AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Texas Cold Case Murder

Texas Cold Case Murder

by Laura Scott

SeriesTexas Justice #4

PublisherLove Inspired

GenreMystery & Thrillers

FormatALC

NarratorEmily Sutton-Smith

Length5 hrs 30 mins

Pages203

Pub. DateAugust 25, 2026

Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Link to shop the series

DESCRIPTION

Unraveling secrets from the past

could be fatal.

Texas Ranger tech specialist Nina Dobson is determined to uncover the truth about her identity and her birth mother’s unsolved murder when she suddenly comes under gunfire. The danger intensifies as she discovers her uncle dead, forcing her to flee. Desperate for assistance, she reaches out to Texas Ranger Jackson Woodlow. With threats emerging from every direction, Jackson instantly assumes the role of protector. Together, they delve into Nina’s mysterious family past, each clue drawing them further into peril. Can they outsmart a killer who wants a secret to stay buried?

MY THOUGHTS

Texas Ranger tech specialist Nina Dobson has never stopped wondering what led to her mother’s murder. Although she never knew her mother’s name, years of digging have finally connected her with a man who claims to be her uncle. Nina arranges to meet with him, only to find him dead in his cabin from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Within moments of her arrival, gunshots begin firing, and Nina has no choice but to escape into the woods.

While she was briefly at her uncle’s house, Nina spotted something at his leg and was able to grab it before she fled. What she found was a picture of a red-haired woman holding a baby. Could this be her mother? There’s no doubt in Nina’s mind.

Hiding in the woods, Nina contacts one of her co-workers, Texas Ranger Jackson Woodlow. Over the years, she has learned to trust Jackson and his friends—Jackson in particular. However, after having her heart broken by another Ranger in the past, Nina is understandably hesitant to let herself become emotionally involved again. Yet, with danger closing in around her, she can’t help but find herself drawn to Jackson.

Clearly, Jackson and the other Rangers are determined to keep Nina safe, but she isn’t ready to give up her search for answers about her mother. With danger pressing in closer and closer, Jackson makes protecting Nina his first priority. As it turns out, Nina isn’t the only one affected by his nearness. Jackson finds her irresistible, even as he struggles to keep his focus on keeping her alive.

Texas Cold Case Murder is the final book in Laura Scott’s Texas Justice series. The previous titles are Texas Kidnapping Target, Sam Hayward (with Mari), Texas Ranger Defender, Tucker Powell (with Leanne), and Dangerous Texas Secrets, Marshall “Marsh” Branson (with Stacy). Each of these stories has been very engaging, and I have enjoyed following these Texas Rangers as they protect the women they’ve come to love while facing danger, secrets, and threats at every turn. Laura Scott has created an enjoyable Christian romantic suspense series, and Texas Cold Case Murder is a fitting conclusion to the series.

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Scott is honored to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line, where a reader can find a heartwarming journey of faith amid the thrilling danger. She lives with her husband of twenty-five years and has two children, a daughter and a son, who are both in college. She works as a critical-care nurse during the day at a large level-one trauma center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spends her spare time writing romance. Visit Laura at www.laurascottbooks.com. 

Author links: 

Author website: https://www.laurascottbooks.com/

Author newsletter: https://www.laurascottbooks.com/contact

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurascottbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraScottBooks/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16591802.Laura_Scott

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Courage Under Fire

Title:   Courage Under Fire

Author:  Sharon Dunn

Series:   True Blue K-9 Unit #7

Publisher:  Harlequin Audio

Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  Megan Tusing

Length:  5 hrs 50 mins

No. of Pages:   213

Date of Publication:   August 4, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

*First published October 1, 2019

DESCRIPTION: 

A killer in the shadows watches…and waits

A deadly stalker has rookie K-9 officer Lani Branson in his crosshairs, and he won’t stop until she’s dead. Her boss, K-9 police chief Noah Jameson, won’t let that happen on his watch, especially since there’s a chance this is the same person who killed his brother. Can they unmask the murderer who’s been terrorizing the unit before he strikes again?

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

In the engaging seventh book in the True Blue K-9 series, rookie K-9 officer Lani Branson finds her life in serious jeopardy. Someone is targeting Lani, and it appears they won’t stop until she is dead. Although she has her loyal K-9 partner, Scotty, right by her side, Lani is forced to rely on the help of temporary police chief Noah Jamison.

Despite the danger surrounding Lani, sparks are definitely flying between her and Noah. However, Noah is very close to accepting the permanent position of chief, and department policy would firmly prevent them from having any type of relationship.

The tension never lets up as Lani remains in constant danger, while the reader is left wondering what will happen between her and Noah. This kept me riveted to the story from beginning to end. Throughout it all, faith provides a strong foundation for both Lani and Noah.

Megan Tusing was a wonderful choice to narrate this warm story.. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this delightful series, and I am looking forward to continuing it!

Many thanks to Love Inspired Suspense and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After 26 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a ulife filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She now lives with three nearly grown children, a nervous border collie and two cats. 

Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers.

Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her Web site.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Fugitive Manhunt

Title:  Fugitive Manhunt

Author:  Sharee Stover

Series:   Colorado K-9 Unit Book 5

Publisher:  Harlequin Audio

Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  Mac Fowler

Length:  5 hrs 47 mins 

No. of Pages:   240

Date of Publication:   July 28, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A hunt for escaped prisoners becomes a deadly K-9 mission.

After a prison break, K-9 officer Lizzie Reynolds is ready to join the search for the criminals — but one of the escapees finds her first and ambushes her. She’s rescued by Deputy US Marshal Walker McCane, her high school crush and they’re forced to work together to find the fugitives. Soon they realise that one of the prisoners has a personal vendetta against Lizzie. As they face persistent attacks, Walker and Lizzie must rely on each other to survive a dangerous game with a convict who wants to complete his deadly plan...no matter the cost.

Colorado K-9 Unit

Book 1: Searching for the Truth by Laura Scott
Book 2: Tracking the Taken Child by Sharon Dunn
Book 3: Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed
Book 4: Protecting the Baby by Jodie Bailey
Book 5: Fugitive Manhunt by Sharee Stover
Book 6: Hunting an Arsonist by Jessica R. Patch
Book 7: Uncovering Explosive Secrets by Maggie K. Black

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

K-9 Officer Lizzie Reynolds and Deputy U.S. Marshal Walker McCane join forces after Lizzie is ambushed by one of several fugitives who escaped during a prison break. As they work tirelessly to track down the dangerous convicts, it soon becomes clear that at least one of them has a personal vendetta against Lizzie, making the manhunt even more perilous.

This fifth installment in the Colorado K-9 Unit series is another fast-paced blend of suspense, heart, and sweet romance. Sharee Stover once again delivers engaging characters whose unwavering faith shines through even in the most dangerous circumstances. Lizzie and Walker made an excellent team, and their chemistry added a warm touch to the nonstop action.

Mac Fowler’s narration brought the story to life, making for an enjoyable audiobook experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and am already looking forward to whatever adventure awaits in future installments.

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Colorado native who makes her home in the Midwest, Sharee Stover lives with her youngest of three children and her real-life hero husband, a retired state trooper who inspires her stories. She believes in the power of words to transform, ignite, and restore. Sharee holds a Bachelors of Science from Colorado Christian University, and her career background includes experience with Homeland Security, Urban Search & Rescue, FEMA, and several state and local emergency response agencies, bringing authentic realism and insider depth to her books. As the daughter of a Korean War bride, she draws on a rich heritage marked by perseverance, honor, and cultural strength—elements that infuse her writing with heart and purpose. When she’s not writing, Sharee enjoys spending time with her family, talking to her obnoxiously spoiled German Shepherd, and exploring the beauty of storytelling in all its forms. She loves connecting with readers who crave suspense, mystery, hope, and romance woven into one unforgettable journey. Connect with her at www.shareestover.com.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - A Killer’s Target

Title:  A Killer’s Target

Author:  Dana R. Lynn

Series:   Amish Country Danger #2

Publisher:  Harlequin Audio

Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense 

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  Amy Melissa Bentley

Length:  5 hrs 46 mins

No. of Pages:   272

Date of Publication:   July 28, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Taking refuge in Amish country
may be her only chance to survive…
 
After nearly being kidnapped at a crime scene, forensic photographer Leila Britton discovers the serial killer who murdered her twin sister has resurfaced—with Leila as his next intended victim. With her life and her daughter’s future at stake, Leila must place her trust in Lieutenant Brett Talbot to protect them. But danger follows them relentlessly, forcing them to seek refuge deep in Amish country. However safety is fleeting, and the killer seems to know every step she takes. Can Leila and Brett unmask the killer before he fulfills his ultimate goal—and Leila runs out of places to hide?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Amish Country Danger

Book 1: Amish Midwife Witness
Book 2: A Killer's Target
Book 3: The Marshal's Key Witness

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

A serial killer has returned to continue his deadly reign of terror, putting forensic photographer Leila Britton’s life in danger more than once. Years earlier, Leila’s twin sister was murdered, and Leila has been haunted by the tragedy ever since. Now, it seems the killer is back, as the murders continue. Now it appears that Leila may be his next target.

After Leila barely escapes the killer’s clutches, Lieutenant Brett Talbot is determined to protect her. This isn’t easy for Leila, who has always considered herself strong and independent. But when the killer gets dangerously close to home, Leila must think about more than just protecting herself. She must also protect her young daughter.

A Killer’s Target was a very good read! This story is filled with suspense, twists and turns, danger, and the developing feelings between Leila and Brett. I especially enjoyed the sheer kindness shown by Leila’s daughter’s Amish babysitter and her family. Their support not only reinforced Leila’s faith but also had a meaningful impact on Brett.

I really enjoyed this suspenseful story and am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana R. Lynn believes the pow­er of God can tran­scend any cir­cum­stance. She is a best-sell­ing, award win­ning author who views her writ­ing as a min­istry to show His love can bring heal­ing and peace. She writes roman­tic sus­pense for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Sus­pense line. She has been on Publisher’s Week­ly Best­seller lists twice, and her 2017 title Plain Tar­get won both the first place for her cat­e­go­ry and the over­all Grand Prize win­ner in the New Eng­land Reader’s Choice Awards. Dana is a mem­ber of RWA (Romance Writ­ers of Amer­i­ca), ACFW (Amer­i­can Chris­t­ian Fic­tion Writ­ers and Sis­ters in Crime. She is rep­re­sent­ed by Tamela Han­cock Mur­ray of the Steve Laube Lit­er­ary Agency. In 1996, Dana met her hus­band at a wed­ding and told her par­ents she’d met the man she was going to mar­ry. Nine­teen months lat­er, they were mar­ried. Today, they live in rur­al north­west­ern Penn­syl­va­nia with enough ani­mals to start a pet­ting zoo. In addi­tion to writ­ing, she works as a teacher for the deaf and hard of hear­ing and works in sev­er­al min­istries in her church.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Seeking the Truth

Title:  Seeking the Truth

Author:  Terri Reed

Publisher:  HarperCollins

Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  Tanya Eby

Length:  5 hrs 53 mins

No. of Pages:   219

Date of Publication:  July 21, 2026

My Rating: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Her investigation could prove fatal…

By secretly investigating the New York City K-9 Command Unit chief’s murder, reporter Rachelle Clark puts a bull’s-eye on her back. Single dad and K-9 unit officer Carter Jameson thought Rachelle was reporting on police-field-dog trials—not his brother’s death. Though he’s not happy about her true purpose, the danger is real…and he and his trusty German shepherd must save her.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Rachelle Clark has been working on an investigation of her own. As a journalist with a local paper, she definitely has plenty to write about. Driven by ambition, she is bent on discovering who murdered former police chief Jordan Jameson. This becomes her primary focus and just might prove fatal for Rachelle, as she finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer. Threats and danger have come far too close for comfort.

K-9 officer Carter Jameson isn’t happy about Rachelle interfering in what he feels is the police’s job of continuing the investigation into his brother’s murder. He wants her to leave it to the police. Instead, Carter and his K-9 partner Frosty do their best to keep Rachelle safe.

What a lovely story. Carter is a single father to a delightful little girl, and the rest of the loving Jameson family adds a real emotional edge to this wonderful book. This heartwarming fifth installment in the True Blue K-9 series offers more than suspense. Tanya Eby’s captivating narration brings this beautiful story of faith, family, and love to life.

Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 10 Romance Mass Market Paperback and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 50, Amazon #1 Bestseller, featured in USA Today and a Fresh Pick at FreshFiction.com. Her 2016 novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into the Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband and when not writing, she enjoys agility with her Australian shepherd. 

For updates about Terri and her books sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/3Ihz48q

Be sure to follow Terri on BookBub for updates on her new releases

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/terri...

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Conspiracy

Title:  Conspiracy

Publisher:   Thomas Nelson

Genre:   Christian Romantic Suspense

Series:   Sanctuary #3

Format:   Audiobook ALC 

   and Kindle ARC

Narrator:  Karen Peakes

Length:  9 hrs 56 mins

No. of pages:    336
Date of Publication:  July 7, 2026

Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Conspiracy, the third book in USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble's Sanctuary series (following Ambush and Prowl), delivers exactly what her fans the ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Lynette Eason.

Fifteen years of secrets. Once chance for justice.

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leopard--a chilling embodiment of Paradise's deepest fears--is now stalking her.

Haunted by resurfacing memories, Paradise, Blake, and her newfound brother, Drew, follow a trail of clues that leads them into a web of dark family secrets. The deeper they dig, the more shocking the connections become, linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

With every step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate. Paradise, Blake, and Drew must race to expose a murderer who has remained hidden for fifteen years, but this time, they are the ones being stalked. If they can't unmask the killer, the past will destroy both the fragile future Paradise and Blake are trying to build and the family she has finally found with her brother.

A conspiracy of lemurs is a family. But a conspiracy of people can be deadly.

Colleen Coble's Conspiracy combines gripping suspense with slow-burn romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn't have to define you.

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

First came Ambush, then Prowl, and now Conspiracy beautifully concludes the thrilling Sanctuary trilogy. I am so sad to say goodbye to Paradise Alden, Blake Lawson, and the rest of the endearing characters who populated this amazing series. The fact that the story is set at an animal sanctuary adds so much unique appeal to the overarching plot. For audiobook fans, Karen Peakes narrated all three books in the trilogy and did an absolutely exceptional job bringing them to life.

While caring for the animals and ensuring their welfare is always a top priority, both Paradise and Blake have faced more than their fair share of danger. This time around, the threat is even more terrifying for Paradise because it appears someone is using a trained leopard to stalk her. Assisting in the investigation is Paradise‘s half-brother, Drew, someone she has only recently met, becomes instrumental in helping them uncover the truth.

The title of this book is a brilliant bit of wordplay: the sanctuary houses lemurs, and a group of lemurs is actually called a "conspiracy." Of course, the title also fits the plot perfectly, as someone is desperately trying to keep a dark secret - and is entirely willing to kill to protect it. When the killer takes escalating risks to hunt them down, Paradise and Blake realize they are truly in a race against time.

One of my absolute favorite tropes anchors this series: found family. Not only has Paradise connected with her brother Drew, but Blake's family is incredibly warm and welcoming. Additionally, a strong foundation of faith remains a pillar throughout each book. The slow-burn romance between Paradise and Blake is so sweet and develops at a wonderful pace. While the conclusion of this book was bittersweet, I know I will definitely be revisiting this series in the future!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 4 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Explosive Alliance

Title:  Explosive Alliance    

Author:  Susan Sleeman

Series:   First Responders #2

Publisher:  HarperCollins     

Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  Whitney Dykhouse

Length:   7 hrs 26 mins

No. of Pages:   288

Date of Publication:   June 30, 2026

My Rating:  4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Saving innocent lives puts a killer on her trail.

Finding a time bomb in a packed stadium makes Krista Curry an accidental hero — and marked her for death. Now, the attention could expose her real name and the infamous past she fought to escap k    e. But explosives expert Cash Dixon promises Krista protection from the bomber’s retaliation. Yet she hesitates to trust him as she sees his suspicion   about her grow with every question she dodges. As danger escalates, Cash must decide if she’s an innocent woman or guilty accomplice. But the clock is ticking down — and the real bomber is still on the loose...

MY THOUGHTS:

Krista Curry is at a soccer match with her beloved grandfather when she spots something unusual. She sees a man walking away from a backpack not far from where they are sitting, and he doesn’t come back to retrieve it. Trusting her instincts, she approaches Deputy Cash Dixon, who happens to be working security at the game. It’s fortunate that Cash is there because, in addition to being a deputy, he is a bomb expert and a member of the First Response Squad.

Krista fears the backpack might contain a bomb, and she is exactly right. Cash is able to safely deactivate the explosive, saving countless lives. While Krista and her grandfather escape unharmed, the media quickly hails her as a hero for alerting authorities. Unfortunately, the publicity also threatens to expose secrets from Krista’s past that she has worked hard to keep hidden.

At the same time, someone begins making attempts on Krista’s life. Earlier at the stadium, she had briefly spoken to the man who left the backpack, and she believes he may have been the bomber. After seeing her featured in the news, he may fear that she can identify him. With danger closing in, Cash is assigned to protect Krista. As they work together to stay one step ahead of the bomber, trust and friendship begin to blossom into something more. Through it all, Cash remains determined to keep Krista safe while eliminating every threat that comes their way.

This audiobook was an incredibly tense listen. The suspense never lets up as the bomber relentlessly pursues Krista, who struggles to believe she deserves a second chance because of mistakes from her past. Even so, her faith provides her with a sense of peace and strength that carries her through the darkest moments.

I read the first book in this series and quickly fell in love with the members of the First Response Squad. I definitely want to continue reading the series so I can experience each of their stories. Listening to Explosive Alliance as an audiobook made an already engaging story even more enjoyable, thanks to the strong narration that brought the suspense and emotion to life.

Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real. 

In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons

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