Sixteen years ago, she was the suspect. This time, she’s the target. Audra McCain’s life changed forever when her father disappeared deep in the Everglades. The last thing Audra remembers is a sharp pain, flashes of violence, and the horrifying sight of her father being thrown into alligator-infested waters. When she was later found alone, the town of Calusa Cove turned on her, branding her a Stigini—a swamp owl witch. Now an adult and a seasoned wildlife photographer, Audra returns to Calusa Cove for the annual python challenge, determined to reclaim her life and uncover the truth. But old suspicions die hard. Former friends keep their distance, whispers follow her every step, and someone is determined to ensure she never remembers what really happened that night. When Dawson Ridge, the town’s new Chief of Police, arrests two men trying to smuggle dynamite into the Everglades, a dangerous chain of events is set in motion—one that places Audra directly in the crosshairs. As Dawson and Audra grow closer, he’s forced to walk a tightrope between his duty to the law and his instincts that she’s being framed. Their investigation leads them deep into the Everglades, where they uncover evidence linking the town’s darkest secrets to a ruthless killer. But the truth comes at a deadly cost.
Authors
Jen Talty is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. In the fall of 2020, her short story was selected and featured in a 1001 Dark Nights Anthology. She is currently contracted to write in the With Me in Seattle series by Kristen Proby with Lady Boss Press, as well as Susan Stoker’s Special Forces: Operation Alpha and Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors. Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :). She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016. Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida. Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…
Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it! Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
