Nancy Mehl

The story of private investigators River and Tony continue in this second book in the series. After the suspense and thriller details in book one, Cold Threat has the investigators becoming involved in the pursuit of the Snowman arsonist and killer. As previous FBI behavioral analysts, River and Tony are helping Tony's father, Roy, analyze a recurring killer by analyzing all the facts they can gather. As they do this, their personal relationship continues to grow closer and it seems that there might be a budding romance. Their encounters with evil while drawing them closer together also draws them closer to a relationship with God. Tony has a strong faith and relies totally on God. River's faith is faint but grows.

As Cold Threat ends, the storyline is still hanging by a tenuous thread that the author will tie nicely as the series concludes. I can hardly wait for book three in the summer. Of note, the author addresses issues within the child foster care system, Alzheimer's disease, and mental health issues.

Cold Threat is a good mix of suspense, investigation, faith, and personal relationships, all items that stories by Nancy Mehl are known for and that keep her readers returning for more.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.… (meer)

River and Tony help Tony's dad pursue an arsonist nicknamed the "Snowman" because he strikes in December and leaves a snowman ornament near the crime scene. Both River and Tony used to work for the FBI but are now private investigators. Their present task is to build a profile of the arsonist. The crimes took place is Iowa, and the current situation is in Burlington although the crimes began earlier and took place in other places in the state. The writing failed to keep me engaged. Readers have no doubt about River and Tony's faith in Christ because the author makes sure to incorporate it constantly. I would not call it preachy, but I do think a non-Christian reader might be turned off by it rather than continuing to read it. (I am a Christian and appreciate their faith, but I think the author sometimes relied on the faith aspects of the novel rather than her writing to build a bridge to the readers.) I did not read the previous book in the series so it's possible that also affected my opinion on the book although I did not really feel I lacked backstory. I thought the writing was substandard. I received the book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. I see other reviewers loved the book, but I only continued to read the book because of the commitment to review it honestly. I did not feel I could be completely honest without finishing it.… (meer)

Another exciting thrill ride in the Ryland and St. Clair series! I was eagerly anticipating the continuation of River’s and Tony’s story after the first book Cold Pursuit. This book was just as intense with a devious new serial killer known as “The Snowman” and the continued threat of River’s stalker always present in the background. It’s an edge of your seat, inspirational, romantic suspense that’s extremely hard to put down.

This story can be read as a standalone since Nancy Mehl expertly reintroduces River Ryland, an ex-FBI behavioral analyst, and her former partner Tony St. Clair with enough background so new readers can quickly be brought up to speed. They’ve teamed up to form their own private investigative firm after suffering serious side effects from a particularly harrowing case where River was nearly killed and Tony injured.

In this story, River’s accompanying Tony to his childhood home at Christmas time to help his law enforcement father with a case that’s been troubling him for over 20 years. The serial killer murdered his victims and then set fire to their houses leaving the same type of snowman ornament at the scene of the crime. Though a man was convicted of the murders, fires with the same MO are happening where Tony’s parents live in Burlington, Iowa. Is this a copycat, or did the real killer escape punishment?

I absolutely enjoyed this story! I loved seeing River and Tony grow closer. There was a hint of romance in the first book, and it’s explored more here. I also liked seeing the dynamics of Tony’s family. There are some who blame River for what happened to Tony, as she does herself. Her need to find faith, forgiveness, and peace from the past are issues River grapples with throughout the story. I love her relationship with Tony and am definitely cheering for these two to find love and a happily ever after.

The investigation surrounding the serial killer was intense, especially when there are times we get his perspective. The ending was particularly nail-biting and I was on pins and needles wondering how everything would be resolved. It’s a fast-paced, suspenseful sequel not only with this serial killer, but with River’s stalker popping up throughout.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series! It’s a definite must read for Christian romantic suspense fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Partners in Crime Tours. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.… (meer)