Sabotage at Cedar Creek is the second book in The Little Red Truck Mysteries series. It has really likeable characters. The wholesome, entertaining story moves along quickly with lots of little twists and turns. It is light and fun, full of family and faith. Great, easy, enjoyable read.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

Barbour Publishing has published great Christian Cozy Mysteries over the years that are full of Truth and cozy without all the trappings society has come to expect from mysteries. Janice Thompson’s latest mystery release is Sabotage at Cedar Creek and is the second in Ms. Thompson’s The Little Red Truck Mysteries series. Sabotage at Cedar Creek tells the story of RaeLyn, a young woman who has a nose for solving the petty crimes taking place in her community. RaeLyn is on the case when her best friend, Tasha’s, new B&B business begins to get sabotaged before it even gets off the ground. As RaeLyn hunts down the truth, dragging Tasha along with her, God leads RaeLyn down a path full of twists and turns, revealing not only the truth, but Real Truth all along the way.

I absolutely LOVE mysteries, both of the cozy variety as well as the gritty variety. Sometimes I am in the mood for a gritty mystery and sometimes I’m in a cozier mood for a mystery. Sabotage at Cedar Creek is a delightful read that came at just the right time for me. Janice Thompson knows how to write a cozy mystery that balances the whodunnit with the cozy mystery feel, that makes the Reader feel safe reading it by not having gruesome scenes. I thought the duo of RaeLyn and Tasha were a hoot to read about! I love how Ms. Thompson wrote RaeLyn and Tasha to have sweet, spunky personalities–each with their own level of spunk and sweet–who do their best to Follow God and do what He says. I like how there were many potential suspects in Sabotage at Cedar Creek. I love how Ms. Thompson wrote each Potential Suspect, giving them equal value in the story, making the Reader believe that either Suspect(s) could be the Culprit. I love that God’s Truth was soaked through every page of Sabotage at Cedar Creek. I love how Jesus and being His Follower was at the forefront of all the Main Characters lives. A theme that I saw through out Sabotage at Cedar Creek is how God was teaching RaeLyn not to judge people for their pasts—especially after Jesus forgave them. I love how this lesson was brought home by RaeLyn’s boyfriend, Mason, and her Aunt Bessie Mae’s example. I love that the story showed RaeLyn doing her best to follow Bessie Mae and Mason’s example, even though it was hard and RaeLyn fumbled and judged at times anyway. (I also love that there was a little mystery involving Bessie Mae too–read Sabotage at Cedar Creek to find out all about it!) This was the first book I have read in The Little Red Truck Mysteries series, but I am looking forward to getting caught up on the rest of the series in the future. I believe that Sabotage at Cedar Creek may have referenced the first book in the The Little Red Truck Mysteries series, but if so, it did not take away from Sabotage at Cedar Creek’s mystery. I enjoyed my ride in Sabotage at Cedar Creek and getting to read a classic whodunnit with Values that match mine! If you are looking for a cozy whodunnit with a Christian Values flair, then I highly recommend Sabotage at Cedar Creek by Janice Thompson! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of The Little Red Truck Mysteries series too!

Have you read Sabotage at Cedar Creek? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher, NetGalley, and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Sabotage at Cedar Creek to review, for letting me be a part of the Sabotage at Cedar Creek Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon, Goodreads, and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.

Who could want to sabotage a vacation house....

It's more outrageous madness and mayhem in Mabank, Texas! Yes, I just finished the second Little Red Truck Mystery and boy, was it a doozy! Janice Thompson once again brought her madcap characters to life in a story that made laugh even as I tried to puzzle out who-done-it.

Sabotage At Cedar Creek was a very enjoyable read and featured everything that I cozy mystery should have. I had an even harder time putting this one down than I did the first book, Tracking Tilly. There were so many delightful mystery threads to guess at and a few surprising angles to consider.

One thing that really stood out to me in Sabotage At Cedar Creek is the need to not judge people solely on first appearances. Janice Thompson really brings home through an entertaining story that each of us has our own history filled with choices, mistakes, circumstances, and sometimes people are so much more than they seem.

Oh, and a friendly piece of advice...make sure you have a snack while reading this book because all of that delightful sounding food from Blue Bell ice cream to peach pie to gumbo will make you HUNGRY...

I got a kick out of this book and now I am very much anticipating the third Little Red Truck Mystery where I know I will find more mystery, fun, and Texas....

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

I think these books are great cozy mysteries. I love the characters and I love how relatable they are. I also like how the author keeps you guessing as the characters solve the mystery and you feel like you are a part of the story. I liked that we saw characters from the first book and got to know them a little bit better. I also liked the sense of community and family in this story. I would recommend this book and other books by this author.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This cozy suspense read offers fun, humor, and some mysterious circumstances. The main characters are two energetic young women, Raelynn Hadley, who drive her grandfather’s old red pickup (featured on the book’s cover), and her best friend, Tasha, who buys an old house to turn into a B&B. Only someone doesn’t want her B&B to succeed. Raelynn determines to help solve this case. The story’s plot flows at a moderate pace much of the time, with interesting twists and turns, then picks up speed near the climax. The characters draw you in and make you care about what happens. The drama involves extended family and friends and even the whole town, especially around their epic Fourth of July celebration. Family and commitment are important themes in the novel, which everyone should be able to relate to. This tale can stand on its own even though it sits in the middle of a series. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #SabotageatCedarCreek #NetGalley

“God places the lonely in families.”

The perfect cozy to read on a cold, blustery day, Sabotage at Silver Creek by Janice Thompson takes place in the idyllic, but hot, Texas countryside. Peach cobblers, pies, cookies, and all other sorts of delicious edibles parade through the pages of this second Little Red Truck who dunnit. And don’t forget the Texas Blue Bell ice cream!

Successfully avoiding eating ( but just barely!) while reading this twisty tale, I was happy to see RaeLyn Hadley and her tight-knit family, plus her bestie, Tasha Dempsey. It seems Tasha is ready to open her AirBnb, but sudden glitches start to arise. Poor Tasha worries about the new mortgage payments she has taken on, as RaeLyn, her boyfriend Mason, her brother Dallas, and her aunt, Bessie Mae, all rally to help Tasha.

To enjoy this book best, you need to read book one, Tracking Tilly first. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a lot of spoilers. Clayton is just as despicable as he is when we first met him, although we view some around him a little differently. Mason is an incredibly patient man, willing to see the best in everybody and give anybody a second chance. (“Sometimes people just need to be given a chance.”) He is very loyal and encouraging. One of those people who could “…foster open communication and cooperation. He also seemed to know how to address concerns and dispel problems.” Also great at unifying people.

I was a bit disappointed in the “girls,” as they were quick to lay suspicion and slow to look as carefully for multiple suspects as I wanted them to. Conner amazes me. With a less than stellar background, he could choose to become what everyone thinks he is…and that certainly would be the much easier choice. Bessie Mae is one of those aunts that few families have, but wow, she adds so much to the life of the Hadley family!

Spending time with RaeLyn and her family and friends, you will get that warm, fuzzy feeling like you have been included among family as people gather for celebrations, to plan events, or to catch culprits.

I was surprised by the reveal of the guilty. I am pleased to note there is a third book in the offing.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Oh, I’m happy. I’m very happy.” “You might want to tell your face.”

“God designed us to live in community.”

“Loneliness and bitterness can turn even the kindest heart hard.”

A fun story to read and also very descriptive of recipe ingredients that will make your tummy rumble. This is the second book to the Little Red Truck Series, but reads fine as a standalone. There is a likeable cast of characters and one of them is Raelynn. Who I think makes for a horrible detective, but there is a mystery to solve and she is on the case. There are many suspects that keep popping up and Raelynn is intent on helping her best friend as much as she can. I’m glad Raelynn realizes that she is getting into too much gossip because as we all know loose lips sink ships. There is so much more and to sum it up there is a nice twist at the end. You will enjoy this book over a nice cup of coffee. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.

Oh I’m so happy to see that the author has written another book. If you are not familiar with her writing let me help you help. Her stories are funny with a touch of southern hospitality. Faith is weaved throughout each book and the characters are a hoot. In this story we travel to east Texas. Quaint little towns with shops that include antique stores, clothing, bakeries and grocery store. Bluebell ice cream is the best ice cream around and let’s not forget the sweet tea.

Raelynn helps out at the family’s antique store where treasures are discovered everyday. She is also helping her dear friend Tasha as she gets ready to open her vacation rental. Not everyone is happy about this as unexplained vandalism occurs. Shadows lurking around at night, graffiti sprayed outside and threatening letters make this story exciting and full of surprises.

Raelynn and Tasha team up to find out who is behind the threats. I like that Tilly is featured in the story as well. It is an iconic red truck that Raelynn drives but it sure has a story of its own to share. Join in the fun as this mystery adds twists that keep readers guessing. I love how the author’s sweet personality shines in this adventure. Filled with southern dishes, a dash of romance and a mystery this story has everything you need including mouth watering recipes at the end of the book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Business is thriving in Mabank, Texas. Tasha is getting ready to open a vacation rental house. All is going great until someone starts trying to scare her out of opening. Several possibles come to mind but no concrete evidence.
Her best friend Raelyn (I love that name!) tries to help when she’s not working in the family antique store. I would enjoy browsing in there.
Mabank is such a fun community to get immersed in. They planned such an elaborate July 4th celebration that involved nearly all the businesses and area churches. I would have loved to be there! The mention of all the food throughout could also cause a body to gain weight just thinking about it.
The sabotage of the rental house is the main focus but all these fun additions added to this reader’s enjoyment. Surprise ending as well!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

You need not read the first in the series to enjoy this one. A fun cozy tale about someone sabotaging Raelynn's friends B&B . No murder just a mystery. Small town Texas is a delight seen thru this story. Thanks#Netgalley and #BarbourPublishing for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

This is a fun southern cozy mystery. There are no murders, just the mystery of who is trying to ruin a new vacation rental being developed by Raelynn's best friend. Most of the novel is southern life, people getting together to celebrate community activities or family gatherings. There is much general talk between family and friends. There are hints of romance included both for young people and older ones young at heart. There is a strong family dynamic including good meals with a few recipes provided. There is a prominent Christian atmosphere throughout the novel.

This is a good novel of family and faith, with a fun southern setting.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Lovely and well plotted. I enjoyed it and it's recommended
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I liked this book and did not ask at the same time. The setting was lovely. However, one character was just to whiny and the other was judgedy. I get the author was trying to keep the Christian aspect real. It was a little too real when judging someone outside of her circle. I'm not sure I would read a second book.

I never miss a new story from Janice Thompson! She has been one of my most favorite authors for nearly 15 years. I love the way she weaves a story, be it a romance or a mystery or both. This latest cozy series of hers is completely charming, set in small town Texas with a fun cast of characters and light cozy mysteries to solve. This particular story has Raelynn trying to solve who sabotaging the B&B her best friend is about to open. I enjoyed the mystery which had several suspects, as well as the secondary story around Aunt Bessie’s past. It has Janice’s trademark humor and wit and a nice helping of that warm blanket feeling a cozy story always has. Another great read for me!

First off, if you haven't read the author's previous book, "Tracking Tilly", no worries because this book can be read as a stand-alone without there being any spoilers.

The cover on this read featuring "Tilly" the truck was cute, colorful and interesting.

Sabotage At Cedar Creek has a cozy mystery and small town vibe that's nice, but the mystery just felt a bit lackluster to me.

Not at all knocking anyone who liked it, but the writing style just wasn't a good fit for me personally and I felt bored with the storyline. I tried reading the first book in the author's previous series "Off The Chain" which I've seen many glowing reviews for, but I just didn't really feel invested in the story or care about it much honestly.

-Content Review-
Language: almost none. Someone calls another adult an old "fart" (that was unnecessary, crude and weird), and gosh is used once.

So I'm sure there are others who would like this, but it's just not my jam.

I did really love the covers on both this and the "Gone To The Dogs" series though, and thought the artwork was fantastic! :)

I received a complimentary e-book from Barbour Publishing to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

I loved the first book from Little Red Truck Mysteries series by Janice Thompson, I was excited to have the chance to read the second installment, Sabotage at Cedar Creek. I thought it was once again a fun and delightful little mystery. I enjoyed RaeLyn's story and wanted to see how it would end for her and the other characters. I was entertained from start to finish.

I am going to give Sabotage at Cedar Creek a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for fans of clean cozy mysteries. I look forward to reading the next book from the Little Red Truck Mysteries series to find out what happens next.


I received a paperback copy of Janice Thompson's Sabotage at Cedar Creek from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Spiritual Elements

Christian references are present throughout, with Rae Lynn and her friends and family praying and encouraging one another in their shared faith.

There’s also a running thread about appearances versus reality, with Rae Lynn realizing that her first instincts/impressions aren’t always correct. The rich man who owns half the town may not be enjoying the luxurious lifestyle to which he lays claim, and Tasha’s cantankerous neighbor may be more lonely than troublesome.

What I Liked

This is my second book by Janice Thompson, as well as book two in the Little Red Truck series. It’s also one of the first few books I’ve read in the “cozy mystery” genre. While I’m still getting used to the lower-stakes mysteries, I like Thompson’s emphasis on character relationships, which really carry the story, for me. Thompson does a great job bringing the small-town community to life!

Once again, we’re treated to Bessie Mae’s fantastic cooking, Dot’s impressive knowledge of the community, and Tasha’s splashy personality (and wardrobe). Whereas the first book focuses on the history of Rae Lynn’s late Papaw, Sabotage at Cedar Creek gives us a glimpse into Bessie Mae’s young life. I really like the dignity and honor Thompson confers upon the older characters in these multi-generational stories, not only in their being central to the plot, but also in terms of the respect paid to them by their family members.

Rae Lynn and Mason are now officially dating, which makes room for a new romance plot centering around Tasha. In book one, we saw hints that one of Rae Lynn’s brothers, Dallas, has a crush on Rae Lynn’s best friend, and we see that continued in book two– alongside the entrance of a couple more potential suitors. As an aside, I often get the twins, Dallas and Gage, confused when I’m thinking about the story. This could be a complaint, except that it feels true-to-life, because people often mix up twins. They’re also fairly interchangeable in book one, in which they play a smaller role.

I was also excited to see Tasha’s dream coming to fulfillment in book two, as she is actually opening the long-anticipated bed and breakfast. I enjoy reading about the hospitality industry, so this was a fun plot point for me.

Content Notes

There’s a bit of gossip going around the small town, with some reflection about gossip not being a good thing to engage in. Additionally, there’s a scene where the characters feel “weirdly disappointed” when a character didn’t do something (bad) that they hoped the character had done.

There’s also multiple kisses throughout the story, but they’re not especially descriptive.

Respectful Discussion

This is a small part of the story, but there was a scene I was really forward to, in terms of the romance, that was glossed over with a quick summary sentence. I’m being vague to avoid spoilers, but I would have liked to have actually seen the event happen, rather than getting a very brief allusion to it.

Recommendation Status

With the inclusion of Tasha’s suitors, as well as Bessie Mae’s backstory (and its connection to the present), I enjoyed Sabotage at Cedar Creek more than Tracking Tilly. Recommended for readers who enjoy gentle mysteries with small town settings and sweet female friendships.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you, Barbour Books, Janice Thompson and NetGalley for my copy of this second book in the Red Truck Mysteries series. This is my own opinion about the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a sweet follow-up to the first book. It can stand-alone but I recommend the first book.
This is an excellent mystery. RaeLynn Hadley drives around in her grandfather's old red truck, Tilly. She runs a new antique business with her family. Her best friend, Tasha is trying to get her own business off to a successful start, but someone is sabotaging her efforts. RaeLynn decides to help her figure out what is going on, who is causing trouble.
I really like the feel of a close family in this series. There is sweet romance, intriguing family history coming to light and several possible suspects for the challenging mystery portion of the story. Faith, family, tradition and love sums this up for me. The Fourth of July community celebration is special. Bonus recipes are included.
I can't wait for the next book in the series, the title hints at Christmas!

This is great cozy mystery that hooks you on the first and doesn't let go. It's a sweet clean romance with a little suspense,
and themes of faith woven within the story. It's a great read that you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions
expressed are my own.

Small town drama and gossip, a bit of mystery, unforeseen friendships, and the cutest little fluff of a dog ever grace the pages of this fun escape.

Sabotage at Cedar Creek can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Book One first so you can fully appreciate the characters and Tilly. It was fun "reconnecting" with this crazy bunch, seeing how a certain couple's relationship has progressed, and watching Tasha be able to live her dream. The faith is woven in well, the romance is clean and sweet, and the Fourth of July celebration is patriotic and makes you want to visit, if for nothing else than to try some of Bessie Mae's pies.

I am anticipating Book Three, which looks like it'll be an even wilder ride than Sabotage.

If you're looking for a fun, wholesome book with mystery, heartwarming characters, and that reminds you of the importance of family, I definitely recommend Sabotage at Cedar Creek.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in joint conjunction with NetGalley and JustReads. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.