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Suspicious Minds
Lorelai Gatlin is single with a good career, solid friendships and a strong Christian foundation.
But then she dreams about hiding evidence of a murder.
Awakens to discovers her gun is missing and her memory is gone.
And the morning news reports a body has been discovered.
Maybe she isn't the upstanding citizen everyone believed her to be.
Suspicious Minds will have you on the edge of your seat as the story twists and turns through the lives of hurting people. Featuring beloved characters from the popular middle grade series MotoMysteries this is the first book in a spinoff series for adults that will keep readers of Christian mystery and romance novels entertained and looking for more. Book 2 in the Dry Brook series to follow in late 2023 or early 2024.
READER REVIEW
I have read this author's young adult MotoMysteries series and it was outstanding. When I heard she was writing an adult mystery series. I couldn’t wait. I loved how she tied one of the main characters back to her original series. Clean easy reading. I read it in one sitting Refreshing, interesting, wholesome while still be intriguing. I truly cannot wait for the next book and hope this book is just one in a long series. - Julie Krogh
But then she dreams about hiding evidence of a murder.
Awakens to discovers her gun is missing and her memory is gone.
And the morning news reports a body has been discovered.
Maybe she isn't the upstanding citizen everyone believed her to be.
Suspicious Minds will have you on the edge of your seat as the story twists and turns through the lives of hurting people. Featuring beloved characters from the popular middle grade series MotoMysteries this is the first book in a spinoff series for adults that will keep readers of Christian mystery and romance novels entertained and looking for more. Book 2 in the Dry Brook series to follow in late 2023 or early 2024.
READER REVIEW
I have read this author's young adult MotoMysteries series and it was outstanding. When I heard she was writing an adult mystery series. I couldn’t wait. I loved how she tied one of the main characters back to her original series. Clean easy reading. I read it in one sitting Refreshing, interesting, wholesome while still be intriguing. I truly cannot wait for the next book and hope this book is just one in a long series. - Julie Krogh
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2023
184 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Sherri Kukla
87 books63 followersSherri Kukla is is a fan of mysteries, both reading them and writing. She is the author of MotoMysteries, a faith-based mystery series for middle grade kids and the Dry Brook mystery series for adult readers. She is also the co-founder and publisher, along with her husband, Steve, of S&S Off Road Magazine.
Sherri and Steve met and married as teenagers. They're not sure where the time went, but over 50 adventurous years have passed. They have four children and three grandchildren. Sherri and Steve reside in a small desert community in Southern California.
Sherri and Steve met and married as teenagers. They're not sure where the time went, but over 50 adventurous years have passed. They have four children and three grandchildren. Sherri and Steve reside in a small desert community in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 5, 2023
This is an inspiring story about second chances, sacrifice and prayer. Everyone in the story is struggling with something. Loralei most of all. At her lowest Loralei discovers that she isn’t alone.
There are many twists and turns where you don’t know what is going to happen next.
A must read.
There are many twists and turns where you don’t know what is going to happen next.
A must read.
September 8, 2023
The story starts out with Lorelai hearing a news report of a murder that happened during the night before. She thinks she committed it because of a nightmare she had. She has no memory of what happened at the coffee shop after she suggested the now deceased woman sit with her because the coffee shop was so crowded. Was Lorelai suffering from dementia? My guess was she was drugged, but was that correct?
She ends up in jail where she meets Ronika who takes a liking to her. I enjoyed how they each gained something special from their friendship, proving how God mysteriously works in unlikely situations.
Lorelai has two men who care for her. A coworker she has been dating and the husband who left her years ago. Who will she choose?
This mystery had so many twists and turns I could have never imagined the ending! You will have to read it yourself to find out if you can solve it. I would give this book more than 5 stars if possible.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
She ends up in jail where she meets Ronika who takes a liking to her. I enjoyed how they each gained something special from their friendship, proving how God mysteriously works in unlikely situations.
Lorelai has two men who care for her. A coworker she has been dating and the husband who left her years ago. Who will she choose?
This mystery had so many twists and turns I could have never imagined the ending! You will have to read it yourself to find out if you can solve it. I would give this book more than 5 stars if possible.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
Great story with several possible suspects to pick from. Why can’t Lorelai remember what happened last night after the coffee shop? Was what she thought was a dream something that really happened?
While she’s contemplating going to the police to confess she gets a text from her estranged husband who she hasn’t seen since he left 10 years ago. She wonders why he’s contacting her out of the blue all of a sudden. She goes next door to her talk things over with her neighbor Beth.
I was hooked from the beginning and read it in a few hours because I couldn’t stop trying to figure out what would happen to Lorelai. I also wanted to find out who really killed Adele.
If you want to find out who killed Adele or what happens to Lorelai you’ll have to read the book.
I received an ebook copy in exchange for my honest review. I highly recommend this book. It’s not a long book but there’s lots of suspicion and suspects to pick from. You’ll be shocked to find out who the killer is.
While she’s contemplating going to the police to confess she gets a text from her estranged husband who she hasn’t seen since he left 10 years ago. She wonders why he’s contacting her out of the blue all of a sudden. She goes next door to her talk things over with her neighbor Beth.
I was hooked from the beginning and read it in a few hours because I couldn’t stop trying to figure out what would happen to Lorelai. I also wanted to find out who really killed Adele.
If you want to find out who killed Adele or what happens to Lorelai you’ll have to read the book.
I received an ebook copy in exchange for my honest review. I highly recommend this book. It’s not a long book but there’s lots of suspicion and suspects to pick from. You’ll be shocked to find out who the killer is.
September 12, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book!! The story line kept me hooked to the point where I didn’t want to set the book aside to do my housework (but I did).
Lorelai is an amazing character. She is someone I would like to know in real life. The rollercoaster ride of “who done it” that she was on had me holding my breath and praying right along with the others in this book. I literally had no idea that the ending would be what it was. SHOCKER!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a clean but thrilling crime mystery.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and am giving my own, true opinion of it. Excellent job, Sherri Kukla! Can’t wait till your next one.
Lorelai is an amazing character. She is someone I would like to know in real life. The rollercoaster ride of “who done it” that she was on had me holding my breath and praying right along with the others in this book. I literally had no idea that the ending would be what it was. SHOCKER!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a clean but thrilling crime mystery.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and am giving my own, true opinion of it. Excellent job, Sherri Kukla! Can’t wait till your next one.
September 9, 2023
Received a copy as part of the launch team. This is such a fun read. Kept me guessing the whole time. The biblical message throughout is spot on. It's a quick read because you won't want to put it down. The characters are well defined and believable. Hoping for more adventures with Lorelai, Michael and their friends
September 6, 2023
Enjoy the ride! This story flows in a way that kept me wanting to keep reading. The new characters are intriguing, while revisiting old friends helped me to understand them even better. I’m anxious for the next book, and beyond.
I want to move to Dry Brook.
I want to move to Dry Brook.
September 11, 2023
Sherri Kukla is a new author to me. But her book, Suspicious Minds was really good. For me it started a little slow in the first few chapters. But then it started coming together and was an exciting story of 2nd chances and revenge. The ending was great, didn't see that twist at all.
I received this ARC free from the author(s), and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this ARC free from the author(s), and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2023
My inner detective was fully engaged the entire time I was reading this novel! I highly recommend this book.
I participated on the launch team and received an ARC. This opinion is my own.
I participated on the launch team and received an ARC. This opinion is my own.
September 13, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down. Recommended to read.
October 24, 2023
First book I read by this author. Pretty decent read and plot
September 10, 2023
Enjoyed this book, easy reading and enjoy the references to the bible. Sherri Kukla's book always have a message within the message. j
October 23, 2023
I didn't really care for this story very much, I am sorry to say. The plot was interesting and unique but also strange and unbelievable. Some of the questions about what happened are never answered. I didn't feel like I really got to know the main characters that well and didn't care for them that much. Their relationship seemed odd. There are a lot of pieces missing from their past. It seemed like they didn't communicate well and came back together too easily. I also don't think the two men should have taken the teenage girl on an all day outing. I appreciated that this was a clean story and that the main characters included God and prayer in their lives.
October 16, 2023
Very unusual book. I have never read a book with someone believing they might have committed a crime and not knowing for sure. Recommend reading this.
September 28, 2023
I liked the book! About the time I had figured it out, another twist and turn! Enjoyable read. When is book 2? ☺️
October 3, 2023
Thank you Goodreads giveaway for this story. I loved it. Bit of romance, mystery and suspense rolled into one story. Great story line and characters. First time author for me but I highly recommend this story to others
February 5, 2024
I am a tough critic of my books....lol.....If they don't grab me or at least pique my interest by at least the 3rd or 4th chapter, I quit reading and go on to the next book. I am also bothered by the verbiage and the vocabulary, which distracts me from the story and causes me to stop and refocus. None of that happened in this book, to my delight. As a matter of fact, the phrase, "used to" was used to express something that occurred in the past and very often people, (and authors in many books, who don't check the knowledge of their editors), use the incorrect phrase of "use to", which is incorrect and causes me to .....well, let's just say, I'm almost ready to toss the book! I read this book in 2 days because it kept moving, no dragging on of useless dialogue......well, maybe, a little, but then, there's always dialogue that we may think is unnecessary, but other readers may need it.
A murder, evidence found on a suspect who has amnesia, and a half dozen other characters that you are sure could be the murderer keep you turning the pages. However, the final proof of a good mystery? You're at the end of the book and you're still unsure of the perpetrator....yep...that's "Suspicious Minds"....a twist at the finish. Read it! ....and You're Welcome!
A murder, evidence found on a suspect who has amnesia, and a half dozen other characters that you are sure could be the murderer keep you turning the pages. However, the final proof of a good mystery? You're at the end of the book and you're still unsure of the perpetrator....yep...that's "Suspicious Minds"....a twist at the finish. Read it! ....and You're Welcome!
February 7, 2024
Suspicious Minds by Sherri Kukla is a compelling contemporary mystery. It is the first book in A Dry Brook Novel series which promises to be good.
I was engaged with the story from the start. I met up with familiar faces from The Moto Mysteries series which immediately put me on familiar ground.
We see the importance of trusting God. “I’m trusting God to see me through this.” God sees the end from the beginning. He can be trusted even when life makes little sense. It makes no sense without God.
God is the God who calms the raging storm within us. We can receive His peace even when all around us in in turmoil.
Prayer is important. “Pray. He felt it more than heard it.” When God tells us to pray, we must pray and not question Him. There may be people who depend on our prayers in their situation.
We see characters practicing sacrificial love in order to protect. This is a selfless love which contrasts with the selfish actions of others.
Good can come out of bad situations. A little kindness goes a long way.
I enjoyed Suspicious Minds. It was an intriguing read that I read in just one sitting.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
I was engaged with the story from the start. I met up with familiar faces from The Moto Mysteries series which immediately put me on familiar ground.
We see the importance of trusting God. “I’m trusting God to see me through this.” God sees the end from the beginning. He can be trusted even when life makes little sense. It makes no sense without God.
God is the God who calms the raging storm within us. We can receive His peace even when all around us in in turmoil.
Prayer is important. “Pray. He felt it more than heard it.” When God tells us to pray, we must pray and not question Him. There may be people who depend on our prayers in their situation.
We see characters practicing sacrificial love in order to protect. This is a selfless love which contrasts with the selfish actions of others.
Good can come out of bad situations. A little kindness goes a long way.
I enjoyed Suspicious Minds. It was an intriguing read that I read in just one sitting.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
December 15, 2024
*I received an eCopy from the author. This does not affect my review and the opinions are my own. This review was voluntary.*
Actual rating, 3.5.
I was excited to find this series when I saw a post from the author about the upcoming launch of book 3. I'm even more excited for that one now that I've read this first book in the series!
I wasn't sure at first, this one is a little choppy at the beginning, and could have been a slightly stronger read if not for that. Still, the story kept me reading, and got better the long I read. By the end, I was happy that I started here, and an now curious to see what happens in the rest of the series.
Ronika was possibly my favorite character, or maybe Kyler? Crazy, when you realize who they are, but that somehow makes them all the more special.
The mystery was okay, I feel like there was a lot of potential there, and it was lost a little along the way, but I still enjoyed getting to see how they figure it all out, and getting to see the slight hints about future books as the story wraps up.
Actual rating, 3.5.
I was excited to find this series when I saw a post from the author about the upcoming launch of book 3. I'm even more excited for that one now that I've read this first book in the series!
I wasn't sure at first, this one is a little choppy at the beginning, and could have been a slightly stronger read if not for that. Still, the story kept me reading, and got better the long I read. By the end, I was happy that I started here, and an now curious to see what happens in the rest of the series.
Ronika was possibly my favorite character, or maybe Kyler? Crazy, when you realize who they are, but that somehow makes them all the more special.
The mystery was okay, I feel like there was a lot of potential there, and it was lost a little along the way, but I still enjoyed getting to see how they figure it all out, and getting to see the slight hints about future books as the story wraps up.
September 14, 2023
I truly enjoyed Suspicious Minds. I have read a lot of mysteries in my time and there always seems to be gratuitous foul language and explicit relationships or references. Rest assured, you can read this book without those hinderances and just enjoy the suspenseful story.
Lorelai lives alone in a nice neighborhood and has a lapse in memory that terrifies her and leads her to horrifying conclusions based on a bad dream. Lovely characters, who know Lorelai and don't believe her capable of what she fears, help her along the way and I should think you'll truly enjoy this book. Not all characters will be lovely, but I won't give away who they are. You'll have to find out for yourself.
There is the "main story" along with sub-stories that all resolve by the book's end with a few open doors, leaving you wanting more.
Disclaimer - I was provided a copy of the book for an honest review.
Lorelai lives alone in a nice neighborhood and has a lapse in memory that terrifies her and leads her to horrifying conclusions based on a bad dream. Lovely characters, who know Lorelai and don't believe her capable of what she fears, help her along the way and I should think you'll truly enjoy this book. Not all characters will be lovely, but I won't give away who they are. You'll have to find out for yourself.
There is the "main story" along with sub-stories that all resolve by the book's end with a few open doors, leaving you wanting more.
Disclaimer - I was provided a copy of the book for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
"Suspicious Minds" seemed to start out slow for me and was somewhat juvenile in its writing. The beginning was bizarre after the h. had a dream that she committed a murdered and confesses to the police who arrest her. There was nonsense dialogue ("You could never kill anyone." "Jasmine said I could."). The writing was choppy. Even though the h. hadn't seen her husband in 10 years, he drives 6 hours to tell her he wants to become a pastor and marry her. But then when he sees her with Hudson, his wife's coworker, he gives up and decides she could have Hudson after all. Did he really love her? And why, exactly did he want to become a pastor? It doesn't seem like he had a mature Christian background. I did enjoy the twist at the end of the story with the setup for future stories. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
October 22, 2023
I liked this mystery, the author's first attempt at fiction for adult readers. It is entertaining and has likable characters. It is a good exploration of making assumptions and how that can damage relationships. Several characters show genuine Christian faith and there is a good example of selfless, Christlike love.
There were a few aspects of the plot I felt did not work out well. One was Michael's initial text message. It was a bit strange and was never really explained. And the dream – while it made for an interesting introduction to the tension in the plot, I felt it was never really explained either.
I think Kukla is off to a good start in crafting inspirational romantic fiction for adults and will get better with more experience.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Book Sirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.
There were a few aspects of the plot I felt did not work out well. One was Michael's initial text message. It was a bit strange and was never really explained. And the dream – while it made for an interesting introduction to the tension in the plot, I felt it was never really explained either.
I think Kukla is off to a good start in crafting inspirational romantic fiction for adults and will get better with more experience.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Book Sirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 19, 2023
I've read Sherri's books for awhile now, and know that they were more focused on the younger generation. I figured if I read them, I'd be younger - that's how it works, right? I've loved her story-telling and way of getting you hooked right away. When I heard she'd be writing a more adult style story, I was at first worried about it being a bit racy, but there was nothing AT ALL to do with that. The story just has a bit more adult-centered dialogue, and would still be good for the older kids, too, I think. I am so impressed with her writing ability. Most of her books, I could see as a movie!!
When I got to the part that says:
“I don’t have money for a private attorney.”
“That’s not your concern.”
“Have you become wealthy since we last saw each other?”
“No, but my Father is. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.”
I loved that she still incorporated faith, and God's word. It makes me even more interested and happy to tell others about. You did it again Sherri. Great book, great story and again....I'm hooked!!!!
When I got to the part that says:
“I don’t have money for a private attorney.”
“That’s not your concern.”
“Have you become wealthy since we last saw each other?”
“No, but my Father is. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.”
I loved that she still incorporated faith, and God's word. It makes me even more interested and happy to tell others about. You did it again Sherri. Great book, great story and again....I'm hooked!!!!
February 11, 2024
I started Suspicious Minds this morning. And I honestly could not put it down! Normally I am a romance reader, with this one its present, but not the main theme. And yet, I was hooked!!! The storyline had me speed reading to see what was going to happen next. This was wonderful. A couple that still loved each other but fell apart over words left unsaid nearly 10 years ago. A new relationship that was threatening the possibility of them reconciling. A murder that occurred... but the main suspect has amnesia! And the relationships and love seen through friendship, (and cell mates) was wonderful to watch unfold. I can not wait to read the next book!
November 7, 2024
Faith based
This is the first novel I have read by Sherri Kukla and look forward to reading more. I usually don’t write a review until I have finished a series but I recommend reading this author’s novels if you haven’t ready any of her works. The characters are tested in their faith, the mystery and suspense has many twists and turns but there is an ending … no cliff hanger. Read about Lorelei and Michael and their friends as they try to help solve a murder and rely on their faith in God to help them through the turmoils in their lives.
This is the first novel I have read by Sherri Kukla and look forward to reading more. I usually don’t write a review until I have finished a series but I recommend reading this author’s novels if you haven’t ready any of her works. The characters are tested in their faith, the mystery and suspense has many twists and turns but there is an ending … no cliff hanger. Read about Lorelei and Michael and their friends as they try to help solve a murder and rely on their faith in God to help them through the turmoils in their lives.
September 6, 2023
What an intense journey as I literally devoured this book! Danger, suspense, intriguing characters, all keeping me on the very edge of my seat, thinking I had it all figured out, only to flip the page and find out differently! Yet through it all, God continued to protect, guide and restore, despite murder and unjustness, past heartache and hurt. I am truly grateful to have discovered this author and anticipate her future endeavors!
September 6, 2023
Such a great read. It kept me in suspense the whole time. I enjoyed the plot twist. Just when I thought I had it figured out, nope something else came about changing it. It was a quick read, or maybe I was thankful to have the weekend off with time to read! It was inspirational. I am looking forward to the next read! Keep doing a wonderful job writing. Your readers appreciate you!
September 10, 2023
I received an advance copy to read as part of the launch team and I could not put it down. It grabbed me from the very start, the characters are all great, the story line is very interesting. A great mystery from start to finish. It was my first read from this author and I would love to read anything and everything else she may have! I recommend this quick read!
September 3, 2024
Riveting
This book hooks you, changes directions, adds characters and adds motives. Children are involved with hiding evidence, then share true accounts of what really happened. Love matches also add another element to this action mystery.
Theft, murder, and conniving bad things happen.
Highly recommended.
This book hooks you, changes directions, adds characters and adds motives. Children are involved with hiding evidence, then share true accounts of what really happened. Love matches also add another element to this action mystery.
Theft, murder, and conniving bad things happen.
Highly recommended.
September 10, 2023
Lorela has amnesia and cant remember but thinks she may have murdered someone last night. When she finds her gun missing she becomes more worried- and then she hears a on the radio a body is found. Seriously she is a strong Christian - could she have done something like this?
September 13, 2023
This author has a great way with words. She has woven a tale that keeps your interest and doesn’t give away the “Who done it” until the very end of the book. I loved it and I don’t even like mysteries. I also received an advance copy of this book so that I could read and review it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews