What do you think?
The Erin Delaney Mysteries #3
Fatal Finale
When bestselling author Erin Delaney's novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter's arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film's production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can't reach her by phone, her concern grows.
A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms her worst fears--Erin has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The man's message comes with a Contact the police or FBI and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.
Bestselling author Nancy Mehl delivers thrills like no one else in the closure of her high-stakes romantic suspense series.
A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms her worst fears--Erin has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The man's message comes with a Contact the police or FBI and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.
Bestselling author Nancy Mehl delivers thrills like no one else in the closure of her high-stakes romantic suspense series.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2026
About the author
Nancy Mehl
61 books1,571 followersNancy Mehl is the bestselling author of over 50 books. She’s won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her at www.nancymehl.com and on her blog, the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 29, 2026
Fatal Finale provides an intensely powerful close to The Erin Delaney Mysteries series. This is Christian Romantic Suspense at its best! The perfectly paced plot with dangerous twists kept me completely invested from beginning to end. The compelling characters, including a conflicted villain whose actions I hated but whose circumstances broke my heart, are still lingering in my mind. I was touched and uplifted by the strong, encouraging faith thread that is so central to the story and is beautifully woven in as a natural part of the characters' everyday lives. This emotionally charged thriller with light romance is one of the best books I have read this year and has my highest recommendation.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Tours via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Tours via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 2, 2026
💚 She couldn’t stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks, but they weren’t born of fear or sadness. They came from gratitude to the God who keeps His promises. 💚
This fantastic story is packed with suspense and faith, a kidnapping, and a dangerous game of riddles. Wow! Just wow! What a series finale! I was hooked from the prologue to the epilogue, through every twist, high, and low. Trying to figure out the clues and what would come next as the clock ticked down.
Erin! I loved her determination, intelligence, and tender heart for God. I loved the way she, Adrian, and Noah worked together. I loved how they prayed, reminded one another of scripture, and just held each other up. I loved how they kept turning the situation over to God when discouragement came and would be covered with peace. I loved their faith in God’s promises in action!
Kaely! Her bravery and strength are unmatched. I loved her intelligence and determination to not only survive but to get away. I loved how she depended on her faith and courageously believed that God would keep her safe. I absolutely adored the epilogue and the beautiful happily ever after for Erin, Adrian, Kaely, and Noah.
A few more quotes:
“It doesn’t matter what mistakes you’ve made, or what anyone else ever thought of you. God gave you a gift that doesn’t depend on you. It depends on Him. If you lean on yourself, you may fail. But if you lean on Him, He never will.”
“Look, I haven’t been a Christian very long, but one thing I see in the Bible is constant encouragement from God that He hears and answers prayers. We need to have that kind of faith.” She took a deep breath. “Kaely will be okay. I really feel that, and I choose to believe it.” Adrian smiled at her. “You’re really something, you know that?” “No, I’m not, but God is.”
“There’s no one else I’d rather see working this case with me and Noah than you. I have faith in God first and faith in you second. It will be okay.”
This complimentary copy was provided by the author and publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
This fantastic story is packed with suspense and faith, a kidnapping, and a dangerous game of riddles. Wow! Just wow! What a series finale! I was hooked from the prologue to the epilogue, through every twist, high, and low. Trying to figure out the clues and what would come next as the clock ticked down.
Erin! I loved her determination, intelligence, and tender heart for God. I loved the way she, Adrian, and Noah worked together. I loved how they prayed, reminded one another of scripture, and just held each other up. I loved how they kept turning the situation over to God when discouragement came and would be covered with peace. I loved their faith in God’s promises in action!
Kaely! Her bravery and strength are unmatched. I loved her intelligence and determination to not only survive but to get away. I loved how she depended on her faith and courageously believed that God would keep her safe. I absolutely adored the epilogue and the beautiful happily ever after for Erin, Adrian, Kaely, and Noah.
A few more quotes:
“It doesn’t matter what mistakes you’ve made, or what anyone else ever thought of you. God gave you a gift that doesn’t depend on you. It depends on Him. If you lean on yourself, you may fail. But if you lean on Him, He never will.”
“Look, I haven’t been a Christian very long, but one thing I see in the Bible is constant encouragement from God that He hears and answers prayers. We need to have that kind of faith.” She took a deep breath. “Kaely will be okay. I really feel that, and I choose to believe it.” Adrian smiled at her. “You’re really something, you know that?” “No, I’m not, but God is.”
“There’s no one else I’d rather see working this case with me and Noah than you. I have faith in God first and faith in you second. It will be okay.”
This complimentary copy was provided by the author and publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
August 22, 2026
Wow! Nancy Mehl pulls out all the stops in this thrilling conclusion to the Erin Delaney Mysteries series! Fatal Finale had me riveted as I tried to figure out ways to outwit a delusional kidnapper right along with Kaely. This heart pounding thriller had me on the edge of my seat as Erin, Kaely’s husband, & other law enforcement friends try to decipher the kidnapper’s chilling clues & find her before time runs out.
I loved the wicked smart Kaely who uses her FBI profiling skills to try to convince the kidnapper to let her go. Unfortunately, the guy has nothing to lose & is bent on revenge, which he blames Kaely’s deceased father for. I enjoyed seeing Kaely’s & the agents’ prospectives as they try to outmaneuver the clever villain who’s always one step ahead. We also get the villain’s POV which is chilling, but also sad. He becomes somewhat sympathetic the more I learned about his history. But, the rhyming clues he gives are definitely creepy & his unpredictability makes him extremely dangerous. I also appreciated the faith thread woven throughout, adding some light to the intense storyline. The exciting conclusion had me completely on the edge of my seat.
I listened to the audiobook version & really enjoyed the narrator! She put just the right amount of emotion into her performance & enjoyed the way she voiced each of the characters. It was easy to listen to.
Highly recommend this nail-biting finale to inspirational romantic suspense fans. Though it’s the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I received an advanced copy from the publisher, but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily. 4.5-5 stars.
I loved the wicked smart Kaely who uses her FBI profiling skills to try to convince the kidnapper to let her go. Unfortunately, the guy has nothing to lose & is bent on revenge, which he blames Kaely’s deceased father for. I enjoyed seeing Kaely’s & the agents’ prospectives as they try to outmaneuver the clever villain who’s always one step ahead. We also get the villain’s POV which is chilling, but also sad. He becomes somewhat sympathetic the more I learned about his history. But, the rhyming clues he gives are definitely creepy & his unpredictability makes him extremely dangerous. I also appreciated the faith thread woven throughout, adding some light to the intense storyline. The exciting conclusion had me completely on the edge of my seat.
I listened to the audiobook version & really enjoyed the narrator! She put just the right amount of emotion into her performance & enjoyed the way she voiced each of the characters. It was easy to listen to.
Highly recommend this nail-biting finale to inspirational romantic suspense fans. Though it’s the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I received an advanced copy from the publisher, but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily. 4.5-5 stars.
August 18, 2026
It is always fascinating to me to see how author Nancy Mehl crafts her main characters and her villains. She presents profiler Kaely Quin-Hunter as having a unique way to ferret out the clues to an unknown subject. The author is also adept at getting into the mind of a criminal.
This time Kaely is on her way to visit Erin, another profiler, when she is kidnapped. She has to use her unusual abilities to get herself out of a very sticky situation. Back at Erin’s house, Erin, police chief Adrian and FBI agent Noah, Kaely’s husband, try to decipher the clues in poems that the kidnapper has given them. They are on a deadline.
This book was exciting, using danger and a short window of time that made me use my powers of observation right along with the characters. This one was tricky because the villain was not typically evil. The side characters were well drawn and each had an important role in the story. The author was skillful at showing how Noah was feeling, trying to stay strong while focused on solving the riddle. I was impressed with the way the main characters relied on God for the outcome and took time to pray and put everything in God’s hands.
Fatal Finale was an excellent way to end this series. Ms. Mehl has become a favorite author.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Bethany House and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
This time Kaely is on her way to visit Erin, another profiler, when she is kidnapped. She has to use her unusual abilities to get herself out of a very sticky situation. Back at Erin’s house, Erin, police chief Adrian and FBI agent Noah, Kaely’s husband, try to decipher the clues in poems that the kidnapper has given them. They are on a deadline.
This book was exciting, using danger and a short window of time that made me use my powers of observation right along with the characters. This one was tricky because the villain was not typically evil. The side characters were well drawn and each had an important role in the story. The author was skillful at showing how Noah was feeling, trying to stay strong while focused on solving the riddle. I was impressed with the way the main characters relied on God for the outcome and took time to pray and put everything in God’s hands.
Fatal Finale was an excellent way to end this series. Ms. Mehl has become a favorite author.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Bethany House and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
September 21, 2026
*thank you to Bethany House for the complimentary book. All thoughts are always my own.
Loved this ending to the series. It was my favorite of the three. The high stakes, likeable characters and intense thrills was a perfect ending. I really loved the storytelling and the growth of the characters throughout the series.
Loved this ending to the series. It was my favorite of the three. The high stakes, likeable characters and intense thrills was a perfect ending. I really loved the storytelling and the growth of the characters throughout the series.
August 30, 2026
Time is ticking by too fast....
I've been reading other genres for the most part lately but whenever I can get my hands on the latest Nancy Mehl novel I will drop everything else. I know I am in for a chilling, and sometimes eerie, read that will keep me on the edge of my seat. This third book in the Erin Delaney Mysteries series was no exception.
In addition, my favorite Nancy Mehl character, Kaely Quinn-Hunter, is front and center alongside Erin Delaney in this high-stakes mystery. And trust me, 'high-stakes' is the correct term for Fatal Finale. It's life and death stuff for Erin as she races the clock, and matches wits with an abductor bent on revenge, in a desperate attempt to save her friend Kaely's life.
Fatal Finale may be the third title in the Erin Delaney Mysteries, but it is definitely every bit as good as the previous two books. It's dark and a tad gritty as my favorite Christian romantic suspense novels always are, but the faith element keeps the characters and readers alike facing forward in hope. Kaely has been a Christian for several years but Erin only recently made that decision. I really appreciated how Nancy Mehl portrayed those differences on one hand, while accurately showing how new and mature Christians alike sometimes struggle with fear and even despair during difficult circumstances.
Entertaining. Creepy. Interesting. Unnerving. All are applicable to Erin Delaney Mysteries book three, Fatal Finale. If you haven't read any of them, definitely check them out. If you've read the first two, what are you waiting for? It's a great series and I really enjoyed them....
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I've been reading other genres for the most part lately but whenever I can get my hands on the latest Nancy Mehl novel I will drop everything else. I know I am in for a chilling, and sometimes eerie, read that will keep me on the edge of my seat. This third book in the Erin Delaney Mysteries series was no exception.
In addition, my favorite Nancy Mehl character, Kaely Quinn-Hunter, is front and center alongside Erin Delaney in this high-stakes mystery. And trust me, 'high-stakes' is the correct term for Fatal Finale. It's life and death stuff for Erin as she races the clock, and matches wits with an abductor bent on revenge, in a desperate attempt to save her friend Kaely's life.
Fatal Finale may be the third title in the Erin Delaney Mysteries, but it is definitely every bit as good as the previous two books. It's dark and a tad gritty as my favorite Christian romantic suspense novels always are, but the faith element keeps the characters and readers alike facing forward in hope. Kaely has been a Christian for several years but Erin only recently made that decision. I really appreciated how Nancy Mehl portrayed those differences on one hand, while accurately showing how new and mature Christians alike sometimes struggle with fear and even despair during difficult circumstances.
Entertaining. Creepy. Interesting. Unnerving. All are applicable to Erin Delaney Mysteries book three, Fatal Finale. If you haven't read any of them, definitely check them out. If you've read the first two, what are you waiting for? It's a great series and I really enjoyed them....
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
August 25, 2026
a cryptic, but chilling countdown to conclude the erin delaney mysteries!
erin and kaely were supposed to go to california to work on a book-to-movie adaptation. instead, kaely never shows up, and erin’s got six days to figure out what happened to her… before something even worse happens.
it’s a race to analyze the culprit and decode the clues. it’s got all the thrills you would expect from a nancy mehl mystery, and i enjoyed seeing all the pieces fit together, along with erin and kaely.
lastly, i should note that there are some moments of theology that didn't sit quite right with me. overall, though, it's still encouraging to see erin and kaely display faith in stressful situation.
(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)
erin and kaely were supposed to go to california to work on a book-to-movie adaptation. instead, kaely never shows up, and erin’s got six days to figure out what happened to her… before something even worse happens.
it’s a race to analyze the culprit and decode the clues. it’s got all the thrills you would expect from a nancy mehl mystery, and i enjoyed seeing all the pieces fit together, along with erin and kaely.
lastly, i should note that there are some moments of theology that didn't sit quite right with me. overall, though, it's still encouraging to see erin and kaely display faith in stressful situation.
(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nancy Mehl has knocked the ball out of the park with Fatal Finale, the conclusion to the Erin Delaney mystery series, with perfect plot pacing where the action and suspense makes every moment seem urgent as our protagonists race against the clock. With several twists and turns and engaging riddles, I found myself lost within the pages of this highly riveting mystery.
Readers will be drawn to the different characters as they experience the story through the different points of view of several characters. Erin's friend Kaely has been kidnapped and her perspective allows readers to feel the realities of her capture. While Erin's POV allows readers to feel the team's pressure to solve the riddles left by the kidnapper before it is too late. The author even tells the story from the kidnapper's POV, which gives the reader unusual insight to his motive.
The faith thread is strong and powerful. I loved the characters reliance on their faith to guide their path in one of the most difficult and personal cases of their lives. There is a strong and compelling theme of forgiveness.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the entire series so readers can experience the character arc and development throughout.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Readers will be drawn to the different characters as they experience the story through the different points of view of several characters. Erin's friend Kaely has been kidnapped and her perspective allows readers to feel the realities of her capture. While Erin's POV allows readers to feel the team's pressure to solve the riddles left by the kidnapper before it is too late. The author even tells the story from the kidnapper's POV, which gives the reader unusual insight to his motive.
The faith thread is strong and powerful. I loved the characters reliance on their faith to guide their path in one of the most difficult and personal cases of their lives. There is a strong and compelling theme of forgiveness.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the entire series so readers can experience the character arc and development throughout.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 21, 2026
Fatal Finale was a compelling conclusion to the Erin Delaney Mysteries. Although I haven’t read the first two books in the series, I could follow the story and understand the important relationships and events. That said, I do think reading the previous books would have added more depth to my experience, especially when it came to seeing how the characters had grown and everything they had already been through. Even so, this book worked well as a standalone. I enjoyed the urgency surrounding Kaely’s kidnapping and the race to solve the clues before time ran out. The mystery kept me interested, while the faith element felt natural throughout the story. With suspense, emotional moments, strong relationships, and a touch of romance, this was a satisfying finale.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC! 🫶🏻
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC! 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you are a fan of the TV Series "Criminal Minds", you will love this book! Even better is the fact that faith in God shines throughout the story from start to finish.
Erin Delaney is a bestselling author whose best friend is former FBI Agent Kaely Hunter-Quinn. When Erin's book is slated to be made into a movie, she and Kaely plan to travel to Hollywood to oversee the filming. When Kaely does not arrive at the expected time, Erin is understandably worried. Then she receives a chilling phone call: Kaely has been kidnapped and Erin has just 6 days to follow cryptic clues and save her!
The story moves at a fast pace as Erin, Kaely's husband, Noah, and their friend, Adrian, try to decipher the kidnapper's strange poems and save Kaely's life. All of the characters in the book continuously try to follow God's guidance in their quest and prayer and faith in God keeps each of them going.
The reason behind the kidnapping is poignant and heartbreaking and even though the kidnapper is the villain, I still found myself feeling sympathy for him. As the story progresses, secrets are revealed and each character finds their faith tested. There is also a budding romance between characters, but nothing too prominent.
A couple of quotes from the book that stood out for me:
"I learned the hard way that talking about God is one thing. Obeying Him is another."
"She couldn't stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks, but they weren't born of fear or sadness. They came from gratitude to the God who keeps His promises."
I received a complimentary eBook copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Erin Delaney is a bestselling author whose best friend is former FBI Agent Kaely Hunter-Quinn. When Erin's book is slated to be made into a movie, she and Kaely plan to travel to Hollywood to oversee the filming. When Kaely does not arrive at the expected time, Erin is understandably worried. Then she receives a chilling phone call: Kaely has been kidnapped and Erin has just 6 days to follow cryptic clues and save her!
The story moves at a fast pace as Erin, Kaely's husband, Noah, and their friend, Adrian, try to decipher the kidnapper's strange poems and save Kaely's life. All of the characters in the book continuously try to follow God's guidance in their quest and prayer and faith in God keeps each of them going.
The reason behind the kidnapping is poignant and heartbreaking and even though the kidnapper is the villain, I still found myself feeling sympathy for him. As the story progresses, secrets are revealed and each character finds their faith tested. There is also a budding romance between characters, but nothing too prominent.
A couple of quotes from the book that stood out for me:
"I learned the hard way that talking about God is one thing. Obeying Him is another."
"She couldn't stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks, but they weren't born of fear or sadness. They came from gratitude to the God who keeps His promises."
I received a complimentary eBook copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.
September 2, 2026
Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl
Nancy Mehl knows how to keep me turning the pages, and Fatal Finale was no exception! This story had plenty of suspense, danger, and twists that kept me wondering what was going to happen next.
I especially enjoyed the way the faith elements were woven naturally into the story without taking away from the mystery and suspense. The characters were interesting, the tension kept building.
If you enjoy well written Christian suspense with mystery, danger, great characters and a story that keeps you guessing, Fatal Finale is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead publicity tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Nancy Mehl knows how to keep me turning the pages, and Fatal Finale was no exception! This story had plenty of suspense, danger, and twists that kept me wondering what was going to happen next.
I especially enjoyed the way the faith elements were woven naturally into the story without taking away from the mystery and suspense. The characters were interesting, the tension kept building.
If you enjoy well written Christian suspense with mystery, danger, great characters and a story that keeps you guessing, Fatal Finale is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead publicity tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
August 17, 2026
Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl is the third book in the Erin Delaney Mysteries. If you love Christian romantic suspense, you do not want to miss this book. This story hooked me from the start, and I could not put it down.
Erin’s book has a movie deal, and Kaely is coming with her to Hollywood to meet with the film producers. On the way, Kaely is kidnapped. Erin only has six days to crack the codes from the kidnapper and save Kaely. So, time is against Erin as she uses the different skills that Kaely has taught her to solve the clues. But when told not to call on law enforcement, it’s a little hard when Erin and Noah(Kaely’s husband) are both in law enforcement.
Kaely is struggling to keep things together as she seems to be drugged. Struggling to keep herself awake so she can figure out a way to escape, Kaely is running against the clock. Watching all the clues unravel and learning more about Kaely and her serial killer father, this story was an interesting read.
The character development in this story was great. I enjoyed watching Erin lean into her faith, working with Adrian and Noah to try and uncover the clues. The kidnapper, Dennis, is struggling with his delusions caused by his brain tumor and trying to gain retribution for the murder of his daughter. Getting to spend time being in Erin, Kaely, and Dennis's headspace gave a larger overarching story.
Nancy Mehl did such a great job intertwining faith throughout the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Erin’s book has a movie deal, and Kaely is coming with her to Hollywood to meet with the film producers. On the way, Kaely is kidnapped. Erin only has six days to crack the codes from the kidnapper and save Kaely. So, time is against Erin as she uses the different skills that Kaely has taught her to solve the clues. But when told not to call on law enforcement, it’s a little hard when Erin and Noah(Kaely’s husband) are both in law enforcement.
Kaely is struggling to keep things together as she seems to be drugged. Struggling to keep herself awake so she can figure out a way to escape, Kaely is running against the clock. Watching all the clues unravel and learning more about Kaely and her serial killer father, this story was an interesting read.
The character development in this story was great. I enjoyed watching Erin lean into her faith, working with Adrian and Noah to try and uncover the clues. The kidnapper, Dennis, is struggling with his delusions caused by his brain tumor and trying to gain retribution for the murder of his daughter. Getting to spend time being in Erin, Kaely, and Dennis's headspace gave a larger overarching story.
Nancy Mehl did such a great job intertwining faith throughout the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
August 26, 2026
: I love how Nancy Mehl wraps up Erin’s series with a bang! When she goes to California to observe her book bring made into a movie, she plans to meet up with profiler Kaely. But, when Kaely doesn’t show up and then Wein gets word that she has less than a week to save her friend, things go from bad to worse.
I love that we get snippets from both sides of the story, as well as little scours to who has it out for the ladies. This is a fast paced, suspenseful read to pick up. I love that it also has some thought provoking parts on faith and trusting God. This is a wonderful series to pick! I highly recommend starting with book one and reading in order, since they are just that good.
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest teview.
I love that we get snippets from both sides of the story, as well as little scours to who has it out for the ladies. This is a fast paced, suspenseful read to pick up. I love that it also has some thought provoking parts on faith and trusting God. This is a wonderful series to pick! I highly recommend starting with book one and reading in order, since they are just that good.
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest teview.
August 28, 2026
Completed: Aug. 27/26
Series: The Erin Delaney Mysteries, # 3
Format: Net Galley e-arc & audiobook (Audible)
Narrator: Stephanie Einstein (great)
Challenge Prompt: tbd
Book #69 of 2026: What a stellar conclusion to a fantastic series! This is my favourite of the three even though all of them were fantastic. I was riveted from start to finish. Erin and Kaley Quinn are fantastic together and I hope we will see them in a future series.
* My thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to Net Galley for an advance reader copy. My rating is my opinion and my review is in my own words.
Series: The Erin Delaney Mysteries, # 3
Format: Net Galley e-arc & audiobook (Audible)
Narrator: Stephanie Einstein (great)
Challenge Prompt: tbd
Book #69 of 2026: What a stellar conclusion to a fantastic series! This is my favourite of the three even though all of them were fantastic. I was riveted from start to finish. Erin and Kaley Quinn are fantastic together and I hope we will see them in a future series.
* My thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to Net Galley for an advance reader copy. My rating is my opinion and my review is in my own words.
August 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this mystery thriller. I didn't really know much about this author or any of her other books, but I am so glad I read this one! The plot was so interesting and really well thought out. I loved how the FBI profiling really was a big part in the book, and I loved the small moments of romance. I also think Dennis was written really well, in a way that showed his humanity while also not making excuses for his cruelty. The faith elements in this book were so good, and I especially liked all the praying, the quoting of Scripture, and the angel. I loved how this book really showed God's protection and love when it comes to his sons and daughters. Thank you so much to JustReads tours and Nancy Mehl for this arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fatal Finale brings the Erin Delaney Mysteries to a powerful and deeply satisfying conclusion. Nancy Mehl is a phenomenal author, and she once again proves why she is one of my favorite voices in Christian suspense.
The expertly paced plot pulled me in from the beginning and kept me completely invested as Erin raced against time to decipher the kidnapper’s chilling clues and save Kaely. The escalating danger, emotional intensity, and unexpected twists made this book extremely difficult to put down.
What made the story especially memorable was its emotional depth. The characters were compelling and layered, and even the villain’s story stirred emotions I didn’t expect. I also appreciated the strong faith thread, which was woven naturally throughout the story and offered a beautiful message of hope in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
With its gripping mystery, touching friendship, light romance, and powerful spiritual message, Fatal Finale is why Nancy is one of the best Christian suspense authors today. I loved this book. Highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The expertly paced plot pulled me in from the beginning and kept me completely invested as Erin raced against time to decipher the kidnapper’s chilling clues and save Kaely. The escalating danger, emotional intensity, and unexpected twists made this book extremely difficult to put down.
What made the story especially memorable was its emotional depth. The characters were compelling and layered, and even the villain’s story stirred emotions I didn’t expect. I also appreciated the strong faith thread, which was woven naturally throughout the story and offered a beautiful message of hope in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
With its gripping mystery, touching friendship, light romance, and powerful spiritual message, Fatal Finale is why Nancy is one of the best Christian suspense authors today. I loved this book. Highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 19, 2026
What a page turner! Excellent conclusion to the Erin Delaney Mysteries series!
"Why was she here? Would she ever see Noah again?"
What a beautiful example of the struggle of trusting in God in the face of extreme anxiety for the life of a loved one. Noah Hunter, Adrian Nightengale, and Erin Delaney are terrified for Kaely Quinn Hunter who has been kidnapped. They have 6 days to figure out the clues and find her before the kidnapper plans to kill her. These three friends continually remind themselves and each other that God is with Kaely, and to trust in His promises.
A nail biting race to find Kaely ensues.
A conflicted kidnapper, cryptic clues, an FBI investigation, a terrified husband, and friends who are with him through it all. If you've been reading this series, you NEED to read this conclusion! If you haven't, now would be a great time to binge read this thrilling series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
"Why was she here? Would she ever see Noah again?"
What a beautiful example of the struggle of trusting in God in the face of extreme anxiety for the life of a loved one. Noah Hunter, Adrian Nightengale, and Erin Delaney are terrified for Kaely Quinn Hunter who has been kidnapped. They have 6 days to figure out the clues and find her before the kidnapper plans to kill her. These three friends continually remind themselves and each other that God is with Kaely, and to trust in His promises.
A nail biting race to find Kaely ensues.
A conflicted kidnapper, cryptic clues, an FBI investigation, a terrified husband, and friends who are with him through it all. If you've been reading this series, you NEED to read this conclusion! If you haven't, now would be a great time to binge read this thrilling series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2026
Nancy Mehl does it again! She never disappoints.... She knocked this one out of the park. Fatal Finale is amazing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
This was a really strange case. The offender was mad at someone but was taking it out on someone else. He kidnapped Kaely Quinn because he was trying to right a wrong that she had nothing to do with. A lot of times we are angry with one person and that person may not be available, so we lash out at the nearest person. This is not only unfair, but it never solves the problem. Erin Delaney is Kaely's best friend, and she receives "clues" from the kidnapper to solve in order to save her. Sometimes we may figure out mysteries in life but still don't know what to do about them. Noah, Kaely's husband is an FBI agent and between Erin, Adrian, and himself they must try to solve the clues before it's too late.
Erin is a cop who works with the Police Department in Sanctuary. Adrian is the police chief and has feelings for her. She feels the same way, but they are afraid to admit their feelings to each other. Sometimes we must take chances because we may be missing out on something special. We also must continue to have Faith in God even if we don't get what we want because He always sees the bigger picture.
To find out if Kaely's kidnapper finds the peace he's looking for, to see if they solve the clues before it's too late, and to find out if Adrian and Erin take a chance on finding something even more special than what they already have...... you have to read the book! Happy Reading!
This was a really strange case. The offender was mad at someone but was taking it out on someone else. He kidnapped Kaely Quinn because he was trying to right a wrong that she had nothing to do with. A lot of times we are angry with one person and that person may not be available, so we lash out at the nearest person. This is not only unfair, but it never solves the problem. Erin Delaney is Kaely's best friend, and she receives "clues" from the kidnapper to solve in order to save her. Sometimes we may figure out mysteries in life but still don't know what to do about them. Noah, Kaely's husband is an FBI agent and between Erin, Adrian, and himself they must try to solve the clues before it's too late.
Erin is a cop who works with the Police Department in Sanctuary. Adrian is the police chief and has feelings for her. She feels the same way, but they are afraid to admit their feelings to each other. Sometimes we must take chances because we may be missing out on something special. We also must continue to have Faith in God even if we don't get what we want because He always sees the bigger picture.
To find out if Kaely's kidnapper finds the peace he's looking for, to see if they solve the clues before it's too late, and to find out if Adrian and Erin take a chance on finding something even more special than what they already have...... you have to read the book! Happy Reading!
September 5, 2026
Loved it !
The fast pace action was so good. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat.
I loved how the friends pulled in together and made it a top priority to find Kaely.
The faith content was very good
Well done !
The fast pace action was so good. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat.
I loved how the friends pulled in together and made it a top priority to find Kaely.
The faith content was very good
Well done !
August 25, 2026
Brief Summary
Kaely is the daughter of a seriel killer, and one of the victim’s father is out for revenge and wanting to kill Kaely. Except he does have some compassion towards her. He created 5 different riddles and calls from different locations to Erin, her best friend every morning with the a new clue. He plans to kill Kaely and himself on the 6th day if she is not rescued.
What I Like:
Fatal Finale by Nany Mehl is the first book I read and it won’t be my last. Its a perfect mixture of suspense and mystery in figuring out the puzzles. I tried to see if I could figure out the puzzles/clues first before I kept reading. Kaely leaning on God is a big plus, because this book shows He makes you strong when you’re weak both physically & mentally. The plot was the best, and multiple views really helped you understand the whole situation. You had the main views with Erin, Kaely and Dennis, but then sometimes with the next door neighbor to help you see whats taking place outside the home of Dennis. I loved the little theme of redemption with Dennis’ daughter and how she came to know Christ eventually in her life, along with Dennis also. The ending was great with a smile of naming the baby Erin- and Erin insisting on holding Erin more. I would highly suggest this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Kaely is the daughter of a seriel killer, and one of the victim’s father is out for revenge and wanting to kill Kaely. Except he does have some compassion towards her. He created 5 different riddles and calls from different locations to Erin, her best friend every morning with the a new clue. He plans to kill Kaely and himself on the 6th day if she is not rescued.
What I Like:
Fatal Finale by Nany Mehl is the first book I read and it won’t be my last. Its a perfect mixture of suspense and mystery in figuring out the puzzles. I tried to see if I could figure out the puzzles/clues first before I kept reading. Kaely leaning on God is a big plus, because this book shows He makes you strong when you’re weak both physically & mentally. The plot was the best, and multiple views really helped you understand the whole situation. You had the main views with Erin, Kaely and Dennis, but then sometimes with the next door neighbor to help you see whats taking place outside the home of Dennis. I loved the little theme of redemption with Dennis’ daughter and how she came to know Christ eventually in her life, along with Dennis also. The ending was great with a smile of naming the baby Erin- and Erin insisting on holding Erin more. I would highly suggest this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
August 21, 2026
This was a great wrap-up to the series and while you could read this as a stand-alone, it's so much richer having read the first two and knowing how far Erin's come and what Kaely and Erin have been through together. It's also great catching up with Kaely after reading her wonderful trilogy and seeing her story continue through this series. This was another hard one to put down and I almost read it in one sitting but I had to get to bed! The book starts off with a bang and the suspense doesn't let up as we see what Kaely goes through and then back to Erin trying to figure out the clues with some help. The profiling is fascinating as you see them both trying to understand what's going on plus you get the kidnapper's point of view as well, which adds an extra layer of suspense. The spiritual aspect was really well done for the whole series as Erin isn't a Christian and actually somewhat hostile in the beginning and her and Kaely have some great discussions about faith. I liked that the gospel was clearly presented and even in this book where Erin is in a much different place, faith was still a very important part as she needs to lean on God to get through the stress and pressure as she races to save Kaely. There's a hint of romance and also some action. There were also some great discussion questions for your book club with questions that really make you think. I highly recommend this book and the whole series and can't wait for her new one, which you get a sneak peak of as well!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I wasn't compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I wasn't compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2026
This was definitely a creepy story. A kidnapping and chilling messages with clues that need to be deciphered. This is the third of the series about Erin Delaney a bestselling author. This story also brings in Katie Quinn-Hunter, a profiler from the previous series. This is the first one I have read of all of them. The story did not lose me, but I do like that I can go back and read both sets of stories and get more of their stories.
I don't know what to think about the kidnapper. He was a mixed bag with real issues that I did not see coming. Very interesting circumstances with him, I didn't like him at all, but I did feel pity for him.
There was a race against time and a palpable feeling of fear throughout. I especially felt for Noah, Katie's husband. They had a lot to look forward too and I can't imagine the feeling of not being able to save the person you love the most. Faith played a strong role here, it had to. For the people desperate to save Katie and for Katie herself who really wanted to be saved.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
I don't know what to think about the kidnapper. He was a mixed bag with real issues that I did not see coming. Very interesting circumstances with him, I didn't like him at all, but I did feel pity for him.
There was a race against time and a palpable feeling of fear throughout. I especially felt for Noah, Katie's husband. They had a lot to look forward too and I can't imagine the feeling of not being able to save the person you love the most. Faith played a strong role here, it had to. For the people desperate to save Katie and for Katie herself who really wanted to be saved.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
August 17, 2026
Fatal Finale is an excellent finale to the Erin Delaney Mystery series from Nancy Mehl! Erin’s best friend, profiler Kaely Quinn-Hunter, has been kidnapped, and the kidnapper has given Erin just 6 days to solve his twisted clues to rescue her- or she dies. Erin and Adrian and Kaely’s husband Noah go through a lot of stress, conflicting emotions, and soul searching during the days Kaely is missing. I especially liked how baby Christian Erin really learns to lean on Jesus in the crisis- struggling with her doubts but learning to go to God with her unbelief. I loved how they drew on scripture to carry them through. It was such an interesting way to tell the story, because we spend time with Erin, we spend time with Kaely, and we also spend a lot of time with the kidnapper. We know what’s happening long before the characters do, and it was interesting to see them guess and profile and come up with their conclusions, and seeing things they thought of develop into reality.
I loved trying to figure out the clues. My only disappointment, really, is that I wish there had been more of a surprise to this story. I kept waiting for a big Ah Ha! moment or reveal. But since we know the kidnapper, the reveal is really only to the characters, not the reader. I did love the ending though, and the journey. There’s still plenty of light intensity suspense that will drive you through the pages and keep those short chapters churning.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to review it. My opinions are my own.
I loved trying to figure out the clues. My only disappointment, really, is that I wish there had been more of a surprise to this story. I kept waiting for a big Ah Ha! moment or reveal. But since we know the kidnapper, the reveal is really only to the characters, not the reader. I did love the ending though, and the journey. There’s still plenty of light intensity suspense that will drive you through the pages and keep those short chapters churning.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to review it. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl will keep you on the edge of your seat for the conclusion of the Erin Delaney Mystery series! Combining both the quick thinking of Erin Delaney, main character, and the unique insights of Kaely Quinn, heroine of a prior series, this story is edgy in the best kind of way.
I like how Erin really comes into her own in Fatal Finale. Both her faith and her new skills are tried in a big way, and these, combined with sky-high stakes, make for a dramatic and suspenseful story.
While Kaely and her husband made appearances in other books in this series, they take a larger role here, and it's almost like the two series merge in the best kind of way. I enjoy this opportunity to see Kaely's story advance while continuing the Erin Delaney series.
Erin's plotline takes a parallel path to Kaely's in this story, and while I didn't find this story to be surprising or twisty, I liked seeing how revelations would play out between the two stories - and how they finally came together.
Finding out what happened to favorite characters was a big motivation for me with Fatal Finale, so if you enjoy edgy stories with likeable characters, this book should be on your read-it-now list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I like how Erin really comes into her own in Fatal Finale. Both her faith and her new skills are tried in a big way, and these, combined with sky-high stakes, make for a dramatic and suspenseful story.
While Kaely and her husband made appearances in other books in this series, they take a larger role here, and it's almost like the two series merge in the best kind of way. I enjoy this opportunity to see Kaely's story advance while continuing the Erin Delaney series.
Erin's plotline takes a parallel path to Kaely's in this story, and while I didn't find this story to be surprising or twisty, I liked seeing how revelations would play out between the two stories - and how they finally came together.
Finding out what happened to favorite characters was a big motivation for me with Fatal Finale, so if you enjoy edgy stories with likeable characters, this book should be on your read-it-now list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fatal Finale is the third book in The Erin Delaney Mysteries series by Nancy Mehl. This story follows after the previous ones, so it is best to read the books in order. The author does a nice job of giving background information, so this is also a great stand-alone story. This is a fast-paced story that is well written and enjoyable to read. The story takes place in small town Tennessee and focuses on members of the police force and certain FBI agents. Erin has written a story that is being made into a movie. Her best friend, FBI agent, Kaeley is flying in to go with her but never arrives. Her kidnapper gives a new clue to Erin every day to try to find Kaeley before he takes her life.
This story is so good! I enjoyed the way Erin, Noah and Adrian work together non-stop to find her in time. This story is filled with suspense with surprises written throughout. I enjoyed how the characters rely on faith and work together to solve the kidnapper's riddles. It was interesting to see how Kaeley continued her profiling strategy to figure out who had her. I enjoyed how Erin's co-workers from the police force were so helpful. This has been a very enjoyable suspenseful series to read and enjoy.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
This story is so good! I enjoyed the way Erin, Noah and Adrian work together non-stop to find her in time. This story is filled with suspense with surprises written throughout. I enjoyed how the characters rely on faith and work together to solve the kidnapper's riddles. It was interesting to see how Kaeley continued her profiling strategy to figure out who had her. I enjoyed how Erin's co-workers from the police force were so helpful. This has been a very enjoyable suspenseful series to read and enjoy.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
August 19, 2026
Powerful faith-infused fiction that won’t let you go. This gripping, clean suspense read grabs your attention from the start and keeps you wondering how it will all play out until the very end. The tale deals with inner trauma and physical illness—both which dramatically affect the characters. The story also addresses the choices each make and how that affects others in this serial killer drama. This novel can stand alone, but it will make you want to read the others in the series and the author’s previous one as well. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A story filled with tension, cryptic clues, teamwork, friendship, and faith . . .
Erin Delaney is an author who currently works as a police officer in a small town in Tennessee. Her best friend, Kaely Hunter, is an FBI special agent who has informally trained Erin on techniques used to profile criminals.
When Kaely is kidnapped, the perpetrator uses Erin as his contact. He sends her taunting, cryptic rhymes as clues as to where to find Kaely. He has set a six-day deadline for Erin to find Kaely or he will make good on his promise to murder the young woman for a heart-wrenching reason that is not of Kaely's making.
I found the thread involving the motives and mindset of the villain in the story to be disturbing and dark. Many times, the villain's dialogue and POV were cruel and unkind toward Kaely and others.
One positive element of the story in my opinion was how Kaely's friends and family worked together as a team alongside the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to solve this urgent mystery. Kaely's friends and family uplifted each other and the victim in prayer throughout the ordeal even though they were stressed and exhausted.
Another positive for me was the very strong faith thread which ran throughout the plot. The author's use of scripture was excellent and really added to my appreciation for the story.
The book is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
######################
Erin Delaney is an author who currently works as a police officer in a small town in Tennessee. Her best friend, Kaely Hunter, is an FBI special agent who has informally trained Erin on techniques used to profile criminals.
When Kaely is kidnapped, the perpetrator uses Erin as his contact. He sends her taunting, cryptic rhymes as clues as to where to find Kaely. He has set a six-day deadline for Erin to find Kaely or he will make good on his promise to murder the young woman for a heart-wrenching reason that is not of Kaely's making.
I found the thread involving the motives and mindset of the villain in the story to be disturbing and dark. Many times, the villain's dialogue and POV were cruel and unkind toward Kaely and others.
One positive element of the story in my opinion was how Kaely's friends and family worked together as a team alongside the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to solve this urgent mystery. Kaely's friends and family uplifted each other and the victim in prayer throughout the ordeal even though they were stressed and exhausted.
Another positive for me was the very strong faith thread which ran throughout the plot. The author's use of scripture was excellent and really added to my appreciation for the story.
The book is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
######################
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fatal Finale, the third book in the Erin Delaney series, is a mystery novel that works as a standalone, but will be even better if you've read both the Kaely Quinn series and the previous Erin Delaney books. Without that background, you'll miss the interconnected stories and characters back stories that add depth to this story.
Set over six days and told from multiple perspectives, the novel follows the characters as they race to deal with Kaylee’s kidnapping. The story is layered and the villain’s motives add an interesting dimension to the storyline - no spoilers here! In short, if you love a good mystery with complex characters, this series is a must-read.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts
Set over six days and told from multiple perspectives, the novel follows the characters as they race to deal with Kaylee’s kidnapping. The story is layered and the villain’s motives add an interesting dimension to the storyline - no spoilers here! In short, if you love a good mystery with complex characters, this series is a must-read.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts
September 15, 2026
As the wrap-up finale of "The Erin Delaney Mystery Series," FATAL FINALE pits FBI profilers, local police, and dedicated friend against a mentally challenged kidnapper who seeks revenge for his daughter's murder years prior. This strongly Christian faith-based story is contemporary, fast-faced, intriguing, suspenseful, fearful, and redemptive.
As Erin, a successful suspense novelist whose latest book is currently being made into a movie, awaits her friend, Kayle's arrival, she receives a terrifying message. This launches Erin and her friends on a hunt that is laced with unknown qualities and has a limited deadline of six days. Then kidnapped Kayle will be killed.
The convoluted messages. The convoluted interpretation. The terror Kayle experiences and the wise choices she makes. The unknown and odd "people" that visit the scenes lending guidance. All these unravel the end of this nightmare experience.
Strong quotes of Scripture encourage and direct decisions and the faith elements were especially strong.
A fine conclusion to this series. I'm looking forward to Nancy Mehl's next book.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
As Erin, a successful suspense novelist whose latest book is currently being made into a movie, awaits her friend, Kayle's arrival, she receives a terrifying message. This launches Erin and her friends on a hunt that is laced with unknown qualities and has a limited deadline of six days. Then kidnapped Kayle will be killed.
The convoluted messages. The convoluted interpretation. The terror Kayle experiences and the wise choices she makes. The unknown and odd "people" that visit the scenes lending guidance. All these unravel the end of this nightmare experience.
Strong quotes of Scripture encourage and direct decisions and the faith elements were especially strong.
A fine conclusion to this series. I'm looking forward to Nancy Mehl's next book.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
September 23, 2026
4.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews