Jagger (Steele Shadows Investigations‪)‬

A homicide detective who speaks for the dead. A woman found covered in blood. And a small town where legends refuse to stay buried.

A pulse-pounding romantic suspense from bestselling author Amanda McKinney.

Perfect for fans of brooding alpha heroes, atmospheric small-town mystery, and high-stakes danger.

Feared as much on the streets as at a crime scene, Homicide Detective Max Jagger has dedicated his life to one thing—speaking for the dead. During one of the most oppressive heat waves on record, the former Navy SEAL is called to a scene where a real estate heiress is found standing over a body, covered in blood, holding the murder weapon.

She says she’s innocent.

To make matters more confusing, the incident coincides with the mysterious theft of the Cedonia Scroll—an artifact long dismissed as local folklore. But now, during the small town’s annual Moon Magic Festival, the legends are stirring again… and all eyes are on Sunny Harper.

Despite her name, Sunny is as beguiling as a fallen angel—clever, guarded, and, perhaps worst of all, utterly intoxicating. When evidence suggests she may have had an accomplice, Jagg begins to believe she’s not just innocent… she’s in danger.

Torn between duty and desire, Jagg takes Sunny to a secluded lake house—off the grid and against every rule. There, he begins to uncover the truth behind her enchanting green eyes… and the secrets that could drag them both under.

And when the full moon rises, Jagg must decide if he can trust the woman who could cost him everything—before the shadows close in.

★ Nominated for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense ★

Jagger is a standalone romantic suspense novel (no cliff-hanger).