Nancy Mehl is a very cinematic writer. I could easily see this series becoming a TV mini series.

I love that this book has its own case as well as an overarching case and romance as well as a strong character arc of each of the two leads.

I love how Mehl weaves in the story of the crime (through the perspective of the victims and the criminals) with the perspectives of River and Tony. She slowly reveals what happening, layer by layer, and always leaves you wanting more in the best way!

The crimes here are realistic but not gratuitous. If you like crime procedurals that air on network channels, I think you will appreciate these books!

Plus, the faith elements in these is so realistic! I love how the characters have to contend with real life issues and confront their faith in the process. This isn’t surface level belief, but deep soul change and understanding.

Content Note: murder, stalking, death, arson, kidnapping, Alzheimer’s, infidelity

Thanks to Bethany House Fiction for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to love this book, and hate having to write a less than ecstatic review. I'd ad least hoped to be able to say by the end I was a fan. That just never really happened though. I mean, the story concept was interesting, the characters definitely flawed but had potential, and even the fact that this is a series of connected stories with an overarching plot that goes along-side each of the individual plot lines? Sounds great! Sign me up! Sadly, none of those things actually ended up working for me in this case. The story was okay, I felt the villain having a POV took away some of the mystery and suspense, plus he was a creep...I mean, yeah he's bad, but I always felt disgusting reading his parts, and often don't like the antagonist having POVs for this reason, especially serial killers, or similar types!

I also just never really connected with any of the characters in the story. I wanted to, and I sort of liked Tony, but something about him just didn't fully convince me, and every time I thought I was actually starting to really like him, or the story, something else would pop up and I'd be back to feeling indifferent or unconnected from them again... Just me? Maybe, but this story had a lot of potential and I'd expected to fly though it and really enjoy it, but instead I began to dread picking it up each time. The ending die pass a little quicker I guess, but still not enough to convince me to love this one, much as it pains me to say.

Wow! Cold Pursuit is an excellent suspense with a bit of romance and a strong Christian message. I had originally planned to only read book 3, thinking that it would be a standalone book. Though it has its own case to solve, you need to read this series in order, and this first book has so much depth to it in regards to setting up the characters and the mystery that runs throughout the series.

River is such a complex character. She comes from a broken family and has a difficult relationship with each member. She's moved home to live with her mother who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. River's upbringing affected how she viewed God, and ultimately, she turned away from her faith. On the other hand, Tony is a strong Christian who prays for River but doesn't push her. His persistence in sharing his faith with River makes cracks in her shell.

I loved seeing how Tony and River (former FBI, now PI) profile the perpetrator and ultimately, solve the case. I couldn't put this down and read it in a day. It's suspenseful, thrilling, page-turning, nail biting...you get it! I loved it and highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

First of all, thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing book one of this series so that I could go back and frame a background.

I had started this series at book two last year and therefore appreciated getting a proper introduction to these two main characters by going back and reading book one. River Ryland and Tony St. Clair had previously worked for the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit but after trauma in the field and a lack of trust between their colleagues, River and Tony left and formed their own private company. They start their lives over in a new city with different challenges but with the support of each other.

This book opens with them taking on their first client, Mrs. Amy Stover. Her 16-year-old son, Chris, has been missing for four years and she needs closure. As the pair take on this cold case, the reader becomes aware of the appropriate title linking the season to the type of case.

You’ll want to read this book for the way the author can place you inside the mind of someone experiencing a schizophrenic episode. It’s one thing for us to identify, but it’s quite another for us to read about it happening from the POV of someone living with schizophrenia! This character and the character’s family were so well portrayed that my empathy led me to Google how to help others who struggle to live with a different reality. I love it when a book prompts me to educate myself and reframe my preconceived ideas.

Anomic aphasia, synesthesia, and Alzheimer’s were also highlighted and it helped me understand how traumatic it must be to be misunderstood and be unable to communicate one’s discomfort.

