WITHOUT A DOUBT: Lillian Dove Mystery, Book 5, Hushed Betrayals, Dangerous Kidnappings & Forgotten Tunnels Lead Lillian Closer To Her Missing Brother.

by D. J. Adamson

Her brother is missing. The city holds its breath. And Lillian Dove is about to discover that some truths are more dangerous than lies.When Lillian Dove hears that her brother—long estranged and now missing—was last seen in Dubuque, Iowa, she sets off to find him. But the answers she seeks are buried beneath layers of silence. The police won’t talk. His partner, Garrett, deflects. And no one seems willing to say what really happened.Refusing to give up, Lillian begins her own investigation. What she uncovers takes her through abandoned tunnels, into the grip of betrayal, and face-to-face with a dangerous past she never knew existed. Yet in the midst of secrets and suspicion, laughter lingers on porches, and love dares to rise again.
Some mysteries pull you under. Others set you free.
For Lillian, this search isn’t just about finding her brother—it’s about finding herself.Her brother is missing. The city holds its breath. And Lillian Dove is about to discover that some truths are more dangerous than lies.When Lillian Dove hears that her brother—long estranged and now missing—was last seen in Dubuque, Iowa, she sets off to find him. But the answers she seeks are buried beneath layers of silence. The police won’t talk. His partner, Garrett, deflects. And no one seems willing to say what really happened.Refusing to give up, Lillian begins her own investigation. What she uncovers takes her through abandoned tunnels, into the grip of betrayal, and face-to-face with a dangerous past she never knew existed. Yet in the midst of secrets and suspicion, laughter lingers on porches, and love dares to rise again.
Some mysteries pull you under. Others set you free.
For Lillian, this search isn’t just about finding her brother—it’s about finding herself.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Without a Doubt: Lillian Dove Mystery Book 5 by D. J. Adamson

D. J. Adamson’s Without a Doubt (Book 5 in the Lillian Dove Mystery series) delivers another gripping installment in this acclaimed small-town crime series. Known for blending grit with humor and psychological depth, Adamson continues to showcase her talent for crafting suspenseful narratives that explore justice, resilience, and human flaws.

Key Themes & Analysis

Character-Driven Suspense
Protagonist Lillian Dove—a relatable, flawed small-town woman—navigates complex crimes while confronting personal demons. Adamson’s strength lies in humanizing crime fiction, making Dove’s victories feel earned and her setbacks poignant.

Atmospheric Storytelling
The novel’s Midwest setting is rendered with vivid detail, amplifying tension. Adamson’s background in award-winning suspense (e.g., Admit to Mayhem, nominated for a Clue Award) shines through in her pacing and plot twists.

Thematic Depth
Beyond whodunit intrigue, the story interrogates themes of injustice and redemption, resonating with readers who appreciate crime fiction with emotional weight.

Strengths & Considerations

Pros:
Series Consistency: Fans of earlier books will find Dove’s evolution satisfying, though new readers may benefit from starting with Book 1 (Admit to Mayhem).
Balanced Tone: Dark subject matter is tempered by Dove’s wry humor, a hallmark of the series.

Cons:
Niche Appeal: Those preferring hardboiled detectives might find Dove’s small-town perspective unconventional.

How would I describe this book?
- Dove’s most personal case yet—where doubt cuts deeper than any knife.
- Adamson masterfully blends heart-pounding suspense with small-town heart.
- For fans of Sharp Objects meets Fargo—crime fiction with soul.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to Books Go Social for the advance review copy. Without a Doubt reaffirms Adamson’s place among standout voices in contemporary mystery fiction.

Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Recommended for: Mystery lovers seeking character-driven stories with psychological depth.

Series Context: While enjoyable standalone, reading Admit to Mayhem (Book 1) enhances appreciation of Dove’s journey.

Note: Adamson’s accolades (e.g., Mystery & Mayhem Award) underscore her ability to deliver both entertainment and literary substance. This installment solidifies the Lillian Dove series as a must-read for crime fiction enthusiasts.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without A Doubt by D.J. Adamson is the 5th book in the Lillian Dove series, this was a new author for me. Although I had no problems reading this as a stand alone, I do believe this would have been a much better read if I had read some of the previous books. When Lillian's brother disappears that she has not seem since she left home as a teenager, she drives to a town about two hours away to find out about his disappearance. She learns lots of things she didn't know about him, and we follow her journey to help rescue and save him. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Ramona Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lillian has gone to Dubuque Iowa because she had a call from her brother Frank that her brother Patrick was missing. This was an ok story, but not having read the first four made it difficult to like the character at the beginning, or to understand the background to the present story.. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review..

[Julie Angstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story. Lillian first thinks her brother Patrick is involved in some crimes, and thinks he was killed. But the facts don’t seem to add up. So, she goes to Dubueque, Iowa looking for him. She gets involved in an intriguing mystery. At one point, she thinks Patrick was killed—but the body isn’t Patrick. Can she find Patrick and figure the case out? Great read

[Angela Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lillian

I've read all five Lillian Dove mysteries. . I loved them!!!! I want more! They were all well written and kept me pulled into each story... Each book had characters that were easy to connect with. One if my favorite series so far.