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Amy Larson & Hunter Forrest FBI #1
Danger in Numbers
On the edge of the Everglades, an eerie crime scene sets off an investigation that sends two agents deep into a world of corrupted faith, greed and deadly secrets.
A ritualistic murder on the side of a remote road brings in the Florida state police. Special Agent Amy Larson has never seen worse, and there are indications that this killing could be just the beginning. The crime draws the attention of the FBI in the form of Special Agent Hunter Forrest, a man with insider knowledge of how violent cults operate, and a man who might never be able to escape his own past.
The rural community is devastated by the death in their midst, but people know more than they are saying. As Amy and Hunter join forces, every lead takes them further into the twisted beliefs of a dangerous group that will stop at nothing to see their will done.
Doomsday preppers and small-town secrets collide in this sultry, twisty page-turning thriller.
A ritualistic murder on the side of a remote road brings in the Florida state police. Special Agent Amy Larson has never seen worse, and there are indications that this killing could be just the beginning. The crime draws the attention of the FBI in the form of Special Agent Hunter Forrest, a man with insider knowledge of how violent cults operate, and a man who might never be able to escape his own past.
The rural community is devastated by the death in their midst, but people know more than they are saying. As Amy and Hunter join forces, every lead takes them further into the twisted beliefs of a dangerous group that will stop at nothing to see their will done.
Doomsday preppers and small-town secrets collide in this sultry, twisty page-turning thriller.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
800 people are currently reading
2730 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
613 books6,831 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews
April 25, 2021
Danger in Numbers by Heather Graham
Part contemporary Mystery / Thriller, part police procedural, with a dash of romantic suspense. Stand-alone at this point with hints of an upcoming series.
FBI agent Hunter Frost joins Florida Law Enforcement in the investigation of what appears to be a ritualistic murder crime scene. Select chapters bring 1993 into evidence that this may be the reemergence of a cult.
I listened to the audio version which led to a bit of confusion on the two timelines. Once I realized it was two stories, or flashbacks, I restarted and listened closely for identifying differences with “Sam” being the key to the last. I thought the ending to the 1993 storyline was weirdly timed and presented like a happily-ever-after but it didn’t detract from the suspense of whole.
Gripping and gruesome, this book is fast paced and eerie. Can a dynamic individual really influence groups of people to commit murder in the name of faith? History shows it’s entirely possible and this story delves deep into rituals and a corrupt and selfish leader.
The romance in the story was minimalistic.
Part contemporary Mystery / Thriller, part police procedural, with a dash of romantic suspense. Stand-alone at this point with hints of an upcoming series.
FBI agent Hunter Frost joins Florida Law Enforcement in the investigation of what appears to be a ritualistic murder crime scene. Select chapters bring 1993 into evidence that this may be the reemergence of a cult.
I listened to the audio version which led to a bit of confusion on the two timelines. Once I realized it was two stories, or flashbacks, I restarted and listened closely for identifying differences with “Sam” being the key to the last. I thought the ending to the 1993 storyline was weirdly timed and presented like a happily-ever-after but it didn’t detract from the suspense of whole.
Gripping and gruesome, this book is fast paced and eerie. Can a dynamic individual really influence groups of people to commit murder in the name of faith? History shows it’s entirely possible and this story delves deep into rituals and a corrupt and selfish leader.
The romance in the story was minimalistic.
March 17, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
DANGER IN NUMBERS by Heather Graham is the first of a four book series featuring two agents chasing after a multi-tentacled cult based on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This book can be read as a standalone and does not end on a cliffhanger, but it does have an ending that sets up the next book in the series.
FDLE Special Agent Amy Larson is studying the horrific scene of a ritualistic murder with her partner when an FBI agent appears at their location without being requested. At first, Amy has reservations about this agent, but soon ends up assisting him when her partner is off the case.
FBI Special Agent Hunter Forrest has heard of the crime scene discovered by the FDLE and believes it ties into his current case. He rushes to the scene to see it for himself. He soon proves to Amy that he is uniquely qualified to investigate cults and is impressed with her abilities and knowledge.
In rural small town central Florida, women are being gruesomely sacrificed and the crimes seem to be following an interpretation of the white horseman of “Death” in the story of the Apocalypse. The group wants Amy. Will Hunter be able to keep her safe?
I enjoyed getting to know these new protagonists and I am looking forward to following them through the future Apocalypse books. Amy was a strong female heroine who did not wait around to be saved and Hunter was her perfect foil. He is intelligent and determined to save people from cults, but he never overshadowed Amy. The romance grows as the two work together, but for me it was a little forced and I would have been OK with it happening later in the series, although I did enjoy the epilogue. The plot moves at a fast pace to the ultimate climax with several twists. All the secondary characters add to the story’s depth and not all are as they seem.
Overall, I can recommend this start to an exciting new romantic suspense thriller series.
DANGER IN NUMBERS by Heather Graham is the first of a four book series featuring two agents chasing after a multi-tentacled cult based on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This book can be read as a standalone and does not end on a cliffhanger, but it does have an ending that sets up the next book in the series.
FDLE Special Agent Amy Larson is studying the horrific scene of a ritualistic murder with her partner when an FBI agent appears at their location without being requested. At first, Amy has reservations about this agent, but soon ends up assisting him when her partner is off the case.
FBI Special Agent Hunter Forrest has heard of the crime scene discovered by the FDLE and believes it ties into his current case. He rushes to the scene to see it for himself. He soon proves to Amy that he is uniquely qualified to investigate cults and is impressed with her abilities and knowledge.
In rural small town central Florida, women are being gruesomely sacrificed and the crimes seem to be following an interpretation of the white horseman of “Death” in the story of the Apocalypse. The group wants Amy. Will Hunter be able to keep her safe?
I enjoyed getting to know these new protagonists and I am looking forward to following them through the future Apocalypse books. Amy was a strong female heroine who did not wait around to be saved and Hunter was her perfect foil. He is intelligent and determined to save people from cults, but he never overshadowed Amy. The romance grows as the two work together, but for me it was a little forced and I would have been OK with it happening later in the series, although I did enjoy the epilogue. The plot moves at a fast pace to the ultimate climax with several twists. All the secondary characters add to the story’s depth and not all are as they seem.
Overall, I can recommend this start to an exciting new romantic suspense thriller series.
March 28, 2021
Special Agent Amy Larson of FDLE and Special Agent Hunter Forrest of the FBI are thrown together in a temporary partnership while investigating the gruesome ritualistic deaths of women in the Florida Everglades. Their investigation puts them on the trail of a religious cult who are also white supremacists. To further complicate matters, the local community may know more about the murders than they admit.
This is an interesting crime procedural in a cult setting. It is told mostly from the point of view of Amy and Hunter, but there is occasionally another point of view thrown in that makes this story a little more compelling. However, I have seen several crime novels with similar storylines lately, and this one does not necessarily set itself apart from the others. There is a mildly interesting romance and some sex scenes that are not too graphic or over the top. The character name Hunter Forrest is pretty cliche and cheesy, but there is an explanation for it in the storyline.
I would recommend this to fans of crime procedurals.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
This is an interesting crime procedural in a cult setting. It is told mostly from the point of view of Amy and Hunter, but there is occasionally another point of view thrown in that makes this story a little more compelling. However, I have seen several crime novels with similar storylines lately, and this one does not necessarily set itself apart from the others. There is a mildly interesting romance and some sex scenes that are not too graphic or over the top. The character name Hunter Forrest is pretty cliche and cheesy, but there is an explanation for it in the storyline.
I would recommend this to fans of crime procedurals.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
May 2, 2022
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, romantic suspense novel. It has a likable, intelligent, strong and capable female protagonist, a caring, strong, intelligent, likable male protagonist, intrigue, suspense, mystery, romance, twists and turns, and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series, "Crimson Summer" with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Eva Kaminsky, does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
March 23, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The beginning of Danger in Numbers hinted at nefarious cult activities in 1993 . Fast forward to current year, the discovery of a gruesome ritualistic murder has Florida State Police Special Agent Amy Larson and her partner investigating. The sudden appearance of FBI agent Hunter Forest and his interest in what she considered her case sets her on edge. Forced to work with Hunter when her partner suffered a heart attack did not bode well with her, but the murders needed solving.
The investigation had me on the edge of my seat. I wondered how the events of 1993 tied with the current situation. Well, as the story developed the connection became clear and what a revelation. The mystery surrounding the person involved in the murders proved disappointing because of the ease with which I figured it out. The events leading up to the capture of the perpetrators made up for the disappointment.
Despite Amy’s initial misgivings about Hunter, they made a great team. I loved how the author slowly brought Hunter’s past to light. I thought Amy’s character could have been better fleshed out. The author provided a few details about her background, but it was not enough for me to connect with her. I found I had a better connection with Hunter as I learnt what inspired him to become an agent.
The romance was a slow burning one and developed as the story progressed. It did not overshadow the murder investigation, which was not an issue for me.
The villains of the story were manipulative, dangerous, greedy and warped in the head. The murder scenes were not for the faint of heart.
In summary, Danger in Numbers proved to be an engaging read. Fans of romantic suspense who appreciate graphic scenes should add this to their reading list. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The investigation had me on the edge of my seat. I wondered how the events of 1993 tied with the current situation. Well, as the story developed the connection became clear and what a revelation. The mystery surrounding the person involved in the murders proved disappointing because of the ease with which I figured it out. The events leading up to the capture of the perpetrators made up for the disappointment.
Despite Amy’s initial misgivings about Hunter, they made a great team. I loved how the author slowly brought Hunter’s past to light. I thought Amy’s character could have been better fleshed out. The author provided a few details about her background, but it was not enough for me to connect with her. I found I had a better connection with Hunter as I learnt what inspired him to become an agent.
The romance was a slow burning one and developed as the story progressed. It did not overshadow the murder investigation, which was not an issue for me.
The villains of the story were manipulative, dangerous, greedy and warped in the head. The murder scenes were not for the faint of heart.
In summary, Danger in Numbers proved to be an engaging read. Fans of romantic suspense who appreciate graphic scenes should add this to their reading list. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
March 31, 2022
I enjoy Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series, so I picked up Danger in Numbers, a romantic suspense thriller set in Florida. Cults, ritualistic murders ,and sizzling chemistry kept me flipping the pages.
This was good even without the paranormal woo-woo I am used to reading with Graham’s novels. The author pulls you right in with an intense escape from a cult. Then we flip to a crime scene near the Everglades in Florida and meet Special Agent Amy Larson of the Florida State Police.
Amy and her partner are at the scene of a murder where a young woman has been staked to a cross. As Amy sketches, Special FBI Agent Hunter Forrest, arrives on the scene. He is a specialist in cults, and it seems the murder resembles another.
I loved the meet and greet between Amy & Hunter. You can tell Amy is a little put out and doesn’t want the FBI taking their case, but the two quickly join forces.
Graham delivered a suspenseful case. We’ve got ritualistic murders with religious elements dealing with the four horsemen and the end of times. This provided foreshadowing as the agents pieced together what would happen next.
Hunter and Amy worked well together and slowly built up trust. The romance was a slow burn that quickly ignited. I enjoyed getting Amy’s perspective on things and liked that Hunter kept her on her toes. The author focuses on Hunter’s backstory and his chosen career path with a tie in to the murders.
I was a little disappointed with the whodunit as I figured it out early on, but we had plenty of suspects and secondary characters involved with lots of danger that kept me engaged.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This was good even without the paranormal woo-woo I am used to reading with Graham’s novels. The author pulls you right in with an intense escape from a cult. Then we flip to a crime scene near the Everglades in Florida and meet Special Agent Amy Larson of the Florida State Police.
Amy and her partner are at the scene of a murder where a young woman has been staked to a cross. As Amy sketches, Special FBI Agent Hunter Forrest, arrives on the scene. He is a specialist in cults, and it seems the murder resembles another.
I loved the meet and greet between Amy & Hunter. You can tell Amy is a little put out and doesn’t want the FBI taking their case, but the two quickly join forces.
Graham delivered a suspenseful case. We’ve got ritualistic murders with religious elements dealing with the four horsemen and the end of times. This provided foreshadowing as the agents pieced together what would happen next.
Hunter and Amy worked well together and slowly built up trust. The romance was a slow burn that quickly ignited. I enjoyed getting Amy’s perspective on things and liked that Hunter kept her on her toes. The author focuses on Hunter’s backstory and his chosen career path with a tie in to the murders.
I was a little disappointed with the whodunit as I figured it out early on, but we had plenty of suspects and secondary characters involved with lots of danger that kept me engaged.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 27, 2021
Special Agent Amy Larson has to be strong of stomach when she approaches the crime scene of a ritualistic murder. Accompanied by her partner John Schultz, both of them agents for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, they can tell right away that this case is going to be very difficult. While at the crime scene, Special Agent Hunter Forrest of the FBI joins them.
Amy is annoyed right from the outset. This is a local or state crime, so why is a federal agent coming into the picture? As things unfold it proves to be the case that Hunter has a special interest - and past - in a case that proves evidence of a dangerous cult operating in the rural Everglades there in Florida.
John is beset with heart difficulties, leaving Amy and Hunter now as partners in this gruesome case. While the community is no doubt devastated by this murder, the deeper Amy and Hunter probe, the more secrets they begin to unfold. Amy spotted something at the crime scene that laid the groundwork for investigation into a dangerous cult that proves that more bodies will fall.
All the while, Amy and Hunter begin to draw closer together. They are are both skilled in the art of investigation and their unique skills play well off of one another. Amy has an amazing talent as an artist when it comes to drawing crime scenes and Hunter's perceptive skills play into his past, a past that is utterly chilling.
The people behind the murders are horrid, to put it mildly. So some of the scenes are rather difficult to read. Then this this fabulous story combines fast-paced action with a developing romance. Factor in all three of these things, as well as the fact that dangerous cults do indeed thrive in some environments makes for this read by Heather Graham to be a captivating story that was impossible to put down.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Amy is annoyed right from the outset. This is a local or state crime, so why is a federal agent coming into the picture? As things unfold it proves to be the case that Hunter has a special interest - and past - in a case that proves evidence of a dangerous cult operating in the rural Everglades there in Florida.
John is beset with heart difficulties, leaving Amy and Hunter now as partners in this gruesome case. While the community is no doubt devastated by this murder, the deeper Amy and Hunter probe, the more secrets they begin to unfold. Amy spotted something at the crime scene that laid the groundwork for investigation into a dangerous cult that proves that more bodies will fall.
All the while, Amy and Hunter begin to draw closer together. They are are both skilled in the art of investigation and their unique skills play well off of one another. Amy has an amazing talent as an artist when it comes to drawing crime scenes and Hunter's perceptive skills play into his past, a past that is utterly chilling.
The people behind the murders are horrid, to put it mildly. So some of the scenes are rather difficult to read. Then this this fabulous story combines fast-paced action with a developing romance. Factor in all three of these things, as well as the fact that dangerous cults do indeed thrive in some environments makes for this read by Heather Graham to be a captivating story that was impossible to put down.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 31, 2022
I love a well-written RS. Seriously. And a series? What could be better than that. And a plot that takes place in Florida with cities I know?! Now, you're cooking.
So when I came across this book at my local library by an author I've read before, I pulled it from the shelves and started to read it shortly thereafter.
And I read. And read. And read...
I kept waiting for the suspense to build and some great chemistry to occur between two new partners. One works for the FDLE and the other is an agent with the FBI. There was the cult I mentioned above, a few nasty white supremacists, ritualistic murders and enough secondary characters to keep you guessing.
On the downside, there were lots of words, sub-plots and what-not. Many were repetitious. The idea of injecting a young family trying to escape from a cult, at the beginning of the story, caught my eye. But then it was repeated several times within the story. It wasn't hard to guess why the author did this and I found it somewhat annoying.
Honestly, I was bored with Danger in Numbers. I guessed correctly who the villains were. Amy Larson's and Hunter Forrest's (oh-so-cheesy) characters felt flat. They went from 0 to 100 in the romance category and it just didn't make sense. It would have been better off having nothing come between them in this story (just solve the case) and let their relationship burn slowly, coming to a simmer in Crimson Summer.
This story earned two stars because I read it all the way to the end. I have read other stories by Ms. Graham and enjoyed them, so I will chalk this one up as a miss.
So when I came across this book at my local library by an author I've read before, I pulled it from the shelves and started to read it shortly thereafter.
And I read. And read. And read...
I kept waiting for the suspense to build and some great chemistry to occur between two new partners. One works for the FDLE and the other is an agent with the FBI. There was the cult I mentioned above, a few nasty white supremacists, ritualistic murders and enough secondary characters to keep you guessing.
On the downside, there were lots of words, sub-plots and what-not. Many were repetitious. The idea of injecting a young family trying to escape from a cult, at the beginning of the story, caught my eye. But then it was repeated several times within the story. It wasn't hard to guess why the author did this and I found it somewhat annoying.
Honestly, I was bored with Danger in Numbers. I guessed correctly who the villains were. Amy Larson's and Hunter Forrest's (oh-so-cheesy) characters felt flat. They went from 0 to 100 in the romance category and it just didn't make sense. It would have been better off having nothing come between them in this story (just solve the case) and let their relationship burn slowly, coming to a simmer in Crimson Summer.
This story earned two stars because I read it all the way to the end. I have read other stories by Ms. Graham and enjoyed them, so I will chalk this one up as a miss.
February 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧
Amy Larson & Hunter Forrest FBI #1
This series is loosely based on The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The one sitting on the white horse is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. The person who has been chosen as the “rider” of the white horse has murdered an immigrant in a horrible way in the Florida Everglades and our main characters, Amy Lawson and Hunter Forest investigate a religious cult to find the white horseman before they are successful in murdering someone else.
I love the concept and characters of this series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Amy Larson & Hunter Forrest FBI #1
This series is loosely based on The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The one sitting on the white horse is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. The person who has been chosen as the “rider” of the white horse has murdered an immigrant in a horrible way in the Florida Everglades and our main characters, Amy Lawson and Hunter Forest investigate a religious cult to find the white horseman before they are successful in murdering someone else.
I love the concept and characters of this series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 12, 2021
This one gets an ‘okay’ from me.
While I enjoyed the cult aspect of the story and trying to figure out why the murders happened, the romance in this romantic suspense was a little ho hum. I mean…our two leads were…perfectly nice people. Yep. That’s it. Perfectly nice people.
The way everything ended was…fine.
Okay, honestly? There was just nothing standout about this one. This is an okay read populated by okay characters who solve an okay crime in an okay way and I want to read something else now…okay?
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
While I enjoyed the cult aspect of the story and trying to figure out why the murders happened, the romance in this romantic suspense was a little ho hum. I mean…our two leads were…perfectly nice people. Yep. That’s it. Perfectly nice people.
The way everything ended was…fine.
Okay, honestly? There was just nothing standout about this one. This is an okay read populated by okay characters who solve an okay crime in an okay way and I want to read something else now…okay?
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
March 30, 2021
DANGER IN NUMBERS is the first book I’ve ever read by Heather Graham but it certainly won’t be the last! Once I started reading, the twists and turns kept on coming and I could not put it down. Heather Graham has a talent for creating gripping plot lines and books that practically demand to be read in one sitting –and DANGER IN NUMBERS is no exception. I took my time with this amazing and mind blowing story as I wanted to make it last. Heather reels in her readers with quite a hook. I am kicking myself for not reading this story the minute I received it! She starts by putting the reader on a crazy roller coaster ride of emotions.
DANGER IN NUMBERS flows smoothly between present and past. I was quickly caught up in the story-line and found it difficult to put down. This book just flew by! DANGER IN NUMBERS was such a thrilling ride for me! This story is filled with mystery and many secrets. Your heart will be in your throat throughout most of this gripping story and you won’t believe how it ends! That’s all I’m saying about that! DANGER IN NUMBERS had me yelling at the characters in the book over and over again! My emotions were all over the place and just when I thought I had it all figured out, Heather Graham showed me just how wrong I was. DANGER IN NUMBERS is crazy good and everyone should read it! I am now on a quest to read all of her previous books and can totally understand why so many of my reading friends love this author so much!
DANGER IN NUMBERS is a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what had happened. Fans of psychological mysteries will enjoy this one. DANGER IN NUMBERS is so well written, that even though it jumps back and forth between the present and the past, it is still easy to follow. DANGER IN NUMBERS is a suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final pages. I highly recommend DANGER IN NUMBERS! This book is a well written novel that hooked me from the very first page. I do not want to tell too much because I don’t want to give anything away, but while reading, I felt every possible emotion I could think of and loved every minute of it! There is so much going on in this story, but Heather Graham does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from MIRA through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
DANGER IN NUMBERS flows smoothly between present and past. I was quickly caught up in the story-line and found it difficult to put down. This book just flew by! DANGER IN NUMBERS was such a thrilling ride for me! This story is filled with mystery and many secrets. Your heart will be in your throat throughout most of this gripping story and you won’t believe how it ends! That’s all I’m saying about that! DANGER IN NUMBERS had me yelling at the characters in the book over and over again! My emotions were all over the place and just when I thought I had it all figured out, Heather Graham showed me just how wrong I was. DANGER IN NUMBERS is crazy good and everyone should read it! I am now on a quest to read all of her previous books and can totally understand why so many of my reading friends love this author so much!
DANGER IN NUMBERS is a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what had happened. Fans of psychological mysteries will enjoy this one. DANGER IN NUMBERS is so well written, that even though it jumps back and forth between the present and the past, it is still easy to follow. DANGER IN NUMBERS is a suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final pages. I highly recommend DANGER IN NUMBERS! This book is a well written novel that hooked me from the very first page. I do not want to tell too much because I don’t want to give anything away, but while reading, I felt every possible emotion I could think of and loved every minute of it! There is so much going on in this story, but Heather Graham does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from MIRA through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 11, 2025
The man, Amy thought, wasn't religious in the least. He didn't even believe in God, she was certain. He believed in himself--and his great agenda, whatever it might be. (PG 299)
No guys. This was not a memoir about Sam Altman....
It started out well enough but then it became overly long with cult cliches and laughable villains.
Then I accidentally turned on a Tim Dillon rant and the rest is forgotten.
No guys. This was not a memoir about Sam Altman....
It started out well enough but then it became overly long with cult cliches and laughable villains.
Then I accidentally turned on a Tim Dillon rant and the rest is forgotten.
Read
November 3, 2021Florida State Police Special Agent Amy Larson is working with FBI Special Agent Hunter Forrest when a ritualistic killing is discovered. Forrest is a man with insider knowledge of cults and how they work. His experience comes from his own past.
As their investigation begins, they discover that the rural community, as a whole, are keeping secrets ... lying about what they know....
This was a little bit of a slow start for me, but the more I read, the more the pace sped up and the more engrossed I became. There's mystery, crime, deceit, as well as a hint of romance. It's well written with a surprise here and there to keep your attention. There are a few flashbacks showing that this particular cult will stop at nothing in order to stay in the shadows.
Many thanks to the author / Harlequin - Mira / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/romantic suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
As their investigation begins, they discover that the rural community, as a whole, are keeping secrets ... lying about what they know....
This was a little bit of a slow start for me, but the more I read, the more the pace sped up and the more engrossed I became. There's mystery, crime, deceit, as well as a hint of romance. It's well written with a surprise here and there to keep your attention. There are a few flashbacks showing that this particular cult will stop at nothing in order to stay in the shadows.
Many thanks to the author / Harlequin - Mira / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/romantic suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 21, 2021
Great story with a gruesome crimes and fast paced action.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’m not sure what it was that captured me about this book. Maybe it was the setting. Maybe it was the uniqueness of the crimes that were being committed. The extreme detail. The grit and gruesomeness of the crime. Whatever it was, Graham has stepped it up a few notches with this captivating release.
In this book, she dives into cults and what people will do in terms of mind twisting and the religious fanaticism. The setting is creepy and perfect for the plot.
She adds in the right amount of pacing and ties in a romantic interest that I felt was well placed but a little downplayed. The character development was good, with plenty of questionable characters to keep you guessing along the way. The suspense level was just right and she captured me completely in this story. I could not stop reading!
Loaded with gripping detail and police procedurals that keeps you on your toes, Danger in Numbers balances the crime, heightened tension, and even ups the anxiety levels as you go through the story for a well developed and twisted read! Plus, the ending was awesome with a lead in to a future story. Hunter was an excellent character and I hope to see him in future reads! Well Done!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/danger-in-nu...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’m not sure what it was that captured me about this book. Maybe it was the setting. Maybe it was the uniqueness of the crimes that were being committed. The extreme detail. The grit and gruesomeness of the crime. Whatever it was, Graham has stepped it up a few notches with this captivating release.
In this book, she dives into cults and what people will do in terms of mind twisting and the religious fanaticism. The setting is creepy and perfect for the plot.
She adds in the right amount of pacing and ties in a romantic interest that I felt was well placed but a little downplayed. The character development was good, with plenty of questionable characters to keep you guessing along the way. The suspense level was just right and she captured me completely in this story. I could not stop reading!
Loaded with gripping detail and police procedurals that keeps you on your toes, Danger in Numbers balances the crime, heightened tension, and even ups the anxiety levels as you go through the story for a well developed and twisted read! Plus, the ending was awesome with a lead in to a future story. Hunter was an excellent character and I hope to see him in future reads! Well Done!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/danger-in-nu...
April 3, 2021
I’m always looking for a new romantic suspense author and I thought I had found it, yet I’m wondering if 3 stars is too high.
I liked Amy and Hunter well enough. They’re both dedicated and good at their jobs. Personality wise, they both fell a little flat and I would have believed the romantic side if there was an organic progression.
Plot wise, it started strong, got a bit boring, then finished quickly. There are a lot of characters here, but it didn’t leave me second guessing everyone. Instead, I struggled to keep track. The epilogue had me a bit confused as it seemed to be fairly open ended, yet this isn’t a series?
Overall, I liked the idea of this plot and something kept me reading, but I could have easily set it down and left it unfinished.
**Huge thanks to MIRA for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Amy and Hunter well enough. They’re both dedicated and good at their jobs. Personality wise, they both fell a little flat and I would have believed the romantic side if there was an organic progression.
Plot wise, it started strong, got a bit boring, then finished quickly. There are a lot of characters here, but it didn’t leave me second guessing everyone. Instead, I struggled to keep track. The epilogue had me a bit confused as it seemed to be fairly open ended, yet this isn’t a series?
Overall, I liked the idea of this plot and something kept me reading, but I could have easily set it down and left it unfinished.
**Huge thanks to MIRA for providing the arc free of charge**
March 26, 2021
4 stars - Romantic Suspense
March 24, 2021
Awkward! If I had to describe this book in one word it would be "awkward." The writing was awkward, the dialogue was awkward, the plot was awkward, and the characters were awkward. Male characters, even the good guys, were condescending and objectifying to female characters. References to immigrants were offensive: "the little immigrant girl" when referring to a female even though she wasn't a girl, "the young woman had studied hard, Amy was certain, to make her way to the United States." I don't even understand where that phrase came from. How do you study hard to illegally enter another country? Likewise, assumptions regarding the case were made without any solid reasoning. These people were FBI and other law enforcement officers. They don't just guess. They also don't make sexual comments regarding coworkers to their supervisors. But apparently they do in this book. Based on the praise for this author's many books, I am hoping this is just a one off miss. I am not sure I am willing to try again. This book made me cringe. Multiple times.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
March 1, 2021
3.5 stars, actually.
After having read and enjoyed two of the author's other books, I have to say that this one - while enjoyable in many ways - doesn't quite measure up. The subject matter - ritualistic murders and a secretive religious cult - always makes fodder for a good story, and this is no exception. The main characters, though, just seem a bit too "perfect" to be totally believable - the budding relationship between Florida State Police Special Agent Amy Larson and FBI Special Agent Hunter Forrest was a forgone conclusion from the moment she met and disliked him.
While it in no way factored into my rating, I confess to being very bothered by the frequent and glaringly incorrect references to the Bible book that's the basis for the cult's beliefs. It is "Revelation," not "Revelations" (plural). Although I'm reading a pre-release galley and a few errors can be expected - publishers almost always contend these things will be caught and corrected in the final version - but this mistake is so pervasive that someone should have caught it long before this. If it hasn't been fixed before you get a copy, well, you read it here first.
All that said, this is still an engrossing story, with twists and turns that held my interest all the way to the end. It begins with the exceptionally gruesome murder of a young woman that clearly has religious overtones. Amy has been called in, and she's surprised when Hunter - a Fed - shows up unannounced (and, as far as she's concerned, unauthorized). Despite her wariness, they manage a truce of sorts; as the investigation moves along, the truce begins to turn to trust.
And time is of the essence when suspicions turn to what's outlined in that Bible book - predictions of four murders - one by sword, one by starvation, one by disease and one by animal attack. Given the nature of this murder, could it represent the first of four? If so, can Amy and Hunter and members of their teams find who's behind it before he or she strikes again?
The chase takes the pair through some of Florida's most remote parts as they meet up with some small-town locals who put a very different spin on what faith is all about. The search continues right up to an action-packed ending that makes the whole thing well worth reading. Thanks very much to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
After having read and enjoyed two of the author's other books, I have to say that this one - while enjoyable in many ways - doesn't quite measure up. The subject matter - ritualistic murders and a secretive religious cult - always makes fodder for a good story, and this is no exception. The main characters, though, just seem a bit too "perfect" to be totally believable - the budding relationship between Florida State Police Special Agent Amy Larson and FBI Special Agent Hunter Forrest was a forgone conclusion from the moment she met and disliked him.
While it in no way factored into my rating, I confess to being very bothered by the frequent and glaringly incorrect references to the Bible book that's the basis for the cult's beliefs. It is "Revelation," not "Revelations" (plural). Although I'm reading a pre-release galley and a few errors can be expected - publishers almost always contend these things will be caught and corrected in the final version - but this mistake is so pervasive that someone should have caught it long before this. If it hasn't been fixed before you get a copy, well, you read it here first.
