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Soil and Serial: Small Town Secrets
A rugged outdoorsman stumbles across a chilling secret buried in the small town of Heart Lake…and becomes the target of a deadly predator.
College girls keep going missing from the old highway that bypasses Heart Lake. Uri Dakota, better known as Running Bear to the residents of the nearby Comanche reservation, refuses to allow his niece to become the next victim of whatever evil is lurking. To protect her until her high school graduation, he camps along the old route, changing his location every night. He doesn’t expect to uncover the truth about the disappearances so quickly, much less become the one being hunted.
Dr. April Chandrakanta, a world-renowned forensic medical examiner, arrives to help the Heart Lake Police Department identify a mysterious set of bones that appeared in their overnight drop box. A growing number of locals fear the extended disappearance of the town's beloved wilderness survivalist makes him look guilty of the horrific crime she painstakingly pieces together.
But bones don’t lie, and it’s up to her and her newfound allies at Lonestar Security to get them to “talk” before a brave, innocent man is framed while the real killer goes free.
One-click your copy of the epic grand finale to the Cowboy Brand of Justice Series!
College girls keep going missing from the old highway that bypasses Heart Lake. Uri Dakota, better known as Running Bear to the residents of the nearby Comanche reservation, refuses to allow his niece to become the next victim of whatever evil is lurking. To protect her until her high school graduation, he camps along the old route, changing his location every night. He doesn’t expect to uncover the truth about the disappearances so quickly, much less become the one being hunted.
Dr. April Chandrakanta, a world-renowned forensic medical examiner, arrives to help the Heart Lake Police Department identify a mysterious set of bones that appeared in their overnight drop box. A growing number of locals fear the extended disappearance of the town's beloved wilderness survivalist makes him look guilty of the horrific crime she painstakingly pieces together.
But bones don’t lie, and it’s up to her and her newfound allies at Lonestar Security to get them to “talk” before a brave, innocent man is framed while the real killer goes free.
One-click your copy of the epic grand finale to the Cowboy Brand of Justice Series!
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2026
About the author
Jo Grafford
172 books678 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 11, 2026
RENEWAL. REBIRTH. REBRANDING
The grand finale to the intriguing Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Ms. Jo Grafford. She is an author you always know will take her readers on an adventure, keeping the pages turning as the story unfolds. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith.
The story revolves around a missing person case that has been unsolved for thirty years. Tiana Dakota, sister to Uri ‘Running Bear’ Dakota, went missing on a rainy night. Her severely damaged bicycle was found, but no body or signs of Tiana. Now, human bones have been mysteriously dropped off, and that is where former Heart Lake resident, Dr. April Chandrakanta, has been called in by Lone Star Security and Heart Lake Sheriff’s Department. Could these be the bones of Tiana?
The story will have April meeting with Gil Remington and Luke Hawling, and while the suggestion of calling April came from an anonymous source, they know it was Uri’s niece, Kaya Dakota, a law student who is working on her thesis, and is hoping Dr. Chandrakanta can help solve the case.
I loved the story, the mystery and suspense, along with the good, the bad, and the evil of people who all play a role. It was fun seeing people from previous stories, too. The story is a page-turning tale that will be solved. Sadly, prejudices, bigotry, and jealousy all come into play. What happened to Tiana on that rainy night? Another college student and Comanche woman, Willow Chaska, was in a fatal accident—she and Tiana were friends. Because of what happened in the past, Bear is determined to keep his niece, Kaya, and her roommate, Tiffany Masterson, safe.
“As the old saying goes, looks can be deceiving.”
Not everyone is as they seem, and that leads to more discoveries. The truth will be unearthed. Surprises will be made. Good versus evil will play out, and in the end, two people find each other after more than twenty years. Returning to Heart Lake was, in fact, coming home.
NOTE: I read this book using my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited.
The grand finale to the intriguing Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Ms. Jo Grafford. She is an author you always know will take her readers on an adventure, keeping the pages turning as the story unfolds. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith.
The story revolves around a missing person case that has been unsolved for thirty years. Tiana Dakota, sister to Uri ‘Running Bear’ Dakota, went missing on a rainy night. Her severely damaged bicycle was found, but no body or signs of Tiana. Now, human bones have been mysteriously dropped off, and that is where former Heart Lake resident, Dr. April Chandrakanta, has been called in by Lone Star Security and Heart Lake Sheriff’s Department. Could these be the bones of Tiana?
The story will have April meeting with Gil Remington and Luke Hawling, and while the suggestion of calling April came from an anonymous source, they know it was Uri’s niece, Kaya Dakota, a law student who is working on her thesis, and is hoping Dr. Chandrakanta can help solve the case.
I loved the story, the mystery and suspense, along with the good, the bad, and the evil of people who all play a role. It was fun seeing people from previous stories, too. The story is a page-turning tale that will be solved. Sadly, prejudices, bigotry, and jealousy all come into play. What happened to Tiana on that rainy night? Another college student and Comanche woman, Willow Chaska, was in a fatal accident—she and Tiana were friends. Because of what happened in the past, Bear is determined to keep his niece, Kaya, and her roommate, Tiffany Masterson, safe.
“As the old saying goes, looks can be deceiving.”
Not everyone is as they seem, and that leads to more discoveries. The truth will be unearthed. Surprises will be made. Good versus evil will play out, and in the end, two people find each other after more than twenty years. Returning to Heart Lake was, in fact, coming home.
NOTE: I read this book using my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited.
May 18, 2026
Soil and Serial is the cold case that was never resolved of Running Bear’s sister Tiana Dakota thirty years ago. Bear’s niece Kaya that was a month away from graduating law school with her friend and roommate Tiffany find some bones hidden in a rundown barn across from where Tiana had been last seen. They got Ben, Kaya’s boyfriend to drop the bones off in the box outside the police department in Heart Lake. They had requested April, a native of Heart Lake that was a certified forensic pathologist to return to Heart Lake to verify whose bones had been hidden in the old barn. The only eye witness was the housekeeper to the wealthy dentist Benjamin Haywood who was Tiffany’s mother. When Tiffany disappears it scars Kaya and she comes clean and explained it all to Bear. He fears since Tiana was in college when she went missing and now Tiffany has went missing that Miley or Kaya both nieces in college could go missing. He starts living in the woods keeping watch on what was going on. Soon Bear hears Tiffany talking walking down the road with another woman and picked up by a passing car. That solves the missing Tiffany. It also brought up the question how that there was no sound of the women coming but just all a sudden being on the road. April Kaya, and Bo goes to investigate the barn and finds a hidden cellar full of County Court Clerk records, which is where Tiana was working when she went missing. This just added fuel to the fire.
Bear married a woman from the reservation that had MS and cared for her all her life. He has now lost her and finds out it is lonely only going on these survival trips that he runs for people and gives them a taste of before electronics were what everybody lived on. He makes good money on these trips and enjoys the solace of the wilderness. April had went on one of the first trips he took before Bear married. They had time to talk and he had formed a crush on her and she on him but neither said anything. Now when she comes back to Heart Lake they start dating and working together as he fears April and Kaya could be in danger. Kaya eventually tells Bear she is dating Ben Haywood, the son of Benjamin Haywood that was dating Tiana when she went missing. There had been a big feud between the Haywood’s and the Comanche reservation due to Tiana dating Benjamin when she went missing as they thought his people might have done something to Tiana. When April, Bear, and Kaya continue to investigate the Haywood’s it brings fire raining down on them.
Bear married a woman from the reservation that had MS and cared for her all her life. He has now lost her and finds out it is lonely only going on these survival trips that he runs for people and gives them a taste of before electronics were what everybody lived on. He makes good money on these trips and enjoys the solace of the wilderness. April had went on one of the first trips he took before Bear married. They had time to talk and he had formed a crush on her and she on him but neither said anything. Now when she comes back to Heart Lake they start dating and working together as he fears April and Kaya could be in danger. Kaya eventually tells Bear she is dating Ben Haywood, the son of Benjamin Haywood that was dating Tiana when she went missing. There had been a big feud between the Haywood’s and the Comanche reservation due to Tiana dating Benjamin when she went missing as they thought his people might have done something to Tiana. When April, Bear, and Kaya continue to investigate the Haywood’s it brings fire raining down on them.
