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Devil's Shroud #1
Deadly Reckoning
"You win for now, but it isn't over."
Trouble has followed pregnant artist Kayla Davies to a picturesque Oregon town where she hopes to paint away memories of a brutal attack. Instead she finds herself again gripped by fear when a woman's murder and an eerily familiar stalker coincide with her arrival. Someone is watching her…and disappearing into the dreaded fog called The Devil's Shroud.
Shaken, Kayla finds comfort in the arms of Gabe McGregor, the hard-bodied town sheriff and single dad. Though he and Kayla share a powerful attraction, neither wants anything beyond an earthshaking fling. Too many lies and secrets have come between them - until another vicious attack on Kayla changes everything….
Trouble has followed pregnant artist Kayla Davies to a picturesque Oregon town where she hopes to paint away memories of a brutal attack. Instead she finds herself again gripped by fear when a woman's murder and an eerily familiar stalker coincide with her arrival. Someone is watching her…and disappearing into the dreaded fog called The Devil's Shroud.
Shaken, Kayla finds comfort in the arms of Gabe McGregor, the hard-bodied town sheriff and single dad. Though he and Kayla share a powerful attraction, neither wants anything beyond an earthshaking fling. Too many lies and secrets have come between them - until another vicious attack on Kayla changes everything….
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
84 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Elle James
691 books1,210 followersAward-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 15, 2012
Kayla was attacked when she was leaving an art gallery featuring her work. She was smart enough to protect herself by hitting her car alarm. Saving her and the baby inside her, given to her via her best friend Tony before he died in a terrible car accident. When her therapist suggested she move and try to get away from the bad memories, she did.
When a girl is murdered after arriving in a small town Kayla is trying to make her new home, she is shaken as the murder victim looks almost identical to her. When Gabe arrives, who works as a police officer, she tells him she believes it was her attacker/stalker. Her stalker has been leaving her messages and threats everywhere.
When Gabe finds proof that it is indeed Kayla's stalker that killed the girl and that the FBI is on the look out for him because he is a serial killer, he decides to protect her. With Gabe's help and the help of Gabe's teenage son Dakota, they work together to keep Kayla and her unborn baby safe.
This book was amazing, I couldn't stop reading it! I loved the characters and especially the fact Kayla is strong enough not to let this serial killer beat her down. Although she is struggling with the loss of her best friend Tony and this creepy dude, she is still persevering. I love the strength of all the characters in the book really and the author wasn't afraid of showing their weaknesses as well, for it made a better read. I don't like "superman" type books, no one in real life is that perfect but this book was pretty damn close!
When a girl is murdered after arriving in a small town Kayla is trying to make her new home, she is shaken as the murder victim looks almost identical to her. When Gabe arrives, who works as a police officer, she tells him she believes it was her attacker/stalker. Her stalker has been leaving her messages and threats everywhere.
When Gabe finds proof that it is indeed Kayla's stalker that killed the girl and that the FBI is on the look out for him because he is a serial killer, he decides to protect her. With Gabe's help and the help of Gabe's teenage son Dakota, they work together to keep Kayla and her unborn baby safe.
This book was amazing, I couldn't stop reading it! I loved the characters and especially the fact Kayla is strong enough not to let this serial killer beat her down. Although she is struggling with the loss of her best friend Tony and this creepy dude, she is still persevering. I love the strength of all the characters in the book really and the author wasn't afraid of showing their weaknesses as well, for it made a better read. I don't like "superman" type books, no one in real life is that perfect but this book was pretty damn close!
February 29, 2012
Very good book. The suspense in this one kept me turning the pages late into the night, until I finished it. Kayla came to Cape Churn to get away from the memories of the attack and try to get her desire to paint back. When the threats started up again, she turned to Gabe. Gabe was determined to find out who was doing this to Kayla. He was powerfully attracted to her, but didn't want a relationship to distract him from his search for the killer. He was also trying to cope with being a single dad. I loved Gabe's patience with his son, as they got to know each other. I also liked the way that Dakota stepped in to help protect Kayla.
January 19, 2013
This book was so good. Kayla was being targeted by a serial killer who played games with his prey before he actually killed him. He almost killed her once, and she barely escaped. After her attack she moved to Cap Code to heal. She started being taunted again, not knowing if it was the same person that hurt her before…. Shortly after moving to Cap Code she met Gabe that was a handsome deputy. He was also a single father. He just found out he had a son named DaKota a few months before. The story tells of how they met, and the hardships they face as they try to form a relationship. DaKota is a teen facing his own problems. I loved this story, and the charactors tugged at my heart. The action kept me at the edge of my seat. This is a book that will be hard to put down once you start reading!
Sample from chapter 6
Her gaze shot to the mirror and her face lost all color. “Kayla? What happened next? “That.” She raised a hand, her finger pointed at the mirror. In the fading moisture on the glass, Gabe read the message, his heart sinking to his knees. If he’d had any doubt before that the killer was after her, he didn’t now. He gathered the woman in his arms and held her while silent sobs shook her body. Anger surged through him, making him want to strike out, to hunt down this man who frightened women in a very sick game. Especially this sensitive beauty who would never hurt a soul. Whatever it took, he’d find the bastard. And when he did, he’d never let him hurt Kayla – or any other woman – ever again.
Sample from chapter 6
Her gaze shot to the mirror and her face lost all color. “Kayla? What happened next? “That.” She raised a hand, her finger pointed at the mirror. In the fading moisture on the glass, Gabe read the message, his heart sinking to his knees. If he’d had any doubt before that the killer was after her, he didn’t now. He gathered the woman in his arms and held her while silent sobs shook her body. Anger surged through him, making him want to strike out, to hunt down this man who frightened women in a very sick game. Especially this sensitive beauty who would never hurt a soul. Whatever it took, he’d find the bastard. And when he did, he’d never let him hurt Kayla – or any other woman – ever again.
May 6, 2013
After an attempt on her life, Kayla Davies leave Seattle for a small Oregon town to try and get past the trauma so she can start painting again. Its not long before she realizes that what she ran away from has followed her after a girl is found murdered with a strong resemblance to her.
Gabe McGregor left Washington where he had been a police office to come back to his home town to raise the teenage son that had been suddenly thrust on him that he had no clue about. He works for the sheriff's department in the usually quite town. Now he not only has to deal with a surly teenager but also trying to catch a murder, and protect Kayla and his growing attraction to her.
The author did a great job of giving us many suspects to choose from and left you wanting Gabe to hurry up and figure out the clues to find out who the killer was. I really liked the relationship that formed between Gabe's son and Kayla. He had gotten himself into trouble in the city for graffiti and it didnt take Kayla long to figure out that he just needed canvas and paint to express himself.
Gabe McGregor left Washington where he had been a police office to come back to his home town to raise the teenage son that had been suddenly thrust on him that he had no clue about. He works for the sheriff's department in the usually quite town. Now he not only has to deal with a surly teenager but also trying to catch a murder, and protect Kayla and his growing attraction to her.
The author did a great job of giving us many suspects to choose from and left you wanting Gabe to hurry up and figure out the clues to find out who the killer was. I really liked the relationship that formed between Gabe's son and Kayla. He had gotten himself into trouble in the city for graffiti and it didnt take Kayla long to figure out that he just needed canvas and paint to express himself.
March 19, 2012
A very enjoyable book..Good plot and satisfying ending..
January 26, 2026
They were in love within 3 days. No. That was just too quick. It was also very easy to figure out the bad guy from the very beginning.
This book is 14 years old. I guess that explains why Kayla was always leaving her phone behind. Today, most people her age have the thing attached to their hands.
I though Kayla was rather dumb. She kept being warned to not be alone. But, she always went back to her cottage by herself. Or, stayed at the cottage instead of going where people were. A locked door is not going to keep the bad guy away.
I think there should have been a better ending. I would have liked an epilogue several months later when the baby was borne. As it was, the book just ended.
I hope the next book in the series is better.
This book is 14 years old. I guess that explains why Kayla was always leaving her phone behind. Today, most people her age have the thing attached to their hands.
I though Kayla was rather dumb. She kept being warned to not be alone. But, she always went back to her cottage by herself. Or, stayed at the cottage instead of going where people were. A locked door is not going to keep the bad guy away.
I think there should have been a better ending. I would have liked an epilogue several months later when the baby was borne. As it was, the book just ended.
I hope the next book in the series is better.
September 3, 2025
5 stars
I purchased a copy of Deadly Reckoning: Devil’s Shroud Book 1 by Elle James, and this review was given freely.
Single parents find love, trust, and safety in this steamy romantic suspense with good foreshadowing and intense drama that is set on the Oregon Coast.
After a brutal attack, pregnant artist Kayla Davies seeks refuge and inspiration in the foggy coastal city of Cape Churn, where instant attraction and a persistent stalker draw her, officer Gabe McGregor, and his son, Dakota, emotionally closer to each other, while making them frequent targets of the escalating stalker.
18+ for intimate scenes.
I purchased a copy of Deadly Reckoning: Devil’s Shroud Book 1 by Elle James, and this review was given freely.
Single parents find love, trust, and safety in this steamy romantic suspense with good foreshadowing and intense drama that is set on the Oregon Coast.
After a brutal attack, pregnant artist Kayla Davies seeks refuge and inspiration in the foggy coastal city of Cape Churn, where instant attraction and a persistent stalker draw her, officer Gabe McGregor, and his son, Dakota, emotionally closer to each other, while making them frequent targets of the escalating stalker.
18+ for intimate scenes.
March 12, 2024
Dakota, Gabe and Kayla, none of them knew the other existed.
A deranged jilted lover, who is killing everyone who looks like the lover. A Sheriff who finds out he has a teenage son. I woman who was attacked, goes to a new town to start new. A pregnant woman be her now dead best friend. A lot going in. What caused ne to give it a 3. How many times do you go back to the cottage where someone us trying to kill you kill you. Was their a death wish or stupidity.
A deranged jilted lover, who is killing everyone who looks like the lover. A Sheriff who finds out he has a teenage son. I woman who was attacked, goes to a new town to start new. A pregnant woman be her now dead best friend. A lot going in. What caused ne to give it a 3. How many times do you go back to the cottage where someone us trying to kill you kill you. Was their a death wish or stupidity.
May 19, 2024
This book is a fast paced suspense full of murders, chases and family. This will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the mystery. The storyline is intense and moving. Characters are expertly written and move the story along. This author is known for riveting suspenseful stories and that is exactly what she delivered. I enjoy this book and you will too.
May 22, 2024
Really good
Good story. Knew who the killer was, but I think that was on purpose.
Some continuity errors, though: she wiped her hands on her jeans, then she's wearing a broomstick skirt; her bare heel slipped, and then she stubbed to toe of her shoe. Yes, I notice these things.
Good story. Knew who the killer was, but I think that was on purpose.
Some continuity errors, though: she wiped her hands on her jeans, then she's wearing a broomstick skirt; her bare heel slipped, and then she stubbed to toe of her shoe. Yes, I notice these things.
October 3, 2017
One of my favorite series: Read back in June, and will review more in detail next time I read!
Yes it was that great of a book and start to a series, hmm, maybe I'll be re-reading this sooner than I thought!
Yes it was that great of a book and start to a series, hmm, maybe I'll be re-reading this sooner than I thought!
July 15, 2022
I love the suspense in this it just came to life right off the pages. It felt just like an episode of criminal minds. The setting of the book was beautifully detailed with a captivating plot. I was reading this on the edge of my seat.
May 27, 2024
Good story
Good story. Mystery and romance. Small town. HEA. Standalone but I think there will be other inter-connected books about characters from Cape Churn. Insta-love and a lot happens in just one week. Well written and edited.
Good story. Mystery and romance. Small town. HEA. Standalone but I think there will be other inter-connected books about characters from Cape Churn. Insta-love and a lot happens in just one week. Well written and edited.
July 3, 2024
worst book I’ve read recently
A: figured out the bad guy almost immediately
B: Hate books where they are in love after 5 minutes
C: MFC is too stupid to live. I was rooting for the killer.
A: figured out the bad guy almost immediately
B: Hate books where they are in love after 5 minutes
C: MFC is too stupid to live. I was rooting for the killer.
September 27, 2022
Deadly Reckoning (Devil's Shroud Book 1)
Great story. Lots of intriguing moments. The shroud of fog gave it a spooky vibe. Can't wait to read the next book.
Great story. Lots of intriguing moments. The shroud of fog gave it a spooky vibe. Can't wait to read the next book.
June 2, 2024
Very good!
Page turner from the start. Could not put it down. Has a HEA. Had you guessing who the killer is.
Page turner from the start. Could not put it down. Has a HEA. Had you guessing who the killer is.
September 19, 2024
This was a edge-of-your-seat read! A real who dunnit combined with a lovely romance. Realistic characters that felt like friends. I am hoping there are more books with these characters.
Read
January 22, 2025Enjoyed it!
Book has a little bit of everything... Mystery, romance,atmosphere and hea. I think you will enjoy it. Author has a way with writing atmosphere.
Book has a little bit of everything... Mystery, romance,atmosphere and hea. I think you will enjoy it. Author has a way with writing atmosphere.
April 9, 2025
fast paced story
A fast paced stalker/serial killer suspense. Gabe and Kayla have an instant attraction to each other. Great book to read.
A fast paced stalker/serial killer suspense. Gabe and Kayla have an instant attraction to each other. Great book to read.
April 17, 2025
Quick easy enjoyable read
June 29, 2024
I’m not sure why I finished this - maybe I kept hoping the characters would improve and I liked the writing style fairly well. However, the heroine was being pursued by a very serious and determined killer and she insisted on being alone, did not charge her phone or left it behind, continued driving on the road where the killer almost knocked her over the edge, etc. Plus she was pregnant. Even if she had no concern for herself, shouldn’t she think about the baby? The hero deserved better and so did the baby 😊
June 12, 2012
Deadly Reckoning by Elle James
3*
This was a typical romance novel with the angst and the reluctance in the beginning and the HEA at the end. It was an intrigue so we had him as the sheriff and her as the artist whose life was under threat from a psycho stalker killer. I do like the knight in shining armour, the man who protects his woman and all that but boy did she frustrate me. I never quite understand why these women have to be written so ‘dumb’.
There’s a killer in town, he’s followed you here and you’re staying in a cottage on a cliff just out side of town. It’s isolated and the weather is shitty, fog rolling in from the sea making it impossible to see more than 12” in front of your face. The sheriff moves you into a local B&B where you’ll be in town and safe while he goes off to get info on a suspect………….So what do you do? Well if you’re normal you will stay put., be pleased that the people around you will prevent the killer from trying to strangle you for the 4th time, and this time probably succeed……Not if you’re this character, you will have the sudden urge to go back to the cottage and paint a picture……you will not be able to wait until tomoz and of course you’ll be on your own …… aarrggghhh. It just really infuriates me because it wouldn’t happen, most women are just not that stupid.
Anyway I’m sure you can guess the outcome without either reading it or me telling you and it is an ok read if you don’t mind really really annoying lead female characters!
3*
This was a typical romance novel with the angst and the reluctance in the beginning and the HEA at the end. It was an intrigue so we had him as the sheriff and her as the artist whose life was under threat from a psycho stalker killer. I do like the knight in shining armour, the man who protects his woman and all that but boy did she frustrate me. I never quite understand why these women have to be written so ‘dumb’.
There’s a killer in town, he’s followed you here and you’re staying in a cottage on a cliff just out side of town. It’s isolated and the weather is shitty, fog rolling in from the sea making it impossible to see more than 12” in front of your face. The sheriff moves you into a local B&B where you’ll be in town and safe while he goes off to get info on a suspect………….So what do you do? Well if you’re normal you will stay put., be pleased that the people around you will prevent the killer from trying to strangle you for the 4th time, and this time probably succeed……Not if you’re this character, you will have the sudden urge to go back to the cottage and paint a picture……you will not be able to wait until tomoz and of course you’ll be on your own …… aarrggghhh. It just really infuriates me because it wouldn’t happen, most women are just not that stupid.
Anyway I’m sure you can guess the outcome without either reading it or me telling you and it is an ok read if you don’t mind really really annoying lead female characters!
January 26, 2015
Not only is this insta-love, but it was full of cliches and the heroine is seriously dumb. Three days does not a love story make, no matter how crazy those days are and I had so little sympathy for the characters that I was almost rooting for the killer. As much as a like damsel-in-distress stories, this one really didn't cut it for me. I felt like I was in a Hallmark movie, honestly. That being said, I liked the son.
April 16, 2015
Cute story
It was a cute story but it was kind of short. The son, Dakota, was an extremely interesting character. Gabe was not too bad and he managed to save the day. Kayla was a good heroine and brought out the right instincts but she also could take care of herself. Cute story but it was just an okay read.
It was a cute story but it was kind of short. The son, Dakota, was an extremely interesting character. Gabe was not too bad and he managed to save the day. Kayla was a good heroine and brought out the right instincts but she also could take care of herself. Cute story but it was just an okay read.
October 28, 2016
Lots of suspense
Ms. James does it again. Great storyline and plenty of suspense. Even though the story only takes place over 3 days Ms. James does a great job of letting you get to know Gabe and Kayla and also Gabe's son Dakota.
Ms. James does it again. Great storyline and plenty of suspense. Even though the story only takes place over 3 days Ms. James does a great job of letting you get to know Gabe and Kayla and also Gabe's son Dakota.
July 14, 2013
Surprisingly better than what I was expecting. Good writing reference. Also want to check out more stories in this line.
May 1, 2017
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the author's writing style. I liked the idea of the mystery and the setting very much. There were two main things that bothered me in the story. First, I felt that the attraction between the Kayla and Gabe was natural but that the speed toward physical intimacy was rushed. I also would have liked a few more details of how the killer/stalker found his victims and was able to do the things he did. One other point is I would have liked an epilogue or wrap up scene that tied up a few small things like Gabe seeing Kayla's painting. I liked the book overall and look forward to reading other books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews