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Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery #3
Deputy Defender
He’s always had her back…Now can he earn her love?Deputy Dwight Prentice has secretly loved Brenda Stenson since they were teenagers. Now the auctioning off of a rare book has thrust the widowed museum curator into harm’s way. Keeping his Colorado town safe is the lawman’s most heartfelt mission. But protecting the innocent Brenda from a deadly threat will test Dwight’s limits as a law officer and as a man.Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery
- GenresRomantic SuspenseRomance
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2018
107 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Cindi Myers
458 books116 followersPseudonym: Cynthia Sterling
Cindi Myers worked as a newspaper reporter, travel agent and medical clinic manager before turning to writing full time. She's written both historical and contemporary romance, as well as dozens of short stories and nonfiction articles. Cindi thinks writers have the best job in the world.
Former president of San Antonio Romance Authors, Cindi is a member of Romance Writers of America, Novelists Inc., and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers.
She and her husband and their two dogs live in the mountains Southwest of Denver. When she's not caught up in creating new characters and stories, Cindi enjoys reading, quilting, gardening, skiing and hiking. She's also in demand as a speaker, teaching workshops and making presentations to both local and national writing groups.
Cindi Myers worked as a newspaper reporter, travel agent and medical clinic manager before turning to writing full time. She's written both historical and contemporary romance, as well as dozens of short stories and nonfiction articles. Cindi thinks writers have the best job in the world.
Former president of San Antonio Romance Authors, Cindi is a member of Romance Writers of America, Novelists Inc., and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers.
She and her husband and their two dogs live in the mountains Southwest of Denver. When she's not caught up in creating new characters and stories, Cindi enjoys reading, quilting, gardening, skiing and hiking. She's also in demand as a speaker, teaching workshops and making presentations to both local and national writing groups.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 8, 2019
3 stars is a high rating, given this contains a lot of my pet hate - leaving too many plot strands unresolved. The main story involves widow Brenda Stenson receiving threats over a book she intends to include in an auction to raise funds for the museum she works at. It's about the history of her town and its possible connection to the development of biological weapons during World War II. Our hero is Deputy Dwight Prentice, who has been in love with Brenda since high school. While the mystery of who is targeting Brenda is resolved, nothing else is. Here's what's left dangling at the end of this one:
Who murdered developer Henry Hake?
Why was Brenda's husband, Andy Stenson, murdered by Ian Barnes?
Why were Maya Renfro's sister and brother in law murdered?
Who is the mastermind orchestrating all of these deaths?
What is the mystery of the laboratory found up in the mountains at the abandoned resort?
See what I mean by too many plot lines left unresolved? I actually find it quite unacceptable. I compiled that quick list so I can come back to it, as the next book in the mini-series is next on my to-read list. I want to make sure I get answers to all these questions. Because despite not resolving much, I enjoyed the pacing and suspense of this book. Cindi Myers generally is one of the better authors in this line. It says a lot that I didn't dump this with a 2 star rating due to the lack of answers.
The romance between Dwight and Brenda was kind of tell-and-not-show. I think that's because the plot is just too busy. It was too difficult to feel the connection between hero and heroine because too much was going on. They were too distracted by all the plot strands - and so was I! Hopefully the next book can provide some much-needed answers.
Who murdered developer Henry Hake?
Why was Brenda's husband, Andy Stenson, murdered by Ian Barnes?
Why were Maya Renfro's sister and brother in law murdered?
Who is the mastermind orchestrating all of these deaths?
What is the mystery of the laboratory found up in the mountains at the abandoned resort?
See what I mean by too many plot lines left unresolved? I actually find it quite unacceptable. I compiled that quick list so I can come back to it, as the next book in the mini-series is next on my to-read list. I want to make sure I get answers to all these questions. Because despite not resolving much, I enjoyed the pacing and suspense of this book. Cindi Myers generally is one of the better authors in this line. It says a lot that I didn't dump this with a 2 star rating due to the lack of answers.
The romance between Dwight and Brenda was kind of tell-and-not-show. I think that's because the plot is just too busy. It was too difficult to feel the connection between hero and heroine because too much was going on. They were too distracted by all the plot strands - and so was I! Hopefully the next book can provide some much-needed answers.
August 16, 2018
Terrific continuation of the series as trouble continues to plague the small town of Eagle Mountain. I was hooked from the first page until I finished it, well after midnight. The book opens with Brenda receiving an anonymous threat regarding a rare book that is due to be auctioned during a museum fundraiser. A quick trip to the sheriff's office pairs her with Dwight, who is with her when she receives a second threat. Dwight is determined to protect Brenda and find out who is behind the threats.
I liked both Dwight and Brenda. Both made regular appearances in the first two books, Saved by the Sheriff and Avalanche of Trouble. Brenda is the widow of the lawyer murdered in the first book. Dismayed by the fact that she had known nothing about what he had really been like, Brenda is reluctant to trust any man. She guards her independence, but she is also smart enough to ask for help when she needs it. I liked her devotion to the town's museum and her enthusiasm in showcasing the area's history. Dwight is one of the deputies who has been present throughout the series. He's protective of the people in his town, but also not blind to people's faults. He tends to err on the side of caution when it comes to trusting people.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dwight and Brenda. They have known each other most of their lives. Brenda noticed him in high school, but he never seemed to pay much attention to her before they both went off to college. Unknown to her, Dwight had quite the crush on her but was a bit intimidated by her popularity. By the time they were both back in Eagle Mountain, Brenda was married. Since her husband's death, Dwight has kept an eye on her but hasn't had the courage to ask her out. Brenda has kept her emotions pretty well locked up and is surprised to discover that Dwight so easily gets past her walls. I loved the scene where she finally allowed herself to cry thanks to Dwight's understanding. Letting go of some of those feelings helped open her up to others, including the attraction that she could no longer deny. Though she had a few instances of second-guessing herself, I loved seeing the changes she went through as her feelings for Dwight grew. I loved his patience as he waited for her to work through those feelings. The ending was great.
The suspense of the book was fantastic. From the moment the first threat was received to the final confrontation, the tension built steadily. The center of this mystery was a rare book detailing some World War Two biological weapon research that took place somewhere in their county. There is a lot of interest in the book from collectors, as well as those with more nefarious motives. Someone is very determined to get their hands on the book, while someone else wants the book destroyed. Is there a connection between the research described in the book and the lab discovered at the abandoned resort? What about the still missing developer, Henry Hake? There are multiple people who could be involved. There is Parker Riddell, recently released from jail after serving time for drugs and armed robbery. Is his interest in volunteering at the museum legit, or does he have his eye on more than just helping Brenda with the displays? Then there is Eddie Carstairs, former reserve deputy and all around pain in the neck. Why is he so determined to play security guard at the museum? And who is Robert Brownley, really? Is he the wealthy businessman/collector he claims to be? I could not put the book down as I waited to see what would happen next. As the auction grew closer, the threats against Brenda also escalated. The final confrontation was intense with a couple of unexpected twists. While the immediate issue was resolved, the mystery surrounding Eagle Mountain Resort continues to grow. I can't wait to read the next book and see if those questions are finally answered.
I liked both Dwight and Brenda. Both made regular appearances in the first two books, Saved by the Sheriff and Avalanche of Trouble. Brenda is the widow of the lawyer murdered in the first book. Dismayed by the fact that she had known nothing about what he had really been like, Brenda is reluctant to trust any man. She guards her independence, but she is also smart enough to ask for help when she needs it. I liked her devotion to the town's museum and her enthusiasm in showcasing the area's history. Dwight is one of the deputies who has been present throughout the series. He's protective of the people in his town, but also not blind to people's faults. He tends to err on the side of caution when it comes to trusting people.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dwight and Brenda. They have known each other most of their lives. Brenda noticed him in high school, but he never seemed to pay much attention to her before they both went off to college. Unknown to her, Dwight had quite the crush on her but was a bit intimidated by her popularity. By the time they were both back in Eagle Mountain, Brenda was married. Since her husband's death, Dwight has kept an eye on her but hasn't had the courage to ask her out. Brenda has kept her emotions pretty well locked up and is surprised to discover that Dwight so easily gets past her walls. I loved the scene where she finally allowed herself to cry thanks to Dwight's understanding. Letting go of some of those feelings helped open her up to others, including the attraction that she could no longer deny. Though she had a few instances of second-guessing herself, I loved seeing the changes she went through as her feelings for Dwight grew. I loved his patience as he waited for her to work through those feelings. The ending was great.
