The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma was a great mystery. I literally could not stop reading it. Of course, all of Ms. Tolsma’s books are wonderful and I try to read all of them. This riveting story takes place in LaPorte, Indiana in the early 1900’s. Since I am familiar with that area it was of special interest to me.

Ingrid Storset comes to America at the request of her sister, Belle Gunness who has just lost her husband. She owns a large farm near LaPorte and never seems to run out of money to support herself and her many children. Belle sets Ingrid up with a bakery business, although that is not exactly what Ingrid wants to do.

Ingrid starts to get suspicious about Belle putting ads for a new husband in the paper and all the men who apply, but leave quickly, never to be seen again. Nils comes to LaPorte in search of his brother who was determined to wed Belle, but was never heard from again by his family. Nils makes Ingrid even more suspicious about what her sister is doing. I was really into this novel. I wanted to see what was going on and I was nervous while reading this because I feared for Ingrid. This is the way that Ms. Tolsma grabs you into her stories and won’t let you go until you finish the book. I highly recommend this book.

There was only one thing that I would like to comment negatively about: since the Miranda Rights Act went into effect on June 13, 1966, it is highly unlikely that a police officer would use those words from this Act before arresting someone in the early 1900’s. I noticed this in one part of the book and thought I would mention it to the editors.

This newest edition to the True Color series, The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma is just as engaging a the others in this series. While I haven’t read them all yet, I am pleased to get my fingers on this one!

Miss Ingrid Storset, originally from Norway, relocated to LaPorte, Indiana with her sister Belle and Belle’s four children. Belle purchased a large hog farm with the life insurance money of her deceased husband. Belle also purchased a building where Ingrid could make and sell her sweet treats and lice upstairs.

LaPorte, Indiana is actually a place I’ve visited while I lived in Indiana about 15 years ago. A few friends I went to college with grew up there. It’s amazing how you can visit a place and never know the things that haunts the city’s past.

Belle writes an ad in the Norwegian newspaper asking for a gentleman to marry her and help her on the farm. She happens to write them for a few months and then practically commands them to come to LaPorte. A day or two later, they disappear. Belle tells those who ask that the man left for California.

One Sven Lindherud is one who leaves Detroit, Michigan with the intention to marry Belle, work on her farm and help her with the children. But Sven hasn’t returned inquiries from his brother, Nils, for months, asking if he’s made it and how he’s enjoying LaPorte. It is then that Nils drops everything to venture to LaPorte and find out what’s going on.

The mystery grows thicker after Nils arrives in LaPorte. He meets the sweet and gentle Ingrid at her confectionary when he stops to ask for directions. How ironic that he just met Belle’s sister. who invited him to dinner at Belle’s!

While Belle once again tells Nils that Sven has moved on without a word of where he was going, Nils is inquisitorial and Belle orders him off her property. But it won’t be the least of Nils.

My favorite character in The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma is Nils Lindherud. He’s a man on a mission. A man who cares deeply for his family and their well-being. He also is very observant and gentle in nature. While he’s a bit impulsive at times, he seems to learn from his own errors.

The character I don’t really understand is Belle. She’s portrayed as a very rough woman, abrupt and condescending, yet usually sweet to her kids? I say usually because there are instances where she orders the children to be silent. Belle seems very bipolar in my observation. However, it makes sense for her to be like this for the purpose of this historical fiction story.

Now this story reminds me a lot of the mysterious murders of The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo, also of the True Colors series. Like all True Colors books, it involves a crime or two, or more. Someone always shows in these books, too, consistent with this series.

A digital advanced copy of The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma was provided complimentary in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 4 out of 5 tiaras because while it all ties together nicely, it doesn’t express that Belle was making money of these suitors to make the title make sense. It also seems to be more about Ingrid and Nils than Belle.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma will release on 12:02/20. Be on the lookout for this addition to the True Colors series!

Wow! I have never read anything by this author and this book was not what I expected. It is a true crime story set in LaPorte, Indiana. Although it is not a genre that I usually read, the author spun the story in such a way that I couldn't stop turning the pages. I definitely did not expect the outcome at the end of the story.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the copy of the book. The opinions are my own.

This novel based upon true crime kept my interest from beginning to end.

Belle, originally from Norway, has lost two husbands and is running a pig farm in Indiana. To obtain help on the farm, she regularly solicits men to be her next husband. Oddly, they never marry and are never heard from again.

Belle's sister Ingrid is a budding photographer with a heart of gold. She loves her sister and her nieces and nephew. Belle's prior farm hand, Ray, seems to be obsessed with Belle.

The author does a great job of creating tension keeping readers wondering what's happened to the would be husbands.

Loved the Afterward which shared what was factual and what was fictional in the pages.

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.

Fascinating story! I have to admit once I started reading I didn't want to stop. I just had to know why men were disappearing.
I couldn't imagine why such a sweet lady couldn't hold onto a man.
She said they changed their minds and left suddenly. It sounds suspicious.
True historical account intertwined with some fictional characters.
Really good book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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 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.