You have heard the saying that truth is stranger than fiction. Well when you read this book you will certainly agree. Tolsma has based this novel on a true crime committed in LaPorte, Indiana in 1907. You may have read stories of mail order brides, well this one concerns mail order husbands….. Belle Gunness lives on a farm and has ordered 3 husbands to help her on her farm. The strange thing is they are not there very long and then they just up and leave during the night without so much as a goodbye. Belle and Ingrid are sisters that have immigrated from Norway. Ingrid looks up to her sister and cannot believe she is anything but good and giving. She even set Ingrid up in her own business without wanting anything in return. But why does Belle’s husbands keep leaving her? The truth is strange, mysterious and terrifying. Tolsma does a great job of bringing out the details concerning this historical crime. I love the author’s notes at the end of the book showing the research behind the real Belle Gunness. I think I have read all the True Color series and this is one of the best of them………..I was given an ebook from the publisher and NetGalley and I am glad to leave this review.

This story proves that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This is a haunting and eerie story based on true historical events that happened in LaPorte, Indiana in 1907. It is a heartbreaking story filled with twists and turns that kept your thoughts spinning. I was fascinated to learn what the author uncovered in her research at the end of the book.

The author does a great job of keeping the reader in the know with the main characters and their situations as they seek the truth no matter how horrible that truth might be. This is an unimaginable, horrific story I could not put down. I was thankful the author did not get gruesome with the details because it was difficult to read what happened at the hands of Belle Gunness as it was.

It is heartbreaking, intense, and a disturbing read because this actually happened. The only thing that kept me reading was the hope that Igrid Storset, and Nils Lindherud would find hope and encouragement in their faith and a new beginning with each other. This is the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org

Thank you so much to NetGalley for a chance at reading and reviewing this book! This is a wonderful series for fans of fiction based on real crimes. This thriller is a well written fictional account of the true story of more murders than you can imagine, perpetrated by the most unassuming person. If you're a fan of historical fiction and true crime, you'll likely enjoy this book.

I love the True Colors series and this book was a great addition. I did not know the story of Belle Gunness but I learned much from reading this story. I appreciate the research that went into the writing. I like that the author included an afterward stating what parts of the story are factual.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Liz Tolsma brings readers a fictionalization of the story of Belle Gunness, a widow woman who is connected to the numerous disappearances of single men who come to marry her.

These True crime stories have been so great to read and this one is so good. I loved the chilling nature of the crimes and the careful reveal of those responsible. This story is such a creepy plot that it’s hard to believe it happened in real life. I’m not going to spoil it by telling what happens but I will certainly be recommending it. I liked the well crafted dialogue and characters that really draw you in. I’ve not read anything by Ms Tolsma but will be looking for her future works for sure.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Barbour Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Running a hog farm and raising children made making ends meet a problem for widowed Belle Gunness. Credulous, all-trusting Ingrid, sympathizes her sister’s plight and does what she can to help Belle with the children.

Setting her sights on acquiring a new husband, Belle has taken to advertising seeking one. Many men answer her advert traveling from far distances, only to be sent packing, deemed unsuitable by the critical Belle.

When young Sven leaves home - life savings in tow, it is with the hope of starting a future with Belle as his new wife. Sven’s brother Nils begins to worry when he doesn’t hear any news from his younger brother and takes a trip to find out why. When he discovers that Sven left with no word, and how brusquely Belle brushes him off, Nils is convinced something is amiss.

As Nils’ suspicions grown, he turns to Ingrid for help in unravelling the mystery of Sven’s disappearance. What the two eventually discover, is too heinous to imagine.

True to life depiction of events and an excellent narrative of Gunness’ stony greed and her appetite for materialism.

Based on the true unresolved crimes of Belle Gunness, The Gold Digger is another fine feather in Tolsma’s story cap, and a must-read for Barbour’s intriguing True Colors Series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the read of Liz Tolsma’s, The Gold Digger.

Goodness, I couldn’t stop reading, partly because it was so suspenseful. Author Liz Tolsma writes a book full of twists and turns. I was so involved that when it ended in a way I didn’t like I might have tossed the book down and walked away in disgust. But that’s not the author’s fault. History is what it is.

Good character development makes this story even more interesting. I wanted to shake both Ingrid and Nils at times as they struggled with choices and truth. Tolsma also did a good job with scene descriptions. Maybe a bit too good a few times but you certainly could picture what was happening.

If you enjoy suspenseful stories with unexpected twists, then The Gold Digger is for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Sven Lindherud has left his mother and brother in Detroit, and has moved to LaPorte, Indiana, to marry. His future bride, Belle Gunness, lives on a hog farm with her four children. When he doesn't check in, his brother, Nils, travels to LaPorte to find him. He doesn't find Sven, but he does find deception, danger, and Belle's sister Ingrid. Can Nils find Sven before it is too late? Can he protect Ingrid from whatever darkness has settled in LaPorte? And what is happening to all of those men who leave home to move to the Gunness farm, only to disappear?

The Gold Digger is another fantastic addition to the True Colors series. There is trouble at every corner and no one is safe. I cannot recommend this book enough.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma was fascinating. People are crazy even back in 1907. The story is riveting and then reading the author’s notes at the end makes it even more frightening.

The Gold Digger is part of a series where the authors take a true crime from history and create a story around it. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. I really never think of crime from history and what people were willing to do.

Belle was getting husbands through mail order. Typically you hear of this from the men. Nils enters the picture when he doesn’t hear from his brother after six weeks. His brother was one of her mail order husbands who did not stay supposedly. The author kept us guessing as to why the husbands were not staying. Ingrid, Belle’s sister and Nils form a friendship as he tries to find out what has happened to his brother.

Violence – several people die or were killed but it is not graphic.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Though not as good as her last True Colors novel, The Green Dress, Liz Tolsma still provides an enjoyable read with The Gold Digger.

The Gold Digger follows an interesting crime in history.

Tolsma did a great job building suspense throughout the novel, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I think part of this was due to the timeline. In order to maintain historical accuracy, Tolsma had to make certain time jumps.

Additionally, although I understand the love of a sister, I had a hard time with Ingrid’s naivete. However, I did like the way Tolsma fleshed out Ingrid. Her stutter and shyness made her endearing, even when I found myself frustrated with her.

Nils’s determination to discover what happened to his brother made him relatable. But I wish his backstory had been a bit more fleshed out. However, Tolsma does a great job of making you care about his brother’s disappearance.

Overall, The Gold Digger is an interesting read that historical romance and romantic suspense lovers alike will enjoy.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

Wow! Nothing like advertising for a husband and when they show up... No one stays! This lady had a home and a family and just couldn't find that special man to marry. It kept me guessing for a long time as to who was the culprit of the men moving on. Mystery, family and wait until you see why these men all move on! I had a hard time putting it down as it moved right along. Loving this true colors crime series!
I requested a copy through NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. No review was required, my review is voluntary.

This is a simple story made fascinating by virtue of its being based on a real life crime. There isn't a lot of plot or action. It's a story of Nils, a man who comes in search of his brother who was supposed to marry Belle, a woman in LaPorte. Nils finds an ally in Belle's sister, Ingrid, though she refuses to believe her sister could be involved in any wrongdoing. Ingrid has blind faith in her sister and tends to overlook potential red flags.

I thought the story was interesting but a little slow. I think it could have been shortened a bit to keep a better pace. The historical notes at the end were just as fascinating as the story. I haven't read a lot of true crime books but I enjoyed it. Thank you to Barbour books for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma is a mesmerising and horrific Christian historical novel. It is part of the True Colors series.
The novel is set in 1907-1908 and based on actual events. This makes it all the more horrific. An air of mystery still surrounds the case today.
There is the issue of trust. We do not always know whom we can trust or who is telling the truth. We need to press into God, lean on Him and pray for discernment and clarity within our situations.
The Bible tells us to take care of widows and orphans. We witness this within the novel.
An atmosphere of fear surrounds the book as the reader along with the characters has suspicion about a character. We fear what will happen to those who get too close.
As in Genesis 50, God can use situations that others meant for harm and turn them about for good.
The love of money is the root of all evil. “He allowed the acquiring of wealth to consume him.” Our heart will always be in the wrong place if our focus is on money.
I always love Liz Tolsma’s stories. They are all consuming and exciting. She certainly knows how to weave a tale, creating an atmosphere that raises the hairs on your head. This is not a tale to be read alone at night!
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Wow! I hesitated to read this based on the summary. It just didn't sound like something I would enjoy. I finally made myself read it and was enthralled. I felt it was a little unbelievable until I saw the historical notes at the end. This was based on a real story and most of it was quote accurate with some literary license. If you enjoy historical suspense, I think you will enjoy it.

I did receive an ARC copy via Netgalley but I freely give my honest reviews.

I've read many books in this true crime series, and they've been quite hit and miss with me.

If you're a fan of historical fiction and true crime, you'll likely enjoy this book. This book is based on a truly bizarre factual person/event, and the author did a great job sticking to it. However, the book was a bit more gruesome and had more of a "preachy" feel than others I've read in this series, so that was a surprise. It contains more details on the historical crime than some of the prior books. There was no surprise as to who the killer was, so that pretty much eliminated any mystery to this story.

In general, the writing is solid and the book is well detailed (and sometimes overdetailed). It just didn't quite hit the mark for me as I'd hoped based on the description.

Well written edge of your seat Murder mystery. A great addition to the True Colors series. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

I finished reading "The Gold Digger" by Liz Tolsma, and it was good! 4⭐. This story was very interesting! If you love history and true crime, then you need to read this story.
*Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced read.

Mind blowing! I had never heard Belle Gunness' story before this book and it was definitely eye opening. I loved the fictional love story between Belle's sister Ingrid and Nils Lindherud. Feeling the anxiety and worry of the families involved with Belle's misdeeds really made the situation seem so real. I even went so far as to tell my husband all about the story and he was intrigued that it was something that had taken place a century ago. If you are interested in historical crime stories, this is definitely one you don't want to miss! I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

I have truly enjoyed Barbour Books' True Colors series, and recommend it often. Gold Digger is the latest addition to the series and is very well researched and written. I can only imagine the nightmares the author must have had while researching the true crimes that inspired this story. It is difficult to reveal anything about this story's content without revealing too much. If you like true crime stories, mysteries that are a bit gruesome, or psychological thrillers, this book is for you. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Gold Digger from Barbour Books via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This book told an interesting (though grisly) story that's over a hundred years old. Yet except for some changes in privacy laws and forensics, it could've happened today.

It seemed obvious to me from the start what happened to the men who answered the "lonely hearts" ads Belle Gunness published in midwestern newspapers. But the developing friendship between Belle's shy sister, Ingrid, and a missing man's brother, Nils, was tender and unpredictable. Each of them loved their sibling loyally, and yet they really didn't know them very well at all. Who knew Norwegians were so inscrutable?!

The pace of this book was a little uneven, and the end seems a bit anticlimactic after the dangerous chapters leading up to it. But I read the whole thing in a single day, so I have to say the author really grabbed my attention! I enjoyed the historical details of life in the early 1900s. And a glimpse into the mind of the criminally insane was....unnerving.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and was not required to post a review.