As an avid reader of Christian fiction as well as general market fiction, I’ve been very interested to read a novel in the True Colors series, written by various authors, that “explores true, riveting stories of American criminal activity layered in historical romantic suspense.” These are definitely a departure from the common (mis)perception of Christian fiction. The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma was my introduction to this concept.

This saga begins in 1907 Indiana and features Belle Gunness, a real person in history who was a serial killer. Tolsma excels at weaving fictional characters around gruesome facts to allow readers to unravel the story as those involved at the time likely did. While the writing was less sophisticated than the novels I usually enjoy, I was completely engrossed in Belle’s actions and was impressed by the factual accuracy of the novel’s plot. I doubt I’d read a true crime book about this case, but I couldn’t turn the pages of The Gold Digger fast enough. I look forward to reading more books in this series soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Gold Digger is another can’t-put-down, read-in-one-day thriller penned by Ms. Tolsma in the True Colors Crime series. It exceeded my expectations which were very high since I love all of this gifted storyteller’s books! The real-life characters are seamlessly meshed with the fictional ones, and all are well-developed and unforgettable. The evil of the horrendous crime portrayed in this story is tempered with a strong faith element and a touching romance. The fast-moving, suspenseful plot keeps you turning pages and anxiously anticipating the outcome! The historical notes at the end of the book are especially helpful in differentiating the true elements from the fictional ones. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the series.

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shy, kind Ingrid really is grateful when her older sister Belle provides the money for her to start a business, even though the confectionary shop isn't exactly what she wanted. She's doing her best to make the shop a success but continues to visit Belle's farm often to spend time with the only family she has in America - Belle and her children. Belle has been widowed twice and has been putting ads in the Norwegian newspapers looking for a husband to share the work of the farm. Ingrid isn't comfortable with the idea, especially since none of the men stay very long. She realizes Belle isn't attractive or easy to get along with, but wants to believe her sister is good hearted and is just misunderstood.

Nils is behind on some loan payments and worried about his car dealership, but he's more concerned that he and his mother haven't heard anything from his brother Sven for so long. Sven left months earlier to meet Belle and planned to marry her after corresponding for awhile. Nils decides to go to LaPorte to find out what happened to Sven. He meets Ingrid first and she tries to be helpful in his search, but Belle is uncooperative, and Nils is sure she knows more than she has told him. With Ingrid's often reluctant help he continues to pursue answers. Suspicions mount as they notice strange behavior and realize that none of Belle's prospective husbands have been heard from. As Nils and Ingrid get closer to the truth, they are both in very serious danger as well.

The true crimes of Belle Gunness are gruesome, but just like all the novels in this series, the story is told balancing the suspense with an accompanying story of a sweet and hopeful romance. The fictional characters of Ingrid and Nils are very believable, as Ingrid struggles to understand how the sister she loves and relies upon could be capable of such evil. This book is a real page-turner, and while the crimes are horrific, it was the enjoyable reading that kept me up late rather than any nightmares!

*I received a complimentary copy (digital ARC) of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.
#TheGoldDigger #NetGalley

This historical fiction is actually based on true history. It is part of a true crime series.

I am sure if you are someone that enjoys crime books, you would enjoy this one. This book was not one I would have read had I known more about it in regards to the true crimes represented in it. I really did not enjoy reading this book. That said, I do have to say that I had to finish it to see how it would end. It was more gruesome than I enjoy.

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 an exciting story based on a real-life crime that occurred in LaPorte Indiana beginning in 1907. Belle places newspaper ads looking for a husband to assist her and running her hog farm. She tells them she needs money and they must bring it with them to be considered. The mystery begins when the men don’t stay long and move on. Or do they? Has a crime been committed and if so, who is responsible?
This book is an excellent next edition to the True Crime Series and it keeps you guessing all the way to the end. As usual in mysteries the ones you may suspect at first have nothing to do with any supposed crimes. The book is well-written and reads like a novel and not just another true crime mystery. The characters that are added for the story fit in very well with the real-life characters and to some extent you don’t know who’s who until the end. I give this book 5 of 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good true to life mystery.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Ingrid’s sister, Belle, surprises her with an amazing gift, just not one she’s altogether happy about, except for the ability to have a darkroom. Belle owns a hog farm and is frequently advertising for a husband to help her with her farm. Sven is introduced early in the story, coming in to Ingrid’s store and she gives him directions to her sisters. Weeks later, Nils comes to town, looking for his brother, Sven. Many suspicions abound throughout the story that is well told. Ingrid and Nils are great characters and easy to relate to. We also meet Ray, Jennie, Lucy, Myrtle, Phillip, the Sheriff, hotel clerk, Sven and Nils mother, and Gillespie. Fast paced story set in LaPorte Indiana in 1907-08, that is hard to put down.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Gold Digger
by Liz Tolsma
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
You Like Them
Barbour Books
Christian | Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 01 Dec 2020 | Archive Date 01 Feb 2021

Love the true-crime premise of this book. The events in this book are true! That's what made it even more interesting for me to read. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Fascinating!

5 star

If you like historical fiction that’s based on true crime, you may enjoy this book. It is part of a series called “True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime,” each written by a different author. I had read an earlier book in the series, and enjoyed it. I did not enjoy this book, but not because of the author. Tolsma has done a very good job of trying to “inspire hope that finds its way even in the darkest of times” (one of the stated purposes of the series). The problem is with the true story this book is based on – it was so bizarre and gruesome that despite the wonderful characters Tolsma created to join the historical figures in this story, I need to read something light and wholesome to help me forget what happened in the book. I'm only giving it 3 stars because of the subject matter, not as a reflection on the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheGoldDigger #NetGalley

It has to be quite a challenge to write a fictional account of a true crime story. Liz Tolma has done a good job capturing the horror of this heinous crime from the early 1900's. She is able to build up tension as the mystery progresses concerning the disappearance of several men after they were in contact with a widow with children who had a farm she needed help with.
Fictional characters blend with true life people from the historic records. The story is captivating and well written.
I don't want to give anything away. If you find true crime and stories based on history fascinating, as I do, I think you will find this account quite intriguing and sad. I believe the story is written in as tasteful a way as possible considering the acts perpetrated on innocent victims and their families. It is also written as Christian fiction and gives hope during a terrible time in the lives of several people. I like how the author handled such an awful series of events.

I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of the book. I remember hearing about this historic crime and appreciate how the story is told.

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. Ingrid Storset comes to join her sister Belle, who is a widow and her family in LaPorte, Indiana. Opening a confectionary shop she also spends time working on her first love, photography. When possible suitors come and shortly after disappear, she feels great sympathy for Belle. Why would they leave so abruptly - after all, her sister is a hardworking farm woman who has much love to share and is well-known in the community. Could it be jealousy that exacerbates these disappearances?

Be aware that this story will have you looking at many things with very different eyes as you try to figure out who really is behind these crimes. The True Crime series is incredibly thought provoking. I must admit, it is almost difficult to believe that things like this could happen without anyone asking questions or getting suspicious.

An ARC was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

This was such a great thriller and the best book I’ve yet read by this author. The author drew me in from the start with the great cast of characters she gave and the way she told the story.

I knew it was based on real events but the plot felt so twisted and gruesome, could it really be true? And then the author had me confused so many times about what happened to the men and who did it, that my head was spinning in circles about what was going on - I could probably have googled these crimes but then I would have lost the enjoyment of the journey.

And the ending was surprising and also did not feel concluded. I kept reading and feeling like something else is probably going to happen.

The romance was also secondary to the suspense story which I liked.

I’m still a bit shocked about these crimes and would probably not recommend this to sensitive readers. Though, if you love thrillers, you would love this story. For me this was the best yet in the series.

This is another really good book in this series.
It was a quick book that grabbed me from page one.
It was kinda gruesome but it was perfect reading for Halloween. I enjoyed the story and definitely recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

This is a wonderful series for fans of fiction based on real crimes. While I had not heard of this particular historic story, I was fascinated. This story is based on several mysterious disappearances and deaths associated with Belle Gunness. Belle has lost two husbands, and there seems to be an endless string of men answering her ads to become her next husband. Is she responsible? Is there just a lot of unexplained coincidences between these disappearances? Or is someone else involved?

Expertly plotted, the author reveals the gory details of this serial killer's story through the eyes of fictional characters, Ingrid Storset and Nils Linderhud. Reader beware, plenty of chills and descriptive gore in this page-turner. Ms. Tolsma handled these details with a graceful pen, weaving in a faith thread of hope amidst the darkness of evil.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. It's full of twists and turns and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved how the author combined fact with fiction to make a gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am really, really enjoying this series. The subject of this one is Belle Gunness, a story which has fascinated me for years. I enjoy suspense and true crime, anyway, but this woman was a monster. Liz Tolsma tells her story well indeed. If you have not read this series yet, I highly recommend it.

I received this book from Barbour Publishing through net Galley and was not required to leave a review. All opinions in this review are expressly my own.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma is a must-read! This is a can't put it down type of story. The story is based on true events that happened in the early 1900's. Ingrid and Belle are sisters that have immigrated from Norway. Belle goes the mail-order route to find a husband to help her on the farm she inherited from her deceased husband. Without going into too much detail, the story takes a very dark path. But there is confusion as to what is actually happening to all of the men that show up and suddenly disappear from Belle's farm. Could this mother-of-four actually be an evil person? Or is it her hired hand who obsessively loves her? And her innocent sister Ingrid has blinders on when it comes to seeing anything wrong with her sister. Proof that love is blind. The twists and turns in this book are so well-written and the dialogue is so believable. The descriptions of the weather and the scenery feels like you are actually there. The true crime series by Liz Tolsma is definitely becoming one of my favorites! If you are looking for a getaway to take your mind off of all of the things that are going on in our world right now I would highly recommend any of her books. But The Gold Digger is exceptional! I received this book voluntarily from netgalley.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma takes place in LaPorte, Indiana and although it is fiction, it is based on real crime events. Ingrid comes over from Norway to join her sister Belle who owns a farm. Belle has lost a couple of husbands. Nils, who owns a car dealership in Michigan, comes into town searching for his brother who was supposed to marry Belle. Neither Nils or his mother has heard from him since he left home several months ago. Belle takes Nils to Belle’s farm, but Belle only tells them that his brother left soon after he came. Nils sees all kinds of issues and believes something terrible has happened to his brother and goes to the Sherriff who does nothing. Ingrid believes her sister is a very good person and wouldn’t harm anyone.

A reader should definitely read the historical notes at the end of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma, a new author to this reader, is a well-written suspense thriller that hinges on true crimes but weaved into the strange and eerie individual that commits the crime. It is fiction based on true history of an evil woman that caused so many deaths and suffering that seems so unbelievable…and what’s more uncovering is the people she fooled. I recommend this book for those who love true crime stories that are mixed with mystery and a bit of romance. Definitely a page-turner and quick read for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed are completely my own.

The Golden Digger by Liz Tolsma was a creepy story. I read this story about two weeks before Halloween, and I really dove into the story. I knew who did it way before Tolsma showed us. I believe most fans of suspense novels would have figured this out too. But this in no way stopped me from finishing the novel. I wanted to see how the heroine and hero would come across the obvious clues and uncover what was happening to these poor bachelors. The story was well-written, and I totally became engrossed in the story. This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf. I can't wait to see what other books need to be read to make this series better. I have really enjoyed reading these hidden mysteries from our history. Some have captured my attention, while others left me wanting more. But The Golden Digger was definitely one of my favorite stories in this series along with The Green Dress.

I received a complimentary copy of The Golden Digger by Liz Tolsma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Men Are Disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana

If that line isn't enough to hook you, well then hold on. This story is perfect for mystery lovers and those looking for a spooky read. I loved that this story grabbed a hold of me from the first page and didn't let up. The story is set in 1907 in Indiana. A widow and quiet and pleasant lade named Belle Gunness as had her share of tragedy in her life, and is looking for her next husband. When her sister comes to visit she starts to notice things about Belle, her way of life and the mystery of her past husbands comes to light. While I want to give you more I think this story is best being discovered at the pages turn.

I loved that this story was more involved in the true crime aspect, the details of the crimes, mystery and secrets really made the story bloom. The characters are well developed and I really felt them as real people. The mix of true crime and fiction also made this story not only enjoyable but also really fun. The author takes a few privilege's within the story and it only adds to the suspense and outcome. I couldn't help but turn age after page trying to figure everything out. Another wonderful story to add to this True Colors series and a new author for me to follow.

I would recommend this story to all fictional, true crime, mystery and character driven readers. I received an ARC via NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. and I am leaving my honest review. 4.25 stars.