Elements of Danger: Book 2
Publication Date: March 3, 2026
As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.
When Mackenzie Bardine’s brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing “Bullseye,” the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron’s best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.
While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he’s certainly not interested in helping her after he’s already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron’s fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.
As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it’s clear to Gideon she’s in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can’t bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.
What is supposed to be a routine class teaching civilians how to survive turns into an actual race for survival against both natural and human forces.
Author Dana Mentink turns up the adventure in Raging Waters, the second installment in the Elements of Danger series. It is easily read as a standalone, once again featuring the wilds of Washington as the setting.
Gideon Landry establishes himself early on as a survival expert with a heart of service. Not only does he undertake a dangerous rescue of a doe, but he also follows his instincts about his best friend’s sister being in trouble.
As a podcaster, Mackenzie Bardine continues to follow clues linked to her brother’s murder. She’s determined to do whatever it takes to uncover the identity of a large-scale drug trafficker and bring him to justice.
On a collision course with armed criminals, safeguarding their livelihood and dangerous flooding, Mackenzie and Gideon find themselves on a journey where faith and grit work alongside survival skills.
Raging Waters adds a bit of clean romance, mixed with danger, for an enjoyable story.
Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than 50 mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. Winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, Dana lives in Northern California with her husband.
