I am so excited for this highly anticipated Ryland & St. Clair book! I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Pursuit, but the author gets readers up to date very well in Cold Threat. In this story, Tony St. Clair and River Ryland head to Iowa to work alongside Tony's father to catch the serial killer nicknamed the "Snowman" killer. Tony's dad Ray brings them in as a set of fresh eyes to help solve a 20 year old crime, that is being repeated in his small town.

River and Tony are ex-FBI profilers who help point law enforcement in the right direction. They are former FBI partners who opened a private investigation firm in St. Louis. Can their expertise figure out this case before any more people die?

Author Nancy Mehl does an excellent job with suspenseful stories. I could not stop turning pages. And I didn't get too creeped out which I really appreciate.

River is on a major faith journey and the reader gets to go along with her. It's very realistic as she finds her way. She really enjoys meeting Tony's family and seeing the love, the struggle with almost losing Tony in a previous case, the fun banter, and the delicious food his mom prepares. She did not experience family or faith this way growing up and it is eye opening to her.

I recommend Cold Threat to lovers of suspense with a hint of romance, and I cannot wait for the next adventure in store for Tony and River!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

A serial killer is back in the game. Tony and River are called to Burlington to help Tony's dad develop a profile before the killer strikes again.

I loved this book. Tony and River are so good together. They care for one another more deeply than they're prepared to admit and try to protect one another even if it is misguided at times. They have a delightful way of teasing and talking to each other. They work well together.

The mystery was solid. Mehl does a good job writing about serial killers and getting in their heads. I liked seeing how Tony and River worked their profile. There was a big twist I didn't see coming. I love it when I'm surprised. It was an exciting read and it sets up the next book nicely. I can't wait to read it.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Cold Threat is the second book in the Ryland & St. Clair series. While the events of the previous books are talked about and there are definitely some aspects of the story that carry through both books, I do believe that this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

This picks up River and Tony's story from the previous book, seeing them working on a new case. The great thing about series like this where it's focusing on the same main characters is that we really get to see their growth as the series continues. For the romance, that means it's slowly building in a very realistic way that I really enjoy. In this particular series though, I have to say I also really enjoy seeing River's faith grow as well. It's such a big part of this story and I was glad to catch back up and see where she was on that journey.

Aside from that though, the case was absolutely fantastic. Right from the first page, I found myself drawn into the story and at the edge of my seat to the very end. I love how the author gives us a glimpse into the bad guy's head, adding another level of creepiness to the story in that way... not that serial killers alone don't make it creepy enough as it is! The story takes place over the holidays, though certainly isn't MY typical holiday read. While the timing IS important to the story, I wouldn't really consider it a holiday read at all.

If you love romantic suspense- heavy on the suspense- this is definitely one to check out.


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

Thrillers are my favorite ever. This was great! It’s not necessary to read the first one as this could be a standalone. It kept me on my toes and it was well thought out.

Wow! Once again masterful author, Nancy Mehl, has written a brilliant, chilling suspense that is absolutely unputdownable! I was totally mesmerized as I tried to solve the mystery behind the evil mastermind, aka The Snowman—responsible for a series of murders spanning 20 years.

The dynamics between best friends and private investigators, River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are not only proficiently adept, but their humorous quips and banter helped to lighten an otherwise dark plot. I'm also sensing a burgeoning flirtation going on, so we'll see in Book 3 if this dynamic duo ever moves out of the friend zone or not. I particularly enjoyed the snow-covered Christmassy atmosphere—just not sure I'll ever look at a snowman the same way again! 😳

Also a beautifully written, compassionate story of the plight of some foster children who get lost in the system, PTSD victims, and redemption from severe guilt...I predict many an award for Cold Threat!

I received an ARC of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.

This book was so good!! It hooked me from the first page and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book.
I loved the characters and the plot line. It was well written and intensely thought out.
I would recommend this book to anyone.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own*

Cold Threat blows it out of the park when it comes to serial killers, suspense, and a very strong thread of faith that’s woven seamlessly throughout.
In this series there’s a plot with an underlying plot that connects each book to the others. It makes for an intriguing read that poses questions yet to be answered.
River and Tony left the FBI after being targeted by a killer and barely making it out alive. River still has a target on her back and Tony isn’t about to let her face danger alone.
When Tony’s dad asks for their help with a case they may have jumped right back into the fire.
I love the way the building personal relationship between Tony and River is written. It’s not insta-love but rather care and respect built upon shared experiences. Perfect!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House. This is my honest opinion of the book.

COLD THREAT is the second novel in the Ryland & St. Clair series by NANCY MEHL, but it can easily stand alone. I am really enjoying this series and cannot wait for the third and final book. Not only is Cold Threat exciting and literally “unputdownable”, but there is a strong Christian message flowing through it that really spoke to my heart!
As we see the serial killer “righting wrongs” in his own delusional and diabolical way, we see how people in law enforcement like Dan, Tony and River, are committed to bringing justice in an evil world. As Tony’s mother, Beth, says to River ,“I believe bringing justice is a high calling. I thank God for people like Ray and Tony. And you.” And speaking of the words in Philippians chapter four verse eight, she adds, “defending those who have been hurt by evil - bringing justice - is the enbodiment of that scripture”.
Tony St.Clair and River Ryland have left the FBI where they worked as trained profilers and are now in partnership in St Louis as private investigators. They both experienced trauma at the hands of the Salt River Strangler, which has affected them badly. We also see that he has not given up on his pursuit of River…..
Tony’s father, Ray, is determined to prove that the latest murder in Burlington was committed by a copycat and not by the “Snowman”: whose first murder was committed in Des Moines twenty four years ago. Two of the more rescent murders in Burlington have the same MO and Ray has asked Tony and River to do a profile for him so that he can catch the murderer before there are any more victims. It is particularly important as it is December and heavy snow is predicted, making the conditions perfect for the man who has been dubbed the “Snowman.”……
I like to see how River enjoys family life with Tony’s parents, how she is growing in her faith and is even learning to forgive her parents for her messed up childhood. In fact the subject of dysfunctional family life plays a big part in the story.
I cannot recommend this enjoyable and riiveting read highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Once again Nancy Mehl kept me page turning for answers, and yes, I did read the first book in this series, and you might want to read it first, but she does a wonderful job of bringing you up to date!

This read has murders twenty years apart, and brings together the former FBI team of Ryland and St. Clair, whom now run their own detective agency. We visit with Tony's family, and see how this personally affects his family!

There are so many twists and turns here, and I really didn't see the main one coming! There is so much love and forgiveness, but there is so much danger, and in the end it is coming from more than one front.

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

A page-turning christian thriller. Interesting to read their process of profiling. I skipped over much of the religious thoughts to get to the clues to the UNSUB. Kind of an intense tale. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

The book is so interesting and suspenseful. The Killer is on loose and the killer is certainly on the quest of Vengeance. Tony takes River at his parent’s house. The author has also shared the story of their childhood home. While the mystery and suspense stays till the end. The two murders seems to be connected and as usual the killer don’t leave a clue behind. The more they are investigating the cases, the more they are getting closing to the truth. The involvement of Tony’s father and all of their perspectives made the book even more interesting. I couldn’t put it down. Loved how they followed the clues to find the killer. I felt bad for River for what happened with her. Tony has revealed his true feelings for River. I loved their bond. The ending was so unpredictable. There are some twists.

Thanks to the Author. Publisher and Netgalley.

Ever since reading Mind Games (Kaely Quinn Profiler series) I have been a huge fan of Nancy’s. I even met her this year at a Reader conference. You would never guess that this sweet lady could write such twisted killers 😊
Cold Pursuit is book two in the Ryland & St.Clair series. River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are former FBI behavior analysts that decided to go out on their own as private investigators.
In Cold Pursuit they are helping Tony’s father with a cold case before he retires. Tony’s father always questioned the man that was put behind bars for the 20 year old case.
I really enjoyed the scenes between Tony’s family and Ryland. It was a great way for us to know the characters better and for them to grow.
Nancy creates a fascinating villain. In this story the villain has synesthiesia. I had never heard of this before meeting and interviewing another author with it. It is so interesting. (just to clarify the other author is a wonderful Christian man/author).
Cold Pursuit is a psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. I highly recommend. And although the story reads well as a standalone I recommend reading the entire series. You will not be disappointed.

Readers who enjoy mystery/thrillers will loved this series. The second in the Ryland & St. Clair series, readers will want to read the first before this one. The suspense novel will have readers actively engaged in solving the mystery. Love the characters and the faith message. Highly recommended!

Cold Threat
by Nancy Mehl
Pub Date: January 23, 2023
Bethany
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Twenty years ago, several people were murdered in Des Moines, and the only evidence left behind was a snowman ornament hanging ominously on a tree in the victims' front lawns. With a suspect behind bars, the killings have come to an end--or so everyone thought. But now crimes with a similar MO are happening in a small Iowa town, and a local detective believes the killer is back and ready to strike again.
I have found Bethany House to be a fine provider of Christian Based books. This one I would highly recommend for thriller/Suspense lovers. I especially liked it because the winter scene is near and I really like this author.
5 stars

This was a great read especially since we are almost in the Winter season. This adventure gave me another reason to not enjoy snow. The characters were well developed and their relationships were built gradually to allow for a true to life situation(s). The suspense grew as the story developed and I was not able to pause reading until I finished it. I highly recommend this as a must read for thriller/suspense lovers. Can't wait to read the next in this series.

The second book in the Ryland & St. Clair series takes us to the St Clair household on a quest to solve a cold case before Tony's father retires. This is perfect in a series format as the characters have some issues to work through first before they can have their happily ever after.

The suspense from the first book has carried through and is building for the next book, but even without that, the story was an interesting one and it was interesting to try and guess who the author had picked for the villain of the piece. The family dynamics were interesting and made for a good side story. I would definitely recommend this book.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl has a spine-chilling synopsis that I could not wait to dive into. Yes, there are moments of high tension and full of suspense. But as the story progresses, River and Tony spend a lot of time at Tony’s parents’ house trying to help Tony’s father with a Cold Case that has bothered him for years. Of course, the clock is ticking until the next climactic moment. But the characters spend so much time trying to come to terms with what happened in the past and River wants to know Tony’s parents better, to me, the suspense element at times was shoved to the back of the stove. One thing I really did enjoy about Mehl’s story is that she starts to show feelings between Tony and River, but she is writing a three-book series, so they don’t jump into an engagement or marriage by the end of the first novel. Readers are actually seeing their romance blossom across the pages of the series. Plus, being the same hero and heroine in all three books make developing the characters a little more realistic. The first time, anyone meets somebody they don’t know everything about them right away. It takes some time. I like this idea. As for the setting, I do love that it is set around the time period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not actual Christmas novel, but in the cold part of the year. Overall, Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl does have a wonderful suspenseful storyline, but at times, the suspense element did not seem that important. I do love the development of the characters and the romance across the three-book series.

I received a complimentary copy of Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.