the two stories in this series were well done. Being novellas, they were a quick read but really well done. Characters were well developed, felt like I was part of the family, lol. I have always chosen to read as I like exercising my imagination developing a picture of the people and places in my mind. So I wasn't sure about the film clips that are part of these novellas. However, I found they were not overdone and thus, to me at least, added a few extra points of interest and I ended up looking forward to them. The short film clips were well done, well thought out and were kind of cool. While the plots were certainly not very complex, the authors are both very accomplished storytellers - what more can you ask for (except for more)?!

Dead In Her Tracks, by Kendra Elliot, is the second Rogue Winter novella.
Together with Melinda Leigh they have teamed up to bring us more of the trouble that keeps coming to Rogue River surrounding the Taylor family.
Stevie and Zane investigate another murder in Solitude. They discover a link between this murder and the one investigated by Carly and Seth in Tracks Of Her Tears. However, solving the murder proves more difficult than originally thought when things go amiss with their prime suspect.

Kendra Elliot delivers a fast paced thrilling story full of twists, romance and wonderful family dynamics. I would love to visit Solitude again some day.

Thank you to Net Galley, Kendra Elliot and Montlake Romance for the opportunity to read and review this novella.