Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Buckhorn, Montana #4

Before Buckhorn

Rate this book
"Daniels is a perennial favorite, and I might go as far as to label her the cowboy whisperer." —BookPageSmall towns can house big secrets…Former cop Jasper Cole has come home to Buckhorn to ranch—and to find some peace. But there’s one part of his past he doesn’t object to facing again. Darby Fulton acts like she’s forgotten the searing one-night stand they shared in college, but to Jasper, she’s as fascinating and tempting as ever. And when she’s drawn into an unsettling local mystery, he follows, despite his misgivings.Bad things have been happening to Buckhorn residents, and Darby’s sure it has something to do with a new store called Gossip. As a newspaper publisher, she can’t ignore the story, any more than she can ignore her deep attraction to Jasper. And as their investigation reignites that spark, it also pulls them both into a twisted scheme of revenge, where secrets are a deadly weapon…Don’t miss Under a Killer Moon, the next title in B.J. Daniels Buckhorn, Montana series where one small-town marshal will stop at nothing to catch a killer.A Buckhorn, Montana NovelBook 1: Out of the StormBook 2: From the ShadowsBook 3: At the CrossroadsBook 4: Before Buckhorn Book 5: Under a Killer MoonBook 6: When Justice Rides

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2022

194 people are currently reading
236 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Daniels

514 books1,257 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
274 (50%)
4 stars
165 (30%)
3 stars
78 (14%)
2 stars
18 (3%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Pj Ausdenmore.
933 reviews32 followers
February 23, 2022
Note to self: don't start a B.J. Daniels book at night. I know better. At least, I should know better. Obviously I don't, considering I finally closed my Kindle at 3:00 AM because I kept falling asleep and dropping it on my pillow. Thankfully, not on my face. Did I mention I had to get up at 7:00 AM for an early appointment? Did I care? No, I did not. I was that immersed in this story. I needed to know what was going to happen next. If only I could have kept my eyes open.

Daniels set the stage for this story from the first page with the creepiness of gathering crows foreshadowing danger, death...possibly murder? She gave me a community of intriguing characters with complex backgrounds. Then she added in the mysterious Leviathan Nash, newly-arrived owner of Gossip, an invitation-only business that has Buckhorn's citizens on edge...and worse. What exactly was happening in those 30-minute sessions with the weird little man that was causing devastation, rage, and worse among the fine folks of Buckhorn? And why does it seem like Jasper Cole and Darby Fulton are smack-dab in the middle of Nash's quest? Who is this man? What does he want? And how far will he go to get it?

Before Buckhorn is twisty, compelling, mysterious, creepy, and impossible to put down. It's the kind of story that pulled me in, gave me a main couple to pull for, secondary characters who tugged at my heartstrings, danger that had my heart in my throat, and sent me on an emotional roller coaster ride, all the while keeping me on the edge of my seat as I tried (and failed) to figure out exactly what would happen next. I loved it!

This is the fourth book in Daniels' Buckhorn, Montana series. While the main storyline of Before Buckhorn stands well on its own, there were pieces of information about key secondary characters, past events, and future stories that I felt I would have understood better had I already read the first three books in the series. I will be doing that soon.

4.5 Stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Profile Image for Carla.
7,686 reviews180 followers
October 25, 2022
In Before Buckhorn, we return to the town of Buckhorn, Montana along with former cop Jasper Cole. He is working the family ranch and trying to find the peace he is hunting for. When he runs into Darby Cole, he remembers their one night stand from years ago and feelings begin to stir. Meanwhile, a new store has opened in Buckhorn and people are receiving invitations. After their visit to the store, called Gossip, strange things have been happening including a fight between residents and even a "suicide". Darby, the local newspaper publisher, can't resist this mystery and is determined to find out what is happening. Jasper works with her to figure what is going on and their chemistry ignites sparks, as well as pulling them into a mystery involving revenge and secrets.

Once again, I loved seeing some of the familiar characters in town, but some of their secrets, Wow! All these little sub-plots give the story a lot of emotion, and had me worried about a few of them. One of my favourite characters, Earl Ray, gets information that throws him for a loop. He has been a regular in all the books and is rather secretive. He has connections from his past and often utilitzed them to get information about characters in all the previous books. The mystery of why the mysterious Leviathan Nash has arrived and what secrets does he know kept me glued to the book. This was a story of intrigue, danger, death and revenge. From the appearance of the crows at the beginning until the end, there was a sinister feel to the story that I loved. Another wonderful book in the Buckhorn, Montana series. As with all the other books in this series, Corey Snow narrates the book with expression and voices that pulled me into the story. I continue to recommend these books in any format.
1,340 reviews33 followers
February 11, 2022
I've been following this series since its inception and loved that this fourth novel in the series started with the crows. What I didn't expect was the total creepiness of the plot, which was in many ways was reminiscent of Stephen King's novel, Needful Things, and if ever Ms. Daniels decides to write a horror novel, I'll be first in line to grab a copy. This was most definitely a 5-star read.

The main characters, Jasper Cole and Darby Fulton had a one-night stand in college, and Jasper Cole is more than surprised to see her turn up with her fledgling on-line Buckhorn newspaper, and more that a tad curious why she chose to relocate to this small town. Both act as though they've forgotten their past connection, but they haven't, and watching them come together all these years later in the face of so much danger was masterfully handled by the author.

Jasper was once a homicide detective but quit (no spoilers here), and is now running his small ranch, and Darby won't quit in her search for the truth about the mysterious new shop in town, Gossip, which is only open by invitation, and which leads to so much pain, and so much mayhem in this otherwise peaceful community. The other person who won't quit is Darby's ex-fiance, an abusive, possessive man who tracked her down in Buckhorn, threatens Darcy's life, and who brings out the protective instincts in Jasper.

As in her other novels in this series, we again get to catch up with endearing characters from the previous novels, whose lives and happiness are also affected by the mysterious Leviathan Nash and his strange, secretive, and devastating little shop. If you like a little creepiness and a lot of suspense, I think you'll enjoy this novel as much as I did. Best yet was that just when I thought I knew where this novel was heading to it's breathtaking conclusion, I was totally and completely surprised by the fact that I couldn't have been more wrong. Kudos to Ms. Daniels for the "gotcha!" ending. Now begins the wait for the next novel in this series. I can't wait!

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,070 reviews14 followers
September 24, 2022
Jasper Cole has left his life behind as a cop and now runs a ranch in Buckhorn. Darby Fulton now lives in Buckhorn and runs a online newspaper in the small town. The two of them hooked up for one night in college; but Darby claims she doesn't remember Jasper.
A new store has opened called Gossip in town and you can only enter by invitation. It seems like the folks that do go to the store are finding out secrets from the past that are tearing up their lives. Darby wants to get into the store, but only residents from long ago are invited into the store. Jasper gets invites but tears them up and doesn't go. The invites to Jasper start getting creepy now.
It seems that no one knows the strange little man running the store that is set on causing havoc in town. We see some of our old friends from town and they are working to get this mess straightened out.
I just love the mystery that B.J. puts in her books.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,891 reviews136 followers
February 26, 2022
A murder of crows
A portent? Who knows?

A new arrival, too,
Just who?

What's his game?
Will Buckthorn ever be the same?

As secrets from the past
Are partially revealed at last.

What's his motive in it all
What will be his final call?

A twisted tale of revenge
Or an attempt to avenge?

With dissent and danger
Just who is this stranger?

An enthralling read with history
Providing such a great mystery!

There's also a chance
For true romance!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It is a very different read and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Shelley.
545 reviews126 followers
September 29, 2022
Nope nope nope. A copy of this was put in my Little Free Library and because I'm a sucker for cowboys on romance book covers I gave it a shot. The cover blurb should have been the only clue needed as it said "an excellent writer" as if that's the best thing to say about the 350+ pages of boring this is. It went back in the LFL box in the hopes that someone else might take it. Hopefully future me will remember to skip this author should her books and I ever cross paths again.
Profile Image for Irene.
1,148 reviews15 followers
March 5, 2022
Before Buckhorn by B.J. Daniels There were a number of HEAs in the latter part of the book. Didn't get to know the depth of characters. The murder investigation of Darby's ex-fiance and the unveiling of his killer was just glossed over other than when it pertained to Jasper as the suspect. The gloom and doom that the store, Gossip, and owner, L. Nash supposedly brought to Buckhorn felt flat. A number of new characters popped up in the last part of the story and it was difficult to figure out who they were. Perhaps they were explained in the previous books in the series. Fans of the Ms. Daniels Buckhorn series are sure to enjoy the book. A good read just confusing to me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Profile Image for Jessica .
1,047 reviews21 followers
March 11, 2022
Thank you Net-Galley, HARLEQUIN - Romance and author for the copy of the book. I am choosing to review this story.

I loved this story. From the beginning with a murder of crows letting you know that danger and evil is brewing. I love a good suspense, with great twists and turns along the way making you want to know the who and why. You get that with this story.

Leviathan Nash is new to town and he opens a shop called Gossip. The odd thing is it only opens to those with invitations and those people do not leave Gossip happy, each one leaves in some type of emotional pain. Why is that?

Darby is a newspaper reporter who enlists ex-cop Jasper to help figure out who Leviathan Nash is and why he is in Buckhorn, Montana. Darby and Jasper met in college, had a one night stand and now find themselves in the same town. Can the two figure out the truth about Mr. Nash and the terror he is causing in town with all those invited into his little shop? Maybe these two will find more then just the truth, maybe find love in the process?

One click this book to be taken on the ride of a great plot and great characters. Maybe not read at night unless you don't want to get much sleep because you will not want to put the book down.

We also get a bonus story included in this book Out of the Blue. It is a quick read but it will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Great bonus!!!
Profile Image for Kea.
1,068 reviews11 followers
February 22, 2022
BEFORE BUCKHORN by B.J. Daniels, book 4 of Buckhorn, Montana series with a bonus story: Out Of The Blue.

BEFORE BUCKHORN begins with the sighting of a murder of crows that underlines an undercurrent of danger and evil lurking in Buckhorn. A shady shop, GOSSIP, only opens only to those with invitations, resulting incidents that could destroy the town. Newswoman Darby enlists ex-cop Jasper to search the truth, but they stumble into a twisted scheme of revenge, where secrets are a deadly weapon.

Bonus story OUT OF THE BLUE also by B. J. Daniels and part of the Buckhorn, Montana series. Tavern owner Dave Tanner never thought to see the girl of his dreams ever again—until she walks into his bar one night, and he is convinced he has a second chance to win her affections. His best friend and employee, Melissa Herbert suspects trust the woman has an ulterior motive. Will the truth break Dave and Melissa apart?

B.J. Daniels is an amazing writer who breathes life into her characters, creating a web of intrigue, murder, and romance. I simply could not put it down! I received this copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
1,771 reviews33 followers
February 23, 2022
In true B.J. Daniels fashion, this book begins in an ominous way which sets the tone for the story - Jasper notices a murder of crows that usually means something sinister is coming! He shakes it off but then things start happening and he's not so sure he should shake off the warning so quickly! A creepy man comes to Buckhorn, Montana and stirs things up by opening a store called "Gossip" but a person can only go into the store by receiving an invitation and when going into the place, it's not a pleasant experience! I don't want to give away any spoilers! Darby is a newspaper reporter that Jasper met in college, and he's never forgotten her. Now, she's in Buckhorn too and together, they are going to get to the bottom of this creepy man and his strange store. However, it just might kill them both! Daniels is a master at romantic suspense, and I never miss a chance to read a book by her! Her characters are well-developed, the story line hooks me from the first page, and I usually have to finish the book in one sitting because I have to see how the book ends! This book is no exception!
55 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2022
Jasper Cole has moved back to the town he left when he was five. As he’s washing dishes, he sees crows begin to land on the telephone wire. He remembers his grandmother telling him about the crows, but he kind of brushes it off. Then he runs into a former girlfriend from high school named Darby Fulton, who has opened a newspaper office in town.
When a new business opens across the street from the cafe & the owner, named Leviathan Nash, puts black paper is put up in the windows, things start to get weird. People start receiving invitations from him & when they visit his store, they come out changed as catastrophic things have happened to them.
Jasper & Darby are determined to find out what Leviathan Nash has that is causing havoc in the town.
BJ Daniels has written another very intriguing book. It was interesting from the very first page & very hard to put down. It pulls you into the story like you are actually there in the town with everything going on around you. It is a must read!
Author 6 books20 followers
March 8, 2022
I enjoyed this a lot. Not quite as fast paced as previous books in the series, it still moves along at a nice pace. Jasper and Darby are engaging as they thread their way through the revelations made by the mysterious Leviathan Nash. That said, I did come across something confusing. It's mentioned several time throughout most of the story that Jasper was 8 years old when his family packed up and left Buckhorn (first mention on page 40 of the paperback). This holds right through his talking with Earl Ray (page 170). Then on page 206, Darby says he was 5 years old when the family left and that holds through the end of the story. So - was Jasper 8 or 5? This inconsistency is why it's 4 stars and not 5.

"Bonus" story - Out of the Blue
This was an excellent emotional ride given its short length.

Final note - I love seeing the mention of characters from previous books in the series, especially Jon Harper from the first book... the one which got me 'hooked' on this series and author.
Excellent.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
February 14, 2022
The dark side of small towns

Right off the bat we're treated to some spooky foreshadowing that tells us this is going to be a dark and gritty mystery. Someone seems to know everyone's secrets, and the fallout from that leads to some horrific and tragic consequences.

Jasper and Darby have secrets, too, but since he's a retired cop and she's a journalist, they find themselves drawn into the town's business and end up having the most to lose once they figure out who's behind all the gossip.

This fascinating story kept me glued to my Nook as I read about all the various townspeople and their secrets they'd thought were long buried. I loved watching Jasper and Darby figure out their relationship at the same time, as it was obvious that these two belonged together despite all the years and obstacles in their way. The whole side storyline with Aiden was shocking while also being somewhat of a relief in itself.

After all the dust settles, Jasper and Darby are rewarded with the sweetest of HEAs and we readers are treated to a short story about a couple other Buckhorn residents, Dave and Melissa, and their twisty path to their own HEA. I've loved each of these Buckhorn stories, and I highly recommend them for anyone who loves intelligent, suspenseful romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Kate Vale.
Author 25 books83 followers
May 31, 2022
Another in the Buckhorn, MT series, in which what has happened in the little town in the middle of nowhere serves as the impetus for the shenanigans engaged in by a strange little man who suddenly shows up and rents space in the middle of town.

Darby Fulton, also new to the town, and a newspaper reporter and publisher, is determined to find out who the man really is and why he is there. But former cop Jasper Cole just wants to find peace on the little ranch he's retired to--until it becomes clear that Darby is in danger from that strange old man running the store he's titled Gossip.

As they begin to follow clues after the sudden death--murder--of Darby's ex-fiance, it's clear that both Darby and Jasper have been targeted. Can they find out what is really going on before they, too, are victims of the gossip-monger?
Profile Image for Tammy Morse.
426 reviews54 followers
June 29, 2022
B. J Daniels writes amazing books .
Before Buckhorn

Jasper Cole home after many years away.
Darby Fulto newspapers writer.

The weirdest thing was happening while Jasper was doing dishes. He see crows landing on the telephone wire and brushes it off.
Jasper went into town for coffee and the diner was packed. Someone had bought the store across from the diner. The man had come find out as Leviathan Nash. Cover the shop with black paper.this is causing havoc in the town.
Things where happening in the town stuff that normally doesn't happen certain people are getting invitations to his store. Things are bad that Darby tries to Jasper to help and wants no part of it.
Jasper and Darby had something going on in college . But Darby will come to what is happening in town.
This s a very must read book I couldn't put it down from the beginning.
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,147 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2022
WOW what a great twisty turning book. It sucked me in from page one. I really had a hard time putting it down..My absolutely favorite read of 2022 so far..
Jasper & Darby knew each other back in college. Both went seperate ways. When Darby moves to town they keep running into each other but they act like they don't remember that one night in college.
There is so much edge of the seat thrilling reading in this book! There was a new twist with each page that you turned.
Darby's ex comes to town. The mystery guy running Gossip. Lots of things causing trouble!
You are rooting for Darby and Jasper to get through all that is going on and to give in to the sparks that leap off the page between them.
This is a must read novel in this series. I promise you will NOT be disappointed!
Profile Image for Readsandeats.
1,094 reviews26 followers
May 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this next installment of the Buckthorn series.
Jasper has come back to Buckthorn to run a ranch, he has good memories of his childhood on his Grandparents ranch. He just wants a quiet life.
Darby has come to Buckthorn to run the towns newspaper, she remembers Jasper from college but he doesn't seem to remember her - but is that true?
However, strange things are happening in Buckthorn and it all has to do with the new shop that has opened called Gossip. This is no ordinary shop you have to be invited to get access to it. This peeks Darby's interest and she will not rest until she knows what is going on and why.

A page turner which made me want to know how it would all end. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Carole Sullivan.
12 reviews
March 3, 2022
Before Buckhorn (Buckhorn, Montana, #4) by B.J. Daniels

My goodness. BJ is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint! Lots of action, mystery, and drama to keep you entertained from beginning to end. From a one night stand in college, the two main characters come together again years later in Buckhorn and are thrown together to figure out what started the rollercoaster of events which turned out to have begun years ago. the ending will surprise you! KUDOS, BJ for an outstanding read!
Profile Image for Patricia Atkinson.
1,048 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2023
book 4 of the buckhorn montana series jasper cole is running his ranch when darby fulton comes to town to run a online newspaper while hiding on her exboyfriend .when laviathan nash arrives in town and rents the old carriage house and opens a shop called gossip. where you are invited by special invitation only the only problem is he know secrets of everyone and causes alot of pain and heartache for the people of buckhorn but who is he and how does he know so much as jasper and darby team up to find out how
Profile Image for Rob Davis.
Author 6 books5 followers
June 18, 2023
Darby Fulton was a top notch reporter for a major newspaper but she left to get away from her past. She settles in Buckhorn, Montana and starts her own small newspaper. She finds a man she has tried to forget former cop Jasper Cole lives in Buckhorn and they try to deny their attraction for each other. Then a seemingly psychic man is telling all the town’s secrets and upsetting everyone. Together Darby and Jasper find out what the evil man plans to do. I thought at first this was a sci-fi novel but all is made clear by the end. Good read!
Profile Image for Janet.
3,356 reviews24 followers
October 27, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! It pulled me in immediately with the need to know about the new store called Gossip that opened up mysteriously in Buckhorn. This is another unputdownable read by Ms. Daniels. She pulls out all the stops for this one. Short story Out of the Blue is included in this book.
108 reviews
March 1, 2022
Buckhorn, Montana is thus truly a real town?

I feel bad that I read book 4 before book 3 but I do like that the author continues with the same characters and adds a few more to jeep you guessing as to what will happen.
165 reviews
March 11, 2022
Rating

As always b.j Daniel has a great book. Enjoyed it very much. Hope to see more soon. I think I have read all her books to date and enjoyed each one. Keeps one on the edge of your seat from first page.
71 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2022
Great read.

Great read. Lots of action. Love wins over evil. Love following characters as they battle against a evil sick man bent on revenge using information from a journal. Again love wins over evil.
69 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2022
Great Mystery

What a wonderful mystery and romance novel rolled into 1. I love the little extra story at the end. Anybody who loves though Big blue sky of Montana and a good Mystery with love thrown in will enjoy this book.
205 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2022
Gossip

The story was interesting and trying to find out out what the mystery surrounding the new business names Gossip.
It was really confusing if it was a business or just a person running it spreading gossip,
Ruining lives, killing people, setting people up for murder.
Profile Image for Katie.
354 reviews
September 4, 2022
At first, this was a stand alone romantic suspense. Then once the main issue was resolved there were still some loose ends for the last 40 pages and a happily ever after. But no the last 40 pages added in like 3 new characters and a rushed hea. Kinda disappointed.
Profile Image for Rebecca Delio.
1,117 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2022
Great Story

I really enjoyed this story, It was wonderful to see Dave was sooo smart and saw through Tanya from the beginning and I was never so happy to see a bad guy get caught…..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.