Ridley Sawyer is a true crime podcaster, traveling the country with her 3 legged cat named Tater determined to find justice for families of cold cases who never got any, all the while battling her own demons. I loved her willingness to fight for what is right, and her fierce determination to find the truth no matter the cost. When she heads to Shady Cove to cover a story that may be connected to her past, she finds more than she bargained for when she meets Colt Brooks, your typical, grumpy small town sheriff...

I love romantic suspense, and I thought this book was great! It is equal amounts true crime mixed with great grumpy/sunshine romance with some spice. The mystery/cold cases kept me guessing, and I could not put this one down! The twist at the end was crazy, and I truly did not know who the killer was going to be. 😱

"You helped me find all the missing pieces. Even the ones I didn’t realize I needed."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧s: Andi Arndt, Sebastian York
𝙇𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝: 10h 50min

🎧 If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend this one!! The narrators were both great, and did an amazing job. I love when an audiobook uses multiple narrators for dual POVs, and this one worked really well!

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
• dual POVs
• true crime / podcasts
• romantic suspense
• shocking twists
• lovable characters
• spirited 3 legged cat

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
• grumpy sunshine
• "who did this to you"
• small town romance
• forced proximity

This is my first Catherine Cowles book, And I will certainly be reading more from her. If you're a fan of true crime and romantic suspense, do not miss this one!

4.5⭐𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 @dreamscapemedia for my gifted copy!

Am I surprised by how much I loved this book? Not at all. Catherine Cowles has delivered a romantic suspense that had me questioning everyone, rooting for the happy ending of the two main characters, and laughing at the antics of a three-legged cat. To say I was hooked would be an understatement. I could not put this book down.

Ridley Sawyer hosts a true crime podcast, and is in Shady Cove looking for answers about an unsolved case. The townspeople have tried to move on from what happened and don't want her digging up the past. Thinking she is there to cause trouble, the town Sheriff, Colter 'Colt" Brooks, steps in to keep her at bay. Ridley has a personal connection to the case and refuses to go away until she gets the answers she seeks. Colt is closely connected to the case, and as he spends more time with Ridley, he ends up helping her find all the missing pieces.

I loved the angsty, slow-burn romance that developed between Ridley and Colt. The grumpy/sunshine and enemies-to-lovers dynamic was delicious. They had amazing chemistry, and I loved their banter. Ridley and Colt bonded over shared trauma, and I loved witnessing their growth. Ridley was independent, free-spirited, and confident. Colt was more difficult for me to connect with, but he had a huge heart. I loved how protective he was of the people he cared about. All the Missing Pieces perfectly balances emotion, romance, and suspense. I loved everything about this book and can't wait for the next one. Law Man and Chaos are everything!

Narration:
Andi Arndt and Sebastian York performed this audiobook using dual-style narration. Their performances were fantastic. Andi and Sebastian are an amazing duo who brought this story to life in the best way. They were the perfect voices for Ridley and Colt, and conveyed every emotion elicited by their journey. This truly was a wonderful listening experience, and I highly recommend the audio.

True Crime Podcaster and Small Town Sheriff Romance was the exact combo I never knew I needed and the true crime girly in me was screaming over this trope.

This is my absolute favorite Catherine Cowles book yet and when you love everything someone has written, it’s quite a feat to take that top spot!

Anytime I pick up her books I know I’m going to be given a story seasoned with all the perfect spices—The Cowles Special Brew. While there’s undeniably reliability that whatever is in the pages will be great, it’s also mind blowing how she seems to enhance aspects of each story in a multitude of ways to make it more addicting than what has come before. In All The Missing Pieces the world, characters, plot and pacing were done wonderfully. I was completely engrossed in the story and literally didn’t want to put it down/press pause for having to life and adult. Anytime I had to begrudgingly pull myself away, I was constantly thinking about when I could get back to the story.

I was lucky enough to be able to read and listen to this book and both experiences were enjoyable for me. The narrators did a flawless job of giving the story and characters a voice.

Honestly, this was once again a dynamic dynamite of a read gifted to us by Catherine annnnnd I’m a greedy reader for anything and everything her SO there’s definitely hardcore hope this book turns into the start of another addicting series.

This. Freaking. Book.

It’s no secret that, at this point, everything Catherine Cowles writes becomes a favorite right away and “All The Missing Pieces” was not an exception AT ALL.

This book was everything I was not expecting and quite different from her previous works - undoubtedly more focus on the crime aspect of the story and that was COMPLETELY AMAZING. I am truly mesmerized by this story, plot and characters.

While I was reading I truly felt like this book was such a good refresh in my romance suspense books. The plot was amazing and I loved Ridley and everything about her - one of my favorite Catherine’s fmc!

The central plot of this story was completely amazing: the podcast, the missing and the whole case was so entertaining and completely addictive. I couldn’t put this book down and found myself creating theories after theories and guess what? Never getting everything right. Yes, I am that good!

I am obviously only talking about the mystery but do not be mistaken because this couple is FIRE. Their chemistry is so intense and the tension is so palpable! And I love how we discover both of the main characters through each other's eyes - their layers, fears and deepest wishes.

You know a book that you wish you could read for the first time again? This is one of them. SO. SO. SO. AMAZING.

arc review - 4.75 stars

Ladies and gentlemen, Catherine Cowles has done it again. Yet another unputdownable romantic suspense.

I’m obsessed with the premise of All the Missing Pieces. She’s a true crime podcast investigating a case similar to that of her twin sister’s years prior and he’s the grumpy (and hot) local sheriff. Literally name a better duo. I dare you.

And the tropes in this book?! To DIE for. We’re talking grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity and my fave - HURT X COMFORT. Catherine truely has outdone herself.

I would give my left tit to read a book about Trey and Emerson, so here’s to crossing all my fingers and toes that we get their book!

OH MY GOD!!!!????? This was freaking fantastic. I haven’t cried like this reading a book in sooo long.

"It's a bad idea," I rasped. "We'd be playing with fire."
Those ocean eyes sparked. "Then let's watch it burn.”

Narration 10/10

Set in a small town where a near-tragedy almost a decade ago still haunts its residents, All the Missing Pieces follows podcast host (and amateur detective), Ridley Sawyer, who drives around the country in her VW van, looking for stories to feature on her podcast, Sounds Like Serial. Propelled by her own past trauma, Ridley tells the stories of people who have suffered unimaginable horrors. She digs into unsolved cases, having a personal connection to the cases she highlights, which drives her to seek justice and answers, not just for the victims, but for the families left behind.  
 
Ridley has arrived Shady Cove to investigate Emerson Sinclair, the sixteen-year-old girl who made headlines when she escaped her would-be abductor. What Ridley doesn’t expect is to butt heads with Sheriff Colter Brooks, who has his own reasons for not wanting Ridley to dredge up the past. But these adversaries find an unexpected ally in each other, unknowingly sharing a bond that connects them on a profoundly deep level. Together, they work tirelessly with single-minded determination, to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle, and uncover the unknown assailant who Ridley believes to be the key to providing answers to long-held questions.  

What I love about Catherine Cowles is that she not only delivers attention-grabbing, emotionally-charged narratives that have you racking your brain to solve the mystery, but she also creates these multifaceted, complex characters that draw readers in and keep them engaged. With Ridley and Colter, there’s an antagonistic vibe, where the two work towards the same goal, but with very different methods that often put them at odds. Ridley is optimistic, even when she has good reason not to be, exuding a vitality and enthusiasm for her life and work, which lures people in to her orbit. Conversely, Colter’s experience has turned him into a cynic, viewing danger around every corner, while guarding and protecting himself and those he’s fiercely loyal to against potential threats. The attraction between them is instant, and their chemistry is undeniable, but trust has to be built before each can start dismantling the barriers they’ve formed to protect themselves from further heartbreak.  
 
When starting All the Missing Pieces, I told myself I wouldn’t try to solve the mystery…mostly because I’ve never been right in the past. Of course, I couldn’t help but formulate my own theories. But I don’t know how the heck Catherine Cowles does it, because she stumps me every time. Every. Single. Time. And this time? I wasn’t even close. My mind was blown. 🤯 The finale was a perfect culmination of surprise and suspense, and I loved every minute!

I loved this book. Everything from Tater’s tooth hugs, to the funny and melding towns people, to the I’m not gonna fall for you, well that didn’t work out at all pull Colt and Ridley had.

What to expect:
•True Crime Podcast FMC
•Broody Sheriff MMC
•Small Town Suspense
•Adorable Tooth Hug Giving Cat
•Grumpy/Sunshine
•Enemies to Lovers
•Forced Proximity

I loved the fact that Ridley was a true crime podcaster! And the way she didn’t back down had me saying you go girl lol. And Colt, oh that man stuck his foot in his mouth so many times. He had that broody personality down to a T!

The suspense in this book was top notch and kept me guessing until the very end!!! I definitely did not guess the villain in this one.

If you love true crime, podcasts, and romantic suspense, this one is for you! Catherine blends all these elements together so well. The hate to love tension because Ridley and Colt was so good.

I loved getting to know all the characters in this small town will trying to figure out the “who done it” which of course, I did not. The amount of twists in this one is so good! And the epilogue had my heart feeling so full♥️

Thank you @dreamscapemedia and @netgalley for the ability to listen to this audiobook.

I wasn’t sure if any other books by Catherine Cowles would top Fragile Sanctuary but this came very close!

I was immediately drawn in by Ridley’s backstory. The podcast element and cross country traveling were some of my favorite aspects. Colt and his small town living and cop profession was a perfect MMC for this story.

I love how Catherine Cowles always keeps the reader on their toes about the bad guy. This is one I can say I didn’t see coming!

This book does have a lot of spice in my opinion. Spice that wasn’t necessarily needed. I loved focusing more on the case and even Ridley and Colts relationship to an extent. However, it all happened so fast for them to have such a connection.

Narration was done by Andi Arndt & Sebastian York. I really enjoyed this audiobook. They did such a great job at bringing Ridley and Colt to life.

I will never not be SAT for a Catherine Cowles book and oh my god I devoured ALL THE MISSING PIECES. edge of my seat. sweating and screaming at the wall. 55 minute standing ovation in my living room. I love ridley and colt so much it hurts. truly a perfect match for each other its actually insane. I love emerson and trey. I love ryan. I love sam. I love dean and celia and ace and mira. I LOVE TATER!!!! I love bowser. I love all of catherine's universes but shady cove is so special

All the Missing Pieces just might be my favorite Catherine Cowles book yet!

I love the way this author write suspense romance and this one had me hooked from the start. Cold case podcaster, Ridley, came to town for one story and ended up with something I never saw coming. Her first meeting with Sheriff Colt was a funny one and I loved how these two worked together. I tried fitting all the pieces together but of course I was wrong! Such a great story and one I'm sure to reread again!

This book was a 10/10 no notes, complete perfection. Catherine Cowles is the master of twists and turns.

This book is amazing. I just discovered this author last year and I am so glad I did. All the Missing Pieces is the perfect suspense novel with just the right amount of romance. I really enjoy that there was a narrator for both Ridley and Colt’s viewpoints. Both were easy to understand and their expression added to the experience.

“Sometimes the last thing you expect is exactly what you need, the final missing piece. And sometimes it comes in the form of a towering, broody sheriff, determined to get in your way at every step.”

💬 I absolutely love Ridley and Colt, as individuals, as crime solving partners, as friends with benefits, as so much more. This story was so sweet and heartwarming. I’m fairly new to the romance genre and it turns out that a sweet romance with sass, humor, wit, and a side of mystery just might be my favorite kind.
And I may have preordered the deluxe edition with pink sprayed edges 👉🏻👈🏻

🎧 This audiobook was amazing! Anytime an audiobook has multiple narrators it gives the me a feeling of getting inside each POV’s head and pulls me so much deeper into the story. Each of the narrators on this one did an excellent job capturing their characters and making them feel so real. I absolutely flew through this audiobook.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Summary: A true crime podcaster and a small-town sheriff must confront their pasts and their growing attraction as they unravel a dangerous cold case.

My review: All the Missing Pieces is my first Catherine Cowles’ read, and it won’t be my last. This book masterfully blends the suspenseful twists of a thriller with the sizzling chemistry of a steamy romance, keeping readers hooked and guessing until the very end. As a fan of true crime, podcasts, and romantic suspense, I found this story to be an absolute treat. Can't wait to see where the series goes!

Genres/Themes: Fiction / Romance - Contemporary / Romance - Suspense / Romance - New Adult

All the Missing Pieces is scheduled for publication on January 7, 2025 by Dreamscape Media.

4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Spice

Tropes:
🏘️ Small Town
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🌦️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Forced Proximity

🎧 Narration: adored this one one audio. andi arndt & sebastian york absolutely killed it. i loved the way the brought to life law man & chaos. sebyo as colt was *dreamy* he just perfectly captured that rugged sheriff vibe perfectly. & andi, of course, was the perfect casting for ridley. i listened at 2.5x & both narrators were easy to understand & kept a natural cadence.

“you gave me back all the missing pieces.”

this book was so damn good. chaos & lawman were so fun & the story had me locked in with all the twists & suspecting everyone. & even on high alert i was absolutely 🤯🤯 at the villain. like what?!? the reveal was so good. this was such a fun read. i loved the vulnerability & mental health game in this book. even if it wasn’t talked about the themes of guilt & moving forward & finding joy were so well ingrained to the story. ridley was such a dynamic character. i really loved her whole vibe. & colt was hot af. give me a hot grumpy sheriff anytime 🤣 overall, i loved this one. definitely recommend grabbing the audio!

this is absolute perfection- give me all of the true crime and romantic suspense! this was everything that I wanted from a Catherine Cowles novel and more. Ridley's sister goes missing after a party on one of the last nights of college. years later she is living her best life in a VW van and hosting the Sounds Like Serial podcast. she travels all around the country and follows true crime cases. she finds herself in Shady Cove, California and on her new case when she meets Colt. the broody sheriff and also brother of the the girl who escaped from being kidnapped and the center of her new case. the banter and chemistry of this book is so stinking good. this one really kept me on my toes and I had a running list of who I thought the unsub would be. the whole town and the other characters were so good too. I loved seeing how much the town cared for everyone- community truly does bring everyone together. and of course it came down to the wire and wow the plot twists! I really think that everyone needs to go and read this one asap. what a work of art.


“Colt, you helped me find all the missing pieces. Even the ones I didn’t realize I needed.”

read if you like:
- romantic suspense
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
- small town sheriff x true crime podcaster
- small town

Synopsis: Ridley, a true crime podcaster, travels to Shady Cove for her next series. She uses her platform to search for answers and while doing so, meets Colt, the sheriff of the small town of Shady Cove. While they butt heads, a little forced proximity leads to some major sparks in their quest to find the killer.

I loved how strong and independent Ridley was. Let’s face it, while traveling alone at campsites sounds peaceful, I’d be too scared. Ridley was easy to love as evidenced by the friendships she made with everyone in Shady Grove. Colt, the grumpy sheriff, was protective of everyone, including Ridley. loved their chemistry so much!

As a twin myself, I can’t imagine what Ridley experienced. I actually found myself getting quite emotional at the end of the book when she reached closure. The villain at the end was truly a surprise, but I loved suspecting everyone as I read the book.

This is my second book by Catherine Cowles and it’s safe to say that I’m hooked! I love the mystery and suspense that is woven into her books. I listened to the audiobook while reading the ARC at the same time and I felt like I was truly immersed in the book.

All the Missing Pieces was another fantastic hit from Catherine. The premise, characters, suspense, and romance were beautifully explored and written.

It’s dual POVs of the main characters, Ridley and Colt, and there are some greats tropes like enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, and a small-town romance.

I was able to listen to the audiobook at the same time and both narrators were fantastic. Andi Arndt and Sebastian York did a fantastic job portraying all the emotions.

As a fan of true crime podcasts and romantic suspense, this book was the perfect blend of those. The premise was paced and written perfectly. I loved how fierce and strong the heroine was, her journey was beautiful and filled with so much determination.

The suspense aspect was interesting and I was guessing who the villain was the entire time. There were also some emotional and heartbreaking moments. All the characters were fantastic and I really hope the hero’s sister gets her own book as well.

I will say though, the romance felt a bit rushed. Their shift from enemies to lovers felt a bit abrupt. But their connection, banter, and spice was still amazing. I loved how devoted they each were to finding justice. They also helped each other grow, which I thought was beautiful.

Overall, an amazing book with great characters and premise.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest review.