One Little Lie sounded intriguing with its mystery and cult angle, but in the end it just left me feeling a bit “blah.” The mystery and suspense were there, just not enough to leave a lasting impression.

this audiobook was executed so masterfully. completely loved this one from start to end!!! 5/5 stars

Colleen Coble has a winner with One Little Lie. Meddlesome family trouble. A cult upbringing. A mystery to untangle. Clean and yet gripping. Jane is a retired police officer. Reid is a journalist who is searching for answers. What happens next is a story that has multiple plot lines, danger, mysteries, and all searching for answers. Hightly recommend and loved every moment of it!
Narrated by Devon O'Day who was easy to listen to and will definitely look for more audiobooks narrated by her.
*I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Great story leaving me excited to read the rest of the series. I love books that show how far reaching one lie can be. This was my first time reading this author, but won’t be my last!

This is the first installment to the Pelican Harbor series. It comes with a cliffhanger.

Jane is appointed interim sheriff when her father retired. She quickly sees someone is trying to frame her father for all sorts of things. Reid comes into the picture and he's familiar to her but she can't place him.

4 stars.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff when her father retires and is immediately thrown into the deep end. Her father is arrested and implicated in a murder. Jane realized pretty quickly that someone is our to destroy her father. Flashback 15 years, Jane and her father are escaping a cult, leaving behind trauma and Jane's baby that didn't make it out alive. When Reid, a documentary filmmaker comes to town to make a film about Jane's career, she wants nothing of it but the one who appointed her is all in so Jane is forced to go along with it. She soon begins to wonder if something more is going on with Reid.

This book was absolutely wild. It starts off with a teen pregnant in a cult, said teen fleeing with her dad, leaving her mom and baby behind. Dad said the baby didn't make it, so Jane spends her entire life searching for her long lost mother. Whiplash forward to her being interim sheriff with dad arrested, possibly a murderer. Then, a love interest (because this is Colleen Coble, so you know there's love amongst the thriller) shows up on the scene except you know he has a whole past full of skeletons. This book just never stops. It's a wild ride the whole time. I liked it but wow. I usually re-read Colleen's books but thinking about reading this one again just doesn't sound like something I'm excited to do. It was a good read, just intense!

The story definitely catches your attention right from the first chapter when a young girl living in a cult gives birth. She falls asleep and is woken up to the smell of smoke, people yelling, and her dad coming to tell her they need to leave right now.

This is the first book in the Pelican Harbor series, which follows Jane Hardy, a newly appointed police chief who gets thrown into the position after her dad retires and a few dead bodies appear. As the story progresses, Jane's story and the story of the girl in the cult come together in a way you don't expect. This book is mysterious, with a hint of romantic tension. The narrator was great and I really enjoyed the story. I'd love to read/listen to the rest in the series.

I picked up this book based on the intriguing premise of a woman being forced to confront the cult she escaped years ago. But it quickly became clear there was much more to the story, with multiple plotlines, lies and a growing cast of suspicious characters lurking beneath the surface. While I did find the narrator slightly distracting at times, particularly her portrayal of male voices, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. I did really enjoy the mystery and the slow unraveling of each subplot, all of which came together in a satisfying conclusion.

*Thank you to Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Netgalley for the audio copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Intriguing is how I titled my review Because that is exactly what it was ! The beginning was intense and brought a tear to my eyes. Then we were fast forwarded to 15 years later with many mysteries being addressed.
I fell in love with Jane Hardy immediately ! And at first wasn't sure about the motives of Reid Dixon. As I continued to read the story, it became clear that he and his son had troubles of their own. Well, at least Reid did as he tried to protect his son. That's when I started to like him but was still not totally sure of all of his motives when it came to Jane. I didn't like that a couple of the men in the town didn't like a woman being sheriff.
I enjoyed how the mysteries, attacks and secrets and emotions evolved and began to unravel. I loved this book AND the woman who narrated the book did an Awesome job of pulling me into the story.
Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful book by Colleen Coble and I look forward to more of her books.

This is an interesting start to a "new" thriller series, new to me at least. Typical of Coble, this starts off pretty fast-paced. However, as she is building up the groundwork for the series, the story seems to be focused on the world-building and history of the characters. Do not expect to go into this one with any resolutions because you'll be disappointed. We are just getting started. This story focuses on Jane, the Sheriff of a small town whose subordinates don't respect her because she's a "tiny woman". One of the town council members is making her life difficult, and he is supporting the not-so-great deputy. It seems these two will do whatever it takes to see her ousted from her position. After all, her dad is a murder suspect and the former Sheriff. With all the scrutiny that comes to her well-deserved position, the mayor has authorized a well-known documentarian to follow her around as he's working on a documentary about sheriff women in small-town America. I actually don't remember exactly what it's called, but that is the premise. As it's summer break, he has his 15-year-old son in tow, and they both seem to fall in love with the town.

So, as we traverse this story, there is a lot of trauma in both of our MCs. Jane and Reid both are running from pasts that changed their lives, and both of those pasts are rushing to tug their worlds out from under them. Jane has a hard time trusting because she grew up in a cult. Reid's wife shows up out of nowhere after abandoning him and their son and being declared dead. There are many secrets between these two, but they are still getting to know one another and don't quite trust each other. However, a spark of romantic interest is beginning to fly. So, due to Jane's history in a cult, she is anti-religion but gets dragged to church. Reid relies heavily on his faith, and the two often have conversations about faith and trust. Along with these two getting to know one another, there is the added character of Reid's son, whom Reid hasn't been honest with. Then there is the potentially murderous father. Also, this book just ends. Abruptly, it ends. Other than the abrupt ending, this is exactly what I have come to expect in a Coble book. Faith-based mystery with blossoming love interest and intense family dynamics. Plus, adding in some extra terrible people to make life harder.

2.5 stars
I listened to this on audio and its probably the only reason I actually finished it.
Unfortunately this was a miss for me. There was way too much going on. What should have been a good story about the sheriff of a town who grew up in a cult OR a newly appointed Sheriff thrown into the deep end when a series of murders happen turned into a messy convoluted merger of both. There was just too much happening all at once. Firstly I would have preferred the focus remain on the background story of the cult and perhaps add in the Sheriff's father's allegation being the former Sheriff himself. That would have been enough. I just did not care at all for the murder storyline and found it quite weak, especially how it wrapped up.
Positives to take away was the little bit of information we got on her childhood and the relationship she forms with Reid and his son. I would have liked more background info especially when comparing to another book I happened to read around this time which also heavily featured a cult, in comparison this was heavily lacking.
I took too long to finish this and that speaks volumes. I have to go with my instincts on this one. its a pass unfortunately.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction for providing me with an audio copy of this book via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own

One Little Lue was a well written book. I love Jane’s character. Such a suspenseful mystery with a bit of romance. I am now adding this author to my list!

Jane Hardy is appointed as police chief of Pelican Harbor and is immediately asked to be in charge of a murder investigation, and the killings seem to have a connection to her past.
As she delves into the investigation further she has to face some hard truths in the past, and during the investigation she is also asked by the mayor to include a journalist, Reid in the details - and she is not clear on his motives!

good, fast paced story, I now look forward to listening to the next book in the series.

Thanks to NG, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the ALC

Colleen Coble's suspense novels are never a disappointment. Jane Hardy survived a cult, but lost her baby when her dad escaped with her. Years later, she becomes chief of police following her dad's footsteps. Shortly after her new promotion, a string of crimes occurs in her little town and her dad is arrested. Meanwhile, a popular documentary journalist wants to film her for a story about small town police; however, his interest in Jane is more than just her interesting career. As things heat up in town, the two work together to discover the truth about what is happening and the truth about her past.
Filled with interesting, well thought out characters, this story is well paced and filled with drama. At least one twist, completely surprised me; and while I did see others coming- it didn't detract from the experience. I enjoyed the cast and the story. I am glad it is the first in the series because I would like a little more from some of the side characters!
I would recommend this title and this author.

This was a good book. I liked how the end left you wanting to know what happened for the next book. I thought the cult thing was interesting and I enjoyed Jane’s character. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.

After a string of fantasy and romance, I was thrilled to listen to One Little Lie. Part mystery and part police procedural with a dash of romance thrown in, it was a great listen for my recent hour long drives.

The story starts with a baby born and a cult attacked. A girl, mother to the newborn baby boy, is pulled from the chaos by her father. He tells her the baby is dead, a fact she begrudgidly takes to heart as she can see other cult members lying dead as they make their escape.

The reader then jumps forward in time. Jane has just been appointed the interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father's retirement. Right off the bat, she has a series of murders thrown at her. As if that isn't enough, Reid Dixon appears and tells her he is tasked with following her around for a new documentary.

As she investigates, lies upon lies begin to be uncovered as roadblocks are thrown in her path.

I did guess a few of the things revealed as the story progressed, but still found it enjoyable. I'm now curious to see what subsequent books in the series tackle.

Devon O'Day serves as narrator for the audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ARC audiobook. All opinions are my own.

One Little Lie kicks off Colleen Coble’s Pelican Harbor series with a gripping blend of suspense, family secrets, and small-town drama. While marketed as romantic suspense, the romance takes a backseat to the mystery and character-driven plot — which, depending on your preference, can be either a pleasant surprise or a slight letdown.

The story follows Jane Hardy, newly appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, who is immediately thrown into turmoil. Her father is arrested under suspicion of theft and quickly entangled in a murder investigation. As Jane digs into the case, secrets from their shared past — including a dark escape from a cult — begin to surface.

Enter Reid Bechtol, a documentary filmmaker who becomes unexpectedly entangled in Jane’s investigation. Although he’s there to spotlight her career, he ends up being a crucial ally as truths begin to unravel. Their partnership grows steadily throughout the novel, but the romantic tension remains subtle and understated.

Coble shines in building a suspenseful atmosphere, with well-paced twists and a strong female lead in Jane. The themes of trust, betrayal, and the long shadow of past trauma give the story emotional depth. However, readers expecting a more traditional romance may find the emotional connection between Jane and Reid a bit too slow-burning.

Overall, One Little Lie is a solid start to a promising series. If you enjoy small-town mysteries with layered characters and a steady dose of intrigue, this is worth the read. This book is the first in the series of three books. I immediately hunted down the following sequels and finished them. It is good series that allows the romance to develop over the course of the three books.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction, Netgalley for the audiobook.

This is the first in a new series called The Pelican Harbor series. Colleen Coble is an author whom I have read before. The narrator for this book is Devon O'Day, and he does a great job of keeping the story moving and interesting.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook.

This book is a gripping Christian suspense novel that follows Jane Hardy, a newly appointed police chief in Pelican Harbor, as she investigates a mysterious murder that may be tied to long-buried secrets from her own past. As the case unfolds, Jane must navigate personal betrayals, community pressure, and her complicated relationship with her father—all while trying to uncover the truth.

From the very beginning, the plot drew me in. I found it incredibly engaging and hard to put down. Coble does a fantastic job of pacing the story, offering just enough information at the right time to keep you guessing and theorizing about what might happen next. The suspense was well-balanced with character development, making it not only thrilling but also emotionally compelling. I really enjoyed the entire story and found it intriguing throughout.

I don’t have any strong dislikes for this one—it was solid all around!

Audiobook narration:
Devon O'Day did a fantastic job narrating this story. Their voice suited the tone perfectly, and I appreciated how easy it was to distinguish between the characters. The narration added an extra layer of immersion that made the experience even better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Audio for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

The character development was so well done. Sheriff Jane Hardy is a strong but broke woman who is battling her past and having to confront the lies that have followed into her present.

Having to battle insecurities on her interim role she has multiple murders, her father being investigated, insubordinate staff and a docu-series producer following her every step. Every piece of the puzzle not all that it seems!

Reed is a surprise, an interesting subplot of the story. A slightly predictable connection, but you can’t help but root for him! You just want to yell at Jane and say your anger is misdirected Jane!!! I get it but so wanted closure for Reed, and like the romance that was building from them working together.

The whodunnit was a surprise! And I liked how the crimes were all wrapped up in the end.

This was my first book by Colleen Coble and I am a fan! I enjoyed this audiobook made available to me from Netgalley. The narrator is great and was definitely part of my enjoyment of the book.