Cold Case Reckoning

Big Sky Country #5

by Kimberly Van Meter

 

She wasn’t the kind of woman who granted second chances…

No matter how much he might want one

Sparks fly when former lovers BIA Agent Shilah Parker and private investigator Brannon Ventura are thrown together to reinvestigate a twenty-five-year-old murder case. The case is especially personal for Brannon, who believes his biological father was wrongly convicted of the crime. But uncooperative police and local townsfolk create challenges at every turn—complications that pale in comparison to their lingering feelings. Until they uncover a corrupt secret society that has Shilah in their crosshairs. They must confront their painful past to find justice—and a second chance at love.

From Harlequin Romantic Danger. Passion. Drama.

Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Big Sky Justice

Book 1: Danger in Big Sky Country
Book 2: Her K-9 Protector
Book 3: Cold Case Secrets
Book 4: Cold Case Kidnapping
Book 5: Cold Case Reckoning

Genres: Harlequin

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

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

This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense, and this is the 5th book in the Big Sky Justice series. I read some of the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I think you can read this book as a standalone. I was pulled into this story from the first page, and I did not want to put this book down. I loved the characters in this book. I loved all the past drama between the two main characters, and the cold case small town good old boy drama. This book takes you on a crazy wild ride with a ton of twists and turns which I was living for. Great read everything I wanted in this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Cold Case Reckoning is the fifth title in the Big Sky Justice series, bringing us Shilah’s and Brannon’s tumultuous relationship that has already been through some hard knocks.

Shilah takes the lead position on this new cold case investigation, although it’s more than a little puzzling since the man held responsible for the crime is already in prison. Sometimes things aren’t always what they seem. The last person she expected to be partnered up with was Brannon. The private investigator is a flash from her romantic past, one that should have stayed in that past. Yet, Brannon is convinced that his father did not commit the crime he’s in prison for… and needs to prove it. Working together isn’t going to be easy, but then neither will getting to the truth of this mystery.

I enjoyed Cold Case Reckoning by Kimberly Van Meter so much. It’s well-written, drawing me in from the opening scenes. The tensions between Shilah and Brannon leap off the page. Perhaps that past attraction isn’t so over and done with as Shilah might have believed. The investigation takes several twists, some that caught me totally off-guard. The danger is high, the characters believable, the villains are vile, and the conclusion is completely satisfying. If you love solving puzzles, seeing romance rekindled, and love watching a couple finding their way back to each other for a second chance to get their love right, then you’ll love this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shilah finally gets to lead an investigation but has to tamp down her disappointment when she learns the killer is already in prison. Or is he? It doesn't take long after Shilah and Brannon arrive in Leverett to determine that something is amiss.

I was definitely on the edge of my seat the further I got into this story regarding the horrible things that were going on behind the scenes and the discovery of who were involved. There was so much danger and thankfully backup was sent to help. The personal interactions between Shilah and Brannon were pretty emotional and you couldn't help but root for them to have their HEA.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Shilah backed herself and the law when they went to get answers and hated how corrupt the town was along with unwilling to try and help her and Brannon get answers. Slowly finding out more about Mandy as well as Brannon and Shilah's past kept you hooked as the more you learn the more questions and answers you get. This story is was wonderfully weaved together and has you cheering for Shilah and Brannon to not only right the wrongs of the past while bringing the bad guys down and also healing their hearts.

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

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author to me and I really enjoyed this read. A cold case second chance story with loads of action that will suck you in and keep you reading.
I liked that it was set in a different background to most stories. The investigator is tenacious, the villains are seriously bad, and there are a few twists you don’t see coming. However, I would caution if you have any SA triggers this might not be a book for you.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Harlequin Books]

Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Big Sky Justice (Book #5)

[Colleen Coughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Big Sky Justice series. This one did not disappoint.

Great to also see some attention paid to issues surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women.