This Teaser Tuesday, I’m sharing an excerpt from COLD CASE K-9, my December 30th release for Harlequin Intrigue. In this story, Colorado Bureau of Investigation agent Gabriella Ruiz believes that the recent kidnapping of a hiker is tied to her sister’s disappearance a decade earlier. She also believes it’s the work of a serial killer and so the race is on to save the hiker before she becomes the next victim. We loved the premise for this story so much that we’re doing a spinoff series in late 2026 where Gabriella and Crooked Pass Security help solve cold cases with the help of their new K-9 unit. Pre-order your copy today so you’ll have some run reading during the holidays and New Year! You can grab your copy at https://amzn.to/4oVqku8.
Excerpt
The early spring sun bathed her face as she stood on the mountain trail. She walked to the lip and peered down a nearby ravine to the creek at its base. Along the edges of the crystal-clear water, spring was coming alive with the first hints of green and purple. Before long, those little slips of color would unfurl into mountain bluebells and the tall, hairy leaves of cow parsnip.
In the trees nearby, bright green buds were bursting open as life returned to the Colorado mountains.
She loved this time of year that held so much promise.
Shielding her eyes against the sun, she glanced up the trail, reviewing how much farther she had to go before reaching the summit.
Not far, she thought, but the day was still early, and she didn’t want to rush her hike. She wanted to savor the day. Tomorrow she’d be trapped behind walls of glass and cement while at work.
Walking to the other side of the trail, a challenging one for more experienced hikers, she sat on a boulder warmed by the sun and laid her knapsack at her feet. Rummaging through it, she hauled out a baggie with trail mix to satisfy the hunger in her belly.
The snap of a branch behind her snared her attention.
Something dark and menacing charged at her before she could react.
Peanuts, chocolate and raisins went flying as she was slammed onto the ground.
The force of the impact drove her breath from her. Before she could take another breath, a gloved hand covered her mouth.
She fought for breath and freedom, but he was just too heavy. Too big. Too strong.
Circles of black whirled before her eyes. In her mind, a silent scream rang out.
I don’t want to die.
As the blackness thickened, taking her away, that small desperate voice pleaded.
Please, I don’t want to die.
