Book description:
Was this the last thing she'd ever see? Would she be able to make things right before it was too late?
"God . . ." was all she got out before he lunged toward her.
Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and strategically perfected methods.
Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.
Shattered Sanctuary is a clean, Christian, thrilling suspense novel set in the Smoky Mountains, full of police investigations, haunted woods, eerie threats, and ominous evidence. For fans of high-stakes suspense, Lynette Eason, and Elizabeth Goddard.
My review:
This is an author who just seems to get better with each book and series, and this book is one of her best, in my not-so-humble opinion. There is so much to like about the book.
The setting: I only visited Tennessee once - Gatlinburg - but I love the area. So I really liked the setting for the book.
The characters: Erin was a great main character, as was Adrian. I loved the fact that the author brought Kaely Quinn Hunter from the Kaely Quinn series into this series. It made the story all the more interesting. And I am guessing a romance will develop between Erin and Adrian at some point. Romance takes a back seat and is a very slow burn in Mehl's last few series.
The plot: Amazing and genius...especially when Erin and Kaely started looking for a pattern. Very cool, if one can use that work for a psychopath's methods. And again, adding Kaely to the series was a genius move on Mehl's part. The way she had she and Erin work together made the book all the more interesting.
I feel the last few series this author has written lean more towards being thrillers. Her earlier books that were simply suspense/mystery were great reads, but she has surpassed those with her more recent series, and has become an amazing author. This book is proof of that.
There is a lot of talk about God in this book. Kaely is a Christian, and Erin is very skeptical of God and Christianity. I love how the author worked the Gospel into the discussions between Erin and Kaely, and did not pull any punches. And it only added to the story.
Lastly, the humor. I'll try not to give spoilers, but Erin and Kaely patronize a couple of businesses that are all about Dolly Parton. I was reading the book at work (I am allowed when not busy), and was chuckling out loud. Good thing the ER waiting room was empty.
My favorite line in the whole book: "I feel like I am in a Dolly Parton nightmare."
This was an amazing and masterful story, and I cannot wait to read the other books in the series.
Special thanks to the author for an copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
About the author:
Nancy Mehl lives in Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her puggle, Watson. She's authored over fifty books and is currently at work on a new FBI suspense series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "It's a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help."
You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook!
Coming October 2025
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