Off The Record

by Sarah Wyland

NYPD Detective Nathan Flint arrived in Blowing Rock in need of a change. The small mountain town is a world away from New York City and the crimes are petty at best, but that’s what he needs - simple, uncomplicated, quiet. And a lot of distance from his haunted past and bad decisions.

Local reporter Reese Baker never meant to stay in Blowing Rock, but love makes one do things they never planned on. Except her fiancé slept with her best friend and now she’s stuck in her hometown where nothing newsworthy ever happens and her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend seem to be lurking around every scenic corner.

Then a hot new detective with a mysterious past moves to town.

The attraction is instant and Reese finds herself hopeful for a second chance at love while anti-relationship Nate can’t help but fall hard and fast for the tenacious reporter who just so happens to be the police chief’s cousin. All is going well - until locals begin to turn up dead.

A serial killer is prowling the streets of Blowing Rock and it’s up to Nate to find them - before Reese becomes their next victim.

Genres: Romance

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town murder mystery, love story with a happy ending! This book hooked me on page one until the end with each twist. One of the best books I’ve read in the last year!

[Alexandra Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this 5 years ago when it was first published online. Love that it was released as a book. Liked rereading and noting the changes that were made. Was interesting to read the book already knowing who the killer was and trying to see what I missed during my original read. Hope Sarah puts out more novels as I’ve always loved her writing style.

[Rachel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS! I couldn't put it down. I had not read a blend of a mystery and a romance before. Wow. This genre is amazing. Are there other authors doing this blend? I really enjoyed Sarah's writing style. It had a good pace and I just loved the romance blended into a whodunnit. I fell in love with Reese and Nate within the first few chapters. My favorite book I've read so far this year!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Loved! Loved!

I’ve read this book when it was a fic (a long time ago) and I’m so happy is a published book now!

Is so well written, a pretty solid and addictive story. So… go read it!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up to support the author and I was not let down. I could not put this book down at all over the two days it took me to read it. I just needed to know what came next. I hope anyone who is thinking about getting this book takes a chance!

I hope to see Sarah Wyland publish again!
(Love reading her stories on ao3)

[Adi Manalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this book in 1 day. The romance between Nate and Reese was *chef's kiss*. The build up to their relationship was so good. Love a protective boyfriend that still respects independence. The mystery part of the book was exciting and I didn't see that killer reveal coming!

[Candice Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop reading! The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and I read the entire book in just a day! I could feel the rollercoaster of emotions each character felt while reading.

[Gwen Brophy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, breezy read! I didn't guess whodunnit, and usually I can tell by the way a character is introduced.

[Jenna T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small quiet town gets a new detective, Nate Flint, who has a secret past and wants a fresh start. Reese Baker is a local reporter. In the small town, everyone knows everyone and there are rarely any crimes. That is until someone decides to disturb the peace by murdering local residents & leaving clues that somehow connect back to Reese.

I was hooked from the start of the book and did not want to stop reading until the suspect was revealed. If you want a murder mystery from a dual point of view set in a small town, read Off the Record.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this small town romance! I found this at a whim in a used book store and I was sold by the cover and the blurb…love some cop romances! This overall was very well done and I enjoyed the big city cop meeting small town life. The romance was very sweet and the twist was not expected. If you want more of a light hearted mystery small town cop romance then this is for you!

[Maria Piazza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how real the romance felt. Sometimes when you read a romance you feel the cheesiness and how no one talks that way. This felt real and you could truly picture this. Also loved the combo of the murder mystery and the romance. Felt truly invested and emotional to the characters.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, enjoyable read

I don't normally read crime or crime romance but I love Sarah's fanfic so figured I would like her published books too - this didn't disappoint! Likeable characters, a lovely small town vibe and enjoyable romance. Very easy to read, feel good book.

[Erin O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! The characters are so interesting and lively and I just want them to be my friends, they are so charming. Live a good Agatha-esque mystery and really didn’t know how this was going to end!! Binged it in a day, I didn’t want to stop!!

[Lindsey Marlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thriller, murder, romance book. Characters were so relatable. Sweet and scary and surprised- you just get all the feels.

[Valene Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah’s debut novel was great! A nice whodunit with a little love story. An easy read that keeps your attention.

[Vira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend

A thrilling read, easy but fast paced. Well written. The characters are vibrant, emotionally aware. The plot was great and the surprises kept coming. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends.

[Shelley Deering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the love story and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. This was a book I couldn’t put down and enjoyed the whole way through.

[Lauren Spiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read all year! Such a good fall mystery story.

[Ashley Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5💫

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this but I found it a bit cliche (in a cringey way)

[kassidy.raelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came from Sarah’s fourth wing fanfictions and stayed for the addictive mystery. What a wonderful debut novel!