Jenny rose from sleep slowly, her body resisting. She could
see nothing in the pitch black. Where was she? She blinked, trying to make sure
her eyes were really open.
Memories broke through the fog. The phone call, the rush
across country, the late arrival. Crawling into bed in her grandparents’ upstairs
guest room. She groaned and pulled up the blanket. Morning must be hours away,
given the darkness.
The old house creaked, but no sounds drifted in from
outside. Maybe that’s what woke her; she was used to the murmur of city sounds
all night long. Who’d have thought that would become normal?
Her head pounded. Probably dehydration from the high
elevation and dry air. She should get up, drink a glass of water, take a couple
of aspirin. Her head would thank her in the morning. If only she could make herself
move.
The house creaked again, followed by a rhythmic sound – like
footsteps. Jenny jerked upright, her ears straining. Had she heard a voice?
She shook her head. She must still be half asleep, dreaming.
Imagining her grandparents were still here. Wishful thinking.
Downstairs, a door closed. Jenny clutched the blanket.
Imagination be damned. She was not alone.
Counterfeits: An Art Theft Romantic Suspense
Jenny returns to her grandparents’ art camp in a remote New
Mexico town after her grandmother’s sudden death. That night she wakes to the
noise of intruders. What do the strangers want? As more bizarre events unfold,
Jenny realizes the people she thought she knew are not what they seem – least
of all Rob, an old friend whose past may be coming back to haunt them all.
“Counterfeits is romantic suspense in the Southwest that
will interest fans of Terry Odell, Mary Stewart, Lillian Stewart Carl, and
Barbara Michaels. “Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have
enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners…. 5 Stars” – Roberta at
Sensuous Reviews blog
Available on Amazon.
Free via KU.
Romantic Suspense
Heat level: PG (a couple of sensual scenes)
Violence level: PG (fights, no torture or murder)
212 pages/65,000 words
Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance
with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Whispers in the
Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest
ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements
about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico
desert.
Read excerpts
at www.krisbock.com or
visit her Amazon page. Sign up
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announcements of new books, sales, and more.
Oooh! Love that last line. Excellent hook.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a tense opening here. Who is there?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE art theft premises! Looking forward to reading this one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect setting for suspense. Loved the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose