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.

4.5 stars

This might be the most gruesome story of the True Colors series so far. I enjoyed the story despite the dark nature of it. 

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma is the latest release in the True Colors series. These stories are based on actual crimes in American history. The Gold Digger explores some strange events from LaPorte, IN in the early 1900’s, centering around Belle Gunness and some of her suspicious behaviors.  She’s a widower twice-over, and she takes out personal ads looking for a husband. But when men show up to her farm, they never heard from again. Belle’s sister, Igrid Storset, meets Nils Lindherud who is in town looking for his missing brother. Together they begin to unravel terrible secrets at the Gunness’ farm. 

This story isn’t for anyone looking for a cozy mystery. The truth is strange, terrifying, and unresolved, and the author does a great job of bringing out the drama. But it’s such a twisted story to begin with. I love the author’s notes at the end of the book showing the research behind the real Belle Gunness. It’s truly a heartbreaking and horrifying situation in real life, and Liz Tolsma does a great job of bringing the details to light, but tempering it with faith and a love interest. But it’s definitely intense, creepy, and disturbing at times. 

Definitely an intriguing read, and if you are a fan of this true crimes series, you’ll be taken with this one! 

Overall Rating: 
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)

Suspense Rating: 
4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is another page-turner in the True Colors crime series! I love this series, as each of these authors finds a way to build great fiction around true historical crimes. This novel is no exception. From the first page, I became engaged. 

Like the others in the series, this story is based on a true crime. In addition, the story constructed around this crime makes it even more interesting than a great fictional story. As I tried to figure out who did the crimes, how they would get caught, and where the bodies were, my eagerness to finish the story grew. No spoilers will be given here, but the author did a great job with this story. If you love true-crime drama or are looking for a new genre to read, pick up a copy of this book. In fact, pick up the whole series. The stories deal with different crimes and each may be read as a standalone. 

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

You will need a strong stomach to read The Gold Digger but it will keep you reading to see what happens next! Belle is a widow who keeps advertising for a husband but the men arrive and are not seen again! Nils comes to town searching for his brother who answered Belle's ad. Quiet Ingrid is a sweet young woman who loves her sister, Belle, and adores her nieces and nephew. You won't believe the gruesome things going on in LaPorte! I received a complimentary e-book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Another thrilling installment of the True Colors, strange, but true, crime stories with an inspirational infusion. You do not have to read these in order to appreciate the gripping tales. In the Gold Digger, the story of Belle Gunness, a truly evil woman in 1907 Indiana , is brought to light in a way that will keep you turning the page until the very end. While the main plot is predictable, the journey there and the slight twists and turns keep you just unsure enough to keep reading. The sweet romance between Ingrid and Nils is a redemptive component that makes the story a little less dark. I really love the infusion of Christian faith and despite evil, pain and suffering, there is still a redemptive plan that can be used for good. Be sure to read the author’s notes. 
I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

I think I have heard of Belle Gunness before, probably through some other book or article I was reading.  But did not know the extent of it, and this book certainly had my attention from beginning to end.  

The story obviously follows Belle Gunness, a widow living in LaPorte, Indiana, who advertised in Norwegian newspapers for a new husband.  It also followed her younger sister, Ingrid Storset., and Nils Lindherud, the brother of one of the men who corresponded with Belle and disappeared.  With Ingrid and Nils inching closer to what happened to his brother, Sven, and to all the other men who she corresponded with, Belle becomes increasingly strange, moody, and emotional.  But never did Ingrid and Nils expect she would go as far as she did, nor hurt those most innocent.

I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it to other readers.  

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Everytime I read a True Colors Book I think this series just keeps getting better and better! The Gold Digger was great. It was one of those books that I just couldn't put down, in fact I stayed up WAY too late one night reading it. I highly recommend this book!

Wow!!  Another True Colors story that leaves me utterly speechless!  Up to this point, I have never read anything about Belle Gunness, but now I know this will be one of those true crime stories that will stick with me for a long time.

Ingrid has moved from Norway to help her sister Belle out with her pig farm and her children.  Belle also solicits men to come help on the farm and possibly become her husband.  When Nils Lindherud's brother Sven answers the advertisement and mysteriously disappears after leaving to Indiana to meet Belle at her farm; Belle being the last person to see him.  Nils has no other choice to go on a manhunt to find Sven.  What is uncovered changes everything.

So many unanswered questions shrouded in mystery keeps the characters and readers guessing, not quite knowing what to believe anymore!  I knew in the back of my mind what happened, but just like Ingrid, I didn't want to believe it.

The biggest thing that bothered me was Ingrid and her naivety.  She refused to see what was right in front of her, and there were times I just wanted to shake her, but the truth comes to light, like it always does, and awakened a living nightmare.

To know that this is based on a true story is gut-wrenching, especially when you think about all that was lost and the why of it all.  Liz Told did a phenomenal job of bringing this gruesome story alive while not being overly graphic.  I can't imagine how hard this novel must've been to write!

I love this series so much, as it has shed light to so many stories that need to be told, and I can't wait to read the next installment!

***Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Expected release date December 1, 2020.***

⛏️⛏️⛏️⛏️
4 - 4.5 stars

Another very solid installment in the "True Colors" books series.  This one is written by Liz Tolsma, and centers on Belle Gunness who was found to have killed at least 14 people (including 2 husbands and her own children).  Sometimes I feel a bit guilty for enjoying this series as much as I do considering the subject matter, but as always am looking forward to the next one.  😄

The Gold Digger is an amazing book of fiction based on a true historical crime! There is a romance introduced in the story that adds joy and life to the chilling tale. Nils and Ingrid make a delightful couple even though they are at odds on what they think is happening. I highly recommend The Gold Digger to mystery and suspense readers, romantic suspense readers,  and to readers of historical fiction and of true historical crime books. I've read several in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I would recommend them to family and friends. Also, I have liked everything of Liz Tolsma's that I've read and hope to have the opportunity to read more. I received a copy from NetGalley.

This book is about two sisters though one seems to be doing something quite fishy. That fishiness seems to come out when a brother comes to town looking for his missing brother. We have Belle Gunness who seems to cry a lot or seem to be mean.

Why does the town seem to pick on a guy named Ray? Ingrid seems a bit naive about what her sister is doing but she loving her sister and children. Is her sister Belle a murder or looking for easy money? The town seems to think nothing of it when men go missing or think they just leave suddenly.

We do see that Ingrid and Nils seem to connect after meeting each other. They seem to take their time getting to know each other and courting. The plot of this story is deep and detailed. The story is done well. It just seems like found out who the killer is quite quickly. It just seems that Nils had to convince Ingrid and the town sheriff or the real killer and not the one they keep pulling in to question.

There are some surprises when it is all revealed and solved. Though there is still a twist at the end as well. There seem to be a mystery and lots of crimes. This is good in the sense that it tells some history of American crime and historical fiction and crime. It is a true crime. I rate this 4.5 Moons (stars).

Several elements I like about The Gold Digger. First, family loyalty plays a huge part in this well-researched story. Ingrid is particularly concerned about the unkind rumors circulating in town about her sister. Unfortunately, Ingrid’s naivety leads her to turn a blind eye to Belle’s true personality. Likewise, Nils is worried about his brother and his mother. Also, he is afraid of committing the same mistakes his dad did. Second, the author helps us remember hope is available even when are experiencing our darkest hour. Many dark hours occur in The Gold Digger, but the characters’ faith helps them cope. 
I enjoyed this story, especially knowing it is based on true crime. This is another book in the True Colors series, a series worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I knew that this was based on a true story, but it was so horrible and gruesome it was really hard to believe it could be true. The story centers around Belle, a widow with 4 children who corresponds with men ostensibly looking for someone to help her on her hog farm and to marry her. The problem is that the men seem to come for a few days and then disappear. When Sven tells his brother Nils he is gong to LaPorte to marry Belle, Nils is dismayed and tries to persuade him to stay. When Sven disappears without a word, Nils heads to LaPorte to find out why. As the story unfolds the tension builds as we learn more about the different characters in play. I admit that I had heard about this story before, but the author did a super job of telling the story without too much gore. Because it was Christian fiction, the story ended on a hopeful note.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.