Buried Wilderness Secrets

by Jaime Jo Wright

Uncovering cold case secrets

could be deadly…

Montana park ranger Aaliyah Terrence finds a serial killer’s burial ground—and narrowly survives the brutal attack that follows. And when cold case detective Wade Marlowe reveals that her birth mother was the murderer’s first victim, it soon becomes clear that Aaliyah has been marked as his next target. As their search into the past reveals old skeletons and puts Aaliyah in ever-increasing danger, she’ll have to rely on Wade to keep her safe. But will they discover the killer’s identity before she meets the same end as her mother?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Suspense, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Fiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Daphne du Maurier and Christy Award-Winning author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing suspenseful, mysteries stained with history's secrets. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimewrightbooks.com!

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jaime Jo Wright takes us to Western Montana to the Bob Marshall Wilderness and introduces us to rangers who are working with authorities to uncover the burial site used by a serial killer.

Spaced over an intense two weeks, this story centers around belonging and protection. Wright reminds us that “we all have journeys of brokenness to travel” and that we are all loved. We can all relate to Wright’s theme because we’ve been abandoned in various degrees, whether it’s by death, will, or choice. Ranger Aaliyah Terrence’s life is upended, and she’s brought to question all that she believed. Wright placed me in her shoes, and I struggled to find a place to belong amid the chaos and fear. Her character arc is amazing!

I’m not a dog person, but Aaliyah’s black lab, Peaches, won my heart.

If you are a dog lover, enjoy romantic suspense and light faith threads, and like a plot that surprises you, this one needs to be on your tbr list!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters and story.

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Buried Wilderness Secrets by Jaime Jo Wright
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
3.5 to 4 Stars - 4 stars for the entertainment factor - story and romance more like 3.5

This is a love inspired Christian romantic suspense and I enjoyed it. Look at Jaime Jo with the ROMANCE haha.

We follow Montana park ranger Aaliyah Terrence and she finds a serial killer's burial ground. She ends up getting attacked right after finding it. The burial ground is tied to an old cold case that detective Wade Marlowe comes into town about. He explains to Aaliyah that her birth mother was the murderer's first victim and it becomes clear that Aaliyah is in the eyes of the killer as the next target.

I liked it pretty good. While the romance wasn't exactly my favorite, the plot was very interesting. I love the adoption storyline and how they were trying to track everything down. Overall a quick read, good pallet cleanse. As one of my other friends mentioned though, Wade not having a gun but having bear spray gave me the WHAT YOU DOIN SIR without your weapon LOL *kidding only a little bit* haha

My favorite bits were seeing her dog, Peaches, them figuring out the mystery bits and the questions getting answered about her family.

One I would recommend if you want a quick read with fast romance and suspense.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She wasn’t supposed to find human bones in the wilderness.”

“Marlowe. Detective Wade Marlowe.”

“Wherever she went, he was going to find her. The Arrowhead Killer. Somehow—some way—he had assumed a connection to her.”

Apparently Jaime Jo Wright can write both dual timeline gothic thrillers AND love inspired suspense books! I recently finished Tempest At Annabel’s Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright (and loved it!) and also loved this one, Buried Wilderness Secrets. It hooks you from the beginning and never lets up. I have read several Love Inspired Suspense books, some good and some not so much - the ones not too much were because they felt cheesy and not well written. Buried Wilderness Secrets is very well written and feels realistic. And I enjoyed reading a single timeline book by Jaime Jo Wright.

As far as characters and setting, this one is great. Aaliyah Terrance is a strong lead character who is adopted and discovers human bones. The best part about how Wright wrote her character was that she wasn’t making stupid decisions which is a usual trope of these kinds of books. And then there was Detective Wade Marlowe. As a male reader, I loved and identified with this character. And the fact that we share the name Wade made it even cooler! The book is set in Montana and the Bob Marshall Wilderness and I thought that added a lot to the story.

As far as the mystery was concerned, I figured out most of it pretty easily; however, that didn’t stop my enjoyment as I enjoyed reading how it all came together.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the beginning, had a great hook. I like the idea of using DNA for cold cases.

But then, stupid decisions were being made, like wanting to be alone after being attacked multiple times, and not having any idea where the bad guy is. I found it really weird that a neither the cop or the park ranger carried a gun, only bear spray. Cops are required to carry and the fact that he didn't was just unrealistic and dangerous. Especially when you're heading into the wilderness to the place where someone already tried to kill you and is still out there somewhere. Its part of the uniform and he would actually get in trouple for not having it. The bad guy had one, why not the cop?

I also didn't like the romance. It was way too fast IMO.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Completed: May 19/25

Format: Advanced Reader Copy (digital)
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "book by an EOW author" -- anytime in 2025 option

Book #63 of 2025: I've read many full-length novels by this author. I own all of them. This is her first Love-Inspired Suspense book. She is one of my favourite authors so I had to read it. I have such respect for those who take on cold cases so the premise of this book intrigued me.

Aaliyah is the female main character. She is a Park Ranger with a loyal Black Labrador dog. She has wonderful adoptive parents, a godfather, and she works with her godfather's brother. She loves her job. The story opens with her on duty and her dog finds a human skull. She spots a grave and an arrowhead bracelet only to be pistol-whipped. When she awakes, the bracelet is gone. She gets help and the event connects to a cold case.

Wade, the cold case detective, has struggled with the loss of his sister, who was murdered. He felt he made a poor choice and didn't protect her when she needed it most. He finds himself drawn to Aaliyah despite getting off to a very rocky start.

The investigation into the cold case brings shocking revelations and danger to them both. Together they learn to lean on one another. The sparks fly and they're drawn together. However, they both still battle insecurities and discover what protection and belonging truly mean, and the One it comes from.

I enjoyed this cold case mystery with the many personal and professional layers to this story. I really appreciated the themes of protection and belonging -- and especially the Source.

*** Huge thanks to Love Inspired Suspense and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book. My review is voluntary, honest, and in my own words.

[Maureen Penn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaliyah Terrence, is a park ranger who teams up with Wade Marlowe, a cold case detective to investigate graves she found in the wilderness. The characters are well developed and the murder was not obvious. In the future I plan to read more titles from this author. I received an advanced copy from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed in this review are mine.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic suspense + Jaime Jo Wright??? Yes please! I gobble up her dual timeline gothic suspense novels, so it’s a no-brainer that I would read anything else she writes too. Buried Wilderness Secrets is set in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana which becomes a supporting character in its own right, perhaps not as strongly as the settings in Wright’s other novels but in a way that’s perfect for this particular story. I truly felt the chilling nature of the spot that housed the serial killer’s burial ground from the moment Aaliyah and Peaches stumble across the graves to its last appearance on the page. But I also felt the peace that settles over Aaliyah in that same wilderness, it being her happy place much like the Smoky Mountains are to me. The ability to convey so keenly for readers both of those contrasting reactions – in one setting, mind you – reminded me yet again why I love this author’s writing.

The investigation in Buried Wilderness Secrets develops several intriguing layers as we progress through the story, and my mind stayed a constant whirl of theories and possibilities even as I eagerly waited to see what would happen next. From the gruesome discovery of the graves to the startling revelations about Aaliyah’s birth mother (mentioned in the blurb so don’t come at me for spoilers lol), a small town reluctant to give up it secrets, and Aaliyah’s continued run-ins with the serial killer (that raised more questions than answers), the tension stays high and the pace steady. Not to mention the growing feelings between Wade and Aaliyah and a fan-inducing kiss (one of my fave Love Inspired Suspense kisses, as a matter of fact) that kept raising the stakes for them to find the killer and stay alive in the process.

Bottom Line: Buried Wilderness Secrets by Jaime Jo Wright delivers a riveting combination of chilling suspense, multifaceted characters, and heartwarming romance, all packaged in a quick read that you can devour in one sitting. I loved getting to know Aaliyah and Wade and – of course – Peaches the endearing Lab, and I stayed on the edge of my seat as they navigated some very close calls over the course of this story. Layered backstories gave these two some deep threads to explore and made it even easier to root for their survival and their happily-ever-after. I very much wanted them to win – over the serial killer and over their own personal roadblocks, remaining invested from the beginning until I reached the last word. Fans of Jessica R. Patch, Sami A. Abrams, and Deena Alexander will love Buried Wilderness Secrets too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A park ranger stumbles upon a serial killer’s graveyard and unleashes a danger that a cold case detective partners with her to discover before she is added to the kill count. Jaime Jo Wright is not a new author to me and I fell in love with her books of gothic overtones and atmospheric historical settings in past reading so I was excited when she tried her hand at contemporary romantic suspense.

Aaliyah and her dog are in a Montana forest she works as a park ranger alongside her godfather when her dog discovers a human skull. Aaliyah figures out this is a graveyard and discovers a bit of jewelry right about the time someone hits her over the head. Her situation is reported and when the police arrive to investigate, it ties in with the Arrowhead Killer, a serial killer cold case Detective Wade Marlowe is assigned.

Things get more shocking when it’s discovered that Aaliyah has more than one tie to the case. Naturally, this puts her in the crosshairs of the killer. Aaliyah partners with Wade to hunt down the killer before the killer gets her as latest victim.

I liked both Aaliyah and Wade. She’s a centered person with good sense and loves what she does. She’s adopted, but grew up in a loving home that has always been true family. Wade’s got a past pain because he’s still carrying around guilt from when his sister was murdered. I liked their friendship and partnering – okay, once they got past the early antagonism- and I was glad to see the crisp policework happening as they worked the case with good rises in tension as the villain makes their play. The inspirational themes of belonging and letting go, trusting God were present. Montana’s small community and rugged wilderness areas made a nice setting.

Buried Wilderness Secrets read fast and the romance was background and slow build. Wright definitely transitioned genres well and I hope she pens more romantic suspenses for me to enjoy now that I’ve had my first taste.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 7.23.25.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaime Jo Wright has long been one of my favorite authors. A huge fan of dual timeline novels, suspense novels and women's fiction that speaks to important issues, her books have encompassed all of my favorite things. So, I was a bit trepidatious about her foray into love inspired suspense. Though my preference is for the grittier, spookier dual timelines, I could definitely recommend this one to fans of straight-up romantic suspense novels, especially those who are intimidated by the creep factor in her other novels.

This book follows Aaliyah Terrence, a park ranger who comes across some unmarked graves while on duty. Wade Marlowe has just come to Park Springs to work a 25 year old cold case when Aaliyah's call comes in and when it seems that the 2 cases are related, he finds himself working the new case as well. This story had a lot of twists and turns, though I found the overall plot-line and romance element to be pretty standard of the love inspired brand. The faith thread in this one was present, but a bit subtle in that it primarily showed itself in the prayers for help prayed by the main characters. The romance moved too quickly for my liking, but it had a typical romantic suspense timeline to it. I enjoyed how the loose ends were tied up at the end of the story and the ending was satisfactory. All in all, a good romantic suspense novel (though I look forward to the author's next dual timeline)! I would recommend this one to fans of romantic suspense novels, especially fans of the love inspired line. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing cold case story from the phenomenal Jaime Jo Wright, who is branching out into the Love Inspired Suspense universe. You will love this. It is a page turner from cover to cover.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Harlequin and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[T.I. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful with plenty of twists, Buried Wilderness Secrets kept me flipping the pages. This author never disappoints. Aaliyah is another strong heroine, who had me rooting for her to the very end.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buried Wilderness Secrets by Jaime Jo Wright pulls you into the shadows of Montana’s rugged parklands, where danger can hide as easily as beauty. One discovery — a serial killer’s burial ground — shatters any sense of safety and sets off a chain of treachery that tests both courage and faith. Wade Marlowe’s inner reminder — “He’d learned long ago that it was wise to start conversations with prayer. Maybe not out loud and formal, but at least ask God for the words before beginning. Had he even done that tonight?” — lingers as a challenge to our own hearts.

Every page tightens the grip of the wilderness — in the shadowed trails where danger waits and in the uncharted terrain of Aaliyah’s past. The threat runs deeper than a killer’s pursuit; it’s the ache of unanswered questions, the weight of buried truths, and the risk of trusting someone who could either break her or stand between her and death. It’s about identity, truth, and the kind of faith that clings when the night is long — prayer as a lifeline, courage as a weapon, and God’s presence as the light that refuses to go out.

Perfect for readers who crave romantic suspense where danger breathes through the wilderness, every shadow hides a question, and God’s presence cuts through even the blackest night.

I received a digital version of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Abby Breuklander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love, and love this story!! We all have moments where we feel completely abandoned, even by God Himself. But there is always hope. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, no matter how bad things may seem.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buried Wilderness Secrets is a must read for the summer. It's filled with action, suspense, mystery, romance, and an amazing setting. Aaliyah Terrance, a park ranger, uncovers a body in the Montana wilderness, but little does she know the killer is coming after her. Wade Marlowe is a detective assigned to a cold case that intersects with Aaliyah's discovery. He helps keep Aaliyah out of danger while they try to connect the dots between her past and the present day serial killer on the loose.

I enjoyed this fast-paced cold case story. I loved the way the author weaved in the heroine's history with the present-day case, while the reader discovers things right along with the main characters. The crime was unpredictable and the action intense. If you love romantic suspense, you need to read Buried Wilderness Secrets.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love inspired suspense novel that includes bones found in the wilderness, adoption and family dysfunction? This book had all of the tropes to make it a page turner!

Aaliyah is a ranger who discovered the bones in the wilderness and from there everything goes downhill from there. The one bright spot is Detective Wade who helps her investigate the murders. The suspense and mystery were just the right mix with a little romance thrown in.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Jaime Jo Wright book, this one was different than her usual brand, but it was still good. It’s missing the main creep factor, but has good suspense.

The entire thing was a guessing game, especially because there was a relatively small cast.

It was fast-paced and engaging the entire way through.

There were some good growth points in the main characters and overall good, Christian themes.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The questions have all been put to rest: Jaime Jo Wright CAN write contemporary romantic suspense, and she does it brilliantly. I read way into the night to satisfy my curiosity of what Aaliyah and Wade were up against. Such a well plotted and executed story.
“They could choose to get lost in the wilderness of unknowns and secrets, or they could face the wild of them and see what happened.”
Wade and Aaliyah made a lopsided team with Wade on protection alert and Aaliyah trying to be independent. But the big question was- who was the Arrowhead Killer and why was Aaliyah in danger?
For a writer who claims not to like kissing books, Ms. Wright gave us all the great romantic vibes in this totally intriguing suspenseful book. I love the dual time gothics by this author and I can honestly say this Love Inspired book was equally as captivating.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Love Inspired Suspense through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense. I had trouble getting totally pulled into this book at the beginning, but once I got into the story I loved it so much. I got totally pulled into the story around 30%. I found the mystery to be hard to follow at times. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Emily Rutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a Jaime Jo Wright fan, run and preorder yourself a copy of her latest suspense novel!
Branching out from her normal dual timelines, she’s written a Cold Case Love Inspired story and has done a fabulous job! This is a real page turner with some underlying romance, wonderful characters, and a fantastic plot!

*I’ve received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All of my thought and opinions are solely my own.

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️s. Really great suspense with an underlying romance. The characters were all excellently written, from Wade and Aaliyah to the villain and the side characters. Sometimes in suspense you have a lot of eye roll moments at the dialogue or decision making and I didn’t feel any of that.

It wasn’t super unpredictable, but there was enough action and lead-in that it didn’t feel disappointing. My only wish with the book is that it was longer and had a just a little more character/story development. It just felt short and really fast.

Well written and I really enjoyed it. I love the rest of Ms Wrights books that I’ve read so far and I’m looking forward from more in this genre from her.

Thanks the Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike Most Love Inspired books, Jaime Jo Wright's story centers around the suspense more than the romance, which was a HUGE blessing. I usually don't read normal print size Love Inspired because they are so formulaic and full of romance with a hint of suspense. But Wright does not do that. She takes you through a mystery over the romance. I felt the hurt and betrayal of Aaliyah. I loved working with her to solve the mystery. This was a nice short story! Definitely recommend trying this one even if you are not familiar with Wright's other stories.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fast, fun read that I gobbled up during an airplane flight. Just right for reading while traveling!

[Kriste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always love a story involving adoption!!

[Diane Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cold case thriller. This is a love inspired suspense novel so it is a quick and easy read. This story centers around Aaliyah and Wade. Aaliyah finds a burial ground where it looks like the work of a serial killer. Wade is a cold case detective and he comes to help her with her search. This uncovers cold cases (one of which was Aaliyah’s birth mother). This story has a good bit of twists and turns and has a twist at the end. I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGallley for my honest opinion.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that held my interest. I liked the way Jaime Jo Wright the romance part wasn't the main center of the story .
The relationship of Aaliyah and Wade seemed to spark the mystery .
A fast pace story that is suspenseful and full of twist and turns.

[Emily Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great mystery, and Jaime Jo Wright delivers just that. Chapter 1 starts out with heart stopping drama and does not let up until the end of the book. Poor Aaliyah can not catch a break from the serial killer's various ploys. With all the twists and turns, you will want to finish the book in one sitting!

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an exciting story. A real page-turner. You won't be bored reading this one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big Jamie Jo Wright fan and so I was thrilled to discover she wrote another book! While this story is a pretty quick read, Wright did an excellent job of capturing my attention and creating a believable plot with character growth!! Amazing! I love the outdoors so I really enjoyed the setting and sleuthing with Aaliyah and Wade as they looked into murders from years past. There is an adoption story line that really tugged at my heart and is so well written. Things from our past can pop up when we least expect it and it can take a bit to feel steady again. But God. Amazing. There is a sweet romance but it certainly didn't overtake the book and just added some sweetness for two lonely people. Overall, I really enjoyed this suspense read and it had me on the edge of my seat many times.

Four Stars.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review."

[Vicki F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaime Jo Wright's "Buried Wilderness Secrets' is a page-turning, spine-tingling suspense. Secrets have a tendency to surface when least expected. For Aaliyah, nothing could be truer. A discovery made while on her job as a park ranger leads to so many secrets revealed that hit too close to home. Can her discovery unveil enough secrets to catch the serial killer? Will Wade Marlowe, a cold-case detective, help Aaliyah unravel the secrets and keep her safe?

I loved the characters of Aaliyah and Wade. The themes of forgiveness also run through the book making this a definite winner for me.

Releases July 29th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.