“If the collars are working”—Josef spoke from the backseat—“there could be some crackpot in these hills picking off critically endangered animals for money. Anyone that desperate isn’t going to care if a couple of foreigners end up as collateral damage.”
They’d left some weapons with their other belongings last fall. Her father had insisted she have some sort of protection when he’d heard she was conducting her research in Afghanistan. Now she was grateful.
She glanced at Josef sharply. “Do you want to go home?”
“I’m just saying this could be dangerous.” His hands gripped the back of the seat as they bounced over a rickety bridge.
“If you want to go back you should say so now. The pilot can fly you out in the morning.” She kept her voice soft. They were almost the same age, but he was her responsibility, and she had no right to place him in danger. “I don’t want you thinking you don’t have a choice. I can handle this.” He had a life. He had a future. She only had her passion for saving things that needed saving.
“Ya, I run away and leave you alone in the wilderness.” Josef sat back and crossed his arms, muttering angrily.
She held back an instinctive retort. She didn’t care about being alone in the wilderness, but with this amount of ground to cover, she needed all the help she could get. “I have Anji,” she said instead. “We can get more men from the village.”
The Wakhi man grinned a gap-toothed smile, his eyes dancing. After generations of war and decades of being ignored by the government in Kabul, a few missing teeth were the least of anyone’s problems. A few dead leopards might not rank high in the concerns of government either, not with the resurgence of the Taliban, not with the constant threat of assassination, insurgents, and death.
“If we find sign of a poacher we will gather men from the village and hunt him down,” the smaller man said.
Axelle nodded, but she was worried. This would be Anji’s responsibility when he finished training and was appointed the wildlife officer for this region. He needed to be confident enough to take charge of dangerous situations like this. She bit her lip. He was such a sweet little guy she didn’t know how he’d confront armed poachers. The idea of him hurt didn’t sit well. He had a family. People who cared.
Isolation pressed down on her shoulders. All she had was an estranged father and a grandfather she hadn’t visited in two long years.
Energetic clouds boiled over the top of the mountains. A spring storm was building, but it was nothing to the growing sense of unease that filled her when she thought of someone lining up her cats in the crosshairs of a hunting scope.
Acknowledgments
For this book I spent a lot of time researching North Carolina’s Outer Banks. I took liberties with the landscape and decided to create my own fictional town for the setting. It’s a truly fascinating region with a rich history that needs exploring—preferably from one of those gorgeous beach houses :).
I’d like to send an extra-special “thank you” to Sandra Buckenham who walked me through some of the medical aspects of the story. Needless to say, I used artistic license with all information gleaned, and any errors in the story are mine.
As always, biggest thanks go to my amazing critique partner Kathy Altman—she rocks! Also editors, Alicia Dean, and Joan at JRT Editing, who helped get the manuscript into shape, and to my beta readers. I’m very grateful to Syd Gill for interpreting my vision and creating the awesome covers for the Cold Justice Series.
Thanks to my fabulous husband and children who put up with my insanity. It wouldn’t be worth it without you!
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today international bestselling author, Toni Anderson, writes dark, gritty Romantic Suspense. Her novels have been nominated for the prestigious Romance Writers of America® RITA® Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence, and National Readers’ Choice Awards in Romantic Suspense. A Cold Dark Place won the 2014 New England Readers’ Choice Award for Romantic Suspense. Some of Toni’s books have been translated into German & Romanian.
A graduate of Marine Biology from the University of Liverpool, and the University of St. Andrews, Toni was a Post-doctoral Research Scientist for several years, and travelled the world with her work. After living in seven different countries, she finally settled in the Canadian prairies with her Irish husband and two children. Now she spends her time talking to the voices in her head and making things up. Toni has no explanation for her oft-times dark imagination, and only hopes the romance makes up for it. She’s addicted to reading, dogs, tea (never travels without it), and chocolate. She loves to hear from readers.
Toni donates 15% of her royalties from Edge of Survival to diabetes research—to find out why, read the book!
Find out more on her website: www.toniandersonauthor.com or sign up to her email list to receive up-to-date information on new releases, exclusive offers and prizes.
Reviews
COLD LIGHT OF DAY
(Cold Justice Book #3)
“This has easily cruised into my top ten romances … in the history of EVER.” —Heroes and Heartbreakers.
TOP PICK “Cold Light of Day has all the elements of a great romantic suspense…danger, romance, action, and intrigue. I’d recommend Cold Light of Day to any romantic suspense reader looking for a thrilling adventure!” —Harlequin Junkie
COLD PURSUIT
(Cold Justice Book #2)
(2015 The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Romantic Suspense Finalist)
“I’d highly recommend Cold Pursuit to any romantic suspense reader.” —Harlequin Junkie
“Toni Anderson’s new Cold Justice series is sizzling suspense and hot romance – the perfect summer read!” —Mom’s the Word.
A COLD DARK PLACE
(Cold Justice Book #1)
(2014 New England Readers’ Choice Romantic Suspense Finalist)
“Toni magically blends sizzling chemistry between Alex and Mallory with lots of suspenseful action in A Cold Dark Place. At times I wanted to hide my eyes, not knowing if I could face what might or might not happen! The edge of your seat suspense is riveting!” —Harlequin Junkies.
“Recommended for fans of Toni Anderson and fans of dark romantic suspense. You’d definitely love this one!” —Maldivian Book Reviewer’s Realm of Romance.
DARK WATERS
(International bestseller. National Readers Choice Awards Finalist)
“In this action-packed contemporary, Anderson (Dangerous Waters) weaves together a tapestry of powerful suspense and sizzling romance.” —Publishers Weekly.
