Grave Danger

by Rachel Grant

“Grant’s experience as an archeologist makes Grave Danger come alive as the reader digs through rich details and a complex plot. A great discovery!” - Theresa Ragan, New York Times Bestselling Author

She’s being stalked…

After struggling to recover from a career-crippling mistake, archaeologist Libby Maitland has landed the project of her dreams—a data recovery excavation in a picturesque, historic sawmill town. Tasked with digging up secrets of the town’s founding family, Libby soon learns that nothing in Coho, Washington, is as idyllic as it seems.

She’s barely settled into her new home when suspicious events make her believe she’s being stalked...

Or maybe she’s losing her mind.

Coho Police Chief Mark Colby can’t decide if Libby is crazy or if she has her own twisted agenda, but the deeper he delves into her past, the more intrigued he becomes. Even as he and Libby grow closer, he can’t quite let his initial suspicion go.

When Libby’s life is threatened, they must work together to determine if the truth about her stalker is buried in her past, or if the answers can be found in the layers of the excavation.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

COMING SOON


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USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).

She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.

Reviews

[Fran (with the book addiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Why has this book been on my want to read shelf for so long? Because I’m an idiot. I should have trusted the high rating because this was amazing.
Romantic suspense at its best and I will definitely be picking up another Rachel Grant.
She has an engaging and highly informed writing style which pulled me into the mystery as much as the romance.
I loved everything about this book which is why it will be going on my favourites shelf.

[Kjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 strong stars! I love this author. I will read whatever she writes:) Another fantastic couple, but Holy Trust Issues, Batman! I'm kind of amazed that Grant managed to work through that particular emotional plot bunny. I'm pretty sure if I were Libby, Mark would have groveled a lot more/longer...just sayin'. I loved the intricacies and resolution of the suspense plot, and the romance portion was superb. I would have liked a stronger romantic wrap up at the end, but overall a great read!

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel Grant is a very good author if you are looking for a mystery or the suspense side of a RS. I've read 5 of her books almost in a row, mostly by chance (deals on different times). But I would be dishonest if I didn't add that she's good at what she does, and that's one of the reason I did buy her books.

Grave Danger is a perfect example, the story twists around you until you are not sure what is up and what is down. Her personal background is archaeology and that explains why all her heroines are in the field. I love it, so it's a real bonus for me.

What really downgrades her books for me, is the romantic side of them. I have quite a few problems with some of her heroines, too. But mostly I don't get the romance. I can accept lust as a good starting point for a relationship, but when trust is missing there's no love. There can't be love without trust. But in all her stories the plot revolves around lack of trust by the hero (often by both). But all these characters have no problems in claiming they love. On what planet?

I'm sorry, as it purely personal, but how can you keep a relationship going with someone who has no problem bashing you and totally lacking any faith in you? But this is what all the heroines do.
It leaves a very bad taste in my mouth every single time. Plus I do need some serious grovelling and a much longer time to believe such gashes could be healed. These women have no inch of pride.

Moreover in Grave Danger I had the added problem I had with some of her other heroines. I'm not sure if the author is trying to convey "normal woman", but what I read is an unpleasantly flawed, a weak "I have daddy issues" "oh poory poory me" victim. I don't dig that. I have no problem with victims, I'd like to read them fighting back though. As I often say, life is already making enough damages on women's images, I don't really want to read about this kind of "character". Realistic yeah, not this though.

So, the romance is awful for me, I wouldn't let such a guy within an inch of me after the way he behaved. There's no romance in a guy who believes every lies he hears, at the end what is love if not fighting for the person you love? He didn't even do his job properly in his rush to distance himself. What does it tell you about the heroine? Not pleasant thoughts. Like I need to be loved no matter what.

I was going for the usual 2 star rating I gave her other series, but I did read more than the usual two I give as a chance to a unknown author. *grin* So the nits are balanced by some other good points, even if when I turn the last page I'm mostly irritated.

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I loved (and that's a weak word!!!) the two books in the Evidence series, I couldn't miss this one!
And I was right! :D

The story is deliciously complicated! The attraction between Libby and Mark intense. The reasons for Mark distrust realistic.

I love how Ms. Grant manages to make every action true and every reaction exactly what anybody would have.

