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 

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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.

WHAT'S HOT in Christian Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here. 

Newly Republished, this looks like a fun series!

Explosive Alliance 

by Susan Sleeman 

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Saving innocent lives
puts a killer on her trail.

Finding a time bomb in a packed stadium makes Krista Curry an accidental hero—and marked her for death. Now, the attention could expose her real name and the infamous past she fought to escape. But explosives expert Cash Dixon promises Krista protection from the bomber’s retaliation. Yet she hesitates to trust him as she sees his suspicion about her grow with every question she dodges. As danger escalates, Cash must decide if she’s an innocent woman or guilty accomplice. But the clock is ticking down—and the real bomber is still on the loose…

Don’t miss the other titles in the First Responders series.

• Silent Night Standoff
• High-Caliber Holiday
• Emergency Response
• Silent Sabotage
• Christmas Conspiracy

WHAT'S HOT in Christian Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here. 

Ohhh! This sounds like it has a great mystery attached! I'm so in! 

Wild Storm 

by Kendra Cross 

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A deadly storm. A relentless killer. And the truth that could destroy everything she thought she knew.

Eliza Brennan has spent years leading search and rescue missions in the Colorado backcountry—saving strangers in impossible conditions.

But she couldn’t save her mother.

When a brutal winter storm traps hikers in the mountains, Eliza and her team race against time to bring them home alive. But the rescue turns deadly when it becomes clear someone is hunting victims in the storm—and the mountain isn’t the only threat closing in.

Photojournalist Nate Carson has seen the worst the world has to offer. War taught him to rely on facts, not faith—and to keep his distance from anything that might matter. But when he’s caught in the same storm Eliza is battling, their paths collide in ways neither of them expected.

As the danger escalates, Eliza uncovers something even more chilling—a clue hidden in her mother’s old journal that suggests her death wasn’t an accident.

Now the storm is closing in. The killer is getting closer. And the truth Eliza has been searching for might cost her everything.

Because in Brennan Ridge, the past isn’t buried…

And some secrets refuse to stay lost.

A gripping Christian romantic suspense novel about courage, redemption, and learning to trust when everything is on the line.

WHAT'S HOT in Christian Romantic Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here. 

This book is intriguing! And it has some of my favorite things: faith, romance, dogs, and suspense! 

Sheltered from the Storm
by Abigail Stone 

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A missing woman. A burned packing plant. A storm rolling in fast. And a golden retriever who refuses to leave the trail.

Naomi Hart has built her life around protecting the vulnerable, but one past failure still follows her into every crisis. When Lily Conway disappears during a Mercy Harbor storm evacuation, Naomi cannot shake the fear that history is repeating itself.

Jonah Reed knows what it costs to lose someone in a storm. Controlled, guarded, and quietly distant from the faith he once knew, he has survived by never letting anyone close enough to become another person he could fail.

Then Scout, Lily’s golden retriever, finds a clue no one else noticed — a trail leading from the shelter toward a burned packing plant and a dangerous network with connections far beyond Mercy Harbor.

As Naomi and Jonah follow Scout through ash, rain, hidden records, and rising danger, they uncover a truth powerful men are desperate to bury. But the closer they get to Lily, the more the storm closes in — and the more Naomi and Jonah must learn that courage does not mean carrying fear alone.

Sheltered from the Storm is a clean Christian romantic suspense novel with a missing-person investigation, storm danger, a loyal rescue dog, a protective hero, a determined heroine, faith under pressure, and a complete happily-ever-after.

WHAT'S HOT in Christian Mystery and Suspense - New release from a Suspense Sister!

Marji Laine here. 

I have so enjoyed the books from my fellow Suspense Sisters, and you can be this one is going up to the top of my TBR list! 

DANGEROUS SPRING

by Roxanne Rustand

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From USA Today best-selling author Roxanne Rustand comes another heartwarming, character-driven, small-town romance in her popular Northern Pines series. This is a clean, faith-friendly romance with a light touch of suspense.

Ex-rodeo cowboy Connor Rafferty is a desperate father, stranded with a dead truck and his last fifty dollars. He must reach Detroit before his ex-wife and her abusive boyfriend vanish again with his son. Five years in prison for her lies cost him everything. Now, time is running out.

Keeley is barely holding her antique shop together after her employee quits on the eve of tourist season. She needs safe help—not a scarred stranger with secrets…and eyes she can’t ignore.

Connor asks for a few days’ work. No charity. Just a chance.

Keeley knows better than to trust him—but with customers lined up outside her door, she tentatively says yes.

If he’s telling the truth, his child is in danger.
If he’s lying…she’s invited trouble—and heartbreak—inside.

But 911 is already on her phone's Speed Dial. And this time, she won't hesitate to use it.

WHAT'S HOT in Inspirational Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here. 

This sounds like an emotional and heart-warming suspense! I'm intrigued! 

Trace 
by Kari Trumbo

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Trace has seen it all . . . except success and love.

He's done the training. He's tried to fit in. He even had to watch the woman he loves marry another man. Sometimes life isn't fair. When he completes his training, it seems like things might turn around, until his boss finds out Trace went behind his back to get an endorsement from someone else. Now, his new career is at risk. One job. That's all he gets to prove himself.

Lupe Pena is hiding in plain sight from her father. He's threatened her multiple times and now, he wants to marry her off to a man in El Salvador, just to be rid of her. All she can figure is that she reminds him too much of her mother, who died in childbirth. Life hasn't been easy, but she will not leave the only home she's ever known so he can be comfortable.

When she hires the Northern Guardians, she isn't sure about the young man they assign to her. He's only three years older than her and has a temper like her father. But he channels it for good, not evil. Can she learn to trust him, and can he manage the anger that seems to take over when things don't go right? Or will Lupe's father succeed in sending her far away where he doesn't have to think about her anymore?

If you're looking for a story of transformation, love and forgiveness through the love of Christ (all wrapped in a heart-pounding suspense), read on!

WHAT'S HOT in Inspirational Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here. 

I'm always interested when Christy Barritt has a new release! She is definitely one of my faves and this one looks amazing (and it has a beautiful dog involved! 

Trailing Justice 
by Christy Barritt

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She hiked into the remote forest . . . and hasn’t been seen since.

Prosecutor Kori Hutchins has spent her career making sure justice is served. But when her sister vanishes in the mountains of Blue Ridge Hollow, her courtroom skills mean nothing. There’s no evidence, no witnesses, and no one willing to listen . . . until park ranger Wyatt King and his search and rescue dog, Thunder, step in.

Wyatt knows these mountains—and their dangers. But what begins as a search for a missing hiker quickly turns into something far more sinister. The clues don’t add up, and the trail twists in ways it shouldn’t. As a brutal blizzard barrels toward the hollow, time is running out.

Out in the wilderness, justice is hard to find—and far more dangerous to chase. Because Mackenzie’s disappearance isn’t just a mystery. It’s a warning.

And someone will do anything to make sure the truth stays hidden.

WHAT'S HOT in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery

 Marji Laine here. 

This one certainly has elements that I love. Particularly a veteran hero! 

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Saving Grace: A Christian Romantic Suspense (The Southern Knight Protectors Series Book 2) 

by Madison Love (Author) 

The man she left behind is now her only hope of staying alive.

Grace Atwood vanished from my life nearly three decades ago, leaving me heartbroken on the courthouse steps. Now, she’s back—using a pen name, hiding from an unknown enemy, and asking for my help. As a journalist who witnessed the murder of a whistleblower, she’s seen too much. And someone is trying to make sure she stays silent.

As a former Air Force Pararescueman turned elite protection specialist for the Southern Knights, I never thought I’d see Grace again—let alone be the one assigned to protect her. When our undercover mission takes us to Duskhaven, a sleepy small town with explosive secrets, we pose as husband and wife. Our goal: infiltrate Noctira Weapons Systems, a local militia, and a community that doesn’t take kindly to outsiders.

Living under the same roof, working side by side, we discover that the embers of our past still burn bright. But trust is fragile, and forgiveness doesn’t come easy—especially when lives are on the line. With a growing conspiracy threatening national security and shadowy enemies watching our every move, our rekindled bond will be tested. It’s either going to break or be forged in fire.

When bullets fly and betrayals cut deep, we must rely on more than our instincts—we’ll have to lean on God’s guidance, the team of Southern Knights, and each other. Because the only thing more dangerous than uncovering the truth... is losing a second chance at love.

Perfect for fans of romantic suspense, this novel features heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and unshakable faith, delivering a thrilling ride that focuses on mercy and grace. This is a clean, kisses-only book free from cursing or promiscuity.

Pick up your copy HERE! 

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

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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.

WHAT'S HOT in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery!

Marji Laine here. 

Oh my goodness! This one has just been put at the top of my TBR list! 

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Special Target: A Christian Suspense Thriller 

by Jerusha Agen (Author)

She’s trying to save the boy’s life. What if he’s supposed to save hers?

For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances.

But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew.
The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive.

Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.

A gripping and gritty standalone Christian suspense thriller from the bestselling author of the Guardians Unleashed Series.

Get your copy HERE!

WHAT'S HOT in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery

 Marji Laine here. 

We have some EXTRA-special today, and it begins with a note from our Suspense Sister Author Mary Alford: 

What stayed with me most while writing Unsolved Amish Abduction was the idea that some wounds don’t fade with time…they simply wait in the shadows. This story is about a woman who survived the unthinkable, only to realize years later that the past she escaped may not be finished with her.

But what makes it even more personal—and more haunting—is the question Anna’s carried with her all these years: what really happened to her sister? Many believed Constance was dead, yet Anna never stopped hoping. That desperate need for answers becomes the driving force behind every risk she takes, even when it means stepping back into the very darkness she once fled.

Beneath the suspense, Unsolved Amish Abduction is a story of courage, second chances, and the kind of hope that refuses to let go—even in the darkest places.

For Him. Always. 

Mary

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Unsolved Amish Abduction 

by Mary Alford (Author)

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?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Get your copy HERE! 

WHAT'S HOT in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery!

Marji Laine here. 

A unique collection of characters in this new book intrigues me! 

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Two Stolen Men: A Park Pals Mystery: Book 4 (Park Pals Mysteries) 

by Dwain Cassady (Author)  Three mysterious crimes. Three threatening attacks. Can an unhoused ex-cop uncover the truth without losing his life?

Fitz Fitzgerald is engaged to be married in less than two weeks. The theft of an offering for a new shelter being collected by his fiancé’s church and the arrest of two of his unhoused friends on suspicious charges throw a dark cloud over his excitement. Fitz is determined to find out what really happened.

Believing someone is targeting the unhoused community, Fitz pushes on through anonymous threats, striving to uncover who is behind these crimes. When the threats are followed by action, the stakes become life or death.

With two friends facing unwarranted jail time and escalating attacks against his fiancé, Fitz has to balance his drive to uncover the truth with the need to protect the love of his life. Can he succeed and still make it to his wedding on time?

Two Stolen Men, Book 4 in the Park Pals Mystery series, is a character driven Christian suspense mystery. If you like books with intriguing characters, enough suspense to keep you turning pages, and relevance to current concerns, you’ll love this compelling conundrum in Cassady’s novel.

Pick up a copy and start savoring the suspense today

Get your copy HERE!

I hope you LOVE it! 

BOOK REVIEW: DARK DESIGN by Suspense Sister Nancy Mehl

Marji Laine here. 

What a way to start a suspense! It requires the reader to put on the skin of a crazed serial killer and read his twisted thoughts. This story starts out creepy-squared! 

This is an intensive psychological thriller with layers of developments. The characters are, as with the first book in this series, very real with their own needs for growth, weaknesses, and areas of expertise. They wrestle with their own shattering issues, with glimpses of hope that they can overcome their difficult pasts. 

Technically, this is an “Erin Delaney” mystery, but her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, shoulders some of the story’s perspective. Kaely’s husband Noah and Erin’s friend Adrian fill out the main character cast. Each has a strong personality, needs, goals, and obstacles, making the perspectives unique and deep.

And the mystery is disastrously twisted, affecting characters in two different locals at the same time. How does a shooting in a tiny town in the Smokey Mountains connect with a missing woman in a suburb of Washington DC? See if you can figure that one out before the experts do! 

And while you’re at it, take a peek on into the life of a best-selling author. Nancy Mehl paints an extraordinary story with DARK DESIGN. Here’s a little more about the book: 

As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. 

She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.

There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

"Readers will be riveted by this non-stop, twisty thriller."--Elizabeth Goddard on Shattered Sanctuary

Bestselling author Nancy Mehl threads a plot of police investigations and shadowy evidence with heart-drumming suspense in this clean, high-stakes read that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard.

Get your copy HERE! 

What’s at the top of your To-Be-Read pile right now? I have a the short mystery BOUND BY TROUBLE and the following books of that series by Christy Barritt. I’d love to know what you’re reading next! And one of you who share might win a copy of GRIME BEAT, the first of my top-selling series. Don’t forget to leave your email address! 

BOOK REVIEW: On the Edge of Trust by Suspense Sister Patricia Bradley

Great mystery in this excellent book, and a GREAT romance! 

Patricia Bradley has hit another homerun with her 18th publication. This one returns to Logan Point, the setting for her first series, and this place holds both a comfortable homeyness and intense danger. 

It also has some delightful folks who speak with a relaxed drawl and an encouraging tone. 

Ah, and then there is the tension... Well that begins with an attack at the very beginning of the book, at the scene of a situation that brings new meaning to the word stressful. Between that event, and the appearance of a young man at the scene of a murder, this story's twisted wheels begin turning. 

Our main character, Tori Mitchell, deals with the popularity of a true crime podcast that seems to collect enemies, the pain of tragically losing a loved one, the trap of addition, and the emotions that are entangled with all of these situations. She also deals with memories of a summer crush and the return of that man, shocking her with feelings she'd forgotten. 

And then there's the shooter. Oh, and the fire. Yeah, the threats and intensity of the suspense keeps rocking with so many suspects and so many possible motives for the attacks Tori experiences. 

Scott Sinclair, the source of her long-ago crush, as a temporarily off-duty FBI undercover agent, wavers between thoughts that he is the target of the shooter and concern for a woman who had touched his heart a decade before. He wasn't about to take Tori's safety for granted, though. The two of them are thrust together as he struggles to keep her safe while she tries to figure out who is trying to kill her. 

Is it someone involved with the murder blamed on her nephew? 

Is it one of the physical abusers of the women she'd helped to escape?

Does it have something to do with past murders solved or maybe it's something else?

This mystery checks all the boxes! Here's a little more about it. 

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.

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So what is your favorite type of suspense? Do you lean toward thrillers, romantic suspense with a little bit of a slower pace, or do you prefer the tension with a strong side dish of mystery? 

Leave your answer (and your EMAIL address) in the comments. You might just win an e-copy of the first book in the Logan Point series - SHADOWS OF THE PAST. 

And let me know if you've read AT THE EDGE OF TRUST. I'd love to know your thoughts about it! 

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.

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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. 

What's HOT in Inspirational Mystery & Suspense

Releasing today

Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn't get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.
Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.

It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?

As you've come to expect from bestselling author Lynette Eason's stories, this tightly wound plot unfurls at breakneck speed and will leave you breathless.

Get your copy HERE!

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?

Author Interview with KRISTEN HOGREFE PARNELL and a Giveaway!

Marji Laine, here. I LOVE new books, and Kristen Hogrefe Parnell has just released a brand new book, HOLD YOUR BREATH. I can’t wait to read it, and I’m delighted to visit with Kristen today! Yea! Welcome! 

So tell me about your new release. Is this a suspense or mystery or both?

Hold Your Breath is Christian romantic suspense, and I enjoy writing this genre because it is such an effective vehicle for showing how God can use the problems in our lives to draw us to Him. Plus, our own lives are full of suspense—just not usually to the degree we find in fiction!

LOL! I certainly hope my life is never full of suspense to that degree! So, what ignited this book? Was there a particular situation or place that gave it the first nudge?

Beech Mountain, North Carolina, is a setting near and dear to my heart. My husband taught me to ski there when we were dating, he proposed near there, and we are now making new memories there with our young son (Pictured with Kristen at Fred's General Mercantile). This setting is stunning during any season, and so, I wanted to write a series that captured that beauty. Beech Mountain isn’t the only setting in the Crossroads Suspense series, but it features into every book. Characters not only face literal crossroads between Beech Mountain and another setting, but they but also face spiritual crossroads as they fight for truth, justice—and their lives.

Tell me about your characters at the beginning of your book.

At the beginning of the book, Jayna is outwardly a travel blogger wanting to bring awareness to the recovering communities of the Bahamas (post hurricane), but inwardly, she is a young woman desperate for love. Unfortunately, she once again seeks it in the wrong place, this time, with dangerous consequences.

 

Liam Bracken is a private investigator with a big heart that has been disappointed more than once. The last woman he liked chose his best friend over him, and now, he’s helping that same best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain during his church group’s trip there. His Irish red hair earns him the nickname Ginger Ale from the mysterious Jayna who joined the group at the last minute. He is not only a surprisingly good cook, but he also has a keen intuition about people—and he can tell Jayna is not only running from, but terrified of, something.

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, what advice would your main character give to readers for this holiday? How would she plan to celebrate tomorrow

After her harrowing ordeal, Jayna would tell the reader to savor time with family. She would celebrate with her sister Beatriz’s family and their parents. They would serve Puerto Rican dishes, including Pavochon (turkey seasoned to taste like pork), Mofongo stuffing, and tostones (twice fried plantains). A certain Ginger Ale might also be invited to the festivities.

How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? What are you most thankful for in your family? In your writing career? In your relationships? In something else? 

This year, my immediate family is all traveling to visit my brother’s family. Their five children adore my adventurous one-year-old, and thankfully, they have the energy to keep up with him!

Ah, those one-year-olds! My grandson is the same age and has gone from barely toddling to running in what seems like a moment! So, what are you most thankful for this year?

I am most thankful for another year together, because this year has surprised us with some unexpected health challenges with my mom.

Treasure the moments! I’m so glad you are all able to be together! And thanks for joining us today! Kristen is offering one copy for free to one of you! Leave a comment below sharing what you are most thankful for in this season of gratitude!

Kristen has also shared a little tidbit of her story, this part told from Jayna’s perspective. I can’t wait to read it!

            Liam was just pulling his cinnamon rolls out of the oven when the rest of the crew arrived. TJ beelined for the coffee. Matt looked as though he had tumbled out of bed, but he perked up when he spotted Olivia. Reef reached for Kaley’s hand, and the girl literally glowed.
            Oh.
            Shoot.
            Mood music.
            A trip to the mountains. 
            With your girlfriend and her crazy friends.
            Reef was going to propose.
            Jayna’s stomach turned sour, and her perfect eggs didn’t look so appealing anymore. It wasn’t that Kaley didn’t deserve to be happy. She did. But Jayna couldn’t be at the epicenter of a perfect proposal when her own magical moment had ended so awfully days before.
            She fumbled for her empty coffee mug and got in line behind TJ. “So, what are we doing again today?”
            TJ chugged his black coffee. “Ask Reef. He planned everything.”
            The knot in her stomach only grew. Of course, he had.

 Get your own copy of HOLD YOUR BREATH at this LINK or by clicking the cover.