Cold Case Secrets: An Action Packed Romantic Suspense Book

Big Sky Country #3

by Kimberly Van Meter

No suspects, no leads, no evidence.
…Two relentless detectives.

Sayeh Proudfoot Griffin is bending the rules while investigating an Indigenous girl's cold case. Her methods infuriate her new partner, Levi Wyatt, but he can't ignore his attraction to her. Their romance heats up as their search leads beyond the Macawi reservation. As they uncover the cold case's mysteries, they realize someone doesn't want the murder solved. And the secrets that are revealed could cost them their lives.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Harlequin

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Big Sky Justice series. I have not read the first two books in this series before picking up this book. The writing style of this book was not totally for me. I felt because of how the characters were writing I really did not get to totally connect to the characters. I also felt there was too much jumping around between the two cases (one Sayeh was doing for personal reasons). This book was not one of my favorites, but I did not hate it. Overall, I found the book to be ok. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided via Booksprout and I'm leaving an honest review*

🔷 Contemporary
🔷 Romantic suspense
🔷 Cold case
🔷 Family secrets, lies and betrayal
🔷 Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
🔷 Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
🔷 Jaw-Dropping Twists

Cold Case Secrets is the third book in the Big Sky Justice series, known for its captivating and dramatic storyline filled with secrets, duplicity, and suspense. The fast-paced narrative keeps readers engaged with its action-packed suspense and themes of love and intrigue expertly intertwined. The author's heartfelt and touching writing style creates a bittersweet and captivating story that is highly recommended for readers seeking an engaging read.

Detectives Sayeh Proudfoot Griffin and Levi Wyatt are investigating a cold case involving an Indigenous girl with no suspects, leads, or evidence. Sayeh is bending the rules in her investigation, causing tension with Levi, her new partner. Despite their differences, Levi is drawn to Sayeh as their romance develops. Their search leads them beyond the Macawi reservation, where they uncover dangerous secrets that someone is determined to keep hidden. Their lives are at risk as they get closer to solving the murder. The focus is on Sayeh and Levi's clashing personalities and the adjustments they need to make to work together effectively as a team as well as learning how to lean on each other and build trust. Their transformation and growth throughout the book are heartwarming. The build-up of Sayeh and Levi's relationship, amidst the danger surrounding them, is skillfully crafted with slow-building tension, romance, and suspense.

Overall, an enthralling and intricate read that keeps attention at all times. Highly recommended.

[Amber Leigh Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Case Secrets follows Sayeh Griffin, a Macawi descendant, and her new job as a Bureau of Indian Affairs investigator. She meets methodical fellow investigator Levi Wyatt, and it becomes apparent quickly that their dueling investigative styles complement each other. The plotting of this cold case murder mystery is detailed and satisfying. While the romance is slow to develop, once it does, it feels right. I like how Levi's feelings of guilt toward his deceased fiancee aren't easily resolved. His grief is very real. I also enjoyed seeing how their investigative styles clashed. I wish some aspects of the plot twist for the motive behind Echo's killing had been explored further, but overall, this was a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sayeh has quit the FBI and is starting a new job with BIA. This is her chance to start over but the question is whether she can leave her "lone wolf" persona behind. At first glance, it seems odd that a white man would be made a part of the task force to look into cold cases involving indigenous people. But he does have some perspective due to his upbringing. In many ways, Sayeh and Levi are opposite in personality and work methods, but it turns out they make a good team.

It doesn't take long after they start to investigate the cold case of Echo Flying Owl Jones before they receive threats. And the more clues they find, the more dangerous it gets. At the same time, Sayeh is also investigating the circumstances of her biological parents' deaths. This story is full of suspense, danger, romance, and surprising twists.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the banter/judgment of each other from the get go with Levi and Sayeh and they really are the perfect pair with how passionate they are about finding the answers and getting justice. Whilst this is the first case for the newly formed team they are on and it is a very cold case the danger is is active and leads to some close suspense, twists along with answers and while this is happening also some romance!

[Schuyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

**There’s a lot of historical off-page death and grief is a big theme of this book please check content notes before reading this. Aside from the main plot of investigation into Indigenous cold-cases.**

I feel kind of refreshed reading a cheesy category romance even though this is a really heavy book. I would like to say that I felt like it was shown really well the development of Sayeh and Levi’s relationship that I think it felt believable, which was also very refreshing.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cold case mystery tale that centers on a team from Bureau of Indian Affairs. The personalities of the lead investigator and her new partner is front and center. It examines the adjustments they must make to working together to become a team. If you like police mysteries then this is a good one. The story gets a bit of a slow start but as everyone is introduced and clues are found the tale picks up steam and becomes harder and harder to put down.

[Harlequin Books]

Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Big Sky Justice (Book #3)

[Amy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with drama, excitement and intense times. Each page left me wanting more and guessing what happens next. I loved the characters and how well they interact with one another!

[Sera R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the beginning, the action storyline was good but the MCs were kinda too frustrating to root for. Levi just got on my nerves mostly.

[Em Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid read. It was a place filler I picked up before continuing another series. Mystery was good romance as a little more slow burn than I like, but good read over all.