Danger in the Wilderness

National Park Protectors #1

by Darlene L. Turner

A search for a kidnapped camper

could cost them their lives.

Park warden Dekker Hoyt’s father-son camping trip turns into a nightmare when a serial killer abducts his father. With just seventy-two hours to find him, Dekker turns to criminal investigative analyst Blaire Tremblay to identify the Park Campfire Killer. As they follow his taunting clues and face increasingly violent threats, Dekker and Blaire know that one wrong step could be fatal. With the ruthless criminal following their every move, can they stop a killer in hiding…waiting to complete his deadly plan?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

National Park Protectors

Book 1: Danger in the Wilderness

Genres: Suspense, Harlequin, Romantic Suspense, Inspirational, Love Inspired Suspense, Romance, Mystery

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning, best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders. Be sure to follow her on BookBub https://bit.ly/33TYIS2

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

How wonderful to have a new series written by a Canadian and featuring a Canadian setting. This is book one and introduces readers to the oldest of the seven Hoyt siblings.

Darlene L. Turner whisked me away to her fictional town of Clovercross Junction, Yukon and had my adrenaline pumping overtime as she shared her race against time wilderness adventure where her characters had to rescue a kidnapped victim and try to catch a deadly serial killer.

The Park Campfire Killer (PCK) has been striking parks and wilderness regions across the Yukon, kidnapping campers before killing them three days later. When one of their own is captured, are the Clovercross National Park Rangers up for the task of stopping this serial killer in his tracks?

Three things:

(1) Turner’s series starter has a sense of urgency that permeates the narrative. Her protagonists in this serial killer trope are in a race against time with the fate of a loved one’s life hanging in the balance. With a killer who evades capture, instills fear in the community, and taunts with his consistent modus operandi, I was rushing along with the rangers, hoping to bring an end to the reign of terror. The ticking clock element heightened the suspense and tension, making the stakes escalate with each page turned.

(2) Turner’s use of setting is spectacular. The vastness of the wilderness, the thunderstorm, and the multitude of hiding spots made the spectacular murder mystery stand out. I believe that the Yukon was a character in this book!

(3) Turner’s messages about God’s sovereignty were noteworthy. We may not be running from a serial killer, but we are certainly living in a world surrounded by evil. We could all do with a reminder about who is in control and who can offer peace and guidance. I appreciated her characters who confronted their fears and learned to rely on God’s provisions.

I can’t wait for book two and time with another Hoyt sibling.

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

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series about the Hoyt siblings. This one centers around Dekker Hoyt & Blaire Tremblay as they team up to catch Park Campfire Killer. He’s kidnapped many victims through the various parks in the Yukon & now his latest victim his Dekker’s father. It was such a good book & was a page-turner until the very end. I loved getting to know a few of the Hoyt siblings & can’t wait to read their stories in the upcoming books. This was twisted & exciting. I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved the epilogue. It gave me happy tears. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is PCK?

This question was asked lots during the story. Dekker and Blaire face many dangers, questions, and dead-ends while looking for the bad guy. They are both learning to face the past with all its fears. Blaire’s faith carries her through, while Dekker stumbles his way back to faith in God. The bad guy leads them on a wild-goose-chase through the mountains with many traps and pitfalls. Together they find the answers despite the pain it brings.

This was a quick plot with danger right from the start. I enjoyed the story, and I actually just finalized my guess of who the bad guy was right before it was revealed. Excellent job done by the author to keep us guessing. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Danger in the wilderness by Darlene L. Turner is truly amazing. If you are looking for a story from the very beginning that is action packed, keeps you on the edge of your seat, makes your heart pound and is emotional with a suspenseful mystery this is the one for you! 

I think I might have stopped breathing a few times. I was also left guessing until the very end of who did it. 

It was an honor to read an advanced copy for giving my honest opinion and I highly recommend. 

Preorder now you won't be sorry. Available on 8-26-25.

#dangerinthewilderness #darlenelturner #nationalparkprotectors
#loveinspiredsuspense


https://amzn.to/45fzKZj (Amazon)

https://bit.ly/3TZLzxv (Barnes and Noble)

https://bit.ly/453H23v (Harlequin)

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger In The Wilderness keeps you reading from the very beginning. What starts as a father-son outing for Dekker and his Dad ends suddenly for them when Dekker's Dad is kidnapped by a serial killer. Blaire is a criminal investigative analyst, who is the team leader for this case and very good at her job. Knowing they're on borrowed time she does her best to put the pieces together as soon as possible. Suddenly the killer shifts gears and taunts Dekker as he continues killing others but not his Dad yet. Then the killer sets her sights on both of them.
The ending totally surprised me, because the killer wasn't who I thought it was at all!!

[Kimberly Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I could not put it down. I read it in a day. The characters were great, the storyline kept you guessing, and each of their walks with Jesus got better with time and their faith increasing. This is one of those books that you read and you want the back story to everyone involved because they are such great characters and the story is that good.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. WOW! Ms. Turner knocked it out of the park with this book. It is such a suspenseful, roller coaster ride that will keep you wondering what could possibly come next. This ending is one that I did not see coming. This will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and wonderful characters.
Full of action and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Love Inspired Suspense novels continue to captivate me with their suspense. I love that they are fast moving and easy to read quickly.

Dekker and Blaire come together to find the PCK killer and what a ride it is. I had a difficult time figuring out who the killer was. I had my suspicions but was way off.

My favorite character was Dekker's mom. Her unwavering faith and strength throughout the novel was incredible.

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

[Denise Schenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Park warden Dekker Hoyt and his father are on a camping trip. When his father is kidnapped by the Park Campfire Killer, he knows that time is important. Criminal investigative analyst Blaire Tremblay is trying to identify the killer, and she is working with Dekker to find and identify the killer. Wonderful story

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darlene L. Turner is so incredibly talented. Danger in the Wilderness is her second book in just two months. I’ve had the privilege to read both and her intricate web of mystery in them is simply remarkable . Mind-boggling really. I tried so hard to figure out the culprit in this one and failed. But wow, with the intrigue, danger and redemptive elements, it’s so worth the read. I highly recommend this book!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Danger In The Wilderness" by Darlene L. Turner is a gripping, well-written thriller that pulled me in from the very first page—I read it in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down. The suspense builds perfectly throughout, and the story is packed with twists that kept me guessing the whole way through. While it leans more heavily into religious themes than I typically prefer, that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. A great, fast-paced, and twisty read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending! Darlene did a great job with the twists and turns. You don't want to put it down so you can figure out who is PCK? You will be all wrapped up in characters too! This is a must read.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release date 8/26/2025

So excited about this new series of Darlene’s. The series is about the Hoyt siblings. There will be six books! Darlene has created her own town named Clovercross Junction, as well as Yukon parks. This is going to be one adventure after another.
This first one features Park Ranger Dekker Hoyt and Criminal Investigation Profiler Blaire Tremblay. They are working together to find the PCK (park campground killer)
They are working together, but they are also fighting their attraction for each other. They have both been burned in the past and they’re afraid to open their heart again. This book has many twists and turns definitely kept me guessing who the killer was.
This is a clean Christian romance. I give it five ⭐️’s and definitely recommend it.

Thank you, Darlene Turner for this ARC in return for my honest review.

[Jaylyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book roped me in from the first chapter and didn't let me go until I'd finished it - in two days. Packed with fast-paced action, sweet romance, and an emphasis on faith in God, this book was impossible to put down. The twists and turns were impeccable. I could not figure out who the killer was until the very end which made this book even more exciting. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships between the characters. Not only Dekker and Blaire's relationship, but also Dekker's family. Overall, I'm obsessed with this book and would highly recommend to anyone looking for a high stakes suspense novel that keeps Jesus in the center.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced, unputdownable read kicks off the National Park Protectors series. It was great to reconnect with members of the Hoyt and Tremblay families especially Dekker and Blair who I enjoyed meeting in previous series. I was drawn into the dangerous world of this action-packed, suspenseful Yukon wilderness adventure immediately and remained engrossed to the final page. The richly crafted, immersive setting makes the story come alive. Skillfully created characters kept me emotionally invested in how their story unfolds. I guessed the culprit early on, but with all the surprising plot twists, I was not totally certain that I had it right until the exciting reveal. As Dekker and Blair race against time to rescue Dekker's father and apprehend a dangerous serial killer, they also confront past hurts and fears which allows their romantic relationship to blossom. I especially appreciate the timely infusion of reminders about God's sovereignty and perfect timing. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next Hoyt family member's story!
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emily Rutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced mystery with lots of action and suspense! Very in depth plot that will keep readers guessing up until the very end.
An easy read with lots of refreshing inspiration throughout the book.

*A big thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Betty Sandlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Great book, full of suspense, action packed and kept me guessing. If you love Love Inspired books that are inspiration, this is the book to read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger in the Wilderness by Darlene L Turner. This is a fast
Paced mystery suspense with twists and turns to keep you guessing. With a serial killer in the National Park who is always one step ahead, doesn’t help this profiler and Park Ranger find his father who is the next victim. Great story, loved the characters. Kept me engaged and wanting to not put it down. Thank you to #Netgalley and #Harlequin-Romance for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Aug 26, 2025

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! Danger in the Wilderness was so good! This high-stakes, fast-paced romantic suspense held me in its grip from the first page to the very last. It’s one of the most intense and anxiety-inducing stories I’ve read in a long time. I absolutely loved it!

There was a sense of danger and urgency that poured out of the pages. There were times when I forgot I was reading about fictional characters. Their emotions felt so real. The danger and harrowing situations they were in felt so real. I was so worried for them.

Speaking of those characters, I really liked Dekker and Blaire. I thought Blaire’s job as a profiler was really interesting. I loved watching Dekker’s faith grow.

My mind was working overtime trying to figure out who the serial killer was. I had so many theories but was completely shocked by the final reveal. I didn’t see that coming!

If you’re a fan of high-stakes, faith-filled romantic suspense, grab a copy of this book. You won’t be disappointed. I loved it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger In the Wilderness by Darlene L. Turner this book will grab your attention from start to finish; it will keep you interested from the very beginning to see who is behind these killings Can Dekker and Blaire figure out who is behind this suspense before it is too late This is such a great story about Faith Courage and Suspense I highly recommend I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion！

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthusiasts of mystery will undoubtedly be captivated by this enthralling story. It is a hard to put down read.

Danger In The Wilderness is a sit on the edge of your seat thriller.

Park warden Dekker Hoyt and his dad are on a father-son camping trip when his dad is abducted by a serial killer. With the help of Blair Tremblay, a criminal investigative analyst, they are running out of time trying to locate his dad. The killer strikes again and this time Dekker is on his own. Will he reach them in time?

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is definitely full of action and this Suspense will keep you on your toes, but that's all of this author's work. I've read a few of her books and i've loved each one.

This one is definitely full of action. will keep you on your toes, but that's all of this author's work. I've read a few of her books and i've loved each one.

The campfire killer is not who you expect.
The author always has a twist that makes you think.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a serial killer/PCK Park Campfire Killer in the Canadian wilderness wreaking havoc. Park Ranger Dekker Hoyt & his dad Frank head out on a camping trip to mend their 8 year rift & shaky relationship,shortly after arriving,Frank is kidnapped! Dekker puts out an alarm & an old friend Blaire Tremblay brings her skill as a Criminal Investigative Profiler to help in the search & rescue. Both are soon fighting their attraction to each other,due to past romantic relationships that went wrong. This book releases on 8-26 grab a copy & find out the surprising revelations. Great book Darlene L. Turner I thought I had the villain figured out & you stumped me !

[Christina Menhennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A faith based thriller! You won't be able to put it down!! Hurry and pre-order yours today!! Darlene L. Turner has done it again with this action packed, faith based suspense! Will they find out who the serial killer is before he claims his next victim?
A serial killer, a park ranger and a profiler. This book has it all and it’s a fast read, too! I literally didn't want it to end!!!! It's exciting, surprising and absolutely a wonderful read!!!!

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! Ms. Turner grabbed my attention from the very beginning to the end of the story!! Fast paced, exciting, intense, action packed, heart pounding, heart stopping, sitting on the edge of your seat suspense with the mystery of who the serial killer was!! A total shocker for me!! I was totally clueless who the bad guy was!! This story is definitely a roller coaster of emotions!! I loved reading about Dekker and Blaire!! One of my top favorites love inspired suspense!! A must read!! I wish I could give ten stars instead of five!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very harrowing tale! Dekker and Blair race against the clock to find the killer nicknamed PCK (Park Campfire Killer).

Another camper has been snatched from her campsite and time is of the essence. Then another one is taken, and this time it hits close to home.

Can this Park Warden and behavioral profiler join forces to rescue the innocent and capture a killer? It’s a breathtaking read from start to finish!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review
When Dekker's father shows up to surprise him for an impromptu camping trip, he's unsure. While they used to be best friends, that bond was shattered when his dad passed him over for a promotion and called him immature. With two of his sister's reassurances that their father has changed ringing in his ears, he decides to give it a chance only to get in argument on the first night. Leaving his dad for a few minutes to cool off, he returns to find his dad taken by a serial killer that has been hitting the Yukon National Parks. Determined to do what he can to take back his last words to his dad, he works with the behavioral analyst team to try and figure out what makes the killer tick. Getting closer to Blair certainly doesn't hurt anything either. When the attacks start to feel personal, the two of them find the clock ticking down before they lose everything they've worked for.
I did enjoy the story, and there were several twists and turns. I grew up reading Nancy Drew and this author has stated Nancy Drew was an inspiration to get into mysteries, and I can see the connection. I will say this book would be better to read at one sitting. I was only able to read a couple chapters a day and nearly every time I had to stop it ended on a cliffhanger

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 STARS! Love Inspired books are a joy to read. I adore Christian Fiction & how faith is incorporated into the scenarios. This is a fun 1st book in this new series, & the plot is a fast paced thriller. I loved the big reveal of PCK & how everything played out. This book is a tale of forgiveness & healing from trauma. Loved it & highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for the free review copy.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story. Plenty of action and suspense.. Believable characters. New author to me. Book is great for those who enjoy Christian suspense. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.