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Showing posts with label Murder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Murder. Show all posts

10.20.2026

To Win a Wager ~ Release Day

It's Release Day!

   To Win a Wager
Best Laid Plans #3
Grace Hitchcock

As the third and final book in the series, one would think that Tess would have an easier path to finding love than her friends, but hers just might be the most fraught with danger. It seems the truths she's always accepted about herself are about to be turned over all topsy-turvy, her father's life is in danger, and she is on the run. And her only hope at setting things right is slipping away.

Okay, this book keeps building danger and feelings of betrayal on top of each other as Tess grapples with who she really is and her feelings regarding Jamie Malcom the former spy who has tracked her escape and who may be her only hope for the future, a future neither of them expected or wanted-at first.

To Win a Wager is filled with the unexpected, though not necessarily in a bad way. But when tragedy strikes, they must discover who is behind it if they have any hope for a future. 

Okay, I got such mixed feelings about Tess's father from concern to well-he-got what-was-coming and back again through the cycle. And then Jamie's cousin, totally ugh! While Jamie, even while hunting Tess, came across as someone with integrity, with lines that wouldn't be crossed. 

This was a good read and one that could be enjoyed without reading the first two books in the series. I recommend it to fans of clean, no/low spice romance, who want faith elements driving their main characters. Overall, a good and enjoyable read.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
 


About the Book:

A Regency-era enemies-to-lovers romance set in the magnificent Scottish Isles

Tess Hale has always been taught to fend for herself, but she never needed to until the night bounty hunters come knocking. It’s 1813 in Great Britain, and Tess’s best laid plans crumble when her father sends her alone in the dead of night to an island cottage to escape them. She finds herself in a world of warring clans she didn’t know existed.

After a decade as a spy separated from his clan, Jamie Malcom has a duty to fulfill as next in line as chief—but his absence means he must earn his people’s loyalty. He pursues a treasure stolen from his clan long ago, and it leads him straight to Tess.

As Tess grapples with her past, Jamie vows to protect her future—but lies revealed shatter the trust they had been building. For purposes beyond themselves, they are thrust into a marriage neither of them wanted . . . at first.

In the finale to the Best Laid Plans series, Grace Hitchcock invites readers to the sweeping Highlands and beautiful Scottish Isles with a romance guaranteed to delight.

Available to purchase at:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook 

About the Author:

Grace Hitchcock
is the award-winning author of the Best Laid Plans series and other historical novels and novellas. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing and a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in history. She lives near New Orleans with her husband, sons, and daughter. 
Connect with her online at gracehitchcock.com.

10.09.2026

Coordinates of Death ~ Review with Giveaway

Coordinates of Death Just Read Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 
Coordinates of Death by Darlene L. Turner, 

Coordinates of Death

Coordinates of Death 
Arctic Protectors #2 
By Darlene L. Turner 

Corporal Aurora (aka Rory) Hunt's past is about to become part of a serial killer's twisted game of cat-and-mouse. Her deepest-held secrets are about to be held against her, taunting her, wounding her all over again. She is determined to get the person who eluded her two years ago. But she needs help, so she reaches out to childhood friend Kordell (aka Kord) Greene, as part of the Canadian Watchers Squad for assistance.

Kord has his own painful past, one filled with secrets, foster homes, and time as a teen runaway before he was adopted by Maxwell Greene. (I'm not sure how Rory reconnected with him or what his former last name was.) But he is determined to do what needs to be done to help her and keep her safe. The feelings they felt as teens are given a chance to be revisited after years of separation, and when a serial killer has you in their sights, that is not a good thing.

I found this book to be much darker than I had anticipated. The murder scenes had some definite eww factors, nothing overly graphic, but still disturbing, which may or may not have been made worse as I was suffering from a nauseating headache during the reading (full disclosure here).  And the killer, yeah, truly sick. (Can't say more because it would be a spoiler even if subtle.) Would not recommend reading right before bed; aim for daylight hours and go outside for breaths of fresh air and sunshine.

This book was decidedly twisted, delving into past pains, manipulating people, and just plain evil on the part of the villain. And the climax definitely played into creepy vibes as Aurora, Kordell, the Watcher Squad, and the Sweetwood Falls police force work to outsmart a killer who is more than two steps ahead of them in this twisted "game" of revenge.

There are potential triggers in this book that I was unaware of before I agreed to read it that you may want to be aware of: (in the past, various characters experienced) rape, miscarriage, kidnapping, abuse, and death of a loved one.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book 

Title: Coordinates of Death 
Series: Arctic Protectors #2 
Author:
Darlene L. Turner 
Publisher:
Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date:
October 6, 2026 
Genre:
Romantic Thriller

A police officer will do anything to catch the serial killer that got away—even if it means playing a deadly game in the icy wilderness. 

Sweetwood Falls, Yukon, has seen too much terror for one small town. Corporal Aurora Hunt still blames herself for not catching the Shadow Box Killer before five women lost their lives. The killings stopped two years ago, and her colleagues believe the murderer is dead. But Aurora isn’t convinced. 

A chilling discovery on a winter’s morning confirms her fears. The crime scene is all too familiar—a woman’s mutilated body, and beneath it, a box containing a gruesome souvenir. But this time, there’s a special message, daring Aurora to play a game that will lead her into the wilderness to try and save the next victim. 

Canadian Watcher Squad survivalist Kordell Greene is part of the past that Aurora has tried to put behind her. He’s also the only person equipped to guide her through this deadly terrain. But somehow, the killer knows all their secrets. Solving cryptic clues as they battle the elements, Aurora and Kordell must confront dark truths they’ve withheld, even from each other. And always, the Shadow Box Killer is one step ahead, drawing them deeper into a twisted game where the slightest mistake may be their last.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series


About the Author

Darlene L. Turner 

Darlene L. Turner is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Coordinates of Death blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 13, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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9.23.2026

Watched ~ Review

Watched
The Windy City Westons #3
By Jerusha Agen

"Some things are worth risking everything for." I loved this quote when I came across it while reading Watched.  In this book, we focus on big brother Robert Weston, who finds himself facing a malpractice lawsuit after a tragic incident involving one of his patients. While dealing with this situation, Robert begins experiencing some troubling memory issues, issues that he fears may be signs of something life-altering and debilitating.

Monty Montgomery is ready to dislike Robert Weston; after all, it was his testimony that destroyed her client's life and practice. She is more than a little surprised that he seems like a genuinely nice guy. But when he 

But something more is happening, something that could get Robert, his attorney, and his siblings killed. Can Robert, Monty, and the rest of the Westons discover who is behind these attacks and stop whoever it is before it is too late? 

I love that this time the main non-Weston character has such a great family behind her. That being said, I hope the Montgomery family of lawyers is back in the spotlight. I loved the dynamics between them as they worked together, lived really close together, and, unlike the Westons, shared an extra bond because of their beliefs as Christians. 

I have to say the Weston family gets themselves into some real doozies of a mess, and Wasted is no exception. I'm looking forward to the next Windy City Westons release as we are down to Hank and Tereese.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
His mind is a steel trap. He didn’t know it could trap him.

Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him.

Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist isn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent?

Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead.

Is everyone a pawn in the lethal game, or is Robert’s failing mind playing tricks on him? Even with the help of the Weston siblings, Robert and Monty may need a mind smarter than theirs—the mind of God—to escape this twisted game alive.

Watched is Book Three in the thrilling Windy City Westons Christian romantic suspense series that features five siblings who encounter danger, love, and God in the city of Chicago. (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

If you enjoy psychological twists, enemies-to-lovers romance, and faith-infused reads that bring you closer to God, then you’ll love Jerusha Agen’s spine-tingling suspense novel.

8.04.2026

When the Silence Breaks ~ Review

When the Silence Breaks
Mercy Ridge #1
By Elizabeth Goddard

When a decades old secret is revealed, Sarah Ellison's life is changed forever. Her late grandfather revealed a secret that Sarah feels is directly related to her brother's death--a death she is convinced is murder. With what's left of her family in hiding, Sarah goes searching for answers on a mountain within the Cascade Mountains--a mountain that is even now looming large and deadly--threatening her search for the truth.

But to uncover that truth, Sarah needs Ryder Goodwin's help to get up the mountain. But going up the mountain is the last thing Ryder wants to do; to him it is the site of his greatest failure, and all signs are pointing to danger and a growing threat. 

Prepare yourself for betrayal and unexpected twists. Who will live? Who will die? My lips are sealed and my fingers are off the keyboard. 

If you have never read this author before this is a perfect time to introduce yourself as this is the first book in a new series Mercy Ridge which also happens to be the location of the book. If you like suspense, mystery, danger, decades long secrets, and romance with nothing graphic or overly descriptive thrown in, this is the book for you.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
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.

5.20.2026

Now Until Forever ~ Review with Giveaway

Now Until Forever JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Now Until Forever by Lisa Phillips, 

Now Until Forever
Now Until Forever 
Brand of Justice #16 
By Lisa Phillips 

 First off this is the sixteenth book in the series but it can totally be read without reading the previous books first. Eliana Jaxton has moved to Chicago seeking information about her family and their past. She decided that if no one would answer her questions, she'd find the answers herself. But her quest for answers leads to her discovering a body. A murder in a place that is supposed to be secure. And from there everything starts going really strange.

Carlos Ryson is in Chicago looking for his missing sister when he gets called to The Shrine for a murder. He's just a police officer and not involved with the actual investigation. But he knows Eliana from before and he needs her help discovering what happened to Luci. Of course, he needs to get past the fact that he broke Eliana heart and that she wants nothing to do with him.

All of this starts Eliana and Carlos looking into a cultish group that has a shadowy leader only known as The Mother. And then there are the protesters who don't like The Shrine. It's a whole big ball of coincidence and mess. But no one really believes in coincidences, do they? 

This was an intense read that definitely left one wondering who would survive to the end of the book. There was a brutal murder scene and few other Eww moments dealing with dead bodies, but overall, this was a fairly good read. The romance was definitely in the clean category. I liked that the "villain" wasn't an early reveal. Only near the end did I wonder, could it be? But I did this with a couple of people so, yeah, the suspense continued to build. 

And the ending, I know this is supposed to be the series finale, but it could definitely lead into another story or spin-off series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book

Title: Now Until Forever 
Series:
Brand of Justice #16 
Author:
Lisa Phillips 
Publisher:
Two Dogs Publishing, LLC 
Release Date:
May 6, 2026 
Genre:
Christian Thriller with Romance

**The Epic Stand-alone Finale** 

Born into a legacy, Eliana must find her own brand of justice. 

After moving to Chicago to work at the mysterious Shrine museum, Eliana is determined to uncover the family secrets she’s never been told. When she stumbles upon her first ever dead body, everyone around her believes she should try and solve the murder. But taking cases isn’t what she came here for. Despite her plans, things are about to turn far more sinister, and the path she’s on seems determined to drag her back into a nightmare. 

Chicago PD Officer Carlos Ryson was born into a legacy of his own. He’s here to look for his missing sister, Luci, and wants to enlist Eliana’s help. This is a family problem, and only family working together can solve it. But Eliana has never forgotten the way Carlos shredded her heart. If he wants them to team up, he’ll have to confront the damage he did and find a way to repair it. 

While the city around them descends into a chaos that resembles the end times, someone has seized the opportunity to get what they want from the Shrine. Only Eliana stands in their way, but if she’s going to figure this out she’ll need to trust that the people around her have her back.  

Before it’s too late.  

Now Until Forever is the stand-alone finale to the Brand of Justice series, and is set in the near-future. It features a happily ever after romance mixed with high-stakes suspense in this gripping crime fiction story.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series


About the Author

Lisa Phillips

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Now Until Forever and various book merch goodies!

Now Until Forever JustRead blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 18, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 25, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print. If winner is outside the US, he/she will receive an ebook instead of paperback, along with some book swag. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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3.09.2026

Staged Evidence ~ Review

Staged Evidence
Pen and Dagger #2
By Traci Hunter Abramson

Tessa Seidel has a late-night delivery to make when she happens upon a crime. She stumbles into a murder and is on the run from the killer. With no way to contact anyone, she lost her phone at the crime scene and travels to the Hamptons in hopes of meeting her sister, Kimber Frost. She doesn't find Kimber, who had already returned to Manhattan, but she does meet Parker Sawyer, who agrees to offer her a place to hide out.

But as the evidence piles up against Tessa, she and Parker decide to disappear, while Kimber, along with Brandon, works with her contacts to help clear Tessa's name. But the police seem focused on Tessa and Tessa alone. Kimber trusts her sister, and given the police's recent track record, especially the officer in charge of the investigation, she doesn't trust them to discover the truth. But would someone frame Tessa, or is it just convenient that everything is pointing to her? 

As time to clear Tessa slips away, the danger continues to escalate. Who committed the murder, and why does everything point to Tessa? And how long can she put her life on hold and be able to reclaim it when the truth comes out? 

Staged Evidence was a suspenseful read that kept me guessing who the murderer was. I suspected a couple of people, but I'll admit I was wrong. I love that this was a clean read in the romance department, and the suspense portion was well-written without delving into details that would offer up nightmares. I loved getting better acquainted with Kimber's sister, Tessa, and would happily revisit this series if a new book comes out. Highly recommend if you love clean-reading suspense and romance tucked within the covers of one book. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Add this one to your TBR list -- it has a publication date of April 7, 2026.


About the Book:
From the queen of clean romantic suspense—one terrified witness, 
one unsuspecting Broadway playwright,
and a killer who won’t stop until the final curtain falls.

When Tessa Seidel delivers costumes to a Manhattan television studio late at night, she expects an empty set—not a murder scene. After stumbling upon a woman’s body and nearly being attacked by a man fleeing the scene, Tessa escapes with no idea who to trust—and a fear that the killer knows who she is.

Desperate, she runs to a friend’s beach house in the Hamptons, where Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer is retreating to finish his next script. But he knows danger when he sees it and offers to shelter Tessa, even when they find out she is being accused of committing the murder.


2.26.2026

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail ~ Review with Giveaway

Tracing a Kidnapper's Tail JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 
Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail by Katy Lee, 

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail 
K-9 Search and Rescue #18 
By Katy Lee 

Hunter Shelton's made mistakes in the past and he is filled with regrets about what he should have done differently. But he's turned his life around and hopes that his changed heart is a reflection of that change. But when he is called to a crime scene his past is there waiting for him. His ex-fiancée is the victim and her daughter is missing. Donna is dead and Nancy Sue may be in the hands of drug runners. But to find Nancy Sue before it is too late, Hunter reaches out to Marlee Price, who blames Hunter for the death of her brother. But Marlee is the best, and only the best has a chance at saving one little girl from these dangerous people.

Yeah, Hunter has a load of guilt he's dealing with, and this case bringing back old feelings and memories. But he has a job to do, and that includes keeping DEA Agent Marlee Price and her K-9 partner, Gustav, alive. It's hard to do with a bounty on their heads, but Hunter refuses to not be there for Marlee in her hour of greatest need. If only she could see past the anger and bitterness of the past.

This is a story of second chances and the healing power of accepting the redemptive power of God's love. But like everything, unless we accept the offered gift, we cannot enjoy the freedom it gives our heart and soul.  

As this is an offering from Love Inspired Suspense, you are assured of a book with a satisfying ending and content that won't leave you cringing. Hunter and Marlee are flawed and have to deal with the choices they have both made, but the story offers hope even at their darkest, most desperate hour. 

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.       

P.S. 
I will admit some of the subject matter was more disturbing than most LIS books I have previously read, but I believe it was handled in a sensitive way that did not offend.
                                             

About the Book

Title: Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail 
Series:
K-9 Search and Rescue #18 
Author:
Katy Lee 
Publisher:
Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: February 24, 2026 
Genre:
Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Solving an abduction case  

means a relentless K-9 manhunt… 

When search and rescue worker Hunter Shelton and his bloodhound Libby are called to a crime scene, he discovers his ex-fiancée murdered and her young daughter missing—and he's attacked. Soon, he realizes the little girl may have been taken by drug runners, and could possibly be his own child. With no one else to turn to, Hunter teams up with DEA Agent Marlee Price and her narcotics K-9, despite their rocky history. As they face escalating threats and uncover a rising body count, an old enemy from Marlee's past resurfaces. Will they be able to rescue the child and bring dangerous criminals to justice before time runs out? 

 From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub | Other Places to Buy


About the Author

Katy Lee

#1 Publishers Weekly, best-selling author Katy Lee writes character-driven romantic suspense that thrills and inspires her readers, keeping them coming back for more. She is a multi-award winner and nominee for the Rita Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, Holt Medallion, and Selah Award, celebrating excellence in mystery and suspense. Katy lives in Utah's beautiful, rugged mountains and is also a special education teacher. She runs a literary nonprofit called Story Haven Writers, helping people write their healing stories from trauma. Keep up with Katy and her latest news, including her monthly newsletter, "Novel Ideas" at www.KatyLeebooks.com.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 VISA gift card with a plush Bloodhound and a matching signed bookmark!

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 3, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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2.25.2026

Whispers in the Snow ~ Review with Giveaway

Whispers in the Snow JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 
Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Eljarbo, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Whispers in the Snow
Whispers in the Snow 
Heartwarming Christmas 
By Heidi Eljarbo 

This was a cozy, sweet read featuring Cornelia Gran, a frustrated amateur detective who is inspired by the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  

I loved how this book is set in Norway and that it would have been during the time that my great-great-grandparents were still living there.   

Cornelia is supposed to be looking for a husband, sort of. But she is of a mind that she is not going to marry just to be married. No, only love will tip her to accept a proposal of marriage, and the town she is living in has no one to tempt her heart into fluttering. Instead, she fills her days with reading books, magazines, and newspapers. If she finds something to spark her curiosity, she is ready to investigate. 

When an article sparks Cornelia's curiosity about an abandoned home, she decides to investigate and find the long-gone owners. But soon, Cornelia's investigation leads to the discovery of a "ghost" related to the house. Then, strange men take an interest in the same house as Cornelia, and Cornelia finds that her life and anyone connected to the abandoned house is in danger. 

This book is an easy read and isn't at all graphic. I would have no issue recommending this book to tweens or my grandmother because of content. I would also love additional stories featuring Cornelia Gran and her sleuthing.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book

Title: Whispers in the Snow 
Series:
Heartwarming Christmas 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher:
independently published 
Release Date:
‎ January 27, 2026 
Genre: Cozy Historical Mystery Romance

Of course, a young woman in Norway during the late nineteenth century can be a successful amateur sleuth, and goodness knows, Cornelia’s days are always more exciting when she can devote her time to resolving a local mystery. 

Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief. 

Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband. 

But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality. 

Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.  

Set in a fictitious town in Norway in 1891, this cozy historical mystery is perfect for those who enjoy curious and determined women sleuths, clean and wholesome romance, and the discovery of buried secrets in an abandoned house.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series


About the Author

 

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries. 

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Whispers in the Snow and The Relic Thief, plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

Whispers in the Snow JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 2, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

2.01.2026

Whiteout ~ Review

Whiteout
By Lynette Eason
  and Dani Pettrey

The cold isn't the only killer...

Can I just start out by saying WOW! Whiteout gives two times the reading suspense in this two-in-one book! We get Buried in Shadows from Dani Pettrey and Snowbound Secrets from Lynette Eason. Both stories are set in Colorado on a mountain when an avalanche cuts all concerned parties off from the outside world. Yes, this bad but soon an even greater danger is revealed when not one, but two killers are discovered among them.  

In Buried in Shadows Cassandra Parker had begun to think that her stalker had finally quit checking an eye on her, it's been a year since she was forced to back out of her wedding. But a friend's destination wedding finds Cassandra in Colorado with the man she jilted, Joel Brunswick, and her stalker. When an avalanche strands the entire wedding party in an abandoned cabin, the stalker lets Cassandra know exactly how far he'll go to keep her away from the man she loves. 

So, this story is suspense filled and just a little creepy as we get a glimpse into the stalker's POV. Okay more than a little creepy, more like a whole lotta creepy. And everyone's lives are in danger as the stalker makes his presence known while staying hidden in the background while a big old snowstorm rages outside. Not a before bedtime read, unless you want a reason to stay up late into the night.

In Snowbound Secrets Maya Sullivan is reunited with her past when she decides to take a few days at a Colorado ski resort. When an avalanche cuts the resort off from all contact from the outside world, she's surprised to find Gideon Price also there. She had crushed on Gideon when they were younger, but time and their pasts have left a mark on them both. But when someone decides to target Maya, Gideon offers to help protect her. But why someone would decide to do so is unclear. And until they can discover a motive they can't figure out who is after her.

This story kept me guessing until the villain was revealed, and it was definitely a page-turner and a late night read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

Brace yourself for double the suspense in these snowbound adventures as an avalanche forces two couples to face down their enemies in a ski resort shut off from the outside world.

In Buried in Shadows by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend's destination wedding, praying her stalker hasn't tracked her to Colorado. Also part of the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man she stunned by leaving at the altar to hide a dangerous truth. When an avalanche strands their ski group in an abandoned lodge, it becomes chillingly clear that Cassandra's stalker has followed her . . . and he's willing to kill to make her his.

In 
Snowbound Secrets by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan fully intends to escape her past and finish planning a retreat for military veterans at the ranch she's inherited. Unfortunately, her plans go sideways when an avalanche traps her in a Colorado ski resort. An unexpected reunion with her high school crush forces her to confront past wounds, but she soon realizes someone is targeting her, and their search for a shadowy enemy becomes a matter of life and death.

A gripping romantic suspense novella collection from bestselling authors Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey featuring second-chance romance, trapped together forced proximity, military and law enforcement heroes, a small-town destination wedding, and snowbound survival at a Colorado ski resort.

11.18.2025

Out of Time ~ Review

Out of Time
Undaunted Courage #3
By Irene Hannon

Cara Tucker has the opportunity of a lifetime: to study a dying language with one of its last speakers. Natalie Boyer has journals from her late great aunt Marie describing life in the Old Mines community. But there is a mystery surrounding Marie's death that Natalie hopes going through the old journals might shed some light on the nearly hundred-year-old mystery.

But as Cara and Natalie work together, oddities begin occurring on the Boyer estate. Are they just a coincidence or something darker? Sheriff Brad Mitchell doesn't believe in coincidences, but with little evidence that anything else is happening, there isn't much he can do. And the body found could have been a tragic accident... 

Out of Time really grabbed my attention. It was so hard to know who the true villian was. There were several possible suspects, and oh my, the slow reveal was well worth the reading. The suspense was at the perfect level of intrigue, but not over the top. The following statement came to mind as I read: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." The motivation behind the evil deeds is just so sad, and secrets and hidden truths were at the heart of it all. My thought at the end was, "What if so-and-so had just explained and asked for what they needed instead?" This was an excellent look at the human heart and its motivations. Excellent reading.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
A century-old mystery, a hidden treasure, 
and an isolated estate where danger lurks in every shadow.

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and century-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begins to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.

Sheriff Brad Mitchell has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues.

But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is clear: Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow.  

The Queen of Romantic Suspense presents another page-turning, clean thriller in her Undaunted Courage series. Fans of Colleen Coble, Patricia Bradley, and Terri Blackstock will find this shadowy tale electrifying.

11.11.2025

On the Edge of Trust ~ Review

On the Edge of Trust book front cover features woman with dark blond hair blowing across face
On the Edge of Trust
A Logan Point Novel
By Patricia Bradley

Tori Mitchell has avoided home and her father for years. She can't get past the part he played in her mother's death. But when her teenage nephew finds himself on the wrong side of a murder investigation, Tori returns to Logan Point.

Tori is dedicated to finding justice for those she feels were wrongly charged with a crime and found guilty. Over the years, she's ruffled a few feathers. Now she finds the occasional threat has actually become a reality. In addition to helping her nephew, she will also hide out from the person who seems intent on stopping her current investigation. And if her current investigation leads her back home to Logan Point, so much the better.

What she didn't expect was for danger to follow her home and endanger her family. Nor did she expect to reconnect with Scott Sinclair. With her life in danger, Scott is unofficially asked to help protect her, but with an injury that has him unable to use his right hand, Tori is skeptical of his usefulness. But to keep her family safe she agrees to the plan. 

On the Edge of Trust is a page turning read. Yes, this was a late night/early morning read that had me guessing up until the reveal as to the identity of the guilty party. The old adage about webs of lies leading to problems is so true. Adding to this is Tori's unforgiveness and her belief that people cannot change, which has damaged her relationship with her family. Overall this was an engaging and action-filled book. Reading the previous books in the Logan Point series is not necessary to enjoy this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own. 


About the Book:
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.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.