Nancy MehlBesprekingen

Another great addition to the "Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard" series by Guideposts. Priscilla Latham Grant takes a painting to be cleaned and finds herself caught up in the world of stolen art and buried secrets. Can she find out what's going on before she herself is brought in for a crime?

This has to be one of my favorites in the series so far. The setting, characters, mystery, intrigue, touch of romance...all conspire to create a wonderfully refreshing read.

Recommended.½

I enjoyed this suspenseful story of the efforts to find a serial killer. I plan to read more from this author as they are released. I have read other books from her and like them all.

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.

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.

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.

I’ll start out by saying, I was hooked on the Ryland & St Clair series right out of the gate. Cold Pursuit lured me in, and I am here for the duration of this trilogy, which will be wrapped up in the summer of 2024. So, let’s get to it…

The Ryland & St Clair series is Christian fiction. With that in mind, the first book was light on the religious angle, but shared River’s doubts, an element of looking and finding…something. In Cold Threat it plays a bigger part.

I love a great Prologue, and Cold Threat has one. It starts twenty four years previously with a fire, a saved child, and a snowman ornament.

River Ryland and Troy St Clair have left the FBI behind, and now have their own private investigation firm. Troy’s father calls with an urgent request. He had been the one to save the girl in the Prologue, and the case was never solved. Now, twenty four years later, the arsonist has come to town.

They discover that the Salt River Strangler had a partner, and, though Joseph Baker is in prison, his accomplice has his sights on River. We will need to solve the arsonist’s case, before we move on to River’s stalker, though he lurks in the background, watching. I love the tension created on every page, knowing of one ongoing danger from the stalker and the urgent need to figure it out and stop the arsonist to keep more lives from being taken.

We have plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. There is no real romance, but the attraction between River and Troy grows throughout the story. The feelings are there and it’s just a matter of time before they act on them.

So I am buckling up, getting ready for the conclusion of the the Ryland & St Clair series.

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What a wild ride! I listened to the audiobook version and it was fantastic. After the prologue, I wasn’t sure if this book would be too suspenseful for me. I’m glad I persevered. It is intense! There are some things that might be a little too much for some readers. Be sure to read the content warning at the end if you have concerns.

The story revolves around a doomsday cult known as “The Circle.” Alex is a Behavioral Analyst with the FBI and grew up in the cult. She’s currently working on case of a string of murders all committed in the same way by a man who calls himself the Train Man. Alex immediately recognizes that the killer is either a member of or familiar with the cult. It’s a race against time as she and her partner Logan must try to find the killer and prevent him from enacting one of the Circle’s doomsday prophesies causing a third of the population to die.

This book was so suspenseful! There was never a dull moment. Alex had a very traumatic childhood, which is teased out throughout the book, involving her mother’s death and her bizarre aunt whom she was sent to live with. Her aunt was a member of “The Circle” and some of their beliefs were way out there. There’re mentions of angels and demons and a book that they all follow.

Alex is understandably leery of any kind of religion after surviving her traumatic past. Logan is a Christian and tries to help her with her aversion to religion and the Bible. There’s a hint of a potential romance between the two and I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses.

There are several chapters where we get the killer’s perspective and it’s chilling. The poem alone that he gets his moniker from is so creepy. He definitely has a warped sense of reality and the author does a fantastic job creating a multidimensional villain. This was written right after the pandemic and the virus that he threatens to unleash on the population is far worse.

It’s definitely a book to read with the lights on! Fans of Christian thrillers and romantic suspense will enjoy this book. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.

CW: mentions of suicide, murder, childhood trauma, cockroaches (seriously freaked out by those bugs), discussion of cultish rituals & practices.

Life with God was proving to be interesting. The learning curve required some real changes for River Ryland and at times she doubted herself. Her partner in Watson Investigations, Tony St. Clair, just continues to encourage her. However, memories of the horror she experienced in book 1, Cold Pursuit, often resurfaced as nightmares in the dark of night. With the perpetrator in jail, would she finally be able to get past this?

A request from Tony’s dad had them all working hard to try to find some kind of break in what seemed to be an impossible case. Why would someone kill and then set fire to the house? What is the motive? Does the unsub believe he/she is delivering justice more than vengeance? This incredible story is not one you want to read late at night, as it likely would affect your rest!

