Danger in the Backcountry

Red Rock Murders #5

by Nichole Severn

Natural selection or serial killer?

Discovering the truth will be deadly.

Three Zion National Park visitors are dead. Though everything points to bear mauling, newly hired ecologist Lettie Larson doubts an animal is the culprit. Her suspicions bring her into close contact with head investigator Rome Foster. As Lettie’s ex-husband, Rome is the last man with whom she wants to work. Yet with an all too human predator loose in the backcountry, their past differences can only be pushed aside for so long. On the hunt for a savage killer, will they be able to rekindle old feelings while protecting themselves from an unimaginable danger?

From Harlequin  Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the Red Rock Murders series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following

 Book 1: Manhunt in the Narrows
Book 2: Disappearance at Angel's Landing
Book 3: Murder at Lava Point
Book 4: A Drowning in Emerald Pool
Book 5: Danger in the Backcountry
Book 6: Vanished at Kolob Canyon

Genres: Mystery Thriller

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

"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.

Reviews

[Teri-K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and - wow! I picked it up on a whim, because I've been in a Romantic Suspense mood lately and wanted something new, especially if it included someone stranded in the wilderness, a favorite trope of mine. I hoped it would be mildly entertaining, I didn't expect it to be this good.

Lettie and Rome had a good marriage, until her focus on work and his inability to actually communicate his feelings added up. They'd been separated six months when they both ended up in Zion National Park, tracking the same black bear - one Lettie has been studying and Rome was hired to shoot. Because this bear has been killing people.

I really liked the dynamic between the MCs, I thought their problems made sense, and the slight twist of usual gender roles was both realistic and refreshing. The writing was fine, not especially great but not problematic either, and the plot moved fast. There were a couple of things that didn't work toward the end, so it's a 4.5 star book for me, but the grown-up MCs and the genuinely nail-biting action make me happy to round it up. I will be reading more by this author when I'm in the right mood. :)

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I take it your friendly neighborhood serial-killing bear has struck again.”

Rome Foster and his wife Lettie have been divorced for months. They have to team up to catch a crazy serial killer who is obsessed with Lettie.

“You think you’re saving her, Ranger Foster? I’ve waited years for you to get out of my way. You’re not going to stop me now. Arlette is mine.”

This story was so intense I just couldn’t put it down. Pretty much non stop action and suspense from beginning to end.

Stalker. The man behind the mask had been stalking his wife.

This author knows how to keep you guessing and the danger on high alert.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Altra storia ambientata nello Zion National Park: molto interessante, sebbene mi sarei aspettata qualche notizia in più sul futuro dei protagonisti (molto è lasciato alla nostra fantasia, per così dire) e ho trovato qualche aspetto poco chiaro o in contraddizione a quanto detto in precedenza. Comunque, alla fine la storia mi è piaciuta.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought that this series couldn't get any better............it just did. As with all Nichole Severn's books, this one had me on the edge of my seat from the first to the last page.
Lettie now had yet another reason to hate hunter, Rome Foster, first he had walked out on her six months ago, no explanation, leaving her with just divorce papers on the table and a broken heart and now, just as she was trying to move on she found out that he had been hired to kill Sam.
Dr. Arlette (Lettie) Larson, an ecologist, was living in a camper van in Zion National Park, the GPS tracker that she had invented had been attached to a huge black bear, a bear she had called Sam, a bear that she had been studying for a long time, a bear whose power she respected but she still fed him strawberries.
Sam's life was in danger, three hideously mutilated bodies had been found in the park and Sam had been named as the killer, Lettie knew deep down that this wasn't true but now she had to face her ex husband who had been hired by the park authorities to track down and kill Sam.
This story is deep and emotional, Lettie had spent her whole life trying to live up to her parents high expectations but no matter how many accolades she achieved she never felt good enough, the one person she though that she could count on to love her was the only man that she had ever loved until.......
Rome's childhood was unbelievably horrific, he had secrets, secrets that he had been unable to share with Lettie, he knew that he wasn't good enough for her so he walked, he walked before she did.
This story follows Lettie and Rome as they are thrown together to track down a serial killer, as they talked more than they had talked in years, as they tried to understand one another, but neither knew just how close they both were to dying in the beautiful wilderness that was Zion National Park

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this latest addition to the series will get your heart beating fast and have you on the edge of your seats from the first page to the last.
Why are visitors being murdered in the Zion National Park known for its beauty not the danger? A question that has everyone on edge.
Lettie Larson , an ecologist, is living a very different life after her husband left divorce papers on the dining room table six months ago. Not having a reason for staying behind, she’s now in Zion, living in a camper, observing Sam, a black bear who has a prototype tracker created by Lettie.
Whom she never expected to come across is Rome Foster, her ex. Rome’s childhood was one no child should have experienced. He was left in the wild to fend for himself during his teens. He’s been contracted to find and kill Sam because it’s believed he’s the one doing the killings.
The encounter between them still shows feelings are still there, but so are the differences. Will Lettie be able to save Sam? Who is really the culprit and why are the killings occurring? Will these two survive the danger and live long enough to overcome their differences and find their HEA?
While the plot was engaging and the characters well developed and likable, this story is more than that.
This is a story about how someone’s childhood will affect the individual throughout their lives. That sometimes to survive you have to do the unthinkable. That relationships to flourish and survive take work , but so worthwhile.
This was another wonderful addition to the series. Where in this case, this couple get a second chance on life and love.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! She did it again! Nichole Severn continues to impress me with her writing. Her books get better and better. Dr. Lettie Lawson (Foster) is the newly hired ecologist in Zion. There are 3 visitors to the park who are dead and Sam, the black bear is being blamed. Lettie knows it is not Sam, since she has been studying and tracking him. Imagine her surprise when estranged and almost ex-husband Rome appears back in her life as the hunter hired to kill Sam. Lettie will not let that happen and they set off with one more thing between them. Rome had previously walked out on Lettie, leaving divorce papers on the table. They both had rough childhoods that are getting in the way of communicating what they need. As they face the danger and burden of proving which is right (kill Sam or save him) they begin to communicate and understand each other better, realizing they gave up on their marriage without discussing their problems. When Lettie winds up the object of the killer's obsession, Rome will do all within his power to rescue her and their future. This is an emotional and suspenseful roller coaster of a story, as Nichole does so well.
Thank you Nichole for the opportunity to read this story early. The opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger in the Backcountry is a painful and emotional journey filled with heartbreak, tension, and far too many dead bodies. Rome and Lettie are forced to confront the painful collapse of their marriage while danger constantly lurks around them.

I felt plenty of anger and frustration toward Rome for walking away, even while understanding the vulnerability behind his actions. At the same time, the lack of communication from both of them made their struggles even harder to watch unfold. Lettie was honestly difficult to like for much of the story, and despite understanding her reasons, I still struggled to connect with her at times.

Trying to repair a broken marriage becomes even more complicated when dead bodies keep appearing and a danger nobody expected, not even the bear they were tracking closes in around them. The story keeps you on edge with equal parts frustration, suspense, and emotional turmoil as danger seems to play a constant game of catch and release.

Despite the rocky journey, the story ultimately delivers a hard-earned HEA that makes the emotional ride worthwhile.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Another day in Zion National park with some murders. They are weird to say the least. It’s made to look like a bear attack, but Lettie Larson who is an ecologist knows better. The lead investigator just so happens to be her ex-husband Rome Foster. He has ordered to put the bear down. She won’t hear that from him.
It’s important she find Sam who she’s been studying. There’s a killer on the loose, and the killer has his eyes set on Lettie. Rome is very upset with Lettie which is putting it mildly. He doesn’t know where to begin with why he left those divorce papers. She has no clue. They soon learn the murders have something to do with her. When the killer tells her just that. She belongs to him, and no one will get in his way or they will die.
Rome is learning very quickly that this killer knows much more about him and Lettie. He needs to find her, and see what happens next.

A page turner that’s for sure. I was shocked to find out who’s behind these killings.
The ending was so perfect. It was so sentimental.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a part of a series it could be read as a stand alone but do yourself a favour and read them all you won't be disappointed

I absolutely loved this book! It is a complete page-turner from start to finish. The setting of Zion National Park is fantastic, and the plot instantly hooks you with a series of bizarre "bear attacks" that ecologist Lettie Larson knows just aren't right.

The tension between Lettie and her investigator ex-husband, Rome Foster, is incredibly high—he wants to protect her (and the local wildlife), but there are so many unspoken secrets and unresolved feelings about why their marriage ended. When the killer sets their sights directly on Lettie, the stakes skyrocket.

I was genuinely shocked when the mastermind behind the killings was finally revealed! The ending was absolutely perfect. If you love high-stakes romantic suspense with great tension and a gorgeous outdoor backdrop, you need to read this series!

[Bobbi Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adventure in Zion Park. Lettie is looking for Sam. He's a big furry guy...a black bear, She's a biologist tracking him for the NPS. She knows Sam and has actually fed him berries. But now he's supposedly killing hikers. With the help of a research assistant, Shawn, they are trying to prove it isn't Sam. But now there are 3 dead hikers and the ranger sent to hunt him down is her ex-husband Rome. With both of them coming from troubled backgrounds and not learning how to communicate with each other, it is like trying to mix oil and water.

The story takes you through the back country as they have to hunt the bear together. But danger follows Lettie and Rome must now hunt for her.

This book is character driven, and the underlying suspense and danger adding to the turmoil. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it. I did received and ARC copy, so the comments are my own.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estranged spouses reunite in the most unexpected way! The fifth book in Severn's Red Rock Murders series for Harlequin Intrigue was attention grabbing with the set up we are quickly thrust into. Not only are they estranged spouses, but they are chasing a killer at the same time as hunting the suspected murdering black bear she has been following as part of her research for years. The set up is interesting and the danger lurking keeps you guessing. I felt like there was some conflicting timeline when it comes to a couple of descriptions of his parents and life with the uncle, and it drug in parts ... but I did enjoy getting to the bottom of it all and seeing them reunite, though I wanted more of them together at the end. I'm enjoying the series, but the park life is hard to detail in a depth that we need in such a short length of a book without being a tad boring.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Severn’s books. This book was suspenseful, heartbreaking, and kept me on my toes. Dr. Lettie Larson is working in Zion National Park researching a black bear she named Sam. She had been working on a tracking devise that would not hurt the animals. Lettie was sure that Sam was not the bear that had mutilated at least three males in the park. She was shocked when she ran into her ex-husband Rome who had been hired to get rid of Sam. Lettie followed Rome to make sure he didn’t hurt Sam. The two got into some scary situations that I was glad Rome was there to help her. I was glad the two were able to talk about their marriage and try to figure out what happened. It was awful why the men were targeted and who did it. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it.

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series set in Zion National Park. There are lots of ups and downs as you twist your way to learning who is the killer and the final resolution. It definitely kept me hooked - had a hard time finding a stopping point last night. I was surprised that I liked the main male character, Rome, a lot more than the main female character, Lettie. My head understood her reactions based on her background but my heart was with Rome and pushing for his HEA. I was also very sympathetic toward Sam - yes, the bear. While this is part of a series, it can be read standalone as there are not any carryover characters. I receive the book early through a paid Harlequin subscription.

[G A I · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nail biter for sure. Lettie is such a badass and Rome, Rome is a survivor. Despite his upbringing, he made something out of himself. But their marriage wasn’t built to weather every storm. Because without a solid foundation, everything will fall apart. And Rome and Lettie didn’t have a good foundation. Yet in the midst of terrible things happening to hikers and her belief that her beloved black bear didn’t do it, something is still there. But with a stalker getting closer and closer to Lettie, they might not have the time to work it out. Not when there’s still a big secret Rome’s been hiding from her. And her stalker? He might be closer than they thought

[Sarahlizzy Blachman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect when I got this as an ARC read. Before reading this story I knew nothing of the author so I had no expectations.

I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed this story. The pacing of the story was excellent. It kept moving like it felt like I was there with them in the hunt for both the predator and the prey.

I could totally see this becoming a really good suspenseful action movie.

My only complaint was one of the more bumbling bonus characters that I fell either should’ve been more of a red herring or not included at all.

I’m looking forward to reading more of Nicole’s books in the future

Thanks for letting me read this

[Mark Menard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun, Fast-Paced Mystery
This book is a fast, engaging read packed with drama, action, and suspense. I really liked both Lettie and Rome, though their constant back-and-forth and lack of communication sometimes distracted from the main murder plot. Lettie’s impulsive choices also put herself and others in unnecessary danger, which was a bit frustrating. However, the story remains highly exciting, and the ending was a complete surprise that I never saw coming! I am thoroughly enjoying this series and eagerly look forward to the next book. I received an ARC from the publisher; this is my honest review.

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettie is researching a black bear, Sam, in the National park. She’s separated from her husband, Rome, a contractor of sorts with NPS. Of course they would meet up again after months without talking. People were killed in the park, it is thought the killer is Sam. As the two of them hunt the killer, the air is cleared and old feelings are hard to forget. All the books in the series are enjoyable with great characters and an intense storyline. While I enjoyed the intensity I kinda felt their chemistry was a little off, and communication was a bit unnatural. I received an early copy from Severn and wrote my review voluntarily.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me wound up and involved from the start. It was intense to say the least.

Ecologist Lettie is called in to investigate some potential bear attacks, but when things escalate, her ex Rome Foster is pulled into the investigation.

To say there is friction is an understatement, but as the danger escalates, Rome is more aware of the risk to not only himself but to Lettie. His protective instincts roar. Much to Lettie's chagrin. But that attraction that was always there needs somewhere to go.

Extremely well done and one book I really enjoyed. Can't wait for more! Just excellent!

[JustJeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next book in the series, and it does not disappoint, but just as dramatic and action-filled as all of Ms Severn’s books. A gripping plot, action scenes, twists and turns, and believable characters are all the perfect elements that creates a successful story for me. The excellent writing captures your interest and draws you instantly into the story. The action scenes and twist and turns get your heart pounding. And an HEA romance which is always enjoyable. Another excellent read, convincing characters that I cared about, I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the Red Rock Murders series, in which an impending divorce is one thing, but a killer bear in a national park makes for a horror no ecologist wants. And Lettie Larsen is in the middle of it all when the man who was/is her husband (soon to be ex-) also arrives, tasked with finding and killing the bear before he can kill any other tourists. But that bear has been the subject of Lettie's research and soon she is targeted by the killer.

How her soon-to-be-ex-husband reaches out to save her and she then revives their fraught relationship in the midst of all that blood--from four hikers killed--makes for a riveting adventure from first page to last.

[Sharon Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger In The Backcountry ( Red Rock Murders #5 ) by Nichole Severn is one fantastic book. Lettie Larson and Rome Foster are a divorced couple who are looking for a bear, who might have killed 3 people. Lettie is trying to prove the bear named Sam didn't kill anyone. Rome was hired to put the bear down. They butt heads over Sam. They have a lot to work through trying to get their differences worked out and evade a killer. I love this book. It has a lot of action and some romantic moments. I give the book 5 stars

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to Zion National Park and we have some more murders. Everyone thinks it's a black bear doing the killing but, Lettie has been working around this bear and knows he didn't do it. Rome who is Lettie's ex is in charge of finding the bear and putting him down. Lettie follows him and tries to persuade Rome it's not Sam along the way they find another body both realize it wasn't a bear attack. Finding out that Lettie has a stalker chances things fast. Twists and turns, danger, action, finding out who it could be after her leads them to growing closer and figuring out what's important in life.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘But, today, he had much bigger prey to find.’

This one is vicious right from the start and it never stops! Blood and gore dropping from trees and an estranged married couple at the heart of it all, not that they know it until it’s almost too late! He’s an expert hunter sent out into Zion to put down the bear a series of murders are attributed to. Rome doesn’t know Sam is his sort of ex-wife’s pet project and Lettie’s willing to do anything to keep that bear alive. Then the real predator makes himself known and it’s a rollercoaster ride down to the last page!

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettie and Rome were both deeply impacted by their childhood and the behaviour of the adults who should have cared for them. Neither is able to express how they feel leading to the breakdown of their relationship and ens of their marriage. But fate forces them together in a fast paced action packed struggle to survive a vicious killer, protect an innocent wild bear and maybe get another shot at a future together. Loved this couple and Sam the black bear. Fabulous descriptions of the stunning scenery too.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great addition to this series. Rome and Lettie were married (or maybe still are?) as they search for Sam, a black bear who is suspected of killing 4 hikers. Lettie has been tracking Sam for 6 months and is convinced that he didn't kill the hikers but Rome has been hired to kill the bear.

There are plenty of dangerous and suspenseful moments as they search for the bear and whoever has killed the hikers. At the same time, Lettie and Rome finally discuss what led up to him filing for divorce. I was surprised by some of the twists as the truth finally came out.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a start...wow look at the stunning cover!
This story stands alone, but reading the series gives you an insight into the gorgeous location and it's characters.
Rome and Dr Lettie are divorced, though not officially yet. He's at the National Park to hunt down a killer bear. Lettie is set to stop him and prove him wrong, she's been studying and researching this bear for months.
Bodies keep turning up appearing to be mauled but human signs are there too. Is there a serial killer in the Park?
This was one action packed page turner, I couldn't put it down.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger in the Backcountry (Red Rock Murders Book 5), my ninth read from author Nichole Severn, features National Park rangers in a dual-point-of-view second-chance romance thriller. “I received a complimentary 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 Vanished at Kolob Canyon (Red Rock Murders Book 6) next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a good insight into the erosion of marriage, the way any relationship needs to be nurtured and cherished to keep fresh and strong. Routine and structure are a must in everyday life, but putting the other first and spending time together seems to be the key.

The MCs show the same grit and strength helping them to survive impossible odds - and a bit of luck. I liked the story and the characters, including Sam, and overall it is a good plot.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing like having a serial killer provide the impetus to repair a relationship. As nail biting as the suspense is, it takes a backseat to the emotions that swirl deep; the situation sets the stage for Lettie and Rome to rediscover the version of each other that they fell in love with and to be open and honest in the present. Twists and turns deliver high adrenaline moments as these two fight to recover their relationship and save a bear in the process.

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic crime novel in the Zion Nationalpark. Working to safe a bear from a faith that wasn’t his fault. Suddenly brings Lettie close to her (ex)husband. From
Hunters to being hunted. Not only have they fight the killer but their past as well.
Action packed, unpredictable with a happy ending.