This was my first Catherine Cowles and I flew through it. It reminded me a lot of Indigo Ridge which is a favorite of mine. I listened to the audio at 1.8x and loved the narrators. It was a super easy listen.

I'm a sucker for suspense themes in romance and this has such a great balance. I was more focused on the themes of the story and the character development than the romance so the romance wasn't distracting. Instead I felt like we got to know the characters really well which made the romance feel very authentic. And the small town vibes were immaculate.

One pepper for spice and it take a while to get to it because the plot was being developed and the spice was definitely not a focus of the story. This worked really well for me. I felt the characters relationship was very authentic and didn't feel forced like some romance books.

Thank you to Casablanca and Libro for introducing me to this author and providing a review copy!

“You helped me find all the missing pieces. Even the ones I didn’t realize I needed.”
This book was amazing! I spent the entire time reading trying to figure out the bad guy was but was completely shocked at the end. (I formally apologize to all the characters I accused in my head)

Ridley Sawyer’s twin sister was taken their last night of college. Ridley dedicates her life to finding the person who took her sister while helping other families get closure along the way with her True Crime podcast. Ridley is convinced that Shady Cove is going to be where she finds all her answers. She just needs to figure out how to deal with the grumpy sheriff.

Colter Brooks has lived the past ten years with guilt over what happened in his family. He became sheriff so he could stop anything like it happening again, so when Ridley shows up wanting to open old wounds he wants her gone.

Ridley and Colter unfortunately had the worst parts of their lives in common. However they were effected in such different ways, but when the two team up they are able to discover so much more than just evidence for the case.
“It just means we have to hold onto the good that much more. The only thing that can cast out darkness is light.”

Shady Cove was a town effected by trashed but one that came together to protect their own. I enjoyed my time there and getting to know everyone. I especially loved the furry friends!
Thank you @catherinecowlesauthor and @netgalley for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “You don’t know what you’re playing at, Chaos.”

Catherine Cowles could punch me in the teeth and I would say thank you. It doesn’t matter what this woman writes; I’m devouring it every single time. She’s more than earned her place on the Casablanca team.

Ridley has spent years trying to solve her twin sister’s mysterious disappearance. Her search has brought her to Shady Cove where she believes she’s found the first victim of the deadly serial killer that took her twin all those years ago. She’s determined to solve this cold case ...If only the grumpy sheriff will get out of her way.

All the Missing Pieces was such an exciting ride, that left me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Catherine just does romantic suspense so well. She had me laughing out loud and thoroughly spooked all in one sitting. There was a brief scare during the beginning that genuinely made me scream out loud. As if I had just witnessed a full on jump scare in book form. After recovering from the way I honked like a startled goose, I couldn’t help but giggle, because that’s never happened to me before. I’m always a weenie, but normally react to written scares with shocked silence.

While I had my suspicions about who the killer was purely out of silly personal reasons, I was still shocked when it all came together. I love the way Catherine weaves in clues that all come to light during the big whodunnit reveal. I ended this book in a mess of happy tears. I loved it so much. It was funny, it was endearing, it was suspenseful, and oh so good!

The biggest thank you to both NetGalley and Catherine Cowles for this eARC. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the CC world!

ALL THE STARS!

I am SO happy I decided to make All the Missing Pieces my first book of 2025. I devoured this story so quickly and it easily became a five star as well as a book that will certainly fall under my top 10 books of the year. I've read a few of Catherine's books and this was takes my #1 spot. I am determined to read her entirely backlist at some point. I loved the storyline, the twists, and I never got the villain right (yet again!) I don't think I've read a book where the closer I get to the ending and the reveal of the bad person did my anxiety get the best of me. When all was revealed I literally shrieked and couldn't believe it. The one thing I love most about Catherine's writing is although I'm not a thriller reader I get some thriller aspect in each of her stories. I loved the MCs Ridley and Colt and how they gravitated towards each other for protection but also because they could relate to the other's hurt so. well. Colt may not have lost his sister in the same way Ridley did but he lost his sister in a way that she couldn't lead the life or live out the dreams she may have once had. I REALLY and hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that Emerson and Trey get a book of their own.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Catherine for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. I've already told all my friends that they must read this book! I'll will forever stay on this bandwagon.

My favourite Catherine Cowles book yet! Everything I look for in a perfect romantic suspense read!! I would absolutely recommend this to others!

This was my first Catherine Cowles book & I absolutely had a blast. I can't believe I've waited this long to read her books, especially because romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres.

This story is about Ridley & Colt. Ridley is a true crime podcaster who is also trying to solve her twin sister's murder. Colt is the sheriff of a small town. Both Ridley and Colt were such great characters. I really liked their connection and how they had similar trauma. They both helped each other deal with grief and guilt while also discovering the truth. If you love a protective man, Colt is your guy. I just swooned over how much he wanted to protect Ridley and his sister Emerson, but at the same time was never controlling. I love to see a protective man also be one that trusts his girl to be a badass, and that's what Ridley was. I cheered for her the whole book. I admired her determination, kind-heart, cleverness and, yes, her chaos. The nicknames these two used were too cute! They also had good chemistry. I liked their banter a lot. I also really liked that we got to see this couple go through ups and downs. They got to be each others' emotional support but also had fun. I really liked these characters & pairing.

I found the plot exciting and fast paced. I had no clue who the killer was. Cowles really got me with this one!

This book is for the true crime podcast girlies and romantic suspense lovers. Highly recommend!!

Thank you @dreamscapemedia and @sourcebooks for my copies!

I alternated between the e-book and audiobook, and I loved having both formats because I did not want to put this one down! I loved it so much. This is definitely one of my favorites books for 2024. This is my third book by the author and she has such a way with her writing that pulls you into the story, and connects you with the characters. The pacing was great, the story was gripping, and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn’t wait to find out who the unsub was, and how the story was going to play out. I also loved the romance between Ridley and Colt. Ridley is strong and independent, and is putting herself in dangerous situations in search of the truth. As the sheriff, Colt is a natural protector, and he feels compelled to keep Ridley safe. She is “Chaos” and he is “Lawman”, and they worked so well as a couple.

Narrated in dual POV by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York who did a wonderful job! They are able to convey such emotion with their narration that added to the overall experience. Highly recommend the audio!

“Colt, you helped me find all the missing pieces. Even the ones I didn’t realize I needed.”

Read if you enjoy:
✔️True crime podcasts
✔️Sheriff hero
✔️Small town
✔️Romantic suspense
✔️Three-legged cats who give tooth hugs
✔️Enemies to lovers

I am looking forward to reading more of @catherinecowlesauthor backlist this year.

I am absolutely blown away by Catherine Cowles yet again! Her writing style is the perfect mashup of romance and suspense that keeps me on edge the whole time, especially when I'm trying to guess whodunnit. 

All the Missing Pieces is my first book & first favorite of 2025! Ridley was so tenacious and free spirited and she was the perfect match for Colt. He was so protective and commanding, but always coming from a place of love even though it comes across overbearing many times. I sincerely loved the amount of animals in the book, pets for everybody!

This story was so incredibly emotional yet balanced with enough fun little moments between all the characters. I couldn’t have imagined a better ending for this book and how perfectly everything wrapped up!

I love this book so dang much and I’ll never stop shouting praise for it!

Thank you to Catherine Cowles, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for sending me an early copy!

This is probably one of my favourite Catherine books!!! It was so good!! The story was amazing and I was obsessed from page 1!

Can we all agree that the tripod, tooth hugging, Tater is the real star of this book? Having had a “tooth hugger” of my own, I was especially drawn to the feisty feline.

I’ve read many of Catherine Cowles’ books and enjoyed this one as always. I’ll admit it wasn’t my favorite of hers, but there were parts I really enjoyed, so the four stars are earned.

Of all her books, this one leaned slightly more suspense than romance, probably because of the podcast aspect, which I enjoyed. The podcast was one of my favorite parts. I’d happily read a few more books of Ridley’s podcasting adventures.

If you’re a CC fan or a lover of true crime, you’re going to love this one.

Catherine Cowles did it again. Another ♾️ star read for me. She knows just how to intricately weave a story of love, mystery and crime with a hint of banter that we love so much.

Ridley has been traveling the country ever since her sister went missing helping solve unsolved crimes using her Podcast, Sounds Serial. She takes on a cold case of an attempted abduction in Shady Cove from 10 years ago where the victim, Emerson, survived. Ridley thinks this was the start of a bigger mystery and a personal one for her. In Shady Cove she is met with resistance, in particular, from the Sheriff Colter Brooks. He also happens to be the brother of the victim. After some convincing the two team up to uncover the truth surrounding Shady Grove residents and the attempted abduction of Emerson.

Ridley is such a unique and fun character. She is sassy and independent and does not take any crap from anyone. I love how she took her pain and channeled it into helping others heal. The banter between her and Sheriff Brooks had me laughing all night.

Colter Brooks is the typical grumpy Sheriff but you cant help but love him. Guilt eats at him and makes him into the overprotective guy he is. Honestly, makes me love him even more.

The side characters were just as funny and I hope we get more books from Shady Cove. I would love to see one on Emerson and Trey. But every single interaction Ridley or Colt had with Ezra, Sam, Norm and Celia had me laughing so hard. Not to mention Princess Tater and her tooth hugs!

I will say there were pieces that I did not put together and was honestly surprised at the ending. An exceptional book. Highly recommend.

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.75)
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Queen of romantic suspense has done it again. All The Missing Pieces had me hooked from the start and I could barely put this book down! I only wish this wasn’t a standalone so we could get more.

Ridley is a true crime podcast, who took her sister’s disappearance and is using it to help others. When she pulls into Shady Cove she is looking to help solve a cold case but the town’s sheriff has other plans.

Colter Brooks is Shady Cove’s Sheriff who not only wants to keep him small town safe but also find he person who harmed his sister all those years ago. What he doesn’t want is all the trouble Ridley’s appearance in town is causing. But when she needs a safe place to land, Colt steps up no questions asked.

I know I always say it but this may be one of Catherine’s best books yet!

Thank you Catherine Cowles, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the gifted eARC!

Tropes:
🩷True Crime Podcaster Heroine
🩷Sheriff Hero
🩷Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷Loveable three-legged cat
🩷Small Town Suspense
🩷Enemies-to-Lovers

#catherinecowles #allthemissingpieces #arcreader #arcreview #grumpysunshine #romanticsuspense #enemiestolovers

Lawman & Chaos will steal your heart!

I wish I could give this 8 stars, since I was hooked from the very first page. Catherine Cowles has a gift for crafting mysteries that weave such a tangled web, you can't help but be drawn in, captivated by every word and how she ties it all together.

I absolutely loved the concept of this story, especially since I'm too much of a wuss for true crime podcasts--I can't handle the nightmares knowing those stories are real! This was an enjoyable yet heartbreaking journey as Ridley searched for answers, not just for herself, but for other loved ones of the victims as well.

Yet again, Catherine delivers a suspenseful romance that kept me guessing right until the big reveal--and still managed to stump me, even though I was sure I had it this time! I also adored every scene featuring her cat, Tater. I could perfectly picture those "teeth hugs" and loved how they added just the right amount of humor to this gripping tale.

When I got the ARC for All the Missing Piieces, I nearly jumped out of my seat. Catherine Cowles was my most read author of 2024 so when I got a chance to read her traditionally published book, I was delighted. She is a master at the suspenseful romance. This book has everything smalltown romance, enemies to lovers, fantastic, romantic suspense. I loved the story of a true crime podcast getting caught up in her own mystery. There were many twist and turns, and I was truly surprised by the end! I hope there are more books to come in this series.

Additionally, I was also given a audiobook copy and I really enjoyed the narrators. So whether you’re reading or listening to this book, definitely add it to your 2025 list!

Thank you so much #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

4.75 stars
If you don’t run to pick up this book on release day, idk if we can be friends 🤷‍♀️

jk but in all seriousness this book was EVERYTHING to me, I literally stayed up all night until I finished it because I coudlnt put it down. And in true Catherine Cowles fashion, I coudlnt predict the end and the twist made my jaw DROP TO THE FLOOR. I truly don’t know how Catherine can always manage to perfectly combine a beautiful romance story with a twisty, nail biting suspense plotline.

Read this book if you love…
True crime podcasts
Small towns
Strong female characters
Enemies/Rivals to lovers
Romantic Suspense

An amazing start to a new series by one of my favorite authors and a romantic suspense story that will keep you guessing until the thrilling end! Ridley Sawyer has never fully recovered from the disappearance of her twin, Avery. She hosts a true crime podcast trying to get closure for other victims and families who still dwell in the unknown. Arriving in Shady Cove, she hopes to interview a former teen who was abducted, but escaped. Emerson had escaped from her assailant, but is still held captive, in her home, by her memories of that day. Sheriff Colter Brooks, Emerson’s brother, is not happy that Ridley has invaded his town, knowing that the entire tragedy will be brought up once again. He is attracted to her, to the compassion she shows for the victims, but he can’t get involved. Ridley will not give up on finding the man who has brought so much tragedy to many and when she is attacked, she knows that the killer is close. As the attraction between Ridley and Colt escalates, will she be able to stop the killer before he takes her as he did her sister? Will she finally be able to give her twin the freedom and peace she deserves? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

This the first time I've read this author, but it will not be my last. Ridley is a true crime podcaster whose driving force is the disappearance of her twin sister, while Colt's sister survived a kidnapping attempt. Ridley believes there’s a connection between the kidnappings and many more.

Ridley & Colt have a rocky start, but quickly learn they have much in common in their quest for finding the killer. With plenty of twists, I was shocked who the killer is. If you like romantic suspense, with an element of true crime you won't be disappointed.

I received this advance review copy from NetGalley & the publisher for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 stars

Catherine Cowles is my go-to author for romantic suspense. She understands that ratio of romance to suspense that I need. All the Missing Pieces is another 5 star read.

Ridley is a true crime podcaster with a dedicated following and a tragic past. When she gets a lead in the cold case of her missing sister, she arrives in Shady Cove. There she meets Sheriff Colter Brooks. They immediately clash, but then sparks fly.

I loved this read. The small town vibes were immaculate. The chemistry between Ridley and Colt was sizzling. I need more stories set in the town of Shady Cove.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

once. just once i would love to correctly guess who the baddie is 🫣

i absolutely love catherine's books and always love trying to guess (always incorrectly) who the baddie is. while i am like 0/13 at this point, my husband is 3/3 (and currently reading this book so we will see how he fares).

the story follows ridley who has a true crime podcast that she goes and investigates cold cases to see if she can help shine a light on them and hopefully help solve them. she has personal reasons for the podcast and why she has come to the quiet small town of shady cove. here she meets a cast of characters including the broody sheriff, colt, who initially sees her as a bother who will just stir up all the pain their town has endured.

oh man i loved the tension between colt and ridley. he would jump to conclusions about her and she would put him in his place. the more time they spent around each other, the more they started to feel for each other. he was so protective over her and gave me one of my favorite things a mc says to the fmc before she's even his.

the suspense was top tier and once again, catherine keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing. i couldn't put it down!

thank you catherine and sourcebooks for the arc!

Wow wow wow!!

Everytime i read her books I’m always blown away but this book, i felt that i was actually watching a true crime movie unfold in front of me. I love the characters and how they’re connected with one another in a small town especially tater the three legged cat and bowser the dog. I definitely felt that i was on the edge of my seat especially after the whodunnit reveal.

I definitely recommend this to those who love small town romance with a hint of true crime.