Framed in Death Valley by Dana Mentink – Book Review

Framed in Death Valley

by Dana Mentink

Series: Desert Justice #1
Published by Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Publication Date March 1, 2021
Genres: Inspirational Fiction, Suspense, Clean Romance
Setting: California Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 35-60, 24-35
Written for: Adults
Pages: 188

I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

Purchase Links

Growing up in Southern California, my family spent many weekends camping in the desert, though we were usually further South than Death Valley. I love the way Dana Mentink captured the beauty of this land which is often described with words like “barren” and “lifeless” in her thrilling suspense tale, Framed in Death Valley, while also highlighting its perils.

Combining thrilling chases through the desert, suspense over the identity of the murder who framed Beckett, and the rekindling of love and trust between Beckett and Laney, this was such a pleasure to read. The brokenness from their pasts had caused both of them to guard their hearts and fear rejection. The healing and the hope as they began to see their value in the eyes of God was touching and beautiful. When the identity of the killer was revealed, I was stunned and imagine you will be too!

Beckett’s reaction to Laney’s pregnancy was so amazing! My heart melted at his reactions to hearing the heartbeat and seeing Muffin in the ultrasound. And how cute is that nickname that he gave the baby? Oh, I also loved the way he was so thrilled to help fulfill Laney’s cravings!

I’m excited that Levi’s story will be next, and I can’t wait to meet Muffin! Be sure to read Framed in Death Valley now and watch for Missing in the Desert, releasing July 2021!

More from Dana

What’s up in Death Valley?

As the desert vistas opened up in front of Papa Bear and me, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Mind you, we were visiting Death Valley in the fall. No braving the 130 plus summer temperatures for this couple! I simply cannot describe to you the wonder I felt, as a  suburbanite from a bustling, noisy Northern California city. There is never a moment at home when I see only open horizon, when I hear nothing but quiet breezes. I was, quite simply, stunned.

I had done some research about places to visit as potential series settings, and Death Valley was at the top of the list. The websites did not disappoint. Artist’s Palette, the gorgeous peak painted in a rainbow of rock colors? Check! Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, glistening with salt and not so lifeless as one might think…check! How about my favorite moment…jouncing along the precarious trail through Titus Canyon? Check! Would all of these incomparable locations be suitable for a six book suspense series? Roger that!

It’s ironic that I felt so welcomed by such an inhospitable locale. Visiting is one thing, but it takes a certain rugged breed of individuals to live in such a hostile climate. What fodder for fiction! I simply could not wait to get home and start creating the Duke family. And you know what? When this pandemic is over, Death Valley is the first place I want to return…in the fall, of course! Do you have a place near and dear to your heart? What’s first on your travel list after the world opens up again?

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