Picked by Coastal Guardians fans

Here are 14 books that Coastal Guardians fans have personally recommended once you finish the Coastal Guardians series. Book DNA is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Book cover of Lady Jayne Disappears

Jaime Jo Wright Author Of The Souls of Lost Lake

From my list on to mix crime and romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I adore suspense, mystery, and romance, but more so, I love books that inspire me and also aren’t necessarily easy to figure out. I’m a published and Christy award-winning author in this genre myself, but I have been reading this genre for over thirty-three years. I would definitely have to say my qualifications as a reader of suspense and mystery far outweigh those of an author. When I read suspense and romance, I look for two key elements: hard-to-figure out suspense and believable romance. I’m not out for bells and whistles as a reader, but instead look for well-crafted stories that are more like a puzzle that must be solved. 

Jaime's book list on to mix crime and romance

Jaime Jo Wright Why Jaime loves this book

Politano brings history to life in such a drama-filled, Gothic nature in a blend of Wuthering Heights meets Northanger Abbey. The story of a missing mother and lady, family secrets and scandals, and more are all the ghosts that plague the pages of this deliciously dark and delightfully hope-filled book. This was Politano’s debut novel, and yet it has become one of my all-time favorites and will definitely be read again and again. A true classic for the annals of Christian fiction.

By Joanna Davidson Politano ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lady Jayne Disappears as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies in debtor's prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.

When Aurelie decides to complete her father's unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother's disappearance--and perhaps even her father's death.

Author Joanna Davidson Politano's stunning debut set in Victorian England…


Book cover of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Jaime Jo Wright Author Of The Souls of Lost Lake

From my list on to mix crime and romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I adore suspense, mystery, and romance, but more so, I love books that inspire me and also aren’t necessarily easy to figure out. I’m a published and Christy award-winning author in this genre myself, but I have been reading this genre for over thirty-three years. I would definitely have to say my qualifications as a reader of suspense and mystery far outweigh those of an author. When I read suspense and romance, I look for two key elements: hard-to-figure out suspense and believable romance. I’m not out for bells and whistles as a reader, but instead look for well-crafted stories that are more like a puzzle that must be solved. 

Jaime's book list on to mix crime and romance

Jaime Jo Wright Why Jaime loves this book

Who doesn’t love history and suspense and romance all piled together into one story? Also, the streets of London are a fabulous place to kick off this combo, and Michelle Griep does it in style and with finesse. I thoroughly devoured this book as a fun-paced, historical suspense with a hero who isn’t an alpha, but is definitely a hero, and a heroine who is pretty much an alpha in her own right and will continue to prove it (and also stay loveable). This is such a great read and definitely one for the keeper shelf!

By Michelle Griep ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Thief of Blackfriars Lane as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint
 
Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither…


Book cover of Living Lies

Jaime Jo Wright Author Of The Souls of Lost Lake

From my list on to mix crime and romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I adore suspense, mystery, and romance, but more so, I love books that inspire me and also aren’t necessarily easy to figure out. I’m a published and Christy award-winning author in this genre myself, but I have been reading this genre for over thirty-three years. I would definitely have to say my qualifications as a reader of suspense and mystery far outweigh those of an author. When I read suspense and romance, I look for two key elements: hard-to-figure out suspense and believable romance. I’m not out for bells and whistles as a reader, but instead look for well-crafted stories that are more like a puzzle that must be solved. 

Jaime's book list on to mix crime and romance

Jaime Jo Wright Why Jaime loves this book

This was the first book I read from Natalie Walters and it was fabulous! She is an auto-buy for me with a riveting story that is not only crime-centric but with relatable and real characters! Her romance is light and expertly woven through a story that will keep you guessing, biting your fingernails, and skipping dinner!

By Natalie Walters ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Living Lies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

…


Book cover of Her Darkest Secret

Elle E. Kay Author Of Grave Pursuits

From my list on Christian thrillers with heartbeats and hideaways.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an author of more than twenty Christian fiction books. I write true romantic suspense with equal parts engaging romance and thrilling suspense. My debut novel was a semi-finalist in the Genesis contest, and many of my subsequent titles have reached bestseller status. I engage with readers through my blog, which is recognized as a top 25 Christian fiction blog on Feedspot, and my Facebook group, "Heartbeats and Hideaways."

Elle's book list on Christian thrillers with heartbeats and hideaways

Elle E. Kay Why Elle loves this book

I loved this book by Jessica R. Patch for its perfect blend of relentless suspense and second-chance romance. The mystery kept me guessing with its clever suspects and red herrings. Asa and Fiona, seasoned FBI agents with a complex history, drew me in with their dynamic and emotional depth.

The tension and anticipation throughout this thriller made it impossible to put down. Patch's ability to weave crime-solving with romance kept me hooked and eager for more. This book was an unforgettable read for me as someone who loves mystery with heart.

By Jessica R. Patch ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Her Darkest Secret as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?



When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly's blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he's back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is…


Book cover of One Wrong Move

Kelly Underwood Author Of Deadly Charade

From my list on where crime and art collide.

Why am I passionate about this?

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. 

Kelly's book list on where crime and art collide

Kelly Underwood Why Kelly loves this book

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. 

By Dani Pettrey ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked One Wrong Move as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

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…


Book cover of The Crown Conspiracy

Kelly Underwood Author Of Deadly Charade

From my list on where crime and art collide.

Why am I passionate about this?

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. 

Kelly's book list on where crime and art collide

Kelly Underwood Why Kelly loves this book

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. 

By Connie Mann ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Crown Conspiracy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

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…


Book cover of The Vanished

Kelly Underwood Author Of Deadly Charade

From my list on where crime and art collide.

Why am I passionate about this?

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. 

Kelly's book list on where crime and art collide

Kelly Underwood Why Kelly loves this book

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. 

By Cara Putman ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Vanished as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

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…


Book cover of Fragile Designs

Kelly Underwood Author Of Deadly Charade

From my list on where crime and art collide.

Why am I passionate about this?

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. 

Kelly's book list on where crime and art collide

Kelly Underwood Why Kelly loves this book

I loved this book from start to finish.

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. 

By Colleen Coble ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fragile Designs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"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.

Since her…


Book cover of The Scot and I

Kathleen Tailer Author Of Marked to Die

From my list on romantic suspense to keep turning pages.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved suspenseful books, and I enjoy creating my own characters and helping them strengthen their faith as they triumph in difficult circumstances. I want to encourage other Christians with my writing, and introduce others to Christ who may be searching to see how God can change their lives. I also want to provide readers with a fun getaway of excitement, suspense, and thrills. I am an attorney and see many cases that don’t conclude with a happy ending, however, God can take what men meant for evil, and turn it into good, and there is a positive and encouraging ending waiting in each of my books.

Kathleen's book list on romantic suspense to keep turning pages

Kathleen Tailer Why Kathleen loves this book

Romantic suspense finds its way to Scotland in this page-turner that makes me feel like I am right there, witnessing the friction between the characters, in the beautiful hills and culture of times gone by.

Strong characters struggle with loving too much as they fight to discover the roots of a conspiracy that threatens their lives. I re-read this book at least once a year, sometimes more, just to experience the tension between the lovable and virtuous characters that I think of as old friends.

By Elizabeth Thornton ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Scot and I as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After a mysterious woman foils an assassination attempt on the Queen's life, Alex Hepburn, a psychic agent for Her Majesty's Secret Service, recognizes the bold beauty as a conspirator he's been hunting for years.


Book cover of An Honorable Thief

Kathleen Tailer Author Of Marked to Die

From my list on romantic suspense to keep turning pages.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved suspenseful books, and I enjoy creating my own characters and helping them strengthen their faith as they triumph in difficult circumstances. I want to encourage other Christians with my writing, and introduce others to Christ who may be searching to see how God can change their lives. I also want to provide readers with a fun getaway of excitement, suspense, and thrills. I am an attorney and see many cases that don’t conclude with a happy ending, however, God can take what men meant for evil, and turn it into good, and there is a positive and encouraging ending waiting in each of my books.

Kathleen's book list on romantic suspense to keep turning pages

Kathleen Tailer Why Kathleen loves this book

This is one of my “go to” books when I want to recapture the suspenseful feeling I want to make sure I include in my own writing.

Anne Gracie wrote this book in 2002, and has written several successful books since, but this is still my all-time favorite. It is written in the Victorian Age, which I enjoy, and she has incredible tension between the two main characters as they both grow and overcome past hurts.

I return to this book time and time again to reconnect with the characters, and I enjoy their playful banter and strong convictions.

By Anne Gracie ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked An Honorable Thief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.