A little history in the mix of some high-stakes suspense is my jam. I’ve always been a fan of suspense novels, and when a storyline brings in a touch of reality, I find it only enhances the mystery and adrenaline rush. The world has lots of unsolved mysteries and conspiracy theories, so why not weave a few into fiction? It gives readers a deeper read, and I am always looking for those big plot twists and edgy suspense moments. I review suspense novels on my blog, Best In Suspense, and am always looking for something new and different.
Just when you think you’ve figured it all out—BAM—another twist knocks you over, or a crazy secret changes the whole story. I love a good family drama, and this has a host of crazy family members, relationship drama, and tension woven throughout.
The story centers around a widow and mother, down on her luck, until she discovers a rare and priceless treasure in her possession—a Fabergé egg. The item is so valuable that she becomes a target. I enjoy stories revolving around uncovering long-lost treasures, especially ones of cultural significance.
"With tons of suspects and plenty of danger, this is Coble at her best." --Library Journal | "Nobody does romantic suspense better than Colleen Coble." --Lisa Gardner | "Engaging characters, irresistible intrigue, and a slow-burning romance." --Mary Burton
USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble knows there are few things more dangerous than family secrets, and her novels provide that ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave's The Last Thing He Told Me or Allison Brennan's You'll Never Find Me.
I love stories that have strong and maybe even a bit quirky main characters.
Gwen Marcey is a forensic artist and has a unique talent for reconstructing faces from bones. I’m such a fan of Gwen. She’s tough and resilient, and life seems to kick her while she’s down. But her art skills put her in the crosshairs—someone doesn’t want her to identify the bodies.
I’m such a fan of intelligent women protagonists who have real struggles and trials. It doesn’t get any more real than Gwen Marcey. And her career is fascinating!
A Cry from the Dust
By
Carrie Stuart Parks,
What is this book about?
Carrie Stuart Parks utilizes her own background as a celebrated, FBI-trained forensic artist to blend fact and fiction into a stunning mystery.
A 19th-century conspiracy is about to be shattered by a 21st-century forensic artist.
In 1857, a wagon train in Utah was assaulted by a group of militant Mormons calling themselves the Avenging Angels. One hundred and forty people were murdered, including unarmed men, women, and children. The Mountain Meadows Massacre remains controversial to this day-but the truth may be written on the skulls of the victims.
When renowned forensic artist Gwen Marcey is recruited to reconstruct the faces…
This story is a delightful and intriguing mystery involving family secrets and finding priceless artwork.
Of course, whenever money is involved, the criminals come out of the woodwork. While it’s not a fast-paced, run-for-your-life kind of novel, I love the way the story unfolds. The characters have depth, and the author dives into the art world surrounding provenance, which I found interesting.
The Vanished
By
Cara Putman,
What is this book about?
"Putman's legal expertise shines in this compelling and intricately plotted romantic suspense. Highly recommended!" —Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author
Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back--until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother's historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather's sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey to unearth his secrets. When her new job at a local…
I love adventure stories, and who doesn’t love a few conspiracies thrown in with intriguing setting and characters?
Sophie Williams is a professional art forger…well, maybe not a pro—she secretly paints forgeries to protect the real art. But she becomes a target when she uncovers a series of portraits that had been lost.
I love unique settings, and don’t read too many stories that are set in Europe. The story blends action and suspense with heartwarming characters who try to do the right thing, but life seems against them. Sophie is the Robin Hood of the art world, and I found her to be an intriguing character.
The Crown Conspiracy
By
Connie Mann,
What is this book about?
She’s a master at spotting a forgery . . . and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?
The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown . . . and the timing of their reappearance―just days before a new prince’s…
I love interesting characters—especially with unique jobs.
Andi Forester is a former FBI agent turned insurance investigator and works on an art heist, which is right up her alley. She meets the man responsible for the art gallery security and soon learns someone is willing to take extreme measures to keep them from investigating. The story has plenty of drama, action, suspense, and lots of red herrings. Everyone is a suspect.
I enjoyed this complex story. I loved the art heist aspect of the story a lot. It added to the excitement.
Taunting riddles. A deadly string of heists. Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.
Christian O'Brady was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists targets one of the galleries Christian secured, he is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.
Andi Forester was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until her career was destroyed. She now puts those skills to work investigating…
Special Agent Kira Miller's translation job at the FBI becomes an opportunity to show off her skills when she spots a lead in some paperwork. Now assigned an undercover role, she gathers intel on an art smuggling ring. She's daunted not by the mission but by her cover—posing as a married woman to the fake husband she met less than twenty-four hours earlier.
Special Agent Bryce Lambert's assignment to go undercover as a newlywed couple with Kira has them moving next door to the prime suspects, and a relationship is the last thing he wants, fake or real. With secret auctions and hidden treasures, there's plenty to keep them busy—if only they can play the part their lives and careers depend upon while keeping their own hearts in check.
