We are coming back with another adventure of Ryland and St. Clair. In this second story we are following our private investigators as they try to solve a 20 year old arson case. The killer has come back but the police think that it can't be the same arsonist. Will Ryland and St. Clair find out who it is in time before he strikes again?

Nancy Mehl is one of my favorite authors for mysteries mixed with faith. Her characters are true to life, with real struggles in their faith and learn to lean on the Lord during hard times. I was surprised by the ending and didn't guess who did it.

*Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Cold Threat
by Nancy Mehl
Pub Date 23 Jan 2024
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
General Fiction \(Adult\)| Mystery & Thrillers| Romance


Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Cold Threat for review:


Nancy Mehl is one of my top recommendations for a clean suspenseful read, and Cold Threat is no exception...


Several people were murdered in Des Moines two decades ago, and the only evidence left behind was a snowman ornament hanging ominously on a tree. The killings have come to an end now that a suspect is in jail--or so everyone thought. A small Iowa town is now experiencing crimes with a similar MO, and a local detective believes the killer is back.


Before they have another murder on their hands, River Ryland and Tony St. Clair must work with Tony's detective father to uncover an evil that has endured far too long. It will take all they have to catch a killer before he catches them, as the danger mounts and the suspect closes in on them.


I give Cold Threat five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I enjoyed this suspenseful story of trying to stop a serial killer. The struggle to understand the clues that were being left was interesting and I liked the characters. I received this book for the purpose of reviewing.

This was my first book by Nancy and I really liked it. I didn’t realize it was part of a series (oops) but I was able to follow along just fine. I may go back and read the first just for more context on what happened with River and Tony but there was enough explanation throughout this one to fill in the gaps.

I though the faith elements were well done and though it was a major thread in the book and their relationship, it wasn’t awkward or overdone like it can often feel. As a Christian I appreciated the way it depicted real Faith conversations between friends and family.

The mystery/thriller aspects were well thought out, if not a little predictable but it was still very enjoyable. I’m definitely planning to read the next book in the series (especially once I go back and read the first)

The audio is well done and I really enjoyed the narrator.

I'm afraid I really couldn't get into this one and I was not expecting it to be as religious as it was - there should be a warning about that. It leans very heavily into Christianity which detracted from the ploy for me. I also found it a very slow pace.

It would be a chilling sight to see a snowman ornament at the site of a murder. It could be heart sickening to have one show up at a new murder scene, after the serial killer had been in prison for years. Was there a copycat? An accomplice?
Nancy Mehl continues with her magnetic Ryland and St. Clair series. I received this second book from the author and Bethany House via NetGalley. It is as suspenseful as Cold Pursuit. This is my own unsolicited opinion. I like the story very much. I did not figure this one out which is a magnetic challenge for me with suspense stories. The author definitely had me on the edge of my seat with the book. You can enjoy it as a read-alone as she adds in some back story to let the reader understand the dynamic of River and Tony's professional relationship, friendship and that spark of more. River and Tony are in tune with one another. Their dedication to helping his father, Ray, as investigators and profilers to solve the case before retirement is special too.
Nancy Mehl, in my opinion is a master Christian and suspense storyteller. She has a strong plot with well-developed characters who are changing as we all do in life.

4.5 stars

Wow. Wow. Wow wow WOW.

That basically sums up my reaction to the reveal of the serial killer’s identity. Gobsmacked once again, as I always am at some point in Mehl’s suspense novels. I thought I had it figured out this time – I should have known better haha. The author weaves such a delightfully complex plot that keeps me glued to the page and in awe of her ability to do so. In fact, I love it even more when I’m miles off base about the killer (which is almost always the case with her books) because I read so many suspense novels that it’s really hard to catch me off guard. And Nancy Mehl always does. Always. It just proves again how talented she is at crafting suspense.

I also really enjoyed the further development we see in River and Tony’s characters and their partnership … including a bit more hope for a romance between them in the future. The layers we added and further explored in Cold Threat fit well with what we learned about them in book one, and I thought River’s faith growth was especially meaningful while staying organic to her character. Tony’s parents are a delight – I absolutely loved his mom Beth and her penchant to feed everyone always. Lots of family banter that added well-timed levity to ease the tension of hunting a serial killer, but there were some very touching subthreads as well here. Also, Tony’s childhood nickname? Adorable.

Bottom Line: Cold Threat is another stellar suspense offering by author Nancy Mehl, with layered characters and several surprising twists. River and Tony make such a good pair, in life and in work, and I enjoyed watching their friendship deepen as they worked with Tony’s dad to solve a haunting cold case. The faith thread is touching and relatable, and it fits easily with the character development without distracting from the plot. The series arc of the obsessed serial killer after River is definitely still in play even though it isn’t the main focus of this book, and I look forward to watching how that all ends up in the final novel.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

If you like thrills and chills in a mystery book then "Cold Threat" is certainly the book for you. I love the way that Mehl describes places and people until you can actually see them in your mind's eye and be right there when they are talking or when the deeds are committed. I also love the way that Mehl brings in faith and God in her books.... Ryland and St. Clair have finally got their business up and running and waiting for customers. St. Claire's dad who is a police detective has something that he wants them to look into. It has bothered him for years, although the man who committed these murders was found guilty and has ben serving time for them. This has bothered him for over 20 years as similar crimes have been committed during these years and he believes it is a serial killer still doing these same types of crimes. He wants them to profile the killer for him and give him some sort of lead as to Who and Why he is killing seemingly innocent people. The only clue he has in these murders is that it happens when there is snow on the ground and a little snowman is attached to a tree or something around the house where the murders have been committed and the house is burned.... Hold on to your seats for an exciting ride as Ryland and St. Clair unraveled the few clues they have and the real murderer is apprehended.... Thanks to Mehl and the publisher for an early e copy and I am happy to leave my review.

Cold Threat has so many twists and turns that I had no way of see coming. I thought this was a fabulous suspense filled novel. I loved it. Five stars.

Cold Threat kept me coming back for more. The author had a way of roping the reader into the drama. River and Tony, who were once in the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI, became private investigators. While they were with the FBI, they had worked a case involving Joseph Baker who wanted to kill River. He ended up dead but he had an accomplice who was now out to get her.

Tony's dad, Ray, was a detective in Burlington, Iowa. He was working a case involving an accomplice who went by the name of the Snowman. He was called that because all of his killings took place in the snow in the month of December. The Snowman had been responsible for the deaths of several foster parents. Ray had enlisted River and Tony to write a profile on the Snowman, much like they had done with the BAU.

The author takes the reader through the ins and outs and the ups and downs of a murder investigation, and helps the reader see inside the mind of a madman. And the story had Christian overtones, which I found refreshing. Overall, I was well pleased with this book. I gave it five stars.

While this is the second book in the series, Mehl does a nice job of providing enough details so this can stand alone, but readers may want to read the books in order. The creep factor with the serial killer angle amped up the tension and engagement. The Christian element is woven throughout. Some key themes include humility, guilt, good vs. evil, turning control over to God, and forgiveness. As it's the second in the series, it's nice to see the characters' develop, particularly River's faith journey. The pace was a bit slower than I prefer for this genre, but it was an enjoyable read overall.

“Was the Snowman out there right now, planning to kill someone?”

“Look for the children. It’s for them.”

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

3.5 out of 5

After thoroughly enjoying the first book in the series, Cold Pursuit, featuring River Ryland and Tony St. Clair, I was definitely looking forward to the second book, Cold Threat. Although I did not enjoy it as much as the first book, it was still an enjoyable suspense book that points towards Jesus. And it certainly left me wanting to read the third book, Cold Vengeance, when it comes out this summer.

Like the second book in the Kaely Quinn series by Nancy Mehl, Cold Threat deals with an arsonist; however, this one is more of a vengeful serial killer where the arson is a means to an end. I enjoyed trying to figure out the killer’s motives, even though I figured out one plot point almost immediately. The good news is that there were plenty of red herrings and my guess for the villain was incorrect. The ending, though maybe a bit rushed, was thrilling and satisfying.

One complaint for this book was that there seemed to be a lot of filler going on while River and Tony try to complete their profile. A lot of repetitive feeling conversations and a whole lot of shed tears in the St. Clair house. This slowed the book down for me and I would have actually preferred to have the sections set in the serial killer’s mind to be expanded beyond the small snippets. I assume others would disagree with that assessment, but I felt it would help to understand the killer’s motives better.

The great thing about this book, and other Nancy Mehl books, is that there is an equal distribution of suspense/thriller as there is with both characterization as well as faith. I always enjoy reading books where characters show growth and maturity as well as realistically stumble along the way. Mehl does an excellent job showing the human nature of River Ryland; she doesn’t rededicate her life in the last book only to have all the answers or be perfect in this book, but rather makes mistakes, has negative thoughts towards others, and maybe the biggest one - knows she needs to trust in God but has trouble at times putting it into action. I loved this relatable trait.

So once again, looking forward to Book 3, which I think could be the best book yet.

* I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Bethany House in exchange for an honest review

In the second installment of the Ryland & St. Clair series Nancy Mehl treats us to another mind bending mystery! River and Tony must travel home to help Tony’s dad find who he suspects to be a serial killer and fire starter.

This story had me guessing the ENTIRE time. Normally I have a good inkling of the suspect, but this time, I was caught completely unaware! It was so much fine to try and puzzle this story out alongside River and Tony! The clues were parceled out slow enough to keep you guessing, but always came right at the right time so it didn’t feel like the story was dragging on.

I also appreciated the very real glimpse Mehl gave us into the emotions that the characters around River and Tony experienced when they were shot by the Salt River Killer. I spent a good chunk of the story so frustrated with Tony’s sister on River’s behalf. But it provided such a great example of forgiveness and grace and seeking to understand where the other person is coming from. I liked that Mehl didn’t shy away from this part of the story, though I’m sure it wasn’t always fun to write that part of the storyline!

I’m also so anxious to discover the identity of the mystery man still after River. While I have my suspicions again, truly only time will tell if I get it right! I’m hoping a little bit that Mehl has me fooled again!

Cold Threat is the second in the Ryland & St Clair series by Nancy Mehl. I enjoyed the suspense with the POV of the killer as well as the slow unravelling of his/her backstory. I also liked the positive messages about motherhood, faith and fear but at times it portrayed an unrealistic/perfect portrait of what someone walking out their Christian faith deals with or how they behave which I don't love.
I appreciated the slow burn romance and the discussions about the foster care system and wonder how it will all end!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to review it in exchange for my honest thoughts!

River Ryland and Tony St. Clair, former behavioral analysts for the FBI, have solved two cases in their new private investigation firm. Unfortunately, neither case brought in a paycheck or more clients.

With time on their hands, they agree to help Tony’s dad, a police detective in Burlington, analyze a possible serial killer UNSUB.

Twenty years ago, during a four-year period, an unknown intruder murdered people while they slept and set fires around their bodies in Des Moines, Iowa, where Tony’s dad worked as a new police detective. And now the killer has struck again—this time in Burlington. And just like in Des Moines, Tony’s dad can’t convince the police department a killer is on the loose. He hopes River and Tony can profile the UNSUB and help him convince the police they have a killer poised to strike again before it’s too late.

River struggles to forgive herself for breaking the promise she made to God when the Salt River Strangler left her for dead. To make matters worse, she receives a threatening card. River and Tony know that the serial murderer has an apprentice—one who wants to finish what his mentor started.

As Tony and River explore their feelings for each other, River faces resentment and hostility from Tony’s mother and sister. They blame her for Tony’s near-fatal wounds in the Salt River incident.

As the weather turns colder, Tony and River race to create a profile of the UBSUB—if they don’t, the next snowstorm could mark the end of someone else’s life.

What I Loved About This Book

Mehl keeps readers on the edge of their seats with her multiple plot threads and numerous twists. Readers who doubt God’s goodness or struggle with forgiveness will relate to River.

Fans of Colleen Coble, Dani Pettrey, and Elizabeth Goddard will enjoy this second installment in the Ryland and St. Clair series.

This is the second book in this series. It can be read as a standalone. But if you want to read the first book, it would help to get to know these characters more.

Got to say I love a good mystery murder book. Nancy Mehl delivered all of my expectations for this book. There was never a dull moment.

The serial killers pov was the best. Usually I do not like more than the two povs, but the serial killer was an added bonus.

I like a good character arc, and Nancy Mehl’s characters really do have a good growth. I like the emotions displayed in the characters so much that I can cry. I like scenes that deal with vulnerability. It makes them feel real. If I could give Nancy Mehl 10 stars, I would.

This is a Christian closed door novel free from language and sex.

I requested and received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Awesome Awesome book!! I have read all the Author's books and love them! Full of suspense and excitement!! When you read this book you'll definitely get the WOW factor!!

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl continues the series of River Ryland and Tony St. Clair (you could probably read this as a standalone, but I think you might miss some things). River and Tony have started their private investigation firm and are called to create a profile for a serial arsonist who only strikes when it’s snowing. This is a race-against-the-clock story as River and Tony get closer to the killer…and each other.

I have loved this series from the start. Nancy Mehl is great at building tension and suspense. This story had a lot more introspection for the characters as River deals with her past trauma, knowing she’s still in the crosshairs of a serial killer. Not to mention there’s the growing attraction for her co-worker Tony. And Tony struggles with his feelings and the need to keep River safe. Plus, there's the whole serial killer on the loose, and the two must figure out who is behind the brutal attacks before he strikes again.

This is a great addition to the series and I can’t wait to read the next one.

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

It’s been over two decades since rookie cop Ray St. Clair ran into a burning home to rescue a six-year-old after her grandparents were murdered. The case went cold for years until similar cases began to appear. A suspect is caught and convicted of ONE of the cases, but not the others since the fires left no tangible evidence… then the guy dies of a heart attack!

Ray’s gut instinct tells him there was NO link and the convicted killer was a copycat and fears the original killer has an agenda he’s yet to complete. Nearing retirement, he’s calls on his private investigator son, Tony, and his partner, River Ryland, to go over his files and determine if a killer is walking free or Ray is simply obsessed.

Reeling from their own brush with serial killer Joseph Baker (the Salt River Strangler) that nearly took their lives and led to them leaving the FBI, Tony and River agree to look over Ray’s case files to see of their forensic profiler skills can be of any use.

While they both agree Ray’s concerns are more than credible, they’re not fully focused on the case as their personal baggage – River’s PTSD, Tony’s aphasia, River’s mom’s health, their growing unspoken feelings for each other, and the reality that the imprisoned Baker has an apprentice/sycophant who isn’t done with River – keeps them off-center.

Both people of faith, Tony and River’s upbringing formed the basis of who they are and couldn’t be more different. Tony’s stable, loving and supportive Christian family is at the other end of the spectrum compared to River’s, who was raised by a fire and brimstone preaching father and a distant mother. There’s was little joy and love in her life, especially after her father left the family for his church secretary. Now River struggles to re-establish a positive relationship with God beyond her dysfunctional childhood and near-death trauma. Tony is a guiding force for her, but he’s also a complication.

The pacing and excellent writing along with great characters makes this a compelling read. Villains are mysterious and nefarious while managing to evoke sympathy and the good guys are realistic and honest without being pious and preachy. Plot twists contribute to a more than satisfying ending, and have me looking forward to the conclusion of this series.

Enjoy!

A good read that felt familiar, like an old friend, a very enjoyable read.

It’s been twenty years since a serial killer known as the snowman murdered several people in Des Moines. Things seem to have stopped until similar murders start up in a small Iowa town and a detective from the original crimes is determined they are related. River Ryland and Tony St. Clair come to help Tony’s father try and solve the case that has haunted him for years. They don’t have long before another murder happens, and they work to uncover the evil that has been around for far too long.

I have been wracking my brain for days trying to figure out why this story seems so familiar, still haven’t figured it out. Something about the storyline was like déjà vu with each chapter. The storyline itself was good and kept me interested, I just wish I could figure out why it seems so familiar, especially the part about how the bad guys subdue their targets. I do like the slow burn between River and Tony, it is so much better than when things are rushed. This is a quick read that fans of Romantic Suspense will not want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.