Her Grave Secrets

Rogue River #3

by Kendra Elliot

There are no secrets in a small town—until someone has one worth dying for.

Local cop Stevie Taylor and police chief Zane Duncan have startling new proof that a deadly street drug is expanding its poisonous grip on their small town: a skull found on the banks of the Rogue River has two bullet holes in the back. Still caught up in the excitement of their new relationship, Stevie and Zane are determined to track down the drug’s source before more lives in Solitude, Oregon, are lost.

Then one death strikes especially close to home, leading to heartache and confusion for Stevie. As the drug distributers strike hard and the body count in Solitude grows higher, she and Zane must hunt down the deadly killer—but are they the predators, or the prey?

Filled with unexpected twists, Her Grave Secrets is the third exciting Rogue River novella in the romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance, Novella, Crime, Fiction

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2014

About the author

An Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 14 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.

She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.

Reviews

[Mo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wish I could give it more but it barely held my attention. Skimmed though the last 20 pages. Didn't really care! Will I read the final installment? Not sure.

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I missed a lot with the time passage. The romance isn't developed, it just is. And I think that took away from the story. It because a suspense novel and not romantic suspense. I still like it. But I have a feeling the next part will be more of the same. Time jump with everything hunky dory in the relationship part. The narration was good.

Also, they way part 2 ended was totally ignored and didn't make sense considering that character was mentioned but not how things ended in part 2.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third of four thrilling Rogue River novellas, Kendra Elliot gives us "Her Grave Secrets" a page turning romantic suspense.
The storyline continues involving C-22 a dangerous killer drug and expands when townspeople are discovered murdered.
Still caught up in the excitement of their new relationship Local Cop Stevie Taylor and Police Chief Zane Duncan are determined to track down the drugs source before more lives are lost in Solitude, Oregon.
I am looking forward to the next and last novella in this series "Walking On Her Grave".

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loving this series don't want it to end. I will looking for these authors after I finish this series.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot

Burnt out, jaded and grieving, Stevie leaves the LAPD and returns to her home town in Oregon. She expects a quieter life, writing speeding tickets and confiscating alcohol from underage drinkers, but what she finds is a town that's the epicentre of a new drug that's killing people.

2. Gone to Her Grave by Melinda Leigh

Carly works for Child Protective Services. It's her job to look out for the kids who fall between the cracks. She faces domestic abuse and neglect on a daily basis and most of the people she is trying to help don't trust her. When one of the kids she is helping is accused of dealing she doesn't believe it. But the police aren't all that interested in her gut feeling.

3. 1. Her Grave Secrets by Kendra Elliot

As Stevie and Zane, the new chief of police continue to hunt down those behind the town's drug problems the bodies start to pile up. Someone is killing off anyone who knows anything and Stevie and Zane find themselves hitting one dead end after another.

4. Walking on Her Grave by Melinda Leigh

Currently Reading


Four very quick novellas written by two wonderful authors. They really deserve to be read together as one book. Kendra Elliot focuses on Stevie, the police officer who returns to her home town to find a drug problem, while Melinda Leigh focuses on Stevie's sister Carly who works for Child Protective Services.

These novellas are solid Romantic Suspense though the romance is definitely the junior partner in the story. Fans of Brenda Novak's romantic suspense will love these books.

[Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

🔪I love these suspense romance reads and have been reading more and more. So I’m gonna break them down differently from my other reviews.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away so you can go into it it blind and enjoy all the twists and turns❤️.

Ratings 0-5 Star Scale

😮Mystery/Suspense-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kinda Elliot and Melinda Leigh wrote another great series of novellas together!

I loved this. I wish they were longer. Great murder mystery with overarching mystery that spans the series’s
Summer vibes for the whole series
Small town vibes
There is a drug problem in their small town and people are showing up dead.
Truths are being revealed in this small town and people everyone thought they knew are not what they seemed.
Danger and murder is running a muck. Who is the ultimate mastermind? Who killed Stevie’s dad?
I’m loving this.

❤️‍🔥Romance/Chemistry-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book follows Stevie and Zane
I loved them and their chemistry! I really really can’t get enough of them together they are so sweet. Their relationship gets more serious and they take the next steps together.
I loved the little bit of family history they shared. Zane working for her dad and always wanting to be apart of the family and her having just lost her dad coming home a realizing what’s she missed.
They did not know each other until she recently returned to town but these two are head over heels for each other. So sweet❤️

🚹Hero-
Zane- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Moved to the small town 5 years ago and loves it. All he wants is to be part of the community he loves so much.
Due to the death and then retirement of the 2 former chief of police he is now the new chief. He knows as soon as he meet Stevie that he’s in trouble cause Stevie is now his new deputy. He doesn’t let that stop him though. Hes strong and smart and so very taken by Stevie. He’s a great guy.
Zane and Stevie work so well together it’s my favorite mystery romance dynamic.
Hes respects her so much.

🚺Heroine-
Stevie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved her she is strong and independent but has so much heart. She very smart.
She left home 10 years ago to escape the small town and became a cop in LA. She has seen enough horror in her career and just wants to come home after her dad (the former police chief dies).
She reconnects with her town and her family.
She is head over heels in love with Zane. They work well together which is good as some hard truths are revealed about their small town and her dad’s death.

⚠️Safety-
No sexy times
Murder
Death from drugs
Teen kids taking and selling drugs
Death of a loved one
Attempted murder

🎧Audiobook Narration-
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing I loved this narrator. She did such a great job with all the voices and emotions. Available on KU and Audible if your a member

🥰Overall Enjoyment-
Love this! The summer vibes and small town mixed with a great mystery and romance is perfection to me.

[⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!!

As each book in this series is super short, I will leave a review on the last book.

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I was living in Solitude...

Stevie came back home, after the bad experiences in LA. Big loving family, but people she cares dying from C-22. In love with her boss Zane, good short, exciting story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series! Fast paced! A nice romance between the two main character and police officers.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Grave Secrets by Kendra Elliot is a 2014 Montlake Romance publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this 3rd installment of the Rogue River Series we get some answers to a few burning questions. There is new insight into the death of Stevie and Carly's father as well as some shocking revelations regarding the drug problem the area has been plagued with.

When a skull is discovered forensics determines who the person was and that he was murdered, and also leads Zane and Stevie in a new direction in their drug investigation. This initially brings on more questions than answers, but it's not long before more forensic testing proves beyond a doubt who the killer is, but it may be too late to save the investigators.

I am a big fan of this series and was so happy to catch up with Stevie and Zane and touch base with how Carly and Seth are doing. We are given more insight into Zane's family dynamic and James finally gets some things off his chest.
Things get super tense the closer the truth comes to being revealed and it becomes a taut race against time when one very important person's life may be hanging in the balance.
The focus in this book is primarily to draw together and firm up a few threads we have been following since the beginning. The romance is also on that same level. The couples featured in the series are finally ironing out their past difficulties and forging stronger relationships as a result. So, there's isn't really any heavy breathing in this one, but more a feeling that true love is finally settling in. Great suspense, great family drama, and a great series overall. This one gets a 4

[Paris (kerbytejas) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kendra Elliot takes the writing helm for Her Grave Secrets (Rogue River #3). I wish I could say great things about this installment in the series,but most of the issues I've had with the previous novellas persist in this one.
• Shallow, superficial plot, lacks development, and is drawn out
• No character development
• No suspense
• Romance based on a few kisses, working side by side in the field, and an offer to move in together
• No connection between the H/h, I just don’t feel it, or believe it. Zane and Stevie make good friends though
• Emphasis placed on the importance of family, get togethers, and building bridges to keep family ties strong
• Open questions in the plot …Who killed Bill Taylor, Why was Roy killed & what was his involvement, what was Walt’s motivation to be involved in this drug scheme, who is making the C22, what does James’ issue with Katelyn have to do with the overall story, why is this drug issue still being handled locally – no DEA involvement?

Granted there’s a little progression in the overall drug plot, but it’s so drawn out and boring. This novella puts the reader close to 300 pages into a story, that I just have to say is lackluster. I guess I just have higher expectations from my romantic suspense books.

This Novella was given to my by NetGalley on behalf of Montlake Romance and had a publication date of Nov 4th, 2014.

For me another 2 star read

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent installment in this series, however, a warning: there are four of these books (novellas written alternately by Kendra Elliott and Melinda Leigh) and you have to read them all to get the full story. Book No. 4 hopefully wraps it up.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts with a skeleton being found in the woods; it looks like he was shot in the head. Local Police Chief Zane and a police officer Stevie is on the case. Zane is new to town, but Stevie grew up here, and her dad was a former cop. It turns out that the dead body belongs to the former chief officer Roy. Someone who everyone in town thought he had packed up and retired somewhere as he just vanished one day. Now that he has turned up dead, it is up to Zane and Stevie to try and connect the dots. As they are investigating his death, there is also a new drug hitting the streets and killing teens and locals. Stevie believes her father was murdered and it had something to do with this drug so she has been looking into his case and it seems she might be on the right track. Searching Roy's place, she discovers new boating equipment. Is her father's and Roy's deaths connected to the new drug popping up all over the place? As the body counts start to rise, can Stevie and Zane get to the bottom of it before they fall prey to the drug as well and find themselves among the body count? The Rogue River series is a cross series that Melinda Leigh is also writing. Fans of Melinda Leigh's and Kate Watterson's will love Kendra Elliot's romantic suspense and crime novels.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balancing their professional and personal relationship, Detective Stevie Taylor and Police Chief Zane Duncan have not given up the investigation into who is making and distributing the highly dangerous new drug C-22. When a body with two bullet holes in the skull is found near a stream, the town is devastated by the identity of the deceased. The murder is tied to the drug that is ravaging their small town. Now they must stop a cold-blooded killer before more people are dead.

This is Part 3 of the four-part Rogue River series. I was surprised by the identity of the murder victim. That person had been high on my suspect list. I am looking forward to the last part of the series. My rating: 4 Stars.

[T. Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This novella was the best among the four books in the series. I felt much more immersed in the story and empathetic to the characters in this one. The narration is great in all the books.

[Christi Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:

This novella seemed to focus much more on the suspense line from the series than the romance. Since the first book in the series focused on Zane and Stevie and established their romance, they are pretty set as a couple in this installment. But while they are somewhat settled, the little town of Solitude is anything but. Things are ramping up in this one with the suspense story-line as suddenly there is a rash of not only the overdose drug deaths, but also an increase in the execution style deaths that signal things are getting much more serious within this drug ring. And those deaths affect Stevie's family directly.

I'll admit that I missed the romance side to this novella, but I do still really like the entire series and the way the two authors have put it together. The suspense line is about a new drug which has made its way into this little town, affecting everyone because it's easy to die from using it. And the further that story goes, the more likely it is that Solitude is definitely at the center of the manufacturing of this drug. As the story unfolds I have my suspicions about where the drug is centered, but we will see. It's definitely a great mystery and since the four main characters work within the law enforcement aspects of this small town it affects all of them.

I'm anxious to see how it's all wrapped up. If you enjoy suspense and romantic suspense, I definitely recommend the entire series. Each installment is a short read so it's easy to take them in on busy days and read a chapter at a time. I've definitely enjoyed my foray into Solitude, Oregon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Nina Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella number 3 amps of the pace for this series. Her Grave Secrets has more action, plot twists, revelations and resolutions than the first two.

Again the complementary styles of Melinda and Kendra work in the creation of another addition to the series. As the main players have already been introduced to the readers, this story can focus of moving the plot forward and further developing some of the characters.

The main plot in this instalment centres around the discovery of a skull on the Rogue River banks. The investigation into the identity of the victim and finding the culprit are the focal points. The victim’s story and the potential double life he may have been living create the teaser for the next novella.

From Book 1 in this series we have been exposed to the Taylor clan. This novella again gives us a peek into how they function and even into some of the not so rosy parts of their family’s tapestry. Better yet, we get a closer look at Zane’s family background thus providing more insight into his character.

My favourite part:

Seeing Stevie and Zane settle into their relationship.

My least favourite part:

Stevie’s mother’s “feelings” are a little bit overly dramatic. In certain stories they would work fine but they seem over the top within the context of this story and series.

Overall, this was another strong segment. I like that some questions have been answered but enough suspense has been left to drive me to pick up Book 4.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Stevie and Zane were the main characters in this installment. A dead body was discovered, which ultimately lead them to figure out more about who is behind the drug epidemic in the area. The body they found was connected to some other murders. There wasn't a lot of build up to figuring out who the killer was because there weren't any clues that made anyone look suspicious.

This is romantic suspense or I think it is supposed to be. The romance was lackluster. They just got along well. There wasn't any tension sexual or otherwise.

Nonetheless this moved the plot forward. I'm looking forward to the last one to figure who is behind all of the mayhem.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great novella read - this whole series (Rogue River Series) is actually one book, and must be read in order to get the full effect of character development and story continuity.

Drugs and deception play major roles in this novella.

2 thumbs up and 4 solid stars.

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevie and Zane with the help of others are getting answers but the body count is still not slowing. One body in particular solves at least one question but I will not say to not spoil the action. The team is getting nearer to the drug ring and they find new evidence which changes everything. The death of Bill Taylor is getting investigated again and the answers are devastating. It like cutting off one head of a hydra - new heads are popping up.

I can't put down my kindle - I keep buying the next book to get answers and I have a suspicion of my own which is still centred around the O'Rourke family and their strange construction site where still worker are fired who had a stellar reputation before and are crushed afterwards like Alex Rollins. I hope the Katelyn thing was all James was involved as I hate to see Patsy getting hurt again. I love this series and its storyline is addicting. I have to have all answers before starting with another author.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things seem to be heating up in town and with Stevie and Zane. The drug problem seems like it's getting bigger, Stevie and Zane are finding out people they trust are probably in on it and things they thought were normal aren't. Amid all of this drama their relationship is getting stronger. By the end some things are clearer for them, some not so much, but the one thing that is crystal clear is how they feel for each other.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Zane and Stevie!

For me they make Solitude, they are great at their jobs, have personalities that just 'click', know exactly when to follow their gut instincts and when to take a step back, they laugh, love and sass in equal measures and embrace every day together. A really enjoyable series, I look forward to the next book. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good solid 3 star read for me. I'm looking forward to seeing the overarching mystery solved in the next book in the series. At least it better be since it's the last book in this series of novellas set in rural Oregon. :-)

[Annette Dahl "Old Vicarious Reader" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Spectacularly Special story. I love this couple, and I do admired the way this author has written this series. But, I have a feeling I may not get the happily ever after I need. Now on to book 4, I think it's the last of the series.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and entertaining

I like this series. It is a mixture of action and mystery. A good quick read. Looking forward to next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 stars. Another solid novella with decent characterization and plot development. I think I just like Stevie and Zane better.

[One chapter more · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going onto the 4th one now... Need this to conclude to something!

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in this 4 set of Rogue River novellas. You should read from the beginning as events in the back story are ongoing. Crime/suspense in a small town plus a pink of romance. Very well written. 3.5 stars

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding a killer

Well they found one killer however there's still unanswered questions of who killed the father and who is distributing the drug. I've had my guess since the beginning. Now to see if I was right.

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sort of a revisit in this instalment. Readers return to Stevie and Zane as they continue to solve the drug problems their small town is having. This book does tie to previous instalments so there are some continuing arcs to follow.

Elliot does pack a lot in this novella and doesn't miss a beat. I enjoy meeting Stevie and Zane whilst they were still dating and see how they handle crisis that hit close to home. There is a lot of clue and twists in this instalment and the overall plot seems to get even more complicated.

It's quite read that has everything a reader want in romantic suspense. Fast paced with plenty of crimes and drama around. It's never dull in this town and Solitude just got even more busier.