River Road

Lucy Sheridan returns to Summer River, California, thirteen years after a traumatic incident at a high school party. Mason Fletcher, who rescued her that night, is also back in town following his career as a private investigator in Seattle. The two reconnect while dealing with the mysterious death of Lucy's aunt Sara and investigating suspicious real estate dealings in the small town. Their search for answers leads them through decades-old secrets, putting them in the crosshairs of someone who wants the past to stay buried. The story combines elements of romantic suspense and psychological thriller as Lucy and Mason work to uncover the truth. The investigation forces them to confront both their shared history and mounting dangers in the present. At its core, River Road explores how past traumas shape future choices, and examines the complex intersections between memory, truth, and justice in small-town dynamics.

Readers found this romantic suspense novel entertaining but predictable. Many appreciated the dual mystery storylines and the chemistry between Lucy and Mason. Liked: - Fast-paced plot keeps interest - Balance of romance and suspense elements - Strong female protagonist - Small town atmosphere - Natural dialogue between characters Disliked: - Plot twists felt obvious - Romance developed too quickly - Secondary characters needed more depth - Similar to author's other books in structure - Some found the ending rushed One reader noted "The mystery kept me guessing but the romance felt forced." Another mentioned "Lucy's character growth made the story worthwhile." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (11,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (640+ reviews) BookBub: 4.1/5 (1,100+ ratings) The book ranks in the middle range of Krentz's works according to reader reviews, with most considering it an enjoyable but not standout entry in her catalog.

Sweetbriar Lake by Joss Walker A romantic suspense tale centers on a woman returning to her small hometown where she confronts both an old flame and a series of unexplained deaths.

Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens A murder mystery unfolds on an isolated mountain highway as a woman investigates her sister's disappearance while working with a local police officer.

The Vanishing by Jayne Ann Krentz A woman with psychic abilities partners with a private investigator to solve a cold case in a small town with dangerous secrets.

Deep Harbor by Fern Michaels Two sisters inherit a run-down resort and face threats from someone who wants to prevent them from uncovering the truth about their family's past.

Still Lake by Anne Stuart A woman purchases an old summer camp with a dark history and becomes entangled in solving decades-old murders while developing feelings for a mysterious neighbor.

🌟 River Road features psychic elements and parapsychology, themes that author Jayne Ann Krentz has explored extensively under all three of her pen names (Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle, and Amanda Quick). 🌊 The novel's setting of Summer River, California is a fictional wine country town, drawing on the author's knowledge of Northern California's wine regions and small-town dynamics. 📚 Jayne Ann Krentz wrote this romantic suspense novel as part of her shift away from paranormal elements toward more traditional mystery themes in her contemporary works. 🎭 The protagonist Lucy Sheridan's backstory involves being rescued from a dangerous situation as a teenager, mirroring the author's frequent use of past trauma affecting present circumstances in her works. 💫 While writing under her Jayne Ann Krentz name, the author typically sets her stories in present-day Seattle or California, while her Amanda Quick novels are historical and Jayne Castle books are futuristic.