If you are looking for a thrilling book to read, then look no further than Saundra Gerrell Kelley’s debut novel, "Danger in Blackwater Swamp". It had been a year since archaeologist BJ Hathaway had been back to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, but when her godfather, Ben Taylor, dies of mysterious circumstances she leaves the life she has created behind to fulfill his last request. Much to her surprise, Ben has left the bulk of his estate to her with the expressed desire for her to continue the restoration and preservation of his land. Hathaway accepts much to the chagrin of local business owners who hoped to further commercial development of the area after Ben’s demise. Soon Hathaway is called to fight for the land she once called home, but little does she know that a more dangerous enemy is lurking in the shadows. Jake Collins, a scorned admirer of BJ and grandson of Ben Taylor, has been released from prison and is seeking revenge. But BJ’s biggest threat may be the dangers of the heart. Matt Walker’s infatuation is renewed at the return of his former lover, and this time he does not intend to let BJ go. Will he be able to protect her from Jake’s wrath? Will he once and for all be able to tame BJ’s wild heart, or will he lose her once more?

Adventure, mystery, intrigue, and romance thrive in Kelley’s novel. Kelley expertly weaves the genres together so that a variety of readers are sure to enjoy the tale. As a native of Tallahassee, she has wonderful command of the geography in her book and readers will soon feel as though they are traipsing through wild Florida grasses and guiding boats through murky swamp waters. "Dangers in Blackwater Swamp" should be located on every thriller lover’s bookshelf.

"Danger in Blackwater Swamp" is a thriller set in the tropical swamps and jungles of North Florida. B J Hathaway studies the Pueblo culture in New Mexico, but her roots are in those wild and untamed woods. She returns to attend the funeral of her dear friend and mentor, Ben Taylor, who died as the result of a car accident. She is stunned to hear that he has left her the bulk of his estate and the guiding position on his land's trust, a pet project dedicated to restoring and preserving threatened tracts of land in Florida. Matt Walker, Ben's archaeologist friend and colleague and BJ's old flame, is also a beneficiary in Ben's will. Hearing his voice over the speakerphone in the lawyer's office makes B J relive the tumultuous time they spent together. Unbeknownst to them, another concerned party, Jake Collins, has been released from jail and is inflamed by the letter he received from Ben telling him that Ben's estate is going to B J. Ben had been a mentor and father-figure to Jake but he had finally given up on him after he was sent to prison yet another time. Jake is angry and still has an old grudge to settle with B J, but now he believes she has stolen his inheritance as well.

Saundra Kelley is a North Florida native, and her descriptions of the wild areas and the animals that live there bear witness to her familiarity and love for that environment. While reading one can almost feel the steamy hot air of the swamps and hear the cries of the eagles, owls and other wild creatures. B J is a compelling and strong character, as is her friend and one-time lover, Matt Walker. There is plenty of action throughout "Danger in Blackwater Swamp" as Jake Collins seeks revenge and satisfaction for perceived slights and injustices done to him and his family. The problems archaeologists face with pot-hunters and despoilers of ancient sites is another well-presented topic in this work. I enjoyed "Danger in Blackwater Swamp". It is exciting, informative and filled with suspense.