Nora Roberts meets Yellowstone in this brand new must read series from USA Today bestselling author Pamela Fagan Hutchins.
When an investment guru turns up dead in the septic tank behind her husband’s new Wyoming lodge, Jennifer must put the campaign that could make her the youngest ever female district attorney in Houston on hold to defend the well-lubricated lodge caretaker, or he’ll go down for a murder she’s convinced he didn’t commit.
Prosecutor Jennifer Herrington has it all in Texas, until her husband Aaron falls for a ramshackle lodge on the face of the ruggedly beautiful Bighorn Mountains. But before he can sell her on a new life in the cowboy state—one filled with pets and kids, where he’ll trade his fancy veterinary clinic for a simple country practice, and she’ll write the murder mystery she’s always dreamed of—they find a prominent local man in the septic tank, a knife in his temple, long past saving. As an early fall blizzard hits, deputies zero in on George, the caretaker, and not just because the lookalike victim is his sworn enemy and the ex-husband of George’s deceased wife: George is covered in blood with no memories of the night before.
Despite the evidence (and lack of working plumbing at the lodge) and nightmares about a childhood trauma in Wyoming that she can't remember, Jennifer feels a connection to George, a man who saves baby skunks, rescues feral cats, and is besotted with the incontinent old dog who was also stabbed and left for dead by the killer. But, even so, when George asks for her help and Aaron begs her to stay, no one is more shocked than Jennifer when she agrees to take the case and search for the real murderer —at least until she can find a replacement lawyer for George and get back to the bright lights of her real life in the big city.
Bonus for fans of other PFH series: watch for strong appearances by crossover characters from What Doesn't Kill You and Patrick Flint.
A former attorney, Pamela runs an off-the-grid lodge on the face of Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, living out the adventures in her books with her husband, rescue dogs and cats, and enormous horses.
I'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast.
My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).
I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.
You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:
* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.
* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG): Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.
* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13): BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.
* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series: 1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity 2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay 3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box 4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock) 5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout
I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier. Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...
If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.
There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:
This was advertised as Nora Roberts meets Yellowstone. I love Nora and I love Yellowstone, who doesn't? Highest rated tv series on TV, yea! I picked this up since it sounded right up my alley. I can't say it was the best- I've read better. The issues I had was that both characters, Jennifer AND Aaron were unlikable. Both were liars, both were manipulating, Both had issues. When you have TWO MC's that aren't great, it's extremely hard to like the book. The other side characters weren't great either so really, you have a book with unlikable characters. I found that the plot was decent but wasn't carried out well. It sounded good but...it didn't succeed. My other issue was that- the Author made it written like she didn't like cursing which would be fine but...when you have Jennifer or Aaron saying "oh my gosh' but then five paragraphs later "sh*t" was said. It was ..weird. It was like she was trying to make it curse free but then couldn't help but saying SH*T but can't say f*ck 😆 it went back and forth. For example, "Oh my goodness" "Oh my gosh" "goodness gracious" but then "sh*t", 'damn", "damnit" lol and F*cker spelled out like F*****. That took me a minute to figure THAT out . You can't have cake and eat ice cream too, make up your mind woman! My other issue was the climax, the BIG heart stopping moments, the BIG THRILL moments started and ended in 30 seconds which was a HUGE let down, seriously. For example, Someone threw at a rock at Jennifer and so your wanting to read to see what happens next until you realize..THAT was it. You were left bummed out. Like WHATTTT. Then there was ONE MORE high moment and it... flatlined quickly. There wasn't juice that stayed juiced up. It was like drinking lemonade that turns sour on a hot summer day. Summary: unlikable characters. Confusing writing. High moments dwindle quick and fast. Thrill moments didn't last. Plot didn't carry well. This is not Nora meets Yellowstone
Vacations don’t always turn out as planned…Expect the unexpected with this story. with the exception of humor, which the author always includes. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
Book #1 in another series for Pamela Fagan Hutchins, Big Horn is set in her Wyoming, we 'visit' several small towns in this first of the Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mystery Series, and see some of her prominent characters from other series. I received a complimentary electronic copy of this novel from the author, but this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
They say communication is the most important aspect of a relationship. Any relationship. Jennifer Herrington is a big-time lawyer working Homicide cases for the DA's office in Houston, Texas. Her husband is an unhappy ex-professional footballer and partner in a high-society veterinary clinic there. During a mental-health vacation in Big Horn, Wyoming, he falls in love with the mountains. She just misses her life in Houston. They were both born and raised in the mountains of Tennessee. But these are newer, and more - just more. But Jennifer isn't ready to settle down in cowboy heaven - she's been offered the chance to run in the fall for Houston's DA position. Plus until the septic tank is replaced, there is no running water at the lodge with several outbuildings and several acres that Aaron has already made an offer on here in Wyoming.
Not that she verbalizes those wants and needs to Aaron. Nor does he let her in on just how unhappy he is with his own work in Houston. His partner in the small animal Vet clinic is pushing to add cosmetic surgery to the services offered to their wealthy client's pets. The idea of doing facelifts on basset hounds doesn't set well with Aaron. In a moment of weakness, he notifies his Houston partner that he will be selling his half of their clinic but knows Jenn isn't ready for that news. So he doesn't tell her, nor that the offer on the Lodge in Big Horn has been accepted. And she doesn't tell him that she hasn't actually put their apartment up for sale as had been briefly discussed, or withdrawn her name in the upcoming election for Houston's new DA. And the Lord knows she isn't going to sell that Mini Cooper. She loves that car. It would be useless in a Wyoming mountain winter, but she isn't planning on being there when the snow flies. But the cream on the top of Aaron's new Wyoming dream world - he is offered a football coaching job at the Big Horn High School, and the local farm veterinarian is selling out so he can move home to Utah and take care of his ailing parents. Aaron loves football and has always wanted to work on both large and small animals and this is a well-managed clinic. So he makes an offer on that, as well. All while Jenn is back in Houston, taking care of business. Not. And expecting Aaron to join her when football season at the school is over. What a hoot. I loved it. I can't wait for number 2. REVIEWED on January 16, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
A murderer lurks, and the mountains come alive, in yet another great mystery from Pamela Fagan Hutchins! Houston ADA Jennifer Herrington & her football-player-turned-vet husband Aaron also try to find their way back to love in a relatable look at the ups and downs of marriage between two smart, determined people. Will Jennifer be able to save the caretaker of the ramshackle lodge her husband loves from a too-convenient murder charge? Will her complicated past and brief connection to a tragic event in Wyoming keep her from loving this vividly depicted terrain? And will their marriage survive very different ambitions? Trigger warning: subplot of Jennifer's past briefly touches on violence against children. Not graphic or gratuitous. If you enjoy the Longmire books, the TV adaption, or the Netflix series "Virgin River," or just need to escape into a fun mystery that briefly touches on a serious issue, you'll love this book!
Pamela Fagan Hutchins has created another must read series set in the Flint family world. Jenn and Aaron travel to Wyoming for a family event. Aaron falls in love with the area, while Jenn not so much. And they become embroiled in search for a murderer. I have to say for about 80% of this book I did not like Jenn!! But she redeems herself by the end. This was a page turner from start to finish. I am looking forward to more in this series!
Houston Assistant DA, Jennifer Herrington and her former pro American Football player, now veterinary surgeon husband Aaron, go to the eponymous hotel in Wyoming for a family event, only to end up in the midst of a crisis of their own, when their new friend George, the owner is arrested and charged with murder. Aaron seems determined to start afresh in the small town and cut ties with Houston altogether, whereas Jennifer's got an incredible career opportunity and can't wait to get back to their condo and her ordered life there. Who wins the emotional tug-of-war that could save - or end -their marriage? How is George's case resolved?
Pamela Fagan Hutchins cleverly introduces the Herringtons and mixes them with wonderful and feisty characters from some of her other series', (including the Flint family and Maggie) to great and unputdownable effect. Get your copy of Big Horn to see what it's all about - you'll love it!
I loved this book but it was difficult for me to accept that Perry Flint was grown, married and had children of his own!! A great story of a couple living in the big city, Houston, spending a day or two in the back woods of Wyoming for a ceremony for Jenifer's cousin. Jenn cannot wait to leave and get back to the city but her husband, always wanting to be a large animal vet, jumped on the opportunity to buy a lodge and animal practice in Wyoming. Jenn, offered a chance to run for DA in Texas, kept her enthusiasm to a minimum, hiding her decision to try and convince Aaron to agree with her and move back to Houston. Can a married couple really hide their major differences? Being caught in the middle of a murder complicates matters a bit more. Jenn's skills as a lawyer certainly helps to get George a fair trial along with helping a young lawyer learn how to defend someone. So many questions...Is George guilty of murder, if not then who, can Jenn convince Aaron to move back to Houston, can Aaron convince Jenn to stay in Wyoming?
Too many football references. Really, does every person Aaron meets have to be classified into a football position? Jennifer is a great lawyer but sucks in her relationship with Aaron. Then again, they go in vacation and he just decides to stay in Wyoming forever without even discussing it with her. Proving that you can live someone and want different things. It would have been a shocker if the DA nomination was given to her best friend but I guess the author wanted her to retain the best friend many more family relationship's in the town than in previous books. Jennifer's antagonism towards Maggie seemed out of proportion.
What a great start to a new series! Loved it!! A suspenseful murder mystery. A married couple from Houston, one a powerful ADA with aspirations to become the DA and a prestigious small animal Vet whose dream is to become a large animal country Vet. One wants big city living, the other country living. Can their marriage survive with such different goals? A murder occurs and they must help their friend George get cleared from murder charges. How will this effect their relationship and outlook on life? Can they solve who the murderer is? Must admit, I didn't figure it out.
Was nice to see characters from her other series incorporated into this new series. Be prepared for a marathon read because you won't want to put the book down. Loved the characters, Jennifer and Aaron. Hope to see Kid James and George in future books too. Couldn't help loving the animals especially Jeremiah Johnson, the unstunk skunk. Have liked all the books by Pamela that I have read and this is no exception. Highly recommend!! Received an ARC and this is my honest voluntary review.
An eagerly awaited new novel, Big Horn does not disappoint. Jennifer was a highly respected ADA in Houston and she loved the high life and their pricey condo. Aaron, her husband, was a respected veterinarian and partner in a small animal practice that he hated. He yearned for a large and small animal country practice. A trip to Wyoming brought severe personal conflict into their lives as he found what he was looking for and she found situations blocking her return to Houston and possible election to the coveted position of District Attorney. Their dissimilar ambitions become further complicated by festering hatreds and murder In Wyoming which threatened to tear their marriage apart. A wonderfully woven tapestry of complex plots lead the reader through a thrilling mystery with uncertainty and personal challenges the rule of each day. Whether you are familiar with Pamela Fagan Hutchins “What Doesn’t Kill You” series of books or new to her work you are sure to love this book as much as I did. I highly recommend it for any mystery or romantic mystery lover.
A new series by PFH! When I read the prologue, I was unsure, but soon got into it. As is typical for her, this is set in the same world as her other books. We see other series characters like Maggie and a much older Patrick Flint (since his series takes place in the 70s), and Michelle is also mentioned. I love that! I love seeing a grown up Perry and Trish and hope to see more of them in future editions of this series.
I didn't guess the culprit, so that's a also good sign for a mystery novel. And I love the Wyoming setting.
It wasn't a perfect book. I got annoyed that Jennifer and Aaron didn't just sit down and have a discussion, for goodness sakes. They could've avoided a lot of angst. Also, I prickled that Jennifer didn't Maggie, since she is my favorite character!
And I adore Jeremiah! Makes me want my own descented skunk! (Is that a thing? Would one actually make a good pet?)
Another home run by Pamela fagan Hutchins. I was so quickly drawn into this story and the characters. Especially as she has woven into this story many characters from some of her other books. It had a familiar sense to it as I settled into read about these new characters. Loved the realness of the relationship between the husband and wife and the struggles that they had with their different dreams for their futures. The mystery was well written and continued to keep me intrigued until the very end. Like so many of Ms Fagan Hutchins other series, I can’t wait for the next installment!! Pick this up, you will not be disappointed!!
It's a love story, but it's more. Take a couple who have been together for awhile and still trying to find out where they fit with each other. Strong personalities who are even searching for what they want and what does that mean to themselves as a couple.
Then, of course, it's Wyoming. Big country, tough living and even tougher people all live here. They are welcomed and then it feels like rejection, but that's because they have to dig deeper. Deeper into the community, into the suspense that they are thrust into and deeper into the direction their lives will take.
This was a read that kept me in the story the entire way. A great mix of fiction and fact.
A new series that catches you from the beginning, as we meet Aaron and Jennifer. The plans he has, the plans she has, and he wonders about their plans. A vacation of three days, now is down to one. Voices heard in the dead of night , was more than the wind howling, murder of the wrong person. Wanting to see justice done she missed an opportunity, it’s all over she said.. A story that has a couple at a crossroads in their marriage and careers. The setting, the lodge, the characters was well done, as though one was there. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
This new series is one I will follow. I like this author’s writing and these new characters are believable and realistic. It’s interesting how characters from previous books are woven into the story, as well. The plot is well thought out and the couple, at a point in their marriage where they are seemingly wanting different things, is facing something that often happens in real life. I look forward to reading more books in this series and following this couple on their journey. Thanks to the author, I received a copy of this book. Thoughts here are my own. Recommended.
