Six years ago, Dana Cardwell found her mother's will in a cookbook and became sole owner of the Cardwell Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Now happily married, Dana is surprised when her siblings, Stacy and Jordan, show up on the ranch…and trouble isn't too far behind.
As danger draws closer to the ranch, deputy marshal Liza Turner quickly realizes that Jordan Cardwell isn't the man the town made him out to be.
Type: Mystery, Light Romance
Heat: 1 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5
Oh this was so "Mean Girls" meets Montana ranch life. And it was fabulous. The cover's pretty yummy too. Always a plus, right?
I'm liking Daniels more and more with each book of her's I read. One thing about her books is that the romances play a really, really secondary role in the storyline and the heat factor is basically nil but I think she makes up for it with enjoyable characters and well written mysteries that pull you in. They're really fun to watch unfold too. Right when you think you've got it all figured out she'll throw in a nice twist that'll get you. I just love that when I'm reading.
In real life I have a huge thing for cold cases or old one's being reopened so Justice at Cardwell Ranch was right up my alley. Decades earlier Jordan's friend committed suicide and he's come back to town for his High School reunion to look into the case only to find himself neck deep in a current murder investigation. Daniels kept me guessing and suspicious of everyone there for the reunion and wondering what really happened all those years ago. There's a solid "Mean Girls" vibe going on with the classmates that was fascinating to watch and added some nice drama to the mix.
I really enjoyed the main characters, Liza (the Deputy) and Jordan. They're interesting, well suited and likable. They had a nice chemistry going between them and some fun little interactions but really don't expect much more than a smooch. This one's totally grandma friendly.
Justice at Cardwell Ranch was just an entertaining little mystery you can easily get through in an afternoon. It moves along quickly and has a good bit of action, decent secondary storylines and a pretty satisfying ending. If you enjoy an easy mystery now and again, like me, this is one to check out.
Favorite Quote:
"But Shelby? I remember her from high school. People used to say she was the type who would eat her young."
"That could explain why she doesn't have any children," Lisa said.
I've got a copy of Book 1- Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch for yall today.
Open international until 10/15/12
Just leave a meaningful comment and a way to reach you.
Of Course i will give a chance to this book. A great and cool cover of course:D.. and the review its makes me want to read it.
ReplyDeleteNever read BJ's books. And thanks for making INTERNATIONAL.
laniwaticecilia952atgmaildotcom
I just picked her up in the last couple months. She's been a very nice surprise :) She really did get a great cover this time too :)
DeleteHappy Reading Cecelia!
~Anna
I haven't read BJ's books yet, but this looks like the kind of story I enjoy. Gotta have the romance, but a little mystery thrown in is always fun - besides it's got men of the west!
ReplyDeletesallans d at yahoo dot com
I'm big on the romance too Di but every once in a while kinda fun to switch it up :) So there with you on the men of the west! Definitely can't go wrong there :)
DeleteI haven't read her books yet. This one sounds really good. I love mystery and romance. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteSue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm really glad I found her Sue. She's really great at building a mystery that'll keep you guessing :)
DeleteI absolutely love BJ Daniels' books!!! Can't wait to read this one!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the amazing giveaway!
<3 Tobi
tobihelton at gmail dot com
Aw yay another BJ Daniels fan! You're going to LOVE this one. I had such a great time with it :)
Delete~Anna
I so wanna read this book after I read the blurb, I'm intrigue by the mystery. I love mystery and suspense in my reading.
ReplyDeletepinglecoon at gmail dot com
They really add a fun element don't they? I love it when they keep me guessing :) Have a great day Izz!
Deletei always love cowboys..combine with mystery and intrique...
ReplyDeleteabsolutely i will read bj daniels' book
thx u for the chance of win :)
-nurma-
chikojubilee at gmail dot com
It's a great combo isn't it? Always works for me :)
DeleteIt looks really good.Can't wait.
ReplyDeletedivavixenqueen(at)gmail(dot)com
She's been a really delightful surprise. Love when that happens :)
DeleteSounds great and i´d love to get a chance to read it, too, =)
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday & Best wishes,
Linda
I've really been enjoying them Linda. Always good when you get to the end and immediately hope there'll be another in the series :)
DeleteHappy Thursday!
Anna
This book look great and i love the cover book. I will love to read this book, because i love read cowboys stories. Looking forward to read this book, i hope soon :)
ReplyDeletefiliafantasy at gmail dot com
I love the cover too Filia! It's what really snagged me :) Hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI read Crime Scene at the Cardwell Ranch and loved it. I am definitely going to grab this one! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteslinkydennis@yahoo.com
Loved that one too Rhonda! What a great freebie book that turned out to be. It's what got me hooked on Daniels :)
DeleteYou had me the moment you said "Mean Girls meets Montana ranch life" - I was unsure about the book from the actual description but that line of the review really caught my attention. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletedmr8888 at yahoo dot com
lol. That was the best way I could describe it Alicia :) Really fit the book I thought.
DeleteGreat review! I have yet to read anything by this author and I can't wait to check out her books!!! This sounds like something I would love! Thanks for the great giveaway and chance to win
ReplyDeleteJolene A
june111(at)att(dot)net