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.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma
I love all of Liz Tokens books and "The Gold Digger" is no exception. This is the 9th book in the "True Colors" series.

Synopsis- In the year of 1907, a woman Ingrid Street move to LaPorte, Indiana to help hers sister. Belle had lost two husbands and several children's. Ingrid started to wonder about her sister when Nils Lindherud showed up looking for his brother. He had answered an ad put in a paper by Belle looking for a new husband to help with the farm. The problem is several men show up but leave soon afterwards.

My thoughts - I really liked this book and the storyline. It made me think of all the characters and wonder if I liked them. It was a page turner with a suspect from the very beginning. Ingrid started to question the facts about her sister and rather the men every left the farm from the beginning.

Recommend - I will gladly recommend this book to everyone including family and friends.

Rating - I will rate this book a five out of five

i received this complimentary book from the publisher through netgalley. all thought and opinions are mine and mine alone!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 3
Plot development: 4
Characters: 3
Enjoyability: 3
Ease of Reading: 4

Overall rating: 3 out of 5

THE GOLD DIGGER by LIZ TOLSMA is a well written true crime suspense thriller which will keep you on the edge of your chair. Although the subject matter is decidedly gruesome, the author has tempered it with a sweet romance and a great Christian message of hope that shines through the darkness. The characters are well defined and I especially like Ingrid and Nils for their gentleness and kindness, and also for their courage and determination to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I really recommend the book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I normally don't read this kind of book. But I do love a good mystery and this book blew me away!!!!! Wow!
Gold Digger is about 2 sisters from Norway. One had been established, married and had a couple of children but paid for her younger sister to come join her in Chicago from Norway. When Belle's husband suddenly dies and their house and business burn down they decide to move to LaPorte, Indiana.
Belle surprises Ingrid with a business she can turn into a confectionery, (which Ingrid isn't thrilled about she would rather sell her photographs) and she will have her own apartment above the confectionery and the basement to use as a dark room to develop her photos. Ingrid is very nervous because she doesn't speak English very well and it's hard to speak to customers.
Belle advertises in the Norwegian papers in the lonely heart section of the paper for a husband. Many men have shown up but leave after a few days.
This story shows 2 stories in 1. The life of Belle and Ingrid and the life of Nils Lindherud from Detroit. His brother Sven answers Belle's ad for a husband and is excited about leaving his brother Nils auto dealership to work on Belle's pig farm.
After 6 weeks of not hearing from Sven his Mother and brother Nils become nervous. Nils does write Belle but gets no response, so he goes to LaPorte to investigate.
He meets Ingrid, and becomes interested but gets very suspicious of Belle, especially after he goes with Ingrid to Belle's farm and she kicks him off the property right away.
For months Nils travels between Detroit and LaPorte. There is an old farmhand Belle let go, Ray who is very suspicious.
This book will keep you on your toes the entire time, you think you know what's going to happen and then something else happens and you question what you think really happened!
The author's notes are wonderful, especially with the historical facts of this book. The whole thing blew me away, especially after I found out it was based on a true story. I couldn't put the book down and read this quickly because it sucked me in!
I want to thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the advanced copy. I was not asked to give a positive review, just give my honest opinion, this is my honest opinion of the book.

I really wanted to like this book. It sounded thrilling and grand! But to be frank: it is not

This story is a Christian perspective on the Belle Gunness murders. It is not the Christian aspect that's frustrating but rather the story as a whole. The author makes it so obvious that Belle is the murderer, yet her sister Ingrid (the main character) is so painfully naive to the fact of the matter. The story begins with Belle surprising Ingrid with her own sweets shop. Ingrid smiles and is polite and grateful but she hates it. She'd rather open a photography shop. She is unhappy but sucks it up because she is a "good and thankful Christian woman." Meanwhile Nil's brother Sven answers an ad to be Belle's next husband. When he goes missing, Nils decides to investigate. For the next 100 or so pages, Nils collects more and more evidence and no one believes him. His evidence isn't even subtle. It is obvious! Ingrid keeps saying that her sister would "never hurt a fly" but her profession is pig farming and butchering....that involves killing. A profession she does well. The rest of the book consists of Ingrid FINALLY believing Nils (only after hearing from her nieces how frightened they are of their Mama and their suspicion that she had a hand in killing their older sister (who discovered too much as was going to tell Ingrid about it). When a mysterious fire kills the remaining Gunness kids, and supposedly Belle herself, Ingrid is convinced that all this trouble was never her sister but her sister's stalker, Ray. What took Ingrid to finally believe her sister is evil? Looking at Nil's brother's Sven's mutilated body. Literally the end of the book. The plus side? Ingrid and Nils live happily ever after.

I'm sorry I just can't rate this story high. It deserves a single star but I do appreciate the author's devotion in showing the true nature of Christ in the story. There needs to be a balance between story and sermon and the author is preaching more than storytelling. In short: great idea, poor execution.

A riveting tale of mystery and suspense based on a real crime spree in 1907 Indiana. Men go missing after answering an ad placed by a widowed hog farmer. One man's determination to find his missing brother just might uncover the truth. He will need help from the woman's sister though before others get hurt.

"Family was family and always came first."

This mystery seemed to unfold quickly, but with each turn, had me changing my mind as to who was the real culprit. Family loyalties and growing desperation made things more complex as it went along. The tension builds and had more than a few nail-biting scenes. The notes at the end shed light on the real crime and the historical details the author included were mind boggling.
Nils is a steady, but conflicted hero. He was under so much pressure to find answers, while juggling financial responsibilities at home, and striving to succeed in both. I like how the author used his circumstances to show how we need to rely on God for help, and the trap that making money can become. "When he tried to rely on himself, he was a miserable failure. He needed God's strength."

Recommend for readers who enjoy a Christian mystery with romance and some grit, based on real history. 4.5 stars

Family, that is part of this story. One a young woman who has come from Norway to be with her widowed sister and her family, the other is a man who comes searching for his missing brother. The story is how tragically it all meshes together.
Be sure to read the author's notes at the end of this book, and yes, this is a fictional story, but based on facts. This crime really happened. So very sad.
Why, I guess greed, and because they can?
You don't want to miss these True Crime series, they are riveting and page turning, but most of all or sadly they are true. yes, they really happened.

I received this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Another historical fiction based on true crime in America. I have enjoyed this series a lot. This one I found a little heavier on the details of the crimes than in books past.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of the book and the opportunity to post an honest review!