Excellent follow-up that really keeps the suspense and storyline going!

Cold Threat is the second book in author Nancy Mehl’s excellent, suspense-filled Ryland & St. Clair series, but it can easily be read and enjoyed independently. (But don’t miss out on the first book if you can help it.) This time, the partners in Watson Investigations head to Iowa to help Tony St. Clair’s police detective father investigate a 24-year-old cold case of murder and arson.

River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are an intriguing and inspired pair. Both are damaged individuals due to the after-effects of trauma from their final case with the FBI as profilers. However, even after what they experienced, they continue to complement each other synergistically and to their mutual benefit. They work so well together, yet have different strengths, like the two sides of the same coin. They are dedicated and focused on the case at hand, although they know they are being stalked themselves by an evil killer.

While primarily a tense tale of suspense, I liked how this author incorporates her characters’ spiritual natures into the story. She’s got a knack for making their thoughts and struggles understanding how their beliefs mesh with life natural and organic. It feels authentic and genuine, never artificially introduced.

The plot features a cold case new to the overall series, but elements from book one also carry over. However, the author reveals enough backstory to allow readers new to the series get up to speed and still have an unspoiled story to enjoy if they decide to pick up the previous novel in the future.

There is a brooding sense of evil from the start as the perpetrator of crimes in the cold case gives his narrative and later as the stalker weighs in on their plans. The growing tension was enough to give me prickles on the back of my neck at times! The story is quite robust, with solid character development and a plot that evolves with plenty of action and surprise twists to keep readers off-balance and glued to the pages. I was so absorbed in this story that time flew by, and I was still compelled to stay up late to reach the final conclusion. I am so looking forward to the next book, which is scheduled to come out later this summer.

With its great characters and well-paced, suspenseful plot, I recommend COLD THREAT to readers of suspense, especially those who enjoy Christian fiction and fans of the previous book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. ( )

I enjoyed this suspenseful story of the efforts to find a serial killer. I plan to read more from this author as they are released. I have read other books from her and like them all.

The story of private investigators River and Tony continue in this second book in the series. After the suspense and thriller details in book one, Cold Threat has the investigators becoming involved in the pursuit of the Snowman arsonist and killer. As previous FBI behavioral analysts, River and Tony are helping Tony's father, Roy, analyze a recurring killer by analyzing all the facts they can gather. As they do this, their personal relationship continues to grow closer and it seems that there might be a budding romance. Their encounters with evil while drawing them closer together also draws them closer to a relationship with God. Tony has a strong faith and relies totally on God. River's faith is faint but grows.

As Cold Threat ends, the storyline is still hanging by a tenuous thread that the author will tie nicely as the series concludes. I can hardly wait for book three in the summer. Of note, the author addresses issues within the child foster care system, Alzheimer's disease, and mental health issues.

Cold Threat is a good mix of suspense, investigation, faith, and personal relationships, all items that stories by Nancy Mehl are known for and that keep her readers returning for more.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. ( )

River and Tony help Tony's dad pursue an arsonist nicknamed the "Snowman" because he strikes in December and leaves a snowman ornament near the crime scene. Both River and Tony used to work for the FBI but are now private investigators. Their present task is to build a profile of the arsonist. The crimes took place is Iowa, and the current situation is in Burlington although the crimes began earlier and took place in other places in the state. The writing failed to keep me engaged. Readers have no doubt about River and Tony's faith in Christ because the author makes sure to incorporate it constantly. I would not call it preachy, but I do think a non-Christian reader might be turned off by it rather than continuing to read it. (I am a Christian and appreciate their faith, but I think the author sometimes relied on the faith aspects of the novel rather than her writing to build a bridge to the readers.) I did not read the previous book in the series so it's possible that also affected my opinion on the book although I did not really feel I lacked backstory. I thought the writing was substandard. I received the book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. I see other reviewers loved the book, but I only continued to read the book because of the commitment to review it honestly. I did not feel I could be completely honest without finishing it. ( )

Another exciting thrill ride in the Ryland and St. Clair series! I was eagerly anticipating the continuation of River’s and Tony’s story after the first book Cold Pursuit. This book was just as intense with a devious new serial killer known as “The Snowman” and the continued threat of River’s stalker always present in the background. It’s an edge of your seat, inspirational, romantic suspense that’s extremely hard to put down.

This story can be read as a standalone since Nancy Mehl expertly reintroduces River Ryland, an ex-FBI behavioral analyst, and her former partner Tony St. Clair with enough background so new readers can quickly be brought up to speed. They’ve teamed up to form their own private investigative firm after suffering serious side effects from a particularly harrowing case where River was nearly killed and Tony injured.

In this story, River’s accompanying Tony to his childhood home at Christmas time to help his law enforcement father with a case that’s been troubling him for over 20 years. The serial killer murdered his victims and then set fire to their houses leaving the same type of snowman ornament at the scene of the crime. Though a man was convicted of the murders, fires with the same MO are happening where Tony’s parents live in Burlington, Iowa. Is this a copycat, or did the real killer escape punishment?

I absolutely enjoyed this story! I loved seeing River and Tony grow closer. There was a hint of romance in the first book, and it’s explored more here. I also liked seeing the dynamics of Tony’s family. There are some who blame River for what happened to Tony, as she does herself. Her need to find faith, forgiveness, and peace from the past are issues River grapples with throughout the story. I love her relationship with Tony and am definitely cheering for these two to find love and a happily ever after.

The investigation surrounding the serial killer was intense, especially when there are times we get his perspective. The ending was particularly nail-biting and I was on pins and needles wondering how everything would be resolved. It’s a fast-paced, suspenseful sequel not only with this serial killer, but with River’s stalker popping up throughout.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series! It’s a definite must read for Christian romantic suspense fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Partners in Crime Tours. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. ( )