Most of all, I appreciated how Mehl was able to circle back to what it means to be a Christian. Highlighting River’s journey and her doubt that God will give her another chance, pulled at my heartstrings. Tony is a great pillar of faith and patiently teaches her about God’s unconditional love. I needed her reminder that being a Christian isn’t about following other people, it’s about following Christ. Equally important was her reminder about judging others when we don’t understand; it’s not our journey and we need to leave others to travel in their own way. We don’t see the big picture. However, it was Mehl’s highlighting of integrity that had a powerful impact. She stressed the importance of us finding a friend or a life partner for whom we don’t need to leave our integrity on the back burner.

Things that I haven’t stopped thinking about:

“The devil’s playground was constructed of fear, deceit, unforgiveness, and resentment.”
“Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.”
“Murder is the most selfish crime of all.”

My heart was racing, I loved knowing more than the characters at different points, and I don’t think I’ll wear red nor drink coffee from a pod any longer!

I was gifted this book by Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

If you are looking for a psychological thriller, this book is one you will want to read. River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are a great team tracking down leads and getting justice for their client.

This is told from several POVs including the killers, making it a gripping tale. The book leaves us with a cliffhanger as a long time nemesis is still on the loose and there is a hint of a romance developing between River and Tony. I can't wait to read the second book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.

The first in a series where two former FBI agents leave after a horrific tragedy, move to St. Louis to be near River's mother, and decide to put their skills in a new space as private investigators. Their first case together happens when a mother approaches them to ask for help in solving the case of her son who has been missing for a long time and she just wants closure as to what happened. River and Tony take this on with the hope of finding something and starting their new company on the right track.

I like to make folks aware of elements of books without spoiling, so you can make a decision on if this book would be right for you. This book and the second that I will be reviewing tomorrow both have heavy elements of Christianity woven in the story. While this is a mystery, I would personally shelve this book in the Christian fiction book as it is strong in its language about that faith.

Now for the mystery itself, it is self-contained in this book and the mystery is resolved, but as I know how book two starts, I for sure would recommend starting at book one as there are a lot of character developments and plot points that are needed from book one to book two. I loved that this mystery had depth and layers so it took a bit for all the pieces to be put into place and while it took me awhile to figure it all out, I don't feel as though it came out of left field. AND the pacing - spot on. I love when a mystery book really gets sprinting towards the end and you just can't put it down - such was the case for this one!

Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl is a high stakes novel about the hunt for a serial killer. I have long been a fan of this author. This novel has a distantly different feel from her previous books. The crimes and circumstances are just as complex and interesting as her previous novels. The pace feels a bit different and it takes a little longer to set up the series. Overall, I loved this book and would highly recommend it. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Cold Pursuit is the first book in Nancy Mehl's Ryland and St. Clair series. which are cases investigated by a newly opened private detective agency by two retired FBI agents. Their first case is to locate the missing teenager who disappeared four years ago. Mehl adds in a serial killer, mental illness, and well-rounded characters to make this a great start to a series. Is book 2 out yet?

River and Tony, former FBI profilers, have started their own investigative business. Their first case is full of twist and turns, complicated by past trauma from the case that almost broke them and from the current trauma of a loved one navigating dementia. Folded into the story is a message of God’s redemptive love. A clean who-dun-it and maybe the whispers of a romance. (Or that could just be wishful thinking on my part) The layered mysteries, some answered and others left unrevealed, drew me in and left me hoping for the next installment.

River Ryland and Tony St. Clair were best of friends at the same time were behavioral analysts for the FBI. River had been diagnosed with PTSD making her not able to face a job. Also Tony had temporary memory loss. River moves to Virginia leaving her parents to start a new life. And she starts Watson's investigations as a private investigator along with Tony. The novel gets interesting as River is asked by Chief Martin with the St Louis Department to investigate a missing rebellious teenage boy Chris for almost four years. Amy Stover mother of Chris approaches River and Tony and opens the case to find out about Chris's disappearance who had gone out with some friends to a concert and never came home. River and Tony move forward with the case when they get clues that help them along their way. They find Chris's best friends Jason and Kyle had been with Chris. The novel is all about finding missing Chris and figuring out whether any chance Kyle or Jason could have been involved in Chris's disappearance. Some drug connections and drug deals come in the picture.

Tony followed River to Virginia to open a detective agency. This novel also focuses on River's damaged relationship with her divorced parents and coping with their problems. Also, there is another incident where a strangler a killer who is running free at the Salt River tried to kill her and Tony one night. Different incidents and a variety of characters make this crime novel very outstanding. A must-read for crime novel readers. A Christian crime-based story. Why were River and Tony targeted by the lone killer strangler that night? Many twists and suspense along the way kept me wide awake to get to the end of the novel. Interesting plotline and vivid characters.

Thanks to Partners in Crime Novel Tours, Bethany House Publishers, and Netgalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

Novel Nerd Blog: https://smithareading.blogspot.com/

A great romantic suspense that is clean, action packed, and as chilling as it is thrilling!

River Ryland can’t get over the case that went wrong and left her with PTSD. After leaving the FBI, she moves to be near her mother who has dementia and her partner, Tony, comes with her to open a private investigation firm. The local sheriff sends them a grieving mother who wants answers for what happened to her son who disappeared years ago. River and Tony know they have to help this mother find closure even with the case being cold. The more they investigate the case, the more danger they find themselves in with a murderer not wanting anyone to find out their secrets.

Nancy Mehl starts her new series off with a bang! This series is looking to be a great one if the next follow the path of this one. River was a great main character, the dynamic she had with her mother really hit me and made me feel for her. She dealt with so much and had to be strong for her mother and now the new client they are trying to help. Seeing her vulnerable with her mother really made her a better character and I loved the way that aspect of the story was written. This book follows the same formula as most romantic suspense stories but still a very enjoyable read. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy clean romantic suspense reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

River Ryland and her partner, Tony St. Clair, are former FBI profilers. They are both still suffering the aftereffects of an encounter with a serial killer. Now, they have moved to a town near St. Louis and opened a private investigation firm. River has moved in with her mother, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

Their first case involves the disappearance of a young man from a concert. His mother, Amy, knows that Chris is probably dead, but after four years, she just wants to be able to give him a proper burial. He didn't have any enemies, so who could have killed him?

While this story is developing, the reader is also introduced to another young man suffering from schizophrenia, Synesthesia. Brian Walker is tired of being taunted and ridiculed and has a lot of anger issues. The parts of the book that describe Brian's thoughts and actions are truly chilling but also sad.

The author has delved into several areas that make this a unique book. She has a character with obvious mental issues, a character with PTSD, another with Alzheimer's, and one with aphasia and memory problems. All of this makes this book more believable since we all have something going on in our lives that helps to determine our behavior and mold our character.

The book also deals with faith, as River deals with the loss of her belief in God, Tony's total reliance on God, and the hope that comes from God. As one character says, "I operate on the belief that everyone can be helped. God is a miracle worker."

There are plenty of tense moments throughout the book and lots of emotion. The interactions between River and her mother were especially poignant and truly captured the facts of dealing with dementia. Brian is also a sympathetic character, even though he has devolved into evil. The book has a lot of inspiration in it as River comes to terms with her past and realizes that God is always there for her, no matter what.

The story opens up the possibility of many more books featuring this duo, and I look forward to reading more of their adventures. If you enjoy a suspenseful thriller with a lot of inspiration, this is a great way to get both.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

When Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair, they are asked to follow a cold case and find out what happened to a young man who disappeared. Wow, if they had know what this case would lead them into.. they probably still would have wanted to dig down to the truth. Danger, suspense and watch out for the terrible return to the past as they follow the clues.

Phew! Nancy Mehl writes such intriguing characters and storylines! I love that Mehl is not afraid to write about topics that may not be familiar to the general population at large.

Cold Pursuit tells the story of Ex-FBI partners Tony St. Clair and River Ryland. Both experienced a traumatic experience before this story takes place, and as a result, they decide to start fresh in St. Louis where River can care for her ailing mom and Tony has ties to local law enforcement - which will aid in them getting started with their private detective agency.

Their first case has them searching for a boy who has disappeared. Mom wants to find closure, despite the fact that she knows he's probably no longer living. This case takes several unexpected twists and turns, and I was fully engaged to the end!

River and Tony both carry the weight of their traumatic event and must learn how to work through the pain and trauma while moving forward in their day to day lives as well.

I look forward to seeing how River and Tony continue to process and solve crimes together!

Cold Pursuit
by Nancy Mehl
Pub Date 11 Jul 2023
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Mystery & Thrillers| Romance


I am reviewing a copy of Cold Pursuit through Bethel House and Netgalley:


Whenever you're looking for a good, clean Mystery/Suspense novel, Nancy Mehl's works are always a good choice, and Cold Pursuit didn't disappoint.


A case that went horribly wrong still leaves former FBI profiler River Ryland suffering from PTSD. In search of a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and starts a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony Clair. Soon, they are approached by a grieving mother who seeks answers about her son, who went missing four years ago. Despite River's knowledge of the boy's near-certain death, his mother must find closure, and River and Tony must solve the case, no matter how cold it might be.



However, as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a killer determined to punish anyone who stands in his way. River and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, but an even more dangerous threat emerges, stirring up River's past and plotting to destroy her future.


I give Cold Pursuit five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

This is the first book in a new thriller series by this author. I wanted to really like it, but there was a little too much religious content for me and some of the occurrences that led to the resolution seemed a little contrived...such as the luck that led to the final result. That being said there was entertaining moments and if a lot of religious content does not bother you it may be a good choice. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 3/5 stars.

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.

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.

Nancy Mehl is one of those authors who I know is going to always deliver a great story. She is a master at suspense that will keep me on the edge of my seat every single time... and Cold Pursuit was no exception to that.

Right from the beginning, this story drew me in and had me wanting to see what was going to happen next. I mean seriously... that intro! Unlike some suspense story where part of the fun is trying to figure out who the bad guy is, in this one we know pretty early on. In fact, we get several glimpses inside of their head, which adds quite a unique element to this story, and really added to the overall creepiness of the story too.

While I really enjoyed the story, I must admit that because it was dealing with a killer who we know struggles with mental illness (schizophrenia among them), I struggled with that a bit and worried that it would perhaps paint all mental illness or at least with that particular one in a negative light. As someone who struggles with various mental illnesses myself (different to those in the book), I was definitely probably overthinking that just a bit as I do tend to be more sensitive to such things. In the end, it does make mention that not all people with schizophrenia are dangerous or bad people so that made me feel a little better about it.

Another thing that I really appreciated in the story was how it took on the topic of faith in a way that felt very realistic to the characters. They weren't perfect by any means, but I particularly enjoyed seeing River's perspective change throughout.

Overall, it was definitely a page turner and a great set up for the series to come! If you enjoy Christian suspense, this is certainly one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book in a new suspense-filled series, and I look forward to reading the others!
River Ryland and her partner Tony St. Clair have opened a PI firm. This goes well with both of their histories of FBI.
But...something keeps coming after them. They'd thought they'd put the Strangler behind them, but this awful serial killer from their past somehow has popped up again and is trying to kill them again.
(this is a mystery that remains unsolved, and I'm guessing it will carry over through out the series...creepy!)
The primary mystery in this story is the cold case of a teen boy who disappeared four years earlier. His mother really wants closure, so asks River and Tony to try and solve the case.
Lots of action. Suspense. Mystery. Danger. Thrills.
This book is a page-turner and kept me glued to the very end. And left me wanting more.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255