Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrams: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

 Buried Cold Case Secrets

About the Book

Book: Buried Cold Case Secrets

Author: Sami A. Abrams

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: December 28, 2021

Recovering her missing memories…

Could be the key to solving a murder…

Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first. For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Two-time Genesis winner Sami A. Abrams and her husband live in Northern California, but she’ll always be a Kansas girl at heart. She enjoys visiting her two grown children and spoiling their sweet fur babies. Most evenings, if Sami’s not watching sports, you’ll find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. She thinks a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

 

More from Sami

What writer doesn’t grow up reading every chance they get? That would be me.

Until my thirties, I hated to read. Then someone told me about Terri Blackstock, and I decided to give her books a try. I was hooked. I guess there’s something to finding the right genre. Romantic Suspense is it for me. Of course, that makes sense. I love CSI, NCIS, and Criminal Minds. Over the years, I have expanded my taste, but there’s just something about suspense that keeps me coming back.

A little over five years ago, I decided to start checking off some of the items on my bucket list. I learned how to rock climb and got my scuba certification, among other things. When I got to the item, writing a novel, I sat down and pounded it out. Check the box; I was done. Wrong. God had other plans and placed some amazing people in my life.

One of those plans was attending MurderCon, a conference for writers where they learn from experts about, you guessed it…murder. Actually, it’s about police procedures, crime scene analysis…the list goes on and on. One of the workshops I attended was with a forensic anthropologist, and the idea for Melanie Hutton and Buried Cold Case Secrets was born.

I loved writing Melanie’s story. She’s a fighter and refuses to let anything stand in her way, including the man, Jason Cooper, who blames her for her best friend’s death. Jason holds on to the past and his hatred toward Melanie, but he soon learns that if he puts aside his assumptions and listens, he’ll discover the truth about the day his sister died. Letting go of his anger and blame is tough for Jason, but when he does, he finds the life he’s always wanted.

I hope you enjoy reading Melanie and Jason’s story as much as I did writing it.

I’d love to hear from you. Please visit my website at samiaabrams.com and sign up for my newsletter.

My Thoughts

Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami Abrams is a fast-paced Christian suspense novel.  I should give you fair warning that this book will have you staying up late to finish it (you will need extra caffeine in the morning).  I started reading this book and was quickly immersed in the tale.  I thought Buried Cold Case Secrets was well-written with developed, realistic characters.   The main characters go on an emotional roller coaster ride as the set out to uncover the truth.   I loved all the action and suspense.  The plot was well thought out. Melanie Hutton was abducted fifteen years prior with her best friend.  Melanie made it out alive, but her best friend did not.  The victim’s brother, Jason Cooper blames Melanie for his sister’s death.  Melanie has amnesia regarding the events.  She has decided it is time to return to her hometown and search for her best friend’s remains.  Someone is not happy with Melanie’s homecoming and sets out to stop her from uncovering the truth.  Jason Cooper, the best friend’s brother, is now a detective.  He must put aside his feelings to keep Melanie safe.  The pair must work together to learn who is behind the attacks and what happened fifteen years ago.  I loved the mystery in the story.  In the beginning, I was wondering who abducted Melanie and her best friend fifteen years ago.  Then the suspense and action start with the various attacks.  I read as quickly as I could because I wanted to see how Buried Cold Case Secrets would turn out.  I appreciated that this was a Christian story.  It is a clean read (no intimacy or foul language) for which I was grateful.  I cannot wait to read this author’s next novel.  Buried Cold Case Secrets is an action-packed suspenseful adventure from beginning to end.  

Excerpt

“Does it still hurt?”

She jumped.

“Didn’t mean to startle you. Guess I have a habit of doing that.” Jason rested against the neighboring tree.

Several deep breaths later, she forced a smile. “It’s okay.”

He narrowed his gaze and studied her a mo­ment. “Well? Does it?”

“A little.” Truthfully, a lot, but Jason didn’t need to know that. “I, uh, wanted to thank you for watching out for me today.”

“Just doing my job.” The muscles in his neck and shoulders tensed.

“We both know it’s more than that.” She wiped her hand down her face. “Jason. We’re going to be working together for the foreseeable future. Do you think we can call a truce, at least while we do our jobs?”

His jaw twitched, and he remained silent.

She’d asked a lot, but the strain between them had to stop. She watched him for a few minutes then shook her head.

“Never mind.” She pushed from the trunk and limped to the hole in the ground. Her lead-filled heart threatened to drop to her feet. To think that fifteen years ago, she’d had a crush on him. He’d teased her and Allison, but he’d never allowed others to speak unkind words to them. If only she could return to those carefree days. The days before she had died on the inside and her friend had died for real.

Someday, Allison, I’ll find your body. I prom­ise.

She swiped the wetness from her cheeks and lowered herself into the grave. The movement mimicked her mood. She picked up her trowel and searched for more bones.

An hour later, Melanie’s headache had be­come unbearable, causing her stomach to roil. Just what she needed, to lose her lunch in front of Jason. Scanning the grave, she spotted the paint­brush she used for delicate work. She grasped the handle but dropped it. She tried again, but her fingers refused to cooperate. Her eyelids grew heavy. Something was off. She sat on the edge of the hole.

“Jason, help.” Her words were slurred. She struggled to stay upright. The trees in front of her blurred and swayed.

He kneeled down and came face-to-face with her. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.”

“Help me out here. What’s the last thing you did?”

“I—I…” She struggled against the gray cloud jumbling her thoughts. “Took a break a while ago. Only digging since.”

His gaze flew to a spot behind her.

She wilted into him. Her vision tunneled, and darkness closed in.

“Keith! Grab the cooler and her bag!”

Jason’s frantic voice registered, but her body had shut down.

His warm arms lifted her. Her head bobbed and landed on his shoulder.

Her cheek bounced against his chest in cadence with the pounding of his feet on the path.

His rhythmic breathing was the last thing she heard before the world went dark.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sami is giving away the grand prize package of a book, a coffee mug, a notebook, a pen.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!  You can obtain Buried Cold Case Secrets from Amazon*.  Sami A. Abrams next book is Twin Murder Mix-Up which publishesI August 23.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back on Monday with Tailing Trouble by Laura Scott.  It is the second A Furry Friends Mystery.  I hope that you have a fun weekend.  Do not forget to leave a comment for an extra entry in the giveaway.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 8

The Avid Reader, January 8

Bigreadersite, January 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Bizwings Blog, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

The Sacred Line, January 10

Inklings and notions, January 11

Labor Not in Vain, January 11

Betti Mace, January 11

For Him and My Family, January 12

For the Love of Literature, January 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 13 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, January 13

Lights in a Dark World, January 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 14

Elly Gilbert, January 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 15

Mary Hake, January 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 16

Kayem Reads, January 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 17 (Spotlight)

Through the Fire Blogs, January 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 18

Britt Reads Fiction, January 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 19

Blogging With Carol, January 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 20

Simple Harvest Reads, January 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, January 21

Pause for Tales, January 21

Blossoms and Blessings, January 21

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Marry Me, Millie by Amy Lillard

 Marry Me, Millie

Book Summary

Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Amy Lillard's uplifting new series unites a "Widows Club" of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. In this series starter, a young pregnant widow running a B&B meets a handsome outsider who begins to make her believe in love again.

When her young husband died unexpectedly, Millie Bauman thought her life was over too--until she learned she was carrying his child. Now, as she awaits the baby's arrival, Millie's sure her future will revolve around motherhood, the B&B she runs with her Aunt Sylvie, and the beloved Whoopie Pies her Widows Club whips up each week. But when a handsome newcomer arrives in town, Millie is intrigued, and the club wonders if Millie might find a second chance at love...

Henry King plans to stay in Paradise Valley long enough to take care of some family business, and hopefully mend the heartache of his own lost love. As Henry and Millie cross paths, it's clear their neighbors are gently trying to play matchmaker. Not wanting to disappoint, the two pretend to play along--but life gets complicated when a true and tender affection grows. As Millie gets ready to welcome her baby, they must rely on faith and fate to decide if they should risk their hearts on love again...

