The Past Came Hunting [Paperback]

Donnell Ann Bell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2011

"Donnell Ann Bell has crafted a beautifully written story of love and redemption, with a sizzling suspense at its core. The Past Came Hunting is a page turner!" -Kylie Brant, national bestselling author

"Donnell Ann Bell's debut novel The Past Came Hunting is a gripping read - a tale of love, deceit and facing down the sins of the past. A fast-moving and engrossing story, The Past Came Hunting will keep you up turning the pages. A thoroughly satisfying read!" -Jeanne Adams, award-winning suspense author

Shock made her numb.

It wasn't possible. How had she missed the connection? She hadn't thought of the man in years. The cop who'd arrested her, his name had been . . . Crandall.

Somehow Mel found the strength to look into his eyes. And when she did, she came face to face with what could only be a mutually shocked expression.

"You," she whispered.

"You," he replied.

Fifteen years ago a young Colorado Springs police officer arrested a teen runaway accused of aiding a convenience store robbery and attempted murder. She was innocent, but still served prison time briefly. Her testimony sent the real thief to jail for much longer. Now she's a young widow raising a son, and the man she put in prison is free and seeking revenge. She moves to a home in a new neighborhood-then learns that her next-door neighbor is the by-the-book officer who arrested her. Now he's a Colorado Springs P.D. Lieutenant. Like it or not, he may be the only one who can protect her and her son from the past he helped create.

Donnell Ann Bell is the recipient of numerous awards for her fiction writing and the co-owner of Crimescenewriters, a Yahoo group for mystery/suspense writers, which is 2,000 members strong. Donnell was raised in New Mexico's Land of Enchantment and today calls Colorado home. www.DonnellAnnBell.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Bell Bridge Books (September 19, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1611940486
• ISBN-13: 978-1611940480
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #956,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I grew up in the 4-Corners area, in the city of Farmington, New Mexico. I love New Mexico, and am influenced by its rich Hispanic and Indian culture. I also attended Catholic school, and though nothing mysterious or tragic happened in my parochial school days, I do write suspense and couldn't resist. I bring some of this knowledge to DEADLY RECALL, based in Albuquerque, and my second published work.

As for my debut release, THE PAST CAME HUNTING, a country song influenced this book. Tricia Yearwood and Don Henley's Walk Away Joe. In the song a 17-year old fails to listen to her mama and takes off with her bad-boy boyfriend. Then the boyfriend robs a Texaco station, while the girl waits for him in the car. During a police ridealong, I asked an El Paso County Deputy Sheriff, what would happen to the girl? He said 17... in the commision of a felony...she might very well be tried as an adult and go to prison.

As a mom, I'm painfully aware of the mistakes kids make, and the concept wouldn't let go. That's how THE PAST CAME HUNTING was born. I'm so pleased many readers agree. In 2012, THE PAST CAME HUNTING finaled in "The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence," "RWA's Detroit's Book Seller's Best" for both Best Romantic Suspense and Best First book, and finaled in the "Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense."

I'm passionate about suspense and storytelling. I hope you'll join me as I write around the theme *SUSPENSE TOO CLOSE TO HOME*. Look for another suspense late in 2013, this one based in Denver, and check out my webpage at www.donnellannbell.com to sign up for my newsletter.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 96 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bell's Debut a Solid Winner September 20, 2011

By Amy Atwell

Format:Kindle Edition

I was fortunate to receive an advanced reading copy in return for an impartial review. That said, Donnell Ann Bell's fully-drawn characters and tense conflicts made me appreciate this action-packed suspense. There's enough facts and police procedure to please CSI-type fans, but it's the characters that drive this story, not the plot. Melanie has spent her whole adult life trying to make amends for one ill-judged mistake of her youth. Joe, a career cop, knows that an attraction to the widow next door is completely off-limits because of her prior conviction. Despite that, these two people have nowhere else to turn when Melanie's past comes hunting her. This isn't a simple romance--it's two people trying to rewrite their personal history and discovering a bond despite their differences. It was hard to believe this was Bell's first book, and I can't wait to see future titles from her.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tightly plotted woman in jeopardy story. September 19, 2011

By Andreas Attic

Format:Kindle Edition

I was lucky enough to get an advanced reading copy of THE PAST CAME HUNTING. I started reading on a Sunday morning and didn't stop until I'd finished it. Obviously, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Ms. Bell has delivered a tightly plotted, woman-in-jeopardy story, with a thread of romance. It's also well written, with interestng, multi-layered characters. It was a great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon. I highly recommend it.

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read.... September 24, 2011

By Mary Jane Lamoreaux

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Past Came Hunting. Never wanting to put the book (Kindle) down, as I hoped Joe and Melanie would beat the odds of their pasts and get together. The Past Came Hunting is a prime example that not everyone or everything is as it seems.