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Stutter Creek #1

Stutter Creek

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When Beth lost her father to cancer and her husband to another woman, she didn't know where to turn. So she retreated to the family cabin at Stutter Creek. Some of the best times of her life were spent at that cabin. That's where she met her first crush, a boy named John. But that was many years ago...could he possibly still be around? Or would she find something sinister instead?

Audible Audio

First published May 23, 2013

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About the author

Ann Swann

28 books841 followers
New Release Jan. 20, 2025

REMAINDERS: Apocalypse in Eden book 3

Most of the crew survived the apocalypse, but what now? All they have left is faith, hope, and each other. Will that be enough?



A TRACE OF ROMANCE
A Two-Hour Novella

Laynie & Trace were best friends until tragedy struck, then they were split apart. His family moved away. Somehow, he forgot her, but now, after six years, he was back, leaning into her flower shop doorway, taking up all the space just the way he'd always done. Why was he here, in her new life, after all this time?

https://www.5Princebooks.com/annswann...


SEEKERS: Apocalypse in Eden trilogy - Book 2

Jack and most of his crew survived the battle with the Takers in Book One. Now, they are headed back to Eden, seeking the whereabouts of Jack’s father. Along the way they will encounter other survivors, some friendly, some decidedly unfriendly. And they will find more Takers. Lots more Takers. But nothing can prepare them for what they will discover when they follow instructions to go on to Cheyenne Mountain. This time, it will be a miracle if anyone survives.

https://www.authorAnnSwann.com

This just in ...
TAKERS: Apocalypse in Eden now on Audio!
Message me here or on FB for a FREE audible copy! Whoohoo! "Jack survived the rip in the universe, he even survived the Taker-monsters, but can he survive the other survivors?"

And ...

My new HEA novel A CROSSBOW CHRISTMAS tells the story of a woman who has survived Covid and the loss of family members and now just wants a big, old fashioned Christmas. Unfortunately, the only one who shares her attitude is her young friend, Max. Check it out and let me now what you think. You can find a snippet and all the buy links at www.5Princebooks.com/annswann.html

I also have a novella in the anthology, A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER. It's only 99¢ for seven novellas from 5Prince authors. My story is COPPER PENNY CHRISTMAS and I don't mind saying, I kinda like it. I don't write much regular romance, so I'm a little proud of this one. ❤️

Happy Reading -
And if you want to stay up to date on books in the works, sign up for my newsletter at www.authorAnnSwann.com

Did I mention there are a couple of FREE short stories on my blog/website? Yep. Enjoy!


Read on to learn more about TAKERS:

TAKERS: Apocalypse in Eden Book 1

TAKERS was just re-released in hardcover. It's the story of a boy, Jack, and a deaf pit-bull named Snake who have to battle the cannibalistic Takers after the monsters are spat out into the town of Eden, Texas from a parallel universe called Purgatory.

https://www.authorAnnSwann.com

TELEPHONE ROAD

Stalked, assaulted, and left to die, Marlena thinks her life is over. Then she meets Destiny and justice takes on a new meaning. It's called revenge.

https://www.authorannswann.com

A former emergency services dispatcher, rock-n-roll radio station secretary, hospital information operator, and grade school teacher, Ann Swann has been many things. Through it all were the words. She's been a writer since her teenage years and began winning fiction awards in college. As a child she grew up much like Stevie-girl in small town Texas. One difference? Ann never got up the nerve to enter the haunted house alone. She waited until she married her husband, Dude, then they went in together. Ann would love to hear your thoughts on her stories. Feel free to message her at any of

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5 stars
54 (31%)
4 stars
52 (30%)
3 stars
42 (24%)
2 stars
15 (8%)
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6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Nikki.
92 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2014
It’s the end of Beth’s world, or at least the end of life as she knows it. Life with her cheating husband ends as her daughter’s married life just begins… on the other side of the world. When her father, her last close family member, passes away, Beth hits rock bottom and doesn’t know which end is up. She decides to return to her family’s cabin at Stutter Creek, where her and her father spent plenty of time making lasting family memories. She hopes to heal while reminiscing about her summers spent at Stutter Creek, and maybe even running into Big John, a summer crush who got away. But when young women in the area start to going missing, will Beth’s relaxing dream turn into a nightmare?

Stutter Creek impressed me from the moment I began reading it. Within the first page, it had grabbed my full attention and would not let go. This story was definitely good at that. Author Ann Swann has mastered the art of engaging her readers. With the level of details she gives in the events that happen, there was no way I could put the book down.

One aspect of Stutter Creek that I was pleasantly surprised to find was the paranormal aspect. I can’t give much detail about it, but it flowed really well with the story. The only thing that I didn’t enjoy dealt with the way technology was involved in the story. I felt like it was a bit over the top, and honestly I was waiting for the “punch line” or a more believable explanation of what happened.

While I have seen Stutter Creek classified as a “romantic suspense” novel, I really would shy away from calling it “romantic” at all. In fact, the majority of the story contains no romance at all. As I read this, I was constantly comparing it to a novel by Dean Koontz I had read a while back. Both were very detailed about the crimes committed, both left the read wanting to know more of what happened, and both had a paranormal aspect to them. This book should be classified more as a thriller, suspense, or even horror novel. It was very enjoyable, but not romantic at all.

I loved how this book switched between narrators. It’s truly the only way to get to see entire picture of what was going on. But Swann didn’t just stop at switching between the protagonists and antagonist, but also to the point of view of various minor characters. This is like watching a movie on a cut-down full screen view versus being in the studio while it is filming: you get a 360° view of what is going on.

The author’s use of various points of view is not the only thing that helps bring you into the story. The main character, Beth, is easily relatable to anyone who has experience a significant loss, or even to someone who suffers from depression. I was easily able to understand her need to get out of her everyday life.

Stutter Creek was good. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick read, since you won’t be able to put it down when you pick it up. I recommend it to fans of Dean Koontz, as it reads similar to books of his that I have read. I would NOT recommend this if you are looking for a romance novel, as you will be very surprised. But for anyone who enjoys thrillers or horror stories, definitely give Stutter Creek a read.
Profile Image for Lisette Brodey.
Author 20 books254 followers
August 11, 2014

After Beth’s husband leaves her and her father dies, she heads for the family cabin at Stutter Creek. She can’t stop thinking about John, the eighteen-year-old boy she was crazy about when she was a mere fourteen. She’s got a lot on her mind, but what she doesn’t know is that there’s a sociopath on the loose, just released from prison, who is has quickly become a serial killer as payback to the DA who put him away. Having obsessed about murder for years, he’s eager to kill all of the women on his list and anyone else who gets in his way.

The author does a fantastic job of introducing us to the various and disparate characters in her book, then skillfully piecing all of their stories together as a suspenseful, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat story unfolds. Ann Swann’s ability to paint vivid imagery coupled with the heart and soul of her characters, make Stutter Creek a fantastic read. Can’t wait to read Lilac Lane.
Profile Image for Ashley Fontainne.
Author 47 books149 followers
June 17, 2013
This story grabs you from the first page around the neck with a tight grip and doesn’t let go!

One woman’s heart and spirit were put through the wringer. Not only is she suffering from empty nest syndrome, but a broken marriage and grief over the death of her father. The main character, Beth, struggles to retain her focus and balance in the new life thrust upon her. She yearns for things that will never be again, laments the turn of events her life has taken. As she tries to heal from her now ex-husband’s philandering, Beth finds herself remembering her first true love—John. A teenage romance that began in Stutter Creek, which is where Beth decides to vacation to mend her damaged heart.

What she doesn’t know is that a serial killer is nearby. One who has waited several years inside his lonely prison cell to exact revenge against those who put him there by engaging in a killing spree of innocent victims along the way to find his own vengeance-fueled redemption.

Beth’s search for her own sanity will throw her directly into the path of the killer’s insanity and test her strength and mental fortitude.

A tight, tense thriller by Ann Swann that will make your head spin as you walk inside the mind of the killer and the shoes of a woman who learns that the tragedies that brought her to Stutter Creek were only the beginning of her sorrows.

Copy supplied by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tima.
1,678 reviews128 followers
January 9, 2015
Beth has been joining her father at the family cabin in Sutter Creek for years. This year she'll be going alone. She's lost her father, her husband, and her daughter almost all at once. Each one is gone for a completely different reason. She thinks she's returning to the place of her favorite memories, but something sinister has followed her to Sutter Creek.

The story starts out quickly and keeps the suspense up until the very last page. The story only covers a few days, but doesn't seem short or lacking in details. The characters have depth and authenticity.

The story deals with murder and some of the details are very graphic. It fits with the story, but those who can't handle the subject matter need to take note. Since I enjoyed this story, I'll definitely be checking out the other books by this author.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Diana Hockley.
Author 9 books46 followers
October 2, 2013

Stutter Creek is a top class thriller! The plot is straightforward and all the more frightening for being so. The killer is focused on revenge and he doesn't care who he destroys in, literally, the execution of his plans.

The opening chapter is horrifying in the speed of what happens. The bait which the killer uses to lure his female victims is pitiful and as much a victim as they are.

Ann Swann's writing is brilliantly descriptive, flows superbly and her imagery is just enough to allow the reader to participate in the action. The cover, BTW, is superb.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and urge everyone who reads the reviews to buy the book and support the author - and no, I had never heard of her until I read this book which I found recommended on a list somewhere!
1,263 reviews27 followers
September 4, 2014
This is an outstanding read. A total page turner. You will be entranced into the story immediately and longing for some answers. Will you get them? Grab your copy today to find out!
Profile Image for Darlene.
633 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2014
A very good book. Enough intense scenes to make it interesting. Great fast read
395 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2018
It was ok, again no romance to be found here, to be honest it was probably 1% romance 99% suspense. Nothing wrong with that, but if a book is classified as romantic suspense it needs to be more than a simple kiss and saying they’re married after all the drama or it needs to be shelved as just suspense. This wouldn’t be a big deal to me if the genre wasn’t misleading. There’s no romance in this book and I feel like the author just threw in the very, very, VERY light, minuscule, semblance of romance angle just to appeal to more readers and sell more books. I don’t like being tricked and I felt deceived after reading this book.

Besides that, the book was nothing special. I hated the numerous changes in pov. You get them from people all over the town and I don’t understand why, they’re not important to the story, they’re not the focus so why do we need to see what’s going on in their neck of the woods. This book was all over the place and didn’t really know where it was going.

Some characters made me roll my eyes at how ridiculous they sounded because they said things you wouldn’t say in real life, behaved in ways you wouldn’t react, and how stupid their thinking was. Some examples: If you were sent to check on a co-worker whether you cared about them or not, you’re not going to joke about their dead body or as if they’re dead, normal people just don’t do that. If you saw two teenagers who claimed to find a dead body, why would the first thing you assume to be is that the boy had something to do with it simply because the girl was freaked out of her mind as she should be but clearly wasn’t trying to get away from him. Then to top it off, your solution is to test him by asking him to let her go to you and turn his car off, all to prove that he wasn’t trying to kill her...HOW does that prove that he’s not a killer? Why would you automatically suspect a teenage kid (that you apparently know because it’s such a small town) of murder? And last, if you’re being attacked by someone in the middle of nowhere, why would you go UP the mountain (where there are few people) heading towards a dark cave with one entrance and supposedly only locals know about unless of course they’re a murderer who’s planned his attacks as opposed to back into town where there are tons of people and there’s bound to be someone driving out of town at some point that you could flag down for help? Suspecting someone simply because they like to keep to themselves? Automatically becoming suspicious of a man simply for being out with his dog in the middle of the night, not to mention having absolutely no reason, to take him in for questioning...

I’m normally someone who likes to finish what they started with a series but I can honestly say I’m perfectly fine with skipping the second book if this is all the author has to offer me. Don’t get me wrong, I can enjoy suspense with absolutely no romance in it just fine but this author just doesn’t have that certain thing that I get from other books I’ve read that focus more on the suspense. It’s missing the mystery of who the killer is, the knack for putting fear into a reader for the character, characters that make you care for them and don’t come across as idiots or just downright annoying. This author and this series just don’t click with me and I’m relieved to be done with it.
Profile Image for R.C. Matthews.
Author 78 books285 followers
December 3, 2014
This was my first experience reading a book by Ann Swann. She has a very fluid writing style and the storyline / plot was well thought out and interesting. Overall this book was a solid 3.5 stars for a suspense storyline with romantic elements. However, the romance is low key with the suspense at the forefront. There is also a minor 'paranormal' aspect to the story. I don't think it added or detracted from the story.

What I enjoyed:
First of all I have to say that the cover of this book is really stunning and drew me in from the get go. There is a ton of action going on in this story which kept me turning the pages. And for the first half of the book I really thought this would end up being a solid four stars or maybe even five stars because the premise of the book, although creepy, is really fascinating. Getting inside the head of a serial killer is wicked stuff. I was having a lot of those moments like in Friday the 13th where you're freaking out because you know something bad is going to happen...and then it ends up being the cat. I love those intense moments in a story. The protagonist, Beth, was very likable and so was her love interest John. Although I would have liked to see their relationship developed more because they were so cute together. And the villain was really horrible - I mean the kind you really hate - which is exactly what you want in a villain! I loved how the villain thought he was so smart but was really quite stupid.

What I didn't enjoy:
I generally don't mind it when there are multiple POV in a storyline but this book went way beyond anything I've ever read. We were inside the head of practically every single character in the book at one point or another - almost like the author was trying to make it play out like a movie in my head. That might work for others, but for me it kind of took some of the suspense out of the story. It was cool at first to know what the villain was thinking, but when things really started to get scary I would have preferred not to know every single move that he was planning. For me that made it all a bit anti-climactic and it was hard to be nervous for the protagonist. The story was still interesting but I wasn't shaking in my shoes at the end like I might have been if I was less informed. And if a book doesn't evoke strong emotions in me (laughing out loud, crying or screaming out in fear) then I struggle to give it the highest ratings.

But that's more of a personal preference thing so it might work for you! Just be warned that the descriptions of the serial killers actions are graphic, so if that kind of thing turns you off, this probably isn't the story for you.
Profile Image for Sandy Wolters.
Author 9 books110 followers
July 19, 2013
Book: Stutter Creek
Author: Ann Swann
Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Crime Drama (Serial Killer)
Length: Approximately 213 Pages

STUTTER CREEK by ANN SWANN should not in any way be considered for light reading. STUTTER CREEK will have you visiting every emotion you've ever felt and some you never hoped to feel in your life.

I am a peaceful, non-violent person, but there are moments in this book that will make you want to put your big girl britches on and do some serious ass kicking on the character of Kurt. Ms. Swann wrote the character of Kurt, the sadistic sociopath serial killer, so believably that there were points in the book that his actions made me physically ill. I wish there was a genre called "real life horror" because it fits so much better than crime drama for this shockingly amazing book. It will jar your senses and sensibilities and make you reflect on the true evil that is present in this world.

You would think that an author that has the ability to write such a twisted character like Kurt couldn't possibly write about the vulnerabilities and pain a woman goes through when she suffers a great personal loss, but Ms. Swann did just that. STUTTER CREEK has two storylines, the serial killer and Beth's story which will have you feeling every bit of her emotional pain. My heart ached for this woman. She's lost three of the most important people in her life in a short period of time. Her father to cancer. Her husband to a young hussy (my word, not Ms. Swann's), and her daughter to marriage and another country.

