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Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy #6
Cold Case at Cardwell Ranch
Buried secrets threaten a lawman
And a woman with everything to lose.
A grisly discovery at the bottom of an abandoned well leads cold-case detective Waco Johnson to Cardwell Ranch—and a thirty-year-old unsolved homicide. When evidence points to Ella Cardwell’s missing mother as the murderer, Waco knows he'll need the Montana rancher's help to find the vanished woman. Ella’s desperate search for answers uncovers family secrets that could break the case wide open…and thrust Ella and Waco into a killer's sights.
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
And a woman with everything to lose.
A grisly discovery at the bottom of an abandoned well leads cold-case detective Waco Johnson to Cardwell Ranch—and a thirty-year-old unsolved homicide. When evidence points to Ella Cardwell’s missing mother as the murderer, Waco knows he'll need the Montana rancher's help to find the vanished woman. Ella’s desperate search for answers uncovers family secrets that could break the case wide open…and thrust Ella and Waco into a killer's sights.
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2021
159 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Daniels
512 books1,257 followersB.J. Daniels started her life in Houston, Texas, before her family moved to Montana at age five. She grew up in a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and later on Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone. Because of her love for Montana, most of her books are set there.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 14, 2021
I'm sad that the Cardwell books are ending! I've read them all and will miss this family and all the characters! This was a fitting ending to the series. You don't have to read the other books but you are missing out if you don't! When bones is found in an abandoned well, Waco Johnson knows they are decades old. He's a cold case detective and the discovery soon leads him to Cardwell Ranch. Ella Cardwell's mother is soon a suspect and she runs. Ella has always known her mother has secrets but when she can't find her, she sets out on her own investigation and Waco is following HER! What they find is not anything that they expected! And the murder victim left behind a family that was ruthless so they aren't going to stand for Ella's poking around! Fantastic characters and fantastic story!
September 21, 2021
The cover is misleading.
June 14, 2021
If you have ever read any of B.J. Daniels book then you know that you are in for a treat this one does not disappoint. Once I picked it up and started reading it was hard to put down.
Ella is worried about her Mom who keeps disappearing and then comes back after a couple of days but never tells anyone where she goes. Trying to tell a little about the book but not giving spoilers is really hard unless I tell you basically what the blurb tells you.
In my opinion if you want an awesome book to read that will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you intrigued through the whole book then look no further this is an awesome read.
Ella is worried about her Mom who keeps disappearing and then comes back after a couple of days but never tells anyone where she goes. Trying to tell a little about the book but not giving spoilers is really hard unless I tell you basically what the blurb tells you.
In my opinion if you want an awesome book to read that will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you intrigued through the whole book then look no further this is an awesome read.
July 13, 2021
Stacy Caldwell thought her secret would get out. Detective Waco Johnson came to Montana to close a Cold Case of over 30 years ago. Marvin Hanover was the husband who disappeared 30 years ago. Stacy Caldwell Hanover was to have a son by him when he found our she was pregnant he gave her ten thousand dollars for his son and she would never see him again. He had left one night and.
Stacy hadn't seen him since. Then her came Ella Caldwell and she took her baby girl back to The Caldwell Ranch her sister Dana would help her. Dana did and every couple of months Stacy took off for some reason never telling anyone not even her daughter. So when Detective Waco Johnson called and asked her to meet with him she was suppose to be at the Ranch the next morning. But she wasn't she packed all her clothes and took off.
Ella didn't know where here mother was and she looking like the murder Suspect in this case. Ella went looking for ) with Waco following her every move.
Do we know if Stacy killed Marvin Hanover?
What secrets was Stacy keeping from her Family?
Was Ella going to solve this case and find the killer or killer.
What happens between Ella and Waco?
B.J. Daniels books are all amazing and fabulous stories. I love reading your work. I recommend if you haven't read her book go out and buy on I don't think you'll regret it.
Stacy hadn't seen him since. Then her came Ella Caldwell and she took her baby girl back to The Caldwell Ranch her sister Dana would help her. Dana did and every couple of months Stacy took off for some reason never telling anyone not even her daughter. So when Detective Waco Johnson called and asked her to meet with him she was suppose to be at the Ranch the next morning. But she wasn't she packed all her clothes and took off.
Ella didn't know where here mother was and she looking like the murder Suspect in this case. Ella went looking for ) with Waco following her every move.
Do we know if Stacy killed Marvin Hanover?
What secrets was Stacy keeping from her Family?
Was Ella going to solve this case and find the killer or killer.
What happens between Ella and Waco?
B.J. Daniels books are all amazing and fabulous stories. I love reading your work. I recommend if you haven't read her book go out and buy on I don't think you'll regret it.
September 22, 2021
Cold Case at Cardwell Ranch:
Waco Johnson is sent to an old well, inside he finds a body. The body has been there for about 30 years. After the body is identified he needs to talk to Stacy Caldwell. When he calls to let her know he needs to speak with her she does her vanishing act.
Ella's mother has always been very secretive and sometime vanishes for days at a time with no one knowing where she has come.
Ella goes searching for her mother with Waco following her. The man in the well was Stacy's husband at one time. His grown children are suspects in his death along with Stacy.
Marvin Hanover was old and very rich. His children are searching for his lost money and the key to unlock the treasure.
Great mystery story.
Boots and Bullets:
Cyrus Winchester wakes from his coma sure that a woman was murdered in the hospital in Winchester. When he goes to Winchester he meets Kate, she is looking into her missing mother and aunt. It seems Cyrus knows about a 30 year old murder at the hospital. Lots of mystery in this story can't wait to finish the series.
Waco Johnson is sent to an old well, inside he finds a body. The body has been there for about 30 years. After the body is identified he needs to talk to Stacy Caldwell. When he calls to let her know he needs to speak with her she does her vanishing act.
Ella's mother has always been very secretive and sometime vanishes for days at a time with no one knowing where she has come.
Ella goes searching for her mother with Waco following her. The man in the well was Stacy's husband at one time. His grown children are suspects in his death along with Stacy.
Marvin Hanover was old and very rich. His children are searching for his lost money and the key to unlock the treasure.
Great mystery story.
Boots and Bullets:
Cyrus Winchester wakes from his coma sure that a woman was murdered in the hospital in Winchester. When he goes to Winchester he meets Kate, she is looking into her missing mother and aunt. It seems Cyrus knows about a 30 year old murder at the hospital. Lots of mystery in this story can't wait to finish the series.
February 28, 2023
I absolutely love romantic suspense. It is one of my favorite things to read. And this is top tier romantic suspense.
You have a cold case of a body being discovered at the bottom of a well. Followed by the chief suspect suddenly running away and disappearing. Her daughter is trying to find her while the cold case detective is hunting her down.
Because this is a Harlequin book it is no surprise that Ella (the one who is looking for her mom) and Waco (the detective) end up spending a lot of time together. And of course falling in love.
The chemistry between these two is immediate and I was here for it. This book has
🟤 tension
🟤chemistry
🟤mystery
🟤intrigue
🟤incredibly deep family secrets.
I was hooked from the start and I could not put it down. 10 out of 10. Recommend this book and definitely this author if you are a fan of romantic suspense. B.J. Daniels is a master.
You have a cold case of a body being discovered at the bottom of a well. Followed by the chief suspect suddenly running away and disappearing. Her daughter is trying to find her while the cold case detective is hunting her down.
Because this is a Harlequin book it is no surprise that Ella (the one who is looking for her mom) and Waco (the detective) end up spending a lot of time together. And of course falling in love.
The chemistry between these two is immediate and I was here for it. This book has
🟤 tension
🟤chemistry
🟤mystery
🟤intrigue
🟤incredibly deep family secrets.
I was hooked from the start and I could not put it down. 10 out of 10. Recommend this book and definitely this author if you are a fan of romantic suspense. B.J. Daniels is a master.
July 27, 2021
COLD CASE AT CARDWELL RANCH by B.J. Daniels. Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy Book 6 is another nail-biting mystery bringing cold-case detective Waco Johnson to the scene of a body and a thirty-year-old unsolved homicide. Evidence points to Ella Cardwell’s missing mother as the murderer. Tag along and watch Waco and Ella put themselves in the killer’s sights as they search for the truth. BJ Daniels knows how to keep her readers intrigued in her romantic suspense thrillers, and COLD CASE AT CARDWELL RANCH is definitely one of them. I received this complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2022
The end of a very enjoyable series! BJ Daniels can weave a story. This one was weaker than most of the others and, unfortunately, I guessed who the bad guy was so many interactions between the characters were less dramatic because of that 'known.' Could understand a mother's love and desire to protect her child, but this carried it to the extreme. She was from a strong family and many were in law enforcement and she still allowed 3 adult children of her former husband to hold her hostage for 3 decades!! Don't think so.
The writing was superb, the editing great, the storyline was the weak point.
The writing was superb, the editing great, the storyline was the weak point.
November 9, 2021
Two books/stories in one. Hooray!
Cold Case at Cardwell Ranch
The mystery/intrigue is foremost in this tale of Ella and Waco and is very well done. Lots of surprises along the way. While the romance part is a bit "light," it is there and integral to the mystery wrapped around Ella's mother. Very well done.
Boots and Bullets
More mystery (duh), this time surrounding Kate's mother and aunt, all of which is brought to light by Cyrus's 'dream.' This is a nice mix of mystery and romance seasoned with a dash of the paranormal. Very well done.
Cold Case at Cardwell Ranch
The mystery/intrigue is foremost in this tale of Ella and Waco and is very well done. Lots of surprises along the way. While the romance part is a bit "light," it is there and integral to the mystery wrapped around Ella's mother. Very well done.
Boots and Bullets
More mystery (duh), this time surrounding Kate's mother and aunt, all of which is brought to light by Cyrus's 'dream.' This is a nice mix of mystery and romance seasoned with a dash of the paranormal. Very well done.
March 2, 2025
A skeleton is found at the bottom of an old well. The victim disappeared 30 years ago and detective Waco Johnson is on the case. A local woman, Stacy, was the victim’s ex-wife and when she disappears everyone suspects her. Her daughter, Ella, searches for her to find the truth. Waco follows Ella, and the two find that they are attracted to one another.
This was a pleasant, easy read…part mystery, part romance. The main characters were likable. The ending was a bit predictable abut I liked the story.
This was a pleasant, easy read…part mystery, part romance. The main characters were likable. The ending was a bit predictable abut I liked the story.
April 27, 2022
Constant twists and turns in the hunt for a killer
B. J. Daniels can always be counted on for a good story. This cold case starts with a body in a well, turns to the man's ex-wife, then gets carried by the daughter Ella and the detective Waco. A search in an almost ghost town and murderous siblings keep the mystery twisting, as an unlikely romance begins. The Cardwell Ranch will never be the same.
B. J. Daniels can always be counted on for a good story. This cold case starts with a body in a well, turns to the man's ex-wife, then gets carried by the daughter Ella and the detective Waco. A search in an almost ghost town and murderous siblings keep the mystery twisting, as an unlikely romance begins. The Cardwell Ranch will never be the same.
June 1, 2022
An anonymous phone call leads to the discovery of a thirty-year-old unsolved homicide, a mother on the run, a daughter eager to find her and uncover the secrets she’s held onto for years. She’s also being hunted by the law. Suspense, drama, family dynamics, secrets, fear, danger, new beginnings, surprises, and more.
I enjoyed the story but, for being the last book in the series, there are several unanswered questions.
I enjoyed the story but, for being the last book in the series, there are several unanswered questions.
October 4, 2024
I really enjoyed the mystery and plot twists.
Unfortunately, I found the development of the relationship between Waco and Ella lacking.
And surely woman on a ranch do more than can vegetables.
Stacey’s back story was intriguing and her flawed character was well written.
