This book has a lot of great things going for it. It’s well-written, has good pacing, and both mc’s have distinct backgrounds and narrative voices. I especially liked Hanna’s gay aunts! The problem I had, however, is the romance between Jordan and Hanna was just…odd. The relationship just felt kind of forced and the dialogue between the two was just super cringey at times. I don’t know, maybe the author was going for insta-lust but she didn’t quite pull it off.

I did keep reading the book however, because the story was intriguing and by that point I was invested enough in the characters to want to know how the case played out. No spoilers, but I will say that the conclusion to the mystery was satisfying and there was a HEA for all. Well everyone except the bad guy, that is. I think if the romance had been either left out or re-edited this could be a 4 or maybe even a 5 star book, but as is it was only mediocre.

Excellent prose and a heartfelt story that was full of tension. It left me aching to get through the story and find out what happened.

This is a really good book. The characters were very believable and the romance was really sweet between the main characters. The mystery part of this book was very good as well. There's some angst and plenty of drama to go around. I liked everything about this book. It had romance, mystery and drama all my favorites. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and I look forward to what's next from this author.

If you're looking for a cozy mystery/lesbian romance/place-based book, this is for you. There is nothing tragic or surprising - it's simply a very nice read, centering lesbian-positive relationships and strong female characters. Set against the Northwoods backdrop, this book is a feel-good read (with some murder and mayhem!) with action and water-filled adventure.

Murder mysteries have always captivated readers’ imaginations. They delve into the darker aspects of human nature, allowing readers to explore the complexities of what drives people to commit acts of violence. These stories often take readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with suspense and tension. When experienced from the safety of a cozy chair, the thrill of danger becomes irresistibly appealing. That is precisely what Nance Sparks delivers in her new novel, Waterlogged.

Sparks masterfully sets the stage for this gripping murder mystery, beginning with a compelling premise. The story opens with a curious set of circumstances involving Warden Deb Ryder. Her puzzling actions immediately capture readers’ attention, drawing them into the investigation alongside Warden Jordan Pearce. Jordan’s determination to uncover the truth is tested when the standoffish and evasive sheriff shows little interest in assisting her. Events take a shocking turn when Deb is found dead in the very waters she patrols in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. As suspicions about the sheriff’s behavior grows, the mystery deepens, making the unraveling of clues an engaging challenge that keeps readers hooked.

Waterlogged offers more than just a gripping murder mystery, though. Sparks skillfully weaves romance into the narrative, adding layers of emotional complexity. What’s more, the romantic tension between Jordan and Hanna works to raise the stakes, which in turn amplifies the urgency and suspense within the storytelling. Sparks crafts Jordan and Hanna’s love story delicately though, creating a balance between tenderness and tension. Their intimate moments stand in stark contrast to the darker aspects of the murder investigation. Ultimately, this highlights the fragility of love and makes the themes within the story more poignant in the end.

It is evident Sparks did her research for Waterlogged; the setting is immersive and transportive. The Northwoods of Wisconsin, with its serene lakes and dense forests, is vividly brought to life. Sparks’ detailed descriptions of the lush greenery and shimmering waters enable readers to picture the tranquil beauty of the area. However, this idyllic backdrop also becomes the stage for tragedy, adding layers of tension and intrigue. This enriches the storytelling immensely, ultimately playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative’s tone and tenor.

Knowing how to use and manipulate literary devices within this genre is crucial, and Sparks clearly shows she is no novice. She expertly juxtaposes the peacefulness of the outdoors with the darkness of the unfolding mystery, creating a story world that is rich, dynamic, and textured. The veneer of tranquility lulls readers into a sense of calm—only to shatter it with sudden moments of danger and uncertainty. This interplay between serenity and menace mirrors the complexities of human nature, adding a psychologically rich dimension to the narrative.

Sparks’ mastery of pacing is also worth mentioning; she uses it to ensure that readers remain fully engaged. The narrative alternates between moments of high-stakes action and quiet contemplation, creating a rhythm that keeps readers on edge. These contrasting rhythms also serve to deepen the emotional impact of the journey, ultimately heightening the suspense. However, Starks makes sure to balance the frenetic energy of the action with poignant pauses, inviting readers to fully digest the story. This, combined with Sparks skillful foreshadowing, makes Waterlogged an impactful piece of fiction. Sparks takes care to end each chapter with the right amount of anticipation and suspense, and it underscores exactly why Waterlogged is a true page-turner.

Final Remarks…

Nance Sparks’ Waterlogged is a finely crafted murder mystery that blends suspense and romance with an emotional depth that’s quite remarkable. Her skillful use of pacing, immersive settings, and intricate plot development ensures a captivating reading experience for murder mystery fans. The interplay of these elements not only drives the story forward but also sheds light on the complex nature of human behavior. This is a gripping, psychologically rich tale and should not be missed.

