the start of a new nancy mehl series!

haunted by past tragedy and hounded by her bestselling book's popularity, erin delaney retreats to a cabin in the smoky mountains to spend time with a friend, kaely quinn-hunter. of course, while there, the little town of sanctuary uncovers evidence that points to a serial killer, and local police chief adrian nightengale could use the help of erin and kaely. will they be able to find the killer before he strikes again?

i really enjoyed kaely's series from mehl, but unfortunately, i think she overshadowed the new characters in this series. i wanted more from erin and adrian, yet so much of the mystery and interpersonal development revolve around kaely's involvement. she uses her unique process to help find the killer, while also helping erin face the trauma of her past, using both psychology and faith. given this is the first book in "the erin delaney mysteries," it's hard to tell how the series will continue and what the dynamic will be.

all in all, though, shattered sanctuary is a solid suspense from nancy mehl. just be sure to read kaely's series first.

(i received a complimentary copy from the author. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)
 
 
considerations: 
—language: none
—spice: none
—faith: mentions of angels, spirits, and ghosts; kaely relies on her relationship with God and talks to erin about it
—content: death, murder, guilt, suicidal thoughts

4.5 stars

“Would you like me to start with the ghost that’s been roaming the woods for decades or the dead body just discovered this morning?”

There are a handful of things that, if I see even one of them in a blurb or cover, will guarantee a suspense novel goes from a book I want to read to one I absolutely HAVE to read, and Shattered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl has nearly all of them: a potential serial killer, in the Smoky Mountains, in a snowstorm, with a ghost story… and Kaely Quinn-Hunter. I became fascinated with Kaely Quinn in her eponymous Profiler series and delighted in seeing her again in The Quantico Files, and now getting to hang out with her on the pages of Shattered Sanctuary was exactly what I needed. Exactly what our new protagonist Erin Delaney needed too. I loved their friendship, how they worked so well together in working up a profile for the serial killer, and especially how Kaely is a steady – but not pushy – ambassador of Jesus to Erin. And let me tell you – Erin is giving Kaely some tough competition for my favorite Mehl heroine! I’m so excited to see where the series takes her, including a potential romance with local police chief Adrian.

Here’s a confession though… and brace yourselves because, coming from me, this is going to be shocking for you: Even if there was zero hint of a future romance, I would still be very eagerly waiting for book two. Mehl’s expert crafting of suspense and weaving of twists is that good. So are Erin’s instincts and observation skills when it comes to a crime scene and a suspect’s behavioral profile, even without formal BAU training. The combination of a small Smoky Mountain town, the snowstorm, the ghost story, and the serial killer kept me on the edge of my seat and looking over my shoulder. I suspected several people but fully expected it to be none of them, and my mind continually whirred with possibilities as I tried to puzzle it all out along with Kaely & Erin & Adrian.

Bottom Line: Friendship. A Smoky Mountains getaway. A winter wonderland. And a serial killer. One of these things is not like the others, but in Nancy Mehl’s Shattered Sanctuary it all fits together perfectly in a riveting plot that will have you reading as fast as you can! Erin Delaney is instantly likable and sympathetic, her journey toward emotional & spiritual healing as compelling for me in this story as the suspense was. I enjoyed meeting the characters of Sanctuary, as well as Erin, and I loved getting to see Kaely Quinn-Hunter in action again. I hope it’s not the last we see of her in this series or in Mehl’s writing. And no review for this book would be complete without me mentioning how much I adored Chester and Jake. If you love to get lost in a layered story with high stakes suspense and engaging characters, then run, don’t walk, to a copy of Shattered Sanctuary right now!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I read this book in one day because I just had to know what happened! This is a great way to start a new series!

Erin Delaney is a flawed character, battling her past experiences and blaming herself for more than she should. She wrestles with the acceptance of a God who would let bad things happen. So does the killer. The parallels drawn between the two are subtle, so don’t miss them!

Nancy Mehl includes a spiritual journey and conversations that dive deeper into who God is and why hard things happen. These overt discussions are not pushed upon the characters but in answer to questions and clues, all while trying to understand the perpetrator and events that occurred in the past. Some truths are- God is the same yesterday, today and forever-Old Testament and New Testament. He is a loving God. We live in a fallen world of sin that He is not responsible for. That was not His plan. He is also judge over that sin. The same sin that Jesus paid the price for.

This story is very well written.

This book is suitable for mature teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the publisher through LibraryThing free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

An intriguing whodunnit with characters that are easy to connect with. I liked Erin and Kaely and rooted for them to figure things out before it was too late.

I know that when I pick up a Nancy Mehl book I am going to be up all night turning the pages until I know who the culprit is. If you are familiar with the Kaely Quinn Profiler series and loved it then you will really enjoy this one as we get to see Kaely once again in action. I love the team up with her and Erin Delaney for so many reasons!

We meet Erin who is a former cop and has some serious PTSD and trauma from a past case. She becomes an author or criminal suspense and has a lot of success. She meets Kaely while doing research for her book and both of them become friends. Kaely is a believer and Erin struggles with accepting that God exists. I love that Kaely is herself with her and lets Erin see what believing in Jesus truly looks like.

They decide to meet up at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains to get away from it all, well they definitely encounter some intrigue as not everything goes according to plan and immediately they are both submerged in solving murders happening in the area. Seriously, I don't know how this author does it but she had me turning the pages like crazy. I also love how she incorporates faith throughout the story despite it being so creepy at times.

There is not a whole lot of romance in this book but there is the potential of something more happening between Erin and Adrian, who is the towns cop. I do enjoy how Mehl takes relationships slower in the series making them more realistic in the long run. So I am very curious and looking forward to seeing their relationship grow.

If you enjoy shows like Criminal Minds then this author should definitely be on your TBR lists and grab this book if that is the genre you are into!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are my own.

Loved it! I’ve been to Sanctuary before. There’s another great series that happens here. You should definitely read that one too. But this book is the first in a new series. A series about Erin Delaney. Erin is an ex-police officer. She quit the force after her partner died and a young girl died. I don’t want to share too much about the whys and hows here but do think those are necessary. Also, her name is Erin so she has to be amazing right?! (yes I’m biased because my name is Erin and I personally think we’re all amazing.)

Anyway. This book lives up to everything Nancy Mehl writes. They’re so full of suspense. You literally cannot put it down and you’re looking over your shoulder wondering if you’re actually living the book in real life or not. They’re that good!

Oh, and we get some characters from other series back too. I loved seeing Kaely again. Because yes I do see them in my mind. Maybe it’s my own version of how Kaely chats with her unsubs. Only without the darkness that can creep in.

Okay. So maybe we should chat more about the book.
Kaely and Erin go to Sanctuary. It’s supposed to be a girl’s trip. No strings. No work. Just the two of them and their friendship enjoying some time together. It might sound like not a big deal but Erin literally hasn’t left her house ina while so it’s a huge step for her.

But she does it! And the house is amazing.

But then they learn about the legend. The dead woman. The crying. Erin is there for a night on her own before Kaely arrives. And maybe a dead body is found and she goes to look at the body with the local sheriff. Even though Erin wasn’t that kind of a detective on the force she did write an amazing novel about it. And she knows what she’s doing because she gleaned all kinds of knowledge from Kaely.

This book starts off on a run and only gets faster and more involved. Bodies being found. Women missing and then murdered and found dead. Who could be behind it? And are they baiting Kaely and Erin? Of course, they are because what would this book be without that?

But the girls can protect themselves. . . can’t they?
Better order your copy and find out! I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Shattered Sanctuary is book one in the new Erin Delaney Mysteries. This book had an interesting plot and characters with several twists that kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next. Although the book wasn’t for me, I finished it because I had to find out what was going to happen and how it would end. There wasn’t anything graphic but the horror/serial killer content creeped me out and was too much for me; so I don’t plan on reading any more books in this series. I did like that the characters talked about God and how they used him as their strength and for guidance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

Erin and Kaely were such fun characters to read about. I mean yes, the mystery/suspense part of the book was great for sure, but for me it's their friendship that made the story so much more enjoyable. Plus the way they look at things and analyze things, I felt like I was right there with them. Most of my favorite shows are crime related shows, and I love trying to solve the mystery as well as understand why the bad guys do what they do. I also can't resist piecing together the puzzle right along with the characters!

I know I can always rely on Mehl for a great faith message as well, and she does not disappoint here. It touched my heart in many different ways. But perhaps what took the cake the most was Erin's journey. I don't want to give anything away, but she had some things to overcome and this murder mystery was the perfect way for her to sort of come out of her shell. I loved it!

I'm excited to see what happens next in this fun new series from Mehl. I know she'll keep me on my toes and enjoying the ride. :)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What an excellent start to Nancy Mehl’s new Erin Delaney Mysteries series! A long-time fan of Mehl’s work, I have been looking forward to reading Shattered Sanctuary for nearly a year, and it did not disappoint.

The book follows Erin Delaney, retired police officer and bestselling author, as she struggles to come to grips with a tragic accident that brought about the end of her law enforcement career. Drowning in guilt and fear, she somewhat reluctantly accepts the invitation to join her friend, Kaely Quinn-Hunter, on a weeklong getaway to the small, Smoky Mountain town of Sanctuary, Tennessee.

Unfortunately, what is supposed to be a restful and rejuvenating trip for both women takes a sinister turn when Police Chief Adrian Nightengale unexpectedly shows up at their door seeking help in finding a cunning serial killer. Helping to hunt down a serial killer will not only require all of Erin’s investigative skills, but it will also require that she face her fears and the traumatic memories of the past.

Several of the novel’s major themes include: What defines us and causes us to do what we do? Where do we find our our security and worth? What is—and should be—the foundation of our life?

In Shattered Sanctuary, Nancy Mehl has artfully woven the truth of the gospel into an engaging tale of mystery and suspense full of relatable and down-to-earth characters, while simultaneously reminding readers that their true enemy is spiritual (not physical) in nature. God is always at work—the question each person must consider is whether they are looking to Him for guidance and direction in all the highs and lows of life.

The following are a few of my favorite quotes:

“[O]ne thing she did know. If God put this together, He would see it through.”

“I guess that’s one saving grace we have when life has been challenging. It makes us more understanding of others.”

“The worst thing you can do is to stuff your feelings—and your nightmares—inside yourself. It’s like when you cut your finger and someone tells you that leaving it uncovered will help with healing. You’ve got to uncover the trauma so you can heal.”

Lastly, I definitely look forward to spending additional time with Erin, Kaely, and Adrian in the future Erin Delaney Mysteries—and I am sure that other readers will, too!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are solely my honest opinion.

This book kept me on my toes! I love suspense but if I'm honest... Sometimes they bore me. Is that terrible?

But it's because the characters just feel like pawns being moved about for the purposes of the author. They have no real reason for being in the story.

These characters did. Every character had their own conflicts they were working through and they all went together so well! More then the actual mystery, I loved the character dynamics. Especially the best friends relationship between Kaely and Erin. 🥰

And then there's the mystery! Wow! It kept me on my toes the entire time. 👀

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense! It's a must read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Can she step out of the prison of her past....

When I want a good suspense novel with some real thriller elements one of the authors I always reach for is Nancy Mehl. She always delivers a spine-tingling tale with plenty of surprises that I can't seem to put down. She keeps me on the edge of my seat while reading and then looking over my shoulder after I've finished. Her Kaely Quinn series was a prime example of that so I was really looking forward to Shattered Sanctuary, especially when I found out that Kaely was going to be in the first book in the Erin Delaney Mysteries.

And, oh, did Shattered Sanctuary far outpace even my expectations. From Nancy Mehl's tragedy scarred heroine, Erin to the creepiest criminal profile scene EVER, from the power of a Tennessee snow storm to an insane killer – oh, and don't forget the ghost story – this initial book in the Erin Delaney Mysteries series was so delightfully chilling and eerie.

Erin Delaney is, herself, quite a character. Trauma from the past has her overwhelmed with pain and fear. Nancy Mehl tackles this with an understanding and empathy that makes her character seem even more real and believable especially to those who have experienced or are close to someone who has experienced significant trauma in their lives. Shattered Sanctuary is just the start and I am really looking forward to Erin's continuing to slowly step out of the shadows.

This was an emotionally moving story that also kept me guessing. I love stories that engage both of those elements in my brain and I can't wait to read the next book....

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

When a relaxing weekend in the woods turns into a hunt for a killer, you know you’re in for one wild ride. What first caught my attention was an overwhelming eeriness that surrounded me the second I started reading. The foreboding is almost palpable as the narrative quickly kicks off.

From the jump, this novel was practically impossible to put down! The details of the investigation, particularly the profiling of the perpetrator, were utterly fascinating. Getting inside the UNSUB’s mind as well as those that are actively pursuing him was fascinating and terrifying. The sadistic meticulousness sent chills down my spine as I read about his dark thoughts and motivations. I also appreciated hearing about the trials that investigators and those that work on cases deal with. I almost went into criminal psychology as a profession, and many of the concerns brought up mirrored my own, which is why I ended up choosing another path. I commend anyone that works with cases as it is not for the faint of heart.

This right here is how you start a series! I was blown away with the imagery and attention to detail the author portrayed and felt such a connection to these characters. I am eagerly anticipating where this series will take us next!

I had high expectations for Shattered Sanctuary since I really loved Mehl’s last series. Unfortunately, this book sort of fell flat for me. I’ll start off with what I did like, which was the faith elements woven throughout. Kaely was unapologetic about her beliefs and wasn’t afraid to tell Erin the truth. It was also well written and I like how we get snippets of what the killer is thinking during different parts of the book. I really wanted more of his story and more surrounding the whole mystery. It seemed like the ending was really rushed. Just when things were ramping up, the suspense was over. The book heavily focused on Erin moving on from ‘the incident’ and I really wanted more suspense.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of the MFC and the author kind of made me less interested in finishing the story with how she portrayed ethical hunters (MFC and MMC made ethical hunters seem problematic for enjoying hunting).

(Not to sound petty, but it irritates me when authors don’t do proper research when talking about firearms. Clips hold multiple rounds of ammunition and is used to help load ammunition into the magazine (a clip isn’t necessary to load a magazine and not all ammunition comes on a clip). Then the magazine goes into the gun. I know ‘clip’ is a slang term for magazine, but it’s not one law enforcement would use.)

I was sent a complimentary eARC with no expectations for a favorable review.

Sanctuary, Tennessee, should be an idyllic place to escape from stress and to just spend time with a friend, or that is what former police officer Erin Delaney expects when she decides to spend a week with her friend and phone counselor Kaely Quinn. Quinn, a former FBI profiler, sets up the plans for the trip and convinces Erin to leave the safety of her apartment and travel to the mountains to spend a week talking and shopping, just relaxing basically. Plans went awry quickly when Erin is called to a murder scene the first night that she is there. A young woman has been killed and the signs immediately point to a serial killer. Erin feels useful since she can use her skills as a former police officer as well as her current knowledge as an author of a best-selling murder mystery. But nothing prepares her for the evil that lurks around the small town of Sanctuary as she and Kaely have to use all of their skill to try to catch a killer before they become the target. Filled with red herrings and lots of clues to follow, this book has the signature style of a master author who knows well how to captivate her audience and keep us all reading. The tension in the story is relentless as a blizzard threatens, a young woman is missing and the town is at the mercy of an unknown killer. With clever twists that are satisfying and edgy and a brilliantly complex plot, this book captured my imagination, making it so that I could not turn the pages fast enough or get enough of this book. With an intriguing plot and relatable characters, this is a fast-paced thrill ride into the heart of a killer storm and the murderer who waits in it for his next victim.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley, I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Nancy Mehl always writes great books, but this one was her most intense. Shattered Sanctuary's intensity had me shouting at the characters telling them what to do, and what not to do. My kids thought I lost it and asked if I was okay. Frankly, I wasn't. A serial killer was loose, and the characters tried to find out who it was even at their own expense. Like I said, it was super intense.

The novel brings together Erin, Kaeley Quinn-Hunter, and Chief Adrian Nightengale. Erin is a former police officer turned writer. Kaeley is a former FBI profiler. They join Adrian in Sanctuary, Tennessee, a small Smoky Mountain town. They must find a serial killer who is terrorizing women in the town. The novel has murder, suspense, thrilling moments, and faith. Erin has PTSD from a past police case. Kaeley helps her face her trauma. We've seen Kaeley in a prior series, and she has a unique way of profiling killers that has a creep factor added in.

Expect excitement and stress as you try to solve the puzzle. The ending will make your heart race. Nancy Mehl always delivers a fast-paced, gripping novel and I highly recommend her books.

My Favorite quote...

“The worst thing you can do is to stuff your feelings—and your nightmares—inside yourself. It’s like when you cut your finger and someone tells you that leaving it uncovered will help with healing. You’ve got to uncover the trauma so you can heal.”

Something evil had come to Sanctuary, and it was his job to stop it.

For Erin Delaney this trip to a town called Sanctuary in the Smokies was supposed to be just that - a time of reflection away from all the memories that had her feeling utterly and completely lost. She needed to leave her apartment and feel the sun on her face and the wind in her hair. Her friend/therapist Kaely Quinn-Hunter was coming to join her for a week - a time to confront memories and release the guilt Erin was feeling.

Somehow, nothing seems to go to plan as these two former law enforcement are drawn into that search for what appears to be a serial killer. Could this experience finally draw Erin to the Lord, the only One that could truly give her the hope to go on or will they both be caught up in the killing spree?

And early copy of The Erin Delaney Mysteries #1 was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and JustReads Tours. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Wow! This book kept me on pins & needles the whole time. Shattered Sanctuary’s the first book in a thrilling new romantic suspense series from Nancy Mehl. The compelling characters, intriguing serial killer mystery, nail-biting suspense, & touch of faith had me quickly turning the pages.

Ex-cop & best selling mystery author Erin Delaney’s struggling to overcome her tragic past & the agoraphobia she suffers from. When her best friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst invites her to stay at a cozy secluded cabin in the mountains of Sanctuary, Tennessee, she agrees hoping it will help her find direction in her life. But, their quiet stay is interrupted when a serial killer strikes & the local police chief needs their help.

This story was intense! There’s always something frightening about an isolated cabin in the woods especially during a snow storm with a killer on the loose. Add in a shrieking specter, & you have one exciting read. The serial killer’s motives were interesting & twisted. I enjoyed the ways Erin & Kaely used their unique knowledge to catch the killer. The suspect completely took me by surprise & I liked the fact that it was hard to guess.

Along with the mystery was an enjoyable female friendship woven throughout. Both women are going through some difficult issues. Kaely relies on her faith, but Erin is a non-believer. As Kaely helps Erin work through her recent tragedy, she strikes a careful balance when it comes to sharing her beliefs. I appreciated the push & pull between believing & finding forgiveness.

There’s also a hint of romance between Erin & Adrian, the local police chief. He’s a fan of her mystery & just happens to look quite a bit like the hero in her book. I can’t wait to see what happens to them in the future. As they all work together to find the serial killer, the intensity builds to a thrilling conclusion.

Highly recommend this exciting start to a new romantic suspense series! Can’t wait for the next book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

The Erin Delaney Mysteries series makes its exciting debut with Shattered Sanctuary. The chilling prologue drew me in, and the cleverly constructed plot kept me fully engrossed and guessing to the end. This story focuses on the quest to apprehend a serial killer, someone who is liked and respected, hiding in plain sight in Sanctuary, Tennessee. The two main characters ex-police officer and author Erin Delaney and ex-FBI profiler Kaely Quinn-Hunter, who have come to the secluded Smokey Mountain town for a relaxing get-away, find themselves deeply involved in the hunt. Erin is also dealing with past traumas in her life, and Kaely feels led to help her find a way back to a “normal” life. I admire Kaely’s strong faith and how she so caringly seeks to show Erin her need for God in her life. Kaely’s twist on profiling procedure, superbly described, is intriguing, eerie, and downright scary! Scenes with insight from the mind of the killer add interest and suspense. Vivid descriptions of the winter storm heighten the suspense and foreboding evil. I smiled at the comic relief offered by the visit to Dolly’s Café. I love this story, packed with mystery and suspense with light romantic undertones that suggest the possibility of a future romantic relationship for Erin. I look forward to reading the next Erin Delaney mystery!
I received a copy of this book from JustRead Tours via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sheltered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl is the first book in The Erin Delaney Mysteries series. The story does bring in Kaely Quinn, who is in the author’s previous stories. This is a well written, easy to read fast paced story that is filled with action, suspense and mystery.

Erin continues to deal with what happened one night while on duty. She has written a book that quickly became a best seller but is unable to fulfill the publishers request for more stories. She wakes up the same time each night and often calls on Kaely to talk. To help Erin, Kaely plans a girls trip to Sanctuary to get away and relax. Instead the two former law enforcement women find themselves being drawn into a series of killings happening in the woods behind their rented cabin.

This story is so good. It grabbed my attention right away and held it to the very end. I like how Kaely looks to God for direction on how to talk with Erin. Especially on the subject of having faith and accepting the Lord.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

I received an advance digital copy of this novel from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shattered Sanctuary is the first in a new series by Nancy Mehl titled The Erin Delaney Mysteries. It is a Christian mystery and suspense romance.

Our main character, Erin, is a former police officer struggling with painful memories and emotional trauma related to her former job. She is also a best selling author, having written her first novel to help her find a way to live out her dream of being an FBI agent.

While on a trip to the mountains, a murder occurs and the local police chief enlists the help of Erin and her friend Kaely. There is soon another murder and they quickly realize they have a serial killer on their hands.

Erin and Kaely work to create a profile for the police and discover one of them may end up the next victim.

If you enjoy a classic “who done it” that will have you guessing until the end, you will enjoy this story! The author’s Christian faith is evident throughout the book, and you can tell she cares deeply about including it.