Suspicious

by Heather Graham

DANGER LURKED IN THE SWAMP'S DARK DEPTHS

Big-city lawyer Lorena Fortier's suspicions about her father's death brought her to a small Florida town nestled in the Everglades. Then whoever—or whatever—had killed her father started claiming more victims, and Lorena knew she was in over her head. Sinfully attractive Jesse Crane only complicated matters. Still reeling from his wife's brutal murder, the hardened cop plunged into the perilous investigation, and Lorena knew the evidence would lead him straight to her….

As they faced a danger more menacing than any they had ever imagined, Lorena needed to put her life in Jesse's hands. Could she do the same with her heart and hope that a man who had once loved and lost would learn to love again…before time ran out?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Suspense, Audiobook, Ebooks, Crime

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.

She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one in one day! I have read several books by Heather Graham/Shannon Drake. This one is a Silhoutte Intimate Moments book. I don't usually pick these up because of the size. They are just too short. I think alot of people don't realize how many popular, best selling authors cut their teeth writing for Harlequin, Silhoutte. Nora Roberts, Linda Howard for example. I still see some of these authors writing for these publishers. This one was fair. The plot was outrageous and a little thin. Giant, genetically altered alligators. But, it wasn't just terrible. The romance is nice and quick due to the limited amount of pages. I will have to say, that I suspected the culprit but couldn't be totally sure until the very end. So, it does keep you guessing. Not a bad way to pass an afternoon.

[Amber Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Uncommon setting. Really enjoy Ms. Graham’s story structure and her tension building. Great read.

[Paula Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good creature feature (which is why I was so disappointed by The Dark). Imagine my surprise when this romantic suspenser by Heather Graham had a plot element to do with genetically engineered giant alligators! Heroine Lorena Fortier has come to the everglades and is undercover at Harry's Alligator Farm, where alligators are bred for their meat and hide. She's sure this place is connected with her father's suspicious death. Asshole Hero Jesse Crane is the local Miccosukee police tribal officer who suspects Lorena isn't on the up and up about why she's working at the farm.

Last year, I saw the movie Crawl, featuring alligators stalking a father and daughter through their house during a hurricane. It was terrific. I loved it! So I was initially excited by the presence of giant alligators in this story. But, unfortunately, they only make occasional appearances. I mean, really, was I really expecting a romantic suspense book to have alligators running about all over the place, munching on all and sundry? It was an unrealistic expectation. Lorena and Jesse need time to fall in love! But I hated Jesse. He was a prick. He basically harasses Lorena non-stop until she fesses up about why she's really there, and he has no real reason to suspect her of bad-doing. He wasn't much better than a stalker.

Despite the alligators only popping up now and again, the plot was okay. It moved quickly, and I didn't get too bored. The climax was fun. But the romance didn't sell me, because I thought Jesse was an arrogant, stalk-y asshat. Oh well, if it's alligator thrills I'm after, back to Crawl I go!

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

This book is about making giant alligators and people killing other people when they get in the way of the giant alligator breeding experiment with a love story also in there. So I thought there was not enough background at all in this story the characters were just there and you occasionally found out a little information about them. Lorena and Jesse are the main characters and they pretty much meet and then all of a sudden they are in bed together (don't get me wrong I read plenty of books like this and it doesn't bother me but in this case it was a little ridiculous I thought). I also found it strange that Jesse has just lost his wife but doesn't have any problem getting into a new relationship and falling in love within about 3 days of meeting someone. Then there is the whole alligator part to the story which I didn't particularly enjoy I don't think it was all that well thought out. Don't get me wrong, I was able to finish the book but it wasn't really a great read I won't be reading it again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I haven't read this author before and I did buy this book thinking it was new (it isn't its a reprint of a 2005 book originally published by Silhouette, so I probably wouldn't have brought it if I had known that).

[Susanne Leist · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story lacks the depth of Heather Graham's other books. Silhouette published this one. It could have been meant as a short love story. The Everglades could have been described better to give readers the feeling of its roughness and lurking violence. It felt like people had alligators roaming in their back yards.
The mystery is self-evident at the beginning. Over-Sized gators. Three men falling over each other to go out with Lorena. One falling into the cage with a gator. The doctor salivates over her. Harry, the head of the reserve, acts silly and is pretty much uninformed about what's really going on. This doesn't leave many suspects capable of planning such a huge operation.
I would have liked to see more about the alligators in their habitat at the reserve. It didn't feel scary or suspenseful. Men acting silly. Lorena trying to open the same door and getting stopped each time.
A little slapstick.

[Bree Verity · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could Not Finish
Characters were shallow, plot was thin, chemistry was non existent, they got married after they'd known each other for five minutes, but this particular piece of writing made me discontinue reading:
"Well, trust me," Jack said ruefully, his tone light and teasing, "you're not going to stop progress,"
Hugh looked at Lorena seriously. "You're not afraid of being eaten, are you?"
She shook her head. "Trust me, I have no intention of feeding the gators. I'll leave that to you guys."
"Man is not the alligator's natural prey," Michael said. "Go out to Shark Valley. You can walk those trails, and, trust me...."
Whoever edited this book should be drawn and quartered.

[Lee Bernasconi]

It was great I liked this book. This is my second book by Heather Graham and look foward to reading more.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alligator farm, a lawyer/nurse on a mission, and a heartbroken policeman - what more does the story need?!

In all seriousness, I was surprised a bit by the ending, but some plot holes bug me

Spoilers starting now!



1) When the police were going through Michael's computer, from his POV he thinks how relieved he is they didn't find his "secret files" making you think he's in on things. But he isn't....so what was that about?
2) Why did Sally push Roger in the alligator pen? Presumably there was a reason to risk the attention and exposure? What was it?
3) Why the heck was the epilogue so quick to the happily ever after? Things seemed to move at warp speed with Jesse and Lorena. I get that this wasn't a romance, per se, but holy cow. Enemies to lovers in what, a few days? Married in a month?!
4) Back to Michael, why was he so aggressive towards Lorena and then it seemed hunky dorey in the end? And then he was "surprised" that he had even been considered? His whole character is a plot hole to me. Maybe I missed something that would resolve this!

I'd have liked to not have had the romance rushed so much with Lorena and Jess. it was clear they would be the main storyline, but it all happened astoundingly out of character for both, making it hard to feel like either character made sense at that point.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a nice quick read that and an interesting story!

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Graham is one of my favorite authors as she intertwines fascinating history of whatever region the story takes place with engaging characters and intriguing plots. This one takes place in southern Florida, in the land of the Miccosukee tribe. Lorena Fortier is on her way to start a new job as nurse at Harry's Alligator Farm and Museum, when she is pulled over by Jesse Crane, Miccosukee Indian policeman. She thinks he's a jerk and he has her pegged as a spoiled little rich girl. They both have a surprise coming. He returned to his father's land, after his wife, also a fellow cop, was murdered. All he needs is solitude. He will not be getting that. She is working undercover to find her father's murderer. He becomes suspicious of her, especially when people start dying from questionable circumstances. The story is an action packed page turner, hard to put down, and keeps the reader guessing. However, I really did not buy into the sudden "chemistry" between Jesse and Lorena, that lead from a single kiss to bed in a few minutes. Danger lurks everywhere, but there is a HEA.

I read an ARC of this book combined with another Heather Graham book, Tangled Threat. But I reviewed that separately. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[James Nassur · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who love a good mix of mystery and romance, this novel is definitely for you! Graham does a fantastic job of creating an intriguing plotline that had me guessing until the end of the book. I was amazed by the ability to thoroughly develop characters while advancing the plot in this short work.

I was also enlightened by the Everglades setting. I have always been curious about what this environment was like, and I am glad that I was able to get some perspective on the region and the infamous animals that live there.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book for the time period and the fact that it was the beginning of the authors career. I enjoyed the repartee between characters, the mystery was a light one and the love interest was quick due to the length and depth of the book. I did enjoy reading but will probably not be reading again.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost a 4 stars but it went a little slow in the beginning, too long to get where it was going. I liked that I didn't know who were the bad guys and who was on the straight and narrow till the very end. I don't know if I ever want to visit the Everglades after listening to this story. :)

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written with an interesting plot. I enjoyed this easy read. Heather Graham is a solid writer and remains consistent in her style throughout all her books, so you know what you are getting when you pick up one of her books.

[Jennifer Margeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

not the best book, I got what I expected, given the genre, price and author. the alligator info was a twist for me and even up to the revelation I didn't know "whodunit." easy read to start off 2017!

[Linda Baron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up on this book at page 70 - didn't keep me interested and got icky with alligators eating people I think

[Iola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great concept let down by mediocre writing.

[Erika Potter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book of Heather Graham i do not care for ,sorry but she is a fantastic writer.

[Jeniver Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to search for Heather Graham other books because of this one.

[Mandy Burkhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are really going to start throwing off the Goodreads recommendation algorithm for me.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

About 3 chapters to the end a right hand (wo)man to the killer became clear but the killer shocked me. I should have seen it, the clues were there but I didn't put two and two together.

[Kristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

It had potential but felt largely undeveloped.

[Flor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Se deja leer, con un romance instantáneo y algunas preguntas sin aclarar.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mystery romance that keeps you guessing until the end.

[Lynda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth reading or listening too unless you like to hear about alligator’s.

[Liz F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super gators!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -

[Peggye O'Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have yet to read a Heather Graham book that doesn't deliver suspense right to the end. Suspicious doesn't fail there either.

[Dave Gamboa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable good read. This one takes place in the Florida swampland where gators are part of life around the Everglades. Jesse Crane is an officer of the law for the Miccosukee police force who unexpectedly finds himself falling for Lorena Fortier, who is hired at the gator farm/research facility as a nurse. Of course Jesse Crane is a strong and handsome man, just as Lorena is an attractive female as Heather Gramham would have it so to keep the heat up. Things get crazy when Billy Ray, who happens to be out late one night in his small fishing boat trying to snag a gator, only to get himself into a nasty "accident." Shorty after, someone is killed and then another and another. Lorena might have been hired as a nurse but there's another reason why she took on this job, as Jesse soon discovers after having pulled her aside for snooping around where she wasn't supposed to be, and so the attraction begins to heat up. It's a rush to find who's behind it all for the situation becomes very dangerous when it becomes clear someone is experimenting with gators and genetics. The dramatic conclusion will have you cringing. This was different from her other detective stories and I'd like to see more like this. Great read!

[Doris]

This is yet another suspense adventure penned by Heather Graham, with a strong female character standing up to her male counterpart's need to protect. Thankfully, he is open and understanding enough to overcome his wanting to keep her safe and out of harm's way, which is not always the case in these types of storyline. Very refreshing indeed!
The tale itself is set in Florida's Everglades, probably best known as 'alligator alley', and alligators do play a major role in this book. It is also great to see that the author mixes what we call 'different races' - from Native Americans to Hispanics to Caucasians - and they all work together without prejudice.
Having never visited Florida, never mind the Everglades myself, Heather Graham's descriptions of the location(s) it-/themselves make me feel as if I was there and getting a good idea of the area and what is happening. The characters are equally well introduced and despite there being quite a few 'bit-players' involved, there is never any question as to who is who and/or their role in this particular adventure.
As always, very well written and set up/out, with the mystery slowly unfolding, a number of red herrings involved and a lovely twist at the end. Enjoy!

[James Garman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike the other two of Heather's books that I have read, there was no supernatural involved in this. There was some elements of the unusual but it was more scientific than magical.

Jesse Crane is the head of a police force for an Indian tribe in the Dade County-Miama area. Lorena Fortier is a visitor from out town that comes to work at a Alligator farm in the area. Or is she? What, in fact is her purpose in coming to the area. Lorena meets Jesse in a very jarring way, and seems to have a secret. That begins the mystery.

Heather Graham does a good job of weaving a far reaching mystery with a very wide swath of romantic inter-play thrown in. There are hints along the way as to who is guilty of what, but are those hints reliable? We only know at the very end.

Yet something about this novel didn't hit me as being as entertaining as the other books I read. I think it might be that i just prefer a bit more "magic" involved even in my mysteries...which I guess means she wrote it well, but it isn't my first choice in reading if I could be reading Science fiction instead.