** “Sometimes life’s just not fair. But God is the one who will have the final say. That brings me some degree of peace when injustices happen.” **

Janice Thompson delivers another fun cozy mystery with “Tracking Tilly,” a story about never giving up and the power of family.

RaeLyn Hadley is excited she finally found her beloved PawPaw’s truck, Tilly, after it being gone for 10 years. But she’s devastated when, after winning it at auction, it goes missing before she can even claim it from the auction house.

As she tries to root through the various suspects, she is also reacquainted with her former crush Mason Fredericks, who left her years ago for her best friend.

Will RaeLyn and Mason be able to locate the missing Tilly, as well as solve some past family mysteries? Will she be able to get her family’s new antique business up and running in the meantime? And will they be able to work through their pasts and find love?

Thompson has created a lovely story filled with budding romance, a little mystery, sweet moments and a love for animals. Her characters are both delightful and unlikeable, creating great friction. She also fills “Tracking Tilly” with several great themes, like finding the ability to forge ahead even when there’s old wounds to overcome; creating a fresh start; God arranges our steps; we should learn from the past; and the power of family legacy.

Fans of cozy mysteries will love “Tracking Tilly,” which is due out Aug. 1.

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson is a sweet story. I liked that RaeLyn wanted to purchase her grandfather’s old truck, Tilly, which held so many memories for her. RaeLyn has a great family. I enjoyed getting to know RaeLyn, her family, friends, and townspeople. I liked the Texas charm. From the Hadley farm to the charming small town with its friendly residents. RaeLyn gets to reconnect with Mason, an old friend, at the auction and romance blossoms. When Tilly is stolen, RaeLyn is determined to get the truck back. She asks questions and searches for clues. The mystery, though, is not at the forefront of the story (it is back behind life on the farm, setting up the antique store in the barn, and getting reacquainted with Mason). You can tell how much Tilly means to RaeLyn and the rest of the Hadley clan. Tracking Tilly is a story that will leave you smiling. Tracking Tilly is a feel-good tale with a family farm, an animated auction, a startling theft, tracing a truck, setting up a shop, a chance at romance, surprising secrets, and close-knit community.

A story set in a small hometown, full of mystery, intrigue, and keep you on your toes twists! The writing style grabs you from the very first page, pulling you into a family you want to fight to get justice for. Tilly is a truck that belonged to the family's patriarch and was sold due to financial need, Once the family buys Tilly back, the truck suddenly goes missing before ever making it back to their farm with little to no clues as to who took her. I found myself so invested in finding Tilly that I would read long past bed time until my eyes were gritty, hoping to find a "good" place to set my book down for the night. (Spoiler alert: there isn't one-you'll keep flipping pages because you can't get enough!) Well written, great plot, and a feel good ending that will leave you with warm and fuzzies.

**Release date:** 1st of August 2024
**Rating:** 3.5 stars (rounded to four)

I’d heard a lot about Janice Thompson’s books, so when I received an ARC of *Tracking Tilly* from NetGalley, I dove in quickly. As a non-frequenter and non-fan of contemporary fiction, I was a bit skeptical, but I'm happy to say I enjoyed it! (despite finding RaeLyn annoying at times).

Also, since reading this book, I’ve fallen in love with Texas and vintage cars.

I would recommend this book to people who love Texas, small towns, a close knit family, vintage cars, bluebonnets flowers, nostalgic reads, ranches, food, low stake mysteries, and dogs.

****Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for providing an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Loved this story. The Hadley family ranch is struggling but Raelyn is opening an antique store in the barn. Her grandfather's 1952 Red Truck is being auctioned off locally and Raelyn wants to get it back. She wins the bid for the truck but the next morning Harlen at the auction house calls her and tells her the truck has been stolen. Raelyn and Bessie Mae become the amateur sleuths in this story. Of course there is a little sweet romance in this story and some starting new with old friends, This is A VERY GOOD COZY MYSTERY.

This book was an enjoyable, sweet mystery set in Texas. A beloved red truck, once owned by Pawpaw comes up for auction. However after winning the auction, the red truck is stolen. This leads to a search involving mystery, family, and a little romance. A perfect, lighthearted read for the warm summer months.

It's been way too long since I last picked up a title from Janice Thompson, and I'm so thankful that more and more cozy mysteries are starting to make their way into the Christian fiction genre. This was actually one of my most anticipated releases for 2024, and that was based on basically only knowing it was written by Janice and that it was a Christian cozy mystery. Let me say that it definitely did not disappoint, and I'm already on the edge of my seat waiting eagerly for future installments of this series.

Readers follow Raelyn Hadley after she's just purchased her beloved grandfather's antique red truck at an auction block. After losing her grandpa, it's something she feels the whole family will appreciate that much more. Unfortunately, life rarely goes the way we want it to, and before she can even get the truck delivered, it goes missing from the auction house. As Raelyn and her family struggle to get to the bottom of their mystery, many suspects will be called into play including the boy she never got over, and an elderly man who appears to have a surprising connection to her own family.

With a well written plot, a mystery that keeps the reader guessing, a loveable romance, and hijinks and mayhem in typical Janice Thompson fashion, Tracking Tilly was everything I was hoping for and more, and is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far.

I especially loved Bessie Mae, and the big heart she has for her family and community. Her love for John Wayne was a hoot, and it was hysterical how no matter the situation, she always had a quote at the ready. The faith element was also a lovely touch, and it blended seamlessly into the rest of the story, which to me always speaks volumes to the writing talent of the author.

All in all, I adored this one from start to finish, and can't possibly recommend it enough! Definitely pick this one up if you're a fan of clean cozy mysteries and/or Christian contemporaries with Texas flair.

Final Rating: 5/5.



Thanks so much to Barbour Fiction for allowing me to read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour Fiction) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

A delightful read that includes a missing truck, family relationships, friendships, and love. I enjoyed this story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

Tracking Tilly is the first book in the new Little Red Truck series from Barbour publishing. It's a fun cozy mystery mixed with faith, family, romance, forgiveness, and humor. It's enjoyable with good characters and a heartwarming ending. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next ,with the Hadley family.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

I wanted to read this book because it is a cozy mystery and the blurb interested me. It didn't disappoint. The book is in first person which didn't take long to adjust too. So we only see Raelyn's point of view. It starts at an auction for an old truck that belonged to her grandfather. She wants it to do it up to its former beauty and for sentimental reasons. Here she finds an old friend Mason and a couple other characters bidding for the same truck. This sets up the story.

RaeLyn wins the auction, but the truck ends up being stolen. This is where the mystery begins. There are several people of interest with clues being dropped. There are side characters that make this book. Bessie Mae the elderly aunt is so funny at times with her John Wayne obsession. This is happening with the back drop of RaeLyn opening an antique store.

This is one mystery without a murder which I appreciated. Seeing how the story unfolded was good. Again, I would love to keep talking but I don't give spoilers. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

If you like cozy mysteries this is an easy read I am sure you will enjoy. Especially if you want a mystery without a murder which I found refreshing.

Are you in the mood for a cozy mystery with a dose of Texas charm? Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson is the perfect read for that mood! One of the standout aspects of the book is how Thompson brings the Hadley family and their small-town community to life. The strong family bond adds a rich, emotional layer to the mystery without overwhelming the reader.

The Texas setting adds an extra layer of charm to the story. From the dusty old barn to the friendly town, Thompson paints a vivid picture of life in a close-knit community. The mystery is a puzzle to solve, but it’s also about rediscovering the past and reconnecting. As RaeLyn digs into the mystery, she uncovers secrets and learns more about herself and her family.

Tracking Tilly is a delightful, feel-good read. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile, with its mix of nostalgia, family values, and a touch of romance. If you’re looking for a lighthearted escape with a Texas twist, this book is sure to warm your heart and leave you eager for the next installment in the series.

Janice Thompson has crafted a cozy mystery that celebrates family, faith, and the simple joys of life.

I received a digital ARC of Tracking Tilly from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

The beginning of the new Little Red Truck series from Barbour publishing is a light, easy read. Mystery mixed with faith, family, romance and humor. Not fast paced but very enjoyable with good characters and a heartwarming ending. I’m interested to see what comes next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

Tracking Tilly is a delightful book. Familial bonds, nostalgia, mystery, trust, and the courage to try something new are blended into the debut book of The Little Red Truck Mysteries. A family ranch is at a crossroads and the time has come to move in the direction of something new while honoring what once was. But simple things are often more complex than they initially appear. A valued truck is stolen. Secrets are uncovered. Trust is earned and lost. Among it all laughter and love prevail. I recommend this book to fans of lighthearted cozy mysteries and feel-good entertainment.

Tracking Tilly is a great read that I enjoyed very much. Tilly is a an antique truck that once belonged to
RaeLyn's Papaw. It is up for auction and she is determined to win the bid, which she does. Her ex-
boyfriend Mason is starting a restoration business and offers to tow the truck for free the next morning.
Unfortunately Tilly is stolen before that happens. Police are involved in searching and questioning the
many suspects, Mason included. Katelyn, her friend Tasha, and Aunt Bessie Mae are also on the case.
The family is also in the process of opening an antique shop. The goal is to restore Tilly and display her out front.The story unfolds amidst a lot going on. There are questions of who can be trusted to tell the truth and who may be working together to hide Tilly. The family also uncovers needs in their community that they and their church family may be able to assist with. Long kept secrets are also uncovered bur how do they apply to the mystery of the missing Tilly? I loved this book and recommend it to all.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

"Tracking Tilly (The Little Red Truck Mysteries #1)" by Janice Thompson is a super cozy mystery. The mystery is entirely around the truck, Tilly, going missing before RaeLyn can have it delivered to her family farm after winning back to the family at an auction. The truck had been her grandfather's before he had to sell it to help pay his medical bills before he passed. So it means a lot to her and her family. She just wants it back where it before.

While RaeLyn is looking to the disappearance of her tuck she uncovers some secrets about town and her own family. She also reconnects with an old high school best friend and crush. There is also a bit of a Christian faith theme to this Texas farm themed cozy book.

Name of Book: Tracking Tilly
Series: Little Red Truck Mystery
Author: Janice Thompson
Genre: Mystery/Thriller-Romance
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Pub Date: August 1, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 256

Story features Raelyn Hadley who is in the process of opening an antique shop on her family’s ranch; they are having financial difficulties.
The book cover photo features ‘Tilly’ Papaw’s seventy year old red Chevy truck.
When Raelyn finds out that the red truck will be auctioned. She is anxious to bid and win the truck back into the family. Her hope is having the antique truck display will be a big attraction to bring customers to the antique and thus may bring in extra income.

She wins the bid and is excited however since it needs some repairs it isn’t drive able right now and will be delivered tomorrow . . . . but it was stolen from the auction property during the night.

I was immediately drawn to this story as my granddaughter drives an old red truck. It was her high school graduation gift. It was what she wanted to haul her things back and forth to college.
Plus the red truck theme has been popular as a holiday decoration-I loved sending her little red truck gifts.
Additionally I have a handsome wonderful grandson named Mason.
So yes I was indeed hoping for a HEA story!

This was my first story by Janice Thompson so thought I would read her bio – which starts with Welcome to the wacky, wonderful world of inspirational author Janice Hanna Thompson, where romantic comedy rules the day! I hope you love to laugh, because I make it my goal to tickle your funny bone at every turn in my light-hearted tales.
She answers why her stories focus on the light-hearted stuff?
She says ~ Life is hard! Readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special ‘Take Me Away!” moments!
“Love, Laughter and HEA" is something most of us need and she says it ~ bring her great delight. Plus if think it is all fluff, think again!
There is a bit of mystery as to who took Tilly – not my usual murder mystery with big revels etc. But it was fun quick enjoyable read,

Want to thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for granted me the pleasure of this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 1, 2024.

The cover of this book really caught my eye so I had to read it!
I was a little disappointed however. It’s a cute romance but was a little hard for me to get into it. I found myself skim reading quite a bit.

Personally the “mystery” & overall story just didn’t hold my attention.

Again it is a sweet story just not for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

🚜 quaint small town ✅
👵 sassy older auntie/part time sleuth ✅
💔 former high school love ✅
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 surprising family history ✅
🚔 major theft ✅
❓one mystery to solve ✅

This story has as many plot twists and turns as a back country road. The story takes place in Texas where everyone knows everyone and their business.

RaeLyn is on a mission to restore her grandfather’s precious truck and to do that she must be the top bidder. She beats out her former high school love, the town grouch, and the ex-wife of the auction house owner.

The next day it is discovered that Tilly has been stolen. The author masterfully draws you into an Angela Lansbury in Murder She Wrote episode with all the humor, romance, and family drama possible.

My favorite character is Bessie Mae. She reminded me of my grandmother, with her quick wit, common sense wisdom, and her love for her family.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, small towns, second chance romance, or Texas.

I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

RaeLyn has finally managed to purchase her grandfather's old red truck. How did this truck leave the family in the first place since it's so important to her? Why did she leave the keys on the dashboard after a bitter bidding war for possession of the truck? Who stole it from the auction house?

I picked this book out because when I was growing up my uncle had an old red truck like this and I loved it (I loved anything old and I loved my uncle, so many good memories!) Unfortunately I just couldn't get into the book. All the action is described, the author doesn't go into a lot of detail so I wouldn't say the descriptions are overdone or poorly written except the descriptions are pretty much all there is. There's very little dialog. For me, it just felt flat. I couldn't get into the story and was unable to finish. I know this author writes a lot of books and is very popular and I wouldn't dissuade someone from reading this book, but personally I couldn't get into it. If you're a fan of Thompson's books you might enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This is a mystery, with lots of twists and turns. Just when we think we have all the facts, the author gives us something else to chew on and then well, yes, that makes sense and we are off in another direction.

A 1952 truck, not much to look at now, but the bidding seems to show something else. Raelyn is wanting it, it was her Grandfathers, lots of happy memories. All is well, a bit more money than expected, but then the truck is missing. Thus we are off on a mystery that reveals a lot of facts that Raelyn never knew.

This is a story that shows a lot of love and compassion, and made me want to be a member of the Hadley family!

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