SUSPENSE SISTERS

Saturday, August 8, 2026

SUSPENSE SISTERS: AUGUST GIVEAWAY

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Irrational Fears I've Developed From Reading Suspense

One of the many joys of reading suspense is that I get to experience danger from the comfort of my favorite chair while sipping sweet tea. I can follow characters into abandoned buildings, investigate suspicious noises, uncover long-buried secrets, and narrowly escape people who seem far too comfortable hiding in the woods—all while wrapped in a blanket.

It’s safe. Mostly.

The only problem is that suspense novels occasionally introduce me to things I never considered dangerous before. A danger that suddenly becomes extremely relevant to my everyday life. I finish the book and go about my normal routine… only to realize that I am now suspicious of things others view as harmless.

Are these fears rational?

Probably not.

But those fears are stuck in my head somewhere anyway.

Here are a few irrational fears I’ve developed while reading suspense.

1. Swans

Before reading Haven of Swans by Colleen Coble, I thought swans were beautiful. Graceful. Peaceful. The kind of bird you might see gliding across a lake while inspirational music plays in the background.

Now? I have questions.

I’m not saying I’m afraid of every swan.But if I see one staring at me from across a pond, I may start mapping out an escape route. Because if Colleen Coble taught me anything, it's that swans look a lot more pleasant than they actually are. Their territorial nature and knife-like beaks don't make them the most hospitable creatures on earth.

Alfred Hitchcock gave me a healthy fear of all birds, but Colleen Coble gave me a specific fear of swans.

2. Driving Over Bridges

After reading Raging Waters by Dana Mentink, I developed a brand-new appreciation for solid ground. Bridges were never my favorite thing, but I used to view them as a normal part of driving. You approach one. You drive across it. You continue with your day.

Simple.

Suspense novels have added several unnecessary questions to this process: What is underneath the bridge? What if the weather changes suddenly? What if the road is damaged?What if my car breaks down at the worst possible moment? What if someone is following me and tries to bump my car off the bridge? What if the bridge is not nearly as trustworthy as it appears?

Now, whenever I drive across a bridge, I find myself paying far more attention than necessary.

I drive with my window rolled down in case the car ends up submerged and I need to quickly swim to safety. I’m checking the water. Checking my mirrors. Mentally calculating whether turning around would be socially acceptable.

It’s not that I think every bridge is dangerous. I just think bridges have a lot of opportunities to become dangerous, and suspense authors are very creative people.

3. Remote Cabins in the Woods

I used to think that a vacation to a cabin in the woods or mountains sounded relaxing. Beautiful scenery. No traffic. No neighbors.

Wait.

No neighbors?

That used to sound peaceful. Now it sounds like the opening chapter of a suspense novel. Specifically, Shattered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl.

Now, I see a remote cabin vacation completely differently. Because if I scream, who is going to hear me? The nearest town is probably thirty miles away. I probably wouldn't have any cell service out in the sticks. The power goes out during a storm. And the only person who knows I'm there is the suspiciously friendly owner who said, “People don’t usually stay in that cabin this time of year.”

Absolutely not. I’ll take a hotel. With a front desk, security cameras, and at least three coffee shops in driving distance.

4. Nice People

Suspense novels in general have made me deeply suspicious of people who seem too nice. You know the type. They bring cookies. They offer helpful advice. They have an excellent reputation in the community. They smile until their cheeks must ache.

And somewhere around chapter twenty-three, you discover they have been hiding something behind that smile and that squeaky-clean reputation for the last decade. Spoiler alert whatever they're hiding is never good. They aren't secret philanthropists or animal rescuers. Typically, they're hiding dead bodies in the basement or garage.

Now, when someone is unusually helpful, a tiny part of my brain whispers: What are they covering up?

To be clear, I still appreciate kindness. I just think everyone should provide a brief background check along with their homemade banana bread. It would save time.

The Price We Pay for Loving Suspense

The truth is, I wouldn’t trade suspense novels for anything. I love the twists, the danger, the secrets, and the moments that make me stay awake far too late because I have to know what happens next. If the occasional book leaves me suspicious of swans or nervous while driving over a bridge, that’s a small price to pay.

Besides, irrational fears are part of the fun. They remind us that a good suspense novel doesn’t end when we close the book. Sometimes it follows us into everyday life. Sometimes it changes the way we look at a quiet lake. It makes us check the lock on the door twice.

And sometimes it makes us wonder whether that swan across the pond is watching us…

Or waiting to strike.

What irrational fear has a suspense novel given you?

Tell me in the comments. I need to know whether I’m the only one avoiding swans and side-eyeing bridges. Your comment will enter you in a drawing for an ebook copy of The Purple Nightgown.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

What’s Your Favorite Season For Suspense

August has a way of making me dream about cooler days. After weeks of heat and humidity, I find myself looking forward to crisp autumn mornings, colorful leaves, and that first cup of coffee that actually stays hot for more than five minutes.

It got me thinking about something else—does the season in which a story is set change your reading experience?

As a reader, I’m partial to fall and Christmas stories, but I do enjoy ones set in every season They each bring something different to the page.

Spring is full of possibility. New beginnings make it the perfect backdrop for mysteries that uncover long-buried secrets. My novel Unsolved Amish Abduction begins in the spring, when life is starting anew, yet danger is lurking just beneath the surface.

Summer can be deceptive. Bright sunshine, family vacations, festivals, and picnics don't seem like the setting for a suspense novel, but that's exactly what makes summer mysteries so effective. The contrast between idyllic days and dark secrets can make the danger feel even more unsettling. Among the Innocent unfolds during the summer, when appearances can be wonderfully misleading.

Autumn has always felt like mystery season to me. Maybe it's the shorter days, falling leaves, or the hint of winter in the air. There's something about October that practically begs for a good suspense novel and a cozy blanket. Grave Peril is set during the fall, a season that naturally lends itself to suspense.

Then there's winter. Snow can isolate people, icy roads can delay help, and long nights create the perfect atmosphere for tension. Add Christmas to the mix, and the contrast between holiday celebrations and hidden danger makes for a compelling story. Shattered Amish Identity takes place during the Christmas season, where hope and heartache often walk hand in hand.

As a writer, I don't consciously choose a season because I think readers will like it more. Instead, I let the story tell me where it belongs. Sometimes the weather becomes almost another character, shaping the mood, creating obstacles, or even offering clues.

As a reader, though, I do notice that my choices often match the calendar. I tend to reach for lighter reads in the spring, beach reads and page-turners in the summer, mysteries and thrillers in the fall, and cozy or atmospheric suspense during the winter. Of course, there are always exceptions—a great story is a great story, no matter what the thermometer says.

How about you?

Do you have a favorite season to read about? Do you enjoy snowy mysteries, spooky autumn thrillers, sunny summer suspense, or stories filled with the promise of spring? Or does the season make no difference as long as the story keeps you turning the pages?

Comment for a chance to win an eBook of the winner’s choice from one of these seasonal suspense novels:

Spring: Unsolved Amish Abduction
Summer: Among the Innocent
Fall: Grave Peril
Winter: Shattered Amish Identity

To enter, tell me which season you most enjoy reading about—and why. Be sure to include your email along with your comments!

Monday, August 3, 2026

WHAT'S HOT in Christian Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here.

Releasing today! This book sounds super intriguing!

Silent Storm: a romantic suspense novel set in Oklahoma

by Christina Rost

A guarded British hero, a small-town bookshop owner, and a long-buried family treasure that a ruthless rival will stop at nothing to steal.

Henry Allen Taylor has spent years choosing safety over spontaneity. After a devastating accident and a broken heart, order is the only thing that makes sense.

Until a family crest on an obscure genealogy forum leads him from London to rural Oklahoma.

Paisley Snyder is rooted in the kind of life Henry has always longed for but never learned how to claim. She loves her bookshop, her small town, and the church community that has become family. When Henry rents her bungalow under the guise of a quiet vacation, he never expects her laughter, faith, and fearless kindness to unsettle him so completely.

But Henry is not in Oklahoma by chance.

The rusted box found on Paisley’s property may be connected to a missing Taylor fortune, and Henry is not the only one searching for it. As old secrets surface and danger closes in, his growing feelings for Paisley collide with the truth he has been hiding.

Henry came to Oklahoma looking for answers. But when Paisley’s life and heart are on the line, will he risk losing control to protect the love he never saw coming?

Perfect for fans of Denise Hunter, Dani Pettrey, and Susan May Warren, this faith-based romantic mystery blends small-town charm, clean Christian romance, and danger that refuses to stay buried.

Buy now to experience a faith-based romantic mystery where family secrets, small-town hope, and love collide.

Congratulations to Giovanna Kranenberg who won our Summer of Suspense Contest!

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, Suspense Sister Mary Alford talks about writing books set in different seasons. Someone will win their choice of one of four of Mary’s exciting novels.

UNSOLVED AMISH ABDUCTION (Set in spring)

The mystery of her sister’s disappearance could reveal some deadly answers…

An anonymous letter containing her missing sister’s bracelet lures Anna Hartzler back to her Amish hometown—and into a trap set by the kidnapper she escaped years ago. She’s rescued from another abduction by Jaxson Thomas, her former neighbor turned police officer. Now Anna must depend on Jaxson to protect her and her little girl, who he doesn’t know is his child. But as the threats grow, can he keep them safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—before this enemy sets his sights on their daughter?

AMONG THE INNOCENT (Set in summer)

When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

GRAVE PERIL (Set in fall)

To exonerate her father, a young woman must first run for her life in this inspirational romantic thriller set in the Kentucky mountains.
When her father was convicted of murdering his best friend, Jamie Hendricks knew he was innocent. Even after he died in prison, she remains committed to clearing his name. And now her uncle claims to have finally found the proof she needs. But when she arrives in her Appalachian hometown, her uncle has vanished—and someone wants her dead.
Now Jamie's ex-boyfriend, CIA agent Gavin Dalton, is the only person she can trusts . . . even if he believes her dad killed his father. But as they begin to uncover a deadly conspiracy that goes deeper than anyone expected, they will need to come together and find the faith and courage to survive.

SHATTERED AMISH IDENTITY (Set in winter)

The key to her survival lies hidden within her memories.

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe?

On Friday, author A.D. Lawrence will tell us about irrational fears she’s given herself by reading suspense novels. She’s also giving away a copy of her book, THE PURPLE NIGHTGOWN.

Step into True Colors -- a series of Historical Stories of Romance and True American Crime

Marvel at true but forgotten history when patients check into Linda Hazzard’s Washington state spa in 1912 and soon become victim of her twisted greed.

Heiress Stella Burke is plagued by insincere suitors and nonstop headaches. Exhausting all other medical aides for her migraines, Stella reads Fasting for the Cure of Disease by Linda Hazzard and determines to go to the spa the author runs. Stella’s chauffer and long-time friend, Henry Clayton, is reluctant to leave her at the spa. Something doesn’t feel right to him, still Stella submits herself into Linda Hazzard’s care. Stella soon learns the spa has a dark side and Linda a mean streak. But when Stella has had enough, all ways to leave are suddenly blocked. Will Stella become a walking skeleton like many of the other patients or succumb to a worse fate?