My Thoughts

Millie Bauman is a recent widow who is also six months pregnant.  She has moved to Paradise Valley and is staying with her Aunt Sylvie who runs a bed and breakfast.  Sylvie is also working on recipes for the upcoming Whoopie Pie Festival because she wants to continue her winning streak.    She is trying multiple flavors in order to find the winning combination.  Henry King has come to Paradise Valley to help his grandfather and convince him to move to Oklahoma.  He is also trying to get over his heartbreak at losing his fiancé.  She decided to go on a mission trip to Belize rather than marry Henry. Both Henry and Millie have decided that marriage is not for them.   Sylvie decides that Henry is perfect for Millie.  She teams up with Henry’s grandfather, Vern to play matchmaker.  They conspire to make sure that Henry and Millie manage to “bump” into each other (often).  Marry Me, Millie by Amy Lillard is the first novel in the Paradise Valley series.  I thought Marry Me, Millie was well-written with developed characters.  Amy Lillard created some delightful characters.  I thought they were realistic and relatable.  Millie is six months pregnant and still grieving the loss of her husband.  She decided a fresh start was needed.  Millie did not count on her Aunt Sylvie and the ladies of the Whoopie Pie Widows Club.  They are a romantic bunch as well as gossips.  I loved the humor in the story.  I laughed frequently while reading Marry Me, Millie. I liked the dialogue and the various storylines.  Marry Me, Millie has a good ending.   I am looking forward to the next novel in the Paradise Valley series.  There are recipes at the end for some of Sylvie’s baked goods.  Marry Me, Millie is a sweet story about faith, loss, family, hope, friendship, and new love.  Marry Me, Millie is an amusing Amish tale with wordy widows, whoopie pie competitiveness, a meddling matchmaker, a determined dawdi, and a gracious God. 

Marry Me, Millie is available from Amazon*.  You can find Amy Lillard's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrams tomorrow.  I hope you will stop by to learn more about this suspense novel.  I hope that you have a satisfying day.  I am going to go work on our storage shed.  It needs reorganization desperately.  I need room for the outdoor decorations I have for each holiday.  I hope to have a tote (in the case of Halloween and Christmas it is multiple totes) for each holiday.  I want them all clearly labeled and in order.  I need to clear out the extraneous junk first.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Fatal Family Feast by Lynn Cahoon

 A Fatal Family Feast

Book Summary

Angie Turner’s Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, is the perfect site for a picturesque country wedding, but the party planning skids to a halt when the groom-to-be is implicated in a murder investigation…

When Angie’s best friend and business partner, Felicia Williams, picks the County Seat to host her upcoming nuptials, Angie wants it to feel like a family affair--especially since Felicia is set to marry the farm-to-fork restaurant’s talented sous chef, Estebe Blackstone. Unfortunately, the bride’s actual family is far less enthusiastic about the union. They’re pulling out all the stops to cancel the couple’s wedding, even arranging for a surprise visit from Felicia’s ex-fiancé (and her father’s current lackey). But when her ex is killed days before the ceremony and Estebe is framed for the crime, Angie and the County Seat crew must scramble to solve the murder and save the wedding . . .

My Thoughts

Felicia Williams, Angie Turner’s business partner, is getting married to Estebe Blackstone in a week.  Angieis busy with last minute preparations for the big event.  Unfortunately, Felicia’s family is not happy about the upcoming nuptials.  They send Felicia’s former fiancé to town to try and dissuade her from marrying Estebe.  The meeting does not go well.  When the former fiancé turns up dead, Estebe is at the top of the suspect list.  Someone has set him up.  If the wedding is to take place as planned, Angie needs to don her sleuthing cap and finds the guilty party.  Can Angie solve the murder in time, or will the nuptials take place in the jailhouse?  

A Fatal Family Feast by Lynn Cahoon is the sixth A Farm-to-Fork Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  All our favorite characters are back in this lighthearted cozy mystery.  Angie, Dom, Mabel, Ian, Felicia, Estebe, and the rest of the County Seat staff.  The characters are realistic and relatable.  I love hearing about the antics of Angie’s menagerie.  It is down to the final week before the wedding.  They have enough to do without a murder on their hands as well as Felicia’s snooty parents.  The mystery suited the story.  There is misdirection along with several suspects.  I like how the Scooby Gang worked to gather information and put together the clues to solve the crime.  I wish the crime had been more of a challenge (I pegged the killer very early in the book).  The ending will have fans smiling.  The food descriptions will have your mouth watering.  A Fatal Family Feast is a charming whodunit with imminent nuptials, a bothersome ex-beau, patronizing parents, a fervent fiancé, an incommodious murder, and a busy bridesmaid.  

A Fatal Family Feast is available from Amazon*.  Check out the other A Farm-to-Fork Mystery Novels.  You can find Lynn Cahoon's other novels here.  Lynn Cahoon has Wedding Bell Blues publishing March 1.  It is the 13th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  I appreciate you reading my review today.  I will return on Monday as a stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrams.  There is a giveaway.  Please stop by to enter.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Invisible by Danielle Steel

 Invisible

Book Summary

Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be “invisible.”

In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye—and even more so when they fall in love.

 

She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?

 

In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion—and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.

My Thoughts

Antonia Adams grows up is a home devoid of love.  Her mother did not want her and takes off when Antonia is seven years old.  Her father is left to raise Antonia.  He resents the child because every time he looks at her, he sees her mother.  Her parents’ constant arguing made her retreat.  Antonia was careful not to catch their attention because she did not want to be on the receiving end of either of their anger.  Each week she goes to the movies and becomes immersed in them.  She dreams of one day becoming a screenwriter.  Antonia gets an internship with a famous British filmmaker.  He needs to a fill a role and Antonia is perfect for it.  Before she knows what is happening, Antonia is shooting a scene.  Soon Antonia finds herself cast in another role for the same director.  They work closely together and the pair fall in love.  A tragic accident occurs causing Antonia must make a life altering decision.  Is the limelight for Antonia or will she become invisible once again?  Invisible by Danielle Steel contains good writing and the story moves along at a good pace.  The characters are developed and realistic.  I found Invisible to be a pleasant novel, but it is not my favorite of Danielle Steel’s.  It was a nice diversion, but it is a book that I can easily put down and walk away from.  There was a repetition of information throughout the book (I find that irksome).  Invisible dealt with some difficult topics in a good way.  I did not necessarily agree with all of the choices that Antonia made, but they made sense to her which is what counts.  I have been reading Danielle Steel’s books since I was twelve years old, and I will continue to read them.  I find some of her books to be just wonderful while others are okay.  The beauty of this author’s books is that they appeal to a wide variety of people.  I am looking forward to her next novel.  Invisible is an escapist tale with a movie mad mother, a frigid father, a sympathetic stepmother, a steadfast friend, an unanticipated career, a terrible tragedy, and an unforeseen future.

Invisible is available from Amazon*.  Danielle Steel's next release is High Stakes on March 8 and then Beautiful publishes April 19.  You can follow Danielle Steel on Amazon to receive emails when she publishes a new novel.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on A Fatal Family Feast by Lynn Cahoon tomorrow.  It is the sixth A Farm-to-Fork Mystery.  I hope that you have a fun day.  I need to finish packing up my outdoor Christmas decorations.  I need to fit everything into three totes minimum (space is at a premium in the shed).  I also need to organize the shed.  I want to put the totes in order of the holidays so it is easier to find them.  This project will take me a while since I can only work out there when it is cooler (who heard of eighty degree weather in the winter).  Wish me luck!  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Inn at Harts Haven by Patricia Davids

The Inn at Harts Haven

Book Summary

In this close-knit Amish community, she’ll hide in plain sight…

Pregnant and desperate, Victoria Worthington runs to the only place that’s ever felt safe. For years she’s been controlled, first by her crime-boss father, then by her ex-boyfriend. Donning a hand-sewn dress, a kapp and a new name, she escapes as Abby Martin to the Amish community of Harts Haven, where she spent happy summers with her grandparents. Taking a job as a maid at the local inn, Abby plans to repair her grandparents’ abandoned house and build a new life for her baby.

Since a tragedy took his family, contractor Joseph Troyer has traveled from one Amish town to another, refusing to let anyone get close. Not that it stops the inn’s elderly, eccentric owner, Rose, from doing some matchmaking while Joe renovates her kitchen. Though Abby is more outspoken than any Amish woman he knows, something draws him to her—and to the secrets she’s hiding.

Taken under Rose’s wing, Abby begins to find her place at last. But even here there’s no hiding from the past. Only by facing it with courage, faith and the unexpected gift of love can this haven become the home she’s longed for.   

My Thoughts

Victoria Worthington has escaped her controlling, dangerous father and duplicitous boyfriend.  Victoria is pregnant and she wants to protect her unborn child Harfrom them.  She heads to the one place she felt happy and safe.  Her grandparents lived in Harts Haven and Victoria spent her summers with them until they passed away when she was fourteen.  Victoria dons Amish clothing and changes her name to Abby Martin.  She gets a position at Harts Haven Inn thanks to co-owner Rose Yoder.  The Harts Haven Inn has yet to open because it is being remodeled by Joseph Troyer.  Rose likes to play matchmaker.  She believes Joseph and Abby are a perfect match.  Neither party is interested in a relationship, but that does not deter Rose.  Rose manages to finagle the two together quite often.  Joseph and Abby soon become friends.  There is potential for more between them, but Joseph does not know Abby’s secrets.  The past soon comes knocking and Abby’s new friends work to keep her safe.  Will Abby get the future she has dreamed of, or will her father win once again?  

The Inn at Harts Haven by Patricia Davids is a special Amish novel.  I was instantly drawn into the debut of The Matchmakers of Harts Haven.  It is a well-written novel with steady pacing and developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Victoria, Joseph, Rose, Susanna, Grace, and the others.  I just loved Rose Yoder.  She is a delightful character.  Rose is a kindhearted woman who added humor to the story.  It was great to visit Harts Haven and get to know the warmhearted people who live there.  The suspense added depth and intrigue to the story.  It had me quickly turning the pages so I could find out how the story would turn out.  I would have liked a more complete wrap-up regarding the father.  I laughed often while reading this story thanks to Rose.   The Inn at Harts Haven is an enjoyable tale (I was sorry for it to end).  This is my favorite book by Patricia Davids.  The author combined suspense, romance, and faith with relatable, kind characters into a charming creation.  I am eager for the next book in this series.  The Inn at Harts Haven is an appealing Amish tale with an outspoken outsider, a kind carpenter, a meddling matchmaker, a dangerous dad, a scruffy farmhouse, and a caring community. 

The Inn at Harts Haven is available from Amazon*.  Patricia Davids next release is Mistaken for His Amish Bride which publishes March 29.  You can find Patricia Davids other novels here.   Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Invisible by Danielle Steel.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrams: Excerpt & Review

 Buried Cold Case Secrets

by Sami Abrams

Recovering her missing memories could be the key to solving a murder. Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first. For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?

About the Author

Two-time Genesis winner Sami A. Abrams and her husband live in Northern California, but she’ll always be a Kansas girl at heart. She enjoys visiting her two grown children and spoiling their sweet fur babies. Most evenings, if Sami’s not watching sports, you’ll find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. She thinks a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Visit her at http://www.samiaabrams.com. 

My Thoughts

Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami Abrams is a fast-paced Christian suspense novel.  I should give you fair warning that this book will have you staying up late to finish it (you will need extra caffeine in the morning).  I started reading this book and was quickly immersed in the tale.  I thought Buried Cold Case Secrets was well-written with developed, realistic characters.   The main characters go on an emotional roller coaster ride as the set out to uncover the truth.   I loved all the action and suspense.  The plot was well thought out. Melanie Hutton was abducted fifteen years prior with her best friend.  Melanie made it out alive, but her best friend did not.  The victim’s brother, Jason Cooper blames Melanie for his sister’s death.  Melanie has amnesia regarding the events.  She has decided it is time to return to her hometown and search for her best friend’s remains.  Someone is not happy with Melanie’s homecoming and sets out to stop her from uncovering the truth.  Jason Cooper, the best friend’s brother, is now a detective.  He must put aside his feelings to keep Melanie safe.  The pair must work together to learn who is behind the attacks and what happened fifteen years ago.  I loved the mystery in the story.  In the beginning, I was wondering who abducted Melanie and her best friend fifteen years ago.  Then the suspense and action start with the various attacks.  I read as quickly as I could because I wanted to see how Buried Cold Case Secrets would turn out.  I appreciated that this was a Christian story.  It is a clean read (no intimacy or foul language) for which I was grateful.  I cannot wait to read this author’s next novel.  Buried Cold Case Secrets is an action-packed suspenseful adventure from beginning to end.  

Excerpt

“Does it still hurt?”

She jumped.

“Didn’t mean to startle you. Guess I have a habit of doing that.” Jason rested against the neighboring tree.

Several deep breaths later, she forced a smile. “It’s okay.”

He narrowed his gaze and studied her a mo­ment. “Well? Does it?”

“A little.” Truthfully, a lot, but Jason didn’t need to know that. “I, uh, wanted to thank you for watching out for me today.”

“Just doing my job.” The muscles in his neck and shoulders tensed.

“We both know it’s more than that.” She wiped her hand down her face. “Jason. We’re going to be working together for the foreseeable future. Do you think we can call a truce, at least while we do our jobs?”

His jaw twitched, and he remained silent.

She’d asked a lot, but the strain between them had to stop. She watched him for a few minutes then shook her head.

“Never mind.” She pushed from the trunk and limped to the hole in the ground. Her lead-filled heart threatened to drop to her feet. To think that fifteen years ago, she’d had a crush on him. He’d teased her and Allison, but he’d never allowed others to speak unkind words to them. If only she could return to those carefree days. The days before she had died on the inside and her friend had died for real.

Someday, Allison, I’ll find your body. I prom­ise.

She swiped the wetness from her cheeks and lowered herself into the grave. The movement mimicked her mood. She picked up her trowel and searched for more bones.

An hour later, Melanie’s headache had be­come unbearable, causing her stomach to roil. Just what she needed, to lose her lunch in front of Jason. Scanning the grave, she spotted the paint­brush she used for delicate work. She grasped the handle but dropped it. She tried again, but her fingers refused to cooperate. Her eyelids grew heavy. Something was off. She sat on the edge of the hole.

“Jason, help.” Her words were slurred. She struggled to stay upright. The trees in front of her blurred and swayed.

He kneeled down and came face-to-face with her. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.”

“Help me out here. What’s the last thing you did?”

“I—I…” She struggled against the gray cloud jumbling her thoughts. “Took a break a while ago. Only digging since.”

His gaze flew to a spot behind her.

She wilted into him. Her vision tunneled, and darkness closed in.

“Keith! Grab the cooler and her bag!”

Jason’s frantic voice registered, but her body had shut down.

His warm arms lifted her. Her head bobbed and landed on his shoulder.

Her cheek bounced against his chest in cadence with the pounding of his feet on the path.

His rhythmic breathing was the last thing she heard before the world went dark.

Are you ready to read Buried Cold Case Secrets?  Buried Cold Case Secrets is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Harlequin.  Sami Abrams next book is Twin Murder Mix-Up which will publish August 23, 2022.  It is part of the Deputes of Anderson County series.  You can follow Sami Abrams on Amazon to receive emails on her latest releases.  I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and an enjoyable New Year!  I had a lovely time with my family.  Tomorrow I will be featuring The Inn at Harts Haven by Patricia Davids. It is the first book in The Matchmakers of Harts Haven series. I hope you have a cozy day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.