Strengths…

Well-written, well-plotted
Immersive story world
Suspenseful, page-turning narrative
Well-drawn characters
Thrilling who-done-it
Solid 4.5 stars

Jordan Pearce DNR, has had a requested in for permanent assignment in on a lake she lives as a kid. Now she’s been informed a spot is available due to another DNR’s officer sudden departure. But why did the other officer leave and where is she?
Hanna has found herself back also due to her aunts health concern.
But things aren’t going as well as hoped for Jordan and her new job, a b9dy has been found and there are a lot of questions. What’s going on on the lake? What’s the sheriff up to?
Are Jordan and Hanna going to find time for each other.
This is another well written book by Nance Sparks with some twisty storyline you’ll think you have figured out…but.

Jordan is ready for quiet pace after been working some of the busiest lakes as a conservation warden. She gets her chance when a current warden Deb resigns via email and strangely hasn’t been heard from since. Hanna returns to help her Aunt Dottie following her cancer diagnosis while helping her other Aunt Ruthie run the town diner. Hanna and Jordan meet as they get to know each other there’s a mystery going on as Jordan tries to figure out what happen to Deb the mysterious stranger she seen and a missing kayaker. I enjoy the mystery it’s isn’t how I thought it will go I like chemistry between MCs their romance although a bit quick flow easily. The descriptions of lakes and islands were beautiful.


I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

*Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.*

This was a good read with believable characters and an example of instalove that I didn't immediately hate (that's a rarity, let me tell you). The mystery also didn't go where I thought it would, which was good.

The problem was, I wish things were more fleshed out, the relationship and the mystery both. The book, in my opinion, needed to be longer. The mystery took too much of a back seat to the romance like it was a second thought and that was a bit disappointing. But as I said, it was still an enjoyable read.

What I liked about this book, as I like about all Sparks' books is that it's intelligently written. No detail is too small, no detail left out. Sparks obviously researches her plots and everything her characters do. This book is perfectly edited and it flows as all books should flow.

Hanna Quinn has come to help her Aunt Dottie while Dottie is being treated for cancer. In short time, she meets Conservation Warden Jordan Pearce, an even-tempered, supremely ethical warden of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Jordan has recently taken this job after being in law enforcement in the big city. She's ready for a quieter job with less pressure. Fate has other plans.

In this twisty, angsty and dangerous story, Jordan and her surrounding cast of characters are thrown into a murder mystery that none of them could have imagined. In the middle of this murder investigation, Hanna and Jordan become attracted to each other, that I will tell you, and you'll be enchanted with their story.

Sparks writes this story with care and talent. For me to give away any of the plot would be criminal. Make sure to add this book to your collection of Nance Sparks' other works!

My appreciation to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing an ARC of this book.

Loved subtle information at the start, meaning I am also trying to solve the mystery. The sherif seems unsubtle so I am discounting her! Well, further in I'm not so sure discounting was correct! This may not be a “solvable by the reader novel” but it certainly is an enjoyable read. I would rate it 3.5, up to 4 possibly because the blend part was really strong, possibly not because I found the romance a bit too insta. In the end I wasn't swept up by the romance therefore also not the expression of it, so not rounded up.

Not my first book by Nance Sparks, but it is my first mystery. Just as well as the MC, thinking I knew who did it, there was more clues to follow. I enjoyed the pursuit of catching the person.
The romance was sweet with the instant attraction; loving how they worked together. The MC's were artfully created, a treasure to know. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well.
This was a great read to enjoy, another one of Spark's books that I couldn't resist. Looking forward to more in the future.

With the exception of the Epilogue, Waterlogged takes place over the course of about six days after conservation warden Jordan Pearce arrives in the Northwoods from the Southern Wisconsin lakes. Jordan wants to permanently be transferred to this "quieter" location as well as the fact that this place holds the only good memories of her childhood. Jordan accepts a temporary assignment in hopes for a permanent transfer when the current warden, Deb Ryder, suddenly resigns via email.. Deb is not seen from again following her resignation.

Hanna Quinn returns to the Northwoods to help care for her Aunt Dottie following her cancer diagnosis. She is also there to help her Aunt Ruthie run the town diner.

There is immediate attraction between Hanna and Jordan when they meet. But there is also a mystery unfolding with Deb Ryder, a mysterious person that Jordan spots in a storm, and a missing kayaker.

This book certainly held my attention with the fast-paced plot, the twists and turns, and the mistaken identity scenarios. The chemistry between Jordan and Hanna was also solid even though their relationship moved very quickly. The descriptions of the lTurtle-Flambeau Flowage with the loons, the lakes, the reeds, the islands, and the other wildlife was spectacular. I found myself reviewing maps to try to fully absorb where all the action was taking place. 4 stars
 
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After nineteen years as a conservation warden on some of the busiest lakes in Southern Wisconsin, Jordan Pearce is ready for a change of pace in the quiet of the Northwoods on the same lake she used to vacation on with her family. Her wish is granted when a colleague quits without notice. Everything seems to be falling into place.

Hanna Quinn returns to the Northwoods to help care for her aunt Dottie after a cancer diagnosis. Both her aunts have been her saving grace and now it’s her turn to be their strength. There’s plenty to keep her busy, and the new conservation warden is a welcome distraction from her overflowing plate. Odd occurrences put the community on edge, and the serenity of the Northwoods is rocked when a body is discovered floating in the flowage. Jordan pushes the limits of her authority to keep Hanna and her new town safe, but the truth isn’t always as it seems.

The vibes in this book are so well-written. Talk about creating atmosphere. 🙂 I loved the mystery part of this and really enjoyed the romance aspect of it as well. Both characters were relatable and well developed.

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

This would have been 5 stars however the use of the word ‘spaz’ and ‘spastic’ nearly made me stop reading the book.


The plot was great and fast paced, I didn’t expect the plot twists and the characters were likeable.

The sex scenes for me were a little off for some reason I can’t explain

Overall a great book despite offensive language used, would recommend if you want a fast paced sapphic crime story

Small town, murder-mystery romance with some heat which captures the attention immediately.

Nature warden Jordan returns to Iron County Wisconsin to replace her fellow warden, Deb, who appears to have abruptly and uncharacteristically left the job. The area is special to Jordan, having spent time there with her family as a teenager, she hopes it will be the change she needs to establish some roots.

Jordan soon becomes involved in the search for a missing kayaker, and she finds out that all is not what it seems in the quiet town. There is a lot of good people, a sense of community and found family. Well done! The mystery woven into the story held my interested with lots of twists.

The mystery aspect of this book is very well written. There is a good level of intrigue and surprise that just when you think you have it solved, the leads fall together in a completely different way. If you like a good mystery with some heat, this book is for you.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

Northwoods, small town, murder
What really hit me from the get go is how vividly Sparks captures the job of a conservation warden on a lake (all those boating scenes) and the nature and wildlife of the Northwoods: it really sparkled and added to my reading pleasure.
The story literally starts full throttle when warden Jordan Pierce catches someone breaking the boating rules and it sets the pace for the book nicely. Both main characters have a connection of some sort with the Turtle Flambeau Flowage (what a name!) and the small town they both meet in: For Jordan it might be the dream job, for Hanna it‘s to help her elderly aunts who supported her early in life. I loved that both were mature women over 40 with a real backstory. There is a lot of good people, a sense of community and found family. Well done! The mystery woven into the story held my interested with lots of twists.

I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.

“Waterlogged” follows Jordan Pearce, a seasoned conservation warden with 19 years of experience. After a coworker’s departure, she’s thrust into a much-needed and sought-after change of pace. Meanwhile, Hanna Quinn returns to her hometown to care for her terminally ill aunt, finding solace in her aunt’s presence. However, caring for a sick loved one can be emotionally draining. What could be a better distraction than a charming new conservation warden? Probably nothing. Unfortunately, that’s not the only distraction. Strange and unusual things begin to disrupt the lives of the residents of Northwoods, causing concern.

Nance Sparks truly poured her heart and soul into crafting this novel. Although, for me, a lot of interactions felt drawn out. It, also, would have been nice if the chapters had been labeled with the name of the woman whose perspective we were experiencing. However, these are just personal preferences. The chapters are short, which I really like. I love a good quick read for restless nights. And this heated mystery is roughly 200 pages from chapter 1 to the epilogue!

Hanna’s emotional struggle with her aunts’ cancer diagnosis resonates deeply with me. Witnessing a loved one endure such hardships is incredibly challenging, and Nance’s portrayal of these emotions and struggles is very accurate. I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected “spicy” scenes. While I thought there’d be a more subtle romantic interest, such as a crush or a peck, the immediate “connection” between Hanna and Jordan was a great surprise.

Overall, I would rate “waterlogged” 3 stars. It was a good story, had a surprising twist, and a satisfying happy ending.

Thank you @BoldStrokesBooks & @NetGalley for sending me the ARC of this great book!

Nance Sparks has written a tale filled with organic characters and real moments. The mystery registers effort and the romance is warming. Read it over one weekend between errands and was engrossed throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

jordan pearce is going back to the place where she considers home.... a transfer to the northwoods after years of seeing to the busy lakes in southern wisconsin..... but she has been wondering why the other warden has given up this wonderful setting... not even working her notice just an email

hanna quinn is going back to her aunts... they need her... the cancer is back and is knocking her aunt for six so the least she can do is go and help out and maybe some of her ideas will help her aunt with her recovery and keep the diner open

jordan and hanna meet at the diner and interest is on both sides.... but jordan has her work cut out for her as she clashes with one of the police officers but things are not quite as they seem around the town she fell in love with when she was younger....

danger is all around and can jordan keep her friends safe from an unknown enemy

well this author can certainly write a butch character with heart oh man i loved all the characters that we met and i hope we get to visit this town again.... there was just something special about them all

This was such a great mystery novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed going through this book. The characters were everything that I was hoping for and was engaged with the story going on. Nance Sparks has a strong writing style and was engaged with the overall package. I enjoyed reading this and am excited for more from Nance Sparks.