Book Reviews of Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch (Montana Mystique, Bk 1) (Harlequin Intrigue, No 897)

After Hudson Savage betrayed her, Dana Cardwell hoped never again ato lay eyes on the seductive cowboy. And she did't. Until a bunch of old bones showed up on her family ranch. Suddenly he was back in her life in a big wY--to investigate a de adds-old crime.

This time Hudson wasn't walking away. Because now Dana's life was on the line, as the unsuspecting target of a killer who still walked the canyon. Hudson would do whatever it took to keep Dana close. Even if it meant risking his own heart for a second chance for both of them.

After Hudson Savage betrayed her, Dana Cardwell hoped never to lay eyes on the seductive cowboy again. Until a bunch of old bones showed up on her family ranch. Suddenly her former lover was back in her life in a big way - to investigate a decades-old crime.

This is the first book I've read by BJ Daniels and it was fantastic. The story centers around heroine Dana Cardwell who is fighting to save her family's ranch after the death of her mother. When a skeleton is found in a well on her property her ex-fiance, Hud, comes to investigate as temporary marshal. Five years earlier Hud had viciously betrayed Dana with her own sister, leading to the severing of their relationship and Hud leaving town. Now, Hud is back in town and charged with investigating the murder of the woman found in the well. I loved this book because the writer captured the yearning of both Dana and Hud, who both still desperately love each other. I thought it was interesting that the writer conveyed all this without a major love scene, which is rare. Enjoyable mystery, love story.

What happened to the ending?? The reast of the book was pretty good, but the story ended before it was finished! 3 stars.

Dana doesn't want to sell her family's Montana ranch, but her siblings are insistent that they want the capital from it now rather than wait for gradual pay-offs in the future. Without her mother's new will, Dana doesn't really have a leg to stand on. Things get even more complicated when a body is found in an old well on the ranch. The town brings in a new marshal to investigate, and he turns out to be none other than Dana's ex-fiancee, Hud.

Daniels does good job with the intrigue element of this Harlequin novel but is only mediocre with the romance. Although Hud and Dana are believable as a couple, their only sex scene isn't really a sex scene at all. Imagine characters in a movie kissing passionately for a while then the scene fading to black. It's like that. Maybe Harlequin in general is cleaner than I remembered? Who knows. In any case, if you're after a light, almost a cozy, mystery with a touch of romance and no sex, this is for you. If your preferred escapism is steamy love scenes, you should probably look elsewhere.

Check out my full review.

Definitely a good read, even for a short Harlequin, I enjoyed it a lot.

Daniels has more than an intriguing suspense story; she has put together an explosive tale of love, trust and the twisted ties among an embattled family." Pat Cooper, Romantic Times Magazine starred review (4 1/2 stars)

B.J. Daniels is an excellant writer-this book keeps you guessing until the very end. A wonderful Montana backdrop -A romantic setting with a 20 year old murder mystery -all wrapped up in one book. Great reading.