I have read now three out of the twelve books from the True Colors series and I must say that this may be my favorite when it comes to suspense and mystery!! Wowza! It was like reading something out of the movie Misery. Anyone remember that movie? That's what this felt like except this was a true story. That is what I enjoy about this series. It is based on true crimes that have happened in history. This was also my first book by Liz Tolsma and I must say I really enjoyed her writing. Very descriptive and engaging. This is definitely one of those books that is hard to put down as you want to know what is happening next and who the culprit is. 

This story is about Belle Gunness a widower twice-over in La Porte, IN. She runs a hog farm and has a sister Ingrid. Ingrid is shy and getting adjusted at being in a new country. She loves her sister and doesn't see the peculiarities that surround her. Her sister is always in search of a new husband and puts ads in the paper. Men come to the farm but mysteriously enough they never stay and no one sees them go. Not even the former farm hand Ray who is obsessed with Belle and will do pretty much anything to get her attention.

When Nils brother goes missing after answering one of the ads, Nils comes to find out where he is. He meets Ingrid and they strike up a friendship. We do get some romance between Nils and Ingrid but that definitely is not the focus of the book. However it is sweet and needed to balance out the other parts of the story. 

Now if you are looking for a cozy mystery this is not your book. This book definitely is definitely strange, terrifying and twisted. It is unresolved so this is definitely not going to leave you with a happy ending. I am so glad that the author put an Afterword in this story. It was needed to understand the history of the story a bit more.

I have really,really enjoyed reading the True Colors series. A True crime series by Barbour Publishing. They have put out a new book in this series every month for the past year.
The Gold Digger absolutely captivated my attention as I read it or should I say speed read it. The further into the book I got the more it captivated me like when something bad happens but you can't tear yourself away from it and must continue to find out more details about it.
I knew how it would turn out but The Gold Digger brilliantly took my breath away!
The author does an amazing job of captivating readers to continue til the last word is consumed.
I highly recommend this and every book by this author.

Pub Date 01 Dec 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars- This is the latest book in the True Colors series that pairs the retelling of lesser known true American crime stories with fictional romances. I have learned about a lot of shocking crimes I had never heard of. As a lover of history, I have enjoyed researching these historical events further on my own and have especially found the author’s research notes at the end of each novel very fascinating. It cannot be easy to create a fictional story that revolves around real events. 
	The true facts of this story are intriguing, shocking and horrifying at the same time. The adage that “truth is stranger than fiction” definitely holds true here. Even though the ultimate outcome of the story was pretty much a given, it was still fascinating to walk through the mystery with Belle’s younger sister Ingrid. The inclusion of the spurned former hired hand Ray added an extra dose of intrigue and difficulty in figuring out how the pieces fit together. 
	It’s hard to imagine how one would react to odd occurrences and happenings that involve a close family member. Would you be suspicious or completely trusting? I think Ingrid showed a realistic amount of both- some things you just can’t ignore. Her relationship with Nils, the brother of one of Belle’s missing suitors, seemed plausible and was a bright spot to a difficult chain of events.
	I think readers will find the story of Belle Gunness intriguing. And the story of Nils and Ingrid is a bright spot of hope in how to handle extreme circumstances. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book grabbed my attention from the beginning.  I felt a darkness throughout the book with a little light trying to break through with Ingrid and Nils blossoming romance.  Ingrid thinks the world of her sister, Belle, and knows that she would do anything for her and her family.  Nils comes to town searching for his brother, but the information that he is given regarding his brother is not lining up.  The author did a great job of keeping me guessing as to what was happening to the men that were visiting Belle.  I became very interested in the real story about Belle.  Knowing the history made this book that more interesting.  I liked seeing the different points of view between Ingrid and Nils.  I recommend this book to those that enjoy mystery and books based on true stories.

I couldn’t put this one down! What another great addition to the True Colors True Crimes series, these books never fail to keep me mesmerized!  In this one, Belle Gunness provides her sister Ingrid with a confectionary business to entice her to move from her Norwegian home to the USA.  Belle lost another husband and needs a replacement to help her in her hog farming and child-rearing, so she searches in the lovelorn columns in the Norwegian papers.  Men answer the ad and then disappear mysteriously. Only when a brother of one of the missing men travels to Indiana is the gruesome mystery solved.  Being a Hoosier, I was especially captivated as this crime happened in LaPorte, Indiana.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

I was unfamiliar with the story of Belle Gunness, and Tolsma did an excellent job of bringing this serial killer's story to life.  Belle was a large built, Norwegian lady who had emigrated to the United States.  Her first two husbands died under suspicious circumstances, and she got life insurance money upon both their deaths.  Now she has begun advertising for a mail order groom and includes that if they bring money they can buy into her hog farm.  When one man's brother responds to the ad and he doesn't hear anything more from him, Nils heads to Indiana to find answers.  

This was a real page turner as more and more suspicious happenings occurred.  I loved how Nils and Ingrid, Belle's sister, worked together to try and make sense of what Belle was doing, but Ingrid found it hard to believe her sister could be behind all this.  Both Ingrid and Nils had to depend upon their faith to get them through all the strange occurrences.  I enjoyed watching Ingrid grow in confidence and speech as Nils supported her.  Although this was certainly a creepy story, it was an interesting look at a serial time killer from a earlier period in history.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book  from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

I have really appreciated the True Color series, novels about unusual crimes of the past. Tolsma tackles the story of a woman who murdered several men who were potential suitors, stealing their money.

Tolsma has done a good job creating a readable novel revolving around the facts of the crime she details at the end of the book. Her writing style is enjoyable. The only aspect of the novel I did not appreciate was a dream scene. Tolsma began a new chapter with a suspenseful scene that was not identified as a dream until well into the narrative. I do not like that deceptive technique.

I do recommend this novel as an interesting fictional exploration of a crime from over a century ago. Tolsma has added a bit of romance to flesh out the interesting story. You can find out some more about the novel at the True Colors Crime website.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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 
_________________________________________________________________
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.