May 16, 2026
Another great book in this series, unfortunately it is the last. Each book has been well written and wonderful to read. The H is a Comanche who was retired from the tribal council and now hosted survivalist retreats. He was so successful that he just posted his sign up sheet at the local restaurant and the sheet was always full. He is concerned about his niece who should be completing her last month of school necessary to complete her law degree. When he talks with her she asks for his help to find her missing roommate who had been working with her on their school project. She has suddenly gone missing, and is not answering her phone. The project involved finding the H’s missing sister, her aunt. They had found old bones and she talked her boyfriend into depositing them in the drop off box at the police station. Thus begins the search to find out who the bones belonged to. The local retired police chief calls in a world famous forensic expert, who is the h and happens to be from town. The H, h, and the niece become targets for unknown reasons as they search for answers. The h is able to determine that the bones are from a distant relative of the H, not his missing sister. The H and h continue their search for answers in spite of the attempts on their lives. In the end they find the answers and follow the leads to the guilty person only to find that the place where she resides is burning down. To their surprise they find the missing sister, who connects with the man she loved and was dating when she went missing. The H and h also get their HEA. So enjoyed reading this book and all the rest in the series and recommend them to anyone who likes mysteries and romance mixed in the stories. All books have a HEA. Enjoy!
May 27, 2026
An amazing ending to the Cowboy Brand of Justice series. The characters have become like friends as I have read their stories. Dr. April Chandrakanta, a renowned forensic scientist, has been called to Heart Lake by her long-time friend, Uri Dakota aka Running Bear. His sister, Tiana, has been missing for thirty years and although assumed dead, they have never found her body. When bones are recovered from a hidden area in a barn, have they finally found her? April tests the remains, but unfortunately, they belong to a different woman, so the search continues. Tiana had been dating a local wealthy man, a dentist who was heartbroken when she went missing. Years later, he married a friend of Tiana and they have one son, Ben, who has joined his father’s practice. The son, Ben, has been dating Kaya Dakota, a young woman studying to become an attorney and Uri’s niece. She loves the investigative process and has involved herself in April’s investigation. With the help of Sheriff Luke Hawling, former Sheriff Gil Remington and the men at Lonestar Security, can they dig through the past, including records that should have been in the courthouse when if burned? It seems someone has a fondness for using fire to cover up any misdeeds, when a fire erupts at the hotel where April is staying. Will she and Uri make it out of the building in time? The town is on high alert, but will they ever find out what happened to Tiana? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Review of advance copy received from Author
April can't believe she's back in Heart Lake, after all these years. Her job as a forensic specialist made her perfect for the case unfolding in her old hometown. Running Bear or simple Bear as he now preferred was waiting for his next group for his wilderness group outing. When his niece Kaya sends them away he knows something is wrong. Now he's hearing about the old bones that have been dropped at the police department. Could it be after thirty years that finally the disappearance of his sister was going to be uncovered. Although his niece is supposed to be completing her lawyers degree in just over a month. Now suddenly the woman who he always had feelings for but wasn't good enough for is back working on the case as well. This is the ninth and final book in this series and what a compelling story it is. Will Bear finally find out what really happened thirty years ago. Can April reveal how she's waited all these years for the one man she's always wanted. Will an old rivalry between two families finally find a conclusion. Or will uncovering the truth bring a ghost from the past back. I love this book and it's the perfect conclusion to the series. As always Jo has given us a superb suspenseful romantic story
May 17, 2026
I had to brace myself going in, knowing that this was the final book in the series. Before, I always knew that there would be another book and I could continue to live vicariously through the wonderful characters in this series! This time, I knew there would be no more books, so I set myself up to have everything wrapped up! I really encourage readers to read all the books so the characters are familiar, but each book is a standalone. However, it is so much better to read them in order!
In this finale, April and Bear finally get their second chance at happiness after many years apart. Bear has been married and lost his wife. April has been "married" to her job. Both of them haven't seen each other in years. However, when a set of old bones are dropped off. April is needed to use her expertise to identify them and comes to Heart Lake to do so.
Bear's niece, Kaya, was fantastic! I loved her enthusiasm and dedication to family. Between April and Kaya, this cold case is going to get solved! Many previous characters from other books will help and Bear is going to get the closure that he's been waiting for plus, get his chance with April!
A wonderful finale!
In this finale, April and Bear finally get their second chance at happiness after many years apart. Bear has been married and lost his wife. April has been "married" to her job. Both of them haven't seen each other in years. However, when a set of old bones are dropped off. April is needed to use her expertise to identify them and comes to Heart Lake to do so.
Bear's niece, Kaya, was fantastic! I loved her enthusiasm and dedication to family. Between April and Kaya, this cold case is going to get solved! Many previous characters from other books will help and Bear is going to get the closure that he's been waiting for plus, get his chance with April!
A wonderful finale!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this story and it's a great ending to the series!! You'll want to be sure to read the books in order!! April moved away from Heart Lake twenty years ago. Now, she's back to help find out whose bones were dropped in the drop box at the police department. She's hoping that it's not Running Bear, though it looks as if everything is pointing to him being the one. Running Bear doesn't mind that April is back in town. He missed a chance with her twenty years ago, and is hoping this visit will give him a second chance. He's hoping April will be able to find out what happened to his sister, as he tries to keep his nieces safe. April also needs to truly come to know Jesus, not just with her head, but her heart. Running Bear is more than happy to help her, as his walk with Christ is strong. The twists and turns keep coming, and what an ending!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
May 20, 2026
A very different book to what I usually read
After greatly enjoying “Poultry and Perjury” as a recent ARC, I was encouraged to read this next book in the series, also as a review copy, and have not regretted it!
Ms Grafford creates a spell-binding story, beginning with the prologue which sets the scene for events which take place 30 years later. Comanche leader, Uri Dakota (better known as Running Bear) loves his niece, Kaya, an aspiring law graduate. Discovering that she is investigating a cold case involving his sister and that forensic pathologist, April Chandakantra, is in town to assist, provokes mixed feelings.
An intricate plot, a tenacious pair of investigators who discover apparently insignificant clues which they couple with intuitive detective work while including local law enforcement officers, tribal customs, family feuds and sweet romance, and finally, severely disturbed adversaries all guarantee a novel that will hold reader’s attention from beginning to end.
After greatly enjoying “Poultry and Perjury” as a recent ARC, I was encouraged to read this next book in the series, also as a review copy, and have not regretted it!
Ms Grafford creates a spell-binding story, beginning with the prologue which sets the scene for events which take place 30 years later. Comanche leader, Uri Dakota (better known as Running Bear) loves his niece, Kaya, an aspiring law graduate. Discovering that she is investigating a cold case involving his sister and that forensic pathologist, April Chandakantra, is in town to assist, provokes mixed feelings.
An intricate plot, a tenacious pair of investigators who discover apparently insignificant clues which they couple with intuitive detective work while including local law enforcement officers, tribal customs, family feuds and sweet romance, and finally, severely disturbed adversaries all guarantee a novel that will hold reader’s attention from beginning to end.
May 28, 2026
I loved returning to Heart Lake for more from the town and the rez.
Running Bear Dakota's sister has been missing for years. His niece, Kaya, and her college roommate are determined to solve the cold case. While trying to solve the case, there are lots of twist and turns. Someone is determined to keep the secrets as to what happened years ago.
There is a sweet romance that develops when Bear and Dr. April reconnect years after April left Heart Lake. She is a world renowned forensic medical examiner who has traveled the world. After being a world traveler, would the small town of Heart Lake be enough to hold her interest? Or would a former councilman from the Comanche reservation be enough to keep Dr. April in town?
This is a sweet, clean contemporary story with swoon worthy moments and a happy ending. I have read many books written by this author and enjoy her style of writing.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Running Bear Dakota's sister has been missing for years. His niece, Kaya, and her college roommate are determined to solve the cold case. While trying to solve the case, there are lots of twist and turns. Someone is determined to keep the secrets as to what happened years ago.
There is a sweet romance that develops when Bear and Dr. April reconnect years after April left Heart Lake. She is a world renowned forensic medical examiner who has traveled the world. After being a world traveler, would the small town of Heart Lake be enough to hold her interest? Or would a former councilman from the Comanche reservation be enough to keep Dr. April in town?
This is a sweet, clean contemporary story with swoon worthy moments and a happy ending. I have read many books written by this author and enjoy her style of writing.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
May 15, 2026
"Where you go, I will go...
Where you stay, I will stay....
Your people will be my people...
And your God, my God"
I am gutted that this is the final book in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series, but I love that Bear and April find their way back to each other after so many years. It wasn't their time the first time they met, but that doesn't mean the love wasn't true, it just means they had a different path to walk first. And now it is their time, not only for love, but also to solve his sister's cold case, to lay the old rumours and bad blood to rest, to right the wrongs of the corrupt and greedy and to offer hope and love to many.
This is a heart wrenching story on so many levels, but thankfully the truth does finally surface and love does overcome all else.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Where you stay, I will stay....
Your people will be my people...
And your God, my God"
I am gutted that this is the final book in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series, but I love that Bear and April find their way back to each other after so many years. It wasn't their time the first time they met, but that doesn't mean the love wasn't true, it just means they had a different path to walk first. And now it is their time, not only for love, but also to solve his sister's cold case, to lay the old rumours and bad blood to rest, to right the wrongs of the corrupt and greedy and to offer hope and love to many.
This is a heart wrenching story on so many levels, but thankfully the truth does finally surface and love does overcome all else.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
May 15, 2026
I am not ready to say goodbye to this series, but Soil and Serial is an edge-of-your seat, exciting way to end this amazing series! I am glad that Running Bear or Uri finally got a story - and a love! It will take all the skills and resources of Uri, his niece, Dr. April Chandrakanta, the Hart Lake police, the reservation police and Lonestar Security to solve this convoluted plot. Two PhD students are investigating a cold case for their thesis when one of the girls goes missing just after they did up some old bones. This is just a tiny tip of the iceberg that is the twisted plot of this well written book. I tore through the entire manuscript in one long afternoon and evening. It was so good I could not put it down. I am not about to leave any spoilers so I will just stop now. You do not want to miss this book!
May 17, 2026
April is back in Heart Lake to investigate some bones that were discovered in an old barn. April grew up in Heart Lake, but her parents believed homework and good grades were more important than friends or play. She has become a renowned pathologist, but she's lonely. Bear's wife died a year ago, but theirs had been a marriage of companionship more than love. He leads a wilderness survival business. He met April years ago and there was a spark, but he was already engaged. Now that April is back in town, the spark is still there. Bear's niece, Kaya, is investigating the cold case of her aunt/Bear's sister who went missing 30 years before. Lots of danger and intrigue. Twists and turns before the story comes out. Several unsolved mysteries are resolved. Great ending to the series.
May 17, 2026
Kala and her friend are researching a cold murder case – concerning the disappearance of her aunt 30 years earlier. When her friend disappears, Kaya enlists the help of her uncle Uri. The former sheriff has requested the help of April, is a forensics pathologist. Uri had crush on her back in High School. Is there a pattern to the missing girls? Can Uri protect his niece and prove his innocence? Will “Bear” and April have a chance to develop a relationship?
This is a very enjoyable Christian romantic suspense. The Christian message includes salvation through Jesus Christ.
Favorite Quote: “Believing wasn’t enough. Living a life obedient to the teachings of Christ was what it actually took to be a Christian.”
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
This is a very enjoyable Christian romantic suspense. The Christian message includes salvation through Jesus Christ.
Favorite Quote: “Believing wasn’t enough. Living a life obedient to the teachings of Christ was what it actually took to be a Christian.”
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
May 16, 2026
WOW! This book grabs you on the first page and draws you in.
Running Bear's (Bear) niece decide to investigate a cold case (which happened to be her aunt) for a project toward her law degree. Then bones start showing up at the police department's drop box, her friend disappears and Bear is labeled a suspect.
This story keeps you hooked from page one. There's twist and turns, suspense, who's the hunter and who's the hunted, and of course we see some of our friends from Lonestar Security. And the quiet, elusive Bear finally gets his HEA,
This can be read as a stand a long but is best read in order to understand the community and people. All the books in the series are highly recommended.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
Running Bear's (Bear) niece decide to investigate a cold case (which happened to be her aunt) for a project toward her law degree. Then bones start showing up at the police department's drop box, her friend disappears and Bear is labeled a suspect.
This story keeps you hooked from page one. There's twist and turns, suspense, who's the hunter and who's the hunted, and of course we see some of our friends from Lonestar Security. And the quiet, elusive Bear finally gets his HEA,
This can be read as a stand a long but is best read in order to understand the community and people. All the books in the series are highly recommended.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Jo Grafford’s books. Every story catches my interest immediately. The characters are flawed but redeemable. The mystery is multilayered but there is no cliffhanger. The romance is clean with a guaranteed happily ever after. Soil and Serial follows this model but is still a fresh new story. She continues to keep this reader engaged with new plots throughout the series without repeating or falling into a predictable pattern. Though part of an extensive collection of faith-filled tales with recurring characters, this book can stand alone and be appreciated apart from the others. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
May 24, 2026
I enjoyed this romantic suspense revolving around Uri Dakota known as Bear and April, the forensic medical examiner brought to Heart Lake to help solve a 30-year old mystery after human bones were found and dropped off at the police station. It is assumed that the bones are those of Bear's sister who disappeared and her damaged bicycle was found on the side of the highway during a rain storm. Bear's niece found the bones when working on solving the mystery of her missing Aunt. She agrees to work as an assistant to April. The characters are wonderful, and I highly recommend this inspirational romantic suspense with an amazing ending. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have to confess that I am very sad that this is the last book of the Lone Star Security Series, but I live in hope that the series will be republished with all the wonderful bonus chapters, especially the introduction, so that I can buy it to reread!
This is a series full of more mature romances and this book is no exception: Dr April and Bear Dakota get their Second Chance Romance after many years apart. The highlight for me in this book is the very special gift that Bear gives April, it touched my heart and gave me joy.
Thank you dear Jo for a great ending for this wonderful series!
This is a series full of more mature romances and this book is no exception: Dr April and Bear Dakota get their Second Chance Romance after many years apart. The highlight for me in this book is the very special gift that Bear gives April, it touched my heart and gave me joy.
Thank you dear Jo for a great ending for this wonderful series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Secrets exposed!
A fantastic book as April, a forensic examiner, returns to Heart Lake to investigate a cold case. April's hides her feelings as she meets Bear after being away from town for thirty years; he is her first and only love. As Bear's niece works with April to solve the cold case, complications arise. I love how the story intertwines the town's history, the murder investigation and romance. I highly recommend this story.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
A fantastic book as April, a forensic examiner, returns to Heart Lake to investigate a cold case. April's hides her feelings as she meets Bear after being away from town for thirty years; he is her first and only love. As Bear's niece works with April to solve the cold case, complications arise. I love how the story intertwines the town's history, the murder investigation and romance. I highly recommend this story.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
May 16, 2026
What a great ending to an exciting series!
A law school student and her best friend come to Heart Lake to do their thesis on a cold case The cold case involved a long standing feud between a wealthy family and a Comanche family on the neighboring reservation--along the lines of Romeo and Juliet.
The story is suspenseful, with blooming love and practicing faith.
I hate to see this series end, but what a finale! I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy of the book; this review is my honest opinion and given freely.
A law school student and her best friend come to Heart Lake to do their thesis on a cold case The cold case involved a long standing feud between a wealthy family and a Comanche family on the neighboring reservation--along the lines of Romeo and Juliet.
The story is suspenseful, with blooming love and practicing faith.
I hate to see this series end, but what a finale! I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy of the book; this review is my honest opinion and given freely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one plunges you straight into an unhealthy mind and it just gets worse from there! You cannot believe someone would actually do this! Really? And that's just the Prologue! The story weaves a number of people into the mix in an enthralling way. Lots of twists, as usual. Great team work by the good guys. An amazingly great ending. A must read!
Especially as the end of a series. Enjoyed it immensely. Made me chuckle a few times, gasp quite a few, and settle on awwww at the finish.
Especially as the end of a series. Enjoyed it immensely. Made me chuckle a few times, gasp quite a few, and settle on awwww at the finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great finale to an amazing series. I loved Kaya and her role in this story. The course of true love for Bear and April had not run smoothly and took many years to come to pass, but when it did, it was very sweet. Of course, there were many twists and turns to the story as it headed to a fitting conclusion - but that was to be expected as the author pulled together many loose ends. This was a well-written book that kept my attention the entire way through. Very enjoyable!
May 15, 2026
Another great addition to the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Jo Grafford.
GRAND finale! And it is Grand!!!
A thirty year old cold case gets reopened with dangerous consequences.
As always Jo Grafford draws you in on the first page and keeps you guessing throughout.
The old feud is back and maybe more dangerous than ever.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
GRAND finale! And it is Grand!!!
A thirty year old cold case gets reopened with dangerous consequences.
As always Jo Grafford draws you in on the first page and keeps you guessing throughout.
The old feud is back and maybe more dangerous than ever.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
May 16, 2026
Final book in this series with overlapping characters and clues into a spinoff. Best if read in order.
Law student using her aunts missing persons cold case for school leads to major breaks in multiple cases. Unfortunately the people responsible will do anything to silence her and her uncle.
Romeo and Juliette romance
Second chances
Generations long feud between families
Hit and run
Attempted murders
Arson
Prejudices
Obsessive behavior manipulated
Law student using her aunts missing persons cold case for school leads to major breaks in multiple cases. Unfortunately the people responsible will do anything to silence her and her uncle.
Romeo and Juliette romance
Second chances
Generations long feud between families
Hit and run
Attempted murders
Arson
Prejudices
Obsessive behavior manipulated
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am sad this is the end of this series. It has been an exciting ride and this last story is quite the mystery. I kept feeling that there would be another book. But Ms. Grafford says no, unfortunately. At the end of the epilogue she gives us a taste of the new series she is working on. I love the idea and can't wait for it. I received a copy from the author. This is my voluntary opinion.
May 15, 2026
This is the last book in this series, and it was the perfect ending for the series! It was full of characters I love, romance, a thirty-year-old mystery, and lots of suspense. I really enjoyed the wonderful surprises along the way too. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
May 18, 2026
Soil and Serial
Suspense and danger follows when human bones are found after college girls begin to disappear along an old highway. Uri Dakota and Dr April Chandrakanta have a history from when she took his survival course. They team up with his niece to uncover the mystery of the missing girls and the bones that were discovered. I highly recommend you read the book for more.
Suspense and danger follows when human bones are found after college girls begin to disappear along an old highway. Uri Dakota and Dr April Chandrakanta have a history from when she took his survival course. They team up with his niece to uncover the mystery of the missing girls and the bones that were discovered. I highly recommend you read the book for more.
May 18, 2026
Heart Lake secrets are the best...and the worst! Great story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the clues twist and turn. Excellent supporting cast, (what else do you expect from Heart Lake?) and a fast moving story are well worth the late night I had finishing this awesome book!! Don't miss this intense read by Jo Grafford!
May 19, 2026
Wonderful Way to end Series
I hate to see this series end and this book. Heart Lake is a town you want to live and know everyone or most everyone.
This book is well written with fantastic characters. It held my attention from the very first word to the last word. It is a clean read nothing more than a kiss or two.
I recommend reading this book to all.
I hate to see this series end and this book. Heart Lake is a town you want to live and know everyone or most everyone.
This book is well written with fantastic characters. It held my attention from the very first word to the last word. It is a clean read nothing more than a kiss or two.
I recommend reading this book to all.
June 14, 2026
Wonderful story that will definitely hold your interest. Heart Lake is a favorite for me. Love the whole town, the Rez and all the people that have become family. I loved seeing Bear find love. So much deception hidden in this town. A great ending for this series. Can’t wait for the new one coming.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
June 17, 2026
Soil and Serial is Book 9 and the final book of the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Jo Grafford. This is a clean, Christian, contemporary romance with suspense that Jo writes so well. Definitely an edge-of-your-seat page-turner! I highly recommend this story.
I was given an ARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
I was given an ARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
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