Member Reviews

I really enjoy reading Love Inspired books and this is a particularly good one in their series. I liked how there was a good full story with an element of suspense. It was a nice short quick read I could just sit back and relax while reading!

Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy of this title!

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Cold Case Tracker is a Love Inspired Suspense written by Maggie K Black. This is the first book in the Unsolved Case Files series. First and Foremost, can we please talk about the cover? I have a German Shepherd so they always make me smile when I see them on book covers or in stories. We meet Amy and Jackson. Jackson is a K9 officer, and his sister, Gemma has vanished. He is hoping to work with her best friend, Amy to try and find out what happened. However, quickly it becomes clear that Gemma had been investigating some cold cases, and someone is not happy about that. So much so that they want Amy dead.

The book is so packed full of action and suspense. You will not want to put it down. I had to read this in one sitting in a rainy afternoon because I had to know what happened. I loved the characters and how they are created and written.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

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Jackson Locke is a K-9 officer and his sister Gemma has gone missing. He hopes that his old crush Amy Scout will be instrumental in Jackson finding Gemma. Gemma is not only Jackson’s sister, but she is Amy’s best friend. Both Jackson and Amy band together in their attempts to locate Gemma. However, danger is ever-present, especially as Amy had been lookin into cold cases. No doubt this plays into a good reason as to why Amy has disappeared.

Things are not looking good with hopes of Gemma being found alive, especially as more and more clues are revealed. Time is definitely of the essence, especially as Jackson’s boss has only given him a couple of days off of his regular job to locate her. Jackson doesn’t work alone. His K-9 partner Hudson is there for every second in this intriguing story.

What a great start to a new series. While the mystery is paramount, a romance is built into the story as well. Also factor in faith and belief in God in this story and you have a well-balanced book. I am eager to see what is next in store for this series, especially as some of the cases will no doubt focus on solving cold cases.

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

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This book has a lot going for it. It's fast paced with a lot of actions. The abduction of a woman introduces us to the main characters of this book. Jackson and Amy work together to find out what happened to Jackson's sister. I recommend this book to all mystery fans.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

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Instantly intriguing! Right away, the reader gets a mysterious pregnancy and a possibly abusive father, a missing friend who is possibly deceased, a law enforcement officer with a stated crush on the MC who lies about his identity, and possible suspicious background for the main character. The author somehow managed all of that without a big info dump!

There is plenty of action in the story to keep a person interested, but also time to ponder deeper meanings.

I haven’t read this author before but will happily pick up her next story.

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I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.

This is a book following K-9 officer Jackson whose sister has vanished and needs her sister’s friend to help him find her. Through their interaction he realizes someone wants a cold case to remain cold. It was an interesting read and it was quite enjoyable to read

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Seems to have an interesting plot I just couldn't really get into it. Probably good for someone who likes more fast paced stories

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When expectant mother Amy Scout steps up to care for her missing friend's bookstore, a handsome Sgt. Jackson Locke arrives in the small mountain town to investigate the woman's disappearance. Sparks fly as Sgt. Locke attempts to maintain a professional distance. Then, Amy's life is threatened. Can Amy trust the mysterious officer and his canine companion? Will the threats on her life end the same way as Gemma's?

An action-oriented read with a redemptive storyline, Cold Case Tracker is a great book to read at the beach or anywhere else you want to unwind.

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Nice addition to the Love Inspired series. I enjoyed the book. It was a little confusing at first but it all evened out in the end. There is a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. I will want to read the next in the series.

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In "Cold Case Tracker" by Maggie Black, intrigue and suspense are the name of the game. Amy Scout finds herself thrust into a nightmare when her best friend and bookstore owner, Gemma, goes missing. As she grapples with fear and uncertainty, Amy's past leaves her feeling vulnerable and alone, with Gemma's absence leaving a gaping hole in her life.

Enter Sgt. Jackson Locke and his trusty K-9, Hudson. Gemma's brother, Jackson is determined to uncover the truth behind his sister's disappearance, even as he navigates his own family dynamics. Their initial encounter with Amy is anything but smooth, setting the stage for a tense and gripping narrative.

What sets "Cold Case Tracker" apart is its balanced blend of mystery and action. Black skillfully weaves a tale that keeps readers engaged without relying solely on high-octane thrills. Instead, themes of faith, second chances, and forgiveness add depth to the story, enriching the reader's experience.

And let's not forget Hudson, the real hero of the tale. A beloved K-9 companion, Hudson steals the show with his unwavering loyalty and bravery. For fans of canine-centered stories, he's sure to be a favorite.

In summary, "Cold Case Tracker" is a captivating read that delivers on both suspense and heart. With its well-drawn characters and compelling plot, it's a book that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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A captivating story from the beginning pages — I had a hard time putting it down. Riveting might be a good word. Her friend, Gemma, has disappeared which is not like her. Gemma would know that Amy not knowing would stress her out and Amy’s doctor does *not* want her stressed at this point in her pregnancy. Amy opened Gemma’s bookshop as usual but Gemma’s absence caused nothing but worry. And then the lights go out …

Jackson is part of the RCMP Ontario K-9 unit. He’s just finished a case and his boss has given him 48 hours to go to Clearwater, Ontario to check on his sister’s disappearance. They haven’t been close but he loves his sister. BTW, he wasn’t always called Jackson. And he has known Amy since they were kids.

This is 5% into the book and I was INTO the story. By this time you’ve met Hudson, Jackson’s K-9 partner. Hudson lays down *on* Jackson’s coat which is exactly what my dogs have done throughout my life. And you want to be seen as a friend to Hudson, trust me on this.

And for the next 209 pages you, dear reader, will wonder as I did WHO is trying to scare Amy, WHAT does “WHO” want, and HOW far will “WHO” go? How has he already committed murder?

Yes, there is a bit of romance in the air too. I’ve found the novels with the genre (shown on their covers) “Love Inspired Suspense, Inspirational Romance” to be exactly that. Lots of “suspense”, some “love”, and “inspirational” with meaningful references to prayer and trust in God. Cold Case Tracker fits this to a “t”. I’ve reviewed Maggie K. Black before and she is now one of my favorite authors for this genre. If you are a Laura Scott fan, then you’ll love this book.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Cold Case Tracker” via NetGalley from the publisher, HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired Suspense. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Great cover. Grabs your attention.
Pages: 209
Series: Unsolved Case Files, book #1
Publish Date: 23 Apr 2024
#ColdCaseTracker #NetGalley #MaggieKBlack

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I consider this book to be an outstanding example of Christian romantic suspense! If I didn't like books with K-9 assistance to police officers, I would have had to change my mind with this smart, effective and lovable one included! Amy has been duped by the man who supposedly married her, and her friend Gemma still welcomed her back. Gemma had her secrets and had been privately investigating robberies and murders from a local nursing home. Even Gemma's brother, a K-9 police officer, was unaware of Gemma's searching, and before long all 3 are in life-threatening situations! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think many others will, too!
I appreciate reading this book through the editors offering, and the thoughts expressed are my own.

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This book is full of action, drama, suspense, romance and faith. Jackson, k-9 Hudson, and Amy's story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the suspense builds. I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of romantic suspense.
I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin - Romance | Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This is a Clean Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Unsolved Case Files series. I really got pulled into this story from the beginning, and I had to finish it so I stayed up late just to finish this book. There was a ton of action and suspense in this book, but what really pulled me into the story is the connection the two main characters had to each other. I was loving seeing the backstory of those two characters unfold, so I was not each trying to guess what was going on with the mystery parts. The suspense and mystery parts were really good as well. I really love the ending, and I feel this is a great start to a new series. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Suspense) or author (Maggie K. Black) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

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Story: 5/5

Worldview: 5/5

From the beginning, I was hooked. This is a short novel; no fluff, we just got right into the action. I loved Amy Scout as the heroine of the story! She went from being free-spirited to fighting to keep a stable home for her unborn child. Also, she was not only said to be smart but she actually showed it! Jackson Locke was a wonderful counterpart to Amy, struggling with moving on from his troubled past and forgiving himself. There were quite a few twists and turns, and even though I was getting a cute, clean romance, the novel itself didn't feel like a cliché. :)

Worldview is 5 out of 5 because the character consistently called on God. It didn't matter where they were, what was going on, they prayed. I loved that. Then there were the themes of being honest and forgiving yourself the way Christ forgave you. This was a sweet read, not with a ton of depth, but with themes that rang true in every page.

I will definitely pick up another novel by Maggie Black. I have read a few other Christian suspense/thriller books, but this one is the one that really sticks in my mind so far.

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This book was amazing! I loved the characters and the plot was very well written. The writer is very talented and the story was very interesting.

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Cold Case Tracker by Maggie K. Black
Book 1 of 2: Unsolved Case Files
A missing sibling. A targeted witness.
A K-9 on the case.
K-9 officer Jackson Locke’s sister has vanished—and the key to finding her lies with Amy Scout…his sister’s best friend and his old crush. But when Amy comes under attack, two things become clear: Jackson’s sister has been investigating cold cases and someone wants Amy dead. Now he must untangle the mystery between the cold cases and his sister’s disappearance while guarding Amy from an enemy willing to kill to hide the truth…
This is Amy Scout,Gemma and Jackson Locke's story.
Amy Scott has been taking care of the Clearwater Bookstore since the owner, her best friend Gemma, went missing.
There was a man standing on the sidewalk across from the Clearwater Bookstore, staring at Amy Scout through the storefront window. She froze as her hands instinctively cradled the unborn child in her belly. This was the third time today she’d spotted the stranger with his imposing black and tan German shepherd outside the store, which was unsettling considering how deserted the tiny town in Northern Ontario was during the offseason. But if he was going to eyeball her then she was going to take down every single detail she could about him in return.
Two weeks ago, Gemma’s empty car had been found submerged in a dangerous river, at the bottom of a steep waterfall near the town of South River, about an hour from Clearwater. Amy had no idea where Gemma had been going when she’d left the cottage that day or what she’d even been doing in that area.
For almost three hours, they’d paced laps around the tiny town of Clearwater, as he tried to gear himself up for talking to Amy Scout about his sister’s disappearance. Jackson and Hudson had been in the Yukon on an undercover assignment and imbedded in an organized crime ring when his boss, Inspector Ethan Finnick, had slipped him the news that Gemma had gone missing and was presumed dead.I recommend this book.
Cold Case Tracker by Maggie K. Black is a 5 star book.
If you like to read Suspense stories you will love this book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Maggie K. Black.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Unsolved Case Files
Book 1: Cold Case Tracker

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When K-9 officer Jackson Locke's sister goes missing, he is determined to find out what happened to her, and the one who is best equipped to help him is Gemma's best friend, Amy, his former childhood crush.

A fast paced read with likable characters, and a lot going on. Jackson and Amy make a good team as they work together to find out what happened to Gemma and what she was working on. Good relationship building, suspense, and faith, with a plot that kept me guessing.

I liked the growing relationship between Jackson and Amy. An entertaining read from beginning to end, with great characters and strong faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Cold Case Tracker caught my attention on page one and kept me in its grips throughout the book. I loved the suspense as Jackson and his K9 are searching for his sister while trying to protect Amy. I did have a moment when I thought what are you doing Jackson, why would you say that (if you read it, you will know). I am guessing it was an opportunity to show that everyone is human, having faith does not prevent mistakes, errors, etc. Cold Case Tracker provided a suspenseful read, wrapped in a mystery with characters that live their lives and use the power of prayer and their faith. How exciting this is book 1, meaning more good things to look forward to. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Cold Case Tracker. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #ColdCaseTracker #MeganKBlack #LoveInspiredSuspense #Harlequin #NetGalley

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The intrigue and suspense in this book will keep you on your toes. Amy Scout has been running the bookstore that her best friend, Gemma, owns. Gemma disappeared, and Amy fears that the unthinkable has happened. She does not understand why anyone would want to hurt Gemma. Amy is pregnant and alone, as well as a little skittish. Her past has made her a little timid, and Gemma was her rock.

Sgt. Jackson Locke and his K-9, Hudson have arrived in town. Gemma is Jackson's brother, and he has been given a few days of leave to try and solve her disappearance. The local authorities have made no advances toward solving the mystery. He hopes he can find his sister healthy and alive. He arrives to find someone trying to kidnap Amy. Let's just say the first meeting between Amy and Jackson does not go well.

The mystery was interesting, and the action was just right. It was not one of those books where the characters are running for lives constantly. It had just the right amount of action, which picked up more in the end. Themes of faith, second chances and forgiveness play a vital part to this story. I always enjoy a K-9 story. Hudson was my hero. There was also a parrot named Reepi who adds a colorful splash to the story. There is a humorous little scene involving Hudson and Reepi.

If you enjoy action, intrigue, suspense and a touch of romance, you will enjoy this one as much as I did.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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