JUSTICE AT CARDWELL RANCH by B.J. Daniels

Publisher:   Harlequin Intrigue

Date published:   October 2, 2012

ISBN:  978-0373696444

Genre:   Contemporary romance

Book format:  Paperback

Obtained via: Publisher

Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com

 

Years ago Jordan Cardwell left his home in Big Sky behind. The last person who expected him to return to the Cardwell ranch was Jordan himself, especially after the fall out of six years before when he tried to force his sister, Dana into selling the ranch. Yet in response to a troubling phone call from a high school friend Jordan arrives. At first he makes no contact with Dana and her Marshal husband, Hud Savage.  Before Jordan can begin to sort out his past one of his old high school friends is murdered.

Liza Turner is a no nonsense Deputy Marshal. Like a dog with a bone she won’t get go of something until she’s solved whatever problem is facing her. Between dealing with the bullies—the too pretty, too rich girls from high school and her own drive for success romance hasn’t played a big part in her life. When she is called out to a murder scene she finds Jordan standing over the body.

Jordan professes his innocence and despite the circumstances Liza finds herself attracted to eldest Cardwell. Jordan professes his innocence and is determined to find out who killed not only his friend now, but what really happened to a close friend twenty-years before. Are the two incidents linked by more than high school friends?

Until I was asked to interview B.J. Haines for her latest release, JUSTICE AT CARDWELL RANCH it had been many years since I’ve read a Harlequin. I’d forgotten how much fun they could be, even if the subject is murder. In JUSTICE AT CARDWELL RANCH B.J. Daniels weaves not one but two murder mysteries into two romances:  one the continuation of Dana and Hud’s from CRIME SCENE AT CARDWELL RANCH and Liza and Jordan’s. And then adds one more element:  just what is Stacy Cardwell up to and why? The different threads are interwoven with each other in a well told story – they blend together to add anticipation to just what happened twenty years ago. Ms. Daniels definitely kept me guessing about the truth of that night twenty years before. The killer though was both a given and at the same time a total surprise. What a great twist.

With her drive and determination Liza was easy to relate to. She was an eminently likeable character and I enjoyed the connection she found with Jordan. 

JUSTICE AT CARDWELL RANCH was a great weekend read. I sat down over morning coffee to read it and read straight through making for a relaxing morning. And good news—I think—it looks like there may be at least two more stories—Clay and Stacey’s in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.