If you read because you enjoy getting lost in the story and actually getting carried away into the character's emotions (everything from stark raving, heart pounding fear to tears), then you've just got to pick STUTTER CREEK by ANN SWANN up. It is not for the faint of heart, but I defy anyone to read that first chapter and then be able to walk away without reading more. This is truly some amazing writing that holds nothing back. Prepare yourself.
Profile Image for Grampy.
869 reviews48 followers
September 24, 2013
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.

“Stutter Creek” by Ann Swann is a Romance, brilliantly hidden within a suspense-filled tale of a psychotic, sociopathic serial killer with a chip on his shoulder. It is also a classic tale of young love lost, and a life of regrettable what-ifs.

Recently divorced, her husband had traded her in on a younger model. Her daughter, Abby, had eloped and moved to Italy. Then, her father – the only parent she had ever known – had died. Beth Evans had no one left to lean on. Needing to get away by herself for a while, Beth decided to revisit her father’s old cabin in the woods; well, HER cabin in the woods, now. Some of her best memories were tied to that cabin.

One particular memory, which she liked to embellish a bit, was of the summer she was 14, and had met “Big John”, an 18-year-old sun-tanned Adonis who was staying at a nearby cabin that year. She had often wished she were closer to Big John’s age; she had wanted him to think of her as a young woman, rather than a pesky little kid. In spite of all her many visits to the cabin, she had never again seen Big John.

Meanwhile, sociopath Kurt Graham was released from prison after serving five years. Kurt had hatched a plan while in prison: he was going to kill five young women who resembled the prosecutor who had gotten him imprisoned, one for each year of his life she had taken from him. Then he was going to let her know what he had done, so she would live in horror the rest of her life. Over the course of five years, he had considered and reconsidered every aspect of his plan, and he was certain it was now a fail-safe plan.

“Stutter Creek” will grab you on page one, and not let you go until several hours have passed, and you finally read “The End”. Ann Swann has published several stories, in the Romance genre as well as the Supernatural. She has won numerous awards for her short stories. I will be surprised if she doesn’t win an award or two for “Stutter Creek”; this is one expertly crafted story, and one I recommend most enthusiastically.
Profile Image for Deanna Lynn Sletten.
Author 35 books625 followers
June 22, 2013
Ann Swann is a talented author whether she is writing a scary, suspense middle grade novel or a contemporary romance novel, but she outdid herself when she combined romance with suspense in her latest novel, Stutter Creek.

When Beth finds herself at a crossroads in her life after losing two very important people in her life as well as her daughter marrying and moving across the globe, she finds she can no longer stay in her empty home. She packs her bag and heads to her father's cabin in the woods where she has found peace and contentment in the past. She remembers a young man from her youth who she met one summer at the cabin and reminisces back to a time when she was young, happy, and carefree, wondering what has become of him. What she doesn't know is that there is trouble in her beloved woods, and it's lurking around her cabin, waiting to pounce!

Ann knows how to craft a captivating suspense story. I became immersed in the novel immediately, and couldn't wait to find out what the next chapter held. Her ability to tell the story from the perspective of each character while holding your complete attention is awe inspiring. She builds the story slowly, increasing the pace and tension until you can't wait to read the ending. This novel is a testament to Ann's ability to write the perfect suspense novel. Personally, I hope she continues to write in this genre because she has mastered it completely!

Stutter Creek is a beautifully written, expertly crafted suspense novel. If you enjoy a novel that will keep you glued to its pages, you will love this novel.
Profile Image for Diane Rapp.
Author 18 books111 followers
October 4, 2013
Romance and suspense that packs a punch

Hoping to recover from the stress of losing her father, getting divorced, and having her daughter move to another country, Beth retreats to the peace and quiet of her cabin in Stutter Creek. Little does she know that her safety is in jeopardy. A serial killer is roaming the woods near her cabin and intends to make her victim number three on his growing list.

John and Beth fell in love as teenagers but they lost track of each other. After John retired from the military, he returned to Stutter Creek and started restoring his cabin. He never married and still holds fond memories of Beth, but he's sure it's too late for him. Destroyed by her husband's infidelity, Beth dreams of John and wishes she could see him again. Just when Beth reconnects with John, she's targeted by a sadistic serial killer.

Beth is also mourning her father and thinks she might be going crazy when she starts receiving messages from the beyond. This is a thriller combined with a poignant story of lost love. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last pages. I'm a fan of Ann Swann's writing and she doesn't let us down in this tale. Grab a bowl of popcorn while you're reading so you don't chew your fingernails.
Profile Image for Petra.
818 reviews92 followers
January 4, 2016
My first audiobook for this year and I'm off to a rather mediocre start. Stutter Creek is a romantic suspense novel that had very little romance but a good bit of suspense. There is a supernatural element to it, which I could have done without. Having read several thrillers last year that had a paranormal element to it which I really enjoyed, this just didn't do it. It was a definite eye-rolling moment. I enjoyed the parts of the story that were dealing with the actual crime and suspense side of the story, but failed to feel connected to the female protagonist. She was just too whiny and feeling too sorry for herself. The story was pretty predictable right from the start, and while I sometimes don't mind that at all, especially with romantic suspense novels, there just were no surprises here at all, apart from the supernatural, slightly religious element that I hadn't expected from the book blurb.
The audio book narration didn't help matters either. The narrator had an odd way off pausing sentences in the unlikeliest of places and listening to his heavy breathing was slightly off-putting. The narration just didn't flow. Narration 2 stars, Story 3 stars.
Profile Image for Valerie Hemlin.
39 reviews31 followers
March 23, 2015
A Thriller with a Punch!

When I sat down to read Stutter Creek last night, I expected a nice Nora Roberts suspense ~ what I got was, yes, a bit of Nora, but then Ken Follett snuck in and smacked me upside the head. Now, I don't normally like to compare author's, but in this case, I felt the visual was worth it.

This expertly written psychological suspense and slightly paranormal thriller deftly jumps viewpoints from main character, to killer, to victim and side characters then back again until it seems apparent that no one is safe. In the small rural town of Stutter Creek everyone is each other's neighbor and everyone's business is, well, everyone's. After her father's death follows on the heels of her recently failed marriage, our main character thinks Stutter Creek is a safe place to find solace and nurse her aching grief. But is it?

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you grab a cup of tea and a plate of scones, settle into a cozy chair, curl up in a fluffy comforter and delve into the breathless world of Stutter Creek.
Profile Image for Deliasue.
489 reviews
July 11, 2020
Ann tells this story and it keeps you on the edge of your chair.
A man who was in prison for killing his wife, decided that since his prosecutor was a blonde that when he got out he would kill all blondes. He gets away with the first one, but he met his match with the next two, they had friends to help them. The man who helped was a veteran who had been in combat and was trained with his dog to track the enemy, he found the prisoner and saved 2 girls and the mans son who he had been using to catch the women, and drugging the boy to keep him quiet. What a pervert.
He got his info on all the women from facebook and single sights, makes you think twice about putting your personal info. on a web site for all to see.
Profile Image for Joyce Shaughnessy.
Author 12 books52 followers
August 1, 2014
Another great novel from this author! I loved it from the beginning and couldn't put it down. Swann's ability to change directions, characters, and settings was terrific. Then she melded them all together for a perfect ending. It's a complex and thrilling book from the beginning to end! I would recommend this book without hesitation to any reader who enjoys a good murder thriller and love story.
Profile Image for BBMoreB ~.
784 reviews
Want to read
June 5, 2013
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
1,263 reviews27 followers
September 4, 2014
This is an outstanding read. A total page turner. You will be entranced into the story immediately and longing for some answers. Will you get them? Grab your copy today to find out!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
March 6, 2018
Between the author and narrator my heart was in my throat more times than I can count. This is a very fast pace story that at times broke my heart and other times left me with my mouth wide open. It is very sad and painful when you lose everything that you know all at one time. For Beth her father dies, her husband leaves her and her adult daughter moves putting an ocean between them. Beth was very close to her father and decides to go to their summer cabin where she feels the closest to him. Along the way she sees a child alone on a dark cold road. She starts to stop but decides from a feeling she gets this might not be a good idea. Once she gets to town she does send someone back to look for him, but he was never found. What she doesn’t know is a killer is on her trail and plans to take her, have his fun and killer her. What happens between these pages will shock you and make you look over your shoulder as one woman comes up missing and then another. The author gives you a wonderful story inside a story of young love that never has a chance to grow. Now years later Beth and John come together again for a second chance as they work through the mystery of footprints, noises and their feelings to find their second chance could end in their death.

I thought Mr. Woodfin did a really good job of narration. At times, I thought his voice was a little dry but works great as the serial killer comes out to play. His emotions were good but a little to dry at times, his character voices was great. I had no trouble knowing who was talking or what they were feeling. I could even feel the feelings of each character as my heart started beating faster. He paused at times he should not have but should have paused at other times. There is no repeating of words, no background noises, if any breaks were taken I could not tell. I thought he did a great job pulling me in taking me away as well as keeping me on the edge with my heart beating faster. It was easy to picture the scenes as they play out making me feel the fear and danger. I have not listened to any of his work before and found it to be nice but needs a little work. It is well worth your time to give it a listen it is a very enjoyable audio that I enjoyed very much.

From the first page the author lays out a compelling story that hooks you. My heart was in my throat from the start and pretty much stayed there throughout. Ms. Swann knows how to write a story that sucks you in giving you great detail and lays out a plot that keeps you guessing why it holds your attention not letting you go until you come to the end. I really liked how the romance plays out from years ago to John feeling like he was to old for Beth and how he honored her until they came together again trying to overcome the war he was in and all he has seen. Both have issues they are working out but both could never forget the years ago when love touched them. Just as they start to come together working on their feelings for each other things start going wrong. Something just isn’t right weird feeling of being watch, footprints where there should be none and women come up missing. Time is running out as the killer gets closer to his victory.

The plot is outstanding as well as the suspense. I loved how Beth’s father comes into play. The characters are great, there is no doubt your heart will break for one who is held and used over and over again. I loved this from start to finish and could not put it down. This is one author I have come to love and can’t wait to read the next in this series. If you love suspense, romance, excitement, danger and mystery you are so going to love this thrilling suspense action packed read.
Profile Image for Linda Weber.
506 reviews11 followers
August 25, 2020
I was thrilled to win this book during The Readers Coffeehouse Great Giveaway recently. Ann Swann is a new to me author and it was great getting to know a bit about her through messages after I was notified of my win. I was immediately drawn into the beautiful cover of the book when it arrived. After reading about her and the teaser for the book, I knew I had found a new favorite author! I mean her TBR list has a NAME!

The book is labeled as Romantic Suspense. I would call it heavier on suspense, but that is what I like. It got slightly graphic in a couple spots but boy did the author keep your attention! It was fast paced and a quick read and I would put the suspenseful plot up there with the likes of many of the top rated suspense authors. Also, there is a dog in the story! Always a plus for me! I am hooked and ready to move on to the next in this series and catch up on any of her earlier books!
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books323 followers
April 28, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime thriller because of the great writing and how the tension and the build-up of suspense.

Beth is mourning the death of her father and her husband choosing another woman – so clings to the memories of her past and travels to the wonderful cabin in Stutter Creek to heal.

This story is a mix of romance and crime, which blends perfectly. I liked Beth and John and some others, but not...

Its clever plot tingled my senses to make it a compelling read. I liked the descriptions, which gave a brilliant sense of place. The more tension-filled scenes – wow!

Yes, an engaging tale that I would recommend.
Profile Image for Julie.
281 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2018
A Great Set Of Love And Mysteries!

These are the first books I’ve read by Ann Swan and I was pleasantly surprised! Each book has a great love story and an even greater mystery. The characters are well fleshed out and Stutter Creek could be where you go on vacation, retire or it might be home for you. The town and characters are very realistic and you will fall in love with both. The mysteries are each different and each one keeps you guessing. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Swann’s books.
Profile Image for Marc.
10 reviews
May 15, 2019
Excellent writing! A suspenseful read that kept me engaged throughout.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,617 reviews39 followers
November 27, 2014
THIS HAD MORE MURDER/THRILLER THAN ROMANCE, I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE GIVEN IT 3.75**stars. BETH WAS'NT A VERY LIKABLE CHARACTER TO ME SHE SOBBED,SHOOK, AND BLUBBERED HER WAY THROUGH MOST OF THE BOOK(oh how annoying), GROWING A SPINE NEAR THE END. I TRIED TO LIKE HER JUST COULD'NT. I LOVED JOHN (big protective super alpha male) AND TURK (giant super protective alpha dog) THEY BOTH MADE THE BOOK BETTER FOR ME. BETH IS REELING OVER THE DEATH OF HER FATHER, HER BROKEN MARRIAGE AND HER DAUGHTER GETTING MARRIED AND MOVING TO ITALY. I KNOW THAT'S A LOT TO DEAL WITH BUT EVERYONE HAS TO DEAL WITH GRIEF IN THEIR OWN WAY. HER CHOICE, SHE'S ALONE SO SHE MOVES TO HER FATHER'S OLD LONELY CABIN UP IN A REMOTE PART OF THE WOODS. IF YOU'RE ALREADY LONELY WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU GO TO SUCH A LONELY SORTA SCARY PLACE. GO FIGURE. THE KILLER WAS A REAL CREEPY DUDE AND DID SOME THINGS THAT NIGHTMARES ARE MADE OF. NOT A BAD READ KINDA SLOW AND A BIT BORING IN SPOTS (liked the touch of paranormal)BUT OVERALL ENJOYABLE WHILE I'M COOKING THANKSGIVING DINNER. WAIT, THAT DID SOUND KINDA GROSS, OH WELL. ;D
Profile Image for Anna Stewart McCall.
321 reviews46 followers
January 6, 2016
I would classify this story as a romantic suspense, a little light on the romance. Beth is a middle-aged teacher, brokenhearted after her husband has left her for a younger woman, her daughter has eloped and moved to Italy, and her beloved father has passed away. She retreats to her father's cabin in Stutter Creek to take a break. Around the same time, a crazed convict is using his son to lure blond women off the road and strangle them, and Beth becomes caught in his sights. Also, her childhood crush, John, has returned home after 20 years away in the army and working as a security specialist.

This was a more than decent book, so to be fair, I think I should say that I was looking for a little more romance, and this book dished up a much healthier serving of suspense. John and Beth didn't even reconnect until past the 50% mark, and I found myself skipping long portions to get to their reunion. Overall, it was enjoyable, and maybe one I'll revisit when I'm in more of a suspense frame of mind.
Profile Image for Jessica.
156 reviews27 followers
July 24, 2016
I was sent this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

I had the most difficult time reading this! I was confused more often than not with all the different POV's going on in this book, which is why it took me as long as it did to read. I just don't think this book was for me.

I think the concept is amazing and I did enjoy that aspect of it. There were times when I had to put it down because I was getting nervous for the character, especially Beth. I couldn't connect with any of the characters though, which disappointed me.

I think I would have enjoyed this more if there were fewer POV's, with the same story line downsized into just two to three POV's at most.

To see my full review:
http://booktalkwithjess.blogspot.com/...
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