It's a real treat to read a book so complicated, but so real.

Libby is under so much pressure that is incredible how it is possible for her not to break. Nobody believes her. Every proof is against her. But she stubbornly fights to proof her innocence.

Mark is attracted to Libby, but he's hard-pressured to believe her when everything is against her. He fall for her, but still doesn't believe her completely. He's jealous and he acts upon this without tought and makes a mess.

I loved how both Libby and Mark have thier failures and their weak spots. They're so human, so able to err. They're completely believable!!!

Grat plot and great story!!!

Brava, Ms. Grant!!!
I will certainly real any kind of book you chose to write next!!! I'm sure it will be a bomb!!! :D

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book by Rachel Grant, although I have been collecting them for ages, and I have about 7 consecutive ones in my kindle of her archeological romantic suspense series.

This has been quite entertaining, but I thought the heroine was a bit of a doormat, too fast to forgive the hero after he treated her so appallingly. Not really your female version of Indiana Jones just yet, but I may be persuaded to follow her in the rest of the series.
The slight disappointment with her heroine was probably the reason for my rating, otherwise the suspense plot was quite good.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this archaeological thriller our heroine, Libby Maitland has been hired to excavate a site so a large corporation can get the permits they need to build a Cultural Center. But things aren’t going smoothly. First unexplained things start happening around her which makes her think her ex who she has had a restraining order against is back stalking her. The local Police Chief, Mark Colby isn’t all that helpful at first. But it’s not long before he realizes that maybe she’s not crazy and there is some substance to her claims.

When the local Kalahwamish tribal chairman request that Libby’s report to the Corps of Engineers show how the tribe was treated by the Thorpe family over the years things go from bad to worse.

From here Libby starts following treads that she thinks has to do with the wrongful treatment of the tribe but it ends up leading to old murders which puts Libby in the crossfire of someone who doesn’t want past secrets uncovered.

[Andiodelgatto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third of Rachel Grants novels that I've devoured over the last week. They are all top notch Romantic Suspense finds. I usually reserve my 5 stars (and written reviews) for "really good quality" fiction, and while it's one of my favorite genres, Romantic Suspense doesn't lend itself to life altering novels. But, I chose to give these novels five stars because the portrayal of archeology (from government work to private contractors to the dig bums) was so spot on. I worked briefly in the field right after college, and while it was never my chosen career, I've always appreciated the work that's been done and continues to be done to preserve cultural heritage around the world. Yet, every time I've come across a fiction work with an archeologist as a character, the portrayal of the profession is cringe worthy, at best. Grave Danger, and both novels in the Evidence Series deliver on all fronts, and I highly recommend all to anyone who likes this genre OR has any interest or experience with archeology. I can't wait for more from this author.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby Maitland is an archaeologist and is doing a dig in a small town named CoHo. She left her home because she was dating a cop who started stalking her. Now she believes he has followed her here. Mark Colby is the Chief of Police and takes Libby’s first call when her truck disappears. They find it around the corner and Mark thinks she’s a “ cop groupie”. Someone breaks into her house, ties her up and throws gasoline on her and around the house. Mark believes her at first and then his officer brings in evidence that Libby did it herself. She’s arrested and Mark has turned against her. While trying to prove her innocence, Libby finds evidence about a killing twenty some years ago. The killer is determined to stop her before she can give her evidence to Mark.

Really good story. Suspense. Action. Steamy. I hated how Mark turned against Libby. Mark had been burned once by a lover and has no means of letting it happen again. Libby can’t figure out who she can trust.

[mer · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was okay well not until when the males gone territorial.



I eventually skimmed.

R: 31.8.19

[Sierra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah this one was bad

[BooK-O-Holic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby:


Mark:


This was definitely an interesting read. One of the things I liked were the different POV's. it wasn't just the the two main characters we also got some insight from the secondary characters and the killer/stalker!

So basically Libby is an archeologist that is sent to a little town called Coho, WA to do an excavation and report on the local Indian tribe. She is hired by Jack Caruthers who is trying to build a cultural center. His son Jason Caruthers, a hot shot attorney from Seattle, is a legal advisor helping Libby setup interviews with his family, who pretty much own the town, in regards to their relationship and treatment of the local Indian tribe when Jason's grandfather, Lyle Montgomery, was in control of the lumbar company and the town. Libby was also having problems with an ex who had been harassing her in Seattle before she left.
The story starts off with her second week in Coho and her vehicle mysteriously goes missing. She believes it to have been stolen and reports it to the police. This is where she is introduced to the sexy chief of police Mark Colby. They hit it off quit well until her vehicle is found on a few yards away and the police chief thinks she might be a little loopy. Mark decides to research Libby and finds out that the ex is a fellow police officer from Seattle and that he accused her of harassing him, calling her a "police groupie". Another incident a few days later calls police chief out to her location and when he finds no evidence of foul play he believes her to be an attention junkie and crying wolf to get his attention and get into his pants. Mark decides to investigate a little further and after finding a little more info and few more incidents with Libby and her potential harasser he becomes more inclined to believe her and starts to show her his attraction to her. During Libby's excavation she comes across some bones that are believed to be an Indian ancestor. After a little more digging Libby believes she actually finds a murder victim's bones instead of an Indian's bones. Mark then becomes much more involved and the twist involves whether Libby's stalker is the ex or someone who wanted to prevent her from finding the murder victim's bones.
Right around 50% of the book is where things really start to get interesting. Mark and Libby's relationship really heats up (in the sweet way though, not the shaking and breaking the bed frame kind of way). Then something awful happens to Libby and Mark turns his back on her. I really just wanted to kick his teeth in. I got kind of frustrated with Libby in this scene because right after their fight she kind of makes excuses for him when she should have kicked his ass to the curb. Luckily, she does turn out to make him work to earn her trust back, because otherwise I would have been pretty irritated with her.

This book definitely had me guessing through out most of the book on who the stalker/killer might be. I never really had one person I thought for sure might be the one. Other potentials kept popping up that I thought "well maybe?" I mean obviously Libby's ex was involved in some way but I was never convinced he was the root of Libby's problems. You'll have to read it though to find out if he was or wasn't .

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave Danger is my second Rachel Grant novel and I thoroughly enjoyed her voice and story telling. Since RS is a favorite genre of mine to read, when it delivers a great balance of suspenseful storyline mixed with the perfect blend of romance...color me happy. Ms. Grant hit the mark on both counts with Grave Danger.

Once again, as was the case in Concrete Evidence, the field of Archaeology provides the perfect backdrop for the drama unfolding for Libby Maitland who just wants to do the best job she was hired to do in Coho Washington. Too bad someone has other plans for Libby once her crew makes a grizzly discovery during their dig...secrets that someone desperately would just as soon remained buried. Libby’s reputation is on the line as someone attempts to discredit her work and set her up for a series of crimes.

Libby and the local law in the form of Police Chief Mark Colby get off to a rocky start but there is no denying they are attracted to each other despite Mark’s initial distrust of Libby and her past relationship with a cop that ended very, very badly. Mark should have been the last person on earth Libby was attracted to and she did try to maintain her distance but he’s very sexy.

Mark has to walk a fine line while investigating several suspicious events especially when all the evidence points directly at Libby as the culprit rather than the victim she is claiming to be. Being involved with a suspect and trying to conduct an unbiased investigation is not easy assignment for the conflicted lawman but the situation provides for great conflict between Mark and Libby just when their relationship was heating up nicely. No smooth sailing to an HEA for these two. Ms. Grant does a great job of making them work for it.

Ms. Grant knows her archaeology and weaves facts, figures and procedures throughout the story to produce an interesting and well developed plotline that kept me hooked, guessing and on the edge of my seat until the end.

Grave Danger was definitely top notch RS.

[Laylaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Suspense filled stars! This is my second Rachel Grant novel and I have yet to be disappointed. I liked the constant suspense of this book, and the line of doubt even had me questioning is Libby was legit at one point in the book!

Libby is working a project that could make or break her fragile company/career. After a rough assignment prior to this one she needs everything to run smoothly on this dig, but this project is anything but smooth. Libby finds herself questioning if the little things happening to her are the just her losing her touch or if her stalker is back.

Chief Colby is treading lightly with Libby and her reports once he does his own checking and finds himself having issues believing her. When more and more starts to stack up, he can't ignore what is going on any longer. But when one of his own cops starts to piece things together the bottom drops out for both the Mark Colby and for Libby. Who is the real killer, is Libby being set up or is she the person responsible?

This book will keep you guessing at every turn and there are so many factors going on and the suspect list seems to grown all of the sudden to the point where you can't trust anyone. I liked this book, because it kept me on the edge, my only issue was the names- I had a hard time with the Jason, Jack, James thing- not sure why but I had to keep reminding myself who was who. But otherwise a gripping tale until the last page!

*This honest review was done in exchange for an ARC through Rachel Grant and Janus Publishing via NetGalley* THANK YOU.

[Zarith dol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc given by netgalley for honest review.
I loved the body in evidence (review later) and so does this book. Rachel Grant really know her stuff in romantic suspense.
The story kick of with an archaeologist, Libby reported her stolen track to the local police chief, Mark. Spark flew and she also flirting banter is so lovable. The mystery evolved as more past of Libby is uncover that made our hero suspicious escalating. As the dig continues, she discover a bones whom she believes as murder victim of a local socialite who disappear almost 12 years ago. Somehow, the bad accident that keep on fallen to Libby, somehow connected with that murder. So who among our locals that responsible to frame Libby to cover up said murder?
As for the couple interction? It is to die for. Together they combustible btw 2 medium. Except at the end, seriously, he get off way to easily. Not only he question his GF but involved in ongoing investigqtion of her? Not very good ethics.. That is why, a doctor never treat their loved ones, emotionally overwhem that worsen the condition. Overall, heads up to the author, and look forward to the next book. recommmended

[Dolly Sandor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It hooks you very tightly!!


What I liked: This is a fantastic romantic suspense. As a matter of fact, it reminds me somewhat of Linda Howard's works. Not quite as intricate yet but Ms Grant has the tools. Grave Danger is a complete novel, It's well written, pacing is great, and the character's development is right on point. I had absolutely no idea who the bad guy was. Well, I thought I did. Color me surprised. The attraction/tension between Libby and Mark was just hot. The other characters were well developed and not just faces in the background. The setting and storyline around the treatment of Indians felt true and believable.


What I didn't like: Not a thing!


I've already purchased the other novels I could find by Ms Grant and can't wait to dig in.


I received my copy from NetGalley. Not having read this author before, I would have been hesitant to pay $3.99 for the Kindle version but now can recommend it wholeheartedly. The print version is a bit steep at $9.88 as it published by Amazon Services.


Highly recommend!!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining romantic suspense book!
Libby has just moved to small town Washington to conduct an archeological dig before construction can start on a cultural center. The Center is being built on land with Native American artifacts buried in it. Libby runs into two issues. One, the Native American tribe wants her to conduct and publish an in depth report about the ill-treatment of the Indians by the previous and deceased white landowner, Lyle Montgomery. She gets resistance from Lyle's descendants. Secondly, Libby appears to have a stalker. She is concerned it's a previous boyfriend because the restraining order recently expired. After reporting incidents, she becomes romantically involved with the Police Chief. Their relationship is not smooth sailing.
There were a number of plausible suspects throughout that kept me assessing their actions and motives.
I really liked the history of Libby's previous stalker and Mark's history with Jason combining to make Mark distrust Libby. It added tension since the reader knows Libby is telling the truth and in more danger when the cops discount her stories.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a wonderful 4 star read, review to come...:)

I enjoyed the book, and I particularly liked all the information about archaeology. I would have liked the ending to be different. I think a certain cop had one to many chances and should have been given the heave-ho...:)
Archaeologist Libby Maitland no sooner lands the project of a lifetime, a data recovery excavation in a small town in the Pacific Northwest when she fears she is being stalked, or is she? She enlists the help of the very handsome chief of police Mark Colby who sometimes believes her and sometimes he doesn't.
She finds a body at the excavation site and this leads to much confusion and trouble. Could this be the body of a wife and mother gone missing many years ago never to be heard from again? Is someone stalking her or is her past catching up to her, who can she trust, who is on her side?
This is a fast, interesting, fun read, that will keep you guessing until the very end, I will be looking forward to more of this authors books!

[Tory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story felt very real. Libby is a no-nonsense heroine, who is confident in her work. She had some problems with an ex, which affected her last job, and has shaken some of her confidence in her personal life. She meets Mark when she comes out of a restaurant to discover that her truck is missing and goes to the police station to report it stolen. I kind of expected that at that point Mark would be all "I know that your an honest person (even though I just met you) and can tell your being set up" - you know your basic hero's response to the heroine in trouble, but that was not the case. Mark and Libby gradually got to know each other and Mark asked lots of questions to verify things regarding Libby.

This is the first story that I have read by Rachel Grant and I look forward to reading more.

[Kay Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Danger is an excellent romantic suspense novel. I particularly enjoy Rachel Grant’s books because, like me, she has a background in contract archeology. In Grave Danger, archeologist Libby Maitland has landed a great contract in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. She can deal with the usual problems of the business, keeping the crew at work and the clients happy, but she’s got serious trouble this time: a burial where there shouldn’t be a burial, and a stalker no one else, especially not Police Chief Mark Colby, believes in. Libby’s been stalked before, but is this the same man, or has she become entangled in something far bigger than a simple excavation project? Grave Danger kept me turning the pages (or rather pressing the button on my Kindle) in search of the answers. Highly recommended.

[Krista Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Grant’s new novel Grave Danger is concrete evidence that her talent is rock solid. I really enjoyed the strong thread of authenticity Grant’s expertise as an archaeologist brings to an intriguing mystery set in an historic sawmill town in the Pacific Northwest. Just when you think life can’t get any worse for archaeologist Libby Maitland, it does—especially when police chief Mark Colby can’t decide whether he should believe her or the evidence when a data recovery excavation yields an unexpected secret. A complex plot of twists and turns and a cast of highly engaging characters you can root for (or against) make this book pure pleasure to read.

[Rebecca Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in the goodreads giveaway. I have to say that this book was written perfectly!!! Nothing could have made it better than it was. Filled with suspicion of all characters involved, just when you think you have a character figured out you start wondering if they are really all they seem to be. This book had me drawn in from the very start. I look forward to reading more books written by this author. This book was perfection on a page.

[‘Sup? · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great RS with the perfect balance of suspense & action and romance. Libby is an excellent and realistic heroine (who's also a scientist like me) and Mark... oh, Mark. He's put in an untenable position with his scorching attraction to Libby, who looks like the perfect suspect for all that's going on, and though he's a complete wanker for a good chunk of the book, he's also a real sweetheart and can grovel like a champ. Can't wait to read more from this author!

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book!

It had a little bit of everything and had me on such a roller coaster ride of emotions that I didn't want it to end.

This was well written. The characters were great, their dialogue flowed well and the description to detail was so graphic I was able to easily visualize everything.

I laughed, I cried, I had my lil heart twinges when things got emotional.

Would I recommend this book? Oh yes!!!

Would I read more from this author? Oh yes!!

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was born and raised in Oregon. Washington is just across the way and I can step into the backdrop of this book easily. Also I have always wanted to be an Archeologist. Digging up history can be either a boring every day job or you can accidentally find things people don't you to dig up. I love this book.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great romantic suspense. I enjoyed the main characters, Libby Maitland and Mark Colby, and loved seeing their relationship develop. The storyline was intriguing, and kept my attention. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story of an archaeologist who is being stalked, and am looking forward to more by this author.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT Romantic Suspense novel by Rachel Grant that blends true archeological information with a very intricate plot that always had me second guessing. The characters are strong and believable so the romance is just as plausible as the plot.

I am so glad this author was recommended to me and I tell all my friends about her. Can't wait for the next book!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great romantic suspense! I loved the conflict between the H/h, and I had trouble putting this one down. I didn't guess the identity of the antagonist, and there were several good suspects. That's unusual. All too often I know "who done it," but Grant keep the suspense going. I've read all her books, loved them all, but I think this one's my favorite.

[Zara West · Rating 5 out of 5]

A keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat book. A carefully layered, mysterious murder drives a wedge in the romance between the archaeologist who finds the body in her dig and the police chief who has to investigate the murder. Plenty of secrets, excellent detail on how archaeologists work, and a well-laid out Washington State setting make this a great read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!! This book had me an edge, a good edge. Once the middle of this book hit, it was a full ride to the end!! All my "suspects" didn't even come close when it was revealed. Is there a second book? I sense there is story with Simone....