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Bitterwood P.D. #1
Murder in the Smokies
A Cold Case Brought Him Home…
When Sutton Calhoun shook the dust of Bitterwood, Tennessee, off his boots, he never thought he'd return. But now he's back to investigate an unsolved murder and has teamed up with police detective Ivy Hawkins—the only part of the Smoky Mountain hamlet worth remembering.
A Steamy Reunion Would Keep Him There
Ivy is a hometown girl and well aware of Sutton's reputation. She can't help but find his smoldering eyes resurrecting long-buried feelings. Plus, as the body count rises, Sutton is the only one who believes her that an eerily methodical serial killer is living among them in the shrouded peaks of Bitterwood. Ivy doesn't know which is worse—the desire she feels for a man who's nothing but trouble…or the danger posed by a killer who has them in his sights?
When Sutton Calhoun shook the dust of Bitterwood, Tennessee, off his boots, he never thought he'd return. But now he's back to investigate an unsolved murder and has teamed up with police detective Ivy Hawkins—the only part of the Smoky Mountain hamlet worth remembering.
A Steamy Reunion Would Keep Him There
Ivy is a hometown girl and well aware of Sutton's reputation. She can't help but find his smoldering eyes resurrecting long-buried feelings. Plus, as the body count rises, Sutton is the only one who believes her that an eerily methodical serial killer is living among them in the shrouded peaks of Bitterwood. Ivy doesn't know which is worse—the desire she feels for a man who's nothing but trouble…or the danger posed by a killer who has them in his sights?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 17, 2013
20 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Paula Graves
153 books136 followersI was raised in Alabama, so I know we Southerners don't hide our crazy people—we showcase them. Eccentric people make for the best stories, and we Southerners do love our stories. The need to tell stories has been a driving force in my life from childhood.
As a girl, my favorite books were mysteries and romances. When I realized there were books that featured both romance and mystery, I knew I'd found my calling. Now I get to play both matchmaker and murderer and get paid for it. Could there be a better job anywhere?
I love to hear from readers, so don't be shy! You can email me through my website, follow me on Twitter, or like my Facebook page and interact with me there: http://on.fb.me/MS3ldp And of course, you can always talk to me here on Goodreads!
Are you interested in subscribing to my newsletter? Go here and I tell you what to do: http://bit.ly/LYi4Ry
I look forward to chatting with you!
As a girl, my favorite books were mysteries and romances. When I realized there were books that featured both romance and mystery, I knew I'd found my calling. Now I get to play both matchmaker and murderer and get paid for it. Could there be a better job anywhere?
I love to hear from readers, so don't be shy! You can email me through my website, follow me on Twitter, or like my Facebook page and interact with me there: http://on.fb.me/MS3ldp And of course, you can always talk to me here on Goodreads!
Are you interested in subscribing to my newsletter? Go here and I tell you what to do: http://bit.ly/LYi4Ry
I look forward to chatting with you!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 16, 2013
I recommend this book.
As always I enjoyed this book by Paula. Have yet to be disappointed by Paula as she adds plenty of drama, passion, and romance. She captures the small town feel and you really feel as if the characters in her books are real. Look forward to the next book in this series.
I can't wait for the next book in the Bitterwood P.D. series. The book is due out in July 2013 “The Smoky Mountain Mist” featuring Seth Hammond’s story.
Ivy Hawkins a Bitterwood P.D. detective is currently investigating a string of murders that she is sure is connected. Her boss does not agree that they are connected.
Sutton Calhoun couldn’t wait to leave Bitterwood, Tennessee. His father is a con man who always tried to get Sutton to work the cons. He has always been judged for what his father did. His best friend Seth was also involved in running cons. So as soon as he could he escaped the town to join the army. Leaving Ivy his sounding board and secret confidante behind. He has not talked to his best friend and father in that time either. About 5 years ago Seth tried getting in touch with
Sutton but he ignored the calls as he thought Seth needed bailed out of a mess. Ivy was only thing from the town he still misses.
Sutton now works for Cooper Security under Jesse Copper and is investigating an unsolved murder of April Billings. So after 14 years he is back in Bitterwood. He is working on the case that was assigned to him by Jesse for April’s brother.
He is reunited with Ivy at the first crime screen he goes to. She is wondering what he is doing in town and at her crime scene. He is trying to figure out if Ivy is still mad at him for leaving.
They soon start working together to get answers on the crimes. He finds out his father is no longer running cons. He comes to realize a lot of things in his hometown have changed. Some things are better like Ivy and something are not better like his father.