I was sent this book by the publisher and all opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, I found the development of the relationship between Waco and Ella lacking.
And surely woman on a ranch do more than can vegetables.
Stacey’s back story was intriguing and her flawed character was well written.
I was sent this book by the publisher and all opinions are my own.
December 18, 2025
A page turner:
I have rated both books a five star. They were both extremely exciting, the characters were quite interesting. Not knowing what was going to happen next. The twin brothers both privet investigators. And both brothers finding love. Need I say more ?? Loved reading this two in one book.
I have rated both books a five star. They were both extremely exciting, the characters were quite interesting. Not knowing what was going to happen next. The twin brothers both privet investigators. And both brothers finding love. Need I say more ?? Loved reading this two in one book.
August 20, 2021
Rating
Bj Daniel is always great reading. I have read all her books to date and have enjoyed each and everyone. The storyline is always very interesting. From start of eack book through the end. Just great.
Bj Daniel is always great reading. I have read all her books to date and have enjoyed each and everyone. The storyline is always very interesting. From start of eack book through the end. Just great.
October 2, 2021
Good story. Lot action. Will keep you guessing.
Good story. Will keep you reading hard to put down. Like character of Ella & Stacey. Two strong women doing what they had to do to protect and defend family.
Good story. Will keep you reading hard to put down. Like character of Ella & Stacey. Two strong women doing what they had to do to protect and defend family.
August 9, 2022
Stacy
It was fun finally getting to know Stacy and Ella story. I enjoyed meeting the son/brother who really was a surprise. Thanks Ms. Daniels for allowing me to get to know this family and extended family. Love Dana the heart of this series.🌝
It was fun finally getting to know Stacy and Ella story. I enjoyed meeting the son/brother who really was a surprise. Thanks Ms. Daniels for allowing me to get to know this family and extended family. Love Dana the heart of this series.🌝
January 31, 2023
Great
Another great story. Poor Waco has met his match in Ella and her family. I sense he's going to have his hands full keeping them on the right side of the line. Luckily he will have HUD to back him up. Will be interesting to see more on Jeremiah and if his ambition works out.
Another great story. Poor Waco has met his match in Ella and her family. I sense he's going to have his hands full keeping them on the right side of the line. Luckily he will have HUD to back him up. Will be interesting to see more on Jeremiah and if his ambition works out.
Read
July 1, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book #6)
Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book #6)
Read
July 1, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book #6)
Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book #6)
November 10, 2021
Best Harlequin I've read so far but didn't enjoy it all that much. Could've had more cowboy themes in it. Waco didn't even ride a horse :/
November 25, 2021
Review
Book really kept your interest without all the dull spots lots have. Enjoyed the characters and the plot a lot
Book really kept your interest without all the dull spots lots have. Enjoyed the characters and the plot a lot
December 11, 2021
Love reading this story! It drew me in and I had to keep reading to find out what is happening and how it turns out! I highly recommend this book!!!!!
May 13, 2022
Good Read
Page turner. Lots of suspense. Interesting plot. Liked the characters and the dynamics of the plot. I like this author
Page turner. Lots of suspense. Interesting plot. Liked the characters and the dynamics of the plot. I like this author
February 16, 2023
I have enjoyed all the Cardwell books. I have read a lot of B.J. Daniels books and enjoyed them immensely!
January 17, 2024
GREAT STORY
I really enjoyed this story, but to be honest I really would have liked to know how much that inheritance was and if they finally found it…
I really enjoyed this story, but to be honest I really would have liked to know how much that inheritance was and if they finally found it…
October 22, 2024
Good read, good series. I really liked these characters and the plot of this book. I enjoy the suspense and mystery going on. Looking forward to reading more from this talented storyteller.
December 5, 2024
I enjoyed reading Waco and Ella's story.
January 7, 2025
A really nice light read with enough twist and turns to keep you entertained and reading on. Found it a bit slow in the beginning but I loved the last half.
May 8, 2025
B.J. Daniels is a great author. Her books do not disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews