Monday, February 23, 2026
THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS
We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters!
Wednesday, we’ll hear from author A.D. Lawrence who will talk about finding story inspiration from conspiracy theories. She’s also giving away a copy of 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.
ORDER IT HERE
Friday. Suspense Sisters Melissa Koslin talks about her pet peeves in fiction. Do you agree with her picks? Do you have any others? Here’s a little about her latest release, DESCENDED.
As Isa fights to survive, she grows close to Xander. She learns of her abilities passed down through blood and struggles to uncover the truths of her past. She decides she has to put a stop to the killing of the bloodlines and protect Xander from any further harm…even if it kills her. But will the truth of the killer's motivations and identity be too much to handle?
ORDER IT HERE
Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest!
THE SUSPENSE SISTERS
WE LOVE BOOKS
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Review of Raging Waters by Dana Mentink
Last week, I had the opportunity to read Raging Waters by Dana Mentink, and the story blew me away! This is the first of Dana's books I've read, and it made me want to read everything she's ever written.
Back Cover Blurb:
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.
There were so many things to love about Raging Waters, so I'll limit myself to three.
1.) I love that Raging Waters is not just suspenseful because of a killer. So much of the nail-biting stems from the flood and fight for survival. It's not very often I run across a story that includes the element of surviving nature as well as a villain, and I must say, it adds a lot to the plot. When danger is literally hitting from all sides, the stakes are high, and I can't turn the pages quickly enough.
2.) The characters in Raging Waters are memorable. For starters, the characters have much better survival skills than I would in their situation. I'm pretty certain I would have collapsed and longed for the sweet release of death a third of the way into the perils they faced. Not only were the characters skillful, they also had deep wounds and personal hurdles to overcome. Mackenzie, in particular, had big goals, but those goals often conflicted with the severity of the storm and the persistence of the villain, which created major problems and gave so much room for growth. Both Mackenzie and Gideon made me feel the gamut of emotions as the story unfolded. They didn't feel one dimensional. Instead, they behaved like real people, and I loved it!
3.) Dana's writing style set Raging Waters apart, in my opinion. Not only is her voice unique and fun to read, but her ability to write such extreme weather in a believable way made me feel as if I had been plunged into the middle of the story right along with Gideon and Mackenzie. At certain points of the book, I was left shivering even though I was huddled under a blanket. From beginning to end, this story pulled me in, and I was sad to reach the final page.
I can't recommend Raging Waters enough! It releases on March 3rd, and you can pre-order a copy here.
Comment below with your favorite book for a chance to win an eBook copy of Raging Waters.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
PIVOT--THE LIFE OF AN AUTHOR
Pivot (verb): to adapt or improve by adjusting or modifying something (such as a product, service, or strategy)
An author never knows when words will flow or when writing the next sentence will be an exercise in pulling dandelions. When you're "in the flow," it's great. Pulling dandelions, not so much. Many times, that's when you have to pivot.
In January, I was 26,000 words into a new manuscript, rolling right along toward my mirror moment at 40,000 words with the book set at a unique place. I’m in my happy zone because everything is falling into place…
Then I check my email and find an email from the unique place denying my request to set the book there. It seems murder and violence do not fit with their mission statement. Gulp. Major setback and problems since my deadline is March 16.
Pivot time.
Should I create a setting similar to the unique one? Or scrap the idea altogether? And why didn't I send the request before I wrote 26,000 words? And how was I going to meet my deadline? All good questions that I set out to answer.
First, I did contact the unique place about setting my book there, and their answer was lost in cyberspace. Thankfully, when I asked again about a month ago, and the PR person got back to me, it wasn't lost.
I contacted my editor, and we set up a Zoom meeting for a couple of days later. Immediately, I took time to pray and ask God for guidance before starting to brainstorm. Then I took out a blank sheet of artist paper--hey, it works for artists--and came up with a plausible plot line that my editor loved when we met, but it would take major revision on what I'd written. She extended my deadline to September 7, and I got to work.
That's how this author adapted when an unexpected challenge threw a monkey wrench in my writing path. It seems that making these changes will be harder than I initially thought, so every extra day of my extended deadline will come in handy. I'll also spend a lot of time talking to God...at least I'm really enjoying the story!
How about you? How do you pivot when faced with a challenge? Leave a comment, and I'll enter you in a drawing for a mug to enjoy your favorite beverage in.
WHAT'S NEW IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE
Wondering what's HOT in inspirational suspense and mystery? Carrie Stuart Parks has a brand new mystery, Escaping the Wilderness, recently released from Love Inspired Suspense. Here's what Alaskan Amy had to say about the story:
I love Carrie Stuart Parks and her suspense novels and have missed her not having a book published lately. Escaping the Wilderness has made the wait worthwhile.
Escaping the Wilderness starts right off with suspense of Amanda being chased by unknown men for unknown reasons. Local Montana resident Boone gets involved and tries to help her escape and solve the reason for the danger she is in. The trouble is people are getting hurt while they are on the run and they don't know if they can even trust each other.
The book is one long suspense and keeps the listener's interest. I enjoyed the narrator and the change in voices for characters. This is not an audiobook that you can miss a minute or two of and still comprehend what is happening, solid listening is needed.
You can buy Escaping the Wilderness HERE from Christianbook.com
Have a great week of reading, lovers of inspirational suspense!
Mary Ellis, Suspense Sisters
Monday, February 16, 2026
THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS
On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Mary Ellis will tell us what’s hot in inspirational suspense and mystery.
Wednesday, author Patricia Bradley’s post is titled “Pivot.” She’ll be talking about what to do when writing throws you a curve ball! She’s also giving away a beautiful library mug. And to top it off, Patricia has some exciting news to share about her book, ON THE EDGE OF TRUST.
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.
Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.
ORDER IT HERE
Friday. Suspense Sisters A.D. Lawrence reviews Dana Mentink’s book, RAGING WATERS. She’s also giving away a copy of this exciting, upcoming release!
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.
PREORDER IT HERE
Wednesday, author Patricia Bradley’s post is titled “Pivot.” She’ll be talking about what to do when writing throws you a curve ball! She’s also giving away a beautiful library mug. And to top it off, Patricia has some exciting news to share about her book, ON THE EDGE OF TRUST.
Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes
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.
Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.
ORDER IT HERE
Friday. Suspense Sisters A.D. Lawrence reviews Dana Mentink’s book, RAGING WATERS. She’s also giving away a copy of this exciting, upcoming release!
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.
PREORDER IT HERE
Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest!
THE SUSPENSE SISTERS
WE LOVE BOOKS
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