Suspense Sisters: November Giveaway

Do you ever wonder about how authors research material for a new book?

Around half of my books are contemporary romantic suspense titles set in the West. 

I think I started my general research when I was six years old, after my dad bought me an elderly mare and bridle for $75. From then on, I was on horseback constantly unless I had to be in school or my parents had other plans.

I grew up riding bareback through our part of the county with my horse-owning friends. We were little girls in pigtails, racing across meadows, following every gravel road we could find, and swimming our horses in the nearby lake.

It was before the time when parents became afraid to let their kids out of sight, and what a magical world that was. But now I look back and can only be thankful that my guardian angel must have been working overtime.

I grew up to raise, train, and show my own horses, and many of our relatives raised cattle--even more accidental research for the novels I've set on ranches out West.

Some of my childhood horses have even appeared in my books. 

Cherokee, for instance. He was a lanky 17-hand Clydesdale/thoroughbred cross. But tall as he was, he would lie down and shimmy under the pasture fence to escape at night, and he did that on a regular basis, despite my dad's efforts to improve the fence. He apparently liked to go sightseeing, and he was particularly fascinated by houses and the people he could spy inside.

One night, a couple looked out their window and saw an eerie white form with glowing eyes floating just outside. Sure they were seeing an alien (these were the days of Twilight Zone on TV), they called the sheriff. Several patrol cars soon arrived to find Cherokee standing on their rosebushes and staring at them through the window. Given his other escapades, the officers knew exactly who to call. Some of Cherry's adventures appeared in one of my books. 

But beyond life experiences, deeper research is so much fun. People are often delighted to talk about their lives and careers, and there's nothing like those interviews for adding personality to a fictional character. Law  enforcement officers, firefighters, doctors, private investigators, attorneys, rodeo contractors, and ranchers in a particular part of the country have all been helpful. 

And then there's the Internet, where a writer can find all sorts of classes on crime, forensics, firearms, and the court system--to name just a few.

I do love setting books in the small towns of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. But each time I start a romantic suspense involving a ranch and a hero wearing a Stetson, I feel like I've come home again!

Leave a comment, and you will be in a drawing for my most recent book, DANGEROUS DECEMBER

Happy trails to all of you!

Roxanne Rustand.

BOOK REVIEW: On the Edge of Trust by Suspense Sister Patricia Bradley

Great mystery in this excellent book, and a GREAT romance! 

Patricia Bradley has hit another homerun with her 18th publication. This one returns to Logan Point, the setting for her first series, and this place holds both a comfortable homeyness and intense danger. 

It also has some delightful folks who speak with a relaxed drawl and an encouraging tone. 

Ah, and then there is the tension... Well that begins with an attack at the very beginning of the book, at the scene of a situation that brings new meaning to the word stressful. Between that event, and the appearance of a young man at the scene of a murder, this story's twisted wheels begin turning. 

Our main character, Tori Mitchell, deals with the popularity of a true crime podcast that seems to collect enemies, the pain of tragically losing a loved one, the trap of addition, and the emotions that are entangled with all of these situations. She also deals with memories of a summer crush and the return of that man, shocking her with feelings she'd forgotten. 

And then there's the shooter. Oh, and the fire. Yeah, the threats and intensity of the suspense keeps rocking with so many suspects and so many possible motives for the attacks Tori experiences. 

Scott Sinclair, the source of her long-ago crush, as a temporarily off-duty FBI undercover agent, wavers between thoughts that he is the target of the shooter and concern for a woman who had touched his heart a decade before. He wasn't about to take Tori's safety for granted, though. The two of them are thrust together as he struggles to keep her safe while she tries to figure out who is trying to kill her. 

Is it someone involved with the murder blamed on her nephew? 

Is it one of the physical abusers of the women she'd helped to escape?

Does it have something to do with past murders solved or maybe it's something else?

This mystery checks all the boxes! Here's a little more about it. 

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

--

So what is your favorite type of suspense? Do you lean toward thrillers, romantic suspense with a little bit of a slower pace, or do you prefer the tension with a strong side dish of mystery? 

Leave your answer (and your EMAIL address) in the comments. You might just win an e-copy of the first book in the Logan Point series - SHADOWS OF THE PAST. 

And let me know if you've read AT THE EDGE OF TRUST. I'd love to know your thoughts about it! 

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE?

 Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this week? PROWL by USA Today Bestselling Author Colleen Coble!!

When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, authorities assume the big cat killed her. But when the autopsy shows she was killed by a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilizer gun, suspicion falls on Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary. Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name as well as get the Sanctuary finances back in the black. When a soil test turns up traces of rare earth, he's even more puzzled. Is someone trying to run them out of business to get to whatever is under the ground?

Meanwhile, wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is determined to find the brother she only recently learned even existed. When the results of the DNA test she ran mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she realizes someone must not want her to know the truth. A break-in at her new apartment is alarming, but she tries to pass it off as someone trying to scare her away. She refuses to turn tail and run when she is desperate for answers.

For Blake, the only solid ground is his relationship with Paradise, and he longs to propose--but how can they even think about starting a life together with so many forces working against them?

Colleen Coble's Prowl combines gripping suspense with closed-door romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn't have to define you.

Also in this series: Ambush (book 1, available now) and Conspiracy (book 3, available July 2026).

PROWL is Book #2 in the Sanctuary series. You can pick up your e-copy of this second-chance romantic suspense  at THIS LINK! 

I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji Laine

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters!

On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Marji Laine will tell us what’s hot in inspirational suspense and mystery.

Wednesday, we’ll hear from Marji again when she reviews fellow Suspense Sister Patricia Bradley’s book, ON THE EDGE OF TRUST. She’ll also give away an eBook copy of the first book in this exciting series, SHADOWS OF THE PAST. Just leave a comment for your chance to win!

ON THE EDGE OF TRUST by Patricia Bradley

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

ORDER IT HERE 

Friday, we’ll hear from author Roxanne Rustand. Here’s a peek at her latest release, DANGEROUS DECEMBER.

A PAINFUL SECRET. A SECOND CHANCE. AND A HOPE FOR A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE, IF THEY CAN JUST HEAL FROM THEIR PAST...

After a painful divorce, small-town bookstore owner, Beth Carrigan, has rebuilt a quiet life in northern Wisconsin. The last thing she expects is her ex-husband Devlin—a decorated Marine—coming back with life-changing news: his late mother’s will binds them together for six months with a shocking ultimatum.

To secure the future they each desperately need—Beth’s beloved bookstore and Dev’s full inheritance—they must work side by side for six months to manage his mother’s stately home, now a temporary refuge for down-on-their-luck residents. It's a daunting mission that requires compassion, cooperation...and working together despite their painful divorce.

But someone doesn’t want them to succeed.

A string of "accidents" becomes increasingly dangerous. Sabotage, secrets, and a long-held grudge threaten not just their second chance at love but the lives of others.

This Christmas, healing a broken heart will be the least of her worries.

ORDER IT HERE 

Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest!

THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

WE LOVE BOOKS

Bookish Gift Ideas!

 Melissa here! As we are entering the holiday season (yay!), I’m thinking of what to get my family. If you have any book lovers on your list, here are some great ideas. Or…send this list to someone as a hint for shopping for you…

 (All links lead to either Amazon or Etsy.)

Who doesn’t need a bookmark collection?

Monogrammed antique style bookmark

It says for kids, but aren’t we all kids at heart?

Squashed animal bookmarks

Pretty!

pressed leaf filigree bookmarks

 

Nothing else to say. Leave me alone. 😊

Just one more chapter pillow.

Just cool.

Personalized book locket

 

It’s not snarky. You should feel special you were important enough.

I closed my book to be here t-shirt

Truth.

I rescue books t-shirt

This is just neat.

Bookstore ornament (2D)

Yes, you can make your favorite book into an ornament!

Customizable book ornament

I’ve never seen this gadget before. Would be so useful while reading in bed—my hand always cramps!

Personalized book page holder

Comfy.

book scarf

A bookmark my cats (probably) won’t play with. Probably.

Personalized corner bookmark

Which one is your favorite? Or do you have another bookish idea that we book nerds would love?? Please share!

AND OF COURSE, these books are always great gift ideas!

Descended (romantic suspense, borderline speculative)

Ancient bloodlines, secret societies, an attempt on her life, and a familiar yet enigmatic stranger…

The LostLibrary (romantic suspense)

Cali Lebeau and her employer, billionaire recluse Asher Cross, discover a terrorist organization is searching for the legendary Golden Library of Moscow in order to use it for nefarious purposes. It was stolen from them by Calie's ancestor, and she holds a clue to its location. In order to free herself and Asher, Calie must race against the terrorists, find the library, and share it with the world.

DangerousBeauty (romantic suspense)

Meric Toledan keeps his dark past and his secrets to himself. But when he meets Liliana Vela, a victim of human trafficking, he finds himself ready to protect her at all costs--including asking for her hand in marriage.

NeverMiss (romantic suspense)

A female sniper saves a man’s life and, with him, falls into a search for the true source of the Ebola virus before it’s used to cripple America, all while discovering the truth about each other and their pasts.

A DreamWithin A Dream (suspense, final book in the Coffey & Hill series)

Dream is a mild-mannered forger who may or may not also be a brutal murderer. Can he help solve one of the most infamous art heists in history?