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.

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. ( )