Trouble In Big Timber

Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy #5

by B.J. Daniels

He’s back at Cardwell Ranch to find a killer.

Ford Cardwell is shocked when his college crush calls him out of the blue—even more so when he hears a gunshot. But when he joins forces with medical examiner Henrietta “Hitch” Rogers, she makes him wonder if the random call was a setup—not a murder. Together, they’ll need to discover the truth, but looking into the case will put them in the sights of a killer.

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Genres: Harlequin, Suspense, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Contemporary Romance

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2021

About the author

B.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.

Reviews

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford Cardwell jumps right into action when he gets a desperate call from his college crush, Rachel Westlake Collinwood. Shockingly, Ford hears a gunshot while on the phone with her. Rachel lives on a ranch near Big Timber and Ford is determined to help her. Meanwhile, medical examiner Henrietta "Hitch" Rogers is on the case and it is her job to find out what really happened when that gunshot took place. Rachel Collinwood shot her husband. Was it self-defense? Was it murder? It is Hitch's job to find those answers. From the very start, however, Hitch gets a bad feeling about Rachel.

As the investigation takes off running Ford gets involved. One of the very first questions is why did Rachel call him and not 911? What is more is since Ford and Rachel had not seen each other in years why in fact did she call him? Also, can Ford use their past relationship to help Rachel? Soon Ford and Hitch join forces to uncover the truth, even though it means that Ford has to deal with why he actually had not seen Rachel for years.

What a thrilling story from beginning to end! There is some sensitivity, especially when Ford and Rachel's past is explored, why she married Humphrey Collinwood and then ended up shooting him. Also, there were things being said about Humphrey and layers of secrets and perhaps lies have to be exposed in order to get to the truth. All the while, Ford and Hitch soon find themselves in danger. Then there is the sexual attraction neither can deny. Can they even explore that with the uncertainty involved?

Also, this book touches on something very serious. Ford had recently left the military and is coping with PTSD. In fact, it is so bad that he literally was about to drive his car off of a cliff when he got that phone call from Rachel. Ultimately, she saved his life. Ford hopes to do the same for her. But, as time goes on, things are not adding up. So, Ford has to explore that, all while exploring the growing feelings between him and Hitch. This was a fabulous read from beginning to end and I literally could not put his book down. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Cold Case at Cardwell Ranch.

Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trouble in big Timber (Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy #5) by BJ Daniels
I realized last week when reading the last of the Cardwell Ranch series I had missed one! So I went back and found it: Trouble in big Timber (Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy #5). As always BJ Daniels has written a fun book with great characters and definitely some twists and turns.

Henrietta “Hitch” Rogers is a medical examiner who takes no prisoners. When she is expected to resolve a crime - she is like a dog with a bone! In this novel - that is exactly what she does. However, Ford Cardwell has been dragged into the case, but an old girlfriend. He is not exactly sure what is going on, but he is sure Hitch does not believe his old girlfriend and he is wondering why.

Hitch and Ford are good together and I enjoyed their romance. I liked how Rachel Westlake Collinwood is dealt with! The Cardwells as always entertain me and this book is no different. Trouble in big Timber (Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy #5) by BJ Daniels is a good read!

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another twist and turn story from Daniels that will keep you guessing until the very end! I love meeting old friends and the Cardwell has been one of my favorites. This is a standalone book though so you don't have to read the previous ones to know what is going on here. In fact, this book takes places away from the Cardwell Ranch area so not a lot is familiar. Ford Cardwell is at a loss as to how to deal with his life after the military. He's not handling things well so when he gets a supposed "butt dial" phone call from a college crush out of the blue which sounds like it's in the middle of a crime, he can't help but rush to her aid. However, as he meets with the medical examiner and things start not adding up, he wonders what the heck is going on. I had a hard time putting the book down. I had to see how this would end and the end was a definite shock!

[Karen Strang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford Cardwell answers his phone only to hear his former girlfriend, Rachel, screaming on the other end & he knows he has to help her, but he gets more than he bargained for. This book was really hard to put down & the ending is astonishing. BJ Daniels has definitely written another must read!

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford Cardwell is still suffering from PTSD after a horrific time in the military. He’s travelling home, filled with dark thoughts and considerations, when his mobile rings. The sounds of a woman screaming and a gun shot leave him worried for her – especially when he realises the call is from his first crush – and his best college friend’s wife. Worried for her safety he contacts the local police officers and sets off to drive to discover what has happened for himself.

As usual for this author, this is a story filled with twists, turns, suspense and surprises as well as romance. It is a story which takes place away from the Cardwell Ranch so you definitely don’t need to read the earlier books in the series to appreciate and enjoy this one. It has you second guessing as the story unfolds, unsure just who you can trust – and who might be the next victim! It is a well paced read and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone looking for a truly intriguing romantic suspense.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

B J Daniels is at the top of her game with her latest nail-biting romantic suspense novel, Trouble in Big Timber.

Ford Caldwell wasn’t expecting his college crush to call him out of the blue, but that soon proves to be the least of his worries when he hears a gunshot! Just what on earth is going on? Ford is determined to do whatever it takes to protect those who mean a lot to him and he is willing to move mountains to ensure that not a single head on their hair is harmed and medical examiner Henrietta ‘Hitch’ Rogers seems like the perfect partner to help him get to the bottom of this case.

As Ford and Hitch begin their investigation, they quickly realize that danger and jeopardy lurk around every corner. The two of them cannot take anything for granted – as they discover when they start wondering whether Ford is being set up. Uncovering the truth becomes of paramount importance to Ford and Hitch, but as they edge ever closer to discovering this case’s twisted secrets, little do they realize that a dangerous killer is watching from the shadows and waiting for the right moment to strike.

Can Ford and Hitch unmask the killer before it’s too late? Or will their quest for justice end up costing them dearly?

B J Daniels once again keeps her readers on the edge of their seats with Trouble in Big Timber. Effortlessly blending danger, desire, heat and suspense, Trouble in Big Timber is an exhilarating page-turner packed with tension, menace and intense emotion that readers will struggle to put down.

Readers looking for top-notch romantic suspense, need to put B J Daniels’ Trouble in Big Timber at the very top of their must-buy list.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in this series but it can be read as a standalone. I have not read all of them yet but plan to go back and read the ones I have not read. This author has became one of my must read authors.

This story has many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge. Ford is struggling with what he is supposed to be doing after leaving the military. He suffers from PTSD and is on the edge when he gets what he assumed to be a "butt dial" with a gun shot and a scream has him worried then even more when he realizes the caller is the girl he loved in college, the one who married is best friend. Out of concern he rushes to Big Timber to find out what the heck happened and to help Rachel any way he can.

The medical examiner who seems to think Rachel is not the victim but a cold blooded killer, the sheriff this Rachel is the victim and its an open and shut case. Ford is stuck in the middle of these two and he wants to prove that Rachel is the victim but when he meets with the medical examiner he starts questioning some things that aren't quiet adding up. Is Ford being played by Rachel and she is really a cold blooded killer or is she really the victim and the case is really an open and shut case? Read to find out!

I think anyone that likes a good suspense read will love this story and any book by this author.

[Eeeps :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniels provided a mystery with a decent amount of twists, but it was pretty clear at the beginning at the book who was behind the central crime. The mystery is more about the details of how the perpetrator did the crime and how the main characters figure it out. I thought it was interesting for Daniels to start off the book with Hitch (the heroine) suspecting Ford (the hero) of the central crime. I haven’t seen that storyline often. Of course, Hitch and Ford get over this early hiccup and team up together to solve the mystery. I enjoyed Hitch and Ford’s relationship because the book spent a fair amount of time on their emotional connection.

Ford’s suicidality and depression after returning from the war was handled okay at first. It was good that Ford’s mental struggles was relevant to the story and had impact on the story, especially when the opening scene (of Ford about to drive off a cliff to kill himself) could easily have led to his mental illness being only used for shock value. I did not appreciate that the book fell into the cured-by-romance trope. It is fine for a new romantic partner like Hitch to help ease symptoms and manage a mental illness. However, it is unrealistic, hurtful, and frankly kind of dangerous to imply that people’s mental illnesses can be “cured” if they just found the right person.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Romantic Suspense. This book is listed as Book 5 in a series, but I can tell you from having read it without having read any of the other books that it works totally fine as a standalone as well. The existence of people from the prior books is mentioned, but I didn't actually note anything that could even really be a spoiler about those books in this one (other than the not-really-a-spoiler-due-to-genre-rules mentioning that certain people are together, possibly). Overall a truly solid book mostly on the mystery/ suspense side - it opens with a man attempting suicide and being stopped by what he believes is the butt-dial of a long-lost friend being murdered by his long-lost ex-best friend. But this *is* a romance, and that *does* develop, it just mostly develops later as our leading man and leading woman are largely approaching the investigation into the phone call and what it revealed from two very different angles that later become more intertwined. One of those with twists almost until the very last page (other than the epilogue). Very much recommended.

[Sandy Frediani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed both of these stories. Characters and stories engaging and intriguing, making it difficult to put the book down. I did find a few hiccups though. In the first - Trouble in Big Timber - near the end (and I won't go into more detail so I don't have to spoiler this) Rachel reaches over and unfastens Ford's seat belt and then Hitch opens the door and unfastens his seat belt. When did it get fastened again? In both stories there were scene changes with no breaks between the paragraphs, which was confusing and meant my going back to re-read to see if I'd missed something. This was very prevalent in the second story - Twelve Gauge Guardian. At one point, Cordell and Raine have been run off the road and two paragraphs later, they've had sex in the pickup and are searching for their clothes. My first thought was - When did they get naked? The closer one gets to the end the more this discontinuity happens, which is really jarring, and what brought this down a star.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford Cardwell never expected to get a call from his college crush. When he hears a gunshot during the same call, he wants to go to her aid. His life isn't going as well as he wanted but he's forced to change priorities away from himself. Will he and the medical examiner be able to help his college friend before it's too late?

I discovered BJ Daniels during an online writing summit and enjoyed her class. Trouble in Big Timber is the first novel I have reviewed by her and it is powerful, fast- paced and action packed from beginning to end.

I was immediately drawn into Ford's life and his thoughts. Then, the focus changed once he'd got the call. BJ Daniels is a talented author and I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. The suspense is tight and the word choices are carefully chosen to help the pacing and atmosphere. I wanted to know what was going to happen.

Thanks to BJ Daniels and Harlequin Intrigue for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another twisty romantic suspense from BJ Daniels. Trouble in Big Timber is a great combination of both and it definitely keeps you guessing. I read the blurb and thought I knew what to expect, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Ford and Hitch have such good chemistry, and the fast pace of the murder mystery kept me turning the pages. Between guessing, or trying to guess, the whodunit and rooting for this couple, I finished the book in one sitting, reading the evening away. I've been pretty vague, I know, but there's a lot going on in this one and I don't want to give anything away. This is part of a series, but it stands alone perfectly well. That said, Daniels has created an intriguing world with the Cardwell Ranch - the kind that makes you want to dive into the rest of the series. All in all, this is an entertaining read that's perfect for whiling away an afternoon by the pool or a rainy evening curled up in your favorite chair.

[Kea · Rating 5 out of 5]

TROUBLE IN BIG TIMBER, by B.J. Daniels, is book 5 of Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy. It begins with a phone call that ended with a gunshot. Ford Cardwell finds himself pulled into intrigue and danger surrounding his best friend’s murder. Medical examiner “Hitch” Rogers thinks the random call was a setup. At first, Ford cannot make heads or tails of his conflicting feelings toward the woman arrested for killing his friend, but he soon teams with Hitch to find the truth which put them in the path of the killer. The plot in TROUBLE IN BIG TIMBER is riddled with twists and turns that keeps me reading page after page. B.J. Daniels not only thrusts her characters into dangerous search for the truth but also her readers. I received this ARC copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is not a bad read, I did feel that Ms. Daniels did not spend enough time developing her characters and plot. Hitch seemed to demand more time in the novel than Nick did. He just seemed to be following Hitch's lead. I did like what she did with Rachel, but I felt there was some weakness there too. As an investigator, I would have expected Hitch to interview, as soon as possible, everyone who was in any way connected to the suspect and the victim which she didn't do until near the conclusion of the story. The romance element seemed contrived too---and happened way too quickly for a lifetime commitment. I've been a fan of this author for many years and know she is capable of writing excellent stories. This book has the potential to be one of those, but it needed more development.

[Cassie Luellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I was surprised by how much this book focuses on the mystery of what happened between Ford’s friends, Rachel and Humphrey. I expected this to be pretty romance heavy but the romance was definitely secondary to the story. This is a quick and twisted tale about a seemingly straight forward self defense murder but as Hitch keeps investigating she finds that things are just not adding up. The whole premise of this book was well executed and had enough twists in it that I was so enthralled that I didn’t want to stop reading. The ending was wonderfully suspenseful and a great way to end such a strong story.

*Thank you to Harlequin for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the suspense starts early and never lets up. The characters are memorable and the plot is tight and well constructed. The good guys are really good and the bad are vile. I learned never to accept a ride from Hitch even though she is one of the good guys.

I love how BJ Daniels releases new stories about this remarkable family and their cousins and each is unique, interesting and filled with suspense. The family is big, loud and loving. The geography and the weather are often strong sub-characters.

I have reread the original Cardwell ranch series and it was just as enjoyable again as the first time. It also strengthened the foundation for the cousins and other Cardwell spinoffs. Don't start any of them late at night if you need 8 hours of sleep.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the first book I read by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it.
it's a gripping and entertaining romantic suspense, full of twists and turns. It kept me guessing and I liked how the romance part didn't interfere with the suspense.
I rooted for the characters and I liked the slow burning romance.
The author delivers a fast paced and tightly knitted story, there's plenty of twists and I was surprised till the end.
Excellent character development, a solid mystery and a sweet romance.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

BJ did a great job writing this book. She showed us the many faucets of a female killer. The good, the bad and the ugly. It was fascinating to see it. Ford's battle with ptsd was interesting for this is a long term battle. Hitch was neat. She was the key to this puzzle. Bringing the pieces together. BJ does a excellent job of building the story and tying the pieces together. She does a great blend of mystery and romance without overwhelming the story. The story us fascinating for you get to see the mind of a killer slowly unravel. It's a great story and worth reading. I look forward to the next book BJ has. J

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trouble in Big Timber is a stand alone in the Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy series. It's a quick read and ultimately I did enjoy it. I enjoyed the suspense part the most. While you pretty much have a sense of happened, it is fun watching Hitch figure it out. What I didn't really like was the romance. It came out of nowhere for me. The book would have been fine without it. Maybe if that book had been a bit longer, there could have been more time spent on it. I also feel like I didn't get know the characters as well as I would have liked. If you go in for the suspense alone, then you will be satisfied.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this one of this author's books I have yet to be disappointed. The guys are the kind you wished were more of in this day and age. Take ford whom even in his surprise goes to help when trouble came along with the sound of a gun shot. Helping the medical examiner Henrietta also known as Hitch they have some things to figure out and clues to find. The romance will come along as they work together but they need to keep on alert there is a killer. All of this will have you turning the pages most definitely.

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh another cowboy to love!!!

I'm addicted to these #harlequinintrigue books. A light suspense romance that can be easily read in just short time. It's very entertaining, fun, sweet and full of actions and this one with wonderful cowboy in it. Yup love it.

A cowboy and a medical examiner trying to find out the truth about the murder and some violence. Lots twist and turns and plenty of romance that got me keep turning page. Loveable characters and great suspense story, totally recommended for anyone who loves a light suspense romance read.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a wild ride from the very first page to the last! I loved every bit of it. Ford is heading to big timber to see an old friend. He is about to just end his life when he gets a phone call! The call is a blast from the past. Such a wonderfully crafted story bout young love, seeing things in a different light, meeting and falling for someone else, learning you really wanted to live. If you love BJ Daniel's and the Cardwells and Savages than you MUST read this book! You will not be disappointed!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

B.J. Daniels has gone and done it again by starting the series Cardwell Ranch:Montana Legacy in which I just got done reading Trouble In Big Timber book #5 in this series and WOW WOW WOW. B.J. Daniels brings a burning fire that is within each character soul out into the open were in a small town everyone and everybody will know all about you weather you want it out or not. People will do anything to keep the life style they are used to living. And yet you feel the emotions in the way each character feels. It can't get better then this, can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Debbie]

Well, it is not often that I love every aspect of a heroine. I love Hitch! Here is a strong, intelligent, kind, and just good woman. Hitch can be strong willed but never obnoxious about it. Daniels has created what I believe to be the perfect heroine. I truly loved the book. As for the hero, Ford is wonderful he comes with baggage but who doesn't and he is just down right perfect for Hitch. I highly recommend this to everyone.

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

‘You want to live.’

Ford Cardwell’s dealing with his own pain when he unwittingly gets dragged into the murder of his college best friend. Torn, because the person that pulled the trigger was the girl he’d loved back then, Ford has to reconcile the past and the present while finding himself drawn to the medical examiner intent on putting the merry widow in jail in this absolutely intriguing mystery.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Didn’t see that one coming. I usually have the killer figured out but i couldn’t figure out who else could have been involved.
I have to hand it to the author for keeping this reader engaged to the very end. I love a good suspense story.

Ford Cardwell & Henrietta/Hitch

[Cathie McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cold. That's Rachel. She pulled Ford into her plans. Unfortunately, he doesn't see it. Hitch arrives at the Governor's request.

Things begin to fall apart for Rachel. Things begin to heat up with Ford and Hitch.

[Heather Fullerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Wow this book is great! Lots of twists and turns as the story develops. Even though you know who did it, you don’t know how it happened until the end of the novel. Very suspense full. Please read.

[Kinley Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good and quick read. I liked the suspense but I really didn’t feel the connection between Ford and Hitch. I feel like it was just thrown in there for the romance part of the book. I didn’t think they had any type of connection at all. It was a very good book though.

[Rhonda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Excellent suspense story that had me clips flipping on who would help Rachel. So glad Ford was able to get his mind straight and that he found someone who can challenge him and reassure him at the same time. Another great addition to the series.