Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 10/18/2019 + 2617 more book reviews

This book is the gripping conclusion to the EagleMountain Murder Mystery: Winter Storm Wedding series. The tension built from the beginning of the first book when both a serial killer and a winter storm hit Eagle Mountain at the same time. Throughout the series, the Ice Cold Killer took every opportunity to taunt the sheriff's department over his ability to elude capture while continuing his killing spree. The sheriff's department is understandably frustrated. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation sent Brodie to assist in the investigation.

Brodie and Emily, the sheriff's sister, have a history. Five years earlier, they were a couple until Emily rejected Brodie's proposal, and they went their separate ways. A short time later, Emily wrote him a later that he never responded to. Brokenhearted, she wrote him off and tried to forget him and move on with her life. She is stunned to see him back in town, and not too happy to discover that she still has feelings for him.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Brodie and Emily. Brodie, too, was heartbroken by Emily's rejection. He's surprised to realize that his feelings for her are just as strong and is determined to clear the air with her and see if there is a chance for them. It won't be easy, as Emily puts up walls between them. In a bid to spend time with her, Brodie involves Emily in the investigation. Emily tried hard to resist the sparks that still flew between them, but it was a losing battle. The scene where they finally talked about the past was deeply emotional and broke down the barriers between them, allowing their attraction to ignite. The morning after scene was great, too, especially Brodie's conversation with her brother, Travis. Brodie and Emily continue to grow closer as the investigation continues. When tragedy nearly parts them forever, I loved how both realized that they had matured enough to see the mistakes of the past and overcome the fears that had parted them. I loved their big moment at the end.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. We learned the identity of the killer at the end of the previous book (Cold Conspiracy). This book is taken up with the efforts to capture him. Brodie's arrival and Emily's involvement bring fresh eyes to the problem. As the killer escalates his activities, Brodie finds information that convinces him that Emily is the next target. There are more deaths, and the sense of impending danger continues to build, and Brodie becomes more intent on keeping Emily safe. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages as the killer made his ultimate play. There were moments when I wondered how Brodie was going to free Emily. I loved how she kept her head and played an essential part in making it happen.

The other storyline that ran through all four books was that of the wedding of Travis and Lacy (Saved by the Sheriff). Between the serial killer keeping Travis busy, and the multiple storms and avalanches isolating Eagle Mountain from the rest of the world, there was some question as to whether the wedding would happen on schedule or not. Complicating matters, the killer struck during two of the pre-wedding activities. I loved seeing how determined everyone was to make sure that nothing would stop it. I had to laugh at the unexpected turn it took, but loved it anyway.

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