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Season of the Wolf

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Devon James is on the run from a killer who has been hunting her for years. When she discovers the murdered bodies of two co-workers, Devon knows it is time to run again. But before she can run, the police arrive and take her in for questioning.

Jordan Salinger is a Pittsburgh homicide detective on leave after a hostage standoff left her with a bullet wound in her shoulder and an even bigger hole in her heart. When she is called in by her partner to help with an uncooperative witness, Jordan has no idea that the woman holds the key to the murders and to her salvation.

With the murderer stalking them at every turn, can Devon and Jordan overcome the horrors that haunt them in time to save each other?

264 pages, Paperback

First published March 9, 2014

6 people are currently reading
484 people want to read

About the author

Robin Summers

5 books16 followers
Robin began her writing career in high school, thanks to an insightful (and perhaps a tiny bit pushy) English teacher who, having decided that Robin was not living up to her potential, gave her extra, non-graded homework over her winter break: to read Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Helene Hanff’s Q’s Legacy. In those pages Robin discovered how far good writing and a vivid imagination could take a reader, and she has been writing ever since.

Robin's debut novel, After the Fall, is the winner of two 2012 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards, two 2011 Rainbow Awards for LGBT Fiction and Non-fiction, and a 2011 Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Award.​

Robin is an Illinois native who works in public policy in Washington, DC. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

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5 stars
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37 (24%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Julia.
79 reviews112 followers
June 17, 2016
After enjoying the hell out of Summers's other book After the Fall, I just had to know if the author could write mystery/crime as well as she wrote a post-apocalyptic character-driven story, and damn, she sure does.

There aren't a whole lot of similarities between the two books, but the major one is between the respective main characters: Summers clearly has a thing for women who are incredibly strong despite the gigantic burdens of guilt that they've been carrying, while believing they should be punished for things that were none of their fault. And having them fall in love with equally strong, wonderful women who refuse to let them keep beating themselves up like that. I even noticed some fairly similar scenes on that matter in both books, but Summers writes these characters so well I couldn't complain.

This time, the major aspect of what makes our lead Devon the way she is was revealed earlier than I expected, and I could never have seen it coming. And then, as the book gradually reveals more and more details, it's unreal how someone could possibly live like that. But she did, and she's freaking amazing, and the story never makes her a woman in peril sort of waiting for someone to save her — it's all about her choices, her insisting on being a part of her own salvation, her finally finding people that seem trust-worthy enough to hear the story and do something to help. I loved how pissed Jordan and Wayne were at the way the other police had handled Devon's case in the past; they weren't doing her a favor by listening to her and investigating her case, they were doing their damn right jobs as decent cops instead of just going for the easier explanation and ignoring everything else.

Devon and Jordan were each battling their own demons, and what drew them together was how much they wanted to help make the other's battle easier. I loved to see the development of these feelings, starting from a weird desperation to simply reach out when they saw the pain in the other's eyes. Jordan was just the right person Devon needed in her life, not only as a detective to finish her case once and for all, and in the process, Jordan starts to realize that Devon is exactly what she needed, too.

Overall, the mystery/thriller was really well-written and the climax left me breathless and desperate like I was there with them, watching helplessly what was going on. Despite the heavy topics for most of the book, though, lighter moments with Max (as well as the horses in After the Fall, it's clear Summers also has a thing for writing animals like normal characters interacting with the humans, and I love it), Mel, who turned out to be as nice as I was hoping she would be, and Wayne's adorable relationship with Jordan, balanced out all the darkness of the main plot quite well.



Now I'm kinda sad I don't have more Robin Summers books to read. I wonder what kind of stuff she'll be writing next.

P.S. This book also reminded me a lot of A Dark Horse by Blayne Cooper so, if anyone's looking for something similar, that's it.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews128 followers
December 30, 2020
A truly chilling thriller with a lot of fear and expectation surrounding every horrible reveal. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

If you're into police procedurals, especially about serial killers you should like this. Devon has been on the run for 12 years, trying to escape a murderous perpetrator close to her. She's never stayed in one place for long, and often changed her name and appearance - never letting anyone close.

Jordan is a former detective and profiler, recovering from injuries caused in the line of duty. But it's the mental scars that are the most prolific. She herself has also become closed off from life and people. When she is called in to help her former partner with a witness who appears to know more than she lets on, the two ladies form an undeniable bond in the face of cruel and unusual adversity.

You could really feel the pulsating threat of the murderer hot on their trail, and the sinister monologues from him in the book were equally fearsome.

The dedicated detectives, especially Henry, working the case and doing all they could to put together the evidence and facts to protect and serve was heartening.

My only complaint was the attraction and 'I love you's' from the women came about a bit too quickly, in the face of such heightened action and drama. But at the end of the day I wasn't that mad at it, and they had a sizzling steamy connection physically. Plus emotionally they clearly 'got' each other and the guilt they both felt over various situations from their past that bonded them.

A satisfying read.
Profile Image for Jem.
408 reviews307 followers
March 29, 2014
This is not a paranormal book, as the title and cover seem to hint at. It is a serial murder mystery.

Devon is a lost soul. She's been on the run for most of her adult life--from a terrible nightmare that only she is privy to. By her own wits and through sheer luck, she has always managed to stay just one step ahead of the phantom in her life. But on the 12th year of her run, her luck finally runs out...

Fortunately, she has a savior in Jordan, a physically and emotionally wounded cop. Devon finds in her a kindred soul, someone who believes, understands, and is actually in a position to help. And for the first time in her seemingly hopeless life, there is a flicker of light at the end of her long, dark tunnel.

As a thriller, this novel just works. The book takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions--horror, alienation, anticipation, passion, terror, exhilaration, despair. Then, just when you think everything starts to fall into place, the author yanks the rug from under you.

4.5 stars

P.S. For me, the most unforgettable scenes from the book are the encounters between Devon, Jordan and Mel, a one-time lover of Jordan. Their sizzling scenes together crackle off the page, as Devon and Mel 'do battle' over their prized catch. :)
Profile Image for Sarah.
59 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2014
This story starts out quickly with the murders of Devon's co-workers happening in the first chapter, so it grabs your attention right away. Most of the scenes are fairly tense as would be expected when the subject is being stalked by a killer, but Robin Summers manages to pepper in some levity, mostly in the forms of Max (Jordan's dog) and Mel (the general store owner). The author uses limited omniscient point of view, so the story moves from character to character. That style works well because it allows the reader to see just what each one is thinking, especially important in the case of Billy. The author also spreads out Billy and Devon's back story over the course of the novel, so the reader is left to guess what else might surface.

One aspect of the story that some readers may find unrealistic is the start of Devon and Jordan's relationship. Robin Summers does such a fantastic job of writing this piece of the story, though. From the outset, there is "something" between the women and they both feel it. As I read the scene with them both sitting the in police station, I could feel the charged atmosphere, almost like they were on a completely different plane. Maybe it's because they were both broken and could see it in each other's eyes. The love at first sight gamble doesn't always work in stories, but in this case, I thought it was penned perfectly.

I highly recommend this book to fans of both suspense and police dramas.
Profile Image for Val.
412 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2017
This was a great book. It has suspense and romance in addition to being well written. I loved the main characters, but I would have preferred that less time be given to the killer’s point of view. It’s not a flaw in the writing; it’s just my personal preference. I thought it rather odd that the author made a disclaimer at the beginning of the book assuring readers that she did not condone killing wolves. Wtf? The “wolf” in the story is clearly metaphorical. Anyway, that has nothing to do with the book itself. Just wondering if anyone else thought that was weird. Excellent read.
Profile Image for Justina Johnson.
385 reviews25 followers
March 27, 2014
This is a magnificent thriller. Additionally, the two main characters have such depth and are both battling hidden demons as to be dramatically delightful partners. Set in and around Pittsburgh, PA, this passionate couple more than holds its own against one of the slimiest villains I have read about in quite some time. Additionally, the family and police folks highlighted provided a solid anchor and support group, so a glimmer of hope was never completely crushed by the human wolf predator. This is a murder mystery fan's delicious indulgence. Glorious!

Jordan Salinger, currently on indefinite leave from the Pittsburgh police department's homicide division, is still inching her way back to full health. This has been greatly aided by her German shepherd companion Max and her mom. Her nightmares and feelings of guilt after the death of two fellow cops and one young boy seem to rise and recede, but her self-doubt and guilt appear to be burned into her soul. However, she does accept a request to come and interrogate a witness and possible suspect in a gory double homicide. Jordan was and still is an accomplished profiler and her former partner, now a lieutenant, gently requested and cajoled Jordan into coming down to the station. Then things get really sticky. Incredible!

Devon James, at least that is what she is calling herself now, thought she had finally out-maneuvered her stalker. However, when she gets to her job a little late once again because of her bus being off schedule, she finds the diner locked up. Very untypical. Her heart sinks to her boots as she is fearful she is going to find things terribly wrong. When her worst fears are realized she tries to blast through the crowd and run away. However, the police have already arrived. Down at the police station, Devon does her best to wheedle out of her first and second interviews, but she finally opens up a little shedding some light onto her astounding story, when Jordan comes to interview her. The dies have been cast and Devon tries once again to shore up allies in her life and death struggle. Devon is one of the most inventive survivors I have ever read about. I was on her and Jordan's side right from the git-go!

The good folks in this story project really solid and warm feelings. On the reverse, the bad dudes only keep getting uglier as things progress. Whereas that might have presented a too pure vanilla situation, I found that it only heightened things in a manner that kept me glued to my seat. I cannot imagine anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery not being floored and amazed by this book. It is also a really fabulous yarn about some totally fascinating people. This is not to be missed. Brilliant!

NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Natsu.
178 reviews24 followers
September 7, 2014
Thought it was a shapeshifter novel before I read the blurb. Wrong.

Another Defender-Target romance with the presence of a very smart canine (Max), a loyal friend/partner (Lt. Wayne), and a serial killer.

We have Jordan and Devon who both battle demons of their past. Broken but not beaten. Alone, the only way each fought was by running but together they faced their fears and guilt head on.

Guilt is like being hunted by a wolf... If you have no choice, you'd have to kill it before it kills you

The gritty murders, investigations, and cat-and-mouse chase had me turning page after page hoping the perp finally gets sicked on the next one.

It's not all suspense and body count though, you get occasional comic relief too. :D
Profile Image for Anja.
179 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2014
Never judge a book by its cover or title. I got the book from netgalley and looked at the cover and thought it probably will be some supernatural story, but I wanted to give it a chance. So I was really surprised to be sucked into a kind of serial killer thriller. I really liked the two main characters Devon and Jordan, two strong women who fight their own demons (of the past) and who help each other to overcome them while being chased by Devon's faked dead psycho father. Two thumbs up!
Profile Image for Issa.
419 reviews21 followers
August 24, 2014
I'm somewhat new to the genre of Lesbian fiction having only read a handful in the past but jumped at the chance to read this when it popped up on my Netgalley screen and I'm glad I did.

Devon comes to work one morning to find two of her coworkers dead, clearly murdered. The situation isn't new to her. She's seen it before and been on the run for 10 years from a killer who stalks her and leaves bodies in his wake. She's ready to run again knowing he's found her but the police pick her up as a witness.

Devon's been down this road before and says nothing about what she knows counting the minutes until they let her go and she can run. But Lieutenant Henry Wayne sees something in Devon he can't let pass and he calls in his former partner, Jordan Salinger.

Jordan's had a tough time at it as well. Shot when a call goes sideways she's been rehabbing unsure of her future and agrees to come in to talk to a witness out of respect for Henry.

Jordan needs someone to save and Devon is finally tired of running and when the two meet everything comes pouring out and the murders and the man behind them is more horrifying than they could have imagined.

The mystery and police procedural twists and turns through some predictable territory but it's a far different take than usual because we know who the killer is, it's just a matter of catching him. And we learn some about him with his POV but the author doesn't bog us down in it. I also liked how the author took a typical plot device, their escape to the cabin, and gave a completely reasonable reason for it to occur.

I loved Devon and Jordan as characters. Real women who act like real women with strengths, weaknesses, and ideals that conflict. Their relationship moves quickly if you consider the time line but felt slow as they felt each other out and realized they held the missing pieces for each other.

Finally, I was gratified to see that sexual orientation was not a factor in the book. No anti gay slandering or homophobic rhetoric. Even our bad guy, a religious nut if there every was one, isn't concerned with orientation. It meant the story could focus on where it belonged - the characters and the plot.

I do hope this author continues writing and would love to see more novels by her.

Received a copy of this story from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for L.E.Olteano  .
514 reviews70 followers
May 31, 2014
Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on Apr 3rd 2014:

Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: The contemporary Pittsburgh setting wasn’t too present, but I loved the way Devon described it in a line and it made it a very vivid setting atmosphere-wise.
Characters: There was a lot of awesome character-building happening in this novel. Devon, Jordan, and even Billy were very interesting characters – and, I felt, very well built. There was enough history there, well told as the story developed, and enough action to keep it all thrilling.
I particularly found Billy’s voice to be interesting, Robin Summers did a fabulous job at building his character. It was all there, the intense psycho vibe, the charisma, the twisted, distorted sense of reality and the intensity of his understanding of the world. Almost in mirror, Devon felt authentic and had my full attention & emotional involvement.
Also, much love for Max.
Favorite Character: can’t pick just one, I liked too many, lol!
Plot: The thriller and romantic arc were masterfully entwined, keeping tensions high and fully engaging me. I loved both arcs, and felt they were beautifully developed.
Writing: Third person narrative, multiple POVs. It’s what made me call this an old-school yummy, there’s a certain traditional air about this thriller/romance and I loved the multiple perspectives.
Curb Appeal: Great cover, hooking blurb – total impulsive buy material for my FxF moods.

All in all, this was a great read. I fully recommend it if you’re looking for a more traditionally awesome thriller with a FxF romantic theme.
2,338 reviews37 followers
March 6, 2017
What would you do if a murderer was after you? Would you go to the police, hire a private investigator or run? Devon James has decided to run.when she found two co-workers dead at work, she decides to run again. However the police arrive and they have questions for her.jordan Salinger has been on leave from her job as a police detective due to a bullet wound. She has been called by her partner to work on this investigation. Devon is tired of running from this killer so decides to work with Jordan to catch the killer.

This novel is fast paced. It definitely isn't slow. The romance starts early in the book but it is okay. The characters are well developed. Some of the scenes are especially vivid and stay with you. It's an excellent romantic lesbian mystery to read.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

200 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2018
I was really glad to see another book by this author. In this book there is despair, compassion, heartache, hope, and love. I kinda guessed what was going to happen but that didn’t diminish from the suspense.
Profile Image for Vervada.
688 reviews
April 1, 2022
This book somehow managed to be thrilling, shocking and romantic all at the same time. Robin Summers managed to combine a gripping (and a little scary) plot with a sweet romance without either of them suffering, which is no small feat. I'm really glad that I found this book and decided to read it.
Profile Image for Terri.
65 reviews
August 19, 2017
It really irritates me when a book has so much promise and then doesn't reach its potential. The relationship part of the story literally happens overnight. Yawn. Give me some build up! The suspense part of the story built up great and then WHAM everything happened in one chapter. This book had great potential but in the end, it just fell short.
Profile Image for Nicole.
499 reviews8 followers
March 2, 2014
Overall a very enjoyable book.

While I liked all of the characters, I didn't really connect with any of them. And maybe that's just because of how I'm feeling right now or something, because they were all wonderfully written characters. And I really loved how twisted Billy was. I felt for them, and I did care what happened to them, but I felt no real emotions towards them. Like when Devon and Jordan finally got together. I didn't really care. I was happy for them, but it just wasn't a big deal for me.

The story was interesting and kept me engaged. I love a good mystery novel, and this book did not fail me. I kept wondering what could have happened in Devon's past that would make her think that Jordan would hate her. I was surprised by the answer, which was nice since that usually doesn't happen to me. There was, however, something else that happened that I totally expected to happen.

Not the most exciting or suspenseful mystery I've read, but an entertaining read nonetheless, and definitely one I would recommend to friends. Also, lesbian mystery romance for the win!
Profile Image for Shai Williams.
875 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2014
I want to let my readers know up front the main characters in this book embrace alternative sexualities but this book is about so much more. Their attraction to each other is an underlying theme in this story but is far from the main one. Instead it is a story of horror and of healing.

Both Devon and Jordan are strong women that have been hurt in the past and are still healing. Devon has been on the run for years from a crazed stalker who wants her dead. Jordan is a police officer who was wounded in the line of duty and still blames herself for not being able to save everyone. Between staying one step ahead of Devon's stalker, both women grow closer and start to heal.

I found SEASON OF THE WOLF to be an incredible story. It is a testament to the strength and healing power of love as well as being a first rate thriller. I highly recommend this book to any of my readers who are not offended by alternative sexualities.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
Profile Image for Heidi | Paper Safari Book Blog.
1,157 reviews21 followers
March 3, 2014
Both Jordan and Devon are filled with guilt from things that were not in their control. Jordan is haunted by her latest standoff and Devon is haunted by the very real serial killer who has stalked her for half her life. Jordan is brought back to work to help solve this case and Devon, tired of running decides to trust Jordan and her partner to help her.

This book kept moving. There really weren't any lags, or times when I felt like "oh my god just get on with it". The story moved smoothly and was well paced. It is a romance so the sparks fly early but it didn't seem forced or out of place. The characters were well developed and while the story was a bit dark there were light moments scattered throughout. I look forward to reading more from Robin Summers.
5,704 reviews39 followers
February 7, 2014
This book was very good and a bit odd in places. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I really liked that she was believed. I think I was thinking this was different because of the title lol. Overall I enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Heather Bennett.
98 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2014
Season of the Wolf is a great thriller. The plot and characters are well developed.The story will draw you in and make you feel part of the story. Robin Summers is a wonderful author and I can not wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Amanda.
85 reviews34 followers
March 2, 2014
Great, at the edge of your seat read.
Profile Image for Elisa Rolle.
Author 107 books238 followers
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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