Red Tide at Heron Bay
Table of Contents
Synopsis
Praise for the works of Gerri Hill
Other Bella Books by Gerri Hill
About the Author
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Bella Books
Synopsis
Lauren Voss has a nice, quiet, orderly life running her grandmother’s Heron Bay Resort on the Texas coast. Three years removed from a break-up that left her ex—and her life—behind in San Diego, she’s adjusted to the slow pace in Rockport, seeking out neither new friends nor lovers. Vandalism at the resort’s clubhouse—and a cryptic message written in blood—brings Detective Harley Shepherd, with her obnoxious Hawaiian shirts, into her life.
A tragedy sent Harley Shepherd running to the sleepy fishing village of Rockport, where violent crime is rare. So different from her life as a homicide detective in a large city, she embraced the quiet and easy-going attitude of the town, determined to put her past behind her.
Was it luck or fate that had her catch a case of simple vandalism? The lovely Lauren Voss made no attempt to hide her dislike of both her—she reminded Lauren of her ex—and her Hawaiian shirts.
Was the vandalism a prank, as Lauren suspects? When a body is found floating near the resort’s pier, Harley is convinced it’s related. As the formality and animosity between them changes and a friendship forms, the women find themselves growing closer as a killer terrorizes the peaceful town they both now call home.
Praise for the works of Gerri Hill
The Stars at Night
The Stars at Night is a beautiful mountain romance that will transport you to a paradise. It’s a story of self-discovery, family, and rural living. This romance was a budding romance that snuck-up and on two unsuspecting women who found themselves falling in love under the stars and while gazing at birds. It’s a feel-good slow-burn romance that will make your heart melt.
-Les Rêveur
Hill is such a strong writer. She’s able to move the plot along through the characters’ dialogue and actions like a true boss. It’s a masterclass in showing, not telling. The story unfolds at a languid pace which mirrors life in a small, mountain town, and her descriptions of the environment bring the world of the book alive.
-The Lesbian Review
The characters were very likable and dealt with realistic problems such as the sudden loss of a job or a loved one. I liked how Kyler and Lexie had meaningful conversations about many diverse topics. I especially loved how the author allowed her characters to get to know each other and develop a strong friendship while they explored the beautiful mountain setting whether biking, hiking, or driving. I also liked how the author pulled the reader into these scenes with her very vivid descriptive writing. The secondary characters, especially Lexie’s brother, added to the emotional depth of this story. The support he received from his family, and especially Kyler, was heartwarming.
Overall, this was a beautifully written feel-good story. The very descriptive setting, which I loved, will leave you with peaceful thoughts, a sense of tranquility, and a yearning to experience that type of setting in person.
-R. Swier, NetGalley
Gillette Park
This book was just what I was hoping for and wickedly entertaining. The premise of this book is really well done. Parts are hard to read of course. This book is about a serial killer who targets mostly young teenagers. The book isn’t very graphic, but it still breaks your heart in places. But there is also a sweet romance that helps to give the book a sense of hope. Mix that with some strong women, the creepiness of the paranormal factors, and the book balances out really well. There is a lot of potential with these characters and I’d love to see their stories continue. If you are a Hill fan, grab this.
-Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads
Hill is a master writer, and this one is done in a way that I think will appeal to many readers. Don’t just discount this one because it has a paranormal theme to it! I think that the majority of readers who love mystery novels with a romantic side twist will love this story.
-Bethany K., goodreads
It was suspenseful and so well written that it was anyone’s guess what would happen next! The characters—all of them, as you’ll learn, were perfectly written.
-Gayle T., NetGalley
Gerri Hill has written another action-packed thriller. The writing is excellent and the characters engaging. Wow!
-Jenna F., NetGalley
…is a phenomenal book! I wish I could give this more than five stars. Yes, there is a paranormal element, and a love story, and conflict, and danger. And it’s all worth it. Thank you, Gerri Hill, for writing a brilliant masterpiece!
-Carolyn M., NetGalley
After the Summer Rain
…is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that features two awesome women who are learning what it really means to live and love fully. They’re also learning to let go of their turbulent pasts so that it doesn’t ruin their future happiness. Gerri Hill has never failed to give me endearing characters who are struggling with heartbreaking issues and beautiful descriptions of the landscapes that surround them.
-The Lesbian Review
Gerri Hill is simply one of the best romance writers in the genre. This is an archetypal Hill, slightly unusual characters in a slightly unusual setting. The slow-burn romance, however, is a classic, trying not to fall in love, but unable to fight the pull.
-Lesbian Reading Room
After the Summer Rain is a wonderfully heartfelt romance that avoids all the angsty drama-filled tropes you often find in romances.
-C-Spot Reviews
Moonlight Avenue
Moonlight Avenue by Gerri Hill is a riveting, literary tapestry of mystery, suspense, thriller and romance. It is also a story about forgiveness, moving on with your life and opening your heart to love despite how daunting it may seem at first.
-The Lesbian Review
…is an excellent mystery novel, sheer class. Gerri Hill’s writing is flawless, her story compelling and much more than a notch above others writing in this genre.
-Kitty Kat’s Book Review
Blog
The Locket
This became a real page-turner as the tension racked up. I couldn’t put it down. Hill has a knack for combining strong characters, vulnerable and complex, with a situation that allows them to grow, while keeping us on our toes as the mystery unfolds. Definitely one of my favorite Gerri Hill thrillers, highly recommended.
-Lesbian Reading Room
The Neighbor
It’s funny…Normally in the books I read I get why the characters would fall in love. Now on paper (excuse the pun), Cassidy and Laura should not work…but let me tell you, that’s the reason they do. I actually loved this book so hard. …Yes it’s a slow burn but so beautifully written and worth the wait in every way.
-Les Rêveur
This is classic Gerri Hill at her very best, top of the pile of so many excellent books she has written, I genuinely loved this story and these two women. The growing friendship and hidden attraction between them is skillfully written and totally engaging….This was a joy to read.
-Lesbian Reading Room
I have always found Hill’s writing to be intriguing and stimulating. Whether she’s writing a mystery or a sweet romance, she allows the reader to discover something about themselves along with her characters. This story has all the fun antics you would expect for a quality, low-stress, romantic comedy. Hill is wonderful in giving us characters that are intriguing and delightful that you never want to put the book down until the end.
-The Lesbian Review
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Other Bella Books by Gerri Hill
After the Summer Rain
Angel Fire
Artist’s Dream
At Seventeen
Behind the Pine Curtain
Chasing a Brighter Blue
The Cottage
Coyote Sky
Dawn of Change
Devil’s Rock
Gillette Park
Gulf Breeze
Hell’s Highway
Hunter’s Way
In the Name of the Father
Keepers of the Cave
The Killing Room
The Locket
Love Waits
The Midnight Moon
Moonlight Avenue
The Neighbor
No Strings
One Summer Night
Paradox Valley
Partners
Pelican’s Landing
The Rainbow Cedar
The Roundabout
The Secret Pond
Sawmill Springs
The Scorpion
The Stars at Night
Sierra City
Snow Falls
Storms
The Target
Weeping Walls
About the Author
Gerri Hill has over thirty-nine published works, including the 2020 GCLS winner After the Summer Rain, the 2017 GCLS winner Paradox Valley, 2014 GCLS winner The Midnight Moon, 2011, 2012 and 2013 winners Devil’s Rock, Hell’s Highway and Snow Falls, and the 2009 GCLS winner Partners, the last book in the popular Hunter Series, as well as the 2013 Lambda finalist At Seventeen. Gerri lives in south-central Texas, only a few hours from the Gulf Coast, a place that has inspired many of her books. With her partner, Diane, they share their life with two Australian shepherds—Rylee and Mason—and a couple of furry felines. For more, visit her website at gerrihill.com.
Copyright © 2021 by Gerri Hill
Bella Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
First Bella Books Edition 2021
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
ISBN: 978-1-64247-282-0
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Chapter One
Lauren paused outside her door to admire the flaming red bougainvillea that was in full bloom, then turned her face toward the bay, inhaling the familiar salty air. It was a cloudy morning, and the sunrise would go unnoticed, although it was still a few minutes away. The laughing gulls that soared over her head greeted her to the day and she smiled with contentment as she closed the gate to her walkway and headed to the small, paved road that would take her to the clubhouse and the cottages, all tucked into and between the coastal oaks that dotted the Rockport landscape. They had seventeen cottages on the property as well as a bank of rooms—mini-suites, her grandmother called them—that overlooked the pool and flower gardens. It had been her idea to paint the cottages all different colors—pastels of yellow, blue, lavender, mauve, and green. That was after her grandfather had passed, and her grandmother often said he would be “rolling over in his grave” at the sight of them. They were their signature now, though.
She opened the gate to the pool area and followed the sidewalk. Again, her gaze lingered on the colorful flowers—more bougainvillea, several colors of hibiscus, and an array of seasonal flowers. No one was about at this early hour and she pulled off her T-shirt and shorts, leaving her in the one-piece Speedo she normally wore. She went to the deep end and did a shallow dive, swimming underwater to the other side before surfacing. It was a ritual she did most mornings before heading to the office. She’d swim a few laps, then float on her back, mentally planning her day. Today, a day after the Fourth of July crowds left, she decided she’d do little more than tend to the flowers. They had a watering system set up for most of the gardens but some needed tending to by hand. It was a relaxing, therapeutic chore that she loved.
As she floated on her back, her gaze went to the clubhouse. An enclosed poolside entrance held the rack of towels and an icemaker. Through there, you could enter the kitchen and lounge. The clubhouse itself was used infrequently by the guests—birthday parties and such. The small workout room—with a treadmill, an elliptical, and a weight set—got more use. There were two large sofas in the lounge, separated by a bookshelf where guests were free to trade books. That was a popular thing years ago, before electronic devices took over. Now the books mostly collected dust. The game room saw a fair amount of traffic as couples would meet there to play board games or dominoes. The clubhouse was decorated much like the cottages, with coastal art and prints of shorebirds. A huge collage was dedicated to the aftermath of Harvey, the hurricane that decimated the oaks but surprisingly left little structural damage to the cottages.
She walked up the steps of the pool and dripped into the towel room, grabbing one and drying her long hair, then taking a second to dry her body. As she toweled off, something inside caught her attention. She frowned. The chairs around the table were toppled over.
She slung one towel over her shoulder and opened the do
or. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes darting around the kitchen and lounge.
“Oh my god,” she whispered.
The chairs were tipped over, yes. So were both of the sofas and even the bookshelf. Books and magazines lay strewn on the floor and the colorful prints on the walls had been slashed with a knife. Her eyes were drawn to the front door, seeing the gaping hole in the glass where someone had smashed it.
She backed out of the room, hurrying over to her clothes and her cell. Her hands were shaking as she dialed 911.
“Yes, I need to report a break-in.”
Chapter Two
Harley glanced at the app on her phone—which was clamped to the handlebars—as she peddled her mountain bike along the wooded trail in Goose Island State Park. Eight miles so far. She’d wanted to do ten, at least, so she’d have to make the bay loop one more time before she headed back home. Sweat dripped into her eyes and she slid a finger under her sunglasses and wiped her face quickly.
She didn’t ride the state park trail every day, but they all knew her by name now. After a year of living here, she knew most of them too, if only in passing. Of course, in the last year—after she changed her lifestyle—she’d gotten a lot fitter too. She remembered the first few times on the bike. Two miles felt like ten. Twenty minutes felt like an hour. Now? Now she could do ten, twelve, fifteen miles without laboring. Her morning exercise routine had become sort of an addiction. It beat the hell out of her other addictions, though.
She buzzed around a corner, the brush grabbing at her arm as she passed. The trail here was simply a cutout in the woods, with crushed oyster shells for the base. The woods encroached on the trail in spots, and she came out into a small clearing, where the trail split into threes. One would take her to the road next to the campground. One would take her to the giant live oak and the sitting bench. And one would continue on through the woods, coming out near the office and the entrance. She hopped on the one that would take her to the road, intending to ride the loop trail before heading back toward the bay. That might get her the ten miles she was hoping for.