Tag Archives: Nancy Mehl

Top 10 Tuesday — Books I’d Like from Santa

24 Dec

Happy Christmas Eve! While there is really zero shopping time left, Santa’s magic could still bring you your bookish wishes under the tree tomorrow morning. And when I say Santa’s magic, I mean the incredible digital books and gift cards that can be delivered instantly. 😉 Santa (and my family) rarely grant my book wishes. It’s not because they don’t care about me, it’s because they honestly think I have all the books I need! I have been unsuccessful in changing their minds. LOL! They have, on occasion, given me Amazon gift cards, so that’s kind of the same. And my husband has been giving me Kindles since the first one was available — he feeds my addiction nicely.

Today, TTT has tasked us with listing books on our Christmas wishlists. The books I am featuring are new for the upcoming year, so those gift cards can really come in handy for pre-orders.

What books are you looking for under the tree?

For more bookish dreams and wishes, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Books I’d Like (to pre-order) for Christmas

Ambush by Colleen Coble

Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn

Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow

The Hunted Heir by Jayna Breigh

Midnight on The Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason

Shattered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl

Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard

Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon

Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright

Mini-Book Reviews — Cold Pursuit/Cold Threat

23 Dec

Nancy Mehl writes great serial killers! If you love books with creepy, yet intriguing bad guys, then her books are waiting on you. Her Ryland And St. Clair series features ex-FBI profilers turned private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair who use their specialized skills to tackle cold cases in the St. Louis area and beyond.

In Cold Pursuit the partners and friends are just starting their business and are tasked with finding a missing son. Their investigation stirs up a hornets nest and they are soon in the thick of danger. I liked the exploration of River and Tony’s friendship. It was very natural and realistic. The cold case was intriguing and I found the way these two did research into the background of the missing man and his associates interesting. There is also the threat from a serial killer who they put in jail prior to their retirement from the FBI. Is he behind the current threats to River? This thread runs throughout the 3 books of the series, and adds a good deal of tension. The reader also gets glimpses of the diabolical workings of the bad guy’s mind.

In Cold Threat, River and Tony travel to Tony’s family home. A solved case from his father’s days as a policeman is the subject of their newest investigation. Is this a copycat murderer/arsonist or did they have the wrong man all along? There is lots of action with elements of danger to the characters. I enjoyed how River and Tony worked together to find out whodunit. Again, the bad guy’s POV is presented with chilling insight. River and Tony’s relationship continues to develop naturally.

Both are excellent choices for fans of suspense with an element of romance. And they are perfect for wintertime reading — you really get the cold factor in this series. Book 2 builds on book 1, so be sure to start from the beginning of this series.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to NetGalley for complimentary copies. All opinions are mine alone.)

Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They’re soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son, who disappeared four years ago. River knows there’s almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy’s trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. As River and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, an even more dangerous threat emerges, stirring up the past that haunts River and plotting an end to her future.

Twenty 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 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: http://www.nancymehl.com.

First Line Friday — Free Fall

20 Dec

Happy Friday! I am spending the last couple of weeks of 2024 pleasure reading. And nothing gives me more pleasure than a serial killer book by Nancy Mehl. 😉 I recently finished the last book in her Quantico Files series (I am also cleaning up my NetGalley shelf). What a great ending to the series.

Here’s the first line:

The screams of people buckled into rides designed to either terrify or thrill them rang out in the darkness.

The closer she comes to the truth, the deadlier her chase gets.

FBI behavioral analyst Alex Donovan and her colleague Logan Hart have been called upon to write a profile for a missing woman, but a little digging quickly turns up more disappearances in Virginia with the same physical description. 

Alex is in a race against the clock to rescue the missing victims, so when the UNSUB makes demands of her in exchange for information, Alex takes the bait. But when her life is put in jeopardy, Logan must do whatever it takes to track them down before time runs out.

Alex works to think one step ahead of the suspect, but the more Logan and the BAU learn about the serial kidnapper, the more they fear Alex may not make it out alive.

Top 10 Tuesday — Serial Killers

29 Oct

Happy Halloween TTT! Today’s freebie is courtesy of the letters S and K, which stand for SERIAL KILLERS! I have been posting a Halloween TTT for years now and have exhausted all the hooks I can think of. So today I am listing books that feature serial killers. I know it seems extreme to choose this theme, but Halloween movies almost always involve some knife/chainsaw/gun-wielding killer. But rest assured, the killers in the books listed are (eventually) taken care of.

For more Halloween mayhem, visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top 10 Books That Feature Serial Killers

8 Down by Kimberly Woodhouse

The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks

Coming of Winter by Tom Threadgill

Critical Threat by Lynette Eason

Cuts Like A Knife by M.K. Gilroy

False Pretense by Heather Day Gilbert

Legacy of Lies by Christy Barritt

Mind Games by Nancy Mehl

Night Fall by Nancy Mehl

The Pawn by Steven James

First Line Friday — Cold Vengeance

13 Sep

Happy Friday! My book club read Cold Vengeance by Nancy Mehl last month, so I am a bit late posting the first line. But because this book is so good, I couldn’t not post! If you are a fan of romantic suspense, with emphasis on suspense, then you need to check out the whole series.

Here’s the first line:

Her will to fight was fueled more by fear than resolve, but it was all she had left.

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?

If You Liked . . . Cold Vengeance

31 Aug

Nancy Mehl is a favorite with my book club, so we were sorry that her Ryland and St. Clair series has come to an end. The mystery that kept us guessing, the edge of our seat suspense, and the charming character duo made this book (and series) a winner. If you liked it too, then check out some more reading recommendations.

Dynamic Duo

The Escape by Lisa Harris

US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. 

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead–and one fugitive on the run. They’ll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear–and will do anything to stop them.

This high-octane game of cat-and-mouse from bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris will have your heart pumping as you try to catch a fugitive with nothing to lose.

Serial Killer

Critical Threat by Lynn Blackburn

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn’t mean they’re not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer–in prison but certainly not out of Sam’s life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter’s MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They’ve met before–and though Grace thought they’d made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They’ll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case–especially because it’s about to get personal.

Private Investigators

Midnight on The Mississippi by Mary Ellis

New Orleans—Hunter Galen, a stock and securities broker, suspects his business partner, James Nowak, may be involved in embezzling their clients’ money, but he’s reluctant to jeopardize their friendship based on suspicion alone. After James turns up dead, Hunter realizes his unwillingness to confront a problem may have cost James his life.

Nicki Price, a newly minted PI, intends to solve the stockbroker’s murder, recover the missing millions from the client accounts, and establish herself in the career she adores. As she ferrets out fraud and deception at Galen Investments, Hunter’s fiancée, Ashley Menard, rubs Nicki the wrong way. Nicki doesn’t trust the ostentatious woman with an agenda longer than the Mississippi River. Ashley seems to be hiding something, but is Nicki’s growing attraction to Hunter—a suspected murderer—her true reason for disliking Ashley?

As they encounter sophisticated shell games, blackmail, and murder, Nicki and Hunter’s only option is to turn to God as they search for answers, elude lethal danger, and perhaps discover love along the way.

Book Review — Cold Vengeance

27 Aug

Cold Vengeance by Nancy Mehl was my book club’s August selection. Most of us had to read the first two books in the series also, but that’s ok! There’s a lot to love. Find out all about the book, author, and my thoughts below.

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?

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: http://www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: http://www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook!

My Impressions:

Cold Vengeance is the final book in a 3-part series by Nancy Mehl. Romantic suspense is the genre, and Mehl delivers on both. The novels feature River Ryland and Tony St. Clair, FBI behavioral analysts turned private investigators. The series follows the two as they tackle cold cases. There’s also a serial killer who stalks River through the 3 books — complex plotting reigns! I especially liked Cold Vengeance not only because the mystery that has been present throughout the series is finally revealed, but because River and Tony investigate their hardest case to date — a missing podcaster who also investigates cold cases. Besides looking for April Bailey, River and Tony delve into April’s cold cases. Sound complicated? It is a bit, but I loved how Mehl handled the various story lines — I was never confused and always engaged. The romance side of the story develops naturally. There is chemistry between the two main characters from the beginning, but it’s not rushed, making it feel true to life. Relationships is a big theme in Cold Vengeance. The author looks at the positives and the negatives, showing how every action impacts the growth of an individual. The most important relationship one can have, the one with God, is presented as well. The spiritual themes are strong and woven seamlessly within the narrative.

Of all the books in this series, Cold Vengeance is my favorite. It really should not be read by itself though, so you are in luck — lots of great reading ahead! I’m also hoping this will not be the last we see of River and Tony, and April really needs her own series too!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Top 10 Tuesday — Bookish Coworkers

20 Aug

Happy Tuesday! This week’s TTT is all about relationships. The books I have chosen involve close knit coworkers. Besides their cool jobs, the characters are friends — and sometimes more 😉 . It would be fun to be a part of the whole office dynamic if I could be the one to answer the phones. I love to read suspense, but I don’t want to actually live it! The books below are the first in each series — lots of time to spend at the office!

For more relationship lists, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books with Cool Coworkers

Active Defense by Lynette Eason

Beneath The Surface by Lynn Blackburn

End Game by Rachel Dylan

The Escape by Lisa Harris

The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey

Lights Out by Natalie Walters

Night Fall by Nancy Mehl

Operation Joktan by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn

Standoff by Patricia Bradley

Vanished by Irene Hannon

August Book Club Pick — Cold Vengeance

1 Aug

My book club had a fun elimination game to pick this month’s book. Everyone put a title of a book in the basket and then drew. The last one chosen won! So in August we are reading Cold Vengeance by Nancy Mehl. Luckily I had read the first two books in the series, or I would be in a serious reading time crunch! Please join us in our discussion. You know you want a good series to binge read. 😉

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?

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: http://www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: http://www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook!

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Cold Vengeance

25 Jul

Cold Vengeance JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Cold Vengeance by Nancy Mehl hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Cold Vengeance

Title: Cold Vengeance
Series: Ryland & St. Clair #3
Author: Nancy Mehl
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: July 16, 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense

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 serial killer, and he will stop at nothing to carry out a deadly plan.

As the pair delves deeper, they soon find themselves the target 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?

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Mehl brings her Ryland & St. Clair series to an explosive close with a pulse-pounding story where the stakes are high and silence is deadly.

Excerpt

“She left her purse behind?” Tony asked.

That was significant. Most women wouldn’t take off without their purse. “Did she have a cell phone?” River asked.

Nathan nodded. “I found it in her apartment, along with her laptop. She would never abandon that either. She used it for all of her cases.”

“Cases?” River asked. “What are you talking about?”

Nathan sighed deeply. “I’m sorry. I should have explained that. I’m so worried I’m not thinking straight. April has a podcast. Hot Coffee and Cold Cases. She investigates cases that the police have given up on.”

River looked at Tony, who was obviously surprised.

“That fact is rather important,” Tony said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“I know. Again, I’m sorry,” Nathan said. “To be honest, I’d almost given up on ever seeing her again. But then the note came. The idea that she’s still alive . . .” His eyes filled with tears.

“It’s okay,” River said, attempting to comfort the distraught young man. She was trying to digest this new information. Was April missing because of one of her cold cases? Did she get too close to the truth? Had someone kidnapped her . . . or worse . . . decided to shut her up?

Suddenly, this missing-­person case had turned interesting—­and potentially very dangerous.

© 2024 by Nancy Mehl

Published by Bethany House Publishers



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

More Books from this Series:


About The Author

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl is the author of more than fifty books, a Parable and ECPA bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.

Connect with Nancy by visiting NancyMehl.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the complete paperback set of the Ryland & St. Clair series and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Cold Vengeance JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 24, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 31, 2024. 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. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours