THE GOLD DIGGER by Liz Tolsma

This is book 9 of the #TrueColorsSeries. I am not a fan of the #thriller genre. This book is full of suspense, anticipation and surprise. But this #historicalfiction based on a true crime keeps me interested. My heart was beating fast a couple of times. I thought I knew who did it but changed my mind several times until I am sure who it was. But like Ingrid, I was in denial. Very much in denial. There are so many things I didn't expect and still can't accept they happened. The love story was a sub genre. I'm glad of Ingrid and Nil's faith. It helped them all through out the whole gruesome ordeal. It helped me too!

This why #mentalhealthawareness is important. Don't forget to read the Afterward. It tells you details about the true story. I need a light read after this. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @barbourbooks and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Based on actual events that occurred in the early 1900s, Liz Tolsma brings us another chilling addition to the True Crime series.

Norwegian Ingrid Storset has traveled to LaPorte, Indiana to be closer to her sister, Belle Gunness. Bad luck in the love department has seemed to follow Belle for years. She has lost two husbands under strange circumstances, and despite regularly finding mail-order grooms, Belle has never been able to keep any of them around longer than a few days. Even stranger, her nieces and nephew seem oddly terrified of the one person they should be safest with.

Nils Lindherud has worked hard on becoming successful at running his motorcar dealership and proving that he is nothing like his father. When his brother Sven suddenly leaves to marry a widow but fails to contact his family after he's arrived, Nils must leave his mother and his livelihood to find his missing brother.

Will Ingrid and Nils be able to uncover the dark secrets surrounding Belle and her pig farm before anyone else gets hurt? What is really happening in LaPorte? Will they find love--and a future--or will the pain of the past overwhelm them?

The Gold Digger was a hard one to put down. It pulled me in from the first page and kept me glued to the story right until the very end. It was easy to see that the author had thoroughly researched the story before putting her own spin on it, and I enjoyed her take on the events. Some parts were hard to swallow, especially as a mother, but all in all, it was a fantastic retelling of a tragic story.

*I received a complimentary copy of The Gold Digger through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is based on a true story. Belle Gunness lived in Northern Indiana in the early 1900's. She had a habit of seducing men to come to her farm, making sure they knew to bring all of their money. People in the town had an idea of what Belle was doing but didn't know to what extent. Many, including her sister, thought that the men would arrive and leave because the farm was too much work. They never in their wildest dreams would have guessed what it was that Belle was doing on that farm. It's still somewhat of a mystery today.

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is book nine in the True Colors Series of Fiction Based on Strange But True History. This crime takes place in the 1900's in Indiana on the Gunness Farm. When Belle is going through hard times and being a grieving widow, she sends for her sister Ingrid to come and start her own business. When Ingrid shows up, she is curious of all the men that her sister Belle has been interviewing to be her next husband and one that turns up missing. What has happened to him? Ingrid has suspicions and concerns of what is really going on here.....

I would recommend this if you like a good mystery with suspense, drama, twist and turns.... it is another great page turner from this series. If you love to keep guessing at the ending and be surprised, then you will love this book as much as the others in the series. The book doesn't give you any idea what the ending will be until the very end as all the others.

I've really enjoyed the books I've read in this series and this one was no exception.
Great stories about some dark history.

One woman. Lots of men disappearing. What is really going on? Belle has all kinds of suitors that come to her house and then leave for parts unknown never to be heard from by their families again. Where do they really all go? Who is behind them disappearing?

Ingrid is recently arrived from her home country to live with her sister. She can’t believe her sister would be involved in anything bad. She simply is picky when it comes to the men she wants to marry because they have to be able to offer help on her hog farm. It’s a hard life but she does it on her own without a man so she can afford to.

When Belle purchases a building for Ingrid to start up a candy shop in she’s both happy for her sister and dismayed because she doesn’t want to have to talk to people! I can relate to her there. She has an accent, still struggles with English some, and is a shy woman with a bit of a stutter. Plus, her real love is photography. She’s even sold a few photos to the newspaper.

When the brother of Belle’s latest candidate shows up saying they have never heard from him after he said he was coming here and he’s here to find him things get interesting. Can Ingrid and Nils find him? His car is found which means he did not voluntarily leave but Belle maintains he went to California. When bad things start happening to Nils and Ingrid can they prove the truth before they are killed?

This was a great book and it makes you shudder to think this is real and based on things that really happened. Real-life is often stranger than fiction! I really enjoyed this book. The author writes so you can’t put it down and though you think you know what’s happening and who did what you’re left still guessing at the end of the book.

Maybe we’ll never know the truth.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. 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.

Any story that captures my attention and causes me to embark on my own research is a story worth reading.

Liz Tolsma’s newest release, The Gold Digger, is a truly gruesome tale told in a creative, but mild, fashion that anyone can enjoy. The True Color series is very appealing because it creates fictitious stories, based on true American crime, and brings erie, haunting tales to life.

Early into the story, it was very evident by her writing that Liz Tolsma researched this book very thoroughly. I really enjoyed how true to the real life events she kept this story and how she created the characters of Nils and Sven based on two brothers who actually were a part of the tragic, sinister events that happened on the Gunness farm in the early 1900’s.

This story was well planned, well written and I devoured the suspense with incredible curiosity surrounding Belle, her farm, the children and the tragic events that played out.

Because this is a faith-based series, and therefore clean reading, the books are mild in the depth, intensity and gore of the true crime. They are appropriate for mature teens and trend towards a more simple, light read. They also include a sweet romance aspect which balances out the heavy, more sinister part of the story, in turn making the fiction surrounding the crime tasteful and creative, which wins points for me! Overall, I enjoyed this story and it sparked a deep enough curiosity that I spent a few hours after finishing the book to research the true events of the Guness farm murders and the Black Widow of LaPorte, Indiana. I would definitely recommend this story to those who enjoy suspense, historical fiction and mysteries.

The Gold Digger by author Liz Tolsma is a captivating retelling of a true unsolved crime. This book is part of the True Colors series about bizarre yet true crimes. It is an historical, mystery, with intrigue, suspense and romance. I was riveted.

Set in early 1900s in LaPorte, Indiana, this is Book 9 in the series that says “Fiction Based on Strange-But True History.” It is a twisted “mail order husband” story about wealthy Belle Gunness. She has lost two husbands and many children to accidents or strange illness and disappearances. Her sister, Ingrid, comes from Norway to help her grieving sister.

Things are not as they seem. Ingrid becomes suspicious and is in danger. Too many unexplained things are happening. Her sister has changed. What is really going on at this cold, dark, farm?

I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. The story had a nice, even pace that made it easy to follow and understand. The characters were definitely quirky and well described. The historical events were unbelievable and yet they did happen. I found this to a very emotional tale.

This book will stay with readers long after it is finished. I was immediately engaged in this unusual true tale. Could it really be true? History says it is. It grabbed my attend, and I could not put down this macabre book.

I definitely recommend this for older readers. History and mystery buffs will thoroughly enjoy this. Romance lovers will, too. It will be a great book for Book Clubs. I gave it a 5 out of 5 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my true words.

This is a first for me in the True Color series of bizzare stories based on real events.
I've not read anything like this and it's been a while since I read a good thriller.
Talk about intense, this story had me putting it aside sometimes and teaching for something else considering how disturbing it was but then it began to pull me in and I wanted to know more and now I'm curious. I love how the author carried the story and though inconclusive, I like that she tried to put it out there.
I know if definitely be looking to read more books from this series. It's definitely not your cozy mystery but an intense read all the same.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

Liz Tolsma has brought this story to a whole new light! A mystery that I will never forget! It left me wondering, who is the real monster of this story? And, how will it end? When I first began reading this book and looked at the book cover and title, GOLD DIGGER, I thought this story was about getting gold. I wasn't too far off. It was the way they went about getting it that was so horrible. Was one person making all the decisions? Then I thought it had to be someone else causing these morally bad incidents. Were some in on it together? I have to commend the author's skillful writing that brought out the remarkable details of this amazingly unique plot; Especially the one event that happened in chapter Twenty-Eight. It was filled with such grizzly details, I cried when I read it, because it was so shockingly surprising! That took excellent work on the author's part, because some of the events were very sorrowful.. There was so much violence, and cruelty. A well developed plot that stayed with the main theme of the story.
It all began in La Porte, Indiana on Tuesday, October 1, 1907, when these two sisters moved from another country to the United States and opened up a confectionery. A story about Belle Gunness, her children, her sister, Ingrid Storset, Ray Lamphere, and Niles Lindherud. From there things start to get a little sticky. If you like horror stories, then this one is right up your alley. I liked it! Impressive plot! Remarkable story! In fact, would make a great movie because of the excellent plot!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma is the ninth book in the True Colors series and definitely worth reading if you love romantic suspense stories based on true history. I'm absolutely loving this series and this one was hard to put down.
Ingrid moves to Indiana from Norway in order to help her sister out after she loses two husbands and several children, but things don't seem to be right and Ingrid is thinking that her sister is up to no good.
When Nils shows up in town looking for his brother who was one of the men that answered her sister's personal ad, but disappears, Ingrid knows that she needs to find out what is actually happening in town and if her sister has anything to do with it.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of the stories in this series!

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

The Gold Digger
by Liz Tolsma
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Christian | Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 01 Dec 2020


I am reviewing a copy of The Gold Digger through Barbour Books and Netgalley:


Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle Gunness has lost two husbands and several children.



Belle Provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid fears her sister has been up to no good.


I give The Gold Digger five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

In these true crime books, you know bad things will happen and you suspect who is guilty (or often know), but the author skillfully fleshes out the tale with its gruesome climax. The characters come to life on the page, along with a touching fictional story added of a growing relationship between Ingrid Storset and Nils Lindherud, who came to LaPorte, Indiana, in search of his brother. Ingrid’s sister, Belle, has drawn many men in the hopes of marrying again, but they keep disappearing. Did they run off, or has something nefarious happened to them? The author keeps you guessing as to who did away with them because the former hired hand may also be involved some way. The drama makes you wonder what would cause someone to murder others in cold blood. The novel is written in a clear, powerful way without gross details of the crimes. This well-written historical account offers a satisfying read since it doesn’t leave horrible pictures in your mind and includes the hope Christ offers. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Looking for love in the wrong place

Have you ever heard the song “Man Eater” by Hall & Oats? Of course, you have if you’re alive and old enough to know what you were listing to in the ’80s. Well, it is precisely that song that came to mind as I read through The Gold Digger (I know it is talking about a different kind of woman, but some of the lyrics fit all too well.) Every mama that sent her boy off to meet and marry the woman was only kissing her baby goodbye.

The mystery and suspense was definitely present, like it is in all Liz Talsma’s contributions. I had my suspicions on the “Who-done-it” around the halfway point, but still enjoyed every minute of the build-up. Until the end, that is–it fell flat for me. Oh, and the romance bit–total lack of chemistry. I know the romance bit isn’t part of the genre, but if you have a couple, I want to at least read the blooming romance in the middle of tragedy, at least a little more than what I witnessed. Just make me believe it was possible.

Anyway! I did enjoy this story. The history and the drama left me eager to see what Nils and Ingrid would find, praying the whole time that the inevitable would never come to pass. My own heart paused when I read the end result of at least a dozen people. It is all beautifully translated in the story. If you are looking for something different, this book, like the rest of the series, will be just the right distraction.

(I know some of these books get a little graphic but rest easy, this is not one of them.)

***I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicities. All views expressed are my own and a favorable review is not required.

They came to the gold digger one by one...

I'm going to be honest, in my estimation The Gold Digger has topped all of the other True Colors books as the most chilling... Seriously, I was reading it all by myself late at night and I got so creeped out that every shadow and every creak of the settling house had me jumping and I had to lay it aside until morning. Well done author Liz Tolsma! She seriously got to me!

I had actually heard of Belle Gunness and her heinous crimes before, though I'd forgotten her name and the location, so I knew things would get quite gruesome before the end. What I didn't expect was how quickly I got caught up in the stories of the fictional characters. There were several times when I was so emotionally involved in their losses and pain that I had to remind myself Ingrid and Nils weren't even real. That all of the obvious signs, the missed opportunities, the clues, were all fiction.

Needless to say, I was totally impressed by Liz Tolsma's engrossing writing skills and her ability to drop me so effectively into The Gold Digger and La Porte, Indiana of 1907-1908. This may be the 10th True Colors book but with titles like this one I can tell you that the series is only getting stronger...

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

This series has been very intriguing and I have enjoyed reading about historical events that took place during the 1900s. Each book can be read alone but I would encourage you to read each one in the series. The theme of the book is about a crime that was committed and the people who feel victim to unthinkable acts of violence.

Belle just plain out gave me the chills. On the outside she appeared to be a kind woman who loved children. Beneath the surface laid a sinister woman who hid her dark side very well. I can’t believe that men would travel to her farm and want to start a life with her. Why would they trust a complete stranger? That question troubles me . Was she capable of manipulating people in order to hide her secret? I loved how the author introduces us to the men who came to be with her and how their disappearances start to cause doubt in the eyes of some.

Ingrid wants to believe her sister would never do anything to harm anyone. My thoughts were always on the children as I soon discovered that one of her children were sent away. I suspected that this innocent child met foul play but without the technology we have today, it was almost impossible to find evidence. I so wanted Ingrid to start to really look at her sister and her mysterious actions. I know Ingrid didn’t want to believe her sister was crazy. The author does an excellent job of using historical facts to deliver a story that not only had me on the edge of my seat but drew me into the world of a woman who seemed to show no remorse for anything. I wonder if she was even capable of having feelings at all.

I did like the historical notes at the end and appreciate that the author wrote true to the original account of the crimes. My heart hurts for the children who became victims by a woman who will always be a mystery to us. Did she survive? No one really knows but I want to think that somehow justice was served and those who died at her hands are at peace.

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

Book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.

My Thoughts: Another thrilling novel in the "True Colors Series". It's amazing what people can and will do for money. This is a suspense novel that will certainly entertain, if not shock the reader. This is a novel that will keep the reader captivated until the end. I don't want to give to many details to give away the plot, but this is a very interesting case. If you like true mysteries, this is a book to read. The author has written a novel based on a true story, keeping to the true history as much as possible. The author does give the gospel message in the book which I appreciated. I truly enjoy this series and look forward to reading more.

Gold Digger is book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History. While it is part of a series - they are all standalone. Each book keeps getting better and better. I have been fortunate enough to read each one. Liz Tolsma is one of my favorite authors that I have discovered in the last few years. She always writes such amazing historical novels.
In this book - we travel to 1907 in LaPorte, Indiana. We see Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness. Belle has had a cloud of bad luck over her. Belle is known as being quiet and kind. She has lost several husbands and children. Ingrid starts to wonder - is her sister causing issues.
This book is action packed. There are so many twists and turns that it will leave you guessing. It will draw you in within the first few chapters. The author has done some amazing research. I went and looked up the story of Belle Gunness. The author did a great job bringing her to life. I am always fascinated by women who hae lead a life of crime.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.

The Gold Digger, #9 True Crimes by Liz Tolsma is yet another compelling, chilling read of romanticized history. Each book in this series is extremely well-written and researched, and The Gold Digger is no exception. I love the historical notes at the end from Tolsma.
The 1907 town of LaPorte, Indiana, is the scene of widower Belle Gunness‘s successful hog farm. A Norwegian immigrant, Belle provides everything she and her children need except a man’s loving care. Many men have answered Belle’s lovelorn ads for a match, but her sister, Ingrid Storset, is surprised no one stays to take the matrimonial plunge. When Nils Lindherud appears, searching for his missing brother, events crescendo to a finale that will make the strongest head spin.
To start The Gold Digger is to set other duties aside to give this incredible historical romantic suspense your undivided attention. The taut storyline, the knowledge you’re going to learn of some horrific crime (and in this series, often a spree), and the budding suspense mesmerize with a dark fascination.
Yet there is light in this tale. In the building romance between Ingrid and Nils. In the familial love we see between Ingrid and those in her sister’s family, and in Nils’s and Sven’s family. There is also light in the hope in God and His comfort, companionship, and love, as well as His help. The faith aspect was well-woven into the tale. It made me have hope that I can have greater faith to trust God completely, even if I don't like the outcome of a situation. My fave quote is as follows:

“God will be on one side of you, and I’ll be on the other.”
Looking for ways to use it in real life!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this review, and all opinions are my own.

I love reading this series of books of fiction but based on true murders. Each of these stories puts a couple in the story that are there to help solve the murder and for some romance. Ingrid and Nils are the couple that provide the romance in this story. It is awful what Belle does in the book. It is hard to understand what some people are capable of. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.