WHAT'S HOT in Christian Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here. 

This is the collection of Christmas suspense that I mentioned to you last week. The one involving our own Suspense Sister Kristen Hogrefe Parnell! I'm so excited to grab my copy of this! 

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The December Target:
A Christian Romantic Suspense Collection

By Kristen Hogrefe Parnell, Lisa Phillips, and Sara Davison   

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Silent Fight -
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Nadine Rivas’ vocal career crumbles after someone sabotages her private music studio with chlorine gas. For her recovery, she and her emotionally distant husband Dante relocate to their Rosemary Beach condo, where Nadine hopes counseling might save their marriage. As a biotech company executive, Dante wants Nadine to relaunch her career by headlining his company’s Christmas gala. More threats to their lives occur, and Nadine suspects her husband is the real target. She resolves to unmask the perpetrator at the gala, risking everything for the truth and another chance for their marriage.

The Light of Christmas – Lisa Phillips
Newly settled in as sheriff, Beau Mitchell is determined to prove Rend is no longer ruled by fear and corruption. Christmas should be a season of peace and restored trust—but Beau knows the past doesn’t stay buried just because the town strings up lights.

True crime podcaster Heidi Walters arrives from New Hampshire with a secret agenda and no plan to stay. Officially, she’s fixing up a neglected old mansion for the holidays. Unofficially, she’s investigating the cold case no one in Rend wants reopened: her mother’s murder thirty years ago. As Heidi digs through whispers and buried files, strange things at the mansion—footsteps, broken locks, missing notes, personal warnings—make it clear someone knows why she’s there.

When the threats turn real, Beau must decide whether to stop Heidi or help her. Because if her mother’s murder is tied to secrets still alive in Rend, someone will do anything to keep the truth buried.

The Ice List – Sara Davison
Bodyguard Dale Earnhardt Torrens can’t decide who’s his biggest threat—the bad guy threatening his client or the client herself.

Dale isn’t happy when his boss calls him into work as he’s about to go on vacation. His mood goes from bad to worse when he realizes the woman he is tasked with keeping safe is the one who destroyed his life three years earlier.

Forced to go into hiding with the last person he ever wanted to see again, Dale vows to keep whoever is targeting her from exacting his revenge.

Now he just has to keep himself from doing the same.

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Get your own copy of this second book of A Thrill Before Christmas HERE! 

WHAT'S HOT in Christian Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here. 

This collection was brought to my attention because the second part of the collection includes our own Suspense Sister Kristen Hogrefe Parnell! I'll be sharing that next week, when it releases, but for this week, here is the first part of this thrilling Christmas suspense collection! 

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Christmas Under Fire:
A Christian Romantic Suspense Collection

By Dana R. Lynn, Jenna Brandt, Jessica Ashley   

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Stolen Silence – Dana R. Lynn
Jenna Stone has spent her life believing she was adopted—until private investigator Brody Carson arrives with a stunning truth: she was kidnapped as a child. Hired to find her by the family who never stopped searching, Brody is determined to uncover the truth before Jenna vanishes again. But someone has spent years keeping her identity buried . . . and will kill to protect the lie. Haunted by the loss of his own little sister, Brody sees this case as a last chance at redemption. As danger closes in, Jenna must decide if trusting him will save her life—or cost them both everything.

A Hope for the Heroic Firefighter – Jenna Brandt
Brandon Holloway just got his dream job—fire chief of his small hometown. He’s barely settling into his new routine when a huge arson case falls into his lap, one so complicated he’s forced to call in the county for assistance. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself interested in the arson investigator sent to help him.

Desiree Garcia fought her way into the arson division after years of being iced out. Now that she finally has the chance to prove herself, she’s not willing to let anything stop her from solving her first big case, not even the handsome fire chief at the epicenter.

Will Brandon give into his growing attraction? Will Desiree let down her guard for a chance at love? And what happens when the danger surrounding the case threatens both their lives?

Proof of Life – Jessica Ashley
Maverick built his life on quiet control. He doesn’t even touch the alcohol he serves, but the bar he inherited from his grandfather is his sanctuary, far from the man he used to be.
Until she walks in.

Haunted and on the run, she’s everything he should turn away. Instead, he gives her a place where no one will touch her.
The closer they get, the more the lines he swore he’d never cross start to blur.

And when her past catches up, Maverick will have to decide just how far he’s willing to go to keep her alive.

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Get your own copy of this first book of A Thrill Before Christmas HERE! 

WHAT'S NEW in Christian Mystery and Suspense

Marji Laine here. 

I'm reviewing this book on Friday. Come back and get my take on this new series. 

When the Silence Breaks

by Elizabeth Goddard

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A deathbed confession. 
A decades-old secret.
A mountain that holds the answers--and danger closing in.

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of her grandfather's deathbed confession connected to her brother's murder, she's determined to protect her remaining family. After further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she looks for a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand.

After his father's death in a tragic mountain accident, former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin no longer guides for the family business. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her and can't stand by while someone brings danger to his small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming storm. When the danger escalates, their search for answers shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it through involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.

This gripping romantic-suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard is a series opener that will sweep you away in a rush of adrenaline.

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 Mystery and Suspense

 Marji Laine here and I'm thrilled to introduce yet another book from one of our amazing Suspense Sisters! 

Photo from the Winchester Mystery House is used by permission

This one is THE ESCAPE GAME by Gina Holder. It is described as "A Deadly Game of Survival" and is the second book in The Game Masters series. 

About the book, Gina says, "Something neat about this book is that the setting was based on two real-life historical homes: The Winchester Mystery House in California and the James J. Hill House in Saint Paul, MN." 

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Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.

They’re players.

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister—but also closer to a killer who has spent years perfecting a game no one survives.

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

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Get your copy of this new release right HERE! 

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 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! 

REVIEW and GIVEAWAY!

Marji Laine here! I just had the most wonderful day, enjoying a brand new book! 

Elizabeth Goddard’s new release, STORM  WARNING, is a masterfully written suspense full of expansive twists and unexpected curves. To use the water theme that runs throughout the story, think about a flash flood that diverts suddenly against debris. Then the sheer force of the water shoves through all barriers.

That was the plot of this story. It didn’t just trickle in. It started in the prologue with a violence that grabbed me. Then it gripped again in chapter one. (Seriously, I kept having to remind myself to breath during that scene!) And after several hours, when the intensity grew even more, I could sense that the end was near, a huge apex was growing. But I was wrong – I was only in chapter 10 of 40-something. The author kept the tension amped up and growing throughout the entire story. Every high point was perfectly calculated and lasted just long enough before giving the characters a breath and allowing me to take one as well.

Speaking of the characters, plainly, there is target on the back of Remi Grant, the manager of an isolated lodge on the coast of Washington. While storm watching is the main pastime at this retreat, the storm that’s brewing outside the windows of the lodge doesn’t hold a candle to the internal storm within Remi that is poised to overwhelm her.

Her forgotten past is the problem for her. And it has someone trying to kill her. Her goal, as it should be, is to remember what her mind has blocked in order to identify the who and why of the attacks against her. But she’s not even scratching the surface on the issue.

Her new acquaintance, the “lumberjack,” just happens to arrive on the scene in the nick of time to save her life. Could he have something to do with mounting attacks against her?

Her “lumberjack,” Hawk Beckett, has issues of his own that need resolution. His friend suggested this place, as its very isolation could give him a chance to find what he’s searching for. And in truth, the stormy waves crashing against the rocks below him and the wind threatening to knock him over vie against the torrent of deep regret and shame that roils through him over and over again. But when he finds a girl about to fall to her death, instinct and training kick in. Besides, there’s something about this girl. Something more than the fact that someone had tried to kill her.

These two characters are great together. They alternate between trust and suspicion, secrets and openness, confidence and vulnerability. They are presented with such an authenticity; as real as people I actually know. Having finished the book, I want to know more about them and the others at the lodge!

And speaking of the lodge, that is just one of the intriguing settings from this book. I am convinced that Elizabeth Goddard has visited the Washington cliffs during storm season. Her descriptions are so intense and have such depth that I bet she has also climbed a hanging ladder, taken a pre-storm helicopter ride, and maybe even visited a “SquatchCon” event. (That setting was a particular favorite of mine! LOL!)

I can’t recommend this book enough! If you are a fan of the tingling that tightens your shoulders during a good suspense, you’re going to LOVE this book! There’s even a tricky little mystery here (well a tricky big one) that can take you one direction before shooting you the other way. I LOVE a good mystery, and this one is just right!

STORM WARNING is available in e-book, paperback, a library hardback, and an audiobook. I enjoyed it as I crocheted my coming grandbaby’s blanket on audiobook. (My favorite way to enjoy a book.)

Get your copy HERE! I hope you LOVE it!

And speaking of loving great suspense. What book would you recommend right now? Or maybe you have one on your bedside table just waiting for you? Share the title and author in the comments and why you’re excited about it. You just might win a free e-copy of another favorite of mine from Elizabeth Goddard, BURIED. It was the first one of hers that I read and had me hooked on her books ever after!

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.