The suspense of the book was fantastic. From the moment the first threat was received to the final confrontation, the tension built steadily. The center of this mystery was a rare book detailing some World War Two biological weapon research that took place somewhere in their county. There is a lot of interest in the book from collectors, as well as those with more nefarious motives. Someone is very determined to get their hands on the book, while someone else wants the book destroyed. Is there a connection between the research described in the book and the lab discovered at the abandoned resort? What about the still missing developer, Henry Hake? There are multiple people who could be involved. There is Parker Riddell, recently released from jail after serving time for drugs and armed robbery. Is his interest in volunteering at the museum legit, or does he have his eye on more than just helping Brenda with the displays? Then there is Eddie Carstairs, former reserve deputy and all around pain in the neck. Why is he so determined to play security guard at the museum? And who is Robert Brownley, really? Is he the wealthy businessman/collector he claims to be? I could not put the book down as I waited to see what would happen next. As the auction grew closer, the threats against Brenda also escalated. The final confrontation was intense with a couple of unexpected twists. While the immediate issue was resolved, the mystery surrounding Eagle Mountain Resort continues to grow. I can't wait to read the next book and see if those questions are finally answered.
September 12, 2018
From the very first words, a brilliant opening sentence, I was intrigued and enthralled by this story. These Eagle Mountain murder mysteries have proven to be entertaining, action and passion filled tales that with constant plot twists mesmerize the minds of the readers.
Deputy Dwight Prentice, the solid, hardworking, straight-talking, cowboy cop has been attracted to Brenda since their days in high school. Life happened and they never got the chance to see if there was something more into the attraction, until now that Brenda is a widower and her life seems to be in danger.
Brenda has faced more tragedy and trouble in her life than most people experience through their lifetime. Yet she is a strong, surviving woman. She has held herself together by the sheer will of her mind at times, understandably guarding her heart against more disappointments and sorrow. To let her guard down would take some time, to trust again even more effort. But deputy Dwight might be just the person to slip through her reservations, at least the temptation to let him into her heart and soul is strong.
The twist in the plot kept coming. The threats to the museum and to Brenda are constant, and the crimes, petty malice towards her are puzzling. Everything seems to be connected to the book on the auction at the museum, but is the book also connected to the missing developer Henry Hake and the land he owns at the edge of the town?
The suspense is alluring and hooked me into the investigation, there are still many curious questions left unanswered towards the development and Henry Hake, unsolved crimes, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.
Brenda and Dwight's tangible connection, the nearly visible zizzle of the attraction, was filled with passion and well balanced with the adorable sweetness of the fragile trust that is developing between them. The constant threats towards Brenda kept me on my toes while I was sighing and swooning over Dwight guarding the love of his life.
I love the world the author has created in the small town in Eagle Mountain. The charming characters are well thought out, the ardent romances developing swept me off my feet, while the gripping tension from the riveting suspense is edgy, dangerous, and deadly. A must-read series for sure!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Deputy Dwight Prentice, the solid, hardworking, straight-talking, cowboy cop has been attracted to Brenda since their days in high school. Life happened and they never got the chance to see if there was something more into the attraction, until now that Brenda is a widower and her life seems to be in danger.
Brenda has faced more tragedy and trouble in her life than most people experience through their lifetime. Yet she is a strong, surviving woman. She has held herself together by the sheer will of her mind at times, understandably guarding her heart against more disappointments and sorrow. To let her guard down would take some time, to trust again even more effort. But deputy Dwight might be just the person to slip through her reservations, at least the temptation to let him into her heart and soul is strong.
The twist in the plot kept coming. The threats to the museum and to Brenda are constant, and the crimes, petty malice towards her are puzzling. Everything seems to be connected to the book on the auction at the museum, but is the book also connected to the missing developer Henry Hake and the land he owns at the edge of the town?
The suspense is alluring and hooked me into the investigation, there are still many curious questions left unanswered towards the development and Henry Hake, unsolved crimes, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.
Brenda and Dwight's tangible connection, the nearly visible zizzle of the attraction, was filled with passion and well balanced with the adorable sweetness of the fragile trust that is developing between them. The constant threats towards Brenda kept me on my toes while I was sighing and swooning over Dwight guarding the love of his life.
I love the world the author has created in the small town in Eagle Mountain. The charming characters are well thought out, the ardent romances developing swept me off my feet, while the gripping tension from the riveting suspense is edgy, dangerous, and deadly. A must-read series for sure!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
November 18, 2024
Same as the rest of the series - not bad, quick read. I thought the action was a bit better in this one than say, the first book.
Nitpicky thoughts though (sorry 😂):
- I was wondering if we'd get any answers about the underground lab that was found in #2. We don't. Though I am guessing what it's all about - I was hoping for more confirmation before now. That will be book #4, presumably.
- At least we are one step closer to the Henry Hake mystery with him being no longer missing. I assume in #4 we will know who the killer is?
- Eddie is a cop version of those ppl that want to be a hero firefighter so bad, they do arson and arrive on scene to get the accolades (and don't care if they kill ppl to do it). It made me wonder, I get this is a small rural sheriff department, but was there not a psych eval before accepting him into the academy or hiring him? He was a reserve deputy, but wouldn't they go through the same process/training? While he could have hid his tendencies, I think some of it would show though (esp anger, quick to action, etc) and they might have caught things that would show he is not a good fit for being a cop. Because he's not. He has no business being a cop or security guard. I wasn't sad to see his demise, good riddance.
- I wasn't sure how, if Brenda was going to get so little from the insurance policy on her house, she thought she was going to rebuild it as a 3-4 unit living accommodation on the property. With what money? I mean... 🤨🤷🏻♀️
- Romance was typical on Intrigue imprint (less focus than Romantic Suspense imprint). This HEA felt a bit more natural as they had history. This is a he-fell-first sort of deal too.
Nitpicky thoughts though (sorry 😂):
- I was wondering if we'd get any answers about the underground lab that was found in #2. We don't. Though I am guessing what it's all about - I was hoping for more confirmation before now. That will be book #4, presumably.
- At least we are one step closer to the Henry Hake mystery with him being no longer missing. I assume in #4 we will know who the killer is?
- Eddie is a cop version of those ppl that want to be a hero firefighter so bad, they do arson and arrive on scene to get the accolades (and don't care if they kill ppl to do it). It made me wonder, I get this is a small rural sheriff department, but was there not a psych eval before accepting him into the academy or hiring him? He was a reserve deputy, but wouldn't they go through the same process/training? While he could have hid his tendencies, I think some of it would show though (esp anger, quick to action, etc) and they might have caught things that would show he is not a good fit for being a cop. Because he's not. He has no business being a cop or security guard. I wasn't sad to see his demise, good riddance.
- I wasn't sure how, if Brenda was going to get so little from the insurance policy on her house, she thought she was going to rebuild it as a 3-4 unit living accommodation on the property. With what money? I mean... 🤨🤷🏻♀️
- Romance was typical on Intrigue imprint (less focus than Romantic Suspense imprint). This HEA felt a bit more natural as they had history. This is a he-fell-first sort of deal too.
August 6, 2018
This is the 3rd book in the series of Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery. In this one we meet Deputy Dwight Prentice and Brenda Stenson. Brenda is afraid to love after losing her husband. Its about a mystery that started in the 1st book with the missing of Henry Hake and like the previous books there is a new mystery afoot. I love how she brings the characters from previous books into each of the stories. They each have a part in each of the books no matter how big or small it is. I love how she always adds a new mystery into each book. Then it makes you curious to see how it goes. So it has you turning the page to see what is next. This book is fascinating for there is neat twist and turns in this one. I can't wait to see what is next in the book that follows.
August 11, 2018
“Deputy Defender” by Cindi Myers continues the Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery miniseries.
Dwight Prentice is a deputy with the Sheriff’s department and has been in love with Brenda Stenson for years. When Brenda’s life is threatened, he steps in to protect her.
After her husband’s murder three years ago, and Brenda discovered he wasn’t the man she thought he was, she decides to rely on herself and not a man. But Dwight is there at every turn to help her and for her to lean on.
With an attention-grabbing opening, “Deputy Defender” slowly builds with anticipation until the end has you gasping with surprise. The mystery of the Eagle Mountain Resort deepens as Ms. Myers continues to craft a classic whodunit.
Dwight Prentice is a deputy with the Sheriff’s department and has been in love with Brenda Stenson for years. When Brenda’s life is threatened, he steps in to protect her.
After her husband’s murder three years ago, and Brenda discovered he wasn’t the man she thought he was, she decides to rely on herself and not a man. But Dwight is there at every turn to help her and for her to lean on.
With an attention-grabbing opening, “Deputy Defender” slowly builds with anticipation until the end has you gasping with surprise. The mystery of the Eagle Mountain Resort deepens as Ms. Myers continues to craft a classic whodunit.
September 28, 2021
Another intriguing romance to enjoy. Also, it's a second chance romance. I bought this at the local library sale and I've voluntarily chose tor review this story. I've given it a 4.5* rating but it's not for the under 18 readers. It starts with a threatening note and it keeps going from there. I found it hard to put down. Kind of interesting ending.
September 13, 2018
Harlequin Intrigue. Easy read.
Mystery, chaos, friendship and finally love!!
Sometimes ya just need a read with a little fluff....
Mystery, chaos, friendship and finally love!!
Sometimes ya just need a read with a little fluff....
January 10, 2021
Wonderful Story
I didn’t know that so many things can happen to one person and she just went on, it was something to read about......
I didn’t know that so many things can happen to one person and she just went on, it was something to read about......
August 2, 2023
I finished this book in the early hours. I loved reading as it was part of Colorado Justice and I loved reading it very much it wad the 3rd book in the series.
August 22, 2025
I was completely disappointed in the ending of this book. It left too many loose ends. I do not recommend this book at all.
October 18, 2018
4,5 stars
Brenda wants to put a rare book on auction to raise money for the museum, but somebody doesn't like that and Brenda starts receiving threats and told to burn the book or else...? She decided to not follow the threat and goes to a sheriff's office, where deputy Dwight starts to deal with the situation. Dwight starts to protect Brenda and figuring out who is behind it all. The case gets more and more serious and the attraction between Dwight and Brenda deepens along the way.
I just love this series, each book is so intense that you can't put the book down. I have yet to read two other books in the series and as each book has its own mystery there's a mystery that has had a big role throughout the series and will be solved in the final book. I highly recommend this series to anybody who likes mystery and suspense books.
Brenda wants to put a rare book on auction to raise money for the museum, but somebody doesn't like that and Brenda starts receiving threats and told to burn the book or else...? She decided to not follow the threat and goes to a sheriff's office, where deputy Dwight starts to deal with the situation. Dwight starts to protect Brenda and figuring out who is behind it all. The case gets more and more serious and the attraction between Dwight and Brenda deepens along the way.
I just love this series, each book is so intense that you can't put the book down. I have yet to read two other books in the series and as each book has its own mystery there's a mystery that has had a big role throughout the series and will be solved in the final book. I highly recommend this series to anybody who likes mystery and suspense books.
August 28, 2021
Too many characters, too many unnecessary details that didn't have anything to do with the story, too many unanswered questions on who the murderer was & why. Apparently this is part of a series & you have to read them all in order to get answers. No thanks. Weak romance & meandering mystery that had too many components and no solutions
Read
August 1, 2018Miniseries: Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery
Read
August 1, 2018Miniseries: Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery
October 12, 2018
2 stars
I don't know why but I couldn't connect with the characters. They were just so wishy-washy. It was like they couldn't express their feelings, at least, I felt that while reading it. That left me empty at the end and kind of bored. I could care less about them, that tells you something. The writing wasn't bad technically but it didn't improve my mood. I left it a few times to clear my mind and continue wih the book.Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews