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Red Rock Murders #1

Manhunt in the Narrows

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He needs her to catch a murderer.



She needs him to heal her heart.



On the trail of a serial killer, FBI agent Elias Broyles had enlisted the help of park ranger Sayles Green to track his suspect deep into Zion National Park. Despite their constant clashing, Elias discovered Sayles was tremendously skilled and tremendously guarded. When flash flooding caused their manhunt to become a fight for their own lives, the determined agent realized he’d started to care more about Sayles than finding the killer. Elias had brought an untrained woman on a deadly mission. He’d do anything to make sure she got out alive.

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 26, 2025

14 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Nichole Severn

209 books450 followers
"First class romantic suspense!"
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author

Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.

She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.

She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.

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5 stars
61 (76%)
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14 (17%)
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3 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,955 reviews42 followers
October 3, 2025
Ho fatto tardi per finire di leggere questo libro. I protagonisti stanno cercando un serial killer, ma molta suspense è data anche dall'ambiente circostante visto che devono affrontare dei flash flood (alluvioni improvvise). La storia si svolge nel Zion National Park e più in particolare lungo il suo trail più famoso, the Narrows, che risale il corso di un fiume. Ho avuto la fortuna di visitare brevemente quel parco molti anni fa e ho percorso forse i primi 50 metri di quel trail, quindi per me è stato fare un tuffo nel passato, ricordando un viaggio favoloso.
1,266 reviews
August 21, 2025
What a brilliant start to a new series, it is stories like this that remind me why Nichole Severn is one of my favourite authors.
Park Ranger, Sayles Green, had been at Zion National Park for a few months, Sayles had been married to an FBI agent but his controlling and his eventual betrayal in the most inhuman way had robbed Sayles of her dignity, her personality and everything and everybody that she had loved. Sayles worked in the park, it was where she felt safe in it's isolation, on her days off she hiked The Narrows.
When a body was found in the park, FBI agent, Elias Broyles, requested a guide to take him through The Narrows, he was tracking a serial killer, the body in the park was his latest victim.
Sayles knew The Narrows better than anyone, but her dislike and mistrust of the FBI ran deep.
This story runs at a fast pace, the author cleverly builds up the tension and suspense to fever pitch.
As Sayles and Elias climbed, crawled, slipped and fell through the dangerous terrain they begin to let their guards down, both were fighting their own demons and as the trail became even more treacherous, they had to rely on one another, they shared stories, their banter was witty, they became closer.
Could Sayles begin to trust again ? Could Elias come to terms with his disastrous mistake ?
This book has wonderful, complex characters, the author paints a picture with words, I could feel the tension, I could feel the cold and the wet, I could see the steep sides of The Narrows, I could hear the rushing water, this is what I want from a book.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
572 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2025
How does one pronounce 'Sayles?' Is it pronounced 'Sales' or 'Say less?' It is an unusual name.

I did not like Elias. He came on as a know it all. He was in trouble with his boss because of that attitude. His know it all attitude got a witness killed. He kept after a witness even though his bosses said let her go. The result was her death. Sayles told him how to dress for their trip into the Narrows. He ignored her advice and wore jeans. The wet jeans scraped his thigh very raw. Of course he eventually learned to follow her advice.

I found the book to be unbelievable. Sayles and Elias survived 2 floods. Sayles survived an almost drowning. Sayles felled over a cliff and survived. Elias fell 1000 feet and survived. They both survived fights with the bad guy. They were like cats with nine lives.

When it was over with, they were patched up and were walking around. They both should have been in a hospital. Sayles had cracked ribs and numerous cuts and bruises. Elias had cuts and bruises, the raw thigh, a broken nose, a hole in his side from a stick, and a gunshot wound. The gunshot wound was mentioned when he got shot, but never mentioned again. I would think that needed some serious attention. As I said the whole book was unbelievable.

We are left with 2 unanswered questions. Where is Sayles' ex-husband? Who murdered Elias' father?

I really liked several of the author's series. I am still waiting for the last book in the Hunting Grounds' series. However, I don't have any interest in the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Miki.
1,037 reviews43 followers
August 27, 2025
This was exceptionnal!! I easily could see the setting ( so gorgeous place) even if never put a foot in the region, it's so well described and the tension was so high between the natural elements and the killer on the run i could not put the book down.

Sayles Green became a park ranger to hide and to heal from her past, the freedom nature gives her help her mind and she is respectful of the nature, know the risks....often going alone in the Zion park so when FBI needs someone she is the perfect pick despite being the newest ranger. Elias Broyles is working for the FBI but when the killer he is chasing enter Zion Park he needs help....and Green become a challenge with her distance, snarky remark slowly he is discovering someone he wants to protect even if the mission is jeoparded because when nature decide human being have little to say as he will be learning.

I loved how Elias was respectful, he knows Sayles is the expert and relies to her he is not a complete macho yes he did not realise all the risks but once he does he let her takes the decision and protect her when needed.

I loved the trust building between them and the investigation part was well done with great twist!
i recommend it without hesitation
3,562 reviews40 followers
August 4, 2025
The author takes us to Zion National Park where park ranger Sayles Green has been working for the past few months. The perfect place to heal and find herself after the destruction her ex did her to self esteem.
When a body is found in the park , FBI agent Elias Boyles arrives with his partner. These two have been hunting the Hitchhiker Murderer and were close by when another body had been found.
Needing help in getting through the park and the Narrows, Sayles is assigned to be his guide.
From that moment on, these two are fighting for their lives not only because of the killer but also because of the natural dangers: floods, falling rock, near drowning etc. All the while helping each other find the person they are meant to be .
This clean , suspense story will keep the readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
My only complaint is that I wish there was an epilogue dedicated to Sayles and Elias after their harrowing adventure.
I was entrusted a copy of this Harlequin Intrigue book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Zoe.
517 reviews10 followers
August 16, 2025
Manhunt In the Narrows
Nichole Severn
“Fighting. She was so…tired of fighting.
But that didn’t make the war disappear. “
Set in the rugged wilderness that is as harsh as the killer that is on the run.
Sayles hiding in plain sight as a park ranger in Zion National Park. Life hit her really hard with an ultimate betrayal after abuse. She had no trust left to give to anyone. She kept herself all closed off, locked up tight.
Elias Broyles, federal agent hunting a serial killer while punishing himself for past mistakes. Determined.
These two are relentless in their quest for the killer and the desire to always do what is right.
A fast paced action back dangerous read. There were a couple of inconsistencies like the sleeping bags that had me doubling back, but overall an engaging heart thumping story. I always enjoy the twists and turns in Ms Severn’s work with a building romantic connection between lead characters.
Rounded up to 4 stars.
I received an arc of this book, it is a stand-alone novel with hea.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,216 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2025
What a great story for a new series. Sayles Green was a Zion National Park ranger that was in essence hiding from her horrible past with her ex. One of the good things that came out of Sayles’ time in Zion National Park was it helped to give her more clarity on her life. The awful thing about her working in the park was she was the closest ranger that that knew her way around the Narrows. There was a man on the run that FBI agent Elias Boyles was chasing and he needed Sayles to take him up the Narrows to find him. This trek had so many suspenseful actions happening that my heart was in my throat so many times. There were so many times that something happened that I didn’t think someone could survive. Ms. Severn has the gift of keeping you on your toes and craving to find out what is going to happen next. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it.
Profile Image for Mark Menard.
194 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2025
An Unforgettable Adventure Through The Narrows
This book swept me away from the very first page. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Zion National Park’s Narrows, the story is a perfect blend of action, suspense, romance, and unexpected twists. Sayles and Elias are a phenomenal duo—layered, compelling, and with a chemistry that leaps off the page. I connected with both of them instantly.
Even the antagonist, Patrick, was brilliantly crafted—deliciously vile in all the best ways. He brought a fierce energy to the story that made every confrontation even more intense.
The writing is sharp, immersive, and emotionally resonant. I couldn’t put it down and ended up devouring it in just two sittings. This is the kind of book that sticks with you long after the final page.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
6,542 reviews27 followers
August 18, 2025
The connection between Ranger Sayles Green and FBI agent Elias Boyles is instant but both of these people have a lot of damage and don't trust easily She is still coming to turns with what her ex husband a FBI agent did to her While he is blaming himself for pushing too hard and getting a young witness killed something he blames himself for. Now he and his partner are on the trail of the Hitchhiker Killer and he has fled into ZION national park and Elias will need all of the help he can get from Sayles if he is to come out the other side alive and hopefully with his man.
So not only begins a harrowing hunt through the narrows but also a push and pull between these two damaged soles who actually find redemption in one another This is a story that totally draws you in and keeps you engaged until you turn that last page Nicole has excelled once again
Profile Image for Anima.
2,755 reviews52 followers
August 18, 2025
Who would go to a National park to hide from the cops? A killer on a mission. Newbie Park Ranger Sayles is beginning a new life as a Ranger, enjoying the trails and mountains while escaping her past. That is until a murder happens in the park and she’s paired with a Fed to lead him through the park on a manhunt. So not only are they hunting the killer but they have challenges due to the nature of the park. They might have some awkward feelings as strangers but by the end they have created a strong bond. Her prickly snarky comments bring a light to their stressful adventure, something Elias craves in his life. True to her style Severn provides an entertaining storyline with multi dimensional characters and beautiful scenery altered by a killer. Always a pleasure to read her books, and a bonus when I received an early copy. I’ve provided my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tammy Morse.
424 reviews54 followers
August 20, 2025
Manhunt in the Narrows
Nichole Severn

Sayles Green - Park Ranger

Elias Broyles- FBI Agent


Zion National Park have a serial killer that has killed many other people. FBI wants help from the Park Rangers to catch this killer. Park Ranger Sayles Green is asked to help by working with Elias Broyles. Park Ranger Sayles Green very welled skilled and guarded. They go though many flash flooding areas and they fight to make it to catch there target. They are working well together to catch the Hitchhiker Killer. With Park Ranger and FBI close behind him .
Nichole writes a fabulous story and has great characters working together.
Will Sayles and Elias make it to find the killer in time before he kills again?
Will there be anything happen between Sayles and Elias?
I hope you can enjoy Nichole's writing as much as I do.
148 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2025
An intense, emotionally charged, exhilarating story involving engaging characters and an edge of your seat plot. A park ranger and expert guide is tasked to guide a FBI agent through Zion National Park, who is hunting for a killer. The story’s drama goes beyond being a few paces behind a killer, but surviving the hurdles of flooding, land slides, and rain storms dished out by Mother Nature. I enjoy when an author tests the book’s characters with plot drama, but also making them personally damaged or imperfect, impacting the outcome of the story. The author’s writing talent pulls the reader directly on to the hiking trail, flailing in the flooding, or easily caught up in forest debris blocking your path. The intrigue, drama, terror and personal challenges made this book a page turner. I highly recommend. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.
2,045 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2025
What an intense start to this new series. Not only do Elias and Sayles have to deal with a serial killer but they also have to deal with Mother Nature. Of the two, Mother Nature may actually be the bigger challenge as they with a couple of flash floods, injuries, sheer cliffs, and the weather.

Sayles past has left her beaten down and while working at Zion National Park has helped her restore some of who she used to be, the challenges of helping Elias track down a serial killer has brought her strength of character. Elias has his own demons that he is dealing with, but this journey has helped him to face both physical and emotional challenges.

This is a page-turner that will keep you engaged from the beginning to the end and I loved the detailed descriptions of the location.
54 reviews
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Sayles the park ranger and expert guide is selected to lead the FBI agent Elias through the Narrows in Zion Park, to track down a serial killer. Elias is way over his head, and totally out of his element. But not only are they tracking a dangerous killer, but the rains are =causing the river in the Narrows to flood, making the hike potentially deadly. The characters are well thought out and very relatable which made the book more enjoyable. You find out there history and what makes them tick. The book moves very quickly and really holds your interest. Ms. Severn really made you feel like you were in the Narrow With them.

A fantastic start to the series.

I received an ARC from Ms. Severn and her publisher, so the opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
815 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2025
A fast paced action packed book full of twists and turns as a serial killer stays one step ahead of the ranger and FBI agent sent to track him. On top of dealing with a serial killer Sayles and Elias also have to contend with a raging river, flash flooding, inhospitable terrain and each other. Sayles has an ex who was an FBI agent and therefore assumes Elias is the same kind of man and treats him accordingly. Elias is wracked with guilt about a witness who died. To survive they must work together and their fight to live, catch the killer and their slow burn of their relationship building against the superbly described scenic background makes for a brilliant story. Loved it.
Profile Image for MK.
1,632 reviews22 followers
August 6, 2025
FBI Agent Elias Broyles wants Ranger Greens help in locating a man who goes by the name The Hitchhiker Killer. He’s told she is knowledgeable about the trails. She really doesn’t want to go. She has her reasons, but still goes.
The man they’re after is making is way through Zion National Park. He’s a step ahead of them until he’s not. As Sayles and Elias are on the hunt for the man things along the way don’t go as planned.
They haven’t foreseen all the obstacles they must go through.
It’s a rollercoaster of things that happen throughout the books that’s for sure.

Highly recommend. It’s the first to a new series. Well done Ms. Severn.
2,708 reviews33 followers
August 12, 2025
Action packed, fast paced adventure. This had it all.

When FBI agent Elias was on the track of a killer in the National Park, he needs park Ranger Sayles to help.

I loved the friction, snark and attraction bordering on denial through much of this story. Definitely loads of romance that seemed almost forbidden but the caring comes through strongly.

Elias realises that he is putting Sayles in danger hunting the killer in the national park but can't help it that he needs her expertise in surviving the terrain.

This was an edge of your seat plot and characters that lead the story extremely well. Beautifully written i can't wait for more from this author.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,529 reviews46 followers
August 21, 2025
Exhilarating kickoff to a brand new series! Nichole Severn is delighting her readers with the first book in her Red Rock Murders series for Harlequin Intrigue and it starts off with quite the bang. It's action packed and exciting every step of the way and begins with a couple of interesting main characters with back stories that are well developed and explosive. I wanted more from the ending as it was rather abrupt with not a lot of relationship development being done, but I left satisfied with the story overall and am looking forward to the series continuing. Recommend if you're looking for fast paced and filled with drama!
88 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2025
FBI Agent Elias is after a Serial Killer in Zion National Park. Sayles is the forest ranger who knows best the deadly trail they must hike. She has no time for the agent, but puts up with him for the sake of finding the killer. When a flash flood almost catches them, they seek higher ground and Sayles knowledge keeps them safe. As they face dangers they both realize the other isn't so bad and respect and liking grow. Will they trust each other enough to get out of the danger alive and catch the killer? This is another not to be missed, heart-pounding thriller by Nicole Severn; the first in a new series.
36 reviews
July 31, 2025
Sayles and Elias are an odd pair. She’s a park ranger and he’s an FBI agent looking for a serial killer. They are thrown together when the killer picks Sayles territory and Elias needs her help to navigate the park. And no matter how hard she tries to keep her distance from him, it’s useless because he emboldens her in a way she hasn’t been before. He is interested in what she has to say but he’s FBI and so was her ex-husband. But when the killer turns the table, they have to rely on each other and trust one another to make it out alive.
Profile Image for Lili.
843 reviews48 followers
August 2, 2025
The plot is interesting and the writing is good - there's so much psychological insight into PTSD and abuse victims. The strength it took for Sayles to extricate herself is inspiring, and her suffering makes you wish there were more women like her, breaking the iron chains of abusive relationships.

Still, I felt like her and Elias' physical stamina is incredible under such odds, and they are clearly not ordinary people. I will stop here to avoid spoilers, but be aware there's a lot of darkness in this book.
I rate it 3.5 stars (rounded to 4).
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,466 reviews26 followers
August 26, 2025
Oh this looks like an exciting new series, the story stands alone so don't fear cliff hangers.
FBI agent Elias Broyles needs help to catch a serial killer from Park Ranger Sayles. She will guide him through the trails, rivers and hills full of dangerous cliff drops.
Several mishaps both nature and human will have them fighting for their lives. Who is this killer and what is his endgame?
Sayles has a history of her own involving authorities and falling for this FBI agent was not on her agenda.
I really enjoyed their connection and loved this story so much.
Profile Image for Heather Wray.
621 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2025
Well if I ever was going to think about doing a desert excursion, this book definitely cured me of that thought.
Full of action from the get go this one keep you reading, as you root for Elias and Sayers to make it through the Narrows. Even then they have to deal with the reason the killer was on is rampage.
Loved this read, if this is an indication of the series readers are in for a treat with each book tocome.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Roger.
5,660 reviews28 followers
September 1, 2025
Manhunt in the Narrows (Red Rock Murders Book 1), my fifth read from author Nichole Severn, a 218-page read that grabbed me and kept me reading until finished in just a single setting. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Disappearance at Angel's Landing (Red Rock Murders Book 2), due out at the end of this month. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Gazelle.
843 reviews10 followers
September 2, 2025
It took me a couple chapters to get invested in these characters. You're automatically in the middle of some drama when a body is found and then the FBI informs Sayles and the park rangers that there is a serial killer loose. Once I got into this book a few chapters I really got to see more behind the characters Sayles and Elias as well as the suspenseful trek to catch a killer. After that I couldn't help but try to solve the mystery and it was a lot of surprises along the way. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more from this series.
983 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2025
I was intrigued from the first words, and as Sayles and Elias embarked on a mission that turned to a fight for survival against Mother Nature, not just the serial killer they were searching, I became even more invested. Sayles has major walls that are reinforced by Elias and his occupation- which makes complete sense once you learn her history. Sparks fly however, and emotions guide both characters. Danger and suspense runs rampant as they fall for each other and survive insurmountable odds to catch a serial killer determined to finish what he started.
Profile Image for Gloria Zak.
605 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2025
Terribly. Sappy. I know it is a harlequin book, but really! Two people meet, Sayles almost drowns Elias saves her and warms her from hypothermia - that is day one. Next they are shot at by serial killer. Sayles is kidnapped, Elias falls and has twig embedded into his chest. He simply pulls it out and goes on. He is knocked off a cliff, falls 1000 feet, somehow finds them in a vast national park, saves her again. They announce their profound love for each other on day 3, after neither goes to hospital for injuries. What is not realistic about any of this? No more Harlequin for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anja.
1,262 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Sayed and Elias are on a mission to- finding the killer that left a trail of bodies behind. Unfortunately, they have to withstand nature to do so. And still, the killer always seems to be a step ahead of them. In quite Nichole Severn-fashion the story is told. A crazy adventure through Zion NP that has them finding their way towards each other, though the killer does his best to silence them as well. Good story i enjoyed reading.
Profile Image for Elaine .
1,044 reviews64 followers
August 3, 2025
Manhunt in the narrows.
nicole servern.

Serial killer on the loose,
Agent green and broyles have their hands full in the narrows, searching for a serial killer. flash floods, days without food.This killer won't stop until he gets what he's looking for.

This book, it's so good.I read the second half in one sitting. this author's work is fantastic.

I've read several of her books and i've enjoyed each one immensely.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
1,905 reviews35 followers
August 6, 2025
Elias & Sayles light up the page with snark, sarcasm, & laugh-out-loud banter, even as sparks ignite between them. Elias’ determined & often hilarious attempts to bridge the gap with Sayles while closing in on a killer add both charm & tension. As mother nature strikes with brutal force, you’re left teetering on the edge right alongside them. The relentless pursuit of a murderer, paired with a compelling second-chance romance, keeps you hooked effortlessly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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