An exciting romantic suspense novel set in the mountains of New Mexico. Book 3 in the Angel Falls Series
When homicide Detective Dominick Flores’ ex-wife disappears, he hires private investigator Kris Eastman to find her.
Although Kris and Dom had a strained relationship while working together on a previous murder case, he trusts her unconditionally.
When the case is ruled a homicide, Dom is accused of murder, and the evidence against him mounts.
Kris puts her life and her reputation on the line to save him and flush out the real killer in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico.
Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Cold January air blew through the open door into the small office, scattered the papers stacked on Kris Eastman’s desk, and sent a chill racing up her body. “Damn,” she mumbled and backed out from under the credenza where she had been plugging in her computer.
Kris turned to see the ridiculously handsome man, with short black hair, a five o’clock shadow, and chocolate brown eyes, standing in the entrance and frowned when she said, “Shut the blasted door, will you? It’s cold out there.”
“Sorry. I wasn’t sure I was in the right place.”
Kris watched his eyes travel across her body and realized she was doing the same thing. She hadn’t seen Dominick Flores in months. Not since her friend Pepper’s kidnapper had been identified. She stood, brushed off the dust from the tile floor, and held out her hand.
“What brings you here, Detective?” Then she slapped her head and let out a sarcastic laugh, “I know, you came to congratulate me on opening up my own business.”
“I did hear a rumor, and a good PI is hard to find.”
“Are you giving me a compliment?”
“Do you mind if I sit down? I’d like to talk to you, and yes, I guess I am giving you a compliment. You did an amazing job helping bring Pepper’s kidnapper to justice.”
Kris pointed to a folding chair holding several boxes and said, “Move that stuff aside. You want coffee?”
“Yes, please. I guess you’ve done pretty well for yourself. No more all-night stakeouts?”
“The publicity from Pepper’s case got me a lot of business. I’m not rolling in the green stuff but was able to lease this office space and move out of Roddy’s house.”
“How is your brother doing?”
“Good. I’m sure you’ve run into each other at the courthouse a couple of times these last few months.”
“No, actually, we haven’t. Maybe in passing, but I haven’t been a witness at any of his trials, thank goodness. He’s one tough defense lawyer.”
“He and Pepper have moved in together, and I’m renting her house. It’s not too far from Roddy’s, and I’m able to get there most days to take care of my horses.”
“It doesn’t bother you, living in a house where a man was murdered?”
“I never thought about it, but now that you’ve mentioned it, I’ll probably not get a wink of sleep all night long.”
He laughed as his eyes took in the room and then came back to rest on her face.
Kris looked at him while waiting for an explanation, and when he remained silent, she blurted out, “All right. The suspense is killing me. Why are you here? It’s not like we’re bosom buddies or anything?” She placed a mug of coffee in his hand and moved toward her desk.
Dominick’s lips curved into a crooked smile. “I want you to find my ex-wife. I’ll pay the going rate plus your expenses.”
“What?” Kris said, plopping down in the rolling chair behind her desk. “You have a wife?”
“Ex-wife, and I knew this was going to be a mistake,” he said as he set the coffee down and started to rise.
“Sit down. Take it easy. I’m sorry. Talk to me and tell me what’s going on.”
“It’s not that I need to find her, but my kids do. She sort of disappeared, and my boys are pretty upset.”
For the second time that morning, shock flashed across Kris’s face. “You have kids?”
“Yes, I have kids. What? You think I wouldn’t make a good father?”
“No, not at all.” She shook her head and said, “Frankly, I have no idea. You’re a cop, and from working with you, I know you’re a good one. I don’t know how you have the time to have a family if you’re divorced, but then I guess your ex has custody.”
“No, I do. I have since Carter was two. He’s my youngest.”
“Geez, you’re Superman or something. I have trouble making time for two horses.” She took out a legal pad and looked up expectantly. “Give me some background.”
“We weren’t happy, and we divorced about thirteen years ago. I have the kids and Jasmine’s career is an interesting one … well … she works nights.”
“You make her sound like a stripper.” Kris looked at his face and burst out laughing. “Oh my, you married a stripper.”
Professional Reviews
Read the series!
COLD VENGEANCE, the third book in the Angel Falls series by the Tess Thompson writing team, proves that some things simply keep getting better and better. As usual, the characters are fascinating, the local color is enchanting and the action is non-stop.
What starts out as a missing person’s report, soon turns into a homicide investigation, reuniting a no-nonsense detective and one very intriguing private investigator. Be prepared, because from that point on, I couldn’t put it down. The plot has more twists and turns than a winding mountain road. Sometimes endearing and at other times heartbreaking, their interpersonal relationships serve as a captivating backdrop for this roller coaster ride.
Every time I thought I had it nailed, I didn’t.
Again, if you haven’t read the first two books in the Angel Falls series, you’re missing out.
Exciting read ... just couldn’t put it down
Loved the mystery and just knew I had it all figured out but guessed wrong ! The characters are so believable and I sure enjoyed getting to know Dom, Ben, Kris and the boys ... I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this thriller. One of the best points of the book is the very familiar locations in New Mexico and the Albuquerque area. I live in New Mexico and I could just imagine each setting in the story as it unfolded. Thanks for a great story to each author ... keep ‘em coming !
Escape to beautiful Angel Falls for a while!
This book came along at the perfect time! I was nervously holed up at home because of the pandemic, and another trip to Angel Falls was just what I needed! Cold Vengeance delivered!
It delivered great characters, twisting plots, and a beautiful setting for it all.
A missing ex-wife ends up being murdered, and private investigator Kris Eastman is determined to prove her client, Detective Dominick Flores, is innocent.
Originally hired to find Dom’s ex-wife, Kris now is determined to prove her client innocent of murder! Kris enlists the help of her brother, attorney Roddy, to represent Don and help clear his name.
The killer eventually kidnaps Dom’s sons, and Dom and Kris go to rescue them from the remote mountain camp where they are held.
It’s a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I particularly liked the very last chapter that gives a quick glimpse of what life is like for Kris and Dom after the crisis is over. It looks like some happiness is ahead.
When Miranda Nolan inherits a house she soon discovers a need to solve the mysteries surrounding the late owner along with resolving the strong attraction she feels for a co-claimant who lost his hearing and faces a world of silence.
