Cold Case Connection

Cold Case Connection by Dana Mentink is the third book in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series. It can be read as a standalone. Helen Pike is checking out the old cabin one last time before it is demolished when she hears a noise outside. Everything fades to black when she is whacked on the head. Sergio Ross arrives at the cabin to find it on fire and quickly gets Helen outside. Fifteen years ago, Helen and four of her friends entered the old tunnels on a dare. Only four of them walked out alive. Three years ago, Fiona Ross was at the cabin and died later that day from a hit-and-run driver. Neither culprit has been apprehended. Helen recently found a note from Fiona in the cabin and turned it over to the police which is why Sergio has returned to Driftwood. He wants justice for Fiona and Helen is determined to help him. Cold Case Connection is a riveting tale with suspense, mystery and action. Sergio Ross wants to find the person responsible for his sister’s death and he believes Fiona’s death is connected Trish’s who died fifteen years prior. Helen feels responsible for Fiona’s death and she knows that Sergio blames her. They end up working together especially after someone tries to kill Helen in the cabin fire. Helen’s older brothers would prefer to wrap Helen in cotton wool and keep her locked in her bedroom, but Helen is just as stubborn as her brothers. The characters are developed, and I like how they progress. There are two adorable little girls along with a cute dog which add humor and lightness to the story. I like how faith is woven into the tale along with the importance of forgiveness. The mystery was interesting, but it was a cinch to solve. However, I enjoyed following our characters on their journey for the truth and justice. It has me eager to read Chad’s story. The ending of Cold Case Connection will leave readers smiling. Cold Case Connection is a well-written story with solid characters, an intriguing plot, and two mysterious deaths. Cold Case Connection is an enticing suspense with sweet twins, a precious puppy, a callous killer, overbearing brothers, and two cold cases.

Cold cases are fascinating to me. Clues are hard to come by or they would have been found long ago but the loved ones left behind are still grieving. Such is the premise of this latest book by Dana Mentink. As with the other books in this series, the author writes compelling & fast paced suspense. There are plenty of suspects in this story as to who killed two people - one, a high school girl 15 years ago, and another, a young mother, Fiona, of twins just 3 years ago. The brother of the mother of twins, Sergio, has become the guardians of them and he wont rest until he finds the killer. It's been 3 years and the authorities are still no closer to finding his sister's killer so he comes to Roughwater Ranch to do it on his own. His sister's best friend, Helen, works on the ranch and she's never forgiven herself for not being there for Fiona when she needed her the day she was killed. Together Sergio and Helen are going to find the truth, even though they don't particularly like each other! As I said, there is lots of drama and plenty of suspects. You will have a hard time putting this book down! I loved the scenes with Sergio and the darling twins! It was so hard for him to be a dad when that role had been thrust upon him! Check it out!

High school seniors exploring some old tunnels, racing to see who can get out first - a race that ends in tragedy. One of the 5 does not get out alive - a case never solved. 12 years later, another is killed in a hit and run after doing some sleuthing on her own. Now there are only three left and someone is out to make sure that there will soon be only 2! What a fabulous, spell-binding, action-filled book! A note that seems to indicate there is more to the first murder and perhaps the reason for the second, fire, gun shots, explosions and more possible accidents had me glued to my chair until the mystery was solved. I must admit the author did a fine job of suggesting many suspects which only heightened the suspense. This novel was published by Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin Heartwarming with a copy given to me through CelebrateLit. The comments, impressions and five star rating are my own and were in no way solicited.