“The pacing in this book is superb. The tension really never lets up … I never felt there was a good ‘stopping point’ in this book, which is probably why I was reading all night.” —Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.
DANGEROUS WATERS
(International bestseller. 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award Finalist)
“With a haunting setting and a captivating cast of characters, Anderson has crafted a multifaceted mystery rife with secrets. Readers will have to focus, as red herrings abound, but the result is a compulsively engrossing page-turner.” —Romantic Times (4 Stars)
“A captivating mix of suspense and romance, Dangerous Waters will pull you under.” —Laura Griffin, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author
“With vibrant writing, a cast of damaged, captivating characters and a plot that’s deliciously diabolical, Dangerous Waters will have you mesmerized from page one.” —HEA USA Today
“The vivid picture of the scenery adds ghostlike images to the dark and dangerous mystery. Plot twists interlock, never letting up until the last pages.” —Coffee Time Romance (5 Cups)
THE KILLING GAME
(2014 RITA® Finalist, and National Readers Choice Awards Finalist)
“The Killing Game is an exhilarating, masterfully-crafted mix of life-and-death adventure and political intrigue. It’s also a riveting romance, and with the aut
hor’s trademark gritty and evocative prose, wily imagination and fierce respect for the plight of the snow leopard and the war-torn country it inhabits, this book is one unforgettable read.” —Kathy Altman Goodreads Review. (5 Stars)
“I’d recommend this to any romantic suspense reader looking for a unique, intricately woven story that will really touch you.” —Peaces of Me (5 Stars)
“This is a smart story. This is a sexy story. This is a well written story. This is one of my favorite romantic suspense stories I’ve read all year. I wish there was more!” —Love Affair With An e-Reader (5 Stars)
EDGE OF SURVIVAL
“Anderson writes with a gritty, fast-paced style, and her narrative is tense and evocative.” —HEA USA Today
“… more substance than one would expect from a romantic thriller.” —Library Journal Reviews
“Edge of Survival is without a doubt, one of the most exciting, romantic, sexy stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year and I will definitely be looking for more by Toni Anderson.” —Blithely Bookish (5 Stars)
“Sensual, different; romance with a bit of angst, just how I like them; Edge of Survival is a romantic suspense not to be missed.” —Maldivian Book Reviewer’s Realm of Romance (5 Stars)
“Whoever thinks a story concerning a woman who does fish research would be boring hasn’t read Edge of Survival!” —Book Lovers Inc. (5 Bookies)
STORM WARNING
(Best Book of 2010 Nominee—The Romance Reviews)
“Storm Warning is an intense, provocative paranormal romance with a suspenseful twist…This is a book that I am unquestionably adding to my keeper collection.” —Night Owl Reviews (TOP PICK)
“It is exactly the way I like my romantic suspense novels to be.” —The Romance Reviews
“The plot is full of suspense and some pretty incredible plot twists. … will have you on the edge of your seat.” —Coffee Time Romance & More
SEA OF SUSPICION
(Best Book of 2010 Nominee—The Romance Reviews. National bestseller.)
“Deeply atmospheric and filled with twists and turns, Sea of Suspicion kept me flying eagerly through the pages.” —All About Romance
“Sea of Suspicion is one heck of a book! The twists, turns, passion, and many colorful characters give Ms. Anderson’s novel a delightful edge.” —Coffee Time Romance
“Set along the coast of Scotland, Sea of Suspicion is a riveting story of suspense and the depths and heights of human character.” —The Romance Reviews
HER LAST CHANCE
(2014 Daphne du Maurier finalist)
“A high intensity story, with action from the first page on, an intricate suspense tale with twists and turns that are surprising and a conclusion that is as near to closure as is possible to come. The characters are deep and rather brooding, but manage to lose themselves in each other. And the writing is clever, hot and altogether fabulous!” —Ripe for Reader
“From the opening scene I was turning the pages totally entranced in the story. I’ve loved all this authors books but at this moment this has to be my favorite.” —SnS Reviews
HER SANCTUARY
(National bestseller)
“Her Sanctuary is a riveting fast-paced suspense story, filled with twists, turns, and danger. As the story flows seamlessly between the protagonists and antagonists, the tension rises to fever pitch. Just when you think you know the good guys from the bad, Anderson provides a surprising twist, or two.” —Night Owl Romance (TOP PICK)
“Her Sanctuary is a book I can easily and highly recommend for all readers and lovers of great books. It is truly worth every minute it takes to read, so head over to The Wild Rose Press and pick up a copy today.” —WRDF
“Suspenseful, riveting and explosive, this reader absolutely loved this story.” —Fallen Angel Reviews (5 Angels)
“Ms. Anderson presents us with one fantastic story that has me wanting more.” —Romance Junkies (4.5 Blue Ribbons)
“For a fast paced, enjoyable read filled with secrets and surprises, Her Sanctuary will fill all your expectations.” —Romance Reviews Today
Table of Contents
Title Page
Complete Booklist
Copyright Page
Dedication
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
Epilogue
Cold Justice Series Overview
Dear Reader
A Preview of Rachel Grant’s Covert Evidence
A Preview of The Killing Game
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Reviews
Table of Contents
Title Page
Complete Booklist
Copyright Page
Dedication
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
Epilogue
Cold Justice Series Overview
Dear Reader
A Preview of Rachel Grant’s Covert Evidence
A Preview of The Killing Game
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Reviews
Table of Contents
Cold Fear Page 36