Backcountry Cover-Up

by Denise N. Wheatley

Can they find justice
Before one of them dies?

When her body is found on a hiking trail, deputy sheriff Todd Jacobson believes his sister was murdered. Her best friend, private investigator Elle Scott, agrees to help Todd prove it. When she infiltrates an unusual, elite social club, Elle becomes embroiled in a scheme of high-stakes payouts and deadly consequences…and Todd realizes he’s Elle’s only hope against becoming a corpse under the tree this Christmas.

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Romantic Suspense

256 pages, ebook

First published November 10, 2022

About the author

Denise 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.

Reviews

[Page Passion]

March Mystery Madness
Denise N Wheatley blended romance and suspense so seamlessly that I almost didn't even care about the romance, I had to figure out what happened!

I guessed the culprit for this one, but not until the near end and I loved that. Nothing worse than a predictable mystery. So many twists and turns in this one. Everyone in this small town is shady af. For a while, I thought literally everyone is guilt lol.

Elle and Todd's romance doesn't overshadow the book but is interspersed with moments of levity between the two. Without giving too much away, the mystery surrounding this secretive society of rich women who are not what they appear to be added so much drama that I couldn't put this down.

Looking forward to more from the author!

[Paula Brandon]

Deputy Sheriff Todd Jacobson is certain that the death of his sister, Taylor, was murder, not an accident, as decided by the coroner and sheriff's department. He is intent on discovering the truth, and enlists the help of Taylor's best friend, Elle Scott, who is a private investigator. They quickly discover ties to an exclusive social club called The Precious Jewels, made up of rich women in town. Elle goes undercover to become part of the group, finding that it is a front for a pyramid scheme, which provides her and Todd with plenty of motives for murder.

Well, go figure. A quick category romance was one of the more entertaining books of the year. Although Todd and Elle aren't terribly exciting or interesting as protagonists, they are surrounded by a fun cast of supporting characters, particularly the shallow, bitchy women who make up the elite social club. If this were any of the domestic thrillers being released these days, Elle would be desperate to be included in this group. Instead, Elle sees them for the vapid people they are, and that was extremely refreshing. The plot was fast-paced and kept me guessing, the bitchy antics of the club members were entertaining and I read it all in one go. The only negative I would say is the dialogue, which is a bit cringey and stiff. Also, it's light on the romance. But if you like a romantic thriller with a focus on a fun plot, this comes recommended.

[Sara]

I absolutely loved this fast paced romance with Elle Scott and Todd Jacobson teaming up to investigate the death of Elle’s friend and Todd’s sister. Believing she was murdered they set out to investigate and find out that there’s so much more to this death than they thought. The intriguing buy in elitist pyramid scheme the victim was heavily involved in was choc full of suspects. The end was incredible and the book is unmissable. I love how well Denise weaves a romance with suspenseful stories and comes up with the perfect ending. I highly recommend you grab this one and I appreciate Denise sharing with me.

[Joyce M. H.]

I have read several of Denise N. Wheatley’s book and I must say she never disappoints me. Her books are entertaining, well written, great characters and awesome plots that keeps me turning page after page. This is the journey of Elle and Todd. Elle and Todd are investigating the murder of his sister whose body was found on a hiking trail. The more I read the clues were becoming more and more visible. Elle and Todd are awesome together, their detective skills are oh so good, love their chemistry and the steam. Can’t wait to see what Denise has next for her readers.

Who murdered Todd’s sister and why, why the cover up, is there an HEA in store for Elle and Todd?

I received an ARC via the author and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kelly Cain]

Another delightful romantic suspense from Denise N. Wheatley. I stayed up way too late last night finishing this book and I have no regrets. Elle and Todd had such great chemistry and they ate and drank so well, I was jealous. The investigation had me by the throat again and I had a flashback to the author's previous book, The Heart-Shaped Murders, when Elle found herself back at the crime scene and darkness fell. My internal thoughts were not kind to Elle, mostly because my stomach was thoroughly clenched. As usual, I didn't guess the culprit despite them being high on my list, but then dismissing them. I was way off by the end. Well done and I highly recommend!

[Allison]

LOVED this tightly-plotted, fast-paced romantic suspense with a Christmas setting. Must NOT give away all the spoilers but this one kept me guessing, surprising me with twists along the way, and so many plausible suspects that when the killer was revealed, my jaw dropped--even more so when I learned *all* the why-behind-the-murder! And the steam between these two was sweet but you could totally feel it building between them, from the very first scenes. HIGHLY recommend, and grab a cranberry cocktail or some gingerbread cookies while you're at it, because there are plenty of festive food references that will make you hungry for more!

[Veronica Lockett]

Unpredictable roller coaster rides this story took a lot of twists and turns. When Todd's sister body is found on hiking trail, he enlists her best friend Elle Scott to help him investigate and bring her killer to justice. To do that Elle recognizes that the only way they are able to find the killer is if she infiltrates and elite social club and finds out that Taylor isn't the only one that died. While investigating these two grow closer. If you want a thrill ride and a story that keeps you on the edge of your sit and guessing to the very end you want, be disappointed with Back Country Cover-Up. Great job DW looking forward to the next thrill ride!

[Shone]

Shocked

Backcountry Cover-up was a wild ride to find the truth on who murdered Taylor. Numerous suspects, secrets, extra martial affairs, and parties . As Elle and Todd come closer to solving the case, they find the true meaning of cover up with each other.

#harlequin #intrigue #cillasbookmaniacs #FBI #attack #Christmas

[Cherylbestlife]

Glad I gave it a try

This is my first read by this author. It won’t be my last. This book was recommended to me. I am glad I gave it a try. The story had a great mystery, suspense and romance set around the holidays. I didn’t figure out who the culprit was until the reveal. Which is a good thing for a mystery.

[Anne]

Love love love this! What a story with toss and turns. Definitely kept me guessing. Love this. Highly recommend!!

[Sheri Jesse]

Quick easy read

[Melanie]

Fun, quick paced read with a few fun twists and a really sweet romance.

[Samantha]

I agree with whoever said I was so interested in the suspense that I forgot it was a romance novel. That's not a bad thing at all.

[Brynsma]

Backcountry Cover- Up

A very quick easy suspenseful read. The plot and the characters were believable. As always I chose the wrong suspect.My first read by this author.

[Ksenia]

This novel is unlike the previous works of Ms. Wheatley in many ways. I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s a harmonius mix of detective investigation and romantic relationship. Thoroughly entertaining and suspenseful plot!