Secrets of Silverpeak Mine (Eagle Mountain: Critical Response, Bk 4) (Harlequin Intrigue, No 2183)
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
This was one of the most interesting and enthralling books I have read in quite a while. The book opens as Caleb is about to descend into a mine shaft to retrieve a skeleton recently discovered. Though a little creeped out at first, as a historian, Caleb soon finds himself wondering about the victim's story.
The story then switches to Danielle, a forensic reconstructionist in Denver. When she ends her relationship with the assistant district attorney she's been dating because of his reaction to her pregnancy, she also quits her job with the Denver coroner's office. Her mentor has invited her to visit him in Eagle Mountain. The last thing she expected was to be asked to help identify the Jane Doe from the mine. I was fascinated by Danielle's work as a forensic reconstructionist. I did not know the science and artistry behind giving a victim a face. Danielle clearly enjoys the challenge of her chosen occupation, in addition to being emotionally committed.
Like Danielle, Caleb has a failed relationship in his past. I ached for him and his feelings of shame over being taken in by a con artist. His backstory was heartbreaking, and I understood his reluctance to talk about it. When he learns that the bones belong to a young woman, he wonders if they could belong to the wife he hasn't seen in two years. He has a PI looking for her so he can serve her with divorce papers.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Danielle and Caleb develop. Neither is interested in anything more than friendship, as Danielle is wary of trusting her judgment, and Caleb is technically married. I liked watching them get to know each other as Danielle worked on the reconstruction and hung out together. It doesn't take long for trust to build between them or for sparks of attraction to appear. I liked how their similar relationship woes made understanding each other's issues easier and ultimately made them realize they were perfect for each other.
When Danielle's reconstruction was complete and the "face" was released to the public, it was interesting to see how many people thought she looked familiar, but no one could positively identify her. In the meantime, Danielle gets to know a neighbor woman who is also pregnant. I liked how she and Carissa bonded; they looked like they would become good friends.
A lot is going on in the story. Caleb's search for Nora turns up surprising results with a shocking resolution. Danielle finds her talents in demand and contemplates remaining in Eagle Mountain. She becomes worried about her friend Carissa, who she suspects is being abused by her husband. And the identity of the Jane Doe is on everyone's mind. I was glued to the pages as the pieces started to come together, but I did not expect what happened next. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
The epilogue was a great wrap-up to the book and detailing of what was in store for the various characters. I hope there will be more Eagle Mountain stories.
#ARC
The story then switches to Danielle, a forensic reconstructionist in Denver. When she ends her relationship with the assistant district attorney she's been dating because of his reaction to her pregnancy, she also quits her job with the Denver coroner's office. Her mentor has invited her to visit him in Eagle Mountain. The last thing she expected was to be asked to help identify the Jane Doe from the mine. I was fascinated by Danielle's work as a forensic reconstructionist. I did not know the science and artistry behind giving a victim a face. Danielle clearly enjoys the challenge of her chosen occupation, in addition to being emotionally committed.
Like Danielle, Caleb has a failed relationship in his past. I ached for him and his feelings of shame over being taken in by a con artist. His backstory was heartbreaking, and I understood his reluctance to talk about it. When he learns that the bones belong to a young woman, he wonders if they could belong to the wife he hasn't seen in two years. He has a PI looking for her so he can serve her with divorce papers.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Danielle and Caleb develop. Neither is interested in anything more than friendship, as Danielle is wary of trusting her judgment, and Caleb is technically married. I liked watching them get to know each other as Danielle worked on the reconstruction and hung out together. It doesn't take long for trust to build between them or for sparks of attraction to appear. I liked how their similar relationship woes made understanding each other's issues easier and ultimately made them realize they were perfect for each other.
When Danielle's reconstruction was complete and the "face" was released to the public, it was interesting to see how many people thought she looked familiar, but no one could positively identify her. In the meantime, Danielle gets to know a neighbor woman who is also pregnant. I liked how she and Carissa bonded; they looked like they would become good friends.
A lot is going on in the story. Caleb's search for Nora turns up surprising results with a shocking resolution. Danielle finds her talents in demand and contemplates remaining in Eagle Mountain. She becomes worried about her friend Carissa, who she suspects is being abused by her husband. And the identity of the Jane Doe is on everyone's mind. I was glued to the pages as the pieces started to come together, but I did not expect what happened next. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.
The epilogue was a great wrap-up to the book and detailing of what was in store for the various characters. I hope there will be more Eagle Mountain stories.
#ARC