The chemistry between these two is even stronger as the book goes on. Love the way they fall into their old habits of talking about stuff personal and business right away. She fights the attraction as she knows as soon as the case is over Sutton will disappear.
Seth starts giving Sutton information on the victims all working at the same place and Sutton is trying to figure out why Seth cares. He also wonders if the information is to throw Sutton in the wrong direction.
Read the book to get answers to the below:
Will Sutton & Ivy figure out the killer before it’s too late to save anyone else?
What is wrong with Sutton’s father?
Can Sutton trust any information he gets from Seth?
Some favorite parts from this book:
Well, damn, she thought, her heart sinking. I’ve just spilled my guts about a serial murder spree to a civilian just because he’s sexy and I’m weak. What the hell have I done?
“My mama always told me you were nothin’ but trouble,” she drawled, still laughing. “I don’t think this is what she meant, though.”
“Easier to keep an eye on you,” she said with half a smile. Her tone of voice reminded his of his lingering impression of the girl who’d been his friend all those years ago-feisty, surprising and brutally honest.
His hand trailed up her arm, his calloused fingers seeming to shoot sparks along her nerve endings. “I look at you,” he murmured in a low tone, “and I still see a shadow of that dark-eyed kid who used to watch me when she thought I wasn’t looking. I wonder now, what were you thinking?”
“Billy Turlow happened.” Seth’s hands twisted around each other as he spoke, the motions quick and almost violent. “Took up with her mama the summer after you left. Only is was clear to everyone but Arlene that the girl he really wanted was Ivy. I don’t know all the details. The cops kept it pretty hushed up for a little town like this, but the basics got out. Seems one night, Ivy decided to take a kitchen knife to bed with her. Billy went into her bedroom, tried to force himself on her and took a knife in the side for his trouble.”
She looked up at him. “I don’t think you’re a grifter like Cleve, but you’re not going to stick around forever. Sooner or later, you’ll leave. You can be as honorable as they come and it doesn’t change anything. You already have one foot out of this town. And I’m planted here like a tree.
She made him feel centered. Connected to something. He’d let himself forget that she’d always had that effect on him, even when they were little more than two scared, lonely kids looking for someone to trust. He’d let himself walk away all those years ago. He’d left her behind to fend for herself, cut the cord between them. He’d let himself forget how much that severed connection had bled during those first scary, lonely days on his own.
As always I enjoyed this book by Paula. Have yet to be disappointed by Paula as she adds plenty of drama, passion, and romance. She captures the small town feel and you really feel as if the characters in her books are real. Look forward to the next book in this series.
I can't wait for the next book in the Bitterwood P.D. series. The book is due out in July 2013 “The Smoky Mountain Mist” featuring Seth Hammond’s story.
Ivy Hawkins a Bitterwood P.D. detective is currently investigating a string of murders that she is sure is connected. Her boss does not agree that they are connected.
Sutton Calhoun couldn’t wait to leave Bitterwood, Tennessee. His father is a con man who always tried to get Sutton to work the cons. He has always been judged for what his father did. His best friend Seth was also involved in running cons. So as soon as he could he escaped the town to join the army. Leaving Ivy his sounding board and secret confidante behind. He has not talked to his best friend and father in that time either. About 5 years ago Seth tried getting in touch with
Sutton but he ignored the calls as he thought Seth needed bailed out of a mess. Ivy was only thing from the town he still misses.
Sutton now works for Cooper Security under Jesse Copper and is investigating an unsolved murder of April Billings. So after 14 years he is back in Bitterwood. He is working on the case that was assigned to him by Jesse for April’s brother.
He is reunited with Ivy at the first crime screen he goes to. She is wondering what he is doing in town and at her crime scene. He is trying to figure out if Ivy is still mad at him for leaving.
They soon start working together to get answers on the crimes. He finds out his father is no longer running cons. He comes to realize a lot of things in his hometown have changed. Some things are better like Ivy and something are not better like his father.
The chemistry between these two is even stronger as the book goes on. Love the way they fall into their old habits of talking about stuff personal and business right away. She fights the attraction as she knows as soon as the case is over Sutton will disappear.
Seth starts giving Sutton information on the victims all working at the same place and Sutton is trying to figure out why Seth cares. He also wonders if the information is to throw Sutton in the wrong direction.
Read the book to get answers to the below:
Will Sutton & Ivy figure out the killer before it’s too late to save anyone else?
What is wrong with Sutton’s father?
Can Sutton trust any information he gets from Seth?
Some favorite parts from this book:
Well, damn, she thought, her heart sinking. I’ve just spilled my guts about a serial murder spree to a civilian just because he’s sexy and I’m weak. What the hell have I done?
“My mama always told me you were nothin’ but trouble,” she drawled, still laughing. “I don’t think this is what she meant, though.”
“Easier to keep an eye on you,” she said with half a smile. Her tone of voice reminded his of his lingering impression of the girl who’d been his friend all those years ago-feisty, surprising and brutally honest.
His hand trailed up her arm, his calloused fingers seeming to shoot sparks along her nerve endings. “I look at you,” he murmured in a low tone, “and I still see a shadow of that dark-eyed kid who used to watch me when she thought I wasn’t looking. I wonder now, what were you thinking?”
“Billy Turlow happened.” Seth’s hands twisted around each other as he spoke, the motions quick and almost violent. “Took up with her mama the summer after you left. Only is was clear to everyone but Arlene that the girl he really wanted was Ivy. I don’t know all the details. The cops kept it pretty hushed up for a little town like this, but the basics got out. Seems one night, Ivy decided to take a kitchen knife to bed with her. Billy went into her bedroom, tried to force himself on her and took a knife in the side for his trouble.”
She looked up at him. “I don’t think you’re a grifter like Cleve, but you’re not going to stick around forever. Sooner or later, you’ll leave. You can be as honorable as they come and it doesn’t change anything. You already have one foot out of this town. And I’m planted here like a tree.
She made him feel centered. Connected to something. He’d let himself forget that she’d always had that effect on him, even when they were little more than two scared, lonely kids looking for someone to trust. He’d let himself walk away all those years ago. He’d left her behind to fend for herself, cut the cord between them. He’d let himself forget how much that severed connection had bled during those first scary, lonely days on his own.
June 10, 2013
Good book. Sutton has been sent back to Bitterwood by his boss at Cooper Security to investigate an unsolved murder. He meets up with his old friend Ivy Hawkins, who is now a police detective working on a string of unsolved murders. She thinks the murders are connected though her boss does not agree. When Sutton agrees with her they team up to find out who and why.
Sutton couldn't wait to leave Bitterwood when he was younger. His father was a con man who tried to get him involved. Sutton wanted nothing to do with him and was tired of everyone judging him. The only thing he missed about Bitterwood was his friend Ivy. Now that he's back he finds that some things have changed. His father is no longer doing cons, a former friend is changing his own life, and Ivy has turned into a beautiful and sexy woman that could make him forget why he left. I loved the way that Sutton started out his trip by wanting to finish as quickly as possible so he could leave again but started to changed almost immediately. Besides his attraction to Ivy he appreciated her abilities as a detective especially as they began to work together. I also liked the way that he faced up to his feelings regarding his father and began to repair his relationship with him. Most interesting was his admission of homesickness for the mountains where he grew up and how being back made him feel more grounded and content. His attraction to Ivy was strong and getting stronger the more he was with her.
Ivy had stayed in Bitterwood after Sutton left. It was her home and she didn't really want to leave. She also felt that she needed to watch out for her mother who had a tendency to get involved with men who were no good. She is investigating a string of murders that she is sure are connected even though her boss doesn't agree. She is surprised when she sees Sutton at the scene of the latest murder, and more so when she finds out why. I loved the way that she gets involved with him right away, realizing that their friendship hasn't changed and that her attraction to him is even stronger than it was when they were teens. She tries to maintain some professional distance but their working ideas are so similar that they begin to share their findings. She admits to herself that she's still in love with him but knows that he will be leaving again. She has to decide if she can let him go again or if she wants to take a chance on a future with him.
The suspense in the story definitely kept me interested in seeing how it would progress. There were some interesting points of view from the killer but it was mostly watching how Sutton and Ivy put the pieces of the puzzle together. I liked seeing how part of the puzzle was solved but also leads into the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to Seth and Rachel's story.
Sutton couldn't wait to leave Bitterwood when he was younger. His father was a con man who tried to get him involved. Sutton wanted nothing to do with him and was tired of everyone judging him. The only thing he missed about Bitterwood was his friend Ivy. Now that he's back he finds that some things have changed. His father is no longer doing cons, a former friend is changing his own life, and Ivy has turned into a beautiful and sexy woman that could make him forget why he left. I loved the way that Sutton started out his trip by wanting to finish as quickly as possible so he could leave again but started to changed almost immediately. Besides his attraction to Ivy he appreciated her abilities as a detective especially as they began to work together. I also liked the way that he faced up to his feelings regarding his father and began to repair his relationship with him. Most interesting was his admission of homesickness for the mountains where he grew up and how being back made him feel more grounded and content. His attraction to Ivy was strong and getting stronger the more he was with her.
Ivy had stayed in Bitterwood after Sutton left. It was her home and she didn't really want to leave. She also felt that she needed to watch out for her mother who had a tendency to get involved with men who were no good. She is investigating a string of murders that she is sure are connected even though her boss doesn't agree. She is surprised when she sees Sutton at the scene of the latest murder, and more so when she finds out why. I loved the way that she gets involved with him right away, realizing that their friendship hasn't changed and that her attraction to him is even stronger than it was when they were teens. She tries to maintain some professional distance but their working ideas are so similar that they begin to share their findings. She admits to herself that she's still in love with him but knows that he will be leaving again. She has to decide if she can let him go again or if she wants to take a chance on a future with him.
The suspense in the story definitely kept me interested in seeing how it would progress. There were some interesting points of view from the killer but it was mostly watching how Sutton and Ivy put the pieces of the puzzle together. I liked seeing how part of the puzzle was solved but also leads into the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to Seth and Rachel's story.
June 10, 2013
Very short time period covered. Would have liked to see our H and h actually spend a bit more time together away from the investigation. Especially since Sutton had not been in love with Ivy when they were teenagers. She liked him but he thought of them as just friends. Two kisses and 1 dance later He was in love. The ending is also a cliff hangerish and rushed. Hopefully I get more answers in the next book. Excited to read Seth and Rachel's story.
June 10, 2019
This book held my attention. There was lots of action but there was something lacking on the relationship building side of the story. Luckily i wasn't looking for a sexy hot, romance focused book. I wanted action with a side of romance and that's what i got. This was my first experience with this author and I will read her again.
April 29, 2019
A grab the edge of your chair book. Fast pace will have you turning pages faster the ever as the story unfolds with an other murder waiting to happen and old wounds try to close for good. But just as you think every thing is going to be fine that's when it turns into a nightmare and could be the end of two very special people in love. From past lives to the present day time will heal broken hearts and broken family's.
July 18, 2018
HI #1428
December 2, 2019
Good book overall, but I took offense on page 113 where Sutton pretty much said that he didn’t want to deal with his “cripple” of a father. I can’t speak for everyone, but having been born with a disability of my own, I took offense with his attitude. I believe people should show compassion towards disabled people, not treat them like they are some sort of burden to be tossed off onto other people to take care of because, in this case, Sutton didn’t want to deal with his disabled father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2023
It’s a good mystery with drama, romance, intrigue! The story kept me captivated. The writing style was basic so it was easy to follow and pick up on
December 6, 2014
Bitterwood, Tennessee has seen four abductions and murders, and the warped mind behind these actions is still at large. Local police detective Ivy Hawkins meets returned security man Sutton Calhoun at the latest crime scene. Sutton's been asked to investigate last month's murder as a PI but the police don't have to give him any access. Not alone that, but Ivy recalls him from school as being too popular with the girls.
The local departments are not so well resourced as a big city but everyone knows everyone's movements, and the dead women including a young woman and a librarian were well liked. It's possible they were each killed by different people, but the methods used are weird and similar. Trace evidence is minimal and in the Smoky Mountains, most people don't even lock their doors. Sutton is sent a mysterious note to meet at Clingmans Dome observation point at seven pm. and he hikes up into the mountains, armed, with Ivy shadowing him, but someone fires a rifle at them.
I found it odd that the detective would have time to shadow visitors, given the amount of procedural work and witness statements required in most murder cases. Danger draws the pair closer. The location is well described with plenty of local attitudes. I liked the skilful way the author Paula Graves has assembled the situation and clues. Despite a growing attraction Sutton and Ivy remain professional which made me respect their characters more than those in other books who overstep boundaries with gay abandon.
The tension and romance kept me reading while the family backgrounds that the main characters had overcome made them slightly outsiders among the community.
The local departments are not so well resourced as a big city but everyone knows everyone's movements, and the dead women including a young woman and a librarian were well liked. It's possible they were each killed by different people, but the methods used are weird and similar. Trace evidence is minimal and in the Smoky Mountains, most people don't even lock their doors. Sutton is sent a mysterious note to meet at Clingmans Dome observation point at seven pm. and he hikes up into the mountains, armed, with Ivy shadowing him, but someone fires a rifle at them.
I found it odd that the detective would have time to shadow visitors, given the amount of procedural work and witness statements required in most murder cases. Danger draws the pair closer. The location is well described with plenty of local attitudes. I liked the skilful way the author Paula Graves has assembled the situation and clues. Despite a growing attraction Sutton and Ivy remain professional which made me respect their characters more than those in other books who overstep boundaries with gay abandon.
The tension and romance kept me reading while the family backgrounds that the main characters had overcome made them slightly outsiders among the community.
December 9, 2013
I read this to fulfill the Romantic Suspense requirement for the 2013 Eclecic Reader Challenge.
This book is from the Harlequin Intrigue imprint and the first of the "Bitterwood P.D." series. It read more like a cozy mystery than the typical romance novel. Ivy is a detective with the Bitterwood, Tennessee police department and she is investigating a series of murders. She believes the murders are related, but her boss refuses to call in the TBI because he refuses to see the connections between the cases. Sutton Calhoun returns to town as a member of Cooper Security (apparently there was a Cooper Security series prior to this series, but I didn't read any of those). Sutton is there on behalf of one of the victim's family to look into the murder. He and Ivy cross paths and their past rekindles.
There wasn't anything more than kissing in the romance department, even though the couple end up living in the same house. If you are looking for a "trashy romance" this isn't it. I liked the story pretty well and would give 3 1/2 stars.
This book is from the Harlequin Intrigue imprint and the first of the "Bitterwood P.D." series. It read more like a cozy mystery than the typical romance novel. Ivy is a detective with the Bitterwood, Tennessee police department and she is investigating a series of murders. She believes the murders are related, but her boss refuses to call in the TBI because he refuses to see the connections between the cases. Sutton Calhoun returns to town as a member of Cooper Security (apparently there was a Cooper Security series prior to this series, but I didn't read any of those). Sutton is there on behalf of one of the victim's family to look into the murder. He and Ivy cross paths and their past rekindles.
There wasn't anything more than kissing in the romance department, even though the couple end up living in the same house. If you are looking for a "trashy romance" this isn't it. I liked the story pretty well and would give 3 1/2 stars.
November 26, 2015
Ivy Hawkins, now a police detective for the Bitterwood Police Department, has always loved Sutton Calhoun. Sutton Calhoun, now in a security job after leaving the army, comes to Bitterwood to investigate a murder for a client. He and Ivy had been best friends while growing up. Now that friendship brings on the heat while investigating a serial killer.
Fast paced and believable story of two people finding each other while investigating brutal murders.
Fast paced and believable story of two people finding each other while investigating brutal murders.
February 24, 2017
Enjoying this series and getting acquainted with the characters I've read about in The Gates! So happy to hear about their lives, how they got together with the ones that have gotten away! Enjoyed seeing Sutton forgive his dad, See Sutton save Ivy and getting to tell Ivy he'll be back and being introduced to Seth, his love for Cleve, and his reformed ways! Thought I would like gates series better but this one is different and think they run a close tie with the Cooper series!!
October 28, 2014
I enjoyed this book - but felt it was a bit choppy at times. However, I thought the characters were definitely believable - and will have to pick up the next in the series as this one left us with some unanswered questions. I think it was a good start to a new series by this author - but working off some of her older books. Love the way they interconnect.
May 29, 2014
A nice little mystery read set in a small town -- with characters who are all interconnected and into each other's business. This is the first book of a trilogy and it intrigued me enough to read on down the line.
June 30, 2013
Great book. Love the new series. Can't wait for Books 2 & 3 to be published. Love the romance and the suspense of the mystery.
Read
December 29, 2014"First-class dialogue, a twisted plot and characters who will snare readers' attention make Graves' latest a hit." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
Miniseries: Bitterwood P.D.
Category: Suspense
Miniseries: Bitterwood P.D.
Category: Suspense
July 8, 2013
Loved this book! I can't wait to read book two in the series!
February 14, 2014
Finally finishing up the offshoot of books in a series I was reading, this was a great book.
February 26, 2015
Love this series. It just pulls you in and makes you want to read the rest of the set!
Want to read
July 11, 2015"Larger Print" edition paperback.
Read
January 20, 2017 I love this authors writing and who doesn't want to curl up with a cup of tea and a quick read harlequin. Enjoy!
May 12, 2018
The book ended up being a really great book. Ivy Hawkins and Sutton Calhoun found the who the killer was but they didn't find who hired him to do the killing though.
Read
December 29, 2014Miniseries: Bitterwood P.D.
Category: Suspense
Category: Suspense
June 3, 2013
Glad I was able to find he 1st book in the series-having read #2 already I can't wait for #3.
February 7, 2014
I love a good romance and this one keep me guessing!!!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews