When DNA evidence links Lieutenant Quinn Colson’s brother to the scene of a grisly murder, Quinn realizes he'll do anything to keep his brother from returning to prison, even if it costs him his job… and the woman who’s stolen his heart.
Shooting range owner by day, yoga instructor by night, Bobbi Cross is as ironic as her two businesses—she’s an independent, tough-as-nails woman, except when she’s meditating away the discontentment she feels inside. But no amount of Zen can help her when she finds her business partner bludgeoned to death in a burning house. The scene is something straight out of a horror movie, excluding the smothering hot Police Lieutenant who saves her from the flames.
Quinn Colson accepted a position at the police department in the small, southern town of Berry Springs for one reason—to keep an eye on his little brother, newly released from prison. He couldn’t care less that the locals eye him like the plague, until he meets a green-eyed stunner at the scene of his first big case. Bobbi Cross is nothing like anyone he’s ever met, and when they team up to solve her friend’s murder, it becomes evident that no woman in town is safe from the ruthless killer, including Bobbi.
With a mountain of evidence that doesn’t appear to link together, the case is as confusing as his growing feelings for the town’s sweetheart… until a DNA test connects his brother to the scene of the crime. In an instant, Quinn’s world is turned upside down, and he realizes he’ll do anything to keep his brother from returning to prison, even if it costs him his job… and the woman who’s stolen his heart.
Amanda McKinney is the Amazon Charts bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than thirty romance and thriller novels. Her books have received over fifteen literary awards and nominations, including the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and have been included in lists such as POPSUGAR's 12 Best Romance Books, and featured on the Today Show.
Text AMANDABOOKS to 66866 to receive Amanda's newsletter and get the latest on new releases, promos, and freebies!
The storyline was good but I'm tired of the beautiful people. The heroine in this story, like all the others is drop dead gorgeous, young, fit and basically perfect. Enough already. Also the word "smirk" is used way to much in all of her books. I'm sorry Amanda you are a great writer but it would be nice if you would change it up a bit.
My first Berry Springs novel and I start with Book 5. Still it made sense and I did not feel as if I was missing something. The Creek is a good read and I would recommend it to any adult who enjoys a little sex with their mystery.
I was pretty much glued to my reader as I read The Creek, bk#5 in the Berry Springs series by Amanda McKinney. I am finding the books in this series great suspenseful reads without being overly graphic. The Creek was the 3rd book I’ve read in this series, and oddly enough, I am reading them somewhat backward - gradually working my way toward the earlier books (The Cave/book#6 with the spelunking/forensic anthropologist themes and then The Fog/bk#4 with the entomologist/gun smith caught my attention first). I enjoyed reading The Creek and recommend it to readers of romantic suspense, readers who appreciate law enforcement characters, those who appreciate characters defined by loyalty, strength, focus, intelligence, and “never-say-die” attitudes. :D The Berry Springs series contains 7 novels and Amanda McKinney has additional series as well. I hope to work my way through them them all. In The Creek, I connected with both Bobbi and Quinn. They seemed like real people who I could respect, and were involved in a terrible situation. I wanted Quinn to quickly solve the case so they could get their HEA. :D
In the small town of Berry Springs nestled within the Ozarks Mts, FMC/Bobbi Cross owns and operates both a gun shooting range and a yoga fitness studio - pretty cool. MMC/Lt Quinn Colson has recently moved from Dallas and has accepted a position on the BSPD. The locals still consider Quinn an “outsider” which initially hinders his investigation into the death and sexual assault of a local woman. The residents want to believe the perpetrator is a stranger; Quinn believes otherwise. And the evidence is pointing close to home.
Reading Cautions - Violence - yes. A woman has been killed and sexually assaulted, however, the story breaks away before the details get too graphic. I avoid overly graphic material and I was okay with this. Profanity- yes. Characters are former military and stressed, overworked law enforcement. So strong language perhaps 20-25+ times. Sexual situations- yes. Beginning at 86% in my reader. The Creek is mainly about the solving of the crime and not simply the MCs relationship. IMO, the intimacy scene could be skipped by readers who prefer to do so without missing anything critical in the plot. I enjoyed The Creek and recommend it except to those who would be offended by the aforementioned. I would not recommend it to young readers - perhaps under 18.
I couldn't wait to pay another visit to Berry Springs, my favorite small town down in the Ozark mountains. Well, the wait was definitely worth it! Amanda McKinney gives us another amazing tale of murder, mystery and lots of steam! The prologue alone will have a non-smoker bumming a cigarette! McKinney seems to be honing her craft with every new installment in her series and we are all beneficiaries. She took this book to another level. I read this book in one day because I simply could not put it down. Do yourself a favor and read this book, you will NOT be disappointed!
Very well written, as usual by this author. There's suspense, slow burn romance with some steam, a murder involving some uncomfortable scenes and a few red herrings. I didn't guess who the UNUB was. A great story - not that long, but not a novella. I've enjoyed everything I've read by this author.
The Creek is a good story with great characters. Bobbi Cross and Quinn Colson are the lead characters. Quinn is the new Lieutenant to Berry Springs, he has moved to the area for a fresh start for his brother. Landon Colson is a recovering accident and served time. Quinn is trying to help Landon cope with his demons. When a local woman that was dating Landon is brutally killed, he because prime suspect. Quinn will set out to find the real killer while keeping his attraction to the beautiful Bobbi Cross at bay. Bobbi Cross is pulled into the murder investigation because she is found her friend. If you read The Fog than you have been introduced to the gun slinging, Yoga instructor little sister to Wesley Cross. Bobbi is one tough female lead but she has a vulnerable side that only Quinn sees. Bobbi wants to help solve her friends murder but could she be the next victim? I highly recommend Reading The Fog. Happy Reading!!!
## Outstanding read. Came across this by chance, loved the synopsis, decided to buy it and give it a go. So glad I did. First let me say that this works perfectly as a stand alone. I didn't know it was part of a series going in. Second, this is a murder mystery first, with a little romance interwoven. Just the right balance for me. I have to disagree with a previous reviewer about the heroine. I adored her. I was thrilled that she was strong, capable, AND beautiful. I detest when authors write mousy heroines to be more realistic. I read to escape reality for a while so I like my characters to be pretty. It was fun following along with the clues a la Criminal Minds (ish) and it kept my interest throughout. Can't wait to check out the others in this series. Highly recommended.
Wow!! The Creek is a spectacular romantic suspense by Amanda McKinney. Ms. McKinney has once again impressed me with the way she can keep me on the edge of my seat with the suspense in her books. The Creek is a well-written story with a cast of characters that is outstanding. Bobbi is the owner of a target shooting/gun shop and a yoga studio. She finds her friend murdered and her house one fire. Quinn is the new lieutenant at the Berry Springs PD and was there to witness Bobbi carrying the body of her friend from the fire. Quin and Bobbi's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. This book held me captive from start to finish and I look forward to reading more from Amanda McKinney soon. The Creek is part of the Berry Springs Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Amanda McKinney creates a perfect mystery of bad things happening to good people in Berry Springs. The Creek features Berry Springs PD Lt. Quinn Colton, a strapping hunk new to town, and Bobbi Cross, a hometown entrepreneur as smart and tough as she is beautiful. The two are thrown together when Bobbi finds her friend Hannah murdered, and Quinn and the BSPD come to investigate. Their efforts to solve the crime put Quinn and Bobbi squarely in the killer’s crosshairs. Multiple attempts on their lives, plus the kidnap of a local reporter, ramp up the tension and anxiety. McKinney crafts layer upon layer of suspense — I read till 3 AM to finish the book — and I was surprised by the identity of the killer! I love this series!
It's time for Wesley's sister to take final stage. Bobbi Cross stumbles across a fire at her friends house, when she goes to help she sees a man fleeing. New cop in town Lt. Quinn Colson arrives on the scene in time to see Bobbi dragging out her friends body. He is immediately taken with the strong beautiful woman and it seems that the feeling is mutual. However when his ex con younger brother is in the frame for the murder he has to decide how much he will sacrifice to save him. His job, his life or maybe the woman he has come to care for. Bobbi's story is a tale of obsessive love that leads to murder and kidnap. As well as the familial bonds that bind. Another great entry in the Berry Springs series that I read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Had hopes for this one. Successful, ambitious, “smart” heroine…who then proceeds to be incredibly stupid. “Yeah, I know someone’s trying ti kill me, so now is an especially good time to traipse off to a deserted resort by myself and for me to be sure that I make myself the easiest possible target. Also, the red herring suspects in this book were so obvious, I felt like I was losing IQ points, the further I got into the book. And how exactly does an “overprotective” brother let his sister out of his sight the day after she’s attacked. There are SO many other annoying, erroneous details or non-sensical plot devices that it was difficult to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the story.
The Creek is another great book by Amanda McKinney, and even if it's part of the Berry Springs series, in can be perfectly read as a stand alone. Great suspense and great romance.
My only concerns with this book (and the reason it's getting four stars instead of five) have to do with a few plot details that do not make sense - for example, when Bobbi is sent home from the hospital recovering from a concussion and on pain medication and thinks it's wise to drink whisky, or when she's kissing Quinn like there's no tomorrow right after being kicked in the face (that had to hurt, right?).
In any case, and discounting the above, if you love romantic suspense The Creek is still a book you shouldn't miss.
Lt Quinn Colson stepped up from detective and moved to Berry Springs to look out for his brother, ex-con, ex-addict and ex-promising basketballer, Landon. At a murder scene, Quinn saw entrepreneur Bobbi Cross exiting the burning house, bloody from a head wound and holding the limp body of her friend, the victim. Bobbi’s helpful, having glimpsed the culprit leave and taken pictures before moving the body.
Bobbi continues to help as she and Quinn try to keep their relationship professional but the strong attraction is mutual. Meanwhile, the rumor spreads quickly that Bobbi saw the murderer and she’s attacked in her home just as Landon’s DNA is found at the murder scene. Plus, a local reporter is kidnapped. Rating: 4.75stars
Wow, another great addition to the Berry Springs novels. I really loved the suspense in the beginning and wondering who could have done the murder, and what happened to make him kill the woman. Then there is Quinn who is trying to fit in, but regardless of how the town feels about him, he is determined to catch the person who killed the woman. I love the energy between Bobbi and Quinn. Total twists in the plot and great suspense! The author has a talent of pulling you into the story and gets you involved and you don't want to put the book down. I highly recommend you get all the books in the series and start reading with the first one!! GO!!! Now!!!!
This is another enthralling murder mystery that takes place in Berry Springs. I was looking forward to Bobbi’s chance as the leading lady, as I knew it would take a special and strong man to attract the attention of Wesley’s independent little sister. It seemed only appropriate that it would take an outsider to get under the many layers of Bobbi Sue Cross. Yes, the new Police Lt. Quinn Colson that recently moved to the Ozark from Texas to Barry Springs, was man enough to get to the heart of Bobbi while solving the latest murder and protecting his younger brother. I really thought the this time I knew who the villain was, but once again I was wrong.
Bobbi is the tough and tender sister of one of the MCs from an earlier book. Quinn is a lieutenant with Berry Springs PD where moved to keep an eye on his ex con brother. Sharing similar backgrounds, Quinn quickly learns the two sides of Bobbi, a partial witness to her friend's murder which he is investigating. When his brother is linked to the victim and he learns Bobbi lied to him, all he wants is to put Berry Springs in the rear view mirror. Vowing to clear his brother at any cost, keeping Bobbi safe is a competing task. There is also sexy time but not until almost the end of the story.
LT Quinn Colson has moved to the small town of Berry Springs to help his baby brother, a recovering drug addict and ex-con. One of his first cases is the gruesome murder of a woman...employee and friend of shooting range owner/yoga instructor, Bobbi Cross. The off-the-charts chemistry between the two is palpable and is almost derailed when DNA evidence points to Quinn’s brother as the suspect. Let’s not forget the killer who will stop at nothing to get to Bobbi! Good romantic suspense story. Didn’t guess the killer!
This was a well written story. I lost a night of sleep because I couldn't put it down. I loved all the suspense and trying to figure out who the killer was. I felt bad because like Quinn and Bobbi I couldn't figure out who done it. I also felt bad for Landon. He was trying so hard to honor his brothers wishes and stay clean and sober. Than to be back in jail because of his DNA being at the victims home. So sad. I am just glad that the killer was caught and Quinn and Bobbi are together. Thank you I enjoyed this story.
The Creek by Amanda McKinney is filled with intriguing characters and storylines that twist and turn all through the Ozark Mountains. Amanda's writing style is riveting so you will be glued to the very end. Who knew a little town like Berry Springs could have so much going on! I loved reading this book in one sitting and recommend it for a cozy reading chair and a favorite glass of your choice...
Friendship, murder, and love This book is so good that I didn’t want to put it down for anything (not even food). Grabbing my attention from the first page, this story centered on the gruesome murder of two of Bobbi’s best friends and attempt on Bobbi herself. There are twists, turns, ups, and down that will keep you riveted to the story. I have become a fan and will be reading the other books by this excellent author. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
The Creek isn’t in the data base. An enthralling mystery which kept me guessing until the final reveal...and I did get that OMG moment! I enjoy my trips to Berry Springs and each visit gets better and better. This one has everything; a smoldering policeman, a captivating mystery, attempted arson and a murder. Take a trip to Berry Springs and see what I am raving about for yourself. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a very good read. I had absolutely no idea who the killer was. Lots of twists and turns in the p!it and just in the fringe was the real killer. These are great characters. You like them and understand all there frailties. I've enjoyed this entire series of books!
This whole series is utterly fantastic and always leaves me wanting more. In this story the beginning was a tiny bit slow for me but then once it started on a rollercoaster ride and I could not put it down. I can hardly wait for the next book. She has another series that I love too, the Black Rose Investigator series. Mrs McKinney is my new favorite writer.
Lieutenant Quinn has his first murder when he meets the tough and tender Bobbi. Now he has to help his brother, find a murderer and keep the woman he’s falling for safe. This series just keeps getting better. Deep characters and great storylines. Super read! Enjoy!!!
The Creek is another brilliant addition to the Berry Springs Series for McKinney. She pulls you in to the story from page one until the end. Bobbi and Quinn were a match made in heaven. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
4.5. stars! So excited to find a new author and new series that I really enjoyed. I have no idea how I stumbled upon book #5 first! Reads like a stand alone - but I'm definitely going back to book #1. Good characters and small town setting. Good mystery that had me guessing until the end.
This is a fast paced story that is totally entertaining to read. There are well developed characters the reader comes to care about. The suspense builds to an exciting climax which then leads to a satisfying conclusion.
Very original, knowledgeable crime story. Realistic story-line, moving rapidly along. Believable characters, background locale sets the mood, story line and the surprise ending. Great book.