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 a difficult one for me to review – I liked the story.  It held my interest.  And, at the end of the book I learned it was based on a true story.  However, I knew “whodunit” throughout.  I didn’t feel the mystery.  I know being historically accurate that law enforcement didn’t have the insight or materials to work with that we do today. And, a small town sheriff wouldn’t suspect things we might not today (especially those of us that read suspense novels all the time.)    I also realize the general public in a small town wouldn’t speak out or accuse people who seemed to be respected of something as hideous as murder.  So, I don’t want to give anything away.  There are those that might find this book to be more intriguing and that’s fine.  It is a fascinating story.

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.

The Gold Digger was another great book in the True Colors series. I love that these are based on real-life crimes. In this book, especially, it made the sinister nature of the crime so much more haunting. Despite the dark premise of the story, Tolsma still includes hope and happy moments that will warm your heart.

Great characters that pull your heart into the story. This is a well written story that starts out endearing you to the characters.  As a sinister plot unfolds a sweet romance is just beginning taking the reader on quite the ride.  There is so much to this story that keeps your mind volleying back and forth as to who is responsible for all the strange actions that occur. I was completely taken back at some of the horrific things that happened causing my heart to just break for the characters. This is a story that will keep you reading late into the night, a quest to answer the minds questions. The reader will enjoy the romance that grows and brings comfort in a world spinning out of control. This is definitely a book that will leave you with questions and keep you entertained! 
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

My goodness, I was sucked in to this so easily and couldn't put it down. I have loved these Christian true crime thrillers. There were twists and turns and moments that made me have to take a second look. 

Liz Tolsma is a master in this series and has done an amazing job. I appreciated the author notes regarding the history and what is true and what is fiction. 

I will never understand the cruelty of some people, but these stories manage to find the hope and the faith at the end of the tunnel in the characters that are touched by these crimes. 

I had never heard of this particular killer and was amazed at the way people ignored what was happening around them. 

I was fascinated with this story and was drawn in by the writing and characterizations. The characters were compelling and the clues were such that not everything was given away immediately. If you don't know the true story, the twist at the end is not something you see coming so don't research anything until you've read this cleverly spun tale. 

I received a complementary copy and these are my own thoughts and reactions.

I really enjoyed this story! I had never heard about this crime until I happened across it a few days before starting this book. Belle is a widowed woman who puts personal adds in the newspaper to have a man come to her farm and marry her to take care of her and her three children. The problem is many men come but none of them stay. Why do they leave? Belles sister Ingrid can’t understand why none of these men can see what a loving caring woman she is. One day a man comes to town searching for his brother who answered one of Belle’s adds who has not been heard from. The book tells an incredible story of disappearance, arson, murder, and theft! I give this book 5 stars and was given a copy from Netgalley for an honest opinion.

In The True Colora series, if I don’t already know the background of the story, I like to read the True Colors book completely, then I tend to go crazy with research (I love history!). 

Liz Tolsma does a fantastic job of drawing us in to the story. I had never heard the account before of this Serial killer, but that must have been a tough story to work through and write. While letting us know what was going on, Tolsma also kept it clean and not too gory. Even though reality was gory, Tolsma portrayed it in a way that makes us think, but doesn’t leave us with gory nightmares. Kind of like the difference in movies where they just show someone getting shot versus having blood and gore fly everywhere.

The character build up is great as well as the plot line. I’m looking forward to more in this series!

Another excellent book in the True Color Series from Barbour Publishing. Each book is based on strange but true history. This one takes place in 1907 in Indiana between a pig farm and a candy shop. Older sister Belle, widowed, owns a pig farm for which she needs help. A good husband is hard to come by so Belle advertises for a husband who will not only be a good worker, but also help raise her three children. 
Younger sister, Ingrid is twenty-three and single when Belle buys a building so that Ingrid can start her own candy business. Ingrid’s real desire is to be a professional photographer but she accepts Belle’s plan for the time being. 
Car dealer and salesman Nils Lindherud travels from Detroit to LaPorte, Indiana seeking the whereabouts of his brother Sven, who had planned to marry Belle but has mysteriously disappeared.
This story is complicated, tangled and horrifying and yet has a happy ending. Another great job by Liz Tolsma.

I received an ARC ebook from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley.