Cold Vengeance - (Ryland & St. Clair) by Nancy Mehl

I'm quite certain I say this in every review after concluding a novel by Nancy Mehl—but I really mean it! This absolutely was my favorite book she has ever written. And I've been reading and loving her stories ever since I first "discovered" them in a Christian bookstore in my little town. There are so many reasons I claim this particular book as my fave. I heartily enjoyed the dynamics between the two main characters, Tony St. Clair and River Ryland. Don't panic if you haven't read the 1st two books in the series, but it WOULD help you to better understand the growth and development of these two P.I.s. I laughed out loud at their sarcastic, witty, quips—however, their true feelings towards one another were intensely palpable. I also enjoyed the fact this was a suspense within a suspense . . . in other words two whodunits for the price of one! So many twists and turns made my heart race and every turn of the page promised more of the same! Mehl also touched on serious issues such as overcoming fear, abandonment, forgiveness, and the heartbreak of Alzheimer's. There was so much spiritual depth in this novel I had tears streaming down my cheeks at the conclusion. After reading a suspense book? That's a new one for me. To say I was deeply touched is an understatement. Best Nancy Mehl book ever!!

Wow! This book is a faith-filled thrill ride and the perfect conclusion to River and Tony’s story. In this final book in the Ryland and St. Clair series, River and Tony are investigating a missing podcaster, April Bailey at the request of her boyfriend Nathan. They begin to methodically research and end up delving into the cold cases that she covered in her podcast. This novel is a propulsive thriller and impossible to put down. Expertly crafted to weave faith into the storylines, Cold Vengeance is multi-layered and a gripping tale with escalating tension as the story unfolds. The second layer is one of family and relationships as River struggles with forgiving her father for walking out on her mom. This is heart touching and so realistic that I found myself praying for her to do the right thing before I reminded myself that she is a fictional character. The third layer is the helper of the Salt River Strangler who is still stalking River; the danger that he presents to her life is always there, just beneath the surface, as Tony won’t even let her out of his sight. Tony makes a good, determined protector and even shows his vulnerable side when he is personally attacked. I enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters and their humorous banter. I really liked River’s endurance and steadfast faith as she faces the unimaginable. I especially enjoyed the glimpses of the villains and the clues they gave me into who the perpetrator was. This is intriguing, complex and brilliantly written Christian fiction that balances faith with action and suspense with romance in a masterful way. Disclaimer I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley, but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This book is such a satisfying way to end the Ryland & St. Clair series! Author Nancy Mehl delves deeper into a relationship that began as a working partnership and progressed to mutual respect and friendship, but always promised so much more! I always thought that River Ryland and Tony St. Clair were meant to be together but there were so many stumbling blocks! Now, in Cold Vengeance, River still has multiple personal problems and she's threatened by an accomplice of the Salt River Killer. She's a vulnerable target but she isn't alone, because steadfast and loyal Tony is determined to protect her as they both work to find a missing cold-case podcaster! Will he succeed or will they all be at risk? I've loved this series! The cold cases, the FBI profilers in the Behavioral Analysis Unit, and the non-ending danger have kept me turning the pages. I've often said that no one can write a tormented mind better than Nancy Mehl, but she never fails to show how goodness can prevail. If you enjoy thrilling suspense and satisfying romance that's woven together with an inspiring faith message, grab a copy of Cold Vengeance. You may lose some sleep, but you won't regret reading this book! I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

"I know the Bible says the devil is the one behind the evil in the world, but it’s hard not to be angry with people who choose to hurt others.” Such a gripping conclusion to the Ryland + St. Clair series! River and Tony are hired to investigate a case in which a crime podcaster goes missing. Both of their lives become endangered as they uncover evidence she left behind that points to an existing killer. In book 3 we have a new and exciting case to follow plus the old one involving the Salt River Strangler that still haunts River. Plenty of action and plot twists and definitely suspenseful enough for me! Glad for the somewhat not-as-suspenseful in-between times where we get to see River’s faith grow and her and Tony’s relationship blossom. Plenty of family drama, too, as River works through forgiving her father and navigating her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease. I just love Mrs. Weyland - she adds a cozy feel to the otherwise tense subject matter of cold cases and serial killers. As for romance, I like the solid friendship that develops first between River and Ryland and the comfortable back and forth banter they share. Very sweet and wholesome. 🩷 Fast read that I recommend if suspense is your thing. Be sure to read the books in order! I received a paperback arc from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A breathtaking thriller that takes you on an epic journey of murders, mysteries, family drama, and love. This book is the perfect conclusion to a fantastic series with not only River & Tony working to capture the Salt River Strangler before it is to late, but also working to solve the case of the missing podcaster which opens up several different cases. It creates a book full of suspense from the opening pages until the very end. I loved all the different layers of this story from the multiple layers of suspense, the heightened danger, the intense family drama, and the River & Tony exploring the idea of being more than coworkers. I found this book extremely difficult to put down, but I felt it did the series and characters justice when I closed it. It was my favorite of the series! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

“With their lives–and hearts–on the line, can they confront the evil that threatens them before it consumes them both?” the back jacket states in Nancy Mehl’s novel, Cold Vengeance. ~ What ~ The third book of the Ryland + St. Clair series, this three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page advance reader copy targets those interested in a Christian contemporary suspense involving a pair of private investigators trying to locate a missing crime blogger. Using no profanity, the topics of illness, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. In this on-going tale, former FBI analysts River and Tony accept a new case that involves a young blogger focused on cold cases who turns up missing. The two professionals try to find out what happened to the writer by researching her online posts about unsolved murders. At the same time, River must watch her back, knowing a serial killer is still out to get her as she gets emotionally closer to her partner. ~ Why ~ I love a mystery, and this one covers it well by including more than one police case. Most of the characters are explained accurately, especially the one with Alzheimer’s disease. I appreciate that the protagonists trust the Holy Spirit for guidance as they both face danger. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story. Since it is about multiple unsolved murder cases, some may not like the disturbing details. Others may not care for the bantering and teasing between the two main characters. ~ Wish ~ While I appreciate the story mentions God and prayer, there was no true plan of salvation of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and rising from the dead. ~ Want ~ If you like a series about cold cases and serial killers, this one that includes trusting God is engaging as the two work to bring darkness into the light. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.