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Jake Cashen #10
The Coldest Ground
Forty years ago, on a sweltering summer evening in southern Ohio, seven-year-old Michael Adkins vanished into thin air.
Two years later, in the dead of winter, his case long gone cold, Michael’s remains were found in a well-searched area, just one hundred yards from where he disappeared. The discovery provided no answers, only more questions.
Last week, Michael’s now elderly mother walked into Detective Jake Cashen’s office with a tantalizing clue that just arrived on her doorstep. A handwritten letter filled with chilling details only someone close to the decades-old crime could know. Jake knows it’s false hope. A cruel prank likely perpetrated by some heartless internet troll. He’s seen things like this before. But he promises Michael’s still grieving mother to look into it one last time.
When Jake traces the letter to its source, what he finds blows the case wide open and exposes a web of secrets and shocking truths buried beneath the coldest ground.
The Coldest Ground is book ten in the Jake Cashen Crime Thriller Series, perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, C.J. Box, and Craig Johnson. This dark, small-town murder mystery weaves together a decades-old cold case, conspiracy, corruption, and a child’s disappearance into a gripping, atmospheric read.
Two years later, in the dead of winter, his case long gone cold, Michael’s remains were found in a well-searched area, just one hundred yards from where he disappeared. The discovery provided no answers, only more questions.
Last week, Michael’s now elderly mother walked into Detective Jake Cashen’s office with a tantalizing clue that just arrived on her doorstep. A handwritten letter filled with chilling details only someone close to the decades-old crime could know. Jake knows it’s false hope. A cruel prank likely perpetrated by some heartless internet troll. He’s seen things like this before. But he promises Michael’s still grieving mother to look into it one last time.
When Jake traces the letter to its source, what he finds blows the case wide open and exposes a web of secrets and shocking truths buried beneath the coldest ground.
The Coldest Ground is book ten in the Jake Cashen Crime Thriller Series, perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, C.J. Box, and Craig Johnson. This dark, small-town murder mystery weaves together a decades-old cold case, conspiracy, corruption, and a child’s disappearance into a gripping, atmospheric read.
- GenresMystery
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2026
303 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 12, 2026
Happy Release Day! This is a must read series for me. Downloaded it @ 3:00 a.m.so I'd be ready to read when I got up this morning. OMG!!! Best book yet Declan James. I've anxiously awaited this book for months and it was even better than I anticipated. My favorite so far, and great news, book 11 comes out early next year (hoping it's sooner, 🙏 PLEASE!).
Detective Jake Cashen takes on a cold case of a mother who's young son went missing, then found dead 22 years ago. She's recently received a letter that sets this shocking story in motion. What unfolds is mind blowing. Riveting read that moves quickly, is highly suspenseful with numerous secrets and so many twists and turns as Jake and his partner Birdie try to get to the bottom of what really happened and why.
Love this series main characters. I especially enjoyed the surprising new developments here in both Jake and Birdie's personal lives. Can't wait to read what happens next.
Detective Jake Cashen takes on a cold case of a mother who's young son went missing, then found dead 22 years ago. She's recently received a letter that sets this shocking story in motion. What unfolds is mind blowing. Riveting read that moves quickly, is highly suspenseful with numerous secrets and so many twists and turns as Jake and his partner Birdie try to get to the bottom of what really happened and why.
Love this series main characters. I especially enjoyed the surprising new developments here in both Jake and Birdie's personal lives. Can't wait to read what happens next.
January 20, 2026
Loved it! These characters just keep getting better. I never tire of Jake and his cases. Can’t wait for the next one.
January 19, 2026
Couldn't put it down until I finished it.
This book had so many different plots and sub plots I had to keep reading so I could keep track of them. This a great read.
This book had so many different plots and sub plots I had to keep reading so I could keep track of them. This a great read.
January 13, 2026
Such a great story
I look forward to these releases that seem to take so long in between books. The characters that follow from one story to the next are so believable. The stories start out so simple and easy to get into but by mid-book, its complicated and intriguing. I love the small town stories that are not as innocent as you might expect.
I look forward to these releases that seem to take so long in between books. The characters that follow from one story to the next are so believable. The stories start out so simple and easy to get into but by mid-book, its complicated and intriguing. I love the small town stories that are not as innocent as you might expect.
January 17, 2026
I like the vibe of these books and the characters' interaction. This story got a little complicated timeline-wise, and that made it a bit difficult to follow the storyline. Enjoyed Jake and Birdie finding a bit of romance, finally. (not with each other!).
January 17, 2026
Great Mystery
I love the Jake Cashen series and this one had me guessing until the end. I also enjoyed the dynamic brought by Jo's character. Excellent read!
I love the Jake Cashen series and this one had me guessing until the end. I also enjoyed the dynamic brought by Jo's character. Excellent read!
January 13, 2026
so good
Ok another book that really messes with life. I started it and literally couldn’t put it down. Loved the mystery, loved all the characters! But, most of all Loved the new Love in Jack’s life. Can’t wait for the one!
Ok another book that really messes with life. I started it and literally couldn’t put it down. Loved the mystery, loved all the characters! But, most of all Loved the new Love in Jack’s life. Can’t wait for the one!
January 13, 2026
Fascinating
This was a totally fascinating story! I love all of Mr. James books but, oh my, what a story this was! I couldn’t put it down! Amazing!
This was a totally fascinating story! I love all of Mr. James books but, oh my, what a story this was! I couldn’t put it down! Amazing!
March 19, 2026
This latest installment in the Jake Cashen series was among my favorites. This novel leans heavily into themes of family and whether it’s defined by blood or emotional bonds.
This plot begins decades earlier with a kidnapping. Two years later, the boy’s remains are found and the case is closed. In the present, the now-elderly mother of the missing child receives a letter telling her the facts were manipulated to hide the crimes and her child had not only lived but thrived. Jake’s in a no-win situation. He doesn’t want to give the woman false hope. Doesn’t want to cast doubt on the original officer’s investigative abilities (a man who is both friend and mentor to him). And if the letter is right, he doesn’t want to destroy the life of the boy—now man—who apparently overcame the trauma of his abduction to live a happy life.
What Jake discovers during his investigation is shocking. Threads of so many different families are woven together into a knotted mess that eventually makes a complex yet beautiful tapestry.
And more than one romance starts to bloom. (What a wonderful side plot in a novel where everyone’s motivations are inspired by love, even when expressed in toxic ways.)
I would have loved to have seen more of Gemma and Max, and I think the ending was a little rushed, but all told, this was one of the best of the series. 4.5 stars.
This plot begins decades earlier with a kidnapping. Two years later, the boy’s remains are found and the case is closed. In the present, the now-elderly mother of the missing child receives a letter telling her the facts were manipulated to hide the crimes and her child had not only lived but thrived. Jake’s in a no-win situation. He doesn’t want to give the woman false hope. Doesn’t want to cast doubt on the original officer’s investigative abilities (a man who is both friend and mentor to him). And if the letter is right, he doesn’t want to destroy the life of the boy—now man—who apparently overcame the trauma of his abduction to live a happy life.
What Jake discovers during his investigation is shocking. Threads of so many different families are woven together into a knotted mess that eventually makes a complex yet beautiful tapestry.
And more than one romance starts to bloom. (What a wonderful side plot in a novel where everyone’s motivations are inspired by love, even when expressed in toxic ways.)
I would have loved to have seen more of Gemma and Max, and I think the ending was a little rushed, but all told, this was one of the best of the series. 4.5 stars.
March 24, 2026
There is something about this one that really gets to you. Part of it is that it's so old, part of it is because a family lived without their boy for decades. I liked how Jake and Birdie worked the case, that they didn't blow it off because things happened before they were born. Also interesting was how those they worked with got invested too and wanted to help them get to the bottom of things. When it was all revealed you wanted to throttle the "bad guy". He got off too easy. I feel for the boy still around, for what he had to deal with, although it seems like he is doing good so far and I feel for the boy who is no longer here.
On a side note, Jake's new dating interest has so much promise.
On a side note, Jake's new dating interest has so much promise.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Coldest Ground🥶
Wow, another riveting page turner by Declan James. A seven year old boy goes missing in 1984, only to be found close to where he disappeared two years later. Now, a letter with details that only someone close to the case could know is delivered to the mother of the murdered boy. She seeks out Jake, in the hopes of getting clarity which leads to more complications and a host of secrets dating back forty years😳
Such an emotional read but loved how Jake and Birdie investigate this cold case with open minds and bigger hearts💛 A must read story and series, looking forward to more Jake Cashen stories. I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️🩹
Wow, another riveting page turner by Declan James. A seven year old boy goes missing in 1984, only to be found close to where he disappeared two years later. Now, a letter with details that only someone close to the case could know is delivered to the mother of the murdered boy. She seeks out Jake, in the hopes of getting clarity which leads to more complications and a host of secrets dating back forty years😳
Such an emotional read but loved how Jake and Birdie investigate this cold case with open minds and bigger hearts💛 A must read story and series, looking forward to more Jake Cashen stories. I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️🩹
February 2, 2026
Det Jake Cashen is visited by a mother whose son went missing 40 years ago and found dead a few years later, except she's received a letter saying he's fine, had a good life and is prospering.
Is this yet another scam all these years later or should it be taken seriously. Jake & Birdie follow some bizarre leads and find, the boys' body was misidentified. A mistake-perhaps. Was it the fault of the detective on the case years ago, Jake doesn't think so. All signs point to a cover-up, the why not so much until near the end.
A good procedural which I usually can't put down once I start.
Is this yet another scam all these years later or should it be taken seriously. Jake & Birdie follow some bizarre leads and find, the boys' body was misidentified. A mistake-perhaps. Was it the fault of the detective on the case years ago, Jake doesn't think so. All signs point to a cover-up, the why not so much until near the end.
A good procedural which I usually can't put down once I start.
February 8, 2026
they just keep getting better
Jake Cashen ,the detective out of Blackhand Hills ,receives a visit from a woman he’s never met. She has a letter unsigned from someone saying go her deceased son, .Michael, is alive and doing fine. The person just wanted her to know. The woman’s son was declared dead 40 years before. And ,,so it begins. The stationary is the 1st clue. That’s all I’m going to say.
It’s an excellent story. I finished it in 2 days. Look forward to the next Jake Cashen story,
Jake Cashen ,the detective out of Blackhand Hills ,receives a visit from a woman he’s never met. She has a letter unsigned from someone saying go her deceased son, .Michael, is alive and doing fine. The person just wanted her to know. The woman’s son was declared dead 40 years before. And ,,so it begins. The stationary is the 1st clue. That’s all I’m going to say.
It’s an excellent story. I finished it in 2 days. Look forward to the next Jake Cashen story,
February 11, 2026
This author seems to up the ante with each new book. I already care about the characters in this series and it just keeps getting better. The premise of this book was unique to me. The thing that really hit me was the palpable emotions/reactions to the law enforcement officers investigating the murder of a young boy. As usual the author nails the police procedural portion of the novel. We also get some relief from the grief with new relationships that begin to develop. I would highly recommend this book and series.
January 12, 2026
Another great installment in the Jake Cashen series! This one has many twists and turns and is definitely a page turner!
Jake has a visit from a woman whose son disappeared 40 years ago and was determined murdered when a young boy’s bones were found two years after his disappearance. However, the mother received a letter that she finds believable and wants Jake to follow up to determine whether it’s authentic.
Highly recommend!
Jake has a visit from a woman whose son disappeared 40 years ago and was determined murdered when a young boy’s bones were found two years after his disappearance. However, the mother received a letter that she finds believable and wants Jake to follow up to determine whether it’s authentic.
Highly recommend!
January 24, 2026
this is book 10 in the James Cashen series and it is one if the best. An intriguing mystery that you can guess at but still surprises.
As usual strong characters and good dialogue. Two new characters appear and they are both solid and add to the story. Both provide a glimpse into future stories which is good.
Familiar characters like Grandpa Max and Gemma continue and are enjoyable to see.
An easy read and enjoyable.
As usual strong characters and good dialogue. Two new characters appear and they are both solid and add to the story. Both provide a glimpse into future stories which is good.
Familiar characters like Grandpa Max and Gemma continue and are enjoyable to see.
An easy read and enjoyable.
February 22, 2026
Jake Cashen is trying to solve a really cold case
We’ve followed Jake from one case to another but this has to be the hardest case of all. Trying to unravel the mystery of who was found in a grave from many years ago proves to be very complicated. This was a great read and I can’t wait for Jake’s next adventure.
We’ve followed Jake from one case to another but this has to be the hardest case of all. Trying to unravel the mystery of who was found in a grave from many years ago proves to be very complicated. This was a great read and I can’t wait for Jake’s next adventure.
January 23, 2026
This was a great read for me, with an interesting and unique plot. As usual the characters are well developed and interact meaningfully. The introduction of Jo is a welcome addition.
January 25, 2026
Another great entry in this series. This one had a different kind of mystery, kept me turning the pages. Glad to see the series is continuing, as I'm already looking forward to the next one!
January 31, 2026
Absolutely love this author and have read every book but this one was not the best to me and I found it rather anticlimactic. LOVE the new character though and can’t wait to see what is next !
February 2, 2026
Another great book in the Jake Cashen series.
February 13, 2026
Good Story !
This story kept me turning pages from beginning to end. The plot and the characters blended together perfectly to create a good story.
This story kept me turning pages from beginning to end. The plot and the characters blended together perfectly to create a good story.
February 26, 2026
the latest is a great as the first
I’ve read them all and I can’t wait for book 11. I really feel like these characters are my friends.
I’ve read them all and I can’t wait for book 11. I really feel like these characters are my friends.
March 25, 2026
great story
Thought I had it figured out, but in the middle a twist happened and boy was this a great story. Highly recommend.
Thought I had it figured out, but in the middle a twist happened and boy was this a great story. Highly recommend.
March 29, 2026
Mystery
This series of books are great. I have enjoyed every one and I highly recommend them if you enjoy, mystery, drama and a little humor!!
This series of books are great. I have enjoyed every one and I highly recommend them if you enjoy, mystery, drama and a little humor!!
February 1, 2026
Great series! I’m really mad that I have to wait a year for Book 11!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews