Pretty Places

E&M Investigations #1

by Lena Bourne, LJ Bourne

A serial killer has gone undetected for almost two decades, but now the hunt is on in this gripping and suspenseful mystery novel by LJ Bourne.

The prettiest places hide the darkest secrets.

True crime writer Eva Lah has uncovered the trail of a ruthless serial killer. The problem is, she is the only one who knows he exists. The police have failed to connect the dots for years, and catching him is not something Eva can do alone.

But Eva never backs down when it comes to uncovering the truth and she won’t do it now. She enlists the help of an ex-lover, retired US Military Special Investigator Mark Novak. With Eva's determination and Mark's expertise, they may have a chance to finally give the victims a voice and bring the killer to justice.

But will they be able to put their past behind them and work together to solve this chilling mystery?

The clock is ticking and only one thing is certain: if they fail, the murderer will kill again.

A must read for fans of Melinda Leigh, Mary Stone and Kendra Elliot!

PRETTY PLACES kicks off a thrilling and suspenseful new female protagonist mystery series - E&M Investigations. A must read for fans of deep, intriguing puzzle mystery novels and whodunits that delve deep into the psyche and the whys. You don’t want to miss this one!

Note: This book was previously published under the name Lena Bourne.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Romance, Suspense, True Crime

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Lena Bourne writes stories about independent and smart women who mean everything to the strong men they love. If you’re looking for deep emotions, hot bedroom scenes, and some suspense thrown in, look no further than her books.

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Reviews

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Places (E&M Investigations, Book 1) by Lena Bourne is an awesome read. This is book number one in this awesome series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about romantic suspense, mysteries and thrillers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a freebie I got during “stuff your kindle day.” Loved learning more about Slovenia (book’s setting). The storyline and intensity was just okay. Finished the book, but have no desire to read the next in the series.

[Joni Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-pounding investigation

More than a police procedural, this investigation into missing persons and killings keeps the reader guessing about the killer and the relationships among the investigators. A recommended read for fans of suspense and crime stories.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited
I've heard a lot about this author and wanted to read her. She writes complex, engrossing mysteries, and this is the first of a series, so there will be more of Eva and Mark Investigations. This is a good thing! Set in the tiny country of Slovenia, once part of Yugoslavia, with a history that goes back to before time, Lena Bourne brings us there. Her descriptive passages of place and weather make you see and appreciate this place she obviously loves. I may have to add it to my bucket list. And her mystery is well camouflaged, her protagonists sympathetic and personable. She is an author I will follow.

And a big plus - she gives us at the beginning of her story a guide for pronouncing places and names in Slovenia. I found this most helpful. If I pronounce a name incorrectly for an entire novel I will say it wrong forever. I will never be welcome in Ireland, for example. And this series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Reviewed on November 14, 2021, on Goodreads and AmazonSmile. It was not available for review on B&N, BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling mystery with an intriguing story line. The author brings strong characters in Mark and Eva as well as the supporting characters. She brings the couple together after three years separation to help the police solve the serial killer mysteries. The scenes are painted in vivid detail and the story flows fluidly with her detailed writing. It's a great romantic thriller that had me glued to the pages from start to finish. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Places is the first book in the E&M Investigations series and is a fantastic start to the series.

I loved this book. The characters of Mark and Eva are likable, strong, and work well together professionally and personally. The story is well written and intriguing with missing people, a serial killer, suspense, danger, and intrigue. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Kathy Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Lena Bourne and also the first in the E&M Investigations Series, which is quite fitting, I think, Ms. Bourne is a very descriptive writer, and this is something that I really appreciate. I really like being able to vividly picture not only the characters but the scenery. And does she describe the scenery!! Cold, wet, misty, foggy!!

Eva and Mark were once very close when they lived in Berlin and investigated the Fairytale Killer. But the investigation ended breaking them up when Mark could not help worrying about Eva being in the path of serial killers and Eva feeling that Mark was trying to wrap her in cotton fluff. Mark has retired from the Military and has been renovating the old house that was left to him from his grandparents and Eva has taken a sabbatical and moved back home. Simon, a guy Eva knew from university, has been trying to hire Mark to head a task force funded by Europol but Mark won't talk to him. Simon asks Eva's help. Eva says NO!! Unbeknownst to both Eva and Mark, they are living a short distance apart. Eva has been working on gathering facts that she thinks are looking like a serial killer is working in Slovenia, but the only person she feels will tell her honestly if she is on the right track, is Mark. After looking over everything Eva has collected, Mark agrees that she definitely has something. Neither wants to try to renew their relationship, but they both want to solve a murder case! Mark agrees to join the task force for the purpose of working that one case and gets Eva hired.

There are some other members of the task force that are showing some good characteristics that I believe will be an asset to later books. I highly recommend Pretty Places to anyone who enjoys mystery, murder and romance.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Lena Bourn but it certainly wont be the last, from the gripping first pages it had me hooked.
The body of a young girl is found hanging in a pretty Slovenian town, something doesn't add up for investigative journalist turned true crime writer Eva Lah and she soon discovers similarities to other "suicides" over a number of years.......she needs help and the only person that can help her is ex military investigator Mark Novak, the love of her life, that is until solving the serial killings by a man known as the Fairy tale Killer, this broke Eva and Mark apart, he couldn't stand to see her put herself in danger and she wouldn't be wrapped in cotton wool.
An opportunity occurred when Simon, an old university friend, approached Eva with a view to enlisting her help, he was setting up a special task force funded by Europol and he wanted Mark to head it and Mark had refused. Eva knew that Mark had retired to the pretty peaceful but dilapidated cottage left to him by his grandmother, he had spent the last two years doing renovations.....was the lure of catching another serial killer and working with Eve again enough to bring him out of retirement or was it a step too far.
This story unfolds with so many twists and turns, the suspense is palpable, the suspects many and diverse. The author paints a picture with words, I could practically feel the eerie, cold, damp Slovenian fog, the fear and tension in the squat and the smell of decaying and unwashed bodies.
Can Mark be tempted back into solving crimes ? Can Eva and Mark rebuild their relationship, is the chemistry still there ?
I really couldn't put this book down, it is a real page turner.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva and Mark used to be a couple. Their relationship did not end well. Now they are living close to each other but separately. When Eva uncovers what she believes is evidence of a serial killer, she asks Mark to help her determine if she's right. Mark retired from the military and plans to never return to investigation work. As they chase down facts and evidence they have to dance through the minefield of their failed relationship. Will they figure out the case and find a way back to each other?

I really enjoyed this story. Eva is smart and capable. Mark might be broken from his years investigating killers but he's not down for the count. Neither one of them has any desire to rekindle a relationship but they are both doggedly determined to solve cases when they are presented cases. I liked that Eva is back in her hometown and has connections with people and places where the story takes place. I thought the side characters were interesting and added to the story. I am looking forward to more about those characters in future stories.

I never did exactly figure out how old Eva and Mark are. I like to know these sorts of things. Also, I'm interested in their family dynamics because Mark moved from the USA to Slovenia.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a murder mystery with a little angst and a ton of fog (yes, I mean that literally). This has to be the foggiest place on earth!). This is a contemporary suspense novel with a side of romance. The story kind of sneaks up on you which was nice because it didn't feel like the author was trying too hard. The story is quiet and subtle in it's unraveling of the facts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bridget Keeling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty Places This Bood Did Not Have

I read the Prequel #2 book first, not knowing there was Prequel #1. I really liked Prequel #2 The Fairytale Killer. It was a great book, & I couldn't put it down. I loved how good Mark & Eva were together, personally & professionally. They were a great team.

Then I read this book & it made me so frustrated. It is set over three years after Mark & Eva broke up & have not spoken since. The reasoning the author gives is stupid, really flimsy & ridiculous.

Eva has turned into a person I did not like or enjoy, a real b*tch. Mark, on the other hand, is still an honorable & great guy. He retired young from his military CID job due to burnout & PTSD.

Eva is back in her home country & basically stumbles upon a body recovery from the river. She begins researching this & other related incidents & believes she has stumbled upon a serial killer.

Somehow, she ends up taking the potential case to Mark, who by strange coincidence is also living in her home country & the country of his ancestors. It's not too far from Eva, an hour or so, I believe.

There's too much angst for two people who are around 40 years old, in my opinion. Mark gets interested in what he believes is a serial killer. Eventually, they sort of join a team being created by an old school friend of Eva's.

There are a lot of extremely unlikable characters in this book & I don't mean the killer. This serial killer is all over the place & not up to par. If the local police had a lick of sense or were even sober half the time, this case could have been solved 15 years ago. It's ridiculous how incompetent the police are in this country.

The book is not great & I'm disappointed with the waste of my time. Maybe I'll try one more book. I don't know yet.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

💣💣ONE SPECTACULAR ADVENTURE💣💣
Bursting bubbles boo! Lena whips out one incredibly tumultuous, sinfully tantalizing rock-my-world, kickass rollercoaster with this heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, nailbiting, jaw dropping, block busting dynamo, launching this bad boy to staggering heights. Rushing head-long into a sinister scheme chocked-full of brutal tactics, vicious attrocities, heinous deeds and ruthless cruelty ensue as the riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying threats, escalating danger, electrifying suspense and spine tingling encounters merge, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. Temperament and ingenuity in every thread that you unravel with each page your drawn into this tangled web so intricately and precise until nothing else exists, fusing this bad boy together seamlessly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity and ardor, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, bringing our characters closer, uniting them together beautifully. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Lena, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting.

E&M Investigations Series:
Ms. Bourne writes an interesting, intriguing, and entertaining series. Well written story lines that move at a constant pace with a variety of well developed characters that hold the reader's interest. Enough clues and twists that guide and misdirect enough to include the reader in the investigations. I chain-read the first four books and never once did I get bored with or tired of what I was reading. I like that the romance is not dominant but a part of the story; it is not silly as in sexual thoughts, at any time, or sex scenes. Past events are rarely mentioned and only in passing, not in detail. Sources: My Kindle library and BookFunnel finds.

The Fall - I enjoyed my first read by this author. I'm not sure if this is a prequel since the book mentions The Fairytale Killer and Eva and Mike's relationship, but it is an interesting introduction to this series. Too easily solved by me but still entertaining. 4*

The Fairytale Killer, Prequel - Rather a sad motive behind the Killer's actions but an interesting read. The killer click for me just before the exposure/solution. 5*

Pretty Places, #1 - This takes place about three years after TFK ends. A lot has changed in those years, and then some have not. I figured out the killer from the clues, and gut feeling, but it took a while. Easy to get immersed in the pages and hard to put down. 5*

Bad Roads, #2 - Two months after PP and Eva and Mike and the gang are at it again. This time I didn't get the killer figured out. 5*

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva is a True Crime writer looking fir her next story. She goes home to reset after years on the road traveling with book tours. As she is researching a possibility she comes across a crime scene and a comment from a bystander sparks her interest. Mark is a former love interest and investigator of a previous case that Eva wrote about. Simon, a childhood friend of Evas, is trying to convince Mark to join an investigative team. Using Evas theory of a serial killer spanning 20 years, they convince Mark to help out.

This is a very cerebral book, very descriptive and full of internal conversations. It’s suspenseful in that there is no clear suspect and the team is running around chasing down leads. There is not much action until the end but it is well thought out. There is a side of romance to this story and although it is central to the story it really isn’t a traditional romance.

I was looking for something different than my usual reads and this fit the bill. I did find myself putting it down and coming back several times just because of the lack of action but I was invested enough to want to finish it. It’s not necessary to read the pre-quells although the storyline is referenced several times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Philip Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is worse than a climate that has cloudy, drizzly days -- a murderer who kills only in winter.

Following from the prequel Fairy Tale killer, this book takes starts three years later after Eva and Mark have separated. The romantic slant of this romantic mystery is a bit strong but the story shines through.

I could feel the cold misty winter portrayed here. The characters felt as if they needed to be bundled up against the cold. The small city with its barren parks and dives for homeless people was a perfect backdrop for depicting young people who, while in apparently good spirits, committed suicide.

As the evidence of 15 years of odd suicides is revealed, we see raw emotions and a fair amount of jealousy as a special investigative team is assembled to investigate in depth. The local police have numbed themselves with alcohol and laziness.

The killer has a passion expressed during the winter; new victims were identified in the off season. There were enough twists and possible suspects that the murderer was not high on the suspect list until quite late in the story--well done.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first in a series, but there were two prequels. You can read this book on it's own without having to read the first books. The Fairy Tale Killer case is mentioned in this book several times, but the author has done a great job at not giving away any details.

Mark and Eva went their separate ways after solving that big case. Eva is now a well know author, specializing in real-life murder cases. She's back in her village in Slovenia, investigating a potential new book. She thinks she may have stumbled onto a serial killer and reaches out to Mark.

Together they work with a newly formed task force to investigate the case. They find themselves in danger multiple times in the book.

I've only read the E&M Investigations books by this author, but I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. The book is well written and the suspense is built beautifully. I highly recommend this book. I'm also now intrigued by Slovenia. It sounds like an interesting place to visit.

I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy. This is my honest review.

[Addie Suckow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Places is an investigative thriller/romance with two main characters, Eva and Mark, and the story is told first hand from both POVs. Eva is an investigative journalist that specializes in serial killers, and Mark is a former US military investigator. They were in a romantic relationship and worked together previously to catch the infamous Fairytale Killer, but the case destroyed their relationship and they haven’t talked in three years. But both are now residing in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and their paths cross when Eva thinks she stumbles across a murder staged as a suicide that is the work of a serial killer that has been operating for over a decade. They join an Interpol sanctioned task force whose sole mission is first, prove that there actually is a serial killer, and second, find the person responsible. Throughout this, their relationship starts to become rekindled, but they are both worried that the work they do will drive them apart again.

Ultimately I was really surprised by this book and tore through it. The plotline instantly fascinated me because of my love of serial killer books, and the characters really made me dive in more. I didn't really know what to expect from this book but I was happily surprised, and there were multiple twists that really shocked me and threw me off my game. Ultimately, it was a surprising and satisfying ending that I really enjoyed, and I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good suspenseful thriller.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

You definitely want to read the prequel Fairy Tale Killer as it give you great insight to both Mark and Eva but it's also a fantastic read and leaves you wanting more which brings us to this book. This book perfectly eases you back into things getting to touch base with Mark and Eva to see what they were up to now and what had happened in the time since the Fairy Tale Killer and how Ava's interest is peaked after a bystanders comment about multiple deaths. This story draws you in and has you needing to know who is behind it and why just like Ava and Mark, there are twists, danger, frustrations as well as unresolved feelings and a murder to catch before more die and that is hat make this a page turner! This isn't a short book so make sure you get comfy and supplies near you as you really won't be moving until the very end and then left wanting the next book lol

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[me1966 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast forward three years from the Fairy-tale Killer, Mark and Eva are no longer a couple. Mark has retired as an investigator and returned to his childhood home; Eva is a successful author and is considered to be a serial-killer expert. Eva is between books and has returned to her parents’ home. She decides to investigate some of the stories she had heard as a child, for example the 1st Killer. While researching that she comes across a pattern of men dying and women disappearing.

Without saying to much more, she approaches Mark, the only person she trusts, for his opinion. It doesn’t take long, and they are together again chasing yet another serial killer before he kills again..

Lena Bourne is definitely one of my best Lockdown finds!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly solid book overall, although I feel as if the two competing plots caused it to be far longer than necessary.

The story of Eva's and Mark's love life was a separate plot and could have taken up its own book - causing this one to feel clunky and too long. The level of descriptions also trailed throughout the book, adding bulk but not much substance.

This also continued when the killer was finally caught, and he monologued his entire villainous plot. Not only was this unrealistic, but it didn't have the impact I think that was desired - it felt cheap, and the team didn't need to work to find the reasoning, it was given to them on a silver platter.

Overall, a decent book, however, I think it could have punched harder if it focused more on the crime, less on the love life, and trimmed out a lot of the fat.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cast-iron story in which a crime writer tries to find a serial killer.

One day while searching for information, she walks along the water where the body of a young man is being collected. A comment from another servant hits her and before she knows it she has unwittingly found her serial killer. Well, in theory then because the serial killer isn't ready yet.

An old school friend is currently setting up a team to investigate cold cases within the Balkan countries. Together with her ex, she becomes part of this team and the search for this serial killer is their 1st case

Creative, terrifying, resourceful and detailed. 4,5*

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up a few years after the prequel, Fairy Tale Killer. Eva, a crime journalist is trying to put together the reason several young people are committing suicide. Something isn't adding up and there is only one man who can help her piece this puzzle together, her ex, US Military Investigator, Mark Novak. And Mark can't say no to Eva when she asks for his help. I could keep going, but I don't do spoilers. This is a ride you need to experience without a lot of pre-empt. Lena Bourne is an incredible author and Pretty Places is just one example of that. Simply put, exceptional. Remember if you want to read a book you can't put down, you have to pick it up first.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up 3 years after the fairytale killer Mark and Eva have separated, Mark has left the Military and Eva is back home after touring extensively. Eva is curious as to why her home town claims to be murder free but child hood stories make her question this so the investigation starts. This is where she eventually comes across a pattern of concerning deaths, and eventually she gets in touch with Mark for his opinion on what she is finding. The story moves forward at an easy and comfortable pace. It was great to read about Mark and Eva again and we also got to meet some new characters. I’m certainly looking forward to reading more books in this exciting series.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva is a true crime writer, and she needs a new killer to write on, and she is seeing a pattern that just might be a serial killer. She still misses Mark, who she parted way with years ago, but she thinks she might want his help on her latest investigations. Will she make the step, and connect with him again? Are the sparks still there for them? I loved this intriguing story of tracking a serial killer, it has some nice angst, danger, suspense and a bit of romance. Both Mark and Eva are easy to love, but not without their own faults, and their story kept me turning those pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean Holtof · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual serial killer story which to my mind is a bit of a romance story with a side dish of serial killer. Well written with a complex plot that kept me interested throughout. A fascinating look at how creative people can be with their hobbies, killing people being one for some. I enjoyed the story and was certainly entertained by the way the story developed with the variety of possible suspects. Eva Lah and Mark Novak have history and chemistry between them before they reconnect in Slovenia. The tension was palpable and kept the interest high. A novel approach that is well executed. Thanks Lena Bourne for an enjoyable read.

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fairytale Killer was a perfect start to the series and I was a little disappointed that this one was less suspenseful than that. Don’t get me wrong is was a good story me there was suspense. What do you do when you think the suicides that are happening aren’t actually suicides but murder? What happens when no one believes you ? Eva is faced with this and does what she would normally do...does her research and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LeeAnn Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not what I expected, but it is definitely worth reading. This is a suspenseful mystery with an underlining romance built in. The suspect has gotten away with it for almost 20 years and thinks he is invincible, but when Eva starts researching for a new book, her research leads her to more than she realized. When Mark is approached to join a group of investigators, he is determined to remain retired, but when Eva approaches him for some help with her research, he knows that he can't stay away. Loved this second chance romance/mystery! Lena Bourne has done it again!

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the E&M Investigations Series and boy oh boy what a beginning to a new series. This is Mark Novak and Eva Lah's story.
When Eva (the former love of his life) comes calling for help Mark (former special investigator) cant so no! So the investigator and a crime author team up to catch a serial killer! They make a great team solving this serial killer of young girls. Characters are extremely interesting and the chemistry is off the charts.. Excellent read for sure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Places is book one in the E&M Investigations series and it picks up a few years after the prequel left off. This is a suspenseful thriller packed with mystery, danger, intrigue, and twists that held my attention from beginning to end. The characters are interesting and well developed. Eva and her ex Mark work well together and make a great investigative team. This is a great story and I look forward to reading more books in the series in the future. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and complex story reuniting Eva and Mark after a three year separation. The question is...can they make it work this time? Eva needs her independence, Mark needs to take care of her. The very reasons it didn't work the first time. Tracking down another serial killer gets them working together again. This killer is vicious, vile and much too crafty. Lena, once again, give us captivating characters and terrifying scenes that will keep you turning those pages and missing sleep. An exceptional book. Highly Recommended.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romantic Suspense

True crime writer and serial killer expert Eva uncovers a troubling connection between a series of deaths that occurred over a fifteen year span. She suspects that a cleverly diabolical killer is at work. Aided by her ex-lover and retired investigator and members of a newly formed task force she hunts an elusive and deadly foe.

This book is really romantic suspense. Narrated primarily by Eva and Mark, the lover, they spend about equal time examining their relationship as they do investigating. The romance slows down the action but overall a decent tale.