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The Crown Ranch #3
Missing Evidence
When Garrett Crown’s friend is murdered on his watch, he’s devastated. Running from his demons, he leaves the city and returns to his family homestead in Kentucky, hopeful that small-town life and tranquility will once again be his companion.
Riley Murphy, aka Skeeter, spent ten years in the Army only to be ousted when she claimed that her commanding officer had beat her, and left her for dead. Soon after, her career Army brother commits suicide. Skeeter finds evidence of foul play, but her accusations fall on deaf ears when she names her commanding officer.
Fearing for her life, she takes refuge at the Crown Ranch under the protection of two of her brother’s former military friends, one being Garrett’s brother.
When reminders related to her past with her commanding officer show up at her doorstep, she again fears death.
Garrett feels a powerful attraction to Skeeter and vows to protect her, no matter the cost. He failed his friend, but he will NOT fail Skeeter.
Riley Murphy, aka Skeeter, spent ten years in the Army only to be ousted when she claimed that her commanding officer had beat her, and left her for dead. Soon after, her career Army brother commits suicide. Skeeter finds evidence of foul play, but her accusations fall on deaf ears when she names her commanding officer.
Fearing for her life, she takes refuge at the Crown Ranch under the protection of two of her brother’s former military friends, one being Garrett’s brother.
When reminders related to her past with her commanding officer show up at her doorstep, she again fears death.
Garrett feels a powerful attraction to Skeeter and vows to protect her, no matter the cost. He failed his friend, but he will NOT fail Skeeter.
- GenresMystery ThrillerRomance
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2023
26 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Valerie J. Clarizio
33 books193 followersValerie Clarizio is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in romantic Door County Wisconsin with her husband. She loves to read, write, and spend time at her cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
She’s lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual. Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into an outdoors enthusiast, of which her favorite activity is hiking in national parks. While out on the trails, she has plenty of time to conjure up irresistible characters and unique storylines for her next romantic suspense or sweet contemporary romance novel.
Links to the first books in each of my series:
Covert Exposure
Missing the Crown Jewels
Time WARped
The Code Enforcer
Talia & Ryan's Story
She’s lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual. Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into an outdoors enthusiast, of which her favorite activity is hiking in national parks. While out on the trails, she has plenty of time to conjure up irresistible characters and unique storylines for her next romantic suspense or sweet contemporary romance novel.
Links to the first books in each of my series:
Covert Exposure
Missing the Crown Jewels
Time WARped
The Code Enforcer
Talia & Ryan's Story
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 12, 2023
This is another hit for Ms Clarizio! This is an intense romantic suspense filled with drama, twists and turns, secrets, deception, emotional turmoil, and an abundance of tension. This is the third book in the Crown Ranch series, and it’s family members. I have not had the opportunity to read the first two books (though I plan too now!), but it was incredibly easy to jump right into the story, the family, and drama affecting one of the sons. This author did an excellent job in providing information and clarity about the family members, so that I never felt lost, or out of the loop. This story focuses on Garrett, who has come home to the ranch to conduct his techie job from home, while attempting to relieve his guilt and his responsibility in a tragic event. Skeeter, a veteran, is sheltering at Crown Ranch, trying to hide from the man who beat her and left her for dead. With the help of the Crown family, she is working through this tragedy, and hoping to investigate what really happened to her brother. When Skeeter and Garrett meet, it’s instant chemistry, neither knowing the others’ true reasons for living at Crown Ranch. Garrett is courageous, strong-willed and protective. Skeeter is forthright, determined, independent and resilient, all while trying to repair her fear and trust issues. Together, with the other family members, they team up to strategize plans in solving the two puzzles. I found the plot intriguing, the characters well developed and believable, and the twist, turns and clues in the story not only woven in perfectly, but tantalizing as well. I was captivated from the first page. I highly recommend this book. I read it in one day! I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.
May 18, 2023
Romantic Suspense Aiming for Retribution!!
Riley Murphy aka Skeeter is staying at the Crown Ranch in Kentucky to recover and remain “hidden” for her own safety. She spent twelve years in the service, but was beaten within an inch of her life, and her brother was killed - though it was ruled suicide.
Now jumping at shadows, unable to handle being touched, and telling her woes to elderly horse
Sassy Girl; she doesn’t recognize herself.
Garrett Crown has come home to regroup himself. He and his friends were protecting their friend Kari, but she was ultimately murdered. Garrett is a computer guru. Determined not to lose another friend, he throws his support into finding evidence against Riley’s attackers.
Danger, intrigue, romance, horses, computer research and family loyalties all combine for a terrific story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Riley Murphy aka Skeeter is staying at the Crown Ranch in Kentucky to recover and remain “hidden” for her own safety. She spent twelve years in the service, but was beaten within an inch of her life, and her brother was killed - though it was ruled suicide.
Now jumping at shadows, unable to handle being touched, and telling her woes to elderly horse
Sassy Girl; she doesn’t recognize herself.
