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Tennessee Cold Case #1
Murder on Prescott Mountain
Could the mystery that’s haunted him for years
Be the break her latest case needs?
Former soldier Grayson Prescott started his cold case firm to bring murderers to justice. Specifically the one who destroyed his life. When his obsession intersects with Detective Willow McCray’s serial killer investigation, they join forces. But Willow falls hard for the haunted investigator—even as danger mounts. Stopping the River Road rapist will save the victims…but will it save their future together?
Be the break her latest case needs?
Former soldier Grayson Prescott started his cold case firm to bring murderers to justice. Specifically the one who destroyed his life. When his obsession intersects with Detective Willow McCray’s serial killer investigation, they join forces. But Willow falls hard for the haunted investigator—even as danger mounts. Stopping the River Road rapist will save the victims…but will it save their future together?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2022
46 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Lena Diaz
201 books432 followersRomantic suspense author, Lena Diaz, is a four time winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. She's also a former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® finalist and has won numerous other awards.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 25, 2024
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in A Tennessee Cold Case Story series. I really love this book so much, and the beginning was so great. The characters in this book was so great. I loved the mystery in this book, and the suspense was so great. I loved the push and pull romance between the two main characters. I also loved the ending of this book because it was packed with action and suspense. I could not put this book down, and I read this book in one setting. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (Lena Diaz) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 1, 2025
I am so happy I finally got time to sit down and read this book at last!!!
I enjoyed nearly every part of this story. It had a lot of things I love in it!!! Good crime story, good romance that didn't take away from the crime solving, interesting characters that you want to read about!!
I enjoyed nearly every part of this story. It had a lot of things I love in it!!! Good crime story, good romance that didn't take away from the crime solving, interesting characters that you want to read about!!
June 9, 2025
3 1/4 stars - intriguing premise and I really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series, but this one wasn't as good. I didn't see the connection between the main characters, so that spoiled the romance and the investigation wasn't detailed enough for me. I will read other books by this author, but this book wasn't a favorite.
February 2, 2022
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Murder on Prescott Mountain starts off the A Tennessee Cold Case Story series with a story that had me holding my breath, waiting for the next clue to drop, and keeping hold of hope throughout Willow and Grayson’s story. Since this is a Romantic Suspense/Murder novel you won’t find spoiler details here but you will find my emotional response to this excellent beginning to a new series.
While Grayson and Willow crash at the beginning of their story, I enjoyed watching how they interacted, how focused each was on finding a criminal who may share a connection, in many ways, to each other. Their fiery introduction gave an early indication of Willow’s stubborn determination, and Grayson’s ability to freeze someone out along with his own stubbornness and sense of doing the right thing. I liked them immediately and easily got caught up in their story.
The way that Grayson’s new business “Unfinished Business” came together was fascinating to watch and what a great way to introduce this world in a very logical, precise, fluid way. You’ll see. It is world-building at its best, unseen, not in your face details, just logical conclusions, and ideas that flowed together into a business model that will continue throughout the series. There may well be businesses like this one out in the real world, and if I was a lot younger it would be a fascinating career.
The hunt for a serial rapist/killer slowly heats up until the last few chapters are aflame with intensity. I had a feeling about the ultimate bad guy but those additional twists and turns had me flipping pages to find out what happened next. Murder on Prescott Mountain is intense, it’s also a smooth falling into love for this couple. Oh, sure, they have their moments and groveling will be involved but they fit so well, even knowing Grayson’s past, they still worked for me and I wanted their happily ever after ending so badly.
We meet a few members of this new team, and I’m eager to discover more about them and others to come. If you enjoy a good mystery, if piecing together clues and possibilities is an important part of any romantic suspense story for you, and if you love a couple who will keep you on edge throughout their story then Murder on Prescott Mountain would be perfect for you. I loved it and will be keeping an eye out for the next story.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Murder on Prescott Mountain starts off the A Tennessee Cold Case Story series with a story that had me holding my breath, waiting for the next clue to drop, and keeping hold of hope throughout Willow and Grayson’s story. Since this is a Romantic Suspense/Murder novel you won’t find spoiler details here but you will find my emotional response to this excellent beginning to a new series.
While Grayson and Willow crash at the beginning of their story, I enjoyed watching how they interacted, how focused each was on finding a criminal who may share a connection, in many ways, to each other. Their fiery introduction gave an early indication of Willow’s stubborn determination, and Grayson’s ability to freeze someone out along with his own stubbornness and sense of doing the right thing. I liked them immediately and easily got caught up in their story.
The way that Grayson’s new business “Unfinished Business” came together was fascinating to watch and what a great way to introduce this world in a very logical, precise, fluid way. You’ll see. It is world-building at its best, unseen, not in your face details, just logical conclusions, and ideas that flowed together into a business model that will continue throughout the series. There may well be businesses like this one out in the real world, and if I was a lot younger it would be a fascinating career.
The hunt for a serial rapist/killer slowly heats up until the last few chapters are aflame with intensity. I had a feeling about the ultimate bad guy but those additional twists and turns had me flipping pages to find out what happened next. Murder on Prescott Mountain is intense, it’s also a smooth falling into love for this couple. Oh, sure, they have their moments and groveling will be involved but they fit so well, even knowing Grayson’s past, they still worked for me and I wanted their happily ever after ending so badly.
We meet a few members of this new team, and I’m eager to discover more about them and others to come. If you enjoy a good mystery, if piecing together clues and possibilities is an important part of any romantic suspense story for you, and if you love a couple who will keep you on edge throughout their story then Murder on Prescott Mountain would be perfect for you. I loved it and will be keeping an eye out for the next story.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
January 30, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
What a mesmerizing start to a new series!!! I haven't read a novel from this author is several years and I could kick myself. This is just a wonderfully told story of two different types of characters and how they overcome hardships and unimaginable obstacles to find their HEA.
Grayson Prescott is a very rich man. He is an ex-special force military man. His wife was murdered years ago while he was away on a tour. His infant daughter was not found at the site of the murder, Grayson doesn't know her fate.
Willow McCray, is a newly minted detective with the local police department. She is basically a "glorified runt". To help catch a serial rapist, Willow agrees to be one of the women sent around town to act as bait. Grayson see a man following a young woman into an alleyway. He feels something is off and follows. In the act of trying to save the woman, Grayson becomes injured and the assailant runs off. Willow believes the injured man is acting in tandem with the knife welding man and arrests him. Such an auspicious meeting between these two.
This book is written in a dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts, really help me to connect with them. I loved the plot and the seamless way the author carries the scenes throughout. It was an enchanting story that I would highly recommend.
What a mesmerizing start to a new series!!! I haven't read a novel from this author is several years and I could kick myself. This is just a wonderfully told story of two different types of characters and how they overcome hardships and unimaginable obstacles to find their HEA.
Grayson Prescott is a very rich man. He is an ex-special force military man. His wife was murdered years ago while he was away on a tour. His infant daughter was not found at the site of the murder, Grayson doesn't know her fate.
Willow McCray, is a newly minted detective with the local police department. She is basically a "glorified runt". To help catch a serial rapist, Willow agrees to be one of the women sent around town to act as bait. Grayson see a man following a young woman into an alleyway. He feels something is off and follows. In the act of trying to save the woman, Grayson becomes injured and the assailant runs off. Willow believes the injured man is acting in tandem with the knife welding man and arrests him. Such an auspicious meeting between these two.
This book is written in a dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts, really help me to connect with them. I loved the plot and the seamless way the author carries the scenes throughout. It was an enchanting story that I would highly recommend.
Read
January 2, 2022Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Tennessee Cold Case Story (Book #1)
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Tennessee Cold Case Story (Book #1)
January 20, 2022
Detective Willow McCray is attempting to do her job helping to find the serial killer in their town when she ends up stopping the wrong man. Grayson Prescott is in town meeting with the police chief, again, when he's mistaken for someone he's not. When these two get together to start an agency to solve cold cases, they fight an uphill battle with police agencies across the state, and the serial killer himself.
The police procedural info in this story is fascinating, and the twists and turns are spot on and unexpected!
Ms. Diaz hit this one out of the park!
The police procedural info in this story is fascinating, and the twists and turns are spot on and unexpected!
Ms. Diaz hit this one out of the park!
January 16, 2022
Captivating and on point! Lena Diaz's latest series is kicking off with a bang of non-stop action and mystery. MURDER ON PRESCOTT MOUNTAIN is the first book in her Tennessee Cold Case Story series and came to life quickly and the twists and turns held my attention throughout. I'm looking forward to more in the series!
Grayson's back story is very compelling and seeing him start up this new firm to not only solve his own cold case, but to help other families who suffer the unknown is very rewarding.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced action story revolving around a mystery or two with a hint of romance.
Grayson's back story is very compelling and seeing him start up this new firm to not only solve his own cold case, but to help other families who suffer the unknown is very rewarding.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced action story revolving around a mystery or two with a hint of romance.
November 16, 2021
Willow McCray is a detective for the Gatlinburg Police Department. She has worked long and hard to reach that detective role. Her boss, Sgt. Jeffries, was not at all pleased that she was promoted over his nephew. Willow is determined to prove herself and become a competent detective. At this point in time the police department is trying to catch the River Road rapist. Willow volunteers, along with other female police officers, to try to draw out the suspect by walking along River Road dressed in provocative clothing. She has a team following her as backup. She notices two men following her into an alley. There's a scuffle and one man runs off while Willow cuffs and arrests the other one, the one she suspects is working in tandem with her attacker. Turns out her collar is Grayson Prescott, former Special Forces soldier and very wealthy local businessman. He was trying to protect Willow from her attacker, not help the attacker. Oops! Willow apologizes to Grayson and their talk leads to an idea for a private cold case solving agency as the local police forces don't have the budget or manpower to put a lot of time and energy into solving cold cases. Grayson has a reason to greatly appreciate Willow's idea.
Grayson Prescott has been hounding the Gatlinburg Police Department for seven years to solve the case of his wife's murder and the disappearance of his three-month-old daughter. Supposedly the police are getting nowhere with the case but Grayson thinks they really aren't trying very hard. With this background it's no surprise that Grayson would try to help the woman he sees about to be attacked. Being arrested by Detective Willow McCray for trying to do a good deed doesn't sit well with Grayson. When he realizes Willow's boss has sort of set her up, hopefully as a learning tactic, Grayson agrees to accept Willow's apology and then is very impressed with her idea for a private cold case solving agency. Working together, since Grayson convinces Willow to leave the Gatlinburg PD and come work for this new agency, revs up their attraction to each other.
Murder on Prescott Mountain by Lena Diaz is the first book in her new Tennessee Cold Case series. This is a fantastic opening story for this series. I could not put this book down. The tension was handled expertly. There's plenty of action and suspense. The characters are very likable. I really liked how this author set up the conflict and then engineered the resolution. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, Serial Slayer Cold Case, scheduled to be released March 2022.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Grayson Prescott has been hounding the Gatlinburg Police Department for seven years to solve the case of his wife's murder and the disappearance of his three-month-old daughter. Supposedly the police are getting nowhere with the case but Grayson thinks they really aren't trying very hard. With this background it's no surprise that Grayson would try to help the woman he sees about to be attacked. Being arrested by Detective Willow McCray for trying to do a good deed doesn't sit well with Grayson. When he realizes Willow's boss has sort of set her up, hopefully as a learning tactic, Grayson agrees to accept Willow's apology and then is very impressed with her idea for a private cold case solving agency. Working together, since Grayson convinces Willow to leave the Gatlinburg PD and come work for this new agency, revs up their attraction to each other.
Murder on Prescott Mountain by Lena Diaz is the first book in her new Tennessee Cold Case series. This is a fantastic opening story for this series. I could not put this book down. The tension was handled expertly. There's plenty of action and suspense. The characters are very likable. I really liked how this author set up the conflict and then engineered the resolution. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, Serial Slayer Cold Case, scheduled to be released March 2022.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 21, 2021
Our heroine, Willow , is a detective and she has worked hard to get where she is. While out on a case acting as uncover to catch a serial rapist, she meets our Hero, Grayson, who is a former soldier and businessman. He has a tragic past in the form of unresolved case of his murdered wife & the disappearance of his 3 month old daughter and is frustrated with the local police for not getting anywhere.
He & Willow join forces to open their own cold case investigating agency and as they work together, sparks fly and danger comes calling.
For anyone who follows my reviews, my number one pet peeve in romances is for one or both of the main characters to have a prior love (especially a dead ex) and child with OP. That is the one quick way to lose my interest and unfortunately, had I known this in advance, perhaps, I wouldn’t have picked it up because as a whole, I liked the two main characters and their developing story, however, the fact that he was still grieving and had a child with the OW, made me feel as if heroine was his second choice.
Sorry, but the dead ex/widower trope doesn’t work for me for this reason, however, if it doesn’t bother you, then I think you will enjoy the suspense and romance between these two.
I was kindly provided an advanced copy by NetGalley/Publisher/Author for an honest review and I want to thank them for the opportunity.
He & Willow join forces to open their own cold case investigating agency and as they work together, sparks fly and danger comes calling.
For anyone who follows my reviews, my number one pet peeve in romances is for one or both of the main characters to have a prior love (especially a dead ex) and child with OP. That is the one quick way to lose my interest and unfortunately, had I known this in advance, perhaps, I wouldn’t have picked it up because as a whole, I liked the two main characters and their developing story, however, the fact that he was still grieving and had a child with the OW, made me feel as if heroine was his second choice.
Sorry, but the dead ex/widower trope doesn’t work for me for this reason, however, if it doesn’t bother you, then I think you will enjoy the suspense and romance between these two.
I was kindly provided an advanced copy by NetGalley/Publisher/Author for an honest review and I want to thank them for the opportunity.
February 8, 2022
The first in a new series by Ms. Diaz..A Tennessee Cold Case Story. Former Solider Grayson Prescott wants answers to his wife’s murder, and his baby girls disappearance. It seems like the case has gone cold, and so no one is looking into it anymore. One night he thinks he’s doing the right thing, but soon he’s taken in by Detective Willow McCray to the police station. It’s a big misunderstanding. When Willow finds out the truth about him she helps him out.
Willow is confused the night she thinks everything is going well until Grayson Prescott gets mixed up in a take down. She has no clue who he is. Well that’s until her boss makes a full out of her. She learns things about him, and is helping him. She so could lose her job over what she did. She feels she owes him that after what happened.
While Grayson and Willow are trying to find a new angle on what’s going on. Grayson decides to create a business for cold cases. But in the process he starts having feelings for her. He thinks after the kisses they’ve shared she feels it too. When he breaks his promise there’s no coming back from that.
Buy the book. So much more to come.
Willow is confused the night she thinks everything is going well until Grayson Prescott gets mixed up in a take down. She has no clue who he is. Well that’s until her boss makes a full out of her. She learns things about him, and is helping him. She so could lose her job over what she did. She feels she owes him that after what happened.
While Grayson and Willow are trying to find a new angle on what’s going on. Grayson decides to create a business for cold cases. But in the process he starts having feelings for her. He thinks after the kisses they’ve shared she feels it too. When he breaks his promise there’s no coming back from that.
Buy the book. So much more to come.
January 21, 2022
This book is about a very wealthy man who suffered a horrible loss. His wife was murdered and his infant daughter is missing, presumed dead, but the case was never solved. After years with still no answers or justice in sight he and a former detective team up and create a cold case investigation firm to prevent others from going through what he is going through. When it looks like his wife and daughter’s cold case is connected to a another cold case and also an active one they rush to get an I.D. before it is too late. Will they be able to get justice for those victims and stop the serial murderer and rapist before he kills another, read Murder on Prescott Mountain to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next one in the series. This book was full of suspense with just a dash of romance thrown in. Murder on Prescott Mountain is the first in a brand new series called Tennessee Cold Case Story series by Lena Diaz.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next one in the series. This book was full of suspense with just a dash of romance thrown in. Murder on Prescott Mountain is the first in a brand new series called Tennessee Cold Case Story series by Lena Diaz.
January 30, 2022
New series that will focus on unsolved cold cases starts off with plenty of suspense and twist.
Grayson Prescott wife and daughter were murdered years ago while he was deployed. For the last seven years he has been trying to find out what happened to them but not getting a lot of help from the police.
Newly appointed Detective Willow McCray’s is trying to catch a serial rapist. She doesn't have a lot of respect from her boss and co-workers. Willow puts together that the serial rapist might also be a murderer and quite possibly a serial murderer.
Willow and Grayson's first introduction to each other doesn't go well. Eventually Grayson see's, based on Willow's ideas, that new business solely created to solve cold cases using forensics and DNA testing would also help on solving his wife cold case along with the current rape/murders. So the new Cold Case business is formed and the twist and shocking direction the two cases go come to a thrilling conclusion.
Grayson Prescott wife and daughter were murdered years ago while he was deployed. For the last seven years he has been trying to find out what happened to them but not getting a lot of help from the police.
Newly appointed Detective Willow McCray’s is trying to catch a serial rapist. She doesn't have a lot of respect from her boss and co-workers. Willow puts together that the serial rapist might also be a murderer and quite possibly a serial murderer.
Willow and Grayson's first introduction to each other doesn't go well. Eventually Grayson see's, based on Willow's ideas, that new business solely created to solve cold cases using forensics and DNA testing would also help on solving his wife cold case along with the current rape/murders. So the new Cold Case business is formed and the twist and shocking direction the two cases go come to a thrilling conclusion.
Read
January 29, 2022Murder on Prescott Mountain is the first book in the Tennessee Cold Case Stories by Lena Diaz. A captivating romantic suspense that is full of mystery and unexpected twists and turns. I loved the mystery in this book, and the suspense was so great. The push and pull romance between the two main characters is undeniable, with a surprising ending that is sure to take your breath away.
February 15, 2022
This is a can't miss start to a new series by Lena Diaz. The author is able to create characters and stories that comes to life in fast pace story with two points of views. One from Grayson Prescott and the other from Willow McCray. The author creates a story that will move readers and have them wanting more.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy Murder on Prescott Mountain.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy Murder on Prescott Mountain.
July 3, 2023
This is a really good read with lots of forensic and detailed searching for a rapist serial killer who destroyed many lives.
A consciencous policewoman and a distraught millionaire seek to find the murderer who seems to be one step ahead of the police as he continues on his deadly trail.
A consciencous policewoman and a distraught millionaire seek to find the murderer who seems to be one step ahead of the police as he continues on his deadly trail.
Read
January 2, 2022Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Tennessee Cold Case Story (Book #1)
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Tennessee Cold Case Story (Book #1)
January 8, 2022
First in a series! Loved the drama, like Chicago of, Chicago fire type environment. Very excited to see how the next book plays out. Second chance love story is a subtle theme in this..
February 3, 2022
Murder , mystery. Good book, Didn’t know till the very end who did it. Plus she left it as you would want to read the next book!
February 17, 2024
Fantastic read!
January 17, 2022
Murder on Prescott Mountain was the first of a new series and I can't wait to read the next one. While the book starts out slow, stick with it, because once it hits, you'll be turning pages long into the night to discover exactly who the River Road Rapist is.
Grayson is a man broken by life. His wife was murdered and his daughter was missing, and he'd gotten no answers for over seven years. Enter Willow, a police detective in Gatlinburg who doesn't like the whitewash he's getting from her colleagues. One thing leads to another and soon Willow is working for Grayson setting up a cold case team funded by his family's money. He will do anything to learn what happened to his family.
The twists and turns of this intrigue are many and often, but reading it is like you're walking with Willow and Grayson as they hunt the River Road Rapist and tie it to cold cases across the counties. The tension between them is palpable, but the romance is basically nonexistent until the end (For those looking for more romance than mystery, you won't get that in this Intrigue). With a cast of characters that can keep this series going for some time, I can't wait to see where Ms. Diaz takes us next.
Grayson is a man broken by life. His wife was murdered and his daughter was missing, and he'd gotten no answers for over seven years. Enter Willow, a police detective in Gatlinburg who doesn't like the whitewash he's getting from her colleagues. One thing leads to another and soon Willow is working for Grayson setting up a cold case team funded by his family's money. He will do anything to learn what happened to his family.
The twists and turns of this intrigue are many and often, but reading it is like you're walking with Willow and Grayson as they hunt the River Road Rapist and tie it to cold cases across the counties. The tension between them is palpable, but the romance is basically nonexistent until the end (For those looking for more romance than mystery, you won't get that in this Intrigue). With a cast of characters that can keep this series going for some time, I can't wait to see where Ms. Diaz takes us next.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews