For the last #MFRWHooks I shared the opening of The Dead Man’s Treasure. Here's another excerpt from farther in the book.
Rebecca’s hand shook as she reached for the box. It was a
metal candy tin for peppermint bark. Maybe Grandpa had a sweet tooth? Or was
this some random trash left by a tourist too lazy to bring it back to his car?
She straightened and gazed down at the box. It had to hold the next clue. It
would be too much of a coincidence – and too heartbreaking – if it were
anything else.
She glanced at Sam and he nodded in encouragement, drawing
close to her side. She swung open the lid. Several folded pieces of paper lay
inside. A strip of masking tape on the inside lid had words in marker: “Take
one and leave the others unless you are the last.”
Rebecca pulled out the top piece of paper and unfolded it.
Are they witches in disguise
Or prophets of the future?
The men who came here didn’t know.
They had destruction on their minds.
And they changed the world.
They ate of the flesh among bombers and bullets.
And so should you!
Then past the dead soldiers you’ll find a dead end.
One is the loneliest number
Walled off from its fellows.
Pay your respects and do not forget.
Another baffling poem. Rebecca wrinkled her nose. “This
one’s kind of gruesome.” She closed the box and stood.
For a moment, the world spun. She took a quick breath.
Sam’s arm came around her. “Okay?”
Two more deep breaths and she could answer. “Fine now,
thanks. Just a little lightheaded.” She was tempted to lean into him, to relax
against his shoulder. She resisted the urge. “I know, I know, drink water. Let
me put this back.”
She returned the box to its hiding place, picked up the
bottle she’d set down while looking at the clue, and finished the water. Sam
hovered closely, as if to support her if she needed help. She couldn’t quite
decide if she wished she needed help or was glad she didn’t. She wouldn’t fake
helplessness, though, and the weakness had passed.
She gave Sam a bright smile. “All better now. I just stood
up too fast.”
He studied her intently. She hadn’t realized how green his
eyes were, or how the tiny laugh lines around them made him both sexy and
approachable. Her heart thudded in her chest. You keep looking at me like that, and I won’t be fine.
The Dead Man’s Treasure
Rebecca Westin is shocked to learn the grandfather she never
knew has left her a bona fide buried treasure – but only if she can decipher a
complex series of clues leading to it. The hunt would be challenging enough
without interference from her half-siblings, who are determined to find the
treasure first and keep it for themselves. Good thing Rebecca has recruited
some help.
Sam is determined to show Rebecca that a desert adventure
can be sexy and fun. But there’s a treacherous wildcard in the mix, a man
willing to do anything to get that treasure – and revenge.
Action and romance combine in this lively Southwestern
adventure, complete with riddles the reader is invited to solve to identify
historical and cultural sites around New Mexico.
“… it’s all good, suspenseful fun as Rebecca and Sam traipse
the New Mexico desert, deciphering clues and trying to outwit Rebecca’s half
siblings.” – Publishers Weekly BookLife
“I love that the author makes this book
interactive – if the reader wants it to be. You can go online and download a
printable copy of the treasure map and try to decipher the clues yourself. I
found that it be a fun addition to the book, plus you'll also get awesome Southwestern
recipes. … The Dead Man’s Treasure is fast-paced and a perfect read for the
weekend. I highly recommend this one.” – blogger Amy Brantley
This is a blog hop – Visit all the Book Hooks from
#MFRWHooks - You might find your next great read!
Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and
Southwestern landscapes. The Mad Monk’s
Treasure is the first of the Southwest Treasure Hunters novels. The Dead Man’s Treasure is book 2 and The Skeleton Canyon Treasure is book 3.
Each novel stands alone and is complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes
action and adventure with light romance. The stories explore the Southwest,
especially New Mexico.
Some of this clue makes sense. But the rest... Looking forward to more.
ReplyDeleteI'm puzzled and hope I soon figure this out.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really fun read!
ReplyDelete