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Wanted
Rodeo veterinarian Jo Powers is accustomed to operating under pressure but nothing could have prepared her for the shocking discovery of the armed and bleeding escaped convict hiding in her truck. Even more disconcerting is the fact that Jo knows the man in the prison jumpsuit. Jo’s split second decision to use her medical skill to save this man’s life is just the beginning, because now he needs her help to uncover the truth.
Seven years ago, Branson Faulkner was accused of a murder he claims he didn’t commit. With the hope of finding new evidence to prove his innocence, he’s risked everything to clear his name and reclaim his life but he can’t do it alone. Jo agrees to help, even though she isn’t completely sure Faulkner is innocent. Now, as Faulkner and Jo conduct their investigation, they discover an alarming connection between a string of homicides, and one truth is clear-- there’s a murderer on the loose who will stop at nothing to cover his tracks.
Seven years ago, Branson Faulkner was accused of a murder he claims he didn’t commit. With the hope of finding new evidence to prove his innocence, he’s risked everything to clear his name and reclaim his life but he can’t do it alone. Jo agrees to help, even though she isn’t completely sure Faulkner is innocent. Now, as Faulkner and Jo conduct their investigation, they discover an alarming connection between a string of homicides, and one truth is clear-- there’s a murderer on the loose who will stop at nothing to cover his tracks.
207 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
14 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Oram Peterson
27 books159 followersKathi Oram Peterson is the Whitney Award winning author of TREACHEROUS LEGACY (2021 )A STRANGER WATCHES (2019), and A FAMILIAR FEAR (2018).
Kathi's heart-pounding suspense novels make readers double check door locks and sleep with a flashlight. Her YA Time Travels bring readers to historical events as if they are there. Her novels have richly-drawn characters and plots that hook readers and make setting the book down nearly impossible.
Keep connected with Kathi--and stay informed about special deals, new released, and other reader perks--by signing up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cE52Y1
Visit Kathi at:
Her website http://authorkathiorampeterson.com/
Bookbub: : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathi...
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y65rlqtj
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/KathiOPeterson
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Oram-Pet...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathiopeter...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkathip/
Romantic Suspense:
Shifting Sands (2023)
Danger Unknown (2022)
Treacherous Legacy (2021)
A Stranger Watches (2020) Whitney winner
Bloodline (2019)
A Familiar Fear (2018) Whitney Winner
Breach of Trust (2017)
Star Struck (2016)
Deceived (2014)
Wanted (2013)
Cold Justice (2012)
River Whispers (2011)
Novella: An Angel on Main Street (2009).
YA Time Travel Novels:
Reluctant Warrior (2017)-Previously published as The Forgotten Warrior (2009)
Stripling Warrior (2017)
Guardian of the Stone (2017) Previously published asThe Stone Traveler (2010)
Chasing the Star (2017)
Stories included in other books:
A Christmas to Remember (2011)
Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith (2013)
Remembering the Joy of Christmas (2015)
Concept and Biography Books for Children:
I Want to Be a Mathematician Like Archimedes
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Thomas Edison
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Alexander Von Humboldt
Tyrannosaurus X 1
How Did the Chicken Cross the Road
Yangshi’s Perimeter
Lightning Bells
The Beginning of Numbers
Kathi's heart-pounding suspense novels make readers double check door locks and sleep with a flashlight. Her YA Time Travels bring readers to historical events as if they are there. Her novels have richly-drawn characters and plots that hook readers and make setting the book down nearly impossible.
Keep connected with Kathi--and stay informed about special deals, new released, and other reader perks--by signing up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cE52Y1
Visit Kathi at:
Her website http://authorkathiorampeterson.com/
Bookbub: : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathi...
