The Mistaken Witness: A Clean Romantic Suspense Novel

by Rebecca Lake

A fatal crash. A father’s betrayal. A web of lies.

Budding journalist Harper Ashford isn’t stalking a big story when an SUV forces her off a treacherous Idaho mountain road—it’s stalking her. So, when a handsome former Special Forces officer “just happens” upon the remote scene, she’s not about to trust him.

Alek Locke has retreated to the mountains to regroup after a mission gone awry. Rescuing a beautiful stranger wasn't part of his recovery plan. But as threats escalate and shocking connections emerge, Harper's father's betrayal pulls Alek deeper into the conspiracy he might have been entangled in all along.

Cryptic clues soon have the reporter question her sources and the military man reevaluate his priorities. With the danger relentless, their enemies might not be who they seem. Will their fragile partnership keep them alive? Can Alek’s selfless vow to protect her pierce her guarded heart? And could Harper’s resilience teach him another kind of strength before it’s too late?

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2025

About the author

Rebecca grew up in the rural West, where abandoned gold rush towns, remote caves, and the rugged Idaho mountains stirred her imagination. The stories remained unwritten until one day she decided she could no longer wait for tomorrow and began writing. Within a year, she penned Where Secrets Lie, His Last Text, and The Mistaken Witness.

Her clean novels provide unique twists, white-knuckle suspense, and sweet romance. The characters inspire with their courage, grounded in hope.

Reviews

[Betty]

ENJOYED THIS BOOK WITH IT UNEXPECTED HAPPENINGS. YOU WILL BE SURPRISED AND SURPRISED WITH THE ENDING.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book from Rebecca Lake that I have read and they have all been fantastic. So I highly recommend that you read "The Mistaken Witness". You will not be disappointed. This book has you hooked from page one all the way to the end. And just when you think you have it figured out there is another twist and you are headed in another direction.

This book starts off with Harper Ashford being summoned to a lawyers office. Her dad, a dad she never knew, Rex Ashford has passed away and he left her some property. A cabin outside of Idaho City. This all happens at just the right time as Harper just lost her job at the newspaper and her apartment as her room-mate just got married. This gift came at the perfect time but it also comes with a lot more then just a cabin. This is where all of the mystery and suspense begins so buckle up your seat belts and enjoy the ride. I sure did and here again this book is fantastic and I know you are going to enjoy reading it.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first thing I have read by this author, and the ARC was provided by Hidden Gems. The story starts when Harper Ashford goes to the will reading of a father she never knew. Due to a great deal of bad luck, Harper has decided to stay in Idaho, where her father had a cabin. On the way to the cabin, her car is run off the road and she meets former Special Forces operative Alek Locke, who is her father’s neighbor.
From this point throughout the rest of the book, Harper and Alek work together to unravel the clues left behind. These secrets are not only from Harper’s father, but they involve Alec’s past too. The pieces are accumulating but felt like it took a while for them to be put together. The pacing grew a little tedious and felt that the ending needed a good summary to explain it.

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This drew me in immediately and being a suspense, I have to say it actually read a little more like a thriller at times, which I loved. And I actually enjoyed the blunt transitions of the writing style because it really fit the tone of the story. But somewhere in the second half the writing started getting choppy to me and ultimately the ending felt squished or rushed (dare I say even anti-climatic?), in my opinion. So that is where the fifth star went. The choppiness is best described as I started to feel like the characters knew things that I either did not catch or were not adequately relayed to the reader. It was a feeling I couldn't shake by the end.

I really liked the FMC and MMC. Their romance as a result of what they went through felt natural and was cute. I enjoyed how real some of their reactions and decisions felt. I am very interested in reading another book by this author in the future and this is a great clean romantic suspense recommendation!

In this book:
-reluctant hero
-strangers to more
-colliding pasts
-journalist FMC
-forced proximity
-isolated location
-cryptic clues
-mysterious deaths

Content guide:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - non-descriptive
faith - light

potential content warnings:
vehicular accident; unwanted advances and potential others that are spoilers

[Mandy Dominguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book jumped right into the story and there was one thing after another happening to the main character, Harper. Sometimes I wondered if my copy was missing the first few chapters, because there was not a lot of development leading up to the start of chaotic events at her father’s home in the woods.

Harper immediately meets Alek, and not only does she trust him right away, she’s instantly staying with him in his house and following his lead. Their instant attraction is obvious within the first couple chapters.

I would say this book can be hard to follow, definitely a wild ride!

Thank you to Hidden Gems for the ARC opportunity.

[Joy Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Rebecca Lake. From the first page, it takes off. Harper Ashford never had a relationship with her father, but suddenly she is notified that she needs to see an attorney her father had hired. She is told her father had died two weeks before and left her his cabin and everything in it. How strange that a man who had nothing to do with her would leave her his worldly possessions. From there the action takes off. There are many characters in this story, sometimes making it difficult to keep up with. I had to re-read a few pages a couple of times to keep it all straight in my head. I did enjoy the story and the constant action and suspense that it contained.

[domi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean romantic suspense novel. My first read of Rebecca’s, but definitely not my last. This book is a page-turner that will keep you guessing with its twists. It focuses more on the misteries of the plot, but we do have Alek, our reluctant hero, who gradually accepts the fact that he does care about the heroine, Harper, though he was in denial at first. It is a little fast-paced at the beginning but then slows down and will have you hooked. Can’t wait to read more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Kornelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading any of Rebecca Lake's novels, and I have to say I was missing out! This novel starts off with a bang and just keeps on going - and kept me up into the wee hours of the next day. I couldn't put it down! The main characters - Harper and Alek - have their own mysteries, but as their paths cross and they're forced to work together, a quiet romance begins. It really does go fast, this book, almost like movie-style pacing, so if you're on the market for a good quick read, you might like this one!

This is an ARC from BookSprout, I'm leaving a review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

It was okay. I felt a little overwhelmed by the beginning. A lot happened in the first few chapters, and then the book slowed. This when got to know the characters. I really did not feel the romance. Yes, there were a couple of kissing scenes, but nothing to make feel the attraction between Alek and Harper.

I did like how the author tied the story together.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read with a lot of things happening, all of the time. I enjoyed the story but it seemed rushed and I was never really given the chance to get to know Harper properly and she seemed to have a lot of "woe is me" moments which crushed her strong heroine depiction.
This isn't the first story I've read by this author.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the connection and chemistry in this, the twists, turns, truths, lies and uncovering everything; my attention was held from start to finish. I liked seeing faith sneak through, guiding them and bringing them together, bringing them to the truth and to safety. They had a very complicated past and present, but such a good support network who where there with them every step of the way. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mistaken Witness by Rebecca Lake is a clean romantic suspense novel that explores trust, secrets, and deception.

The novel keeps readers guessing, with strong character development. While the pacing is slower and more character-focused than action-packed, it allows for deeper emotional engagement.

Overall, it’s a compelling and suspenseful read, perfect for those who enjoy mystery with a touch of romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Hardegree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery had many intriguing characters that had Harper terrified and in the middle of danger, with Alek committed to being her protector. Her father’s dying left a huge mystery that took many to unwind and kept me glued to the story until the truth was revealed. After a lot of inner turmoil Harper and Alek also discover their feelings for each other and if a future was possible. I throughly loved this exciting book!
I received this book as an arc and I am voluntarily submitting my review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling tale when she is driven off a road and a stranger comes to her rescue. The tale will get complicated really quicker when secrets are uncovered and he will get pulled in as well. See how it is all going to go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was quickly hooked

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all Rebecca Lake books, this will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The twists and turns will keep you guessing. Can’t wait to read more. I couldn't put it down!.

[Amy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this. Definitely recommend!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lake penned a good mystery with likable characters, an interesting setting, and fun twists and turns. I can't wait for the next one!

[Tom Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, fast - not deep

First read of Ms. Lake's, and decent enough. Good mystery, but a bit too strong on romance angle for my liking. Still, a good passing of time read.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was just ok for me. It wasn't great but it wasn't bad. I probably won't reread it. It is suspenseful and has some action in it. 3.5 stars