What do you think?
Rate this book
Ripple Effect
Some mysteries refuse to stay buried.
When the remains of an unidentified teenage girl are discovered in a Wisconsin forest, Detective Mike Franklin becomes consumed by the case. He calls her Cardinal Doe, after the silver charm bracelet found with her bones. But with no leads and his own demons dragging him down, the case goes cold—along with any hope of uncovering her name.
Fifteen years later, a new detective and cutting-edge DNA technology offer a fresh chance at the truth. As the investigation gains traction, Cardinal Doe begins to remember fragments of her life—and her death. And with each revelation comes a deeper mystery, one that ties her fate to Mike’s in ways neither of them could have imagined.
As past and present collide, the truth is finally within reach. But will solving the mystery bring peace—or unleash consequences neither the living nor the dead are prepared for?
RIPPLE EFFECT is a gripping paranormal mystery that explores the unseen connections between the living and the dead, the weight of unfinished business, and the ripple effects of choices made long ago.
When the remains of an unidentified teenage girl are discovered in a Wisconsin forest, Detective Mike Franklin becomes consumed by the case. He calls her Cardinal Doe, after the silver charm bracelet found with her bones. But with no leads and his own demons dragging him down, the case goes cold—along with any hope of uncovering her name.
Fifteen years later, a new detective and cutting-edge DNA technology offer a fresh chance at the truth. As the investigation gains traction, Cardinal Doe begins to remember fragments of her life—and her death. And with each revelation comes a deeper mystery, one that ties her fate to Mike’s in ways neither of them could have imagined.
As past and present collide, the truth is finally within reach. But will solving the mystery bring peace—or unleash consequences neither the living nor the dead are prepared for?
RIPPLE EFFECT is a gripping paranormal mystery that explores the unseen connections between the living and the dead, the weight of unfinished business, and the ripple effects of choices made long ago.
262 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2025
About the author
Brenda Lyne
11 books27 followersHello! I'm an indie author based in Minnesota, specializing in gripping cold case mysteries. Explore my unputdownable titles: Charlie's Mirror and Sister Lost, the full Raegan O'Rourke Mysteries series (The Thirteenth Cabin, Angel Baby, & Fool's Gold), and my newest release, Ripple Effect. If you need a nail-biting mystery with a supernatural twist, you've found your next read!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Read
April 26, 2026my mom got me this book at a craft show, Brenda/Jennifer said I would like this…cheeky coincidence in names 😉
January 17, 2026
Discovered this book by a local author (Minnesota) which included the use of genealogy and DNA in solving the murder. Since I'm a genealogist and always enjoy a good mystery, thought I would give it a go. Loved it. Well rounded characters, suspenseful mystery. Lots of twists.
When you start, you'll realize her trope emulates another from a couple decades ago.
In light of current events, I found this bit interesting:
p. 205 Mike looks around, "I'll admit, this isn't the Minneapolis one expects to see after watching the news."
"You only ever hear about the bad shit," Nic says. "There's way more good shit that happens here, but you don't hear about that. Fear is what attracts the eyeballs, and therefore ad revenue."
When you start, you'll realize her trope emulates another from a couple decades ago.
In light of current events, I found this bit interesting:
p. 205 Mike looks around, "I'll admit, this isn't the Minneapolis one expects to see after watching the news."
"You only ever hear about the bad shit," Nic says. "There's way more good shit that happens here, but you don't hear about that. Fear is what attracts the eyeballs, and therefore ad revenue."
February 9, 2026
Nice read, enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews