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Leah Nash Mysteries #7

Dangerous Pursuits

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The smallest towns sometimes hold the deadliest secrets.
But the smallest clues can sometimes blow a case wide open.


A pair of fancy red stiletto heels is found in a Wisconsin cornfield.
The strangled body of a shoeless young woman in a red sequined cocktail dress is discovered the next day in a wood miles away.

That’s the start of a twisty, tangled crime that sends author and struggling newspaper owner Leah Nash in pursuit of a cold-blooded killer.

As a dancer at the local strip club the dead girl had ties to several prominent men who are anxious to remain secret. A naïve club bouncer was in love with her. She had a fling with a small-time conman. The list of potential murder suspects is growing by the minute.

Convinced that the police are after the wrong man, Leah and her overeager new reporter, Troy, dive headlong into the investigation.

But the killer’s identity is a moving target. Witnesses lie, suspects won’t talk, suspicions rise, distrust is sown as the murderer manipulates events behind the scenes. Everyone has secrets to conceal—some criminal, some shameful, some both.

And when a suspicious accident threatens to derail the investigation, Leah realizes that someone will do anything to keep their secrets safe.


DANGEROUS PURSUITS is the seventh standalone book in the Leah Nash series. If you enjoy murder mysteries with witty dialogue, clever characters, and unexpected twists, you’ll LOVE Leah Nash.

430 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2020

1545 people are currently reading
139 people want to read

About the author

Susan Hunter

29 books193 followers
Susan Hunter is a happy introvert who lives with her husband Gary, an extreme extrovert, in rural Michigan.

She spent some years as a reporter and then as the managing editor of a small daily newspaper. From there Susan went on to work at a university in publications and marketing where she honed her skills at appearing engaged in academic meetings, while internally composing her grocery list. She also taught a few classes as well—in English composition, that is, not in faking your way through meetings.

In addition to writing the Leah Nash series, Susan enjoys reading other people’s writing, watching classic films, occasional walks and snarky conversation with old friends and family, eating chocolate chip cookies, and answering emails from her readers. Visit her website, susanhunterauthor.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Cynthia Hamilton.
Author 21 books228 followers
September 21, 2020
My hat’s off to Susan Hunter for creating another superbly crafted Leah Nash adventure. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a mystery novel more twisty, involved or any better put together than “Dangerous Pursuits.” Frankly, I don’t know how the author managed to keep it all straight in her head! But it all comes together at the end, just the way they always do, both flawless and satisfying.

Along with the usual funny business and dead bodies, we are once again brought into Leah’s personal life, which is full of people we can all relate to. In addition to her demanding, two-pronged career, Leah’s got the extra baggage of knowing just about everybody in Himmel. And where you’ve got people, you’ve got drama. I love how the author blends all that together, using her friends and family to add depth to the story, who in turn often provide small pieces of whatever puzzle Leah is trying to solve.

With this book I skipped ahead in the series, but I didn’t feel like I was in the dark about anything, as the author provided enough info to each character’s background for me to get up to speed. I do recommend starting at the beginning if you can, but don’t believe new readers would necessarily miss out on any essential components to the story. What skipping out of line did for me was make me want to go back and read the books I haven’t read yet. Well done! Can’t wait to see what happens next!

12.7k reviews189 followers
October 23, 2020
An absolutely intriguing story Wherever Leah is, you know that there’ll be an outstanding mystery. It’s definitely a book you don’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Debbie Ament.
30 reviews
October 20, 2020
Another hit for Susan, she continues write mysteries that are fun to read and yet keep you guessing.

Susan hits on what it is like to live in small town USA. The struggles of the local newspapers trying to compete with online papers. The on going battle with politicians that are not as honest as they should be. Then a BIG surprise from her current love interest.

I have read several of Susan’s books now and have enjoyed each and every one of them equally. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,370 reviews13 followers
October 20, 2020
I enjoyed this Leah Nash mystery. While on a photo shoot, Leah and her photographer, Miguel find a pair of red stiletto heels. When a girl is found murdered, Leah feels that the police are focusing on the wrong person so she starts investigating herself. This book is full of suspense with funny characters who will keep you guessing right to the last page. If you enjoy mysteries with wild characters and tons of secrets, you will love Dangerous Pursuits. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
2,520 reviews42 followers
October 15, 2020
She thought after tonight everything would be good, tomorrow would be a new start, but it wasn’t. Her body was later found in a field and she had been strangled. Leah Nash is doing the best to keep her newspaper, Himmel Times Weekly, competitive with the online Go News. In addition, she is supporting her good friend, former officer David Cooper, in his campaign for sheriff. The upcoming election soon takes a back seat to the news of the woman’s murder. As Leah and her team investigate, they learn that the woman was a dancer from a local club and had attended a private party at a hunting cabin. One of the men at the cabin could be the murderer, but which one and why? When one of her team goes off on his own to investigate, will he live to tell the news? It started out a little slow for me, but soon picked up as Leah puts all the pieces together to solve a murder. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
October 20, 2020
A stripper is found dead and has ties to some prominent men that would rather keep their secret just that...a secret. But Leah doesn't believe what the investigation by the police is true, so she and Troy do their own investigation. That's where the trouble begins for them, including an accident that may not have been accidental. Another great story by Susan Hunter. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from SRP Mystery & Thriller Books.
Profile Image for Laura.
90 reviews
October 20, 2020
Once again, Susan Hunter did a great job with this book and I loved Dangerous Pursuits. I feel like all of these books in this series are enjoyable and easy to read and I always love the mysteries in this series. While I was able to figure out who the culprit was in this story, it did not take away from the story and I still could not wait until Leah and everyone else found out who committed the murder. I also enjoyed other parts of the book like the rivalry with GO News and Coop running for the Sheriff.

As always, I love all the supporting characters in this book as well. I always look forward to seeing what the people of Himmel are up to and I enjoy all of the interactions between the characters. I also like that there is a dash of romance thrown into these books and I was excited about the small twist at end of the book. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author/publisher. I cannot wait until the next one!
1,821 reviews13 followers
October 17, 2020
A young girl found strangled. Her shoes found in a different location. The police are focusing on the wrong person. Leah Nash of the local newspaper, Himmel Times, investigates and gets interest from the wrong person. A fast paced conclusion to the ending with Leah being pursued by the killer.
1,701 reviews35 followers
September 14, 2020
Leah Nash is in a battle for one-upping her online news competitor to her hard copy press one.
She is a former crime reporter and current co-owner of the Himmel Times.
She has an uphill battle most of the time as the GO News has direct access to the current acting Sheriff, and he really doesn't like Leah to start with. So he uses every advantage he has in his run to be elected as Sheriff.

When the body of a girl who was a dancer at a strip club.
Leah is forced to use some underhanded means to get the Sheriff and GO News off of Dan, Coop's father, and campaign manager's case and quit implying that he was a suspect in the murder.

This is actually a hard review for me to write as the story had at least one reference in it that I do my best to actively avoid reading about. Also, there are times it's hard to keep up with everything that's going on as there are so many different suspects, and theories to keep track of.

I had originally decided to give the story only a three star review. But, the ending was so great that I started laughing out loud, and that made it worth an extra star by itself.

This is a well written story with developed characters, lots of twists, and a bit of humor.
It is an overall enjoyable story that is a clean read without any graphic descriptions, and little to no profanity.

I read this story as an ARC and the views expressed are my own.
For the time it took me to read, I would put it between 350 & 400 pages.
It was the first in this series that I have read, and while it is a mostly stand-alone story, there are a few things still needed, so I would recommend reading them in order.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,538 reviews24 followers
September 22, 2020
This latest Leah Nash story finds her trying to keep her newspaper running with a short staff as well as trying to beat her nemesis in the new business to the breaking news of a murder. Along with trying to get the bottom of the murder story, Leah is deeply involved in supporting her candidate for sheriff. Susan Hunter has woven several story lines together to create a spellbinding whodunit. There are several moments where I have to admit I didn’t see it coming which made the story even better. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
Profile Image for rebecca leboeuf.
21 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2021
Oh my gosh. I loveeee this series. I originally got the first book through primereading but then I got a kindleunlimited membership just so I could read the rest! I’m definitely going to renew that whenever the next book gets released!
7,766 reviews50 followers
September 28, 2020
DANGEROUS. PURSUIT ...Susan..Hunter
Jancee has her own agenda, from dancing at Tanner’s club. She attracts the men, the money after paying to the others, she barely has anything left, now this was a step up, going to Chicago. Trying to escape thru the corn fields, throwing off her red shoes, her last thought as he grabs her again.
Leah owner of the newspaper is with Miguel while he is taking pictures of the corn fields to go with his article, stumbles over the red designer heels which look new. Wondering why in a corn field, with lunch the main topic now.
She is someone who is wearing many hats and trying to keep the newspaper going, adding her support to the sheriff campaign. Then their is mayhem and murder to figure out. Good flowing plot, and how she juggles them, to come to a good ending, tying them together. Another good tight plot with Leah that was enjoyable to read, and try to figure out the killer was.. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
2,674 reviews12 followers
October 18, 2020
The headline is “murder”…

Leah Nash, began her journalistic career as a reporter for the Himmel Times Weekly. Now she has returned to Himmel to buy the dying newspaper and return it to its former glory. The only fly in her ointment is GO News. The competing paper, run by Spencer Karr and his morally bankrupt reporting staff, is intent on scooping the Himmel Times with inside information supplied by Sheriff Lamey. Lamey, currently running for reelection opposed by Leah’s best friend David “Coop” Cooper, has no love for Leah and her barely concealed contempt for his incompetence. When it’s time to release a report on the body found outside of town Lamey gives the scoop to GO News but when evidence points to friends, the Himmel Times staff is determined to uncover the complete story.

This book has realistic character interactions, a little romance, and good plot twists. It was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Bernice.
72 reviews
October 21, 2020
Another wonderful book in the Leah Nash mystery series. Although the Nash books are part of a series, each one can also be a stand-alone since the author is very good at outlining who everyone is and where they fit into the story, which takes place in the fictional town of Himmel, Wisconsin.
Leah is a true crimes mystery writer and owner of the local newspaper. She inevitably finds herself in danger when she investigates local happenings. There were surprises and twists to surprise me throughout this book. It was difficult to put it down until I helped Leah solve the mysteries. The story is well written and the characters are interesting. I highly recommend this book, as well as all the other Leah Nash mysteries.
Profile Image for Steve Johnson.
Author 16 books21 followers
October 28, 2020
The seventh book in Susan Hunter's series featuring Leah Nash offers an intriguing plot with even more twists and turns than usual. Leah takes rookie reporter Troy under her wing and helps him investigate the death of a stripper. Troy earns a measure of respect when he uncovers important leads on his own. The case turns personal when the father of Leah's old friend Coop becomes a suspect, damaging Coop's chances in the campaign for sheriff. Tension builds as the investigation puts Leah as well as others close to her in danger. The characters are all well-developed, as usual, and they have interesting back stories. Character interaction continues to be a strong point. The ending contains a surprise few readers will see coming.
Profile Image for Tim Mullen.
190 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2023
Never disappoints

Back in Himmel, Wisconsin and Leah is still juggling keeping her newspaper afloat and getting her writing career back on track. The murder of a dancer at the local strip club threatens to derail her best friends’ election campaign for Sheriff, and give her online newspaper rivals a juicy exclusive. Beginning the search for the killer leads Leah once more into mortal danger, whilst an unexpected surprise threatens to completely disrupt her personal life. Some readers, like me, may work out the identity of the killer quickly, but the path to the reveal is entertaining, the main characters remain both believable and likeable, and there’s also some interesting local history and food thrown in. I would recommend reading this series in order.
Profile Image for Bec.
32 reviews
September 22, 2020
Another good entry into the Leah Nash series. It's easy to return to the characters. The story didn't drag at all. It was action almost from the start.

There were twists and turns, however I picked up on a couple of breadcrumbs left early on in the story and worked out the connections well before they were revealed. It got a bit messy at points, with the introduction of too many theories.

One thing I'm not keen on is the introduction of a well-known trope. It's obviously building up to something in the next book, and I'm interested to see how it pans out.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This will please fans of the series.
885 reviews9 followers
November 6, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2020
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The relationships between them was well developed and realistic. The mystery was well written and had plenty of herrings to keep me guessing. Though this is the seventh in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I cannot remember reading other books in this series and at no time did I feel left out; on the contrary, I instantly felt like I was among friends from the first chapter. I now have added the previous six books to my TBR pile so I can read them all! I received an ARC from the publisher and this is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Jessica Smith.
14 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2022
I love this series. I read some negative reviews of the first book and I’m glad I chose to ignore them and see for myself. I really really have enjoyed every book. The ONLY thing I absolutely detest is the character Courtnee. I am frustrated by every part that includes her only because she has never had one good quality or one good moment in any book but yet everyone tolerates her behavior and no one really puts her in her place, or more realistically fires her. Her character is a thorn in the books, and not a good or necessary one that adds character to the books in my opinion. That aside, I have loved every book and never figure out who the bad guy is ahead of time LOL.
Profile Image for Scott Kalas.
536 reviews10 followers
October 24, 2020
Always enjoy Leah Nash

Leah Nash Mysteries has become of my can’t wait until next book comes out series and after reading Dangerous Pursuits, I can’t wait to see until the next one comes out.

They’re not the most suspenseful mystery books, I had the killer I’m this one pegged early and there was at least one other sub plots one can guess the outcome, but they’re a collection of characters I enjoy, there’s no sex, foul-mouthed language, just a nice clean read.

So now going into my wait mode
Profile Image for Conni Benham.
43 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2023
One of Susan Hunter’s best

If the seven Leah Nash Mysteries, this was the best. Leah is becoming more complex and likable with each book. The main regulars are also being fleshed out and relevant to the story line and in relationship to Leah.
I love the whodunnit story lines, and it has been very difficult to figure that out until the big reveal.
This is fast paced and detail oriented.
So many suspects and clues leading to each. I’ll be reading this again to try and follow each strand leading to the actual murderer in the small town in Wisconsin.
Profile Image for Micki Johnson.
196 reviews
July 19, 2023
Another Great book from the Leah Nash Mystery Series!

Dangerous Pursuits is book #7 in the Leah Nash mystery series. I have really enjoyed this series and this book did not disappoint! Leah Nash is at it again solving crimes as a crime reporter! She tends to get herself into sticky situations and almost gets herself killed to get to the bottom of any story that she is investigating! I love all of the characters in this series and the storylines! I would highly recommend this series to anyone that likes a good mystery with a great lead character!
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,640 reviews37 followers
October 23, 2020
I did not read the previous books in this series, however, Dangerous Pursuits can be read as a stand alone book. I really enjoyed it, the plot is well put together, the characters are really engaging, there´s crime, deceit, mismanagement issues, credibility issues, and a very unexpected twist in the plot. I enjoyed reading it and recommend this book as it kept me highly alert till the end.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Natalie.
14 reviews
March 20, 2021
As with the rest of the books in the Leah Nash series, I found Dangerous Pursuits to be well-written, fast-paced, and a fun read. That being said, I had the antagonist pegged almost immediately. Though I find that to be more because I'm a writer, also, and have a similar mindset for plot twists, rather than it being due to a perceived weakness in the story telling... It wasn't. You'll enjoy this read.
Profile Image for Vic.
417 reviews
October 23, 2020
Great mystery. This is the first book for me by this writer, not the first book in the series but can be read alone. I will look into the rest of the series. Great and likable characters. My only complaint is the use of "big" words, I just feel like they interrupted the flow sometimes. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sandy.
876 reviews14 followers
October 26, 2020
Absolutely riveting! The wonderfully twisty tale begins when the body of a local strip club dancer is found in a wooded area. A complex plot, multiple suspects and superb writing kept me reading long into the night. Highly recommended! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
164 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2020
Red Sequin Bbreadcrumbs

Leah Nash follows the sequins to reveal the killer - but only after endangering her own life yet again. At times she’s not very like able - but is rarely malicious (and never unjustified) and is becoming quite self aware - but not quite able to overcome her righteous driving force.
796 reviews5 followers
June 25, 2021
Another winner

Leah Nash just can’t stay away from trouble. She is involved with trying to help get Coop’s father out of trouble to help Coop win the sheriff election. While she is hot on the trail to discover who killed the girl, she discovers more than she bargained for. The ending is very suspenseful and full of twists and turns.
678 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2025
Cabin in the Woods

A young stripped from a nearby club shows up to surprise Kent, a well to do securities trader. Wes was very surprised when his brother was embarrassed and paid her to leave early. Later her body was found in the woods. Numerous men were suspected of the murder but ,I was shocked when the real killer was identified.
987 reviews12 followers
October 21, 2020
I was hooked to this book right from the first page. This book was suspenseful. The killer seemed elusive. I enjoyed reading this fast paced book. The characters were well thought out and blended very well into the book. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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