WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE?

 Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this week? Laura Scott is releasing book 7 in her "Sullivan K9 Search and Rescue" series, SCENT OF EVIL.   

Tracking an escaped convict...

When a sexual predator escapes from prison, US Marshal Raine Whitman is determined to find him. But when the evil man kidnaps her young niece, Ginny, Raine is desperate for help. When her FBI colleague suggests Justin Sullivan and his K9 Stone, she gratefully accepts, knowing time is of the essence.

Justin has never tracked a convicted killer, but he doesn’t hesitate to head into the Bighorn Mountains on horseback, with Raine. His K9, Stone tracks their quarry, but all too soon, the trail goes off in two different directions. They need to find Ginny, especially if the convict has left the eleven-year-old to fend for herself. But they can't allow this man to harm another innocent victim. Will they find Ginny and the escaped killer, before it’s too late?

Laura Scott has been releasing new books in this series regularly since the first part of January. This Christian romantic suspense is book 7 of 9 and you can find the series page at THIS LINK! 

I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji Laine

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE?

Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this month? FINAL APPROACH by USA Today Best-Selling Author Lynette Eason.   

She's intent on investigating a sinister plot of revenge, and it will take all her courage to survive.

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is not on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity.

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there's more to this story than meets the eye--and more to love and admire about each other. They'll have to put their skills to the test--and their hearts on the line--to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.

PRAISE FOR THE LAKE CITY HEROES SERIES

"A thrill ride worth taking."--Publishers Weekly on Serial Burn

"The action starts early and doesn't let up."--Booklist on Target Acquired

"Find a chair. Sit down. Read."--Jaime Jo Wright, bestselling author, on Double Take

Lynette Eason delivers another edge-of-your-seat thrill ride as she brings her popular Lake City Heroes series to a shocking and satisfying close. This clean romantic suspense promises to leave your heart hammering and will appeal to fans of Irene Hannon, Elizabeth Goddard, and Lynn H. Blackburn.

***Also, don't miss Suspense Sister A.D. Lawrence's review of FINAL APPROACH right HERE! 

This book is described as "A Christian Suspense Thriller with Mystery and Clean Romance between a FBI Agent and Air Marshal." You can get Lake City Heroes Book 4 right now on Amazon at THIS LINK! 

I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji Laine

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this month? STORM AND TEMPEST by USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author Lisa Phillips! 

Their enemy might have Kenna, but Jax isn’t backing down. Ever.

For two months, FBI Special Agent Oliver Jaxton has been searching for his wife. Even with the help of her friends and the Phoenix FBI office, he’s no closer now than the day she disappeared. Forced to face his weaknesses, Jax is ready to admit he needs help. But with no break in the case in sight, he’s about to lose hope. When evidence surfaces that Kenna now works for their enemy, he refuses to believe it, even if it puts his job in jeopardy. He won’t quit.

Even if he loses everything.

The more Jax and Kenna’s team dig into the evidence, trying to find her, the more it seems like they never will. Teaming up with Kenna’s extended family makes things more complicated when a drive-by shooting puts their lives in danger. With danger on their heels and no way to know who they can trust, Jax is forced into a choice that could either destroy his career or get Kenna back.

His Brand of Justice will save this family. 

You can get the Brand of Justice Book 13 on AMAZON tomorrow! 

I hope you LOVE it! ~Marji Laine

WHAT'S NEW IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE

 Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this month? MARTHA'S VEIL by Award Winning Author Urcelia Teixeira.

Behind the veil of sweet intentions, danger bakes in silence.

She vanished meeting a man who doesn't exist. The clock is ticking—and she's not his first victim.

In the fog-shrouded coastal town of Weyport, head baker Martha Porter lives a life of quiet control—perfect cakes, polite smiles, and a heart safely tucked behind emotional walls. But when a charming man begins messaging her through an online Christian forum, Martha dares to hope again… until she vanishes on the very night she agrees to meet him.

The missing-person case falls to Sheriff Angus Reid, whose investigation takes a dark turn when another woman’s body washes ashore—another victim who’d been speaking to a mysterious online suitor. What begins as a local missing person case quickly unravels into a disturbing pattern: a calculated predator is using faith-based communities and online forums to hunt vulnerable women across coastal Maine.

As Angus uncovers a chilling network of digital manipulation, stolen identities, and religious deceit, the race to find Martha becomes more urgent. Each clue leads deeper into a twisted mind hiding behind a mask of righteousness, and the line between justice and judgment begins to blur.

Can Angus unmask the predator before Martha becomes his next victim? Or will the fog that shrouds Weyport's coast hide another tragedy forever?

Perfect for fans of Charles Martin, Terri Blackstock, Frank Peretti, and Colleen Coble, Martha’s Veil is a tense, faith-driven thriller that explores the intersection of trust, trauma, and spiritual restoration.

Gritty, redemptive, and pulse-pounding to the final page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author and award-winning Christian mystery writer Urcelia Teixeira delivers a gripping addition to her acclaimed Christian thriller series—where high-stakes suspense meets soul-deep faith and redemption.

★ A clean read free from graphic violence, sexual content, and profanity

★ Christian themes of redemption, truth, and spiritual transformation

★ Small-town mystery meets high-stakes conspiracy

★ Page-turning suspense with spiritual depth

★ Part of the bestselling Angus Reid Mysteries series but can be read as a standalone

Join Martha's journey from broken to transformed in this gripping story of deceit exposed and divine love revealed. Scroll up and one-click to start reading today!

Martha's Veil is book 6 in the bestselling Angus Reid Mysteries series. You can get this missing-person case Christian Thriller on Amazon!

I hope you LOVE it! ~Marji Laine

REVIEW: FIRE MOUNTAIN by Dana Mentink

Hi, Marji Laine here. 

I have been a fan of Dana Mentink since I first met her through Suspense Sisters almost a decade ago. Some of her books are on my all-time favorites list. So I was so excited to review Fire Mountain.

I was a sophomore in high school in 1980, the year that Mt. St. Helens erupted. The before version of the mountain was considered the Mt. Fuji of the US because of it's perfectly shaped top and almost perfect symmetry to its shape. I vividly recall the months of warnings over Mount St. Helens, the weeks of evacuation, and the days when we held our breaths until the lady finally blew her top. I remember looking at before and after images, seeing what was left of towns, lakes, forests, and the profile of the mountain itself. A third of its top had disappeared, leaving a gaping crater and 230 square miles of destruction.

Reading this story was like walking the ridges of Mount St. Helens in its final days. I can honestly say, I felt like I was experiencing the same apprehension and panic right along with Kit and Cullen.

Settings are my thing. In fact, I wrote a Suspense Sisters post about settings just last Friday, HERE. So this story falls right into line with one of my sweet spots. The mountain, the ridges, the roads, even the gullies and blackberry bushes, become so visible, so real. All by itself, this wavering Mount Ember gives a percussion to the suspense with periodic tremors, fissures, and other issues from underground activity.

This is the framework where Dana Mentink places her long-hauling female truck driver, Kit Garrido. And then adds a couple of people who seem to be evil incarnate bent on finding her in order to destroy someone or something.

This story begins with riveting intensity: Cold and ice-pick pain bored into Kit Garrido’s temples. Her limbs were leaden, her body a deadweight in the driver’s seat of her big rig. Grit coated her tongue and teeth. She tasted blood. Try as she might, she couldn’t reach out to unbuckle her seat belt. Panic bubbled up inside her.

See what I mean? Fire Mountain had my shoulders tensing before I finished the first paragraph. And Mentink is a master of pacing, giving the reader just enough time to breathe before the next unexpected happens. And between the baddies and the mountain, there are plenty of options for those unexpecteds!

If you’re familiar with my suspense ranking post from a couple of months back (You can see it HERE), you’ll understand when I set this as a 9 or 10 on the intensity spectrum. This ranking is purely a scale for how intense the suspense is. I don’t rank how well I like books. If I’m reviewing it at all, it has high merit!

And this one certainly fits that category. Every word—every sentence—seemed to have impressive intentionality - I might even call it precision - that blows my mind. The setting, as I mentioned, is a masterpiece. The characters have broken histories with building understanding of their redemption throughout the story. Memorable indeed. And the plot stays at an amped up level throughout the entire book. Kudos to Dana Mentink for yet another thrilling success!

Here's a little more about the book:

Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

This nail-biting clean romantic suspense will appeal to readers of Lynn H. Blackburn, Nancy Mehl, and Susan May Warren. Packed with thrilling twists and themes of natural disasters, an amnesia trope, and an abandoned baby.

Our own Suspense Sister, Mary Alford, says about this book: "A flawless suspense with characters that will have readers turning pages. I couldn't put it down."

I echo that – listening to the entire thing over the course of two thrilling days, only putting it down when I absolutely had to! Read this one. Suspense fans will LOVE it!

You can find it on Amazon and Audible HERE! 

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE?

 Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense? THE WATCHMEN - INTO THE STORM by Author Mary Alford, because the End was Just the Beginning!

Left behind. Hunted. Chosen. The battle for truth begins. . .

The world changed in an instant. The truth came too late.

After the global vanishings leave cities in chaos and hearts shattered, the world turns to one man—Daniel Pamphili, a charismatic new world leader. But behind the smiles and promises lies the darkest deception of all.

As nuclear fire rains down and safe houses burn, a scattered remnant rises from the ashes of Strike Force. Logan Maddox, a disillusioned cop on the run. Carly Wynn, a medic haunted by betrayal. Jax, a teen hacker whose own family sold him out.

Together, they must navigate a shattered world where belief is a death sentence, and betrayal hides behind friendly faces. Hunted by Pamphili’s regime and stalked by drone warfare, these unlikely heroes race to regroup before the Antichrist tightens his grip.

The tribulation has begun. The seals are breaking. And The Watchmen are sounding the alarm.

This Courage Under Fire Book 11 is available on Amazon, HERE!  

I hope you LOVE it! ~Marji Laine

It All Begins with the Place!

Marji Laine here. And I have to confess that I'm a sucker for a good setting. 

I can't tell you how many times my girls and I would be shopping or out and about, and I would point to something and say, "Wouldn't that be a great place to hide a body?!" 

Our conversations did scare their fair share of grocery clerks and waitstaff. But good mysteries, to me, start with creative settings. 

That brings me to my favorite fictional town of Heath’s Point, Texas. It has become so very real to me, housing two of my novels with at least one more on its way. So let me bring you to its roots. Well, in a way.

I went to college at East Texas A&M. At the time it was East Texas State University in lovely Commerce, Texas. The school had a bigger population than the town when I was there. That ratio has only grown with the support of the A&M system behind it.

But that place was this city gal’s first experience with a small town. I’ll never forget running to my big brother’s apartment (two doors down from the one I shared with his fiancé) on my first day of class.

Me: Some dirty old man just waved at me!
Bubba (yes, I call my brother Bubba, and my kids call him Uncle Bubba): What do you mean, he waved at you?
Me: Well, he was driving by in a rickety, old, white pickup. I’ve never seen him before.
Bubba (bursting into laughter): He was just waving. People are friendly like that here.

And they were. Total strangers would strike up conversations with me at church, at the local donut shop, even as I took out the trash. It was down right refreshing after living under strict rules in my big-city growing up years.

And it was contagious. I remember walking to classes and watching for people on the other side of the walkway to just look up at me, so I could smile and say, “Hi.” They probably thought I was a weirdo, since most of them were displaced from the big city, too. I heard all the complaints about the little town boredom when I moved into the dorms that fall, but it didn’t change my opinion.

I do not remember being bored at all. My brother's fiancé and I had a blast taking jaunts into the countryside. We’d grab a Sonic drink and get lost on the back roads. That was before the days of GPS, but we knew we’d come out on a highway at some point. One of my great thrills was to find a herd of goats near the road and baaah at them. They’d give the dirtiest looks; like I’d said something reprehensible. We organized our own version of laser tag (with water pistols and rubber bands) in places where we had unexpected access, part of the freedom in a small town. And I fell in love with my sweet hubby (a farm-boy) over fishing excursions and back road star watching.

Heath’s Point came straight out of my experiences in college. I think of the town itself as about twice the size of Commerce, maybe with a population nearing 25k. Still small enough that folks know one another and recognize newcomers, but big enough to need some full-time fire-fighters.

I could get into the nitty gritty of the place, what the buildings look like and details of the types of businesses there, but I won't flaunt my geeky side. Piecing together settings are so my thing. It’s like setting up a framework for the foundation of the story. Peopling it with unique characters – both good and bad – who have quirks and personalities that create memories. With the framework and the population, it’s easy to formulate the story. Most of the time, they just jump out at me.

Like the time I passed a clothing donation box next to the Piggly Wiggly. There was a pair of cowboy boots sticking out from the opening, and I could only see the soles. It didn’t take much imagination to wonder if there could be a body wearing those boots and hidden away in that donation box. Yes, I checked, and of course (thankfully) the boots were empty, but wouldn’t that be a great place for a murder mystery to begin?

I have two suspense stories set in Heath’s Point. Both of these have main characters who are shocked to learn they have targets on their backs. COUNTER POINT is book 1, and award-winning BREAKING POINT is book 2. They share characters, but the stories themselves are stand-alone.

My third is in the works, enduring its second edit at the moment. BOILING POINT’s main character is hair stylist and business owner, Donna Culver. She and her daughter Molly are returning side characters from COUNTER POINT. But there’s a new guy in town. It’s hard to say if he’s the nice kind or the not so nice kind, but suddenly Donna begins having “accidents” that don’t seem so very accidental. She’s lived in Heath’s Point all her life. Why would someone want to hurt her now?

I’d love to give you a copy of BOILING POINT, but it's still stewing. However, I do have an e-copy of COUNTER POINT for one commenter. Tell me the last little town you visited (or the first) and what made it special to you. Make sure you leave your email address. One of you will win my book.

Good luck, and I hope you LOVE it! ~Marji Laine

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE?

Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense? PERILOUS TIDES by USA Today Bestselling Author Elizabeth Goddard, that's what!

High-Stakes Romantic Suspense from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard

Three years after her mother's suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder--and becomes a target.

More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her--none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother's death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together.

As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed.

Praise for the Hidden Bay Series

"Elizabeth Goddard has done it again. She's a brilliant romantic suspense writer with fast-paced stories that keep you hooked from start to finish."--LYNETTE EASON, bestselling and award-winning author, on Storm Warning

"This book takes readers by storm as her characters . . . face danger not only from outside forces but also from the deadly secrets that rage inside their souls."--NANCY MEHL, bestselling and award-winning author, on Storm Warning

This action-packed clean thriller set on the Washington coast serves up a complex plot and sizzling second-chance romance that readers of Irene Hannon and Lynn H. Blackburn will enjoy.

You can get Hidden Bay Book #2, a Christian Military Suspense with a Second Chance Romance on Amazon, at THIS LINK!

I hope you LOVE it! ~Marji Laine!

 

BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Marji Laine here! Happy Spring! 

I began reading some of Christy Barritt's Lantern Beach books several years ago. Those are books that I can seriously just drink in. So when I happened upon a brand new one, released on April 17, I was beside myself with excitement! 

And CHAIN REACTION, book 1 of the Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation series, does not disappoint. The story explodes, literally, out of a quiet little town on one of the coastal island along North Carolina. The place is well-detailed and alive with vibrant characters and real-ish events and places. I feel like I should stop in at The Crazy Chefette someday and try one of her grilled cheese and peach sandwiches. The combination wells up curiosity and disgust within me, with the curiosity winning out. 

The two main characters, Raven and Jake, are surrounded, sometimes physically, with "stars" from other books like the leaders of the Blackout security team and the Lantern Beach police, including Chief Cassidy Chambers, the character who started the first Lantern Beach series. While the presence of the other well-loved characters is special, Raven and Jake and their connected past take center stage. 

Both have brokenness and insecurities hiding within them. The insecurities come out slowly and the characters have to battle against them: Raven with her issues of abandonment, and Jake with his fear of failing. Both are such natural issues to deal with that it's easy to relate to these characters. The fact that they have an unfortunate past between them only makes this chance meeting that much more delicious. 

As with many of the Lantern Beach books, the main characters make the book. That's harder to say with CHAIN REACTION, though. Raven and Jake are perfect together with just the right chemistry and concern over the past to make their interactions engaging, but the story is captivating all by itself. Each new setting, each environment and event, could be a backdrop for another explosion. Having bombs as the modus operandi amplifies the danger and heightens the tension. 

And speaking of tension, I actually have a rating scale for that. I'll be talking about that scale (a bell-curve) next month, but I'll go ahead and tell you that this story settles right into my happy place of a #3 with a medium-high (sparkling) intensity. You'll see what I mean next month (May 16).

As with most of the book groups from the Lantern Beach world, there is a bit of an over-arching mystery. The story itself stands alone well enough, but it leaves lots of questions that will be answered in a future book. And this is the very first time that I've read the first book of one of Christy Barritt's series before the last book of the series has been published. Let alone before the second book has been published! I eagerly await the next episode! 

Here's a little about CHAIN REACTION. 

When an explosion rocks Lantern Beach, authorities scramble into action. Was the WWII relic that washed ashore merely bad luck—or something far more sinister?

Dr. Raven Newton, a forensic archaeologist, is called to investigate the bomb that killed one person. With her specialized knowledge of military artifacts, she’s the perfect person for the job—until she discovers who else is on the case.

Former Navy SEAL Jake Laudner never forgot his whirlwind romance with Raven. Once assigned as her protector during a high-risk overseas mission, Jake broke his cardinal rule: Never get emotionally involved. Now working for elite security firm Blackout, Jake is stunned to find himself face-to-face with the woman who still haunts his dreams.

As the investigation intensifies, so does the tension between Raven and Jake. Raven insists their previous relationship was nothing but adrenaline and proximity. Jake knows differently—and he’s determined to prove it.

With a killer targeting Raven and time running out, she needs protection whether she wants it or not. And Jake won’t fail her twice, even if it costs him everything.

--- 

Get your copy HERE!  

Who are your favorite authors who write in series? (I have at least 4 that I can think of off the top of my head!) Let me know your favorites and you might win your own e-copy of CHAIN REACTION! 

NEW RELEASE BOOK REVIEW - and a giveaway!

Marji Laine here. 

I was recently doubly gifted. First, I was able to meet a favorite author and a dear online friend, Nancy Mehl. (Had fabulous Mexican food as well, but that's beside the point!) I so enjoyed chatting and laughing with her! Then I was honored to receive a signed copy of her not-yet-released suspense, SHATTERED SANCTUARY. 

Well, lemme tell you: it is available now, and oh so good. Creepy Good! And the little shiver down my spine began with the opening poem. You need to read that poem! You can see it through Amazon's "Read Sample" option that shows under the book cover on the BUY PAGE HERE.

Her two main characters, Erin (ex-cop turned author) and Kaely (former FBI), have worked online together on Erin's blockbuster best-seller and decide to take a needed break and meet in person in a quiet, peaceful little town of Sanctuary in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Seems placid enough, but the two of them together make a dynamite team when a murder is discovered. Especially when the police begin to suspect a serial killer. 

This story is a psychological suspense with one perspective an expert on crime scenes and gifted with amazing skills at observation. The other perspective is a profiler with unique instincts and processes. I just ate up the discussions these gals had! 

And there is quite a twisted mystery here. Even though the readers are given all of the information as it comes to the main characters, it's hard to wade through, especially with multiple suspects on the table. With the help of the unique skills of Kaely and Erin, the resolution reveals itself in baby-step increments. But this is a true suspense. I felt like I held my breath throughout the whole thing, anticipating another death any minute. It felt like it teetered on next page turn. 

This is definitely a five-star Christian suspense with a strong redemptive message and peril in every chapter. I could so see this as a movie, thinking along the lines of some of the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries mixed with episodes of Criminal Minds. 

Here's a little about the book and you can click the cover for a direct buy link at Amazon.

Was this the last thing she'd ever see? Would she be able to make things right before it was too late?
"God . . ." was all she got out before he lunged toward her.

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and strategically perfected methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

Shattered Sanctuary is a clean, Christian, thrilling suspense novel set in the Smoky Mountains, full of police investigations, haunted woods, eerie threats, and ominous evidence. For fans of high-stakes suspense, Lynette Eason, and Elizabeth Goddard.

In the past two weeks, I've also read 2 of the Security Hounds Investigations by Dana Mentink and 3 of the Lantern Beach Guardian books by Christy Barritt. I've reviewed them on my blog at MarjiLaine.com, but I mention them because I'm wondering about you. What is the most recent mystery or suspense that you've read? Share the title/author with me in the comments (ALONG WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS) for a chance to win a paperback copy of Nancy's new book (no, not my autographed copy 😉). And this is only for US residents. 

BOOK REVIEW: Hidden Dangers by Jennifer Pierce

 

Marji Laine here. 

After reading about the accomplishments and accolades of Jennifer Pierce, I’m a little embarrassed to tell you that she is a new-to-me author. But then, after reading her latest release, HIDDEN DANGER, I can certainly see why she’s received so many accolades!

This book seemed to have a slower start from most suspense that I read, but it lured me into a false sense of relaxation. Boy, did it ever! Every time Maggie and Cody thought they knew what to expect next, the rug was pulled out from under them.

Not that they were always wrong. It was just the process of chipping away at the evidence (or in this case, the lack thereof), while attempting to hide from a stalker who seemed to know and see everything.

Most of the time, mysteries illicit questions like, who would do that, why is she targeted, or how was the attack planned. For me, I always ask, Why now? What has happened or is about to happen that elicited such a violent response? In some stories, the answer is obvious and doesn’t give much help in solving the mystery. In this one, the question just kept coming up in my mind.

And when I did get to the end, I was in trouble! I was listening to the audiobook in my car, while driving. And it didn’t matter that I anticipated what was coming, I struggled to keep my foot light on the gas pedal during the intensity of the final attack. And there were so many police cruisers on the freeway. I'd look down and find I was going way too fast again every few seconds. 

I guess that describes my reaction to this suspense pretty well. LOL! Thankfully, my realization of my speeding usually came before I saw the next cruiser! Whew! 

So to say, “I loved it,” is an understatement. Jennifer Pierce has become a new favorite. I can’t wait to read more of her books!

Here’s a little about HIDDEN DANGER:

All Maggie Jones wants to do is sell her late father’s property and get out of Whitehaven, Texas, as fast as possible - before she runs into the one man she’s spent the past six years avoiding. Someone has other plans for her, though. Sinister plans. And when a seemingly harmless act of vandalism turns into a series of menacing threats, she has no choice but to turn to last person on earth she wants to see for help.

Sheriff Cody Smith never expected to see Maggie again, especially after he’d broken her heart all those years ago. Maybe this is the second chance he’s always wanted. But when he realizes Maggie’s in grave danger, he intends to keep her safe at all costs. With lines from an old nursery rhyme as their only clue, he needs to find out who’s behind this deadly game before the rhyme ends and Maggie’s time runs out. Can he protect her, catch the bad guy, and make amends for past wrongs? Or will old wounds get in the way?

Get your copy of HIDDEN DANGER here!

I hope you LOVE it!

What's HOT in Inspirational Fiction!

Marji Laine here. 

This will be the final "What's Hot" article for the year and I wanted to do something a little different. Our Suspense Sisters have released excellent mysteries and suspense stories all year long. Scroll down to get a look at some completed series and separate books by our Suspense Sisters. You can use the links to buy copies of your own, or leave some review-love for the talented authors! 

Nancy Mehl

Our founding Suspense Sister completed her Ryland & St. Clair series. These three books are intense! The perfect reading for a stormy night! 

Find the series HERE on Amazon.

Mary Alford

This USA TODAY bestselling author delivered a number of stand-alone books this year. The covers are BUY-LINKS

for these books! 

                  

Patricia Bradley

This USA TODAY bestselling author completed her Pearl River series this year! This is the perfect series to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa! 

Find the series HERE on Amazon!

Sharon Dunn

This USA TODAY bestselling author has two books released through Love Inspired Suspense. The covers below are Buy Links!

Melissa Koslin

Our newest Suspense Sister released THE LOST LIBRARY in September. The cover is a BUY LINK!

Marji Laine

This award-winning Suspense Sister completed her historical mystery series. Once Upon A Mystery has a tiny thread connecting all of the stand-alone books. A great way to spend a cozy evening snuggled under a blanket. 

Find the series HERE on Amazon!

Roxanne Rustand

This USA Today bestselling author completed her Mountain Pines Suspense series. An excellent warm up for a chilly evening!

Find the series HERE on Amazon!

And don't miss the latest releases for 

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell and A.D. Lawrence! 

Covers are Buy Links!

Enjoy your Christmas break with lots of love and laughter. And LOTS of excellent mystery and suspense! I hope you LOVE it! ~Marji Laine

What's HOT in Inspirational Mystery & Suspense?!

Marji Laine here, and I have cozy mystery by Shaen Layle, that I'd like to share with you. I LOVE cozies! And Christmas vacay is the perfect time to wrap up in a blanket and enjoy this one!  You can get it HERE! 

Harriet Bailey gets a wonderful surprise when Ashley Fiske, her friend from the States, brings her young son, Trevor, to White Church Bay for a visit. Harriet cannot wait to share the village’s charms with her friend, but she never predicted they would end up solving a mystery together! An unpublished manuscript by a famous British children’s author named Adelaide Evergreen has turned up in Harriet’s aunt Jinny’s cottage. The book claims to tell the truth behind an infamous and mysterious railway crash that happened in White Church Bay in 1917, on the fringes of the Great War.

As Harriet delves deeper into the mystery, it’s difficult to tell where literary license ends, and reality begins. And when it is revealed that Harriet’s relative may have had a hand in causing the train tragedy, the stakes become personal. Will she find the truth at the end of the line?

I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji Laine

BOOK REVIEW: DEADLY REVENGE by Suspense Sister Patricia Bradly

Marji Laine here, and I’m delighted to review DEADLY REVENGE by Suspense Sister Patricia Bradley. I’m even more delighted to have read it, by the way!

Patricia Bradley’s third book in her Pearl River series has the same intensity as books one and two! All are stand-alone stories with the characters and the setting of Pearl River being the connection between them all. Being “stand-alone” means there’s no over-arching story that would require the books to be read in order, so you can read book three even if you haven’t read the others. However, if you want to get full enjoyment from the series, start with book one, COUNTER ATTACK. You can get a copy HERE!

I have to say, I liked Deputy Jenna Hart right away when I met her in the earlier books. I’m so glad we get to enjoy her story! And I love the way that Patricia Bradley wrapped the series up. You’ll have to read it to feel the satisfaction there!

The tension in this book starts on page one. (I kept having to remind myself that the main character wasn’t going to get killed off in the prologue.) The author certainly has the gift of setting a hook for a reader! And like with COUNTER ATTACK and FATAL WITNESS the suspense comes in hills and valleys with just enough time to catch a breath before another attack or surprise shocks the main characters.

They are outstanding by the way. The unexpected feelings between them are palpable, fueled from years of working together in a relationship that didn’t allow for romance. It is like a dance between them. But even more than that, I really enjoy how they personally develop. Particularly in the area of trust. I can't imagine going through the betrayal that Jenna went through, but to come out on the other side, actually able to build trust again is remarkable. And Maxwell is attentive to her with such compassion. I like that the attraction between them is more than chemistry! 

I don’t want to give anything away, so here’s the basic description:

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

Get your copy HERE! I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji

What's HOT in Inspirational Suspense!

Marji Laine here, and we have TWO IN A ROW! Another brand new book releases today by a Suspense Sister. This time, it's with Roxanne Rustand! DANGEROUS STORM is a new element of Roxanne's Northern Pines Suspense series, boasting a small-town, clean romantic suspense story.

This book sounds amazing! Here's a little more about it.

Claire has inherited her sister's small, rustic resort on Lake Superior. Given her business experience in New York, running it won't be much of a challenge. Right?

The cabins and quirky guests she can manage. She hopes. But now she has guardianship of her orphaned five-year-old nieces and their rebellious brother. With no experience as a mom, can she help them feel secure and happy once more?

The children and their more unusual pets make life interesting. But when Logan, her late sister's first husband, shows up at her door and pushes her to sell the property back to him, everything changes.

Someone is threatening her...
She might feel a simmering attraction to him, but is Logan behind it, trying to drive her away? Or is it someone else...someone who will stop at nothing to get what he wants?

And now, the danger is rising.
Lake Superior's North Shore is stunningly beautiful. But it can erupt with incredible, deadly force when a N'Easter slams into its rocky cliffs. A massive storm is on its way.

And life just might depend on knowing who to trust.

Get your copy HERE! 

I hope you LOVE it! ~Marji Laine

What's HOT in Inspirational Mystery and Suspense!

Marji Laine here, and I'm not gonna lie; I have been eagerly awaiting this week's new release! Suspense Sister Patricia Bradley launches her newest book TODAY! Here's the LINK to buy it! 

Deadly Revenge is the third book in the Pearl River series. These books all take place in Pearl Springs, but they all have their own stand-alone story, characters, and romance! I can't wait to get my copy tomorrow! 

Here's a little about the story:
Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji

Book Review: TAKE MY HAND by suspense sister Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

I had the best time earlier this week, listening to Kristen Hogrefe Parnell’s TAKE MY HAND on my Audible app. Squee! This is exactly the type of suspense book that I LOVE to read, the perfect recipe!

·       Drama at the beginning ignites some unknown situation.
·       Relational drama with plenty of humor and great chemistry between the two main characters is braided through the entire book.
·       An undercurrent of suspense, carried through hints, a mysterious point-of-view character, and spoken intentions grows from chapter 1.
·       The foreboding heightens in the middle, amidst everyday type of activity - as shadowy characters appear on the scene.
·       And then the roof falls in! The suspense just gets tenser from there until the end.
·       I won’t give anything away, but the ending offered just the right amount of satisfaction!

And the characters, Kaley and Reef, and also sweet Liam, have stayed with me for several days. Usually, the characters are my favorites from books, but this plot was so good – the timing was so perfect – it took me back to when my love of suspense began in the idyllic days of high school with my cache of Phyllis A. Whitney books.

Yes, Kristen Hogrefe Parnell is that good! There are only a handful of authors that I compare with Whitney!

Here’s the book’s official description and the cover is a buy link, but make sure you read all the way to the end!

Trauma therapist Kaley Colbert needs a vacation from her job, and a ski trip with her church singles’ group seems like the perfect way to unplug. But while in the mountains, she learns that her last client was murdered hours after their meeting, and she wonders if the notes she’s receiving from a possible stalker hold a more sinister warning.

On the trip, ex-boyfriend and entrepreneur Reef Mitchell wants to give their relationship another chance, but Kaley questions if his past and priorities could ever mesh with her life. When her client’s underworld connections catch up with her, she has no choice but trust Reef to help her stay alive, solve her client’s mystery, and bring the killers to justice.

(Available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook at Amazon.com.)

And the best part about this book, now that I’ve finished reading it… There are LOTS of characters in this crowd begging for stories of their own! I sure hope Kristen shares them! I can’t wait to read them. And I’m going to start with HOLD YOUR BREATH, book 2 in her Crossroads Suspense series. Stay tuned for my review of that one coming soon! 

So you now know that Phyllis A. Whitney introduced me to suspense back in the day. What author introduced you to suspense? Let me know your thoughts and you might just win an e-copy of this book. Share in the comments section and don't forget to leave your email address!

What's HOT in Inspirational Mystery & Suspense

The Suspense Sisters had some great releases in July while we were sharing our giveaway. These simply must be shared with you! 

First, from Mary Alford released on July 23:  

Innocent lives at stake…
Can a former soldier and his canine save them?

Helping a pregnant woman he comes across in a mountain storm puts Axel Sterling right into the path of ruthless human traffickers. Now it’s up to the ex-soldier and his dog to keep Summer and her unborn baby safe from the abductors she’s finally escaped. But between the icy wilderness and the armed gunmen following them at every turn, one wrong move could cost Axel and Summer their lives.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

 Oooo! This sounds so good! You can get your copy from Amazon. 

 

And also released on July 23, this one by Jodie Bailey:

Kidnappers out for vengeance…

Can a K-9 team stop them?

Following the death of a crime boss he put behind bars, Ian Carpenter leaves witness protection—and runs right into an ambush. To escape assailants bent on revenge, he turns to his former handler, US marshal Meadow Ames, and her K-9 partner. But the stakes grow higher when Ian’s cousin is abducted. With threats closing in, can they rescue a kidnapped teen…and stop the criminals for good?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Mountain Country K-9 Unit

Love K-9 cops? Get your copy HERE! 

And lastly, Marji Laine has the final story in this cozy mystery and light suspense series bundle:

How do horses, a legendary creature, and a bride-to-be add up to family drama, intrigue, murder, and pure cozy mystery joy? 

Pick up your copy of THE VISITOR MYSTERIES and find out!

The Visitor doesn't invite mystery and mayhem to join her on her journeys. They just show up as she tours the country to support her family's charitable foundation and spend time with her many siblings. Match wits with her as she attempts to unravel the mysteries and unexpected dramas that go with them.

"The Visitor, Connie, is like a younger version of Jessica Fletcher, and trouble follows her all over the country."

See you next week! 

Review: COLD VENGEANCE by Suspense Sister Nancy Mehl!

I had such a delight the last few days. I was able to sit and crochet on a new blanket, watch (silent) Olympic games (volleyball, beach volleyball, and water polo), and listen to a fiendishly intense suspense by Nancy Mehl on Audible. 

Close to perfect this side of Heaven! :)

COLD VENGEANCE is the third and final book in the Ryland & St. Clair series, and boy was it worth the wait!

Elements of the first book came back to haunt in this story as the partner of the Salt River Strangler, seemed to continue to send threats to River Ryland. But there was so much more to this story.

I have seldom had the pleasure of such “Sherlock-esque” deductions. I felt like I was in the room where it all happened, right alongside River and her partner, Tony St. Clair. That was so much fun! And the secondary characters opened up huge emotional swings.

First, there was the client with a missing fiancé. Hope was a thin strand for this situation after so long, and it wobbled back and forth with despair throughout the story. This guy had all the makings of a tragic character, so the entire strand of the story had me emotionally knotted.

Then, there were River’s mom, dealing with Alzheimer's and floating in and out of lucidity, and her precious care-giver. Having lost my mom a couple of years ago to complications with Alzheimer’s, this strand of the story was all too real. And made even more complicated with appearances from River’s dad and brother.

Finally, there was the building tension between River and Tony. You’ve already felt it if you’ve read the other two books of this series, but it becomes palpable from the beginning of this one!

As a completion of this series, it is most satisfying! And though I did read and review book 1, COLD PURSUIT, I haven’t yet read book 2 of the series, COLD THREAT. It’s always ideal to read a series in order, of course, but don’t be afraid to read book 3, COLD VENGEANCE, out of order. It makes for a GREAT stand-alone story!

Here’s the description of this book. The cover gives you a direct link to the Amazon page for it, or you can click HERE to get your copy!

When a renowned crime podcaster vanishes without a trace, former FBI behavioral analysts turned private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are called upon to track her down. As they wade through the evidence she left behind, they unearth a startling connection--she may have discovered the existence of an unknown killer, and he will stop at nothing to carry out a deadly plan.

As the pair delves deeper, they soon find themselves the targets of a relentless enemy determined to silence them. With their lives--and hearts--on the line, can they confront the evil that threatens them before it consumes them both?

So what is the suspense or mystery that you are most wanting to read right now?