A Slaughter Creek Prequel Overview She thought this small town nestled in the Tennessee mountains was the perfect place to raise a family...until she found out what was happening to the children in Slaughter Creek... BEFORE SHE DIES—a short story prequel to Rita Herron's exciting new romantic suspense series set in a small rural Tennessee town called SLAUGHTER CREEK. Look for Book one in the series DYING TO TELL on sale December 25 from Amazon Montlake!

What happened to Sadie Nettleton’s twin sister at the psychiatric hospital all those years ago? Sadie Nettleton fled Slaughter Creek ten years ago, leaving behind the only home she’d ever known—and the only man she ever loved. Unable to cope with her sister's madness, or the terrible secret she and her sister share, Sadie swore never to return. But when her grandfather is murdered, and her sister charged with the crime, Sadie has no choice but to come back and face the ghosts of the past... For Sheriff Jake Blackwood, time has not dimmed the love he felt for Sadie Nettleton—or the pain of her leaving. Now that she’s back, he’s determined to help her uncover the truth about her grandfather’s death and what happened to her sister at the asylum. As their investigation leads them deeper into a world of secrets, lies, and betrayal in Slaughter Creek, Sadie becomes the target of a madman who will do anything to keep the truth buried. Jake would give his life to protect Sadie. But can he again risk giving her his heart?

Journalist Brenda Banks is on the verge of the biggest story of her career—if she can stay alive long enough to finish it. A serial killer is targeting men in the small town of Slaughter Creek, leaving behind a twisted trail of clues meant only for Brenda. It’s a dangerous, deadly game, one she cannot master without the help of FBI Special Agent Nick Blackwood, the man she’s loved since high school—and whose tormented past could hold the key to catching a killer. Nick Blackwood barely survived childhood at the hands of his father, a sadistic mastermind known as the Commander. Since he left town, he’s spent his life chasing criminals—and trying to forget the beauty he once loved. But when a murder investigation brings him face-to-face with Brenda Banks, Nick cannot ignore the smoldering fire she rekindles in his troubled soul. Allowing Brenda into his heart means letting down his guard—and that’s just what the killer is counting on…

Hold on to your heart. The sadistic experiments conducted in Slaughter Creek have left the town mired in mystery. As Special Agent Rafe Hood works to tie up the loose ends, the discovery of a grisly murder reveals there’s a new killer at work. Someone they’re calling “The Dissector.” Someone who keeps his victims’ body parts as gruesome trophies… Special Agent Liz Lucas has been on leave, recovering from the trauma of her last case. But returning to find the Dissector will demand extra caution—especially with Rafe leading the investigation. The last time the two worked together, passions ran high and the resulting emotional interference with the case nearly cost Liz her life. Now, even though their attraction is more magnetic than ever, Liz and Rafe will need to resist getting involved again if they’re to avoid the lethal distraction. As mounting evidence suggests the Dissector’s kills are personal, a threat returns from Liz’s past that suggests she was hardly safe to begin with…

Everything she believes is a lie. Amelia Nettleton has struggled to overcome her childhood trauma and finally has a chance to lead a normal life—a life with a husband and a family. But a recurring nightmare haunts she dreams of a baby crying for its mother...a baby that may be hers, and was stolen from her. Six years ago, special agent John Strong woke up in a hospital with no memories—but with a strong feeling that he committed terrible acts. Now, driven to atone for a history he can’t remember, he works with the FBI to locate missing children. When Amelia turns to John for help, an intoxicatingly familiar passion ignites between them. But the closer they get, the more secrets from their dark pasts come to light...secrets that someone will kill to keep them from discovering.