Monday, May 18, 2026
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 Suspense Sister Sharon Dunn. She’ll talk about the Bible reading plan she’s following, and she will also give away a copy of TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD to someone who leaves a comment.
A little girl has vanished. Can a K-9 team find her?
Preschool teacher Lydia Caldwell’s peaceful day in the Rockies becomes her most harrowing nightmare when she’s pushed over a mountain ledge and her three-year-old daughter is abducted. Lydia must now entrust her life and her child’s fate to K-9 Officer River Jameson and his yellow Lab partner, Frankie. As the danger escalates and the trail grows colder by the second, River and Frankie work tirelessly to track down the kidnapper. Is the culprit Lydia’s ex…or is someone from her past seeking revenge? Will River’s skill and Frankie’s instincts save an innocent child—and protect Lydia from the elusive criminal targeting her?
BUY IT HERE
Wednesday, we’ll hear from Suspense Sister Sharon Dunn. She’ll talk about the Bible reading plan she’s following, and she will also give away a copy of TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD to someone who leaves a comment.
A little girl has vanished. Can a K-9 team find her?
Preschool teacher Lydia Caldwell’s peaceful day in the Rockies becomes her most harrowing nightmare when she’s pushed over a mountain ledge and her three-year-old daughter is abducted. Lydia must now entrust her life and her child’s fate to K-9 Officer River Jameson and his yellow Lab partner, Frankie. As the danger escalates and the trail grows colder by the second, River and Frankie work tirelessly to track down the kidnapper. Is the culprit Lydia’s ex…or is someone from her past seeking revenge? Will River’s skill and Frankie’s instincts save an innocent child—and protect Lydia from the elusive criminal targeting her?
BUY IT HERE
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?
BUY IT HERE
Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest!
THE SUSPENSE SISTERS
WE LOVE BOOKS
Friday, May 15, 2026
Sit Down with Suspense Sister Gina Holder
Kristen here. It's my pleasure to interview our very own Suspense Sister Gina Holder about her latest release, The Escape Game. She's giving away one e-book copy of her book, so be sure to read to the end to learn how to enter.
What sparked the first seed of this story—an image, a question, a character, or a “what if” moment?
The first spark of this story came when I learned about the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. The home (now a museum) was owned by Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Winchester, the creator of the Winchester rifle. A fortune teller convinced poor Sarah that if she ever stopped construction on this home, the spirits of those killed by her husband’s rifles would come to haunt her. I thought that would make for an interesting setting for a story, without the haunting.
Did any real‑life location, person, or experience quietly inspire elements of the plot or setting? If so, how?
This is a continuation of question number one. The setting of the Ives Mansion in the story was based on a blending of the Winchester Mystery House and the James J. Hill House, also a personal residence turned museum, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The website for Hill House includes a virtual tour that I referenced repeatedly while working on the story, including the dragon sconces and the dust chute. I wouldn’t say it quietly inspired it, though.
If you could step into one scene from the book—not the dangerous ones—where would you go and why?
Well, I guess it would have to be a scene from either the beginning of the story or the end if I wanted to avoid the dangerous ones. I think I would enjoy hanging out with Demi and her friend Maddie either at the puzzle store Demi owns or at Demi’s house. The women’s interactions were a lot of fun to write, and I think they’d be a hoot at a game night or something.
What’s one part of your daily routine that quietly fuels your creativity or keeps you grounded?
This may be silly, but I keep a mock book cover on my desktop screen, and whenever I’m stuck, I stare at the image of my main character and ask what she wants me to tell about her story.
What’s one theme in this book that reflects something you’ve personally wrestled with or learned in your own life?
Several of this book’s themes hit very close to home, which I believe contributed to it being so difficult to write. I had to dig deep inside myself. One of these themes is accepting change and moving on with your life when things change. I’ve never liked change and still struggle to accept change in my life.
Change can definitely be hard, and I'm sure many readers will relate to that struggle. What are you working on now?
I am currently writing The Missing Piece, book #3 of The Game Masters series. This book follows Ginny Clarke, a passionate activist, and homicide detective Freddie Hood as they track down Cipher, the serial killer connected to the murder of Ginny’s best friend.
Sounds intriguing! Where can your readers learn more about you?
Readers can find me on Facebook and Instagram @storiesbygina. I also have a website where I share book reviews and author interviews, https://storiesbygina.com. This is also where readers can sign up for my newsletter.
Thank you, Gina, for sharing your time and story with us! Keep reading to learn more about Gina and how to win an e-book copy of The Escape Game.
She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.
Connect with her on social media:
Blog: storiesbygina.com
Facebook: facebook.com/storiesbygina
Instagram: @storiesbygina
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gina-holder
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17074375.Gina_Holder
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gina-Holder/e/B074HC9SHX
Now, here's more about The Escape Game.
Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.
Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.
Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.
Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.
They’re players.
Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face.
With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.
In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.
Gina is giving away one e-book copy of The Escape Game. To enter the drawing, leave a comment and include your email address.
***
Update: Congratulations to Antoinette M. on winning the e-book copy! Thank you to everyone who commented.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Book Review: JACK by Susan May Warren
Marji Laine here.
I know this series is from last year, but I've only just found it! I'm SO becoming a huge fan of the Minnesota Kingstons!
Usually I have my book reviews planned in advance, but I couldn't decide on this one. Then I spotted the cover of JACK. (I am a sucker for a pair of sensitive eyes.) I've read Susan May Warren's books before. (There is a reason why she's an award-winner, a best-seller, and a highly-acclaimed writing coach!) Most of what I'd read before were romances, heartwarming and life-changing with huge obstacles to overcome, but not mystery or suspense novels.
I was delighted to find that this one has both a mystery and suspense. In fact, she now has so many suspense novels. You can bet I'll be enjoying a LOT of these series!
JACK the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingstons, so I expected to have a lot of introductions. I didn't expect to get the feeling like many things had already happened. The author has done an amazing job of building in-depth back stories, and some of them have even been previously published in another series. I did a little investigating and the Alaska Air One Rescue books are a prelude to this series. I know there are at least a few characters that are shared between them.
Something refreshing: (at least to me) these characters had a realness about them. Especially their mistake and their guffaws. Not telling a lie, I was belly laughing during the dance practice! Seriously, Jack? That's the best you could come up with?? Oh, you have to read what he said!
When the ignition to the suspense did happen, the elements were all there. Characters with something to hide. People with a past. Plenty of motives all around, and a missing bridesmaid who typically has her own way of doing things. Was she really "missing" or just on a lark? It was hard to say, until Jack and Harper started trying to track her and found more danger than answers.
And the subtlety of the romance of these two is palpable. They are magnets that teeter back and forth between attracting and repelling. Definite chemistry there.
This isn't a thriller by any means, but there is the impending danger, the ticking clock as it were, that is in all suspense books. And I LOVED it! Jack and Harper will stay with me. I'm so ready to pick up the next book in this series and hunker down for another brilliant story. And yes, I will review it.
This book's subtitle is: The grumpy tracker. The girl he never forgot. A missing bridesmaid and a second chance he doesn't deserve. Here's a little more about the book:
Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…
Nope, not forgotten at all.
Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.
Then a bridesmaid goes missing.
And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.
Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?
So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.
Dead.
Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…
Get your copy HERE!
--
I was ready to pick up Conrad, book 2 of this series, but I think I'm going to go back in time and do the Alaska Air One Rescue series. I think that starts things from the beginning. And if they are anything like JACK, I'll be happily reading for the next several months. :)
In a recent book you've read, or maybe one you're reading now, what was something unique, something you didn't expect, that happened? Share in the comments and you just might win an e-copy of COUNTER POINT, book 1 from my Heath's Point Suspense series.
But I do hope you'll pick up a copy of JACK, and I hope you LOVE it!
Monday, May 11, 2026
WHAT'S HOT in Inspirational Mystery and Suspense
Marji Laine here.
I've noticed a number of books by these authors coming out every few weeks, so I'm not sure if they are actually first time releases, but I am intrigued.
Thin Red
Line (Heroes of Glory)
by Kayla
Lowe
The bravest battle is the one within.
Marcus
“Mac” Castillo has faced death in war zones and on the streets of Glory—but
nothing prepared him for the darkness creeping into the city’s homes. ER nurse
Grace Llewellyn has lost her faith and her sense of safety, until she meets
Mac. Together, they navigate trauma, corruption, and the weight of
life-and-death decisions. Can they survive the night—and learn to trust in God
and each other?
A gritty,
emotional Christian suspense romance about brokenness, faith, and finding love
in the chaos.
THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS
We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters!
Wednesday, we’ll hear from Marji again. She’s reviewing a book from Susan May Warren’s “The Minnesota Kingstons” series. Find out what Marji thinks about JACK, book one in the series. Here’s a little something about it.
There's Trouble in the North...
Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…
Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.
Of course, Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.
Then a bridesmaid goes missing.
And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.
Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?
So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.
Dead.
Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…
BUY IT HERE
Friday, author Kristen Hogrefe Parnell interviews Suspense Sister Gina Holder about her new book, THE ESCAPE GAME. She’s also giving away an eBook copy of this intriguing novel.
Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.
Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.
Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.
They’re players.
Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face.
With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.
In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.
Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?
BUY IT HERE
Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest!
THE SUSPENSE SISTERS
WE LOVE BOOKS
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