Against Her Will: a Colt Jessup novel

by Susan Mills Wilson

Willow Wallace thinks a fresh start somewhere new is all she needs to feel safe. But she is dead wrong.
She moves two hundred miles away to Charlotte, hoping to escape a stalker. But just when she feels her nightmare is over, she wakes up next to a dead man—and no memory of how he got there. While under police protection, Willow vanishes. Abducted. Gone without a trace.
Detective Colt Jessup teams up with his partner and the FBI in a relentless hunt to find Willow and her abductor. A break in the case leads them to the Lowcountry of South Carolina, a vast coastal region. They are in a race against time to find her before it’s too late. But Willow isn't waiting around to be rescued. She’s planning her own escape—one move at a time.
As the clock ticks down, buried secrets rise to the surface. The violence didn’t start with her. And if Colt doesn’t find her soon, she won’t be the last.
This is a story of courage, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
Fans of Lisa Gardner and Harlan Coben will love this action-packed psychological thriller.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2025

About the author

Susan Mills Wilson is a North Carolina native who turns her Southern roots into gritty, fast-paced stories of mystery and suspense. She writes about flawed characters, shady motives, and justice that doesn’t always follow the rules. Her signature style blends the sharp edge of police procedurals with the raw grit of hard-boiled detective fiction—and just enough romance to keep things interesting. In addition to her Colt Jessup series, she’s the author of six standalone suspense novels.
Find out more at www.authorsusanmillswilson.com

Reviews

[Bob Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a Carolina dude, this novel hits home!

"Against Her Will" is a gripping suspense novel that completely captivated me, surpassing my recent craving for a compelling mystery. Susan Mills Wilson delivers with practiced ease! Wilson's deep understanding of police procedures and weaponry gives an air of truth to the crime-solving methods of her main character, city detective Colt Jessup, and the trouble he finds himself in when he has to cooperate with federal agents. If you're looking for a good read, I suggest picking up "Against Her Will." Wilson's novel was a bonus for me, as she set it in places I know and love, having lived in Charlotte, Charleston, and Wadmalaw Island. Her narrative did not disappoint.—Bob Rogers, author of “Two Rivers: De Trouble I Be See.”

[Jenifer Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against Her Will starts out with a shocking scene, and gets more mysterious from there. If you love police procedurals and investigations, this book won’t disappoint. I love the Colt Jessup novels, and living in Charlotte, where the book takes place, made this even more engrossing. I read an early copy, and I definitely recommend this book.

[Reita Pendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good - high suspense, characters we can root for, villains we can hope get their comeuppance. I love this series, and as hard as it is to choose, I think this most recent Colt Jessup novel is my favorite. It kept me guessing through to the end.

[karin whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow moves to get away from a boy friend, Michael. She settles in Charleston and was finally feeling safe when he finds her. A fast paced, great character development, and a storyline that keeps your interest. Another well written story from Susan Mills Wilson.