Kendra Elliot's The Next Grave is a fast pace, murder mystery that takes the readers on one emotional roller coaster after another. The tone set in this book is for the most a grave, somber setting, with just enough lightheartedness tossed in to make the story more realistic given the situation, and the way Ms. Elliot describes the characters you feel everything that is going on. The Next Grave is the fourth book I've read by Ms. Elliot, each one I read only seems to get better. If you haven't read one Ms. Elliot's books, I highly recommend that you pick one up, it'll be a little treat for your mind!

This book was amazing. It was fast paced and something new at every turn. I thought I knew who it was until I was proven wrong at the end. It doesn't give just one view point and it keeps it interesting. Definitely recommend this book.

I was super excited this was a read now. I love Kendra's books and this one did not disappoint. It was extremely twisted and kept me guessing the whole way! Don't miss it!

The next grave is #6 in Kendra's series, and it did not disappoint. The Next Grave can read this as a standalone (you'll get the gist if you haven't read the other books). However, I do recommend reading the entire series, as there is an overlapping plot and characters. And you really get a feel for all of the characters in and outside of their own stories. I love any story with a K9 dog I am always interested in reading, so The Next Grave was no different. A really captivating murder mystery with a lot of suspense. I will definitely continue the series!

The murder of a revered retired cop.
The kidnapping of his daughter.
Both events are being investigated by Detective Evan Bolton, and he’s got a personal stake in finding the killer – the murdered cop was his mentor.

With his live-in-live, canine specialist, Rowan Wolff, and Evan’s partner, the case takes various twists and turns. Evan is accused of tampering with evidence and thrown off the case. The house he shares with Rowan is firebombed. Then, Evan is kidnapped along with the murdered cop’s grandson.

Rowan and Evan’s partner race against the clock to find Evan and the boy, but will they be too late?

This book had so many twists I felt like a pretzel at the end! But it was sosos good, just like all Elliot's books.
Thanks, NetGalley and Montlake for a sneak. peek 4.5 well-deserved stars!

I just love this series and especially this book. I love Rowan and Evan, but I think I might love the relationship between Rowan and her dog Thor even more! I'm more of a cat person myself, but every time I read about Rowan and Thor, it makes me want a dog of my own.

This story was the kind of story that had me tense and full of anxiety almost the whole time. A lot of suspense and build up and it was made worse when Evan went missing during an investigation. The story starts with Evan investigating the murder of his mentor, retired police officer Rod. As if that weren't bad enough, when another officer went to notify his daughter, it was discovered that she was missing. The only bright spot in all of this for Evan was Rowan. As the investigation continued, there were more questions than answers, but one thing was clear, someone within the department couldn't be trusted.

This was a complicated story that felt personal. I hate what happened to Evan but loved seeing how much he and Rowan were there for each other. I mostly read romance, so I'm a sucker for a good romance in a mystery/suspense book. I hope we get more of their story soon.

I really, really liked this "mystery/suspense with just enough romance" novel by a new-to-me author. I'm a little surprised hire much I liked it, actually, because I wasn't fully sold at first. Evan and Rowan are not new characters, it seems, both having appeared in previous novels by this author. In fact, they're together already here, and any drama comes from external forces. The romance in this story comes from the enduring love they already have for each other.

So there's the mystery of Evan's mentor's murder, and the whodunit soon turns suspenseful. The plot keeps you guessing though most of the reveal ends up being a little anticlimactic. I kept thinking/hoping there was another culprit. That said, I never guessed who, and that's rare for me.

But can we talk about the dog? Thor rather steals the show, as any good canine character will do. I do feel like his character went missing a little towards the end though.

Another vague question mark for me was how Rowan—not a cop—was privy to so much about the case. An effort is made to explain it by suggesting everyone knows it's irregular, but it did seem a little convenient.

Anyway, a good plot that isn't either rushed or draggy and great characters make this book a winner. I'll definitely read more by this author.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks.

Thank You for the opportunity to read this amazing book. As always from Kendra Elliot a gripping read full of twists that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It was brilliant to have Evan and Rowan in a storyline together. Definitely a must read for everyone.

* Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *

The Next Grave is the 6th installment in the Columbia River series, and it delivers the same quick, interesting mysteries the other's did. Following Evan and Rowan as they work to solve the murder of a close friend and the disappearance of his daughter, the two will stop at nothing to get answers. They'll even risk their own lives.

I like Evan and Rowan and I was happy to get another book about them and Thor. You get a cameo from Bridget and Mercy which was really fun to see, as well. I'll be even more excited when we finally get Noelle's story, but this is a satisfying wrap-up for now.

Title: The Next Grave by Kendra Elliot

Release date: December, 10th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"The Next Grave" by Kendra Elliot is a gripping and suspenseful novel that delves into the dark underbelly of crime and the relentless pursuit of justice.

This sixth instalment in the Columbia River Series shines a spotlight on Detective Evan Bolton and search and rescue canine specialist Rowan Wolff, along with her dog, Thor, as they navigate a complex and dangerous investigation that hits close to home.

The story begins with the brutal murder of Evan's friend and mentor, retired detective Rod McLeod, whose body is discovered in the trunk of a car in a junkyard. The situation escalates when McLeod's daughter and grandson mysteriously vanish, leading Evan and Rowan to believe that the two events are connected.

As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of intrigue involving McLeod's reinvestigation of old crimes, suggesting that someone within law enforcement may be involved in a sinister cover-up.

Elliot's narrative is a masterclass in suspense, with each chapter revealing new clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. The chemistry between Evan and Rowan, along with the invaluable assistance of Thor, adds a layer of warmth and humanity to the story, balancing the darkness of the crimes they investigate.

This novel is a standout addition to the Columbia River Series, offering fast-paced suspense, unexpected twists, and an emotional depth that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Fans of the series will be delighted to see Evan and Rowan take centre stage, and new readers will find "The Next Grave" to be an excellent entry point into Elliot's world of crime and punishment. With its blend of mystery, romance, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller.

Thank you to The Publisher Montlake ,The Author Kendra Elliot & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

The Next Grave by Kendra. Elliot is sixth book in the Columbia River Series which features Evan and Rowan and the amazing Thor. Pulse-pounding mystery with some wild twists and turns. Great addition to the series with fast paced action and tension throughout and an unexpected conclusion.
Thank you to the author, Montlake, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I have read this entire series and totally love any visit with these characters. Like visiting old friends. This one focuses on Evan and Rowan. Definitely kept me up to late as i tried to figure out the mystery
Definitely recommend and hope for more

A pulse-pounding thriller that delivers on every level. The story is gripping, the characters are intriguing, and the suspense is maintained throughout. Overall, an excellent read!

Let me start by saying I love Kendra Elliot. This book did not disappoint, it was one of the best in the Columbia river series. She really goes into Rowan and Evan’s relationship and keeps us all guessing until the last few pages. Will be a long wait until the next book in the series.

Wow, what a thrilling read. Full disclosure, I haven’t read the first books in the series, but they are next on my list!

Action, suspense, TENSION - red herrings everywhere, pulse pounding investigation with strong characters, including one amazing dog!

The Columbia River Series gives us additional stories from characters of Kendra Elliot’s other series. Detective Evan Bolton and SAR Rowan Wolff story continues in The Next Grave.

Evan is devastated when the body found in a trunk turns out to be his is old mentor retired detective Rod McLeod. He dreads having to inform Rod's daughter and grandson. Thing get even bleaker when they arrive at her hours and find both of them missing and a bloody crime scene.

Both Evan and Rowen are heavily involved in the investigation and the search not realizing their lives are now in danger. This story got intense as it went along and that edge of your seat ending.

Another winner from this author.

Great read and an intriguing mystery. The characters are familiar and we connect with some old friends.

Detective Evan Hunter is investigating the horrific murder of his mentor Rod McLeod. McLeod's daughter and grandson go missing, and Evan is convinced the murder and disappearances are linked to an old case.
Evan then goes missing and Rowan assists the police to find him.

Great characters, great suspense, great investigative work.
I did enjoy this book, but have not read any previous books with Evan and Rowan, and the wonderful Thor.
But it was fine as a standalone book, in my opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this book.

A roller coaster ride of who will it be next. Read as we follow Evan while he investigates a very respected colleague's death. Only to find out that isn't the end of the missing people he and his team will have to find in order to solve this crime. This one will have you clinging to this book with both hands until you find out what has happened.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.