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y65rlqtj
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/KathiOPeterson
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Oram-Pet...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathiopeter...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkathip/
Romantic Suspense:
Shifting Sands (2023)
Danger Unknown (2022)
Treacherous Legacy (2021)
A Stranger Watches (2020) Whitney winner
Bloodline (2019)
A Familiar Fear (2018) Whitney Winner
Breach of Trust (2017)
Star Struck (2016)
Deceived (2014)
Wanted (2013)
Cold Justice (2012)
River Whispers (2011)
Novella: An Angel on Main Street (2009).
YA Time Travel Novels:
Reluctant Warrior (2017)-Previously published as The Forgotten Warrior (2009)
Stripling Warrior (2017)
Guardian of the Stone (2017) Previously published asThe Stone Traveler (2010)
Chasing the Star (2017)
Stories included in other books:
A Christmas to Remember (2011)
Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith (2013)
Remembering the Joy of Christmas (2015)
Concept and Biography Books for Children:
I Want to Be a Mathematician Like Archimedes
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Thomas Edison
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Alexander Von Humboldt
Tyrannosaurus X 1
How Did the Chicken Cross the Road
Yangshi’s Perimeter
Lightning Bells
The Beginning of Numbers
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 31, 2013
I enjoy clean, romantic suspense novels, and found Kathi Oram Peterson's latest novel, Wanted, to be a great fit in that genre with national appeal.
Opening Wanted with an escaped convict on the run, and then having the other main character deep in a tense rodeo setting was a great way to draw a reader in, even for non-rodeo fans. I was also drawn in by the familiar Idaho setting.
I found the point of view switching back and forth between Jo and Faulkner to be an excellent way to get to know the characters, and it was an enjoyable way to discover the missing pieces to the crime.
I thought I knew who the bad guy was very early in the story, but Peterson kept throwing in twists and turns that kept me from being completely sure. My initial guess was right, but there was much more involved than I initially thought.
This is a fast and entertaining read that keeps you cheering for the underdog.
Opening Wanted with an escaped convict on the run, and then having the other main character deep in a tense rodeo setting was a great way to draw a reader in, even for non-rodeo fans. I was also drawn in by the familiar Idaho setting.
I found the point of view switching back and forth between Jo and Faulkner to be an excellent way to get to know the characters, and it was an enjoyable way to discover the missing pieces to the crime.
I thought I knew who the bad guy was very early in the story, but Peterson kept throwing in twists and turns that kept me from being completely sure. My initial guess was right, but there was much more involved than I initially thought.
This is a fast and entertaining read that keeps you cheering for the underdog.
July 11, 2013
Jo Powers has a good life. She is a vet and engaged to the owner of a local rodeo. She has a wonderful son and has moved on from tragic events that marred her life seven years ago.
She is getting ready to head home after the rodeo when she is held at gun point by an escaped convict. He wants her to take him to her father, who is a Dr., because he has a bullet wound. He knows the Dr. will help him. The irony in the situation is that he is Jo's ex-husband, Faulkner. He was convicted of murdering her fiancees brother seven years ago.
Against her better judgement, she removed the bullet. Now questions are brought up about his conviction, she never believed that he committed the crime. He brings to light new information, the deaths of his mother and her father, and hints that they may not have been accidents, but tied to his trial.
Kathi Oram Peterson has done a wonderful job at creating a "who done it." She keeps the suspense and clues coming in a way where you don't know who the murderer is until the last minute. I know I had a many guesses and theories, but not were 100% correct.
The book is well written and an attention grabber.
She is getting ready to head home after the rodeo when she is held at gun point by an escaped convict. He wants her to take him to her father, who is a Dr., because he has a bullet wound. He knows the Dr. will help him. The irony in the situation is that he is Jo's ex-husband, Faulkner. He was convicted of murdering her fiancees brother seven years ago.
Against her better judgement, she removed the bullet. Now questions are brought up about his conviction, she never believed that he committed the crime. He brings to light new information, the deaths of his mother and her father, and hints that they may not have been accidents, but tied to his trial.
Kathi Oram Peterson has done a wonderful job at creating a "who done it." She keeps the suspense and clues coming in a way where you don't know who the murderer is until the last minute. I know I had a many guesses and theories, but not were 100% correct.
The book is well written and an attention grabber.
February 16, 2016
Normally I can tell you "who done it" by chapter 4. Not so with this one. It had just the right amount of mystery, intrigue, and romance. I loved the random animals Jo had in her house. I think Branson reacted WAY better than I would have to a skunk being in the same room as me!
Merged review:
A fun read. It really kept me guessing as to "who dun it!"
Merged review:
A fun read. It really kept me guessing as to "who dun it!"
June 3, 2013
This was a romantic suspense. I found it a little hard to believe that the hero could so easily escape from a maximum security prison, but it is fiction and we would not have had such a great story if he didn't. I had a hard time putting this one down.
July 11, 2015
great book
February 20, 2019
A perfect retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo. It had some fantastic character building and backstory. Well paced and exciting at times. A wonderful theme of hope and trusting in God’s plan.
May 15, 2018
I was irritated by the way Branson Faulkner was always called Faulkner. Even his ex-wife called him that, not really realistic. And I hate how it's so common to tell how kisses tasted. Branson didn't have access to a toothbrush, I'm pretty sure he had bad breath and his kisses would not have been fresh and clean and sweet, like books like these always say.
But I did like the different points of view, getting to hear the thoughts of the two main characters. The mystery was interesting although some details were unbelievable - escaping jail, poor police work on the deaths, Branson getting badly hurt multiple times but still able to sprint, etc.
I would give it 2.5 stars because I liked the book but I wouldn't recommend it to my friends and I wouldn't want to read it again because it's kind of irritating to read.
But I did like the different points of view, getting to hear the thoughts of the two main characters. The mystery was interesting although some details were unbelievable - escaping jail, poor police work on the deaths, Branson getting badly hurt multiple times but still able to sprint, etc.
I would give it 2.5 stars because I liked the book but I wouldn't recommend it to my friends and I wouldn't want to read it again because it's kind of irritating to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2022
Wanted by Kathi Oram Peterson is about a man wrongly convicted of murder who escapes prison in order to discover the truth.
Jo is a veterinarian who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. As Branson Faulkner holds her at gunpoint and orders her to perform surgery on his gun shot wound, she realizes she knows this man…her ex-husband!
Great sorry about finding redemption and getting justice while relying on Heavenly Father to help.
Jo is a veterinarian who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. As Branson Faulkner holds her at gunpoint and orders her to perform surgery on his gun shot wound, she realizes she knows this man…her ex-husband!
Great sorry about finding redemption and getting justice while relying on Heavenly Father to help.
April 13, 2022
This is a book I think even my brother-in-law Ryan would like. :-). It was pretty exciting right from the start. It was a little predictable and I had it mostly figured out before the end but it still sucked you in and was hard to put down.
August 9, 2023
Quite an intriguing story. I love a good murder mystery and this has such a happy ending too!
I can't believe what someone is willing to put others through just to save themselves. Poor Jo!
I was rooting for Faulkner the whole time. Glad justice was served.
I can't believe what someone is willing to put others through just to save themselves. Poor Jo!
I was rooting for Faulkner the whole time. Glad justice was served.
August 29, 2017
Absolutely loved it!!!
November 15, 2017
This was a good book. It was just a bit slow for me.
December 31, 2017
Too sad/intense/emotional at this time of my life but I still wanted to know how it ended, so I skipped to the last cd for the resolution. Aaaah, much better.
January 5, 2019
Loved it!
May 26, 2019
Subpar mystery book
June 21, 2019
Genre: Mystery, Clean Romance, LDS Rating: PG
Pulled this off of Deseret Bookshelf. Easy read. Short but nothing spectacular.
Pulled this off of Deseret Bookshelf. Easy read. Short but nothing spectacular.
September 14, 2019
Good and clean mystery romance.
June 13, 2020
Fast moving romantic suspense novel, with enough twists and turns to keep one guessing. While it's not the perfect book, I didn't want to put it down.
July 29, 2020
Good clean suspenseful book.
August 16, 2021
Exciting and sweet! I need to listen to more of Kathi's books!
September 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book. The characters developed nicely and there was a nice suspense build up. It was a great "who done it" novel. The narrator added to the book as well. 4.8!!
January 25, 2022
Great story line with a slight twist that wasn't expected!
May 7, 2022
This was part romance, part thriller, part murder mystery. Nothing spectacular, just simple entertainment. Enjoyable.
October 26, 2023
A great Monte Cristo-like tale!
November 9, 2023
Good story with intrigue and romance. Kathi Oram Peterson always delivers a great story.
June 25, 2024
Read this on my phone at Girl's Camp when I couldn't sleep :) It was repetitive and pretty cliche.
March 18, 2025
Predictable but still entertaining. 3.5 ⭐️
August 9, 2025
A good quick read. Kept you engaged right up to the end. I really had no idea who did it, but it all worked out in the end
June 18, 2013
Light, mystery novel that was an enjoyable read! Wasn't an obvious "you know who done it." Secrets are revealed that are unexpected.
Jo powers found the love connection that she was always hoping for in Branson Faulkner. It was love at first sight romance that continued through marriage until a nightmare became a reality. Branson's mother called and needed him to come to the Wymer Ranch. He left the comfort of his home and his pregnant wife Jo and entered a real live nightmare. His mother, Cassandra he put to bed with her last sleeping pill. Then went to check on his step brothers and the commotion that had set Cassandra off. What he found was Coulton dead on the floor in the den and his brother lance hitting him on the head after he picked up the gun on the floor. He is sent to prison for a crime he didn't do. He doesn't want his wife messed up with his rep or that of their unborn baby so he divorces her and doesn't want rights to the baby.
Jo is heartbroken, but picks up her boot straps and goes to school to be a vet with the help of her father, the doctor of the town and her brother Denny. They both are protective of her after the murder and divorce. With the evidence against Faulkner, they believe he is guilty, but jo never does, but Faulkner cuts off from her. 7 years later, Faulkner escapes from prison because he believes his ex-wife and son are in trouble with the upcoming wedding to Lance Wymer. He comes to Dr. Powers for help, but finds he has died and the only Dr. around is his vet ex-wife, Jo. She nurses him back after his gun shot wound and then helps him to uncover that the deaths of his mother and her father and even Coulton weren't accidents.
Faulkner gets to meet his son, Rhett for the first time and at first Jo doesn't want him to know of his real father. When it looks like Faulkner will be going back to prison, the truth is revealed about his paternity and the "who done it."
Denny and lance were playing around drunk with guns and Coulton steps in to help out Denny in russian rolet only to have a real bullet in Lance's gun. Lance and Denny panic until Faulkner comes and finds the body and they blame the death on him. Cassandra is an alibi for Faulkner and two days after Coulton's death she happens to overdose on her sleeping pills only she didn't refill her perscription. When Doc Powers goes investigating and comes and visits Faulkner in jail, he falls from a cliff he knows like the back of his hand. Denny and him were talking and got too close when Doc confronts him with the truth. Jo finds out Denny is only her stepbrother and not her father's biological child. Her mom who ran off was pregnant when she married Doc Powers.
The sheriff, who i wasn't sure if he could be in on the coverup, comes around and follows his instincts to go to Jo's saving her and Rhett from Lance's anger of being discovered. Happy ending with the family reunited.
Jo powers found the love connection that she was always hoping for in Branson Faulkner. It was love at first sight romance that continued through marriage until a nightmare became a reality. Branson's mother called and needed him to come to the Wymer Ranch. He left the comfort of his home and his pregnant wife Jo and entered a real live nightmare. His mother, Cassandra he put to bed with her last sleeping pill. Then went to check on his step brothers and the commotion that had set Cassandra off. What he found was Coulton dead on the floor in the den and his brother lance hitting him on the head after he picked up the gun on the floor. He is sent to prison for a crime he didn't do. He doesn't want his wife messed up with his rep or that of their unborn baby so he divorces her and doesn't want rights to the baby.
Jo is heartbroken, but picks up her boot straps and goes to school to be a vet with the help of her father, the doctor of the town and her brother Denny. They both are protective of her after the murder and divorce. With the evidence against Faulkner, they believe he is guilty, but jo never does, but Faulkner cuts off from her. 7 years later, Faulkner escapes from prison because he believes his ex-wife and son are in trouble with the upcoming wedding to Lance Wymer. He comes to Dr. Powers for help, but finds he has died and the only Dr. around is his vet ex-wife, Jo. She nurses him back after his gun shot wound and then helps him to uncover that the deaths of his mother and her father and even Coulton weren't accidents.
Faulkner gets to meet his son, Rhett for the first time and at first Jo doesn't want him to know of his real father. When it looks like Faulkner will be going back to prison, the truth is revealed about his paternity and the "who done it."
Denny and lance were playing around drunk with guns and Coulton steps in to help out Denny in russian rolet only to have a real bullet in Lance's gun. Lance and Denny panic until Faulkner comes and finds the body and they blame the death on him. Cassandra is an alibi for Faulkner and two days after Coulton's death she happens to overdose on her sleeping pills only she didn't refill her perscription. When Doc Powers goes investigating and comes and visits Faulkner in jail, he falls from a cliff he knows like the back of his hand. Denny and him were talking and got too close when Doc confronts him with the truth. Jo finds out Denny is only her stepbrother and not her father's biological child. Her mom who ran off was pregnant when she married Doc Powers.
The sheriff, who i wasn't sure if he could be in on the coverup, comes around and follows his instincts to go to Jo's saving her and Rhett from Lance's anger of being discovered. Happy ending with the family reunited.
July 2, 2022
🎧 Part Cowboy. Part romance. Part thriller.
Peterson immediately had me hooked from the start and never let the storyline drag.
The book offers just enough twists and turns that when you think you’ve got the killer figured out, a monkey wrench is thrown into the mix making you doubt your guess and keep you guessing. Soon everyone looks just a little bit guilty.
The storyline is told through both Jo’s and Faulkner’s point of view as it switches back and forth. Peterson pulls this technique off well allowing the reader to get into the minds of both main characters.
The supporting characters could have been fleshed out a little better and the whole investigation surrounding the initial murder Faulkner is serving time for, including other suspicious deaths, was amateurish. Thus the 3 out of 5 stars. But the story was still an entertaining read and not too outlandish.
I loved reading about the Idaho landscape and country life, along with vet Jo’s love and respect for animals—I being an animal lover myself. Her pet skunk, wolf, and deer were cute additions.
I listened to the audio version and Kymberly Mellon does an excellent job narrating; bringing a good amount of energy into this thriller.
Content: (L) No swearing or degradation of deity. (S) None. (V) Mild.
Peterson immediately had me hooked from the start and never let the storyline drag.
The book offers just enough twists and turns that when you think you’ve got the killer figured out, a monkey wrench is thrown into the mix making you doubt your guess and keep you guessing. Soon everyone looks just a little bit guilty.
The storyline is told through both Jo’s and Faulkner’s point of view as it switches back and forth. Peterson pulls this technique off well allowing the reader to get into the minds of both main characters.
The supporting characters could have been fleshed out a little better and the whole investigation surrounding the initial murder Faulkner is serving time for, including other suspicious deaths, was amateurish. Thus the 3 out of 5 stars. But the story was still an entertaining read and not too outlandish.
I loved reading about the Idaho landscape and country life, along with vet Jo’s love and respect for animals—I being an animal lover myself. Her pet skunk, wolf, and deer were cute additions.
I listened to the audio version and Kymberly Mellon does an excellent job narrating; bringing a good amount of energy into this thriller.
Content: (L) No swearing or degradation of deity. (S) None. (V) Mild.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews