Book picks similar to
The Secret of Crybaby Hollow by Cara Swann


romantic-suspense
shelf-s-authors
thriller-susp-mystery
first-responder

Nowhere


Roger Smith - 2016
    A dark tale of fate, revenge and violence in a country where wrong is the new right.When the president of South Africa murders his wife in a fit of drunken rage he charges his most trusted henchman, the bloodthirsty Steve Bungu, with orchestrating a cover-up that pivots on blackmailing Joe Louw, a retired cop of impeccable ethics, to mount a fake investigation that'll clear the crooked head of state.In a seemingly unconnected case, Investigator Disaster Zondi (Mixed Blood, Dust Devils) who, because of his criticism of the corrupt post-apartheid regime, has been banished to the fringes of law enforcement, is given the thankless task of traveling to the remote Kalahari Desert to arrest Magnus Kruger, a notorious white supremacist who rules over an Afrikaner-only enclave, for the slaying of a young black man.As Louw and Zondi peel away layers of lies, hatred and festering secrets they reveal the connections that bind them, connections that reach back deep into the nightmare of South Africa's apartheid past.

Awakening


Randal Sloan - 2015
    Miranda Summerlin finds that she has been given nanites that give her enhanced mental abilities and extraordinary hand-to-eye coordination. She attends the nearby Space Academy where she uses her mental genius to work on cutting edge astrophysics and she joins the school shooting competition team after discovering she can hit wherever she aims at on a target. Intending to keep her skills low key, Miranda must step up to prevent a terrorist attack against the school that only she has the skills to do so. Miranda has also drawn the attention of a girl on the soccer team who becomes her nemesis at the school. While playing pool at a school party, Miranda lets her irritation with her nemesis cause her to let some of her skills slip thru to others. But Miranda will soon be faced with the need to use many of her skills and in so doing, Miranda will come to the attention of her true nemesis, a rogue Organization that wants her nanites. She will need help to escape from their agent. In the process, she will discover her true identity. But what is the cost for her rescue? How will she deal with the Organization? >>>The first in the Near Future series, Awakening is a near future sci-fi thriller in a world that combines science that just might be possible soon with psychic visions and an evil Organization that is backed by an unknown power. Coming soon, books 2 and 3 in the series and a novella too! Sign up for my Reader's List at http://randalsloan.com/nearfuture/

Stranded on Vail Mountain


Desiree L. Scott - 2016
    It was over. Depressed and angry, she decided to venture directly into an oncoming snowstorm, one that would be known as the blizzard of the century. Stephen Brockheart received the call concerning a missing tourist after working 26 hours straight. A park ranger for the mountain resort, he set out on the routine mission, knowing he was running out of time as the blizzard hit with visibility zero. What he hadn’t counted on was saving a beautiful woman and falling for her, a city girl who knew nothing about the dangers of the mountain. He had been there before and vowed never to return. As Mother Nature raged, Joan was soon overcome by the feelings a complete stranger evoked in her, causing her to reevaluate her own life. Through the blizzard and stranded at the resort, death was imminent for any who would try to leave. Despite loss and secrets, can two people find love and happiness again? Can they be given a second chance to make it real and lasting, or will that chance die with them?

Tristan Finch: A Novel


Jacqueline Spencer - 2014
    The Royal Family is the lead story in every newspaper and on all television channels as the world watches with great anticipation, captivated by this terrible story. Will Prince James survive? American Jennifer Dressen, 28, is living in London working for a large British daily paper. One evening, her elderly neighbor insists on speaking to her. “I'm dying. And I have to tell the truth about something. Something that happened many years ago. Something so big, it will....” Her voice trailed off. Then she seemed to gather what strength she had left and announced, “I can't die like this. With no one knowing what I know. I have to share it. It is vitally important.” Jennifer's dream is to be an investigative reporter and, after hearing the old woman's story, she thinks this could be the one that gets her there. As she begins her research to find out if the woman's fantastic tale is true, she meets the man's of her dreams - a handsome solicitor who lives with his younger sister, a woman with special needs. In short order, Jennifer finds herself deeply in love. But fate deals her a challenging blow during her research when she is forced to take measure of herself and answer a simple question: is she willing to sacrifice happiness in her personal life for success in her professional one? Because the story she is about to break will rock the world with new revelations about the Royal Family. And forever change the life of the man she loves.

The Billionaire's Proposal (Book 1)


Melody Sanders - 2013
    Vicki had spent the intermission backstage, chatting with two of her favorite singers who would soon grace the stage once more as the booming baritone Magnifico and his daughter Angelina, a dazzling soprano whose career had reached new heights during these ten, high-profile New York performances.Vicki couldn’t conceal her delight at the absolutely full house. “I guess the new marketing firm really hit one out of the park,” she commented quietly to Martin as the lights dimmed. “All ten performances are sold out!”Her lawyer friend smiled. “It’s the inspired leadership they’ve been getting,” he replied. “New blood, new ideas. It’s just magnificent.” The maestro appeared at the edge of the orchestra pit and received enthusiastic applause. “Although even I would admit that Rossini’s genius might have something to do with it,” Martin said, raising his voice over the audience’s appreciation. “Still, you’ve broken the glass ceiling yet again, I would say. Bravo, Miss Vydra.”“You’re too kind,” she said, patting his hand as the strings stirred in a quiet but ominous tremolo, quickly ushering in a sudden and violent orchestral tutti, brassy and loud, which filled the huge auditorium with the dark ferocity of the storm it depicted. Vicki let the eruption pass through her, finding herself carried by its torrential force, allowing the moment to fill her with an awed respect for nature’s power. She knew that it could not last, and the audience was soon deposited kindly into the peaceful meadow of the storm’s passing. Horn calls signaled the all-clear and, as one can always expect from Rossini, the good humor and delicate, social fun-poking resumed.***Content warning: For adults only!***

The Haunted Dollhouse (The Ghost Store)


E.R. Rose - 2016
    She can see ghosts and she helps them with any unfinished business. In this first story, Lottie’s dad brings a dollhouse into the family store. A ghost is attached to it. It doesn’t take Lottie long to connect with the ghost, but when she does, her heart fills with sadness. This is going to be a difficult case for Lottie, but she is determined to help the ghost.

JP Investigations


Lola Silverman - 2017
    5 books and NO cliffies! Book 1: Micah Lexi is everything a man like me should steer clear of. Mostly, that means she’s too good for someone like me. But when I realize that her brother is missing because of something that happened in my club, there’s really nothing for me to do but help her out. Something isn’t right around here and I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been a little blind to some stuff that was right under my nose. Lexi has woken me up in so many ways and I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same again. Book 2: Aaron I’m in Boston for one reason, to chase down a lead on my boss’s missing son. Joshua is the owner and CEO of Joshua Pettit Investigations and he tells me where to go and when. But it’s always up to me to find the best way to crack a case wide open. Of course this is the first time that my main informant in any case turned out to be a prostitute. For the moment she and I have mutual goals. But the more time I spend with Johanna, the more time I realize that there’s a lot more to her than anyone has ever given her credit for. Book 3: Zandry Coming to Denver in search of some runaway teens that might or might not be my boss’s kid is about the vaguest assignment I’ve ever had. Now I’m following runaway teens all over town and watching them pull off panhandling schemes that would make an experience thief green with envy. Something isn’t quite adding up here and it has nothing to do with the carnies coming to town. Of course hanging out with pickpockets occasionally means you get accused of doing the deed yourself. Fortunately for me there is a super hot cop that doesn’t mind coming to my rescue. Book 4: Liam Finding the bodies of dead runaway in a hole in the desert isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever seen, but it does come close. These kids are young and their lives had promise. But now I’m here in Albuquerque to see if my boss’s kid might be one of the unfortunates. I’m hoping not because the CEO of JPI is not the type of man who will take the murder of his son lightly. Fortunately for me I’ve happened onto a woman who is up to her ears in the business of runaway teens and also happens to look like an exotic angel come to take my poor Irish butt to heaven. Book 5: Joshua Beth is probably one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Of course that probably makes me an idiot for constantly telling her that we can’t be a couple. The problem is that I shouldn’t be sleeping with employees. And of course my kid ran away and I’ve been tapping all of my resources trying to find him. Now I’m in New Orleans with Beth following one last lead. Of course this also happens to bring my ex wife out to help. Between her theatrics, a sarcastic local cop, and a voodoo priestess who can’t keep her nose out of other people’s business, all I can hope for is a happy ending that doesn’t end with a permanent stay in one of the Big Easy’s famous crypts.

What If It's True?


Dixie Burns - 2015
    Our dreams are haunted with them. For unclear reasons, some of them won’t go away, leaving our collective heads to hang in shame. Or worse, create celebrity out of all proportion.We live in narrow spaces. Believing me-and-mine are special but not vulnerable. Evil exists, just not on our street. We carry the rumors with us. Like sand in our shoes, the stories seldom stop us in our tracks. We will deal with them later.But the grit in our soles whispers, “What if it’s true?”What If It’s True? Takes place in a small Southern town. A good solid town. Neat and efficient in all its circumstances. A woman of a different truth moves there coincidentally with rumored sins of the faithful. The truth of this book is secrecy can become malignant in a community until an outsider raises questions.

Figure 8


Elle McKenzie - 2015
    The death of her mother when she was 8 years old created a deep and dark depression, from which she has constantly struggled to climb out of.Now she has reached the lowest point she has ever been. She sees no other way out.Suddenly she finds hope.She meets Damon Harmon.Wanting desperately to help Isabelle, Damon tries to drag her out of the darkness and breathe life back into her.But why is he so determined to help her?What is the dark secret which haunts him and threatens their future?Will their love be enough to withstand betrayal?When love leaves you breathless, how do you learn to breathe on your own?

Black Creek White Lies


Murray Bailey - 2017
    SECRETS AND LIES Eighteen months after being wrongly accused of her murder, Dan Searle returns to rebuild his life and forget. A MYSTERIOUS PAST But others won't let him forget. He is quickly drawn back into the case and a dark and violent mystery; one that involved another girl years before. OPEN YOUR EYES As the lies begin to unravel, Dan uncovers startling truths about the farm and its past. With dangerous people trying to keep their secrets safe, he must save those he loves - before time runs out…

Way of the Warrior


Bernard Schaffer - 2011
    A sixteen year veteran and second-generation cop, Schaffer possesses a keen insight into what it takes to successfully uphold the law and not lose your mind in the process. Equal parts biography and instructional guide, Way of the Warrior focuses on the core of the individual officer: the warrior spirit.Whether you're a grunt working The Street or a white shirt who'd need a GPS to find it, this guide is designed to help you reconnect with why you took the oath to serve and protect. Behind the badge and the gun lies the heart of a warrior. Unleash your inner hero.One of the most authentic Law Enforcement Kindle books available, this essay on the modern warrior society of police officers is part-biography, part-instructional guide as to what it means to protect and serve the public, at any cost. It employs Law Enforcement leadership principals, Law Enforcement tactics and methods of Law Enforcement intelligence, but focuses on the core of the individual officer: the warrior spirit.For anyone interested in real Law Enforcement police stories, whether they are grunts in the field or in positions of police leadership. Behind the badge and the gun lies the heart of a warrior. Unleash your inner hero.

The Gender Experiment


L.J. Sellers - 2016
    After discovering they were born at the same clinic two decades earlier, she investigates further and uncovers a startling list. With the realization that more gender-fluid people are targeted for elimination, Taylor kicks her investigation into high gear. But the researchers who conducted the experiment aren’t about to let anything interfere with their plans. Soon Taylor is in deep trouble and needs the help of FBI Special Agent Bailey. As Bailey scrambles to track down leads, events spin out of control and she finds herself blocked at every step by powerful military forces. With the clock ticking on Phase 2 of the experiment, can Bailey and Taylor uncover the truth in time to save the other subjects?

Father and Child Reunion Part 1


Christine Flynn - 2014
    But that was before a storm cut power all over town, her brother's bride went missing and Eve's mother, Olivia, was tragically killed.Now Rio, an investigative reporter, is the only one with a lead on her mother's case. Eve's willing to answer his questions, as long as they don't involve her daughter, Molly. Six years ago, Rio made it clear he never wanted a child. How can Eve trust him to do the right thing if he finds out the truth about Molly? The story continues in Father and Child Reunion Parts 2 and 3.

Biker's Baby: Devil's Wings MC


Nicole Fox - 2017
     A whorehouse, a police raid, and a case of mistaken identity… It’s a brutal recipe that’s left me tied up in the bed of a sexy, vicious biker. Connor Ryan is determined to wring the truth out of me, by any means necessary. I’ll resist all I can, but we both know the truth: he’s going to break me, and then he’s going to use me – in any way he wants. When I promised my friend that she would never have to go back to whoring, I had no idea I would be forced to take her place. But when she betrays me, I’m given to Connor Ryan… and my life takes a turn for the worse. I’ve spent years running from my past. But now, this bad boy biker is going to tie me down and make me do whatever he wants. Connor knows I’m lying, and he’s determined to make me confess – or else. The longer I defy him, the more determined he is to twist my body to its limits. The sick truth is that part of me doesn’t mind this sinister game… As long as it’s him I’m servicing. But when I find out that my loved ones are dying while I hold out, I’m forced to make a decision: Do I keep up this charade… Or do I submit and bear the biker’s baby?

A Soldier's Protection: An Eagle Security & Protection Novel (Beyond Valor, #4)


Lynne St. James - 2019
    Now he has a second chance. All he has to do is keep her alive.Ex-SEAL Chase “Frost” Brennan was sure he’d never again see the only woman he’d ever loved. Faith Murdock was the civilian psychologist who’d brought him back to life three years ago, and now she was a seductive, alluring, burlesque dancer who’d hypnotized him. She had a story to tell, but before he could ask, all hell broke loose at the club.Faith started dancing for release but when her fan mail turned threatening, it terrified her. When Chase showed up her relief was staggering. He was the one man she trusted with her life. She’d never gotten over the pain of having to push him away for his own good, even though it broke her heart.Faith wasn’t the same woman he’d known, and Chase wanted to know why. He was determined to break down the barriers to her heart, but first he had to catch a killer and it quickly became clear he was no ordinary stalker. Even with the help of his ESP team and his best friend, Chase would have to put his life on the line for his woman. But he was willing to do anything to give Faith the happily ever after she deserved.