The Creekside Murder

by Carol Ericson

 

Her sister’s murder was his professional downfall

Now protecting her will be his redemption

Crime scene investigator Jessica Eller needs Finn Karlsson’s help. The criminal justice expert was there ten years ago when her sister’s killer confessed to the crime. But now recent homicides are mimicking that horrendous murder, suggesting that the real culprit is still at large. And then Jessica is targeted, forcing Finn to play the killer's games in his attempts to protect the woman he's grown to love…

From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the Pacific Northwest Forensics series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following

Book 1: The Creekside Murder

Genres: Harlequin

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Best-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson

Reviews

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written murder mystery - serial killer - easy to understand the characters with family issues, some from the past - interesting plot - good ending.

[Robin]

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was suspenseful, steamy, action-packed and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Laurie Gommermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another female body found near Kitsap College draws CSI Jessica back to the creek where her sister was murdered 10 years ago. Follow her as she discovers clues, reconnects with former cop now Professor Finn and puts her life at risk. Is this her sister’s killer or a copycat? Exciting, quick read Carol keeps you guessing.

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Ms. Ericson’s new series and it is packed with action and suspense. It pulls the reader along on an adventure as we see Jessica Eller, a CSI who is tracing evidence from murder that has eerie reminders to her sister’s murder 10 years earlier. Jessica, along side Finn Karlson, find themselves digging deep into old cases in order to find who is responsible for the latest string of murders.
I enjoyed the character development as well as the plot twists and turns. I didn’t see the ending coming.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Grab a beverage and a few snacks, and settle in for an enjoyable afternoon of reading.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a strong heroine and this story has one! Jessica Eller's sister was murdered 10 years ago and even though someone confessed to the crime, Jessica still doesn't believe that man is the killer. She's now a forensic analyst and she's going to find out who really killed her sister, but she's not expecting copycat killings to begin at the same place her sister was murdered or the killer to begin luring her into his heinous web. The former detective on the case, Finn, who is now a college professor, decides to help Jessica out. He has his work cut out for him because Jessica is not the type to sit back to let someone else do the investigating and she does like to court trouble! These two characters were fun together! Will they catch the real killer before the body count rises too high?

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) Book 1, new series, looking forward to book 2~ Jessica works for the Pacific Northwest Forensics. Her sister was murdered. She is back in town for a different issue but on the side is looking for more information into her sisters murder. Professor Karlsson (Finn) was a young cop when her sister died. Fast paced pager turner. I love the tenacity of both and following the thought process as she trys to discover the killer. I did know form the get go who the killer was, but there was a twist thrown in which I did not see coming. Kudos to the author! Thank you so much for my advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #TheCreeksideMurder #PacificNorthwestForensics #CarolEricson #HarlequinIntrique

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Great kickoff to Carol Ericson's brand new Pacific Northwest Forensics series! Danger is lurking from start to finish as Jessica returns home to try to reopen the cold case of her sister's murder. While investigating, similar murders begin to mimic Tiffany's final days and lead Jessica on a race against time to find the killer. I liked Jessica and Finn a lot and connected easily with their story, but I did want just a smidge more explanation for how he came to lose his job back then and go on to teach at the college. The characters are well developed overall, the suspense is top notch and the ending was quite the twist. I'm looking forward to more to come in the series!

[Donna Hatridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't let up, from the first page until the last. The mystery and intrigue are there, along with an attraction between Jessica and Finn. Jessica is a crime scene investigator whose latest case takes her back to the town where her sister was murdered. Now, there seems to be a copycat killer in the area. Finn Karlsson is the cop who first found her sister's body, he's now a criminal justice professor. Now they'll need to work together to find out who, and possibly the why. I enjoyed reading the story and look forward to more in this series.

[Janell Hartzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica is forced to face murders that mimic the murder of her sister years earlier. did they catch right killer or is she being drawn back with a target on her back? carol gives another great storyline.

[Harlequin Books]

Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Crime Thriller
Miniseries
Pacific Northwest Forensics (Book #1)

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It drew me in right away and kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. I couldn't quit reading.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes you on a wild ride full of suspense and a dash of romance. Jessica is trying to find out what actually happened to her sister when another murder happens. she runs back to Finn who worked her sister's case 10 years ago. I really enjoyed the book and some of the twists got me.

[Hannah Sprouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! The writer has a great sense of the storytelling!

[Harlequin Books]

Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Crime Thriller
Miniseries
Pacific Northwest Forensics (Book #1)

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