The mystery part of this story was good. The relationship part not so much. Jennifer is not a like able character, or at least I didn’t like her. Self centered, non-communicative, are just to name a few. Aaron could have done better to reach out but the struggle was real.
I’m not sure who would find skunks cute but to each their own. I’m pretty sure they would still have a certain odor even after destinking. Poor George, so much happened to him because of the people around him. It’s just crazy. At least it all worked out for him in the end.
I am new to Pamela Fagan Hutchins, but will certainly be reading more of her books after this. Big Horn takes place in the beautiful mountain range, I know because I can picture it through this authors description. The story is well written and intriguing. I found myself rooting for Jennifer and Aaron more and more. What characters George and Black Bear Betty are. I can hear their accents as I read the words. What a turn of events throughout the chapters. I am looking forward to the next book. #Autumnthrillerchallenge
Since I enjoy all books by PFH I knew I would like this one, as well. Jenn, a big city prosecutor and Aaron, her husband a top rated vet in the big city, visit her cousin Hank in Big Horn and fall in love with the rugged area. While staying in a ramshackle B&B lodge a prominent local businessman is found dead and George, the hard drinking caretaker is accused of the crime. Jenn feels she must do whatever she can to defend him. Snowstorms, crazy characters, an inexperienced fellow lawyer and no plumbing-this mystery will keep you up reading all night. Highly recommend this book.
I have enjoyed all of Pamela's series, but this may be my favorite yet. Giving up her big-time job in the big city to move to Wyoming is just the start to many great adventures and misadventures. The skunk!! I can't wait for more in this series, and I love how Pamela always seems to intertwine characters from previous books/series into new ones. You won't want to put this one down.
A great murder mystery. Jennifer is an attorney from Texas. Her husband Aaron purchases a lodge in Wyoming. He tries to convince her to move from Texas to a small town in Wyoming. At the lodge a dead body is found and a man is arrested. Jennifer agrees to represent him and to find the real killer. This mystery will keep you in suspense.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins strikes again with Big Horn! It really is a killer thriller with murder and some mayhem, stressed and stressful relationships, and some wicked twists. It’s enough to keep you reading into the darker hours. And characters? Old ones and new ones, some good and some not so very nice. This is a must read!
Absolutely loved this book! Not exactly the vacation of Aaron and Jennifer’s dreams. They sure are in for some surprises when they reach their destination. A well written mystery with some interesting characters, Unable to put down once I started reading. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Oh My Gosh! this has to be one of the best stories written by this author! this tragic unpredictable story is a real page turner! Lots of twists and turns and kept me guessing to the very end! such detail and complex interesting characters had me reading this book in one day! Very suspenseful and action packed! A must must read!!!!
The story, told in two voices, was entertaining. Jennifer is DA from Houston and wants to remain there. Aaron is a veterinarian, the husband of Jennifer, who has set his sights on a new life away from Texas. They befriend an interesting array of characters and get caught up in several misadventures. The story includes murder, mayhem, and a cast of animals including a skunk.
Enjoyed reading this from beginning to end. Really like both the characters, Jenn and Aaron. Their deep love yet separate desires keeps it interesting throughout the mystery. Love the setting of the crazy lodge and the cast of animal characters! Some great twists and drama!
Pamela has outdone herself by introducing Jenn Herrington. I am looking forward to this new series. It’s a complex story of a top notch lawyer married to a former football player veterinarian. I love the descriptions of Wyoming and their settling in. There’s romance and a murder! Read it. Recommended
I love that this book is set in Wyoming! I’m hooked! As someone who spends time there, I can vouch that the description is accurate as well as the details about locals in the area. This book was back and forth from page 1 regarding the husband wife relationship. It mixed in crime, keeping it interesting. All in all very good! On to the next!
Definitely another great story. There’s humour and always something unexpected happens. A new series with intriguing characters to keep you wondering what could possibly happen next. Fast paced reading. Loved it.
Wow! Another 'gotta read' book by Pamela Fagan Hutchins. Won't want to put it down. Live in the Big Horns? Give up the chance to become DA back home? Is it all about what Aaron wants. Can she help 'The Kid' break his first big case and who killed the guy in the septic tank. Eeeuuuww
This series starter is witty and surprising. The twists and turns are not just about the murder. But also about the romance of the main characters, plus some side characters that stir up the whole mess! A fun read all in all.