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Murder in the Appalachians

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On the run in the mountains…

with a killer on their trail.

After unearthing secrets from her late brother’s police notebook, journalist Emma Hayes discovers his death was no accident—he was murdered. Only someone doesn’t want Emma to find out the connection to the cold case her brother was investigating…and they’ll kill to keep it that way. Now Emma must rely on local ER doctor Logan Greer to help her stay alive and follow a trail of elusive evidence. But as they unravel a conspiracy, they realize that the killer could be anyone hiding in the mountains…

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

38 people are currently reading
147 people want to read

About the author

Susan Furlong

32 books834 followers

Susan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types. She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.


To learn more about her writing, visit her website at www.susanfurlong.com

BookBub @SusanFurlongAuthor
Twitter: @Furlong_Sue
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Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...



Writing as: Susan Furlong/Lucy Arlington

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,468 reviews589 followers
April 23, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

MURDER IN THE APPALACHIANS by Susan Furlong is an edge-of-you-seat Christian romantic suspense/mystery with plenty of action, twists, and surprises. This standalone Love Inspired Suspense book is set in a small ex-mining town in the scenic West Virginian Appalachian Mountains.

Emma Hayes is an investigative journalist living in Washington, D.C. who returns to her twin brother’s mountain cabin after his death. He was a police officer, supposedly killed while handling a traffic stop, but after listening to a message left by him on her phone, Emma believes he was murdered while investigating a local cold case. In her search of his cabin, she finds his notebook but is then chased by a masked man and shot at. She escapes down the river.

On vacation and fly fishing on the river, Dr. Logan Greer discovers a woman on the riverbank freezing. He takes her to his free clinic and his sister, a physician’s assistant, takes care of her wounds, and they take her home. Emma does not know who to trust, but Logan gains her trust as he saves her life more than once. What Emma does not know is that the cold case she is looking into ties to the disappearance of Logan’s youngest sister.

Someone is determined to keep their secrets, and to stop the attempts on their lives, Emma and Logan must uncover the secrets of this cold case and find the killer.

This is one of those stories that pull you in and you just want to read it from start to finish. Emma and Logan are both dealing with trauma and loss and are at different places in their relationship with their faith. They are feeling many of the same things, but Emma’s feelings are fresh while Logan has had more years to deal with his feelings even though he continues to search for the truth of his sister’s disappearance. Their romance and faith journeys both felt realistic and believable. This is a Christian based romance, so there are a few kisses, but no sex scenes. The suspense plot is intense and kept me turning the pages and continually guessing who was involved and who was innocent. I was very satisfied with the resolutions in the suspense plot, the cold case mystery and the HEA.

I highly recommend this exciting Christian romantic suspense!
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,134 reviews127 followers
June 20, 2025
Good story and characters.
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
717 reviews1,048 followers
April 13, 2025
Murder in the Appalachians by Susan Furlong - 4 Stars
Blog post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...


This is probably my favorite love inspired romantic suspense book I have read so far! Really enjoyed the setting and fast paced suspense. Just the right pallet cleanse I needed. This was a random NetGalley ARC request and I am glad I requested it!

We follow Emma Hayes who is seeking answers after her brothers mysterious death - she goes back to get her brother's police notebook but someone was there looking for it themselves....she takes off and ends up off a riverbank. She wakes up to local ER doctor Logan Greer who is trying to help keep her safe and alive. He is helping her figure out what is going on, who is after her and who killed her brother....but everywhere they turn.....a killer could be right on them hiding in the mountains.

The faith content in this stands out, there's a great moment where Emma cries out to the Lord - really emotional for her and you as the reader. Really liked the backstory too of how Logan was technically connected to her brother and that situation, very interesting. This is one of those feel good, quick romance reads that you just need sometimes. :)

Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for N.Y. Dunlap.
Author 3 books51 followers
March 29, 2025
“Her confidence in him twisted his gut; her brother had died while he’d sat paralyzed, prisoner to his painful past.”

Great quote from Susan Furlong’s Murder in the Appalachians which attests to how the backstory to this book is super powerful. The fact that Logan was the last person to see Emma’s brother alive—the doctor who tried to resuscitate him. Wow! I am absolutely a fan of backstory and this one was woven into the story very well adding to the tension and making me root for their happily ever after!

Christian takeaway: TEN STARS! If I could give this story extra stars, I would. The pivotal moment where Emma is in pain and wants to connect with Jesus, but intrusive thoughts lie to her really tugged my heart. She is truly an overcomer. The epilogue wrapped up the story very well, and the author’s note was an added bonus reminding me that Christian authors have a calling. Good job. A must read.
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,700 reviews212 followers
March 9, 2025
Susan Furlong, the Author of “Murder in the Appalachians” has written a captivating, intriguing and exhilarating novel. The Genres for this novel are Mystery, Suspense, and Romance. In this intense novel, the author vividly describes the Appalachian landscape, the scenery, and the complicated and complex characters. There are twists and turns, betrayals, lies, secrets, dangers and murder.

The protagonist of the story, Emma Hayes, a journalist, returns home to investigate the death of her twin brother.Emma’s brother was a Police Officer and his death was ruled an accident, but Emma has reason to believe that someone killed him. Emma is looking for a notebook that her brother kept, or any other information that can help her in her investigation. Someone is looking for Emma, believing she has certain information. They want and will get this in any way possible. Emma’s life is in danger, and there are several times someone has tried to kill her. Logan Greer, an Emergency Doctor saves her life, and is determined to help Emma find the killer, and stay safe. As they unravel secrets and conspiracies, Emma and anyone near her is in terrible danger. I recommend this intense, fast-moving, suspenseful novel.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
665 reviews82 followers
March 2, 2025
Susan has written an amazing story with this one. There’s so much suspense, a lot of mystery that keeps you guessing, and a sweet romance that slowly develops. I couldn’t stop reading and was excited to see how it all ended. As someone who loves romance, I thought that would be the part that kept me reading, but honestly, the suspense had me hooked. I was so focused on figuring out who did it… she really pulled me into the story!

The story follows Emma, an investigative journalist trying to figure out who killed her brother. In doing so, she accidentally brings a criminal out of hiding, putting her life at risk. Many people think her brother’s death was an easy case to solve, but Emma knows there’s more to it. As she gets closer to the truth, the more danger she’s in. While running for her life, she meets Logan, a veteran struggling with PTSD and guilt over the death of a patient. He’s in the mountains trying to clear his mind, but once he sees Emma is in danger, he can’t just walk away. With his own sister’s unsolved case still haunting him, he wonders if he can also uncover the truth behind it. As they work together, they start developing feelings for each other. But Emma is only staying until the case is solved, and then she’s returning to DC. Logan has a big secret he knows he’ll have to tell her eventually. But none of that matters if he can’t keep her safe from the people after her.

This story is a real page-turner. The romance felt real and sweet, and the mystery was definitely my favorite part.

I rated this one 4.5 stars, rounded up to a 5!

I received a free copy of this book, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,311 reviews162 followers
April 26, 2025
Murder In The Appalachians by Susan Furlong may be a quick read, but it is jam packed with danger and mystery.

Emma Hayes is a journalist and is dead set on finding out how her twin brother died. She doesn’t believe it was an accident, and the more she investigates, the more danger she faces. Someone doesn’t want the past to come to light.

Logan Greer is an emergency room doctor who’s sister had disappeared. No one knows what had become of her. He saves Emma’s life, and it doesn’t take long for them to fall in love. They work together to solve the mysteries of the past.

There is a Christian element and both characters will be tested. It’s not in your face preachy, but a part of the characters lives that they fall back on when they need help the most.

My thanks go out to Susan Furlong for the opportunity to read and review Murder In The Appalachians.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
802 reviews16 followers
January 30, 2025
This book takes the reader in a suspenseful ride where they are unsure who to trust and what is going to happen next.

It's interesting that both Logan and Emma are dealing with the disappearance or murder of their siblings. Logan is also such a noble guy as he continues to help Emma even though he hardly knows her.

The excitement and suspense abound in this book. I can't say anymore without ruining the surprises, but check this book out!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Christine.
1,966 reviews61 followers
April 25, 2025
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this excellent romantic suspense/mystery. Journalist Emma Hayes returns from Washington, DC to the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia, when her twin brother dies. Emma doesn't believe the official story that Daniel's death was just a tragic accident, especially since her brother, who was a police officer, told her that he had been looking into a cold case. Emma finds herself in danger almost immediately upon her arrival, and Dr. Logan Greer is on the scene to help.

The author's writing is very descriptive. I could easily picture the settings and scenes being described. The story is fast-paced and full of action right from the beginning, and the suspense continues throughout the book. I liked both Emma and Logan. Even though they were each dealing with current and past issues, it was great seeing them form a connection. Their investigation into Daniel's death, as well as the cold case he had been investigating, was engaging. Logan has a couple different links to the case as well, one of which he's afraid to tell Emma.

I like that this book concentrates mainly on the mystery with Emma and Logan's feelings for each other developing naturally as part of the story. I also like that Emma is a strong character and instead of being one-sided, she and Logan both support each other. After reading this book, I definitely want to read more by this author.

I received a gifted copy of this book from Partners in Crime Book Tours and the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Profile Image for Kari.
4,027 reviews96 followers
August 7, 2025
Murder in the Appalachians is an action packed mystery with a sweet romance in it as well. Emma is convinced that her brother's death had more behind it than the police were letting on. Logan, the doctor who literally saved her, knew he had to help her find the truth. There were so much action in this that it was hard to put the book down. I wanted to know what happened next. The mystery was hard to figure out and I loved that. Emma and Logan were perfect for each other. They both were able to both get closure in multiple ways. I also loved Logan's relationship with his sister Rachel. I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Marla.
119 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2025
Every time I read one of Susan’s books it really hits home in my faith. Emma and Logan both struggled with things but found through this time they could lean on their faith. This book was really good a page turner. Loved it
Profile Image for Justin Lambe.
Author 10 books8 followers
March 28, 2025
Furlong has penned another suspenseful novel. The story is fast-paced, leaving you wondering what will happen on the next page. Journalist Emma Hayes finds secrets embedded on the pages of her brother's police notebook. A cold case pops up to the reader. I was looking for clues, as I read this story to try and piece the puzzle pieces together to solve the case. I enjoyed this story, and I know you will too. Take a step into the mountains and help Emma Hayes solve this mystery regarding her brother's death.
Profile Image for Rebecca Trump.
Author 1 book77 followers
March 10, 2025
I had never read a book by Susan Furlong until this one. Murder in the Appalachians was a first-rate murder mystery. It had edge-of-your-seat action and suspense with a cold case that will take you in circles. Just when you think you have it figured out, look out. Good job, Susan!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
Profile Image for Jesus Beach Girl Reads.
400 reviews21 followers
March 20, 2025
Secrets, murder, cold case, conspiracy - hang on it’s a thrilling bumpy ride from cover to cover.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Harlequin and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for ANNETTE.
1,130 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2025
This story is so good !
Emma is looking for answers regarding her twin brother. The action is non-stop in every chapter. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
There comes Logan looking for answers about his missing sister. I love how the authors ties it all together. So, Emma & Logan starting learning about Trust and start falling in love.
such a good story!
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,534 reviews142 followers
April 1, 2025
Good suspense with danger, intrigue, corruption, and a murder that stalls a cold case investigation. Emma Hayes is an investigative journalist who tries to find out who killed her twin brother Daniel and which case he was working on. Dr. Logan Greer is on vacation and fishing when he sees an unconscious Emma across the stream. He rescues her and starts helping her in her search for the truth.
Emma has a crisis of faith when she does not understand why God let her brother die. Logan has a strong faith but still struggles with PTSD from his time in the service. When they try to put the pieces of the puzzle together, they get deeper in trouble. They are not only seeking what clue Daniel left behind, but also the mysterious disappearance of Logan’s sister years ago. They do not know who to trust.
This was a realistic tale that kept me guessing until the final reveal. I enjoyed the faith journey of Logan and Emma as well as the romance that grew between them. The supporting characters, Joe and Rachel and veteran Huey, added depth to the plot that was complex and interesting.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Love Inspired Suspense through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Profile Image for Renee Helton.
872 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2025
Great Story and wonderful characters.
Full of action and plot twists.
looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,641 reviews
March 30, 2025
This was such a compelling story. I loved the cold case plot points and Emma and Logan were great characters. The story had a a couple surprises and a satisfying ending. This is the second book by Susan I have enjoyed recently and she is definitely becoming a must read author for me. She has a new fan in me!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book514 followers
April 19, 2025
From the moment that Emma Hayes replays the voicemail that her police officer brother left her before his suspicious death, I was intrigued by this story. But as soon as she pries up the floorboard in his cabin a few sentences later, pulls out his police notebook, looks up and sees a security camera watching her and a man with a gun heading her way, I was completely hooked.

Emma’s race through the mountain wilderness, bullets splintering the trees around her, and her subsequent plunge into the river and surrendering to its current had me holding my breath and praying she’d make it out alive… and WE ARE ONLY HALFWAY THROUGH THE FIRST CHAPTER. I knew I was in for a riveting read, and I was right. I also knew I should probably find a backup oxygen supply… Then Logan finds her on the riverbank (still in the first chapter) and we’ve got ourselves a sweet romance to watch develop as the story progresses from there. Logan’s character is so much more than a potential love interest or protector for Emma (though he fills both roles quite nicely); his compelling backstory has layers that continued to both surprise me and move me. And once we see how his and Emma stories intersected even before he rescues her that first time… well, those layers just get even more compelling. I really liked both Emma and Logan, as well as Logan’s sister Rachel and her husband Joe, and I would happily spend more time with these characters in the future, should the author be so inclined to include them – even peripherally – in another novel.

Bottom Line: Susan Furlong always gives me characters I can get invested in, and the people we meet in Murder in the Appalachians are no exception. Including Logan’s friend Huey and his ‘safe house’ full of veterans who made me smile. Emma and Logan are a couple that’s easy to root for – not only for their safety and catching the bad guys, but also for their happily-ever-after and their spiritual growth too. The investigation into Emma’s brother’s death, trying to decipher the clues he left behind for her, figuring out who wants her dead, and trying to stay alive long enough to do all of the above held my attention and kept my mind engaged with the possibilities, including how it all may or may not tie into a cold case with very personal ties to Logan. Needless to say, I definitely recommend that you add this one to your TBR list!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Lily.
42 reviews
June 24, 2025
This was such a good mystery book. Emma is set on finding out what happened to her twin brother’s sudden death. He leaves her clues that leads to a cold-case file that he had requested to investigate. The story starts out with fast paced action as Emma is running from her brother’s cabin with his police notebook. She ends up in the river and from there she meets Logan, the ER doctor. Login has a mystery of his own in his family that ends up in the mix of things. As Emma and Logan search for the truth, they are constantly on the run from the killers. There is so much to this story, and many twists and turns that will definitely keep you reading in one sitting. One of my favourite mysteries and I look forward to reading more from this author. I received this e-book for free from Harlequin via NetGalley, and the opinions I express are honest and my own.
Profile Image for dianas_books_cars_coffee.
440 reviews15 followers
April 4, 2025
I absolutely love this author, and every book I read by her just keeps getting better!

When Emma Hayes's police officer brother, Daniel, is killed in the line of duty, she heads to West Virginia from Washington, D.C. They say he was killed during a routine traffic stop, but Emma believes there is more to it because of the message he left her. It appears he was working on a cold case and had been taking notes. After finding the notebook, Emma starts her own investigation. But it appears that someone doesn't want her to know the truth.
Logan Greer is an ER doctor and also runs a clinic for those who don't have insurance. His sister, Kate, went missing 10 years ago, and he still has no clue what happened to her. By chance, he runs into Emma and is pulled into her investigation of Daniel's death. He finds himself determined to keep her safe. As they follow clues and get closer to the truth, it becomes more dangerous. They don't know who to trust; anyone in the town could be part of the conspiracy. Will they be able to find out what really happened to Daniel without getting themselves killed?

Told from the point of view of Emma and Logan, this book was fast-paced and suspenseful. There was tons of action that kept me on the edge of my seat! There was seriously never a dull moment! The mystery of Daniel's death and Kate's disappearance was incredibly intriguing. I was completely shocked by the outcome! I loved the setting of the small West Virginia mountain town and the budding romance between Emma and Logan! Emma's determination and Logan's willingness to help were definitely inspiring! This was a short book and totally bingeable. It was incredibly entertaining, and I loved it! HIGHLY recommend!
526 reviews21 followers
April 18, 2025
4.5

*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours for including me on this tour!

Cold case, on the run, trust…

Emma, an investigative journalist travels from WDC to W VA. Her policeman / twin brother was recently killed in the line of duty. Emma just doesn’t believe this and suspects he was murdered. Shortly after finding his police notebook in his cabin, Emma becomes a target. But who is targeting her? And why?

Murder in the Appalachians is described as a romantic suspense book. I consider this whodunnit/ whydunnit to be a mystery/suspense genre with just a tiche of romance.

The two main characters share a loss of some kind. Emma is a very determined, inquisitive, focused, and career-oriented person. ER Dr Logan is a very helpful, generous, respectable man who is always willing to help in any way he can. They were only 2 of the characters I liked.

The W VA setting delivered local charm and rustic appeal. I live in the W foothills of the Appalachian Mountains - the author vividly, accurately described the area!

This action-packed storyline grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I was interested in what was going to happen right up to the big reveal. A fast-paced, intense storyline. I read this one in one afternoon!

This is my 3rd book by this author! I will read future books!
147 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2025
Another really good book. A doctor with PTSD from being a soldier and a hard nosed investigative journalist try to find answers for her brother’s death and his sister’s disappearance.
Profile Image for Tammy Morse.
423 reviews55 followers
June 12, 2025
Murder in the Appalachians
Susan Furlong

Emma Hayes- Investigater
Logan Greer - Doctor

Emma went to the Appalachians to find out what happened to her brother. He was investigating a cold case. Emma get to his cabin and found a notebook when she shot at. So had to put in a protective bag then she made a run for. When she ran through the river that is when she met Dr. Logan Greer.
Dr.Logan Greer took her back to the clinic he ran with his sister.
The more they looked the more trouble followed them.
They had to known just where they went because of Sheriff Davis put a tracking device in a shirt that was Daniels .What happens to Emma and Logan and Rachel?
Susan wrote a fabulous story with great details.
She matched each character together perfectly.
I loved is book and read it in 3 days. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jolene.
272 reviews21 followers
September 28, 2025
This fantastic read blends a suspenseful mystery with a meaningful faith based perspective that gave the story so much depth. The mountain setting made the tension feel even more real, and I loved how the characters struggles and faith felt genuine without ever slowing down the pace.

It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages late into the night, but also leaves you thinking about the bigger picture. A great mix of suspense and heart. I’ll definitely be reading more from Susan Furlong.
Profile Image for Josephine Sorrell.
1,946 reviews41 followers
February 28, 2025
"Murder in the Appalachians" is a Christian book of suspense, mystery and romance. Emma is an investigative journalist and her brother is a detective. He had been looking into an old, closed, murder case. Now her brother is dead. The murderer's in prison, so what got him killed? Emma uses his police notebook in her search for clues. Logan, an ER doctor helps protect her as she investigated. Interestingly, Logan’s sister went missing during that same event. As they work together, they become close and thus romantically involved

I found Logan and Emma interesting and most likable characters as they supported each other and built each other up. The story also explores the loss of loved ones and the difficulty of moving forward in life.
I recommend this engaging novel of romantic suspense filled with mystery.
Profile Image for Sue Em.
1,814 reviews122 followers
April 10, 2025
3.75⭐ rounded up
When Emma Hayes goes to her family's cabin to search for answers about her twin brother's murder, someone starts shooting at her. From that point on, there's non-stop action as she investigates the cold case he was looking into and possibly had something to do with his death. Not knowing who to trust in this small West Virginia town makes staying alive and finding the truth almost impossible. There's some big twists that I didn't see coming to keep it interesting. Also some intriguing characters that I would have enjoyed reading about more. Additionally I highly recommend this author's backlist offerings, especially the Bone Gap Traveler series which were all 5⭐ reads for me. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,953 reviews42 followers
September 10, 2025
Bel mistero, con una soluzione complessa, che solo in parte avevo capito. Personaggi interessanti e una copertina che mi ha subito attirato.
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,064 reviews14 followers
March 10, 2025
Emma Hayes goes to her brothers' cabin after has died. She is looking for anything that tell her what he was working on before he died. He was a police officer killed during a traffic stop, but she knows it was actually a murder. When is at the cabin a man appears and is trying to kill her; she does get away and local ER doctor Logan Greer finds her. When he finds out who she is he decides to help her find the truth. Logan is also keeping secrets from Emma along with the police department.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,339 reviews
March 3, 2025
As I read I could picture the colorful beauty, hear the leaves crinkle under Emma’s feet as she walked through the Appalachian Mountains in autumn. As Emma, an investigative journalist try’s to find answers to who killed her brother who is a detective.
A story that kept me engaged, fast paced, kept me turning those pages, suspense, twists and turns, adventures. Mystery to keep you guessing.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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