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Lethal Wilderness Trap

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Trust means everything…

when danger hits too close to home.

Hunting a never-caught killer, Special Agent Nolan Shea learns of a new victim. But the body on Ava Burke’s land puts her and her young daughter, Rose, in someone’s lethal sights. With a trail of shocking clues pointing to her family’s involvement, Ava starts to question everything she holds dear and is soon desperate to uncover the truth with Nolan. Step after step, they confront their fears. But will finally cornering a murderer out in the wilderness become a trap they can’t escape?

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

22 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Susan Furlong

31 books834 followers

Susan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types. She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.


To learn more about her writing, visit her website at www.susanfurlong.com

BookBub @SusanFurlongAuthor
Twitter: @Furlong_Sue
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Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...



Writing as: Susan Furlong/Lucy Arlington

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5 stars
70 (64%)
4 stars
30 (27%)
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6 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,122 reviews125 followers
April 18, 2025
2.5 stars. This book was only ok. i did not really like any of the characters.
Profile Image for Janilyn Kocher.
5,106 reviews115 followers
January 21, 2025
This book has just about something for every reader.
✔️mystery and intrigue
✔️a burgeoning love interest
✔️interesting narrative and location along Lake Superior in the UP
✔️swoony male character looking for his forever
✔️skeevy villains
✔️a K-9 dog named Creed!!
I loved everything about the book but Creed was my favorite! Every scene he was in I paid more attention to him than the humans. At one exciting point during the book Creed was ordered to stand down and I hoped he would break that command.
You’ll have to read the book to see if he did or not…..
Thanks to the author for the advance copy!
Profile Image for Teresa Brock.
842 reviews70 followers
January 9, 2025
Lethal Wilderness
Susan Furlong
Love Inspired Suspense
01/21/2025

Ava Burke recently lost her husband Kevin in a tragic plane accident. She and her young daughter Rose leave Detroit and move to her father in laws home - The Burke House. It’s out of the city where Rose has more family, the possibility of a horse and less sadness along with what is supposed to be a fresh start.

A body of a young woman is found in the barn on the Burke farm. A team of agents are called in who are specifically trained for incidents that happen in National Park areas. However this time, there are clues putting this dead body, an unsolved murder and a string of missing young girls from Detroit on their radar and you will not know who to trust.

As the clues come in, the action ramps up! You will be wondering who you can trust and what the outcome will be all the way to the very end. Susan Furlong has written a book filled with suspense and mystery layering in life changing and profound grief among several characters who never stop relying on their faith to take them through the tough times.

I hear the next one is out in April and set somewhere in the Appalachian region so that will be a must read for me !!
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
661 reviews81 followers
December 26, 2024
I’ve been counting down the days for the release of Lethal Wilderness Trap , and it was totally worth the wait! The suspense in this book was amazing.I couldn’t stop turning the pages!

In this story, a murder is uncovered in Ava's backyard, and worst of all, her young daughter Rose may have witnessed it! When Rose seems to be the next target, Agent Nolan is left to try to protect Ava, Rose, and see if they can finally find the answers for this murder and one that took place 10 years ago! But forced proximity and a bunch of near-death experiences for Ava and Nolan stir up more than just answers.... but feelings for each other.

This murder mystery kept me hooked from start to finish, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. While the romance between Nolan and Ava wasn’t as big a focus as I thought it would be, I still enjoyed their connection. And I like the moments between them that could be enjoyed on the page.

I’d give this book a solid 4 stars. It had a great mix of suspense , a murder mystery, a child at risk, and a dash of romance. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next! 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑳𝑰𝑺 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌..."𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔" 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝑷𝑹𝑰𝑳! If you love a thrilling story with plenty of twists, this one’s definitely worth reading.

𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,885 reviews47 followers
December 31, 2024
My Thoughts

Lethal Wilderness Trap is written by Susan Furlong. This book starts out with heart pounding action and suspense and doesn’t let up throughout the whole story. This is from the Love Inspired Suspense line so you know it will be a great read.

Ava is a recent widow. She and her daughter move from Detroit to live with her father in law, Mac in a secluded Sculpin Bay. The quiet and serene life she was hoping fades away when a body is discovered in the barn. Ava soon comes to the realization that her young daughter, Rose may have witnessed something she shouldn’t have.

Special Agent Nolan and his K9 Creed are brought in. The body resembles a cold case from many years earlier. Nolan quickly finds out that this may be tied to human trafficking. He feels that Ava is holding back. He’s trying to peel away her layers when it becomes clear someone is trying to get to Rose.

Rose disappears and Ava isn’t sure who she can trust. Nolan is trying to stay ahead of the danger. I’ll admit everyone became a suspect. I loved the consistent action and suspense. I also loved Rose and Creed so much.

The book is well written. The storyline is engaging. Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Book Tours for letting me read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Elaine .
1,040 reviews64 followers
January 11, 2025
I must say each time I read a book by this author they absolutely get better and better.

I loved this story, this story actually touched my heart. I love the way the story unfolded.I love the way the story ended.


We have a cold case of ten years in this one, and we have more dangerous killers on the loose.. They must be stopped before anyone else is taken out.. not only is a body found in the barn, but it's far too close to the home.

Some want to believe the guilty are people who have already passed, but knowing who the criminal really is. Well, it will blow your mind.
Grab your copy coming soon.
Absolutely phenomenal.

And you never know who you can trust, believe in your heart.
Profile Image for Jenna Scribbles.
658 reviews38 followers
February 15, 2025
Wow this mystery was so good. Lots of action and suspects. I had no idea who the main criminal was until the very end. Lots and lots of surprises. Susan Furlong writes great action scenes, and tender scenes. Little Rose and Creed the K-9 dog. 🥹🥲

Derek… can we all just cringe and dislike him together. Ha ha.

I plan to read more of Furlong’s books. 👍😁

I won a copy of this book in a giveaway. Thoughts are my own opinion.
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,442 reviews66 followers
January 14, 2025
I loved this inspirational romance story by Susan Furlong! It was a very well written read with our main character being Ava. Ava has recently lost her husband and moved in with her father-in-law Mac for her daughter Rose to have some stability after such a tragic event. However there is a murder that happens on Mac's property that Ava finds! Talk about non-stable. And then we get to meet Agent Nolan who is a special investigator of the National Park Service and he is brought in to investigate the murder and the victim. The ending is a happy ending that wraps up the story of Ava and also Nolan!

There are many twists and turns in this book and I love how well the author wrote the story. The characters are relatable and the story is compelling for the readers. I could not put this book down once I started reading it! I loved this author's style of writing this book and I would definitely read another by her in the future!

Profile Image for Marla.
118 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2025
This was the first love inspired book I read. I enjoyed the story of Ava and Nolan. Susan always does a great job writing captivating books. I recommend giving this book a read to be inspired to never give up on you faith and always believe God will answer your prayers
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,635 reviews
January 12, 2025
Excellent read! The mystery of this story is compelling and the opening chapters pulled me right in to the story with Ava. The story’s twists kept me invested throughout and the ending is superbly done. I will be looking for more from Susan for sure!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
522 reviews21 followers
January 1, 2025
4.5

Shadows, what about? , K-9…

*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours for including me in this tour!

Recently widowed Ava and her 6yo daughter Rose have moved to Sculpin Bay to live with her father-in-law Mac.

Special Agent Nolan Shea is assigned to the case when a body is found in Mac’s barn.

Did Rose see something - could it be the killer?

A tale of trust, greed, jealousy, anxiety, and deeply rooted secrets.

The author creates a twisty plot with tense scenarios that make Ava think twice about past happenings. She won’t necessarily consider her course of action carefully, before plunging in. After all, it’s her daughter that is in danger.

Family secrets will be discovered that create a toxic atmosphere. What will be the consequences of these secrets?

Shocking clues will keep you in suspense in the curveball plot of this whodunnit / whydunnit!

I read this in less than 24 hours! I couldn’t put it down and was eager to discover what would happen next!
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,470 reviews56 followers
January 2, 2025
Lethal Wilderness Trap is a gripping romantic suspense novel by Susan Furlong. The locations in Northern Michigan and Isle Royale National Park enhance the story's mystery. Right from the start, the action is fast-paced and intense. The story kicks off with the discovery of a teenager's body in Mac Burke's barn, putting his daughter-in-law Ava and granddaughter Rose in danger. Special Agent Nolan and his K9 partner, Creed, are assigned to the case, and they dive deep into both the investigation and the personal lives of Ava and Rose.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Rose witnessed something in the barn that puts her in danger. The readers must sift through various twists and turns that reveal family secrets and possible ties to criminals, keeping the suspense high. Numerous false leads keep readers guessing until the shocking truth is uncovered. This compelling novel will engage readers from the first page to the last, making Lethal Wilderness Trap a must-read.
Profile Image for Kari.
4,027 reviews96 followers
January 19, 2025
I really enjoyed Lethal Wilderness Trap. It involves Ava, a recent widow, who finds a dead body in the barn on her property. Unfortunately, her young daughter saw something and now they are directly in danger. Nolan and his canine partner Creed must solve the case before it's too late. I read this book in one sitting. I was easily sucked into the mystery and didn't call the twist. I liked both Ava and Nolan There is a romance but it's subtle and I loved the sweet ending. Both of them have lost trust in people, but are able to slowly get it back by finding trust in each other. I do recommend this one.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book511 followers
February 12, 2025
4.5 stars

Oh my stars! The suspense in Lethal Wilderness Trap by Susan Furlong is so intense. Not so much ‘run for your life’ kind of intense, though there are certainly elements of that level of danger. But more of a high-stakes tension that permeates every page to the point that I had to keep reminding myself to breathe, to relax my shoulders, to remember that I’M not the one in danger haha. The author brilliantly layers the plot from beginning to end, putting every person in Ava’s life under my suspicions at one point or another. Even her late husband. And while I ended up being correct in the long run as far as the person or persons behind everything, I wasn’t 100% confident until I saw it on the page for myself. Because for every answer that Nolan and his team – and Ava – unearth, we seem to gain at least one more question in return. I loved it!

Another thing I loved about Lethal Wilderness Trap? Nolan’s endearing relationship with his K-9 partner, Creed, and Creed’s relationship with Ava’s traumatized daughter Rose. The way Nolan carries on a conversation with his dog, the obvious affection between them, was just so fun to read and had me grinning more than once. And Creed with Rosie? Oh be still my heart. Watching her light up around this sweet (but highly skilled) K-9 agent after she’s been through so much upheaval, grief, and fear is just precious, and so is Creed’s immediate attachment to her. Dogs are just the best when it comes to picking up on our moods and offering that loyal companionship that just melts me right into a puddle… and Furlong captures it so well with Nolan, Creed, and little Rosie.

Bottom Line: Lethal Wilderness Trap by Susan Furlong hooked me from the very first page and kept me glued to the story until the last one. Ava, Rosie, Nolan, and even Creed were uniquely layered and I loved getting to know each of them as well as watching the various dynamics playing out between them. While I wish the romance angle had been a little more developed (i.e. gotten more page time to establish the relationship before the HEA), the suspense in this book mostly made up for it. In fact, I’d venture to say that this is one of the best Love Inspired Suspense novels I’ve ever read as far as the tension, the stakes, and the ultimate resolution. It also draws our attention to a topic that we all need to be more aware of, and the author does a wonderful job of doing so without being too graphic. I highly recommend Lethal Wilderness Trap for the next time you want a fully absorbing read that you can’t put down!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,699 reviews212 followers
January 27, 2025
Susan Furlong, the Author of “Lethal Wilderness Trap” has written an intense, suspenseful and captivating novel. The genres for this novel are Mystery, Suspense, Romance, and Adventure. In this will written novel, Susan Furlong vividly describes the landscape and scenery, as well as her dramatic characters. There is such a sensory feel in the author’s description of the humid, damp, wet trees, and the various good and bad aromas, the differences of sounds, tastes and feels. There are betrayals, and the complicated and complex characters each seem to have secrets and could be suspect.

One of the female protagonists, Ava Burke and her young daughter Rose, are living with her father-in-law, Mac, after her husband’s traumatic death. Ava discovers a dead body in the barn, and investigative services begin. Somehow, most of the characters are suspicious, and Ava discovers secrets in the attic. Special Agent Nolan Shea is on the case with his partner Creed. I have fallen in love with Creed, and I am sure you have figured out that Creed is a specially trained dog that assists in these missions. Creed is also very good at the job.

There is danger, kidnapping, threats and murder. There seems to be a trafficking ring on this island, where there have been other missing girls. Someone seems to be targeting Ava and her daughter. There is someone involved in this group that is involved and responsible. Who is it? Or Who are they? I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of courage, honesty, determination, love and hope. I highly recommend this edgy and mysterious novel.
Profile Image for dianas_books_cars_coffee.
437 reviews15 followers
December 30, 2024
I absolutely love this author's books! This one is short, and it's SO good! It can be read in one sitting, and once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.

Ava Burke lost her husband when his plane crashed. She's now a single mom and has moved to northern Michigan to live with her late husband's father, who is helping her with her daughter Rose. When a body is found in the barn on the property, it puts Ava and Rose in danger. Special Agent Nolan Shea is there to investigate. This murder seems to be related to a cold case. As the investigation continues, secrets come to light, and it appears there are some ties to Ava's family. She doesn't know who she can trust. She's determined to find out the truth. But can Nolan keep Ava safe as they dig deeper?

This immersive read will suck you in from the very 1st page. There's action, mystery, suspense, and romance. The ending is a total shock, and you really won't see it coming. I loved the characters and their relationships. I'm a huge National Park geek, and Nolan, being a special agent for the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, made the book even more interesting! The setting of northern Michigan and Isle Royale National Park was perfect. If you're looking for a gripping, captivating story, I HIGHLY recommend this one!
Profile Image for Wall-to-wall books - wendy.
1,065 reviews22 followers
January 8, 2025
MY THOUGHTS -
Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, and this is an excellent one. This was my first read for 2025 and I already think it will be on my top favorite list!

This is a very character driven story, and I loved that. I loved getting to know these characters especially Ava and her daughter Rose
I must admit I am not a dog lover… But Special Agent Nolan's dog Creed stole my heart! I loved the interaction between him and Rose, Ava’s daughter. I loved the way he drew her out from her shell. And then of course there is Agent Nolan himself. He was strong and out to find the answers he needed to solve this case, but he was also kind and sensitive to this family's needs.

This book does get intense. There are quite a few gasp worthy moments. Yes, this book can be read in one sitting. It would be so easy to do that. But, I wanted it to last. I hate when I finish a book too quickly. I enjoyed taking my time with this one, allowing me to really get close to the wonderful characters.

This story really sucks you in, makes you fall in love, give you little hints, then almost breaks your heart! How far will a mother go to protect her daughter? Read this and find out!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
Profile Image for Joan.
4,360 reviews126 followers
January 3, 2025
Furlong gives readers a good inspirational romantic suspense. The book opens with a body discovered and Rose, Ava's daughter, may have seen the murderer. The suspense heightens when it becomes evident Rose may be in danger. There are a number of suspects to the murder and all else that is going on so there are twists when new information is uncovered. The major characters were good but my favorite character was actually the dog Creed, comfort to Rose and a hero in the end.

The romance between Ava and Nolan is subtle at first. He waited almost until the investigation was over to kiss her. I do like it better when the romance holds off until the case is actually closed and there is no more conflict of interest. Both of them have hurts from the past they need to overcome and there are some misunderstandings creating obstacles to the romance. The faith element is present but subtle. Potential readers should know the plot involves human trafficking.

I enjoyed this novel of suspense. Furlong's writing style is good and kept me reading to see what would be happening. The novel is a good addition to this genre.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Erica.
415 reviews15 followers
January 20, 2025
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This book is about Nolan and Ava. Ava is a widow and has moved her and her daughter in with her father in law. Ava finds a dead body on the property and Nolan is put on the case as they think it is connected to an older case. Rose who is Ava’s daughter sees something she shouldn’t have and is now in danger. Will Nolan and his dog Creed be able to protect them as he looks for answers? Will the things he finds push Ava over the edge? Will the truth about everything come to light? Will Ava be able to move on from her husbands death and risk loving another man? I loved this book. I loved to see Rose and Creed together as she loved the dog and helped her become the girl she used to be. There was a lot of suspense in this book. I was shocked when I found out who was behind things. Overall, this book was amazing and I will be rereading it.
Profile Image for Trina 🌻.
274 reviews48 followers
March 17, 2025
Instantly I was hooked and excited to see what was coming next! Full of suspense, mystery, love and loss.
Sweet Rose and Creed’s relationship melted my heart. A few twists and unexpected reveals with the interwoven foundation of faith. Lethal Wilderness Trip was a fast paced and thrilling journey I would gladly take again!
Profile Image for Terri Dufner.
79 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2025
I love supporting local authors. I just happened to be in the Sly Fox bookstore when Susan was there with signed copies of her book. Susan is such a wonderful woman and I enjoyed a lovely chat with her.
Although romance isn’t my usual go to the mystery really had me turning the pages.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,950 reviews42 followers
November 19, 2025
Ricco di suspense e ben scritto, tanto che ho avuto difficoltà a interrompere la lettura quando dovevo fare altro. Un po' affrettato il finale della storia d'amore, ma è un problema comune a questi "romance sottiletta"...
Profile Image for Nancy.
2,590 reviews65 followers
January 27, 2025
I really need to quit buying this LIS series. I don’t like the new requirements they have instituted.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,885 reviews47 followers
December 31, 2024
My Thoughts

Lethal Wilderness Trap is written by Susan Furlong. This book starts out with heart pounding action and suspense and doesn’t let up throughout the whole story. This is from the Love Inspired Suspense line so you know it will be a great read.

Ava is a recent widow. She and her daughter move from Detroit to live with her father in law, Mac in a secluded Sculpin Bay. The quiet and serene life she was hoping fades away when a body is discovered in the barn. Ava soon comes to the realization that her young daughter, Rose may have witnessed something she shouldn’t have.

Special Agent Nolan and his K9 Creed are brought in. The body resembles a cold case from many years earlier. Nolan quickly finds out that this may be tied to human trafficking. He feels that Ava is holding back. He’s trying to peel away her layers when it becomes clear someone is trying to get to Rose.

Rose disappears and Ava isn’t sure who she can trust. Nolan is trying to stay ahead of the danger. I’ll admit everyone became a suspect. I loved the consistent action and suspense. I also loved Rose and Creed so much.

The book is well written. The storyline is engaging. Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Book Tours for letting me read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Justin Lambe.
Author 10 books8 followers
January 15, 2025
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this new release by Susan Furlong. From the first page, the story grabs your attention, and I couldn’t put the book down. A murder is discovered at Ava’s residence in the backyard, and her daughter may know something her widowed mother does not. Special Agent Nolan and his Police K9 Creed are brought in. From the moment I met Creed in the story, I wanted to sit and pet him. A K9 is a patrolman’s best friend fighting crime. If you’re looking for a page-turner, set on the edge of your seat, adrenaline pumping suspense, I recommend you add this novel to your reading list.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,337 reviews
January 7, 2025
Ava is a fairly recent widow. She and her daughter have moved in with her father in law Mac leaving Detroit behind. The quiet life she was having has suddenly been turned upside down. Finding a body in her father in laws barn has her in fear.
Mystery, suspense, intrigue, engaging page turner.
A gripping cold case to solve.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
1,142 reviews14 followers
February 24, 2025
Great read!

An engaging story that is filled with suspense and faith. When human trafficking rears its head in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Agent Nolan and his canine, Creed come to investigate. What they find is a ten year old system that began in Detroit and ends in Canada. Caught up in the drama are Ava and her daughter, Rose, both need healing and hope from God and answers about the young woman found dead in the barn. Nolan and Creed help find answers and healing.
Profile Image for Tammy Morse.
422 reviews55 followers
May 20, 2025
Lethal Wilderness Trap

I loved this book kept me reading it .
Ava went for a walk and found a girl dead in the barn. She went to the house and told her father inlaw and he we out to look and her daughter Rose filled him. The police can and investigated and asked questions.
Alot went on with Ava, Rose and Mac.
what will happen to her family.
Susan did a fabulous job on this book with great description. Great with the writing this book. I recommend this book to read and find out what happens.
Profile Image for Tammi Kendall.
293 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2025
Ava Burke lost her husband a year ago. She and her daughter move in with her father in law. It doesn't take long before Ava finds a dead body in the barn,and she thinks that her 6 year old daughter just may have seen who did it.
Special agent Nolan Shea is sent to work the case. Will he be able to protect Ava and her daughter? 5 stars
Profile Image for Ethelann.
427 reviews
March 4, 2025
This book is one you won't want to put down. Don't start it too late, or you'll be up all night wanting to finish it!!
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