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Trail of Suspicion
Uncovering buried secrets
could be fatal for a K-9 and his handler.
When crime scene technician Aurora “Rory” James and her K-9, Moose, stumble upon a dead body in the woods, she finds herself fighting off a killer who wants to hide his crimes. Although she’s the criminal’s next target, Rory doesn’t want protection from Sergeant Asher Mitchell—the man who implicated her father in her mother’s disappearance years ago. But as the attacks escalate and they discover that a second body belongs to Rory’s missing mother, Asher realizes that the murderer will do anything to stop the police investigation. Can Rory and Asher catch the culprit before they become the next victims?
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
could be fatal for a K-9 and his handler.
When crime scene technician Aurora “Rory” James and her K-9, Moose, stumble upon a dead body in the woods, she finds herself fighting off a killer who wants to hide his crimes. Although she’s the criminal’s next target, Rory doesn’t want protection from Sergeant Asher Mitchell—the man who implicated her father in her mother’s disappearance years ago. But as the attacks escalate and they discover that a second body belongs to Rory’s missing mother, Asher realizes that the murderer will do anything to stop the police investigation. Can Rory and Asher catch the culprit before they become the next victims?
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
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46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 8, 2025
Trail of Suspicion by Jennifer Pierce is chock full of danger, intrigue and some good old fashioned run-for-your-life suspense. Rory James is a crime scene technician with a cadaver dog named Moose. They find a body in the woods, and she becomes a target. The last person she wants to protect her is her ex Asher Mitchell.
I love the danger scenes in this story. Rory can't go anywhere without stumbling head first into trouble. So many great plot twists and lots of action make this a must read for suspense fans -- and quite a few betrayals! Rory can't trust anyone. And of course, who doesn't love a bloodhound named Moose. He steals the show.
I listened to this book on audio, and the narrator did a fantastic job with the pacing and keeping the story alive. I enjoyed listening to this book.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love the danger scenes in this story. Rory can't go anywhere without stumbling head first into trouble. So many great plot twists and lots of action make this a must read for suspense fans -- and quite a few betrayals! Rory can't trust anyone. And of course, who doesn't love a bloodhound named Moose. He steals the show.
I listened to this book on audio, and the narrator did a fantastic job with the pacing and keeping the story alive. I enjoyed listening to this book.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 14, 2025
Trail of Suspicion starts with crime tech Rory James returning to her hometown with her K-9 Moose. Moose a cadaver dog comes upon a body while they're doing some training exercises. Rory is attacked and calls it into the sheriff's department. But who answers it but Sgt. Asher Mitchell, the man who ruined her life by letting the former sheriff know he'd heard her mother and father arguing the night she disappeared. So that made her father their prime suspect and the town made him an outcast. For that, Rory won't forgive her one-time best friend.
Asher knows Rory won't forgive him for doing what was right when questioned even though her father holds no ill will, but someone is out to kill her. So he will protect with his life.
This book was so good, I couldn't put it down. But the ending will be a big surprise!
Asher knows Rory won't forgive him for doing what was right when questioned even though her father holds no ill will, but someone is out to kill her. So he will protect with his life.
This book was so good, I couldn't put it down. But the ending will be a big surprise!
October 26, 2025
Very good! RTC soon, God willing. :)The forest doesn’t forget. In Trail of Suspicion, the evidence runs deeper than the soil, and every clue carries the weight of guilt and grace. Jennifer Pierce writes with purpose and precision, letting faith breathe through even the darkest pursuit of truth.
What unfolds feels both fierce and tender, a battle between fear and the quiet strength that only God can give. Through each twist, the story holds its pulse of danger without losing sight of mercy. There is movement, tension, and truth in every line, a reminder that redemption often begins in the places we least expect to find it.
In the audiobook, Melissa Moran’s voice becomes part of the story’s rhythm, steady and vivid, as if she feels each moment unfolding.
Trail of Suspicion reminds us that faith in Jesus is steady even when everything else is not. Pierce offers a glimpse of courage shaped by surrender as she crafts a story woven with suspense, mystery, and the certainty of divine hope.
Perfect for readers who see faith as both shield and compass, and for those still learning how the light of truth can lead them home.
I received a digital audio ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the great writing, engaging narration, and the story’s wonderful content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
What unfolds feels both fierce and tender, a battle between fear and the quiet strength that only God can give. Through each twist, the story holds its pulse of danger without losing sight of mercy. There is movement, tension, and truth in every line, a reminder that redemption often begins in the places we least expect to find it.
In the audiobook, Melissa Moran’s voice becomes part of the story’s rhythm, steady and vivid, as if she feels each moment unfolding.
Trail of Suspicion reminds us that faith in Jesus is steady even when everything else is not. Pierce offers a glimpse of courage shaped by surrender as she crafts a story woven with suspense, mystery, and the certainty of divine hope.
Perfect for readers who see faith as both shield and compass, and for those still learning how the light of truth can lead them home.
I received a digital audio ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the great writing, engaging narration, and the story’s wonderful content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
October 4, 2025
This book was so good! The suspense was so well written that I couldn’t put it down, the characters were realistic and likable (or absolutely horrid), and I loved the dog. His talent, care for his owner, and fun mannerisms made the story more interesting and enjoyable for me. The twists kept me guessing, and the ending was such a surprise. I was encouraged by the characters’ treatment of each other and the mentions of their faith. While one cannot really know if people are really trustworthy, one can certainly trust in God for everything. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational suspense, and I am looking forward to reading the author’s next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
September 22, 2025
What a thrilling, adventurous read with plenty of suspense, angst, and danger involving a case about dead bodies. Rory, a crime scene technician, has to work this case with Asher, who works for the sheriff's department. Rory and Asher once were friends until Rory's father was implicated in her mother's disappearance, and she blames Asher for causing her father to be the prime suspect.
I had a feeling who was behind everything that was happening, and although I didn't know the true motive, I was right. Trail of Suspicion will have you hooked from the first page, and it contains faith threads and is of forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
I had a feeling who was behind everything that was happening, and although I didn't know the true motive, I was right. Trail of Suspicion will have you hooked from the first page, and it contains faith threads and is of forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 1, 2025
Jennifer Pierce's new book, Trail of Suspicion, is another thrill ride. From beginning to end, the danger never lets up. With the shared history of the hero and heroine, Asher and Rory, you're rooting for them to overcome the challenges of the past and find their way to each other. Each new attempt on their lives links to another unanticipated danger, and as the clues begin to point drastically in just the direction you don't want it to go, you're holding your breath until you can reach the ending. I was supposed to be working on my own novel at lunch today, but I finished reading Jennifer's book instead. Great characterizations. The K-9 officer Moose is wonderful, as well. Bravo, Jenn!
November 4, 2025
This was an inspirational suspense novel, starting with long-dead bodies in the woods. Great characters, Aurora (Rory) James, crime specialist and her trusty K-9 Moose; and Asher Mitchell, Sergeant. Both are new to the Knott County Sheriff's Department and both have history - not all good! Can Rory and Asher catch the killer before they become the next victims? It was a thrilling read.
October 4, 2025
Great read!
October 6, 2025
Stretched my fiction credulity. Too violent and dumb.
Do readers LIKE this ?!
Do readers LIKE this ?!
September 24, 2025
Trail of Suspicion by Jennifer Pierce, narrated by Melissa Moran. Didn’t want to put it down. This second chance romantic suspense is a must read with twists and turns and full of face paced action. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Sept 30 2025.
September 24, 2025
really enjoyed this book! my favorite of hers so far ❤️ can't wait to see what's next!
August 6, 2025
WOW!! Trail of Suspicion, written by Jennifer Pierce, grabbed me and wouldn't let go! Rory and Asher were young and possibly in love ten years ago. Both were now adults who had moved on, yet they couldn't totally relinquish their mutual painful pasts. Reconnecting due to their jobs and Rory's father's illness, incidents begin occurring to force Rory to pick up and leave. Asher finally realized he never truly let her go. Neither of them fully recovered from the death of Rory's Mom, or the selfishness of Asher's Dad. Finally, as the dots connect and the truth becomes clear, time is of the essence. Will Asher be able to stop the past from repeating itself? Can a love that's been left abandoned flourish and blossom? The mystery, supposition and a case of neglect wrapped around a love that could return brighter than the noonday Sun. I thoroughly enjoyed Pierce's story -- a tale of the loss of a true love and family. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and this will be story that will be read once again!
September 5, 2025
A fast paced inspirational suspense! I really enjoyed how the narrator brought this story to life! I liked the small town vibes too!
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
November 6, 2025
Trail of Suspicion by Jennifer Pierce is a page turner of a read!
Crime scene technician Aurora “Rory” James and her K-9, Moose return to her childhood home and on her first day back, she stumbles across a dead body. From there on, she is on the killers "hit list".
Rory struggles with her feeling of returning home, the home that accused her father of murdering her mom many years ago and most of the town turned against her too. Sergeant Asher Mitchell, was Rory's best friend growing up and she even thought he could also "be the one" - until, that day, he told his father, the sheriff at that time, that he over heard Rory's parents in a heated argument prior to her murder. Now, Asher is bent on making amends with Rory and protecting her from the killer on the loose.
Can Rory find answers to her mother's murder and escape the one hunting her down at every turn? Can Asher and Rory heal their broken friendship and give in to the attraction they held for one another?
This was an enjoyable quick read!
Crime scene technician Aurora “Rory” James and her K-9, Moose return to her childhood home and on her first day back, she stumbles across a dead body. From there on, she is on the killers "hit list".
Rory struggles with her feeling of returning home, the home that accused her father of murdering her mom many years ago and most of the town turned against her too. Sergeant Asher Mitchell, was Rory's best friend growing up and she even thought he could also "be the one" - until, that day, he told his father, the sheriff at that time, that he over heard Rory's parents in a heated argument prior to her murder. Now, Asher is bent on making amends with Rory and protecting her from the killer on the loose.
Can Rory find answers to her mother's murder and escape the one hunting her down at every turn? Can Asher and Rory heal their broken friendship and give in to the attraction they held for one another?
This was an enjoyable quick read!
October 27, 2025
I really enjoyed your story. I was wondering...what really happen to Asher's mother? Did she just leave or did his 'dad' kill her also?
I am also a author. I have two books published.
Take care, S K Langin
I am also a author. I have two books published.
Take care, S K Langin
November 7, 2025
Rory has moved back home and working for the local police so she can help take care of her dad. When out training with her cadaver dog K9 Moose they find a dead body she doesn’t think much different than any other case until she finds herself the next target. Now she is paired with Asher a friend for a long time ago and in a different way that ended badly. But as the killer is more determined Rory and Asher find the remains of Rory’s mother who disappeared a long time ago and Asher tried to implicate her father.
This is a wonderful audio with great voice actor that brings the story to life with her voice. This is a clean Christian story that is centered on Rory and Asher’s relationship as they come together and terms with the past, not to mention a pup named Moose that rounds it all out.
Review copy provided by netgalley
This is a wonderful audio with great voice actor that brings the story to life with her voice. This is a clean Christian story that is centered on Rory and Asher’s relationship as they come together and terms with the past, not to mention a pup named Moose that rounds it all out.
Review copy provided by netgalley
September 16, 2025
This audiobook is a clean, Christian, suspense romance that will keep the listeners wondering who the bad guys really are.
After her father was accused of killing his wife ten years ago, Aurora/Rory James’s life was turned upside down. She left town and became a crime scene technician and nowadays, works with her cadaver finding K-9, Moose.
Due to her father’s illness, she’s back in town and a new hire at the local police force. While on a training session in the woods with her dog, the last thing she expected to encounter is a cadaver.
Upon calling the police, who shows up but the boy, now Police Sergeant Asher Mitchell, who had had her heart. They were great friends until the day Asher mentioned a fight between her parents that caused her father to be a suspect.
To make matters more difficult, Rory’s mother’s body is found after 10 years, resurrecting the past, the accusations, and Asher’s former police chief father causing problems.
Who is now trying to harm Rory? Who killed her mother and why? Can they find the culprit before anyone else gets killed?
In the midst of it all, will Rory and Asher find their HEA?,
This was an engaging. fast paced Christian story, big on faith, with likable characters .
The narrator Melissa Moran does an excellent job with the various voices.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio.
The opinions expressed are solely my owb.
After her father was accused of killing his wife ten years ago, Aurora/Rory James’s life was turned upside down. She left town and became a crime scene technician and nowadays, works with her cadaver finding K-9, Moose.
Due to her father’s illness, she’s back in town and a new hire at the local police force. While on a training session in the woods with her dog, the last thing she expected to encounter is a cadaver.
Upon calling the police, who shows up but the boy, now Police Sergeant Asher Mitchell, who had had her heart. They were great friends until the day Asher mentioned a fight between her parents that caused her father to be a suspect.
To make matters more difficult, Rory’s mother’s body is found after 10 years, resurrecting the past, the accusations, and Asher’s former police chief father causing problems.
Who is now trying to harm Rory? Who killed her mother and why? Can they find the culprit before anyone else gets killed?
In the midst of it all, will Rory and Asher find their HEA?,
This was an engaging. fast paced Christian story, big on faith, with likable characters .
The narrator Melissa Moran does an excellent job with the various voices.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio.
The opinions expressed are solely my owb.
September 30, 2025
Whoa – what a riveting romantic suspense! An emotional and thrilling story that finds reunited high school friends facing down a killer. Brilliant pacing with a nice rhythm between action scenes and more contemplative ones. And there’s lots of emotional angst in those down times because Rory and Asher didn’t part on the best of terms.
Asher has regretted the decision he made ten years ago that splintered their friendship. Rory has been nursing bitterness ever since. Getting deep into each of their perspectives made for a compelling read and their hard-won happily-ever-after that much more rewarding.
And then there’s the suspense. Pierce did an amazing job of peppering in all kinds of forensic and K-9 details which made the story even more fascinating and added an air of authenticity to the investigative side of the suspense. And the way the author used Rory’s forensic knowledge when she’s in dire danger was ingenious.
I really enjoyed listening to the audio book. Narrator Melissa Moran’s performance matched the energy of the story, from the action scenes to the romantic ones. A wonderful listening experience.
My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/09/30/t...
Asher has regretted the decision he made ten years ago that splintered their friendship. Rory has been nursing bitterness ever since. Getting deep into each of their perspectives made for a compelling read and their hard-won happily-ever-after that much more rewarding.
And then there’s the suspense. Pierce did an amazing job of peppering in all kinds of forensic and K-9 details which made the story even more fascinating and added an air of authenticity to the investigative side of the suspense. And the way the author used Rory’s forensic knowledge when she’s in dire danger was ingenious.
I really enjoyed listening to the audio book. Narrator Melissa Moran’s performance matched the energy of the story, from the action scenes to the romantic ones. A wonderful listening experience.
My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/09/30/t...
August 6, 2025
Aurora "Rory" James has came back home to be with her Father who is sick. She has a bloodhound, Moose who is a trained cader dog. While out in the woods training with Moose, he follows a scent straight to a dead body. When he alerts, she calls it in, then gets attacked. Who just attacked her and who is the person in the grave? The attacks keep coming and she hasn't even been on the job for a day. Asher Mitchell used to be friends with Rory, until her Mother disappeared years earlier. He is trying to be Rory's friend again and takes over watching her and her Dad, trying to protect them. Can they let go of the past and focus on the present, or will the past haunt them forever? I love books that keeps you in suspense all the way through, I also love how even in the midst of tragedy there is always hope. "She was starting to understand bad things happened. Maybe God didn't stop them, but He was there while you're going through them." I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my thoughts on the book. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
August 8, 2025
I have read several of this author's books, and enjoyed them. This is the first Love Inspired novel of hers that I have read, and I have been looking forward to it. And I am impressed. I loved the two main characters, and the fact that they had a history. She pretty much hated his guts and blamed him for her dad being a suspect in her mother's disappearance years ago. But I loved their interplay and the tension between them.
And I even liked the dog.
The plot was well done, and enough suspense to make me not want to put the book down. This was a book where I figured out very early in the book who the killer was, and I was correct.
The book had a great ending, and I very much enjoyed reading it. Definitely 5 stars.
Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
And I even liked the dog.
The plot was well done, and enough suspense to make me not want to put the book down. This was a book where I figured out very early in the book who the killer was, and I was correct.
The book had a great ending, and I very much enjoyed reading it. Definitely 5 stars.
Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
October 25, 2025
What a great read..full of suspense, twists, and adrenaline. Loved it and read it in record time..it was that good.
October 27, 2025
Can be read as a standalone.
Returning home to help her dad and find her mom.
He went from best friend to enemy overnight now they have to work together.
Protective cadaver dog
Wrong place at the wrong time
Murder
Assault
Attempted murder
Betrayal
Returning home to help her dad and find her mom.
He went from best friend to enemy overnight now they have to work together.
Protective cadaver dog
Wrong place at the wrong time
Murder
Assault
Attempted murder
Betrayal
October 29, 2025
This is a Romantic Suspense. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I really enjoyed the audiobook. I loved this book for the first page, and I loved the characters in this book. I really loved Moose (K-9 Dog). This story had me not wanting to stop reading. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews