 Author: Nancy Mehl Genre: Mystery/Suspense Series: Ryland & St. Clair #3 Pages: 336 Release Date: July 16, 2024 Publisher: Bethany House 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?
 Reviewer: Trinity Caver “Cold Vengeance” is the final installment of an exciting series by Nancy Mehl. The story follows private investigators Ryland as the female standout character and Tony as the male protagonist. Ryland and Tony take on a new case involving the disappearance of a cold-case podcaster named April Bailey. As they delve into April’s cases, they must also contend with the looming threat of the Salt River Strangler’s accomplice, who is still after Ryland. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, including personal challenges faced by the main characters such as Ryland’s mother’s illness, her absent father’s attempts to reconnect, and the budding romance between Ryland and Tony. Amidst all of this, the characters lean on their faith and trust in God to see them through. Overall, it may be helpful to read the other two books in the series, but it is not absolutely necessary as there is not a lot of background that would need to be understood more in-depth. The story captures the essence of faith-infused suspense, with themes of grace and forgiveness running through the narrative. Another main theme that seamlessly is woven into the story is prayer and its importance in the life of followers of Christ. The tension and suspense are palpable, and there are plenty of unexpected twists that will keep readers engaged. Overall, “Cold Vengeance” is a compelling read that is sure to appeal to fans of the series and newcomers alike. I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.  Reviewer: Kristina Hall A great conclusion to the Ryland and St. Clair series! I enjoyed “seeing” River and Tony again. They were both well-developed characters whom I’ve grown fond of over the course of the series. I wouldn’t be sad if Nancy Mehl wrote another series featuring them. River, especially, experienced a ton of growth throughout the series. Plenty of high stakes, character development, hints of romance, and suspenseful moments kept me reading right along. I thought it was cool how several cases were solved in this one. I did feel like Tony and River’s plan to uncover the villain in the end came a little out of nowhere. I would’ve appreciated a scene or two of planning to transition from one case to the other. The villain reveal did surprise me. I guess I’m not a very good detective. The faith content leaned toward the Charismatic side of things, but I really appreciated River’s spiritual growth. The hints of romance were well done, and Tony and River were sweet together. Overall, Cold Vengeance was an exciting read that I’d recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and suspense novels. I received this book free from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. Reviewer: Rick Norris A mystery thriller! The latest book by Nancy Mehl, Cold Vengeance, was a fun and fast read. The author did a great job of “building a case” for a story that entertains those interested in different Christian subgenres: action/adventure, mystery, thriller, and romance. The story starts when a renowned crime podcaster vanishes without a trace. The podcaster’s boyfriend hires former FBI behavioral analysts turned private investigators, River Ryland and Tony St. Clair, to track her down. As the private eyes wade through the evidence she left behind, they unearth a startling connection: the podcaster seems to have discovered the identity of a previously unknown killer who will stop at nothing to carry out a deadly plan. As the pair delve deeper, they become targets of a relentless enemy determined to silence them. With their lives—and hearts—on the line, they confront an extraordinary evil. This is a “mystery-thriller” because it starts as a mystery and then, deep inside the story it evolves into a thriller. The author later resurrects the mystery component by changing directions. The story has a Christian orientation, as the two main characters rely on God as their strength when under stressful conditions. Scripture is weaved throughout the book, displaying the characters’ motivation. One scene uses a flashback to tell of the repentance of a person who had betrayed his family. The two main characters’ romantic relationship is initially under the radar but reveals itself as the story continues, satisfying romance readers. The author addresses a topic that most others shy away from—Alzheimer’s disease. A subplot threads its way through the story as one of the main characters deals with their emotional journey of a parent suffering from this disease. The reader feels the trauma of that realization. This helps educate the world about the painful struggle many feel when their loved ones suffer from this disease. This book is an entertaining read for Nancy Mehl’s fans and fans-to-be. I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for an unbiased and objective review. Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise I always look forward to books by Nancy Mehl and this one was a nail-biter. A missing podcaster who investigates cold cases has River and Tony on a chase, not only to find April but to dig into those cases. And do not forget the killer who still has them in his sights. Lots of danger when they did not expect it as well as anticipating the final blow from the villain they know is after them. To complicate things, River’s mom, Rose, has Alzheimer's, and her dad, who says he is asking for forgiveness, ramps up the pressure to meet with them. Then there is the attraction between River and Tony that neither one wants to acknowledge or discuss. The author has told a complex story with complicated family dynamics and interesting details about solving cold cases. River and Tony are growing in their faith and the sweet romance is based on respect for each other. This was a satisfying conclusion to the series. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews, for my honest review. Reviewer: Conny Withay “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. 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. 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. 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. While I appreciate that 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. 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. Reviewer: Anna Bottoms Cold Vengeance is the perfect ending to this blockbuster series by Nancy Mehl, who knows how to stack up the clues, ramp up the action, and write believable stories that jump off the page. Ryland and Tony are working on their new PI business when they’re brought an intriguing case. A cold-case podcaster, April Bailey, has disappeared, and only her boyfriend is convinced there was foul play. As they work out the clues, they are drawn into April’s cases, but is her disappearance connected or is something else at play? Things may get dangerous, but they also can’t forget that the partner of the Salt River Strangler is still after Ryland. Amidst all of this, Ryland’s personal life is changing with her mom’s illness, her absent father wanting to reconnect, and her growing feelings for Tony. This is the perfect time to lean into her growing faith and rely on God, who can help carry it all. I loved this book. It drew me into the lives of the characters as though I were there. I highly recommend it. I was given a copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest opinion of the book. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney "Father, Your Word says that You give Your angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways. That no weapon formed against us will prosper... You've promised to be with us... We believe your promises." (This prayer, in its entirety, makes this story so very special!) Tony St. Clair's prayer over his business partner and very best friend-to-more River Ryland, is a window into the depths of his heart for God. Tony's amazing prowess as an investigator and former F.B.I. analyst is only eclipsed by his desire to protect River, thus providing the perfect complement for her fierce determination to seek justice for all. As the story begins, their newly formed private investigative firm has just been handed their first "official" case, but it is the unofficial case that they continue to ponder that has them both on edge; the Salt River Strangler remains on the prowl, watching and waiting to exact his revenge. This story boasts a lot of moving parts: a crime blogger has disappeared under suspicious circumstances. River is dealing with painfully deep-seeded family issues. Tony is sticking to River like glue until her stalker is behind bars, and they are both trying to figure out how and when to expose their true feelings for each other. Rising above all those elements is the author's sincere desire for her book to be a testimony of grace and forgiveness. Biblical truths have been authentically woven throughout the entire novel. Nonetheless, make no mistake, the stakes are high, the pace is urgent, and the clues are so convoluted that it's a wonder River and Tony can survive the vicious currents of "cold vengeance." I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. Reviewer: Tammy Lunsford
Trust me when I tell you not to start reading this book close to bedtime, because sleep will be impossible until you finish it. Nancy Mehl has a special talent for sucking readers into her books, and that was very evident to me as I flew through the pages of this book. When a local cold crime podcaster vanishes, her future husband wants answers. No one seems to believe she was taken. This is what brings him to River Ryland and Tony St. Clair. River and Tony used to be members of the FBI's BAU. They are now private investigators. This case is growing colder by the second, and he wants professional help in locating her, as not even her father believes she was taken against her will. As River and Tony start to dig through the cases that she has addressed on her podcast, they begin to see an eerie pattern emerging, one that may bust several cases wide open. As they get deeper into this case, they now have another enemy who is determined to stop them from further investigation, along with the threat of a serial killer who has vowed retribution against River. These two cannot catch a break. They are seemingly in more danger now than they were when they worked for the FBI. The tension and suspense were so real to me that I found myself clenching my jaw and wanting to yell at the characters and give them instructions (as if I could help them). There were plenty of unexpected twists that snapped off of the page, leaving you wondering what just happened. Ryland and St. Clair are a formidable team, but they are not bulletproof. What they do have is incredible faith that their prayers will be answered. There were some sad moments as River dealt with the realities of her mother's Alzheimer's illness. I got a little teary-eyed a few times in those scenes. If you enjoy faith-infused suspense, you don't have to look any further than this book and this series. I would highly recommend that you read books 1 and 2 before you read this one. The author provides a descriptive background of the past to catch you up, but you will more fully appreciate the characters and their lives if you read the first two books. Thank you, Bethany House, for this ARC through Interviews and Reviews. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Leave a Reply. |
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