Garrett Crown has come home to regroup himself. He and his friends were protecting their friend Kari, but she was ultimately murdered. Garrett is a computer guru. Determined not to lose another friend, he throws his support into finding evidence against Riley’s attackers.
Danger, intrigue, romance, horses, computer research and family loyalties all combine for a terrific story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
May 19, 2023
This is another hit by the wonderful author (Valerie J. Clarizio.) This is an intense romantic suspense filled with drama, twist, and turns, secrets deception, emotional turmoil, and an abundance of tenson. This is the third book in The Crown Ranch series, and its family members. I have not had the opportunity to read the first two books (though I plan to now!) But it was incredibly easy to jump right into the storyline. This author did an excellent job in providing information and clarity about the family members, so I never felt or out of the loop. It has wonderful characters and was well written by the author. Once you start to read this book you just didn't want to put it down. I read this book in two days. I received a complimentary ARC for my honest review of what I thought about this book. To learn more about this wonderful author (Valerie J. Clarizio) please check out her Newsletter and you can find her on Facebook. I can't wait to read more books from this author.
May 18, 2023
This is a real page turner. Characters are excellent, the mystery is great and the development of the plot outstanding. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and mystery combined.
May 11, 2023
I absolutely love Garrett & Skeeter's (Riley's) story, and so will you. It's a real eye opener and a wonderful story. Thanks, Valerie, for writing it and allowing me to read it.
May 22, 2023
Even though Missing Evidence is third in The Crown Ranch Series, the author made it easy to connect right away to the current story.
Garrett has come home to be with family and decide what he wants to do with his life after the military. His family welcomes him with lots of love and food.
Garret notices that a new person has been added to the ranch family. Her real name is Riley, but she goes by the nickname of Skeeter. It's easy to see why. She's petite, but has undercurrents. Skeeter has left her military life under horrific circumstances. She was sexually assaulted by men that included a high up officer, Colonel Kolter. She tried to get justice, but everything was covered up and she was afraid of more retaliation. She is hiding out at the Crown Ranch. She is also grieving the loss of her beloved brother who allegedly committed suicide. She doesn't believe he would do that and wonders if it is part of another coverup. Is she safe even in this remote location?
The story of Garrett and Skeeter is one of slowly building trust and affection. Garrett and his brothers are truly good men and are all willing to do anything to protect and help Skeeter.
In a tale full of suspense, it was nice to see a little humor blended in. I became a fan of Valerie Clarizio after meeting her at a book convention. I plan to go back and read the first two books in this seres and others in her back list. I highly recommend her holiday series stories, especially in audio form
Garrett has come home to be with family and decide what he wants to do with his life after the military. His family welcomes him with lots of love and food.
Garret notices that a new person has been added to the ranch family. Her real name is Riley, but she goes by the nickname of Skeeter. It's easy to see why. She's petite, but has undercurrents. Skeeter has left her military life under horrific circumstances. She was sexually assaulted by men that included a high up officer, Colonel Kolter. She tried to get justice, but everything was covered up and she was afraid of more retaliation. She is hiding out at the Crown Ranch. She is also grieving the loss of her beloved brother who allegedly committed suicide. She doesn't believe he would do that and wonders if it is part of another coverup. Is she safe even in this remote location?
The story of Garrett and Skeeter is one of slowly building trust and affection. Garrett and his brothers are truly good men and are all willing to do anything to protect and help Skeeter.
In a tale full of suspense, it was nice to see a little humor blended in. I became a fan of Valerie Clarizio after meeting her at a book convention. I plan to go back and read the first two books in this seres and others in her back list. I highly recommend her holiday series stories, especially in audio form
May 19, 2023
Missing Evidence is a well-written romantic suspense full of alpha males and a strong female lead. Though Skeeter has been through a lot, she hasn't given up and as Garrett and his brothers work to find the evidence to free Skeeter from being harassed and find answers, her strength and resilience grow.
The book did seem to drag a little bit, but still kept me engaged. I would like to go back and read the other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy but the review is voluntarily.
The book did seem to drag a little bit, but still kept me engaged. I would like to go back and read the other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy but the review is voluntarily.
August 2, 2023
A new to me author bringing a refreshing change. Romance will always be the basis of all my reading and her addition of security, protection and suspense another draw card.
Skeeter needed the help of her brother's friends to solve the circumstances of his death and get justice for the attack on her. Garrett, a Crown brother, arrived and with his skill on computers could help tremendously in getting info and tying up loose ends on Kolter.
I am looking forward to starting a new path on my reading journey with this author.
Skeeter needed the help of her brother's friends to solve the circumstances of his death and get justice for the attack on her. Garrett, a Crown brother, arrived and with his skill on computers could help tremendously in getting info and tying up loose ends on Kolter.
I am looking forward to starting a new path on my reading journey with this author.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews