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Cape Refuge #3
River's Edge
Was Lisa Jackson’s disappearance related to politics, her husband’s affair, or her long-term infertility?
Ben Jackson is going head to head with Jonathan Cleary in Cape Refuge’s mayoral race—and he’s even expected to win—when his wife Lisa turns up missing the day before the major debate. Suddenly the town is in turmoil as proof of an alleged affair surfaces, indicating that Ben Jackson might have had motive to kill his wife.
Meanwhile, newspaper owner Blair Owens has other suspicions—and so does Police Chief Cade. Together they dig deeply into the mysterious disappearance that soon spirals into a web of confusion, dark secrets, and unsettling fraud.
Then the town’s psychic reveals the location of Lisa’s body—at the bottom of the river. Even though Blair doesn’t believe his paranormal gift is real, she can’t imagine how he knew where the body was.
The small-town scandal quickly turns into a national media event. Is the murderer one of the obvious suspects . . . or someone they have no reason to doubt?
Ben Jackson is going head to head with Jonathan Cleary in Cape Refuge’s mayoral race—and he’s even expected to win—when his wife Lisa turns up missing the day before the major debate. Suddenly the town is in turmoil as proof of an alleged affair surfaces, indicating that Ben Jackson might have had motive to kill his wife.
Meanwhile, newspaper owner Blair Owens has other suspicions—and so does Police Chief Cade. Together they dig deeply into the mysterious disappearance that soon spirals into a web of confusion, dark secrets, and unsettling fraud.
Then the town’s psychic reveals the location of Lisa’s body—at the bottom of the river. Even though Blair doesn’t believe his paranormal gift is real, she can’t imagine how he knew where the body was.
The small-town scandal quickly turns into a national media event. Is the murderer one of the obvious suspects . . . or someone they have no reason to doubt?
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2004
311 people are currently reading
2010 people want to read
About the author
Terri Blackstock
90 books5,525 followersTerri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
September 6, 2020
What an intense story, with lots of twists and turns! Can't wait to read the finale!
May 15, 2023
This has been my favorite book in the series so far. I just love it that the storyline focuses on the same characters as the previous books, with a few new ones. Definitely mystery and suspense! In this one, I didn’t see the ending coming. I thought it was someone else. A page turner for sure.
Faith based and clean, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite series I’ve read. Looking forward to jumping into the final book of the series!
Faith based and clean, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite series I’ve read. Looking forward to jumping into the final book of the series!
January 22, 2020
Personally I wish Ms. Blackstock had placed the Afterword before chapter one. It gave great insights into Ms. Blackstock's motivation for writing, and the reader can see where she was going with regard to her faith as she wrote. I found it not only enlightening but encouraging.
Story:
Two characters face years of infertility. Their husbands are both vying for mayor of a small town on an island outside Savannah. But that doesn't stop them from being friends and being a support system for the other when their emotions are low from lack of children.
When one turns up missing, the whole town is concerned. What followed were enough accusations, rumors and arrests to make this one really good book!
Thoughts:
One GR friend offered the thought that it requires some suspension of belief. I found that to be true on two accounts, but the characters and the storyline helped me to put that aside and just enjoy the book.
Now, to find the two previous books so I can get a fuller picture of Cape Refuge and it's citizens.
Story:
Two characters face years of infertility. Their husbands are both vying for mayor of a small town on an island outside Savannah. But that doesn't stop them from being friends and being a support system for the other when their emotions are low from lack of children.
When one turns up missing, the whole town is concerned. What followed were enough accusations, rumors and arrests to make this one really good book!
Thoughts:
One GR friend offered the thought that it requires some suspension of belief. I found that to be true on two accounts, but the characters and the storyline helped me to put that aside and just enjoy the book.
Now, to find the two previous books so I can get a fuller picture of Cape Refuge and it's citizens.
September 19, 2015
#3 Cape Refuge
A series I recommend reading in order, as a lot of the background of this story happens in #1 and #2.
I'm really enjoying this series! I loved being back in Cape Refuge and meeting back up with familiar characters, and getting to know some new ones.
I felt the subject of infertility was handled very sensitively, portraying well the feelings of those who go through this.
The subject of physics and what the Bible has to say about them, and how they can affect us was also dealt with well. It was well played out through the characters. I was a bit nervous to start with when the subject came up in the story wondering where the author was going with the story line, but I soon relaxed as the story unfolded.
Cape Refuge Series
#1
#2
#3
#4
A series I recommend reading in order, as a lot of the background of this story happens in #1 and #2.
I'm really enjoying this series! I loved being back in Cape Refuge and meeting back up with familiar characters, and getting to know some new ones.
I felt the subject of infertility was handled very sensitively, portraying well the feelings of those who go through this.
The subject of physics and what the Bible has to say about them, and how they can affect us was also dealt with well. It was well played out through the characters. I was a bit nervous to start with when the subject came up in the story wondering where the author was going with the story line, but I soon relaxed as the story unfolded.
Cape Refuge Series
#1
#2
#3
#4
May 20, 2019
5/3/19
Another great installment in the Cape Refuge series. It requires some suspension of belief for the capabilities of a small-town police department, but I bumped it up to four stars because I came to care so deeply about these characters.
Another great installment in the Cape Refuge series. It requires some suspension of belief for the capabilities of a small-town police department, but I bumped it up to four stars because I came to care so deeply about these characters.
September 19, 2019
The third book in this series is just as thrilling as the others. I love these characters and can't get enough of them. The books should be read in order so you don't miss any of the ongoing story.
January 3, 2018
Ben Johnson's wife is missing. A psychic's vision leads police to her body. A national media circus plays out.
What a story. It's great on many levels as a lot happens within the pages of River's Edge. I read Book one and two a few years ago and remembered why I liked this series so much. The characters are memorable and likable.
The plot kept me turning the pages, wanting to find out, "who did it." Great book.
One part of the book spoke to me. I had to be strong with someone I love and who had been on drugs. I wondered if I'd been too hard on him until I read a passage.
"But it's no one else's fault. It's just mine. I'm the one who's failed myself. I'm the one who's failed my children."
(The person I'd been speaking to has blamed everyone except himself.)
Great book.
What a story. It's great on many levels as a lot happens within the pages of River's Edge. I read Book one and two a few years ago and remembered why I liked this series so much. The characters are memorable and likable.
The plot kept me turning the pages, wanting to find out, "who did it." Great book.
One part of the book spoke to me. I had to be strong with someone I love and who had been on drugs. I wondered if I'd been too hard on him until I read a passage.
"But it's no one else's fault. It's just mine. I'm the one who's failed myself. I'm the one who's failed my children."
(The person I'd been speaking to has blamed everyone except himself.)
Great book.
August 2, 2016
This is book 3 of the Cape Refuge series. As usual I was kept in suspense throughout the whole story not even realizing who the killer was until the last chapter. Blackstock gives a testimony at the end of the book on her style of writing. No matter how much she mentions her writing, she always gives praise to the Bible and mentions how her books could not even approach the glory of the Bible. She praises the Word of God. Every story I read from her, I can see the providence and sovereignty of God. I recommend her writings to every Christian who has the opportunity of reading her works.
February 16, 2024
No ring ☹️ ……yet🫣
June 27, 2024
This book has to be the best one yet! However, I hate how Cade treats Blair and I hate that it’s normalized. He seems like a big brat and I’m tired of his character. Blair loves him but he treats her like an idiot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
started off a bit slow then things really picked up! i absolutely love this series and am excited to read the finale! 🤩
September 30, 2024
In my humble and honest opinion, this is the best book thus far in this series!!! Kept me guessing until the final few chapters- much more suspenseful!
August 14, 2018
Lots going on in this book.. media is a big topic.. infertility and dishonest doctors..
prisoner rehabilitation.. politics.
The author’s afterword was a highlight for me.
prisoner rehabilitation.. politics.
The author’s afterword was a highlight for me.
October 29, 2009
Terri Blackstock writes another murder mystery with a Christian perspective. She feels that her books are her ministry. Sometimes when I read this type of book, I find the author very preachy, but she strikes a nice balance between an interesting story and sharing her beliefs.
This story is the third book in the Cape Refuge series. This fictitious island off Georgia's coast has seen a surge of murders recently. Police Chief Cade is now on the hot seat as the mayor's race heats up. Two of the candidates (Ben and Sam)don't think he is doing a good job and would love to get rid of him. It's only long time friend, Jonathan, who is also a mayoral candidate who continues to believe in him.
When Ben's wife disappears and is found murdered, the pressure is on to find the killer before he strikes again. Rumors are flying that Ben was having an affair. Perhaps he or his mistress were behind Lisa's murder? Rounding out the cast is Blair, who recently bought the island newspaper, her sister Morgan who desperately wants a baby, a psychic, a tabloid reporter, and the residents of Hanover House who are trying to put their lives back together again.
This story is the third book in the Cape Refuge series. This fictitious island off Georgia's coast has seen a surge of murders recently. Police Chief Cade is now on the hot seat as the mayor's race heats up. Two of the candidates (Ben and Sam)don't think he is doing a good job and would love to get rid of him. It's only long time friend, Jonathan, who is also a mayoral candidate who continues to believe in him.
When Ben's wife disappears and is found murdered, the pressure is on to find the killer before he strikes again. Rumors are flying that Ben was having an affair. Perhaps he or his mistress were behind Lisa's murder? Rounding out the cast is Blair, who recently bought the island newspaper, her sister Morgan who desperately wants a baby, a psychic, a tabloid reporter, and the residents of Hanover House who are trying to put their lives back together again.
November 6, 2014
Once again, Terri Blackstock has created an intricate mystery with several sub-plots weaving their way through the main mystery. She included several sub-plots involving themes you don't often see in Christian fiction: infertility, psychics (palm-reading), and halfway houses. This is the third book in the Cape Refuge series and I have enjoyed them all.
June 8, 2024
This book was wild. There were so many suspects and plot points.
I loved the family aspect and the faith content. Blair and Cade continued to grow. Sadie, Caleb, and Sheila made an interesting dynamic. Jonathan and Morgan work so hard and they were so faithful through all the pain.
Why is it a four? For two reasons.
One: there is a psychic in this book. It was explained a bit, but I would have liked it a bit more fleshed out at the end. I did enjoy the emphasis on trusting God for our life
Two: While the romantic content was clearer than book 2, this deals a lot with infertility. There is some basic terminology surrounding this as well as a miscarriage scene at the beginning (not detailed, mostly blood).
Overall, I enjoyed this third book a lot
Content: miscarriage, kisses (up to almost semi-detailed), infertility and terminology surrounding it, violence
I loved the family aspect and the faith content. Blair and Cade continued to grow. Sadie, Caleb, and Sheila made an interesting dynamic. Jonathan and Morgan work so hard and they were so faithful through all the pain.
Why is it a four? For two reasons.
One: there is a psychic in this book. It was explained a bit, but I would have liked it a bit more fleshed out at the end. I did enjoy the emphasis on trusting God for our life
Two: While the romantic content was clearer than book 2, this deals a lot with infertility. There is some basic terminology surrounding this as well as a miscarriage scene at the beginning (not detailed, mostly blood).
Overall, I enjoyed this third book a lot
Content: miscarriage, kisses (up to almost semi-detailed), infertility and terminology surrounding it, violence
December 17, 2020
The further I get into this series, the better it gets! I thought it was a mistake for the author to repeat the plot point of putting the wrong person in jail and just leaving them there for most of the book, like she did in the first book. Both times it just made Cade look inept. However, other than that I really enjoyed this book! Not predictable at all.
September 5, 2022
3⭐️
Jonathan is running for mayor and Cade’s position as Police Chief is threatened if the opposition wins.
The wife of a different candidate has gone missing.
Mandy and Jonathan try to conceive a baby after a miscarriage.
Sadie’s mom might be released from prison.
This story is heavily saturated with infertility & fertility treatments content.
Jonathan is running for mayor and Cade’s position as Police Chief is threatened if the opposition wins.
The wife of a different candidate has gone missing.
Mandy and Jonathan try to conceive a baby after a miscarriage.
Sadie’s mom might be released from prison.
This story is heavily saturated with infertility & fertility treatments content.
January 2, 2019
This third book is a bit over the top. This series is set in a small town supposedly. Too much happens in this small town for it to feel even remotely real. I will not read the last book in this series.
August 11, 2020
Amazing read!
September 14, 2020
Love love love this series! great book!
December 13, 2021
Exciting mystery and plenty of twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I feel attached to the main characters too.
November 13, 2022
A good mystery with a surprise ending - story has it all - murder - small town police - romance - rehabilitation.. politics - family - strong faith in God - held my interest to the end & it became a "page turner"
January 24, 2022
Probably the least best in the series, it's more sad and intense than the other ones but still really good!❤
August 27, 2024
This one kept me guessing till the end. Good mystery.
June 20, 2020
Very enjoyable!
August 19, 2023
The wife of a mayoral candidate has gone missing, is the husband involved in fowl play or is there more going on than it appears? I was intrigued by the mystery, there are quite a few suspects with possible motives. What really happened and who is responsible? The actions of a particular character were horrible, how could someone treat others that way just for money? Sickening! A couple things I didn't like are 1: the reveal at the end of the villain did not seem to be fully explained, it seemed a bit far-fetched and I questioned the realness of it. Second, I did not like the character of Sheila and she seemed forced into scenes. This story focuses quite a bit on infertility and fertility treatments which could be triggering for some readers. I really enjoyed Morgan and Blair's conversation about the Armor of God and how we are to equip ourselves with it.
This review and others can be found at: C Jane Read.
This review and others can be found at: C Jane Read.
July 27, 2024
I was not aware there were other books in this series. I had the audio book. The narrator was excellent. I enjoyed the twists in the book, but it wasn’t one of my faves. Maybe if I had read the other books first….
January 27, 2015
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
River’s Edge is the third book in Terri Blackstock’s Cape Refuge series. Starting this novel, I was a tad bit nervous, since I haven’t yet read the previous two books in the series (Cape Refuge and Southern Storm) and therefore was unfamiliar with the recurring characters. But as I read, I felt Blackstock gave me enough information to understand her characters and their recent history (without giving any spoiling details) and I quickly connected with the characters, gripped by their intriguing circumstances. The murder mystery sucked me in and held my attention until the very end. I guessed and guessed, but still, the ending surprised me - in a good, satisfying way, of course. Though there were moments when the abundance of perspectives bothered me and the dialogue seemed overly preachy, River’s Edge is an overall fantastic story with plenty of mystery and suspense. I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series, Breaker’s Reef, and I would recommend this one to any fans of the genre.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of River’s Edge and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
River’s Edge is the third book in Terri Blackstock’s Cape Refuge series. Starting this novel, I was a tad bit nervous, since I haven’t yet read the previous two books in the series (Cape Refuge and Southern Storm) and therefore was unfamiliar with the recurring characters. But as I read, I felt Blackstock gave me enough information to understand her characters and their recent history (without giving any spoiling details) and I quickly connected with the characters, gripped by their intriguing circumstances. The murder mystery sucked me in and held my attention until the very end. I guessed and guessed, but still, the ending surprised me - in a good, satisfying way, of course. Though there were moments when the abundance of perspectives bothered me and the dialogue seemed overly preachy, River’s Edge is an overall fantastic story with plenty of mystery and suspense. I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series, Breaker’s Reef, and I would recommend this one to any fans of the genre.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of River’s Edge and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
April 28, 2016
I have read all the books in this series thus far and I'm such a fan of Terri Blackstock. I do think that her more recent books are my favorite and a bit more suspenseful but this is still a great series. That being said this book is centered around infertility in every way. It was interesting to read about and get into the emotions of the characters. The murder is to a woman named Lisa who has been trying for years to have a child. Add some politics, shady business owners, and media and you have yourself a puzzle.
I really like Cade, the man who looks into each murder in each book. He is a great character and it's nice to see how his life progresses throughout the series. I do recommend reading these books in order as the characters and parts of the storyline do flow in each of them.
I really liked this book and the way the author tries to mess with the reader's mind. There is also a huge message on living a Christian life in a bit of a side story.
Highly recommend this series!!
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
I really like Cade, the man who looks into each murder in each book. He is a great character and it's nice to see how his life progresses throughout the series. I do recommend reading these books in order as the characters and parts of the storyline do flow in each of them.
I really liked this book and the way the author tries to mess with the reader's mind. There is also a huge message on living a Christian life in a bit of a side story.
Highly recommend this series!!
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews