A Very Suspenseful Christmas – And A Giveaway!

 

Happy Friday, everyone. Reading Christmas-themed books are part of the holiday experience for me. How about you?

There’s something about settling in with a Christmas book on a winter day with the twinkling tree lights, a warm fire in the fireplace, and maybe a cup of hot chocolate. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

When the months before the holiday come around, I look forward to seeing the new list of Christmas novels that are released. As a reader, I love just about every genre with a Christmas theme, but as a suspense author, my favorite is Christmas suspense because you have the added element of danger.

Today, I thought I would share some of my favorite holiday suspense stories and some I’m looking forward to for this Christmas season.

I will be giving away an ebook copy of Mistletoe and Murder to one person. I’ll announce the winner next Friday, November 27^th.

So, let’s get started with Delayed Justice, a True Blue K-9Unit: Brooklyn (Book 8) by Shirlee McCoy. Shirlee is a favorite author of mine. I love everything she writes, but I think this True Blue K-9 Unit book is exceptional, and this is the True Blue K-9 Unit Brooklyn series conclusion.  

A closed case brings a new threat.

Detective Bradley McGregor and his K-9 partner, King, come to the rescue when journalist Sasha Eastman’s targeted by a shooter who looks just like her mother’s murderer. But that killer supposedly died years ago in a shootout with the police. Now it’s up to Bradley and King to protect Sasha…but how can they stop a killer who’s already dead?

Sara Blackard is a new author for me this year. Sara’s CelebratingTina: An Inspirational Holiday Romantic Suspense (Stryker Security Force Book3) grabbed my attention right away because it is another K-9 themed story and I love those.

A K-9 handler determined to prove she belongs. A detective with an unwavering plan. Can they overcome their painful pasts and accept the gift of love?

Tina West has spent her life feeling like she stood on the outside, but since taking a job at Stryker Security, life seems to be turning for the better.

Tina never imagined when she took a job as a nanny she’d end up training for search and rescue. Yet, when her boss shows up with a retired military dog and the opportunity to train with him, Tina snatches up the chance to help those who are lost. If she saves enough people, maybe she could find meaning in a life that left her with nothing but a bruised heart and a tarnished picture of family. As holiday festivities loom before her, she wonders if she’ll ever shuck the regrets that haunt her dreams and keep her from connecting with others.

Milo Bishop’s every move has been to take care of his mom and younger brother.

Since his father’s murder, Milo has worked hard to make sure his mom and brother were provided for. He joined the police force straight out of high school, took night classes so he could move up to investigator, and put his life on hold until his brother graduated from college. But when he is rescued on Thanksgiving Day by Tina West, his well-laid plans take a sharp detour.

When a series of kidnappings threaten to ruin the holidays, can Tina and Milo put aside their doubts and find the abducted children before it’s too late?

Can Tina trust her instincts when they’re put to the test or will children being harmed hit too close to her past for her to deal with?

Will Milo put his desires above his family’s needs when a chance at love catches him by surprise?

If you like nail-biting adventure, fascinating characters, and engaging stories of triumph, you'll love Sara Blackard's riveting Christmas romantic suspense.

Healing the Hero (The Heroes of Freedom Ridge Book 3) by Elle E Kay. Elle is another new author for me, but I see her books all over the bestsellers lists and it’s Christmas themed so I tried it, and I’m glad I did. Great storyline.

A dream job. A dreamier boss.

Ashley Castle jumps at a chance to show off her skills as head chef when she lands the job at Liberty Grille in the Freedom Ridge Resort. Before long, she develops a full-blown crush on her boss but ignores her growing feelings. Nothing can happen as long as his nightmare ex-girlfriend remains in the picture, so she keeps her focus on work.

Restaurant Manager, Daniel Winchester hires Ashley and can’t help but be drawn to the new hire. If it weren’t for her faith in a God he stopped trusting while serving in Iraq, he could fall for her. He can’t let that happen, though.

When Ashley overhears a sinister plot, she’s torn between revealing it, which will mean risking her job if Daniel doesn’t believe her, and keeping it to herself. Daniel has a chance to overcome his demons, but will he take the risk and discover love in the process or bury the betrayal beneath his wit and charm once again?

Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.

Healing the Hero is the third book in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, but each of the books can be read as standalones.    

And coming soon…

Arctic Christmas Ambush (Love Inspired Suspense) by Sherri Shackelford doesn’t come out until December 1^st, but the cover grabbed my attention right away, followed by the blurb. It’s on my preorder list.

Caught between a killer on the loose and a deadly snowstorm…

A man’s been murdered, and the only witness is Alaska State Trooper Shane Taylor’s ex, Kara Riley—a woman he’s sure has been keeping secrets. Now Shane and Kara are snowbound during a dangerous winter storm—with the killer! Shane’s convinced this has to be tied to Kara’s past, and he needs to find the truth…before they become a murderer’s next victims.

And also coming December 1^st - Deadly AmishReunion (Amish Country Justice Book 9) by Dana R Lynn

I’m looking forward to this one as well. I love the cover and the blurb. Who doesn’t like a good amnesia story?

Separated by amnesia…reunited by a lethal holiday threat.

Jennie Beiler’s husband was supposed to be dead, so she’s shocked when he rescues her from an attacker. Although Luke has no memories of his Englisch wife, it’s up to him to protect her from someone who won’t stop until she’s dead. Can the peaceful Amish community he returned to after losing his memory shelter them and their son this Christmas when danger strikes again?

So, these are some of my favorites. What about you? Do you have some holiday suspense favorites that you have enjoyed this year?

Comment with your email address for a chance to win an ebook copy of Mistletoe and Murder. I’ll announce the winner next Friday. 

All the best, 

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net