All that said, this is still an engrossing story, with twists and turns that held my interest all the way to the end. It begins with the exceptionally gruesome murder of a young woman that clearly has religious overtones. Amy has been called in, and she's surprised when Hunter - a Fed - shows up unannounced (and, as far as she's concerned, unauthorized). Despite her wariness, they manage a truce of sorts; as the investigation moves along, the truce begins to turn to trust.
And time is of the essence when suspicions turn to what's outlined in that Bible book - predictions of four murders - one by sword, one by starvation, one by disease and one by animal attack. Given the nature of this murder, could it represent the first of four? If so, can Amy and Hunter and members of their teams find who's behind it before he or she strikes again?
The chase takes the pair through some of Florida's most remote parts as they meet up with some small-town locals who put a very different spin on what faith is all about. The search continues right up to an action-packed ending that makes the whole thing well worth reading. Thanks very much to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
September 7, 2022
I would like to give at least 4 stars to Danger in Numbers HOWEVER some points of this book wasn't as great as it was supposed to be.
First of all I have to congratulate Heather for the thriller.The thriller side of the story was amazing!
But when we go look at the main characters and their romance... ARGH... URGH... MEH!!!
The main characters - Amy and Hunter - were a bit confusing (some times they have one characteristic and other times, another completely different). And their romance. What to say about it? It wasn't something that I was looking for, it wasn't great and it happens really fast.
Even though I just stayed with this story because of the thriller, and the protagonists and their romance were incongruent, I see myself reading the next one (the second book of this series). Maybe it will be better?!
➛ 3,9 stars
First of all I have to congratulate Heather for the thriller.The thriller side of the story was amazing!
But when we go look at the main characters and their romance... ARGH... URGH... MEH!!!
The main characters - Amy and Hunter - were a bit confusing (some times they have one characteristic and other times, another completely different). And their romance. What to say about it? It wasn't something that I was looking for, it wasn't great and it happens really fast.
Even though I just stayed with this story because of the thriller, and the protagonists and their romance were incongruent, I see myself reading the next one (the second book of this series). Maybe it will be better?!
➛ 3,9 stars
April 9, 2021
3.5 stars. Chapter 1 begins with a particularly grotesque murder. A woman has been strung up on a cross with a spear in her heart with her face slashed. Religious and personal. Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Special Agent Amy Larson and her partner are the locals assigned to the case. FBI Agent Hunter Forrester arrives, believing he has seen a similar case. Interspersed is a story of a cult in 1993.
I've read a number of books but this author but stopped reading the Krewe of Hunters series due to all of the supernatural elements. This story doesn't have anything supernatural in it, whew. Romantic suspense is not my favorite genre but I can read these for the mystery. The more mystery in the story, the better, as far as I'm concerned. The characters were ok. My feeling from reading is that this may be the start of a series. My attention wavered a few times. It was a pretty standard romantic suspense.
I've read a number of books but this author but stopped reading the Krewe of Hunters series due to all of the supernatural elements. This story doesn't have anything supernatural in it, whew. Romantic suspense is not my favorite genre but I can read these for the mystery. The more mystery in the story, the better, as far as I'm concerned. The characters were ok. My feeling from reading is that this may be the start of a series. My attention wavered a few times. It was a pretty standard romantic suspense.
April 22, 2021
Danger by Numbers was a great read! I finished it in a day because I couldn't put it down. This book had some twisted murders, which I enjoyed because they were original and completely frightening! I really liked how well Amy and Hunter worked together and I'm excited to see how their relationship will develop in the coming books. I can't wait to read book two!
March 26, 2021
As I was reading this book I was trying to figure out the significance of the title. As the book is based on a killer whose modus operandi is inspired by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse I wondered if its meaning was biblical. Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament. Written by Moses it not only takes census, but follows the Israelites in their time wandering the desert in search of The Promised Land. Because of their doubt they spend 38 years being lost and tested as God reminds them that there is a cost to rebellion.
Here we have a family in exodus. Later there will be a woman missing in the wilds of the Florida Everglades. And throughout there is a cult whose members know a high price will be levied should they disobey their "Divine leader". Probably a stretch with the connection there, but the premise behind this book and the ritualistic murder were certainly intriguing. It seems that Danger in Numbers is a start of a new series featuring partners in love and crime - Amy Larson and Hunter Forrest. Would recommend to those who are thrilled by fanatical cults and not feint of heart.
Here we have a family in exodus. Later there will be a woman missing in the wilds of the Florida Everglades. And throughout there is a cult whose members know a high price will be levied should they disobey their "Divine leader". Probably a stretch with the connection there, but the premise behind this book and the ritualistic murder were certainly intriguing. It seems that Danger in Numbers is a start of a new series featuring partners in love and crime - Amy Larson and Hunter Forrest. Would recommend to those who are thrilled by fanatical cults and not feint of heart.
March 31, 2021
RATNG: 2.5 STARS
2021; Mira/Harlequin
I have not read Heather Graham in awhile, but I enjoyed her paranormal suspense series set in New Orleans and a standalone novel, so I decided to try Danger in Numbers. Serial killers, cults, FBI...what could wrong? The hero and heroine in this novel lack chemistry, and were a bit bland on their own. The story was okay, but wasn't anything exceptional or suspenseful. I am trying another book by Graham later this year Witness to Death so will keep you posted.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2021; Mira/Harlequin
I have not read Heather Graham in awhile, but I enjoyed her paranormal suspense series set in New Orleans and a standalone novel, so I decided to try Danger in Numbers. Serial killers, cults, FBI...what could wrong? The hero and heroine in this novel lack chemistry, and were a bit bland on their own. The story was okay, but wasn't anything exceptional or suspenseful. I am trying another book by Graham later this year Witness to Death so will keep you posted.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
March 21, 2021
Thank you to the publisher, Mira Books, for providing me with an ARC of Danger in Numbers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
I have been on a little book review hiatus. And the first review I get to write has me staring at my trusted little laptop screen. I don’t know what to say. Well, I do know what to say, I just don’t know how to say it without sounding like a complete jerk.
What the heck?! Here it goes: I thought this was really not that good. Wow! Can I be any more passive aggressive?
But seriously, though. What do you say about a story that felt like listening to nails on a chalkboard?
Let me explain.
The Details
I don’t think Danger in Numbers would have been as bad, had it not been for the writing.
But what is a story without the writing? Good question. Not much, I presume.
As soon as I started reading Danger in Numbers I could tell that this felt more like a mass-produced book. You know, one of those paperback novels you buy at the airport just to pass the time of your delayed flight?
It was a quick read, but mostly because it was just fluff. Badly written fluff.
There was no passion or excitement in the writing. I can always tell when a person writes something because they have to, versus when they are excited about telling a story.
This story just felt void of enthusiasm for the craft of writing.
The grammar was atrocious. The sentences felt chopped and thrown together to just get the point across, regardless of what they sound like as long as the pages get filled with them.
I couldn’t stand the characters. I imagined a pursed lip, better-than-thou female detective and a male sidekick, who have such a strong bond they only have to look at each to communicate. That sounds like something out of a day-time television show.
Also, I cannot buy the fact that a 50-year-old man has snow-white hair. Sure, it happens that people grey prematurely, but snow-white hair? On a 50-year-old man? Nah.
The lackluster writing, the lack of passion, the oh-so-many run-on sentences and unbelievable character descriptions made Danger in Numbers a not very pleasurable reading experience.
The Verdict
Overall, not even a gruesome murder in the deserted landscape of the Everglades could save this one for me. I am quite aware that this might not be a very popular opinion, yet I’m incapable of sugar coating the facts these days.
It’s a hard pass for me on Danger in Numbers.
May 4, 2021
My first read of a thriller written by Heather Graham was a huge success. Right from the start, I was gripped by this enthralling mystery. I love a spooky, dark crime novel and this did not disappoint. Well written and chock full with twists and turns it will keep even the most exacting of readers entertained. The cult aspect was well orchestrated as were the FBI elements. I was kept guessing throughout and I highly recommend Danger in Numbers so grab yourself a copy.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing /MIRA via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing /MIRA via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Read
June 8, 2021DNF at 29%.
Once upon a time when I only read romances...I think I've liked some Heather Graham before...so I thought I give this one a try since it is a serial killer thriller...but I have to say it's not very thrilling and not really engaging either. It's a no for me.
Once upon a time when I only read romances...I think I've liked some Heather Graham before...so I thought I give this one a try since it is a serial killer thriller...but I have to say it's not very thrilling and not really engaging either. It's a no for me.
May 14, 2021
3.5⭐ Enjoyable, if somewhat predictable. It leaves us with the possibility of a sequel, which I will most likely read . Hunter and Amy are good main characters. The full cast of secondary characters are interesting and deserving of their own books , especially Aiden .
March 29, 2021
Danger in Numbers by Heather Graham
Heather Graham has been a go-to author for me for some time and this book, dealing with cults and a horrific ritualistic killing sounded like a good read…and it was. This is a great introduction to what will be a four-book series starring Amy and Hunter and I am eager to read them all.
What I liked:
* Amy Larson: Special Agent for Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), newer at the job than some but not a novice, bright, dedicated, an artist that makes drawings at the scene of crimes, capable, thinks on her feet, from a family in law enforcement, likable.
* Hunter Forrest: FBI Special agent, ex-military, knowledgeable about cult and ritualistic murders, mid-thirties, well known on the job, intelligent, interesting backstory, likable.
* The slow development of the relationship between Amy & Hunter – can see them together on the job and off and am looking forward to seeing them together as the series unfolds.
* The side/back story and how it played into the overall larger story.
* The supporting characters: CSI, ME, her FDLE partner-John, FBI agent assigned to assist, others
* The dark, gritty aspects even though the crimes and cult and all the rest were as horrific as expected…and perhaps a bit more.
* Not knowing for sure which characters were good/bad
* It was believable
* That both main characters came from loving families
* That Amy and Hunter seemed balanced people and that they didn’t come into the story with a lot of baggage that drew away from the plot.
* Looking forward to what will happen next
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that cults exist and are as bad as or worse than the one in this book
* The baddies I was meant to dislike
* Having to wait till book two is published to find out what will happen next.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Heather Graham has been a go-to author for me for some time and this book, dealing with cults and a horrific ritualistic killing sounded like a good read…and it was. This is a great introduction to what will be a four-book series starring Amy and Hunter and I am eager to read them all.
What I liked:
* Amy Larson: Special Agent for Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), newer at the job than some but not a novice, bright, dedicated, an artist that makes drawings at the scene of crimes, capable, thinks on her feet, from a family in law enforcement, likable.
* Hunter Forrest: FBI Special agent, ex-military, knowledgeable about cult and ritualistic murders, mid-thirties, well known on the job, intelligent, interesting backstory, likable.
* The slow development of the relationship between Amy & Hunter – can see them together on the job and off and am looking forward to seeing them together as the series unfolds.
* The side/back story and how it played into the overall larger story.
* The supporting characters: CSI, ME, her FDLE partner-John, FBI agent assigned to assist, others
* The dark, gritty aspects even though the crimes and cult and all the rest were as horrific as expected…and perhaps a bit more.
* Not knowing for sure which characters were good/bad
* It was believable
* That both main characters came from loving families
* That Amy and Hunter seemed balanced people and that they didn’t come into the story with a lot of baggage that drew away from the plot.
* Looking forward to what will happen next
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that cults exist and are as bad as or worse than the one in this book
* The baddies I was meant to dislike
* Having to wait till book two is published to find out what will happen next.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
March 3, 2021
A horrific, ritualistic murder, a cult, and a pair of law enforcement investigators sifting through small towns and Florida backcountry for the truth. I had never read this author's books before and have wanted to for some time so I jumped at the chance.
Danger in Numbers opens with the gruesome death that brings Florida State Police Special Agent Amy Larson and her partner in on the investigation, but soon she is antagonized by the arrival of FBI Agent Hunter Forrest. She must join Hunter when her partner suffers a heart attack and she learns that Hunter's knowledge of similar murder and cult crimes will give them the edge. The antagonism de-escalates and they become a great investigative team. Her drawing talent and investigative skills and his experience lead the way through potential suspects and delving into a dangerous cult. Their partnership becomes something more even as things build to a suspenseful climax.
I enjoyed the way the author built the setting and situation while getting my attention with that grisly death. I loved the rural Florida backdrop and the feeling that something is seething and everyone seems to know something. Between the preppers and the cultists, this was one fulminating area and ripe for the crime setting.
At first, I was a little leery of the main character, Amy. She got all bent out of shape when Hunter showed up and I didn't want a bunch of law enforcement rivalry drama-ing up a good thriller set up. But, she lowered her hackles and got to work after a brief time of showing her displeasure. I was really glad of that because Hunter was the one with the expertise in this type of crime and had the past crime to help solve this one. He also was the character I was most drawn to with his slowly emerging background and the way he did his job. In truth, I felt I knew Hunter much better than Amy. Her background was never drawn as well as his though she was a likeable, capable woman who had a talent for drawing the crime scenes.
The romance was mostly background for this book and I was actually fine with this. I think it was the brutal killing up front and the potential for worse. If they had been spending all their time and thoughts on their attraction when so much trouble was happening, I would have seen them as unprofessional and worse. But, that said, they were both great people and I was happy to see them forming more than a working partnership by the end.
As to the mystery, I had no idea who did it. I pointed the finger a few times, but, honestly, I couldn't have figured this one out. The how, yes, but the rest was too ambiguous until late right about the time of the reveal. I even saw betrayal and conspiracy where there wasn't any. Definitely one of those where I could only follow along at the pace of the story.
All in all, this was a solid murder thriller and I enjoyed the author's writing. I definitely want more and I need to go and get her backlist from others series, too. Those who enjoy romantic suspense with emphasis on a gritty, engaging suspense should definitely pick this one up.
My thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Danger in Numbers opens with the gruesome death that brings Florida State Police Special Agent Amy Larson and her partner in on the investigation, but soon she is antagonized by the arrival of FBI Agent Hunter Forrest. She must join Hunter when her partner suffers a heart attack and she learns that Hunter's knowledge of similar murder and cult crimes will give them the edge. The antagonism de-escalates and they become a great investigative team. Her drawing talent and investigative skills and his experience lead the way through potential suspects and delving into a dangerous cult. Their partnership becomes something more even as things build to a suspenseful climax.
I enjoyed the way the author built the setting and situation while getting my attention with that grisly death. I loved the rural Florida backdrop and the feeling that something is seething and everyone seems to know something. Between the preppers and the cultists, this was one fulminating area and ripe for the crime setting.
At first, I was a little leery of the main character, Amy. She got all bent out of shape when Hunter showed up and I didn't want a bunch of law enforcement rivalry drama-ing up a good thriller set up. But, she lowered her hackles and got to work after a brief time of showing her displeasure. I was really glad of that because Hunter was the one with the expertise in this type of crime and had the past crime to help solve this one. He also was the character I was most drawn to with his slowly emerging background and the way he did his job. In truth, I felt I knew Hunter much better than Amy. Her background was never drawn as well as his though she was a likeable, capable woman who had a talent for drawing the crime scenes.
The romance was mostly background for this book and I was actually fine with this. I think it was the brutal killing up front and the potential for worse. If they had been spending all their time and thoughts on their attraction when so much trouble was happening, I would have seen them as unprofessional and worse. But, that said, they were both great people and I was happy to see them forming more than a working partnership by the end.
As to the mystery, I had no idea who did it. I pointed the finger a few times, but, honestly, I couldn't have figured this one out. The how, yes, but the rest was too ambiguous until late right about the time of the reveal. I even saw betrayal and conspiracy where there wasn't any. Definitely one of those where I could only follow along at the pace of the story.
All in all, this was a solid murder thriller and I enjoyed the author's writing. I definitely want more and I need to go and get her backlist from others series, too. Those who enjoy romantic suspense with emphasis on a gritty, engaging suspense should definitely pick this one up.
My thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2021
I don't set out to find books that have cults as part of the plot, but this is the third one I have read in the past month. Having said that, this was a thrilling, twisty read with tentacle into the past. When a body is found at the side of the road in the Florida Everglades, Amy Larson, a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has a feeling that this is just the beginning. FBI agent Hunter Forrest, is called in due to his knowledge of cults and ritualistic killings. When young women begin to disappear, especially those who are marginalized, the investigation picks up, until Amy herself is in danger.
This is my first book by Heather Graham and I know I will watch for more, especially as I understand that this is just the first of four in this series. Amy was a strong female protagonist who did not wait around to be saved. Hunter is intelligent and determined to save people from cults, but he never overshadowed Amy. They worked together well and make a great team. My only disappointment was the relatively quick romantic liaison. It would have been better to sizzle on the back burner until further along in this series. All the secondary characters add to the story’s depth and not all are as they seem. The story has settings both in the past and present, but they flow together well. There were several twists and extremely tense moments that had me switching back and forth between the audiobook and the ebook. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. With lies and secrets, people in town sneaking around and people pretending to be something else, it took awhile to get to the final climax, but I enjoyed every moment of this one. The epilogue was not a cliff hanger, but it does set up the next story in this series. I recommend this one to those who enjoy an action packed thriller, police procedural or cult based story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This is my first book by Heather Graham and I know I will watch for more, especially as I understand that this is just the first of four in this series. Amy was a strong female protagonist who did not wait around to be saved. Hunter is intelligent and determined to save people from cults, but he never overshadowed Amy. They worked together well and make a great team. My only disappointment was the relatively quick romantic liaison. It would have been better to sizzle on the back burner until further along in this series. All the secondary characters add to the story’s depth and not all are as they seem. The story has settings both in the past and present, but they flow together well. There were several twists and extremely tense moments that had me switching back and forth between the audiobook and the ebook. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. With lies and secrets, people in town sneaking around and people pretending to be something else, it took awhile to get to the final climax, but I enjoyed every moment of this one. The epilogue was not a cliff hanger, but it does set up the next story in this series. I recommend this one to those who enjoy an action packed thriller, police procedural or cult based story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
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