Manhunt - Ann Voss Peterson

 "He'd bought this ranch in the Wyoming wilderness so he'd never have to look out for anyone but himself again...She stumbled through the dry grass and occasional patch of snow, no rifle, no concern for frightening her game. In fact, she looked like the frightened one."

    

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A retired and disgraced cop looking for silence and no excitement; a young single mom expecting a promotion as an accountant and her boss on a hunting trip.  What was supposed to be a hunting trip in the Rocky Mountains turns into a horror adventure as unexpected circumstances force Jace, the retired cop, to take a leap of faith and help the scared Shannon he catches trying to steal his SUV.   Not knowing who to trust and where to look, the couple race against time and the elements to unearth why Shannon is in danger, and Jace sees an opportunity for revenge.  Corruption and law enforcement are convinced they are looking for a murderer, making everything they do an opportunity for discovery.  The books on this series are all standalone.

Take note that what I am about to say does not take away the pure pleasure it was to read this book. Some days we just need to read something predictable to make us feel good.

This is a fast-paced thriller that gets you running from the get-go. The characters are well rounded and believable.  The rugged terrain of  Wyoming forms the ideal background for a hunting and evading plot.  The mystery is well kept and slowly unravelled and gets your heart racing.  The recipe is the same as in most romantic suspense books; Girl is in trouble but does not know why; Guy has been through trauma and wants only to be left alone until inevitably comes across said girl.  People try to kill them, which forces them closer together.  In the end, the bad guys are stopped, and there is a happy ending.