I love suspense series where there’s sort of this unsolved portion that carries into each book. Nancy Mehl has that in her Ryland + St. Clair series. I loved book one and couldn’t wait for book two. I knew I wanted that to be my first new release read of the year. I loved it, couldn’t read it fast enough! And now I’m itching for book three. 🙂
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About the Book
Cold Threat (Ryland & St. Clair Book #2) Author Nancy Mehl
Published by Baker Books
on January 23, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Suspense, Fiction / Christian / Suspense, Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
Pages: 336
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookbub | Goodreads | Baker Book HouseTwenty years ago, several people were murdered in Des Moines, and the only evidence left behind was a snowman ornament hanging ominously on a tree in the victims' front lawns. With a suspect behind bars, the killings have come to an end--or so everyone thought. But now crimes with a similar MO are happening in a small Iowa town, and a local detective believes the killer is back and ready to strike again.
With little time left on the clock before they have another murder on their hands, private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair must work alongside Tony's detective father to find evidence that will uncover an evil that has survived far too long. As the danger mounts and the suspect closes in, it will take all they have to catch a killer--before he catches one of them.
Nancy Mehl delivers nail-biting suspense with . . .
"Plot twists you won't see coming."--Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author on Cold Pursuit
"A relentless pace that will keep readers glued to their seats."--Publishers Weekly on Free Fall
My Perspective
Nancy Mehl is one of my favorite suspense authors. She finds a way to keep readers on their toes like no other. Her plot twists are unexpected and refreshing. Her faith themes are throughout the entire book and just speak right to your heart. There’s not a ton of romance (which by the way is fine because it isn’t needed), but the little she puts in is spot on.
Cold Threat is another home run novel delivered by Mehl. I did not want to put the book down for one second (even though I had to – life gets in the way of reading lol). The writing was engaging. The characters were relatable. The bad guy POV’s were so intriguing, I almost wanted more! And trying to guess who the person was, well I was totally wrong. But that’s because Mehl is such a master at keeping you in the dark about it. I was floored when I found out, but also delighted. Looking back, I could see how and why, I just didn’t pick up on it while I was reading.
We still get glimpses of our villain from book one, and that was just as exciting. I cannot wait for book three to see how that storyline all plays out. If you are looking for a great read that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat then here you go guys. Just make sure you read book one first. Thought you may not be lost in reading this one first, it will add to the reading experience and give you the backstory on River and Tony. But if you like a clear cut ending, maybe you want to wait until the entire series is released. 😉
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My Favorite Quotes
From what she could understand, faith was something you needed before your prayers were answered.
Good thing God measured time differently than human beings.
Some of the best books she’d read were by Christian authors. (Side note – AMEN to this!!!)
Sometimes if we wait too long to acknowledge what’s in our hearts, we may lose something much more valuable than a good working relationship.
“True humility is believing you’re who God says you are. His beloved child. His chosen. His anointed. Valuable. Gifted.”
“But just remember that faith doesn’t mean we have to find a way to struggle until we succeed. It actually means giving the struggle to Him and allowing Him to carry us through.”
When we are deeply hurt, we still have scars. And we on’t have to feel ashamed of them. We didn’t put them there, and you an’t heal them by yourself. But God will. He has scars too, you know. No one understands scars more than He does.
About the Author
Nancy Mehl lives in Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her puggle, Watson. She’s authored over fifty books and is currently at work on a new FBI suspense series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com!
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Your review is fantastic, and I agree wholeheartedly with all your points. I loved this book. 😀