The murder of a small town mayor blows a cold case wide open. But less than twenty-four hours after the mayor’s body is found, the local authorities close the investigation. They’re calling it an open and shut case of a domestic argument gone wrong.
Ex-Military Special Investigator Mark Novak and true crime writer Eva Lah aren’t convinced it’s as simple as that. Eight years ago, a cold-blooded murderer got away with brutally killing a young woman. And now he’s covering his tracks. They are determined to stop him.
But this killer enjoys his freedom too much to let anyone expose him. If they get too close, this could be the last case Mark and Eva ever investigate.
Lena Bourne writes stories about independent and smart women who mean everything to the strong men they love. If you’re looking for deep emotions, hot bedroom scenes, and some suspense thrown in, look no further than her books.
If you sign up for my mailing lists, I promise not to ever spam you. You will, however, receive an early notice when I release new books, which will be available to you at a discount. Copy and paste this link to subscribe: http://eepurl.com/bzF6Wf
I love hearing from my readers! Here's just some ways you can find me online...
Bad Roads is book two in the E&M Investigations series and it is a murder mystery. From the first page until the last I was completely captivated and on the edge of my seat wondering who the killer was and if he would lose his freedom. This book is packed with intrigue, mystery, suspense, danger, twists, and characters that made this a fantastic read. I look forward to reading the next book by Lena Bourne. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Kindle Unlimited The second novel in the E&M Investigations series, Lena Bourne brings us more adventures in Slovenia, a part of former Yugoslavia. Her descriptions of this beautiful country are exquisite. Her characters are well defined and very human in scope. And her mystery is revealed in tiny hints - just the way I like it to be.
Eva Lah, the "E" of E&M Investigations, has written several true crime books about European serial killers over the last few years. Mark Novak, the "M", worked for years, mostly in Europe, as a Special Investigator for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Department. Together they make a fine team of criminal investigators.
They make a fine team at home, as well. They have recently moved in together into Mike's home in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Hopefully, they have worked through all the problems that made them separate years ago. In these new local deaths of the Mayor and his second wife, touted by the police as a murder/suicide, both Eva and Mike are sensing a link to a cold case from several years ago. They both feel like this, too, is most likely the work of a serial killer. Or are they seeing serial killers everywhere?
Though they worked well together as a team in the first book of this series, Pretty Places, in Bad Roads they are spread thin, and most of their communication with each other takes place on the phone or as text messages. I missed the camaraderie they shared in the first novel. However, this one gave Eva a chance to do some work on her own, and follow her own gut feelings and clues. It also, unfortunately, sends her out into the world without backup, and her choices will not always guarantee her safety. One hopes she will live long enough to star in future novels. I really enjoy Lena Bourne's style.
Don't overlook the Handy Names and Places Pronunciation Guide at the beginning of the book. Slovenian is an interesting -and confusing, language. Reviewed on December 5, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on Barnes&Noble, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
This book is exciting from the chilling murder on the first page through to the last words. Eva Lah and Mark Novak were passionately in love but they had spent three awful years apart, Mark couldn't live with the fact that Eva kept going the extra mile and putting her life in danger and Eva couldn't live with Mark trying to practically smother her in an attempt to keep her safe. They are back together now living happily in Mark's beautiful cottage until......... Mark is an ex special investigator for the US military and now leads a Europol Violent Crimes task force. Eva was an investigative journalist and now a writer but due to her skills, and much to Mark's dismay, she had been brought in the help the task force. When wealthy Anton Leskovar, mayor of the town, and his wife were found dead it was assumed to be murder / suicide, things didn't add up but the powers that be wanted it wrapping up quickly.........why ? could this be related to the grizzly murder of Anita Rajic and the disappearance of her sister Esme, were the mafia involved ?. This brilliant story is really convoluted, roads leading in all different directions mainly with dead ends. The body count escalates, Eva gets involved and Mark is walking on egg shells trying not to show how worried he is. I love Lena Bourns descriptive powers, I could feel the tension and frustration ,feel the chill in the dark creepy streets and practically smell the damp and rot is some of the buildings. The story involves human trafficking, kidnapping, drugs and numerous murders, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
E&M Investigations Series: Ms. Bourne writes an interesting, intriguing, and entertaining series. Well written story lines that move at a constant pace with a variety of well developed characters that hold the reader's interest. Enough clues and twists that guide and misdirect enough to include the reader in the investigations. I chain-read the first four books and never once did I get bored with or tired of what I was reading. I like that the romance is not dominant but a part of the story; it is not silly as in sexual thoughts, at any time, or sex scenes. Past events are rarely mentioned and only in passing, not in detail. Sources: My Kindle library and BookFunnel finds.
The Fall - I enjoyed my first read by this author. I'm not sure if this is a prequel since the book mentions The Fairytale Killer and Eva and Mike's relationship, but it is an interesting introduction to this series. Too easily solved by me but still entertaining. 4*
The Fairytale Killer, Prequel - Rather a sad motive behind the Killer's actions but an interesting read. The killer click for me just before the exposure/solution. 5*
Pretty Places, #1 - This takes place about three years after TFK ends. A lot has changed in those years, and then some have not. I figured out the killer from the clues, and gut feeling, but it took a while. Easy to get immersed in the pages and hard to put down. 5*
Bad Roads, #2 - Two months after PP and Eva and Mike and the gang are at it again. This time I didn't get the killer figured out. 5*
A Complex Murder Investigation by Jen B. (jepeb68)
Bad Roads is the second book in the E&M Investigations series. In this installment, Eva and Mark have settled into living together but they are still in the honeymoon phase. Mark starts investigating a new killing with his team and Eva realizes she wants to be part of the investigation even though she is currently working on her writing. They work on seperate parts of the investigation but they both play a critical role in solving the mystery.
I think the writing is really good. I enjoyed the character growth. The locations are beautifully described.
I didn't like this installment as much as the first installment. I wanted more of Eva and Mark together because they see the evidence from different perspectives. Also, this book was a really slow read. I can't put my finger on why.
I recommend this book if you like murder mysteries with interesting settings. This story takes place in Ljubljana, Slovenia and surrounding areas. This is a contemporary mystery story. If you are triggered by talk of human trafficking and violence against women, I don't recommend this to you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Asking questions about a 10-year unsolved grisly murder brings new violence - 4 stars
Mark and Eva are working together again but are working physically apart. Mark is trying to be a team leader rather than an investigator on his own but his passion to be in the middle of breaking events still comes out -- no surprise.
Trying to maintain a relationship with telephone calls and text messages is just as difficult as digging up evidence of past crimes. The older people in Bosnia and Serbia are leery of strangers. They offer rumors and opinions that may have tiny elements of truth.
Unfortunately there are several grammar and wording errors making the book seem as it had been written by a non-native English speaker. The pace was uneven. The characters are living in a country hoping for economic reform but seeing too much of the old Soviet hand. Handmade furniture, dilapidated buildings and comfort food get star attention.
The clues in this who-done-it lead to expecting a quick wrap up but quick is not going to happen. Past investigations were botched or squelched.
Driving at high speeds over low-quality roads to get to the next crime location gives the book its title. Women being trafficked provides the basis of the story.
I've liked the previous books in this series so I expected that I'd enjoy this one too. The book is well written and captures the reader, pulling you into the story. Many of the same characters as in the other stories, but if you haven't read them, it's no problem at all.
Mark is pulled into a new case that seems to have links to an old one. Eva, who worked on the previous murder with him, is ready to do some investigation on her own. One sister had been brutally murdered and her sister has been missing for a decade. Eva goes to their hometown to do her own investigation while Mark stays at headquarters with his team to work on other angles, including an apparent murder-suicide. Both meet opposition and obfuscation from potential witnesses. There was a cover up going on then and it continues. Women, who may be trafficked, are afraid to talk.
Exciting story, danger is hiding in plain sight. This book is for mature readers.
I was given an advance reader copy by the author. This is my honest review.
This is the second book in the E&M Investigations series, focusing on a Europol crime task force led by Mark and his significant other - Eva, an investigative journalist and true crime writer. The books can be read as standalones.
In Bad Roads, the investigation of an 8 year old murder is reopened when the main suspect is murdered. The author keeps you guessing and second guessing. Both the whodunnit and the motive was obscure for most of the book. Alongside the mystery, the reader also gains insight into the relationship dynamics between Eva and Mark. This in no way makes this book a romance but gives it a depth of character that may not always be present in these types of mysteries.
It should be noted that the mystery unravels very late in the book and also at breakneck speed. You will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I gave this one 3.5 stars. While I really enjoyed the previous books I felt that this one was kinda flat. It was slow moving and then add the disjointed team. Took Simon waaayyy to long to finally get on board when he’s the one that wanted this team. Then you have the new comer to the team who honestly sounds like he just got out of the police academy and not have been a cop for awhile.
Even though Eva has been more careful she still always finds trouble or is it that trouble finds her? Either way it means she’s in to something right? The story was a very good story just needed more suspense here and there.
What happens when you’re helping women who were trafficked get out but find yourself helping the traffickers instead? Will you find a way to stop them? Will you keep your mouth shut? Then throw in a horrific cold case murder and a decade long disappearance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A new author for me. I haven’t read the previous book but I will. This story is about Eva and Mark. Mark is on a new case that ties into a previous old one. Eva actually worked on the previous murder with him but now wants to investigate on her own. One sister had been brutally murdered and her sister has been missing for a decade. Eva goes to their hometown to do her own investigation while Mark stays at headquarters with his team to work on other angles, including an apparent murder-suicide. A few twists and turns. The storyline is suspenseful and gritty at time. Compelling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mark and his team have a new case to work on after the man believed to be the murder is killed, while Eva does her own investigating to see what she can turn up, unfortunately she also tends to put herself in danger too. I liked how both Mark and Eva's own way of work intertwine together and benefit the task although there is plenty of danger, some twists and a good red herring or two. This is the perfect mix of suspense, danger and some romance to keep you turning the page not only to see who the killer is but also how Mark and Eva's relationship grows.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The investigation into the death of a young woman years ago is reopened when a respected politician is shot and his wife is found dead in their home. The investigation links the politician to the young woman and Mark is asked to help with the investigation. Meanwhile his girlfriend, who is a journalist and investigator of murderers and even collaborates with the authorities on occasion, stays at home writing her new article. But Eva ends up getting involved in the case, so much so that she goes to the place of origin of the young woman in search of answers and boy! she finds them. I liked it a lot.
While I didn't dislike the book my reaction was a bit lukewarm. The characters seem a bit flat and could definitely use more depth. The story was scattered and the 'team' constantly at cross purposes. I'd like to see a more cohesive approach which I feel would enhance the story and draw readers into the characters lives.
Mark's team is in a race against time to stop a human trafficking ring and prevent more young women's deaths.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a good one and am glad I come across it. This is also first time in reading this author. A murder that doesn't take long to solve, what is up with that. Then of course we will find out that it really is not done. Mark and Eva think something else is going on. Something happened 8 yrs ago and the killer got away so we get to see that it does not happen again if they can help it. The killer has other plans so this could be a tough case if they want to stay alive. Turn the pages to stay on top of this with wanting the answers.
I didn’t like the topic of stolen and trafficked women, I didn’t like the ‘thinking of the two main characters about their relationship, in fact I found it almost amusing that the man thought deeply about his partner and their relationship , like what man actually does that?! The settings weren’t fleshed out well, it was hard to imagine. Mostly I didn’t like the topic. I will say that it had no bad language or open bedroom door scenes, although that was regularly hinted at.
Bad Roads (E&M Investigations, Book 2) by Lena Bourne is an awesome story that I have loved reading. This is book number two in this awesome series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read more. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about mysteries and thrillers.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
This is the second book in the series and it doesn't disappoint. Eva and Mark are living together now and they haven't been happier. When a new case comes up both want to investigate. Will they be able to get justice for a murder victim after 8 years. Plenty of twists and turns with some much drama and suspense. A must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Very good mystery. This book was quite a suspenseful ride. Eva and Mark are learning to work together and becoming a great team. They are starting to mesh with the rest of the task force. They all have to fight the bureaucracy and graft of the system to catch a killer. Bourne knows how to make the reader feel they are along side her characters. They are real and the action is exciting. I think this is the best book of all the E&M Investigations yet.
Bad Roads is the second book in the E&M Investigations series and is an exciting crime mystery.
I am loving this series and this book. The characters of Eva Lah and Mark Novak are intelligent and likable. The storyline is intriguing and has multiple murders, human trafficking, kidnapping, danger, and suspense. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've read a lot of books written by Lena Bourne; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the second book in the E&M Investigations Series; Eva & Mark are investigating another murder mystery when the local investigators decide to close the case, they don’t believe it’s like they say it is because of an old cold case that the victim was a suspect.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was amazing. I had never read anything by this author before and was pleasantly surprised and plan on reading book 1. It moves along at a great pace, has amazing characters that you want to know more about and a story that will keep you interested and reading until you reach the very last page. This is a book that must be read, no doubt about it.
I really enjoy this series and I am so glad I have discovered this author. The writing is very well developed but I also learn things about how international police and journalists work. The characters Mark and Eva are becoming even more developed with each book.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
Eva and Mark are investigating the murder of the local mayor. In doing so they open a cold case. The local authorities close the case within 24 hrs. This story has the twists that make for a good thriller. Something stinks with the rich and political in this town. Enjoy the resolution of this mystery. I did.
This is an exciting and intriguing murder/mystery with the main characters having a second chance at a relationship and a HEA. The storyline is well-paced with adventure, murder, deceit, twists, and a surprise ending. This book is entertaining, interesting and will keep the reader's attention throughout. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Lena Bourne has created another masterpiece. The mystery, suspense, anger, compassion....this book has it all. The characters all are entertwined and tell stories all on their own. The ending is so complex, you just can't put it down til you are done. Looking forward to the next adventure for Eva, Mark & the crew of investigators.
I’m not sure why I like these investigative tales so much. Mark is over protective of Eva and seriously self-doubting all the time. Eva is independent to the point of recklessness and she’s been beaten in the head in each of the books. Apparently she can’t learn. (Must be a head injury). Still, this was an interesting story of trafficking and violence. I’ll probably read the next one too.
An exciting crime mystery that pulls you in and holds you in its pages until you reach the end. A well developed story line danger, suspense, intrigue and mystery. The characters add so much element to the story and are intelligent and easy to get to know.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great story by the author , She has a wonderful way of describing the story that keeps the readers interest it's definitely a page turning that you don't wanna stop until it's finished together the main characters work well as a team and each 1 make sure the other 1 stay safe
Eva and Mark are thrown into a whirlwind case of murder, mutilation, human trafficking and deceit that goes beyond borders and nearly costs Eva her life. Exciting and intense, Book #2 in this series will have you guessing until the surprise ending. Recommended.