An early copy of Ryland & St. Clair Book 2 was received through Bethany House Publishers and Baker Publishing Group. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

“Seems when we realize what Christ went through to forgive us, we really don’t have any reason not to forgive others.”
A thrilling, suspense filled book that teaches lessons that we need to learn.
As River and Tony try to start their private investigation agency, Tony’s father, Ray, asks for their help. River and Tony travel from St. Louis to Burlington, Iowa to look into a puzzling case Ray would like solved before he retires. But danger ramps up as they profile the UnSub.
I am glad for the way the characters rely on their faith in God to define their lives and do their jobs. A big theme is forgiveness and how each one realizes that since Christ did so much for us, how could we not forgive others. This was played out in the family dynamics of both families. I am thankful for the clear Christian message contained in this entertaining, suspenseful novel. I was absolutely surprised at who the culprit was. And there is more to come because while one threat was dispelled, another is still present. Cannot wait for book three.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through PICT tours on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Having read several of Nancy Mehl's books, I was looking forward to reading Cold Threat and I was not disappointed. Although second in the Ryland & St Clair series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. The author fills in the back story well so the reader is not in the dark about the back story. Former FBI profilers, River and Tony, are now fledgling PIs and have agreed to help his father with a case that has haunted him for decades. The story is full of family, faith, edge-of-the-seat mystery, and a bit of romance too. The cast of characters is diverse, with each character having their unique personalities and personal boundaries that are tested as the hunt for the killer progresses. I enjoy books in a series and I can't wait to read the next installment. If you're a fan of contemporary mystery and suspense stories, then you'll want to read this book. I read a complimentary copy of the book and I was not required to write a positive review. However, the opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

Once again Nancy Mehl kept me page turning for answers, and yes, I did read the first book in this series, and you might want to read it first, but she does a wonderful job of bringing you up to date!

This read has murders twenty years apart, and brings together the former FBI team of Ryland and St. Clair, whom now run their own detective agency. We visit with Tony's family, and see how this personally affects his family!

There are so many twists and turns here, and I really didn't see the main one coming! There is so much love and forgiveness, but there is so much danger, and in the end it is coming from more than one front.

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

My Review of Mind Games by Nancy Mehl
I should warn you that this review had spoilers…

Creepy! I expected this to be dark but did it really have to end like it did? Ugh! I want to enjoy a book with just a bit of hope. This book was interesting but I hate that the killer was killing for the reason they were. The murders were useless enough but the why was ridiculous! Why is it that almost every book I read in the last month all led to adultery? It's sickening! I'm just so tired of the 'Christian' fiction I read being less clean than the fiction I rarely read. Sighs. Why? What makes every suspense lead to adultery or something of the like?

That's without mentioning Kaely's odd and mostly insane way of working in a case. I'm sorry for the author and that I'm giving such a bad review but I'm am tired of books that are filled with adultery.

Oh, but if you like books with imaginary friends, an imaginary cat, (that's an adult we're talking about, not a kid.) and talking over a case in public with a suspect who isn't really there this may be a book for you.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it.

This was a great read especially since we are almost in the Winter season. This adventure gave me another reason to not enjoy snow. The characters were well developed and their relationships were built gradually to allow for a true to life situation(s). The suspense grew as the story developed and I was not able to pause reading until I finished it. I highly recommend this as a must read for thriller/suspense lovers. Can't wait to read the next in this series.

I always love a good mystery. This one did not disappoint. This is a contemporary novel involving looking for a missing person. I read whatever this author publishes.

A very entertaining fall mystery. Priscilla Latham Grant is once again at the heart of things in her small Martha's Vineyard community. This time a ghost, an old unsolved mystery, and a troubled teen converge upon her lighthouse haven. It's light-hearted and fun and perfect for the fall/Halloween season. Grab a hot drink and enjoy.

This has been my favorite of the "Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard" series thus far. Highly recommended!

When I saw that Nancy Mehl had a new series coming out, I just knew I had to read it! I have come to expect creepy villains and heart pounding plots from her and Cold Pursuit did not disappoint in either area. I was hooked from the prologue and I stayed on the edge of my seat until the very last page. The villain had some quite unique issues which made the story even more interesting. For lovers of romantic suspense, I will say that this book was much heavier on the suspense than the romance. After reading other Nancy Mehl series, I have come to expect the romance between the main characters to be a slow build through the series and it appears that will be what happens again. I can't wait for book 2! Just hate that readers have to wait until January!

Thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Title: Cold Pursuit (Ryland & St Clair #1)
Author: Nancy Mehl
Pages: 336
Year: 2023
Publisher: Bethany House
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
River Ryland is a woman who has suffered trauma during her time with the FBI. Her best friend and partner is Tony St. Clair who also worked for the FBI. Now, they form the Watson Private Detective Agency. While they still use the knowledge and skills they attained from their time as Behavioral Analysts with FBI, it is their near death at the hands of a serial killer that they don’t want to repeat.
River has moved home to help take care of her mother who is living with Alzheimer’s and trying not to let her near death experience define her life. Tony moved right along with River and felt their new venture would help them both move forward. The two are a dynamic duo who are soon faced with a grieving mother and a budding mystery. The cold case is four years old, but as the plot progresses there seems to be more skeletons hidden in the closet for the young man suspected of doing harm to many.
Yet, there is a killer who is focusing on River and is determined to get to her though the motive is yet unclear. The case the two friends and now co-owners of the detective agency thought they had sewn up and taken care of has now taken on a new life. River wrestles with believing and trusting in God because of her family history, and Tony has a recurring condition from the injuries he sustained when the serial killer shot him.
In a brand-new series with twists and turns and a plot that builds quickly, Nancy Mehl takes readers on a wild ride! The novel contains two story arcs, one of which is resolved in Cold Pursuit. The bigger arc isn’t resolved as it leaves readers wanting more of the backstory to the two main characters. I couldn’t put the book down; it just kept pulling me further and further into the pages. Unlike other books that ended one plot but left the other open, this one didn’t leave me frustrated. I can’t wait to read what happens to the main characters, River and Tony, but also the mystery person who is bent on getting to River. Here is a tale of loss, hope, forgiveness, and restoration. Audiences truly will want to read, enjoy, and share Cold Pursuit while waiting for the next installment!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

Wow! This is my first book by Nancy Mehl and I can’t wait to read more. I love a good psychological suspense and this book was definitely it. From the get go I was hooked and ended up devouring it.

River Ryland is an ex-FBI profiler who still suffers from PTSD after almost ending up a murder victim in a case she was investigating. Her friend and former partner Tony St. Clair suffered lasting effects as well. Now River’s moved to St. Louis to start an investigative firm with Tony and to be near her mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s.

Their first case involves a mother who needs closure concerning her son’s disappearance. As they investigate, they discover a serial killer on the loose who suffers from schizophrenia and a rare condition called synesthesia. Told from several points of view including the killer’s, this fast-paced, complex, inspirational psychological thriller will keep you quickly turning the pages to find out what happens next.

I enjoyed the friendship between River and Tony. They both have a lot of baggage yet work well together and are such a support to each other. There’s a hint of romance and I look forward to seeing how this plays out in future books. The faith element is woven beautifully and naturally throughout the story and I enjoyed seeing River rediscover her faith.

The killer’s point of view is both disturbing and heart wrenching. It’s clear he’s been mistreated and fallen through the cracks of the mental health system. His anger and delusions add a frightening twist to the story.

It’s an exciting start to a new series with an ending that leaves you wanting and needing more, especially when River’s past comes back to haunt her. Highly recommend to inspirational romantic suspense and suspense fans! While there are some instances sensitive readers may find disturbing, it’s a clean read with minimal violence and descriptions. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

I loved all the action and suspense in this book. I loved how River and Tony get closer as they try to help a mom get closure. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Kaely is called to the town her mom lives in by her brother Jason to help care for their mother Marcie. The three of them don't really have a good relationship due to the past. The town is suffering from a rash of fires that are deemed accidents, but Kaely sees a pattern. Starting an investigation of her own she speaks with the fire chief, sheriff, and townspeople. Not being there officially she is pulled off into another investigation and paired with Noah again. When the investigation they are working on goes sideways they are sent together to investigate the fires. Too much is not adding up, there's a slew of suspects from the past & present, a Kaely is having problems with her investigative technique. Stronger feelings for Noah are developing that she's denying and is taking a stress toll. Trying to mend fences with her mother and both of their selfishness is affecting her too. Life and death come into play with a twisted relentless killer who has Kaely in his sights.

Kaely is an intriguing enigma FBI profiler that uses unconventional methods to find killers. She's the daughter of a serial killer so she's had to change her name after being outed by a newspaper reporter who follows her from location to location. The reporter received a letter about Kaely under her given name that's threatening to her and others. She is paired up with Noah to pursue leads after the first murder occurs. A nursery type poem describes what's going to happen and she & Noah must work together to get ahead of the killer before he strikes again. Alex, an agent and Kaely's previous partner who had feelings for her shows up putting a rift in the investigation and throwing Kaley off her game. Noah is dealing with tragedy from his own life but is drawn into Kaelys as they narrow suspects down and get ready for a final confrontation with a killer. A solid twisty book with Christian values and believing and praying to God while confronting monsters.

After being FBI profilers River and Tony set up as private investigators. The first case involves a missing person and although most likely dead his mother is anxious to know what happened.
The story involved several different people with mental health issues. We especially learn about River's mum who has Alzheimer's. There is a difficult back story between them and Tony and Hannah the carer get involved.
Tony is a commited Christian but River has no time for this having past issues to deal with.
There is also one character who has major problems and it's clear early on he's somehow involved. Brian has synthesia which means senses are perceived differently. He literally sees red when angry when someone.
This is a very tense book in places but the good news is there is no bad language or sexual scenes. I can totally recommend if a thrilling read is what you're looking for.
It's the first book in a series so will be interesting to see how the characters develop later.
I received this book for free and all views expressed are entirely my own.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. I thought at first I had it figured out as far as who done it, and then that blew up in my face, so the more I read I kept thinking okay this person done it , but no I was wrong again. So this is one of those books that when you find out who did do it, your like "oh wow are you serious?" This is a very good mystery/suspense book. I was not lucky enough to read the first books in this series but it is just as good as a stand alone book. I would recommend this to anyone who loves this genre.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book for the purpose of this review.

This suspenseful story hits the ground running with characters that fairly jump off the page!

Cold Pursuit is the debut book in the new suspense series. Ryland & St. Clair, by veteran author Nancy Mehl, and was a welcome and exciting surprise for this first-time reader of the author’s work. With solid backstories for the main characters and an intricate and compelling plot, I was hooked by the story from the terrifying prologue to the final resolution.

The main characters, River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are well-developed, with complex and gutsy histories that made these two individuals matter to me at once. Both have struggles that are a result of a traumatic incident that occurred at their previous job. I found River’s family story equally compelling reading as the investigation storyline. Brian’s narrative was riveting.

The plot involves a cold case disappearance of a teenager, the two main characters establishing their private investigation firm and coping with the residual effects of their final case with the FBI, the lasting impacts of divorce, infidelity, and mental illness on families, drug use and overdoses, and the characters’ thoughts on their relationship with God. Some of these are difficult, tough subjects, and the author does a wonderful and sensitive job weaving them together to create a mesmerizing, edge-of-your-seat story. I can’t wait to see what the author follows up with in book two.

This suspenseful story hits the ground running with characters that come alive on the page. I recommend COLD PURSUIT to readers of thrillers and suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

I’m never disappointed by a book from Nancy Mehl. This one is no exception. I loved the main characters and the story was unique and kept me reading. One character has a condition called Synesthesia and although I’ve read books with this before, this one was thrilling! It was hard to put down, because there’s no good stopping points. The story just starts with such intensity and keeps going and keeps you guessing.

I knew it was the first book in a series, so the closer I got to the end the slower I wanted to read. But, the suspense was killing me and I had to finish it. Now, the wait begins for book 2!

This is a Christian fiction book, but it was not overpowering if that’s something you look for. No sex, no bad language…just pure adrenaline with great characters.