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West Coast Crime Story #1
The Heart-Shaped Murders
Catching serial killers is her specialty
Until one follows her home
Attacked and left with a partial heart-shaped symbol carved into her chest, forensic investigator Lena Love finds her latest hunt has become personal. But leaving LA to return to her hometown comes with its own danger—like detective David Hudson, the love she left behind. And soon sparks fly, even as Lena is targeted and stalked, and bodies—all marked with the killer’s signature heart—are discovered in David’s jurisdiction…
Until one follows her home
Attacked and left with a partial heart-shaped symbol carved into her chest, forensic investigator Lena Love finds her latest hunt has become personal. But leaving LA to return to her hometown comes with its own danger—like detective David Hudson, the love she left behind. And soon sparks fly, even as Lena is targeted and stalked, and bodies—all marked with the killer’s signature heart—are discovered in David’s jurisdiction…
256 pages, ebook
First published May 12, 2022
16 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Denise N. Wheatley
72 books218 followersDenise N. Wheatley is a lover of happily-ever-afters and the art of storytelling. She has written (and ghostwritten) numerous novels and novellas that run the romance gamut, from contemporary to paranormal, sweet to steamy. Denise strives to pen entertaining stories that embody matters of the heart, while creating characters who are strong, colorful and relatable.
She is an RWA member and received a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city where she was born and raised. When Denise is not sitting behind a computer, you can find her in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime television or chatting on social media.
She is an RWA member and received a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city where she was born and raised. When Denise is not sitting behind a computer, you can find her in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime television or chatting on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 14, 2022
When investigating a serial killer, do you go off to the crime scene alone? Lena, the frensic and crime scene investigator heroine, apparently thought so, and when she did, the killer attacked her, getting halfway through carving his signature heart into her chest before she escaped. After that, she went back home to recuperate with her family, where she met up with her high school sweetheart David, who she left for a career in LA. I really liked David for his strength and honesty, as well as his ability to overlook the past. The mystery and familial scenes were very well-done, and if Lena hadn't been so dumb as to go off alone on multiple occasions after this, then I likely would've enjoyed this even more. Still, when it was all set and done, I didn't guess the murderer, David was a great hero, and Lena ended up showing a little more sense near the end. In the last Intrigue I read, I thought the romance wasn't prominent enough and came out of nowhere. In this, it was still light and I understand that's a hallmark of Intrigues, but I believed more fully in the romance. The action was gripping, and when things got going, I didn't want to put the book down. I think if you're looking to try out a Harlequin Intrigue and know to expect that Lena's a bit too reckless and senseless at times, you'll enjoy this.
May 2, 2022
My mouth is still hanging open. I had to laugh at myself because I was all ready to say I knew "who done it" from almost the beginning and boy was I off by a mile. I'm still chuckling.
This was an excellent read. I was on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. It was almost like a movie unfolded, it was so vivid. And that Lena...I lost count of how many times I yelled at her, "you gone die, girl." She took so many risks, I couldn't imagine how she would make it through. But I understood what drove her. Her actions made complete sense and didn't feel manufactured at all.
David was an awesome police detective cum love interest and I really enjoyed their chemistry and second chance love story.
If you like romantic suspense, murder mysteries, and/or just a really great read, definitely pick this one up!
This was an excellent read. I was on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. It was almost like a movie unfolded, it was so vivid. And that Lena...I lost count of how many times I yelled at her, "you gone die, girl." She took so many risks, I couldn't imagine how she would make it through. But I understood what drove her. Her actions made complete sense and didn't feel manufactured at all.
David was an awesome police detective cum love interest and I really enjoyed their chemistry and second chance love story.
If you like romantic suspense, murder mysteries, and/or just a really great read, definitely pick this one up!
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May 1, 2022Categories
Mystery & Detective, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A West Coast Crime Story (Book #1)
Mystery & Detective, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A West Coast Crime Story (Book #1)
June 17, 2022
Denise N. Wheatley came through with a chilling tale! This book has all the mystery, page-turning, heart-pounding angst of a good whodunnit AND though I wanted to yell at our hard-headed Lena, you will never see this ending coming.
November 14, 2023
Good mix of suspense and romance, as Lena Love investigates a serial killer and reunites with her first love. I will begin by saying that, for an intelligent woman, Lena takes some very stupid risks.
The story opens as Lena, a forensic crime scene investigator with the LAPD, decides to revisit the serial killer's latest murder scene BY HERSELF. She's deep in her investigative zone when she's attacked by the serial killer, who succeeds in carving half a heart into her chest before she manages to escape. She returns to her small hometown to recuperate.
Lena wanted to be a CSI ever since she was a kid. When it came time to go to college, she picked the one that would give her the best education for what she wanted and then took a job in LA. This ended her relationship with her boyfriend, David, who was committed to staying in Clemmington and joining the police force there. Lena also looked forward to getting out from under the overprotective umbrella of her police chief father and police officer brothers and living life on her own terms.
David was hurt and angry at the ease Lena left him behind. When Lena returns to town, he vows to keep his distance from her and guard his heart from falling for her again. But keeping his distance doesn't last long when a bored Lena asks to help with his vandalism investigation. Something about the vandalism gives David pause, and the next one causes him to believe that the serial killer may have followed Lena home. When murder victims with the killer's MO start turning up, it is obvious that Lena is in danger.
I became extremely frustrated with Lena, who kept sneaking off alone to investigate on her own instead of listening to everyone who tried to protect her. She didn't seem to care about the fear she caused everyone who loved her as long as she got to do what she wanted. David did his best to keep her safe while allowing her to help, but his frustration with her heedlessness was evident. Thank goodness she eventually accepts that she is in danger, but she still finds ways to put herself at risk.
The story's suspense kept me hooked as David, Lena, and the others put everything they had into stopping the killer. I could feel their frustration at the difficulty of finding evidence and the dead ends they ran into from what they did find. Their frustration and determination intensified as the killer's actions escalated. I was glued to the pages as their trap went horribly wrong, and Lena landed in the killer's hands. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I liked seeing Lena fight back as best she could. I rooted for David to arrive before it was too late. I must admit that the killer was not who I expected it to be.
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship between David and Lena. David is wary of getting involved again, as he knows Lena plans to return to her job in LA. Lena doesn't want to hurt him again and tries to keep things strictly to friendship. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny the attraction that flares between them. Lena is surprised to discover that being back home isn't the hardship she thought it would be, despite her family's attempts to get her to stay. I liked how everything that happened caused her to reevaluate her life and choices. I enjoyed the conversation between Lena and David at the end and the surprise she had for him.
The story opens as Lena, a forensic crime scene investigator with the LAPD, decides to revisit the serial killer's latest murder scene BY HERSELF. She's deep in her investigative zone when she's attacked by the serial killer, who succeeds in carving half a heart into her chest before she manages to escape. She returns to her small hometown to recuperate.
Lena wanted to be a CSI ever since she was a kid. When it came time to go to college, she picked the one that would give her the best education for what she wanted and then took a job in LA. This ended her relationship with her boyfriend, David, who was committed to staying in Clemmington and joining the police force there. Lena also looked forward to getting out from under the overprotective umbrella of her police chief father and police officer brothers and living life on her own terms.
David was hurt and angry at the ease Lena left him behind. When Lena returns to town, he vows to keep his distance from her and guard his heart from falling for her again. But keeping his distance doesn't last long when a bored Lena asks to help with his vandalism investigation. Something about the vandalism gives David pause, and the next one causes him to believe that the serial killer may have followed Lena home. When murder victims with the killer's MO start turning up, it is obvious that Lena is in danger.
I became extremely frustrated with Lena, who kept sneaking off alone to investigate on her own instead of listening to everyone who tried to protect her. She didn't seem to care about the fear she caused everyone who loved her as long as she got to do what she wanted. David did his best to keep her safe while allowing her to help, but his frustration with her heedlessness was evident. Thank goodness she eventually accepts that she is in danger, but she still finds ways to put herself at risk.
The story's suspense kept me hooked as David, Lena, and the others put everything they had into stopping the killer. I could feel their frustration at the difficulty of finding evidence and the dead ends they ran into from what they did find. Their frustration and determination intensified as the killer's actions escalated. I was glued to the pages as their trap went horribly wrong, and Lena landed in the killer's hands. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I liked seeing Lena fight back as best she could. I rooted for David to arrive before it was too late. I must admit that the killer was not who I expected it to be.
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of the relationship between David and Lena. David is wary of getting involved again, as he knows Lena plans to return to her job in LA. Lena doesn't want to hurt him again and tries to keep things strictly to friendship. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny the attraction that flares between them. Lena is surprised to discover that being back home isn't the hardship she thought it would be, despite her family's attempts to get her to stay. I liked how everything that happened caused her to reevaluate her life and choices. I enjoyed the conversation between Lena and David at the end and the surprise she had for him.
June 6, 2022
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I must say I really enjoyed reading this storyline. I love a good mystery, suspense and thriller genre to read and I must say this book has it all along with a little clean romance story.
Lena Love is a Los Angeles Police Department Forensics
Investigator, who is investigating murders that are being committed by a serial killer that carves a heart on the victims body. While investigating the lastest crime scene Lena is attacked by the killer who carves a half of heart on her chest. After she gets away from her attacker she goes back to her hometown of Clemmington, California to recuperate.
Lena comes from a family of Law Enforcement her father is the Clemmington Police Chief and her two brothers Jake and Miles are Clemmington Police Officers. David Hudson a Clemmington Police Detective, is Lena’s High School love and they broke up when Lena decided to go to a different college and after graduating College took a Job in Los Angeles instead of coming back to Clemmington.
Now that Lena is back in Clemmington, murder victims are turning up in Clemmington. Has the serial murderer followed Lena there to taunt her and finish the job of his first attack on her? Will Lena and David rekindle their romance to a HEA? You will have to read the book to find out. You will not be disappointed.
I highly recommend this book to read and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Cassandra H.
Lena Love is a Los Angeles Police Department Forensics
Investigator, who is investigating murders that are being committed by a serial killer that carves a heart on the victims body. While investigating the lastest crime scene Lena is attacked by the killer who carves a half of heart on her chest. After she gets away from her attacker she goes back to her hometown of Clemmington, California to recuperate.
Lena comes from a family of Law Enforcement her father is the Clemmington Police Chief and her two brothers Jake and Miles are Clemmington Police Officers. David Hudson a Clemmington Police Detective, is Lena’s High School love and they broke up when Lena decided to go to a different college and after graduating College took a Job in Los Angeles instead of coming back to Clemmington.
Now that Lena is back in Clemmington, murder victims are turning up in Clemmington. Has the serial murderer followed Lena there to taunt her and finish the job of his first attack on her? Will Lena and David rekindle their romance to a HEA? You will have to read the book to find out. You will not be disappointed.
I highly recommend this book to read and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Cassandra H.
July 17, 2022
Lena Love is investigating a serial killer and almost becomes his next victim. Narrowly escaping, she returns to her hometown to recover. But being in her hometown also means she's surrounded by her law enforcement family, and her former love, David, also on the force.
Not one to sit idle, she accompanies David to a crime scene. Strangely, she thinks she sees the serial killer's car. Initially brushing it off, a second crime scene makes it clear the serial killer knows where Lena is.
David, and her family, act as bodyguards. Working closely with David brings up old feelings, but her life is in LA and he is here. How can they rekindle the love for a second chance when danger lurks around the corner?
They come up with a plan, but the killer has other ideas. Now it's up to David to save Lena before it's too late.
Romantic suspense at its best!
Not one to sit idle, she accompanies David to a crime scene. Strangely, she thinks she sees the serial killer's car. Initially brushing it off, a second crime scene makes it clear the serial killer knows where Lena is.
David, and her family, act as bodyguards. Working closely with David brings up old feelings, but her life is in LA and he is here. How can they rekindle the love for a second chance when danger lurks around the corner?
They come up with a plan, but the killer has other ideas. Now it's up to David to save Lena before it's too late.
Romantic suspense at its best!
July 5, 2022
I was super excited about this book. I listened to Denise Wheatley on the Categorically Romance Podcast and thought this would be my first journey into intrigue. I have found that I don't love intrigue. I'm too much of a scaredy-cat and now I know it's not a great genre for me. This book was not the best. Although I loved the style of writing and dialogue, I needed more. I wanted David and Lena to get together. I know this is not the focus of the book but I needed that element. I loved the way things were so rolling out but the actual crime was not the best. Finding out who did it and the reason why seemed lackluster considering the nature of the crime. Either way, I would give Denise Wheatley another try but not this series.
September 18, 2022
This books wasn’t as “thriller/suspense” like I I thought it would be. The narrative focus more on the main characters reconnecting and working through their past issues of their relationship. It was also bought the main character just reconnecting with her roots that included her hometown her family friends and struggling with where she felt she needs to be in terms of Los Angeles or her hometown at this point in your life. I thought the whole idea, synopsis and set up of the story was really interesting and intriguing for readers who like the CSI kind of crime dramas that are on TV. But I do think that the book might not take the reader’s ability to piece together information into account.
August 21, 2022
This story is a page turner from start to finish you will not want to put this book down until the end. Forensic investigator Lena Love is attacked while investigating a crime scene on a hiking trail left with a partial heart shape and barely escaping her attacker, she heads home to her family smalltown and ex love David. Of course, the killer followers her because the maniac just can't resist since for me, I am beginning to think this is personal. The Heart-Shaped Murders is a thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your sit go pick this book up DW did not disappoint.
October 16, 2023
Not much to write about here. The word that comes to mind is "meh". There was something lacking and I cannot put my finger on exactly what it is but it just doesn't draw you in and make you want to neglect other things just to continue reading (which is usually the case in a suspense). I give it credit, however, in that the romance in this book is clean...something in short supply in this day and age...which I very much appreciate.
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February 7, 2025Another fun, thrilling Intrigue from Denise N. Wheatley.
I liked the little twists in The Heart-Shaped Murders that kept the mystery going, and the second chance romance between our hero, David and heroine, Lena was very sweet. Bonus points for the great family vibes; love a story where a community stands strong around the story's leads! I'm also looking forward to the next books in the West Coast Crime series where Lena's brothers be getting their own HEAs.
I liked the little twists in The Heart-Shaped Murders that kept the mystery going, and the second chance romance between our hero, David and heroine, Lena was very sweet. Bonus points for the great family vibes; love a story where a community stands strong around the story's leads! I'm also looking forward to the next books in the West Coast Crime series where Lena's brothers be getting their own HEAs.
August 18, 2024
Great Thriller!!!
This book was a page turner from beginning to end. I had my suspicions of who the killer might be, but I was totally wrong. Ms. Wheatley did a wonderful job with this thriller. Pick this book up so you can be on the edge of your seat like I was.
This book was a page turner from beginning to end. I had my suspicions of who the killer might be, but I was totally wrong. Ms. Wheatley did a wonderful job with this thriller. Pick this book up so you can be on the edge of your seat like I was.
Read
May 1, 2022Categories
Mystery & Detective, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A West Coast Crime Story (Book #1)
Mystery & Detective, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A West Coast Crime Story (Book #1)
May 7, 2022
Heart pounding. Thriller. I never guessed who it was. Felt like it was pulled from the headlines.. strong characters, family dynamics, and team work. Definitely recommend it.
May 17, 2022
This was so entertaining! I couldn’t put it down! Great writing too! Can’t wait to read all of Denise Wheatley’s books!
July 1, 2022
4,5 stars
October 5, 2022
women power
Think I disliked was her going weak kneed whenever she was in crisis, she continued to suggest solutions that would put her in jeopardy.
Think I disliked was her going weak kneed whenever she was in crisis, she continued to suggest solutions that would put her in jeopardy.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews