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Sanctuary #3

Conspiracy

Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26
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Conspiracy, the third book in USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble's Sanctuary series (following Ambush and Prowl), delivers exactly what her fans the ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Lynette Eason.

Fifteen years of secrets. Once chance for justice.

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leopard--a chilling embodiment of Paradise's deepest fears--is now stalking her.

Haunted by resurfacing memories, Paradise, Blake, and her newfound brother, Drew, follow a trail of clues that leads them into a web of dark family secrets. The deeper they dig, the more shocking the connections become, linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

With every step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate. Paradise, Blake, and Drew must race to expose a murderer who has remained hidden for fifteen years, but this time, they are the ones being stalked. If they can't unmask the killer, the past will destroy both the fragile future Paradise and Blake are trying to build and the family she has finally found with her brother.

A conspiracy of lemurs is a family. But a conspiracy of people can be deadly.

Colleen Coble's Conspiracy combines gripping suspense with slow-burn romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn't have to define you.

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

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About the author

Colleen Coble

147 books6,729 followers
USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Christine Garrow.
279 reviews16 followers
June 21, 2026
I picked up Conspiracy by Colleen Coble without realizing it was the third book in the Sanctuary series, which made it an unexpected test of whether the story could stand on its own. Fortunately, I never felt completely lost, though it was obvious there were relationships and events from earlier books that added extra depth for returning readers. What initially drew me in was the premise alone: dark family secrets, a slow-burn romance, and a leopard trained to stalk people. That’s not a combination you encounter every day.

Paradise Alden works as a wildlife veterinarian at The Sanctuary, an animal refuge in Alabama owned by Jenna Lawson, the mother of Paradise’s boyfriend, Blake. From the beginning, Paradise is determined to uncover the truth behind her parents’ long-unsolved murders. The novel wastes no time throwing her into danger. She is stalked by a leopard, attacked by an unknown assailant at a marina, and quickly finds herself at the center of a mystery that only grows more complicated as buried secrets begin to surface.

One of the more interesting aspects of the story is how the animal refuge is woven into the suspense plot. The title refers both to the mystery at the heart of the novel and to the collective noun for a group of lemurs—a conspiracy. I also learned that Alabama’s exotic animal laws are surprisingly permissive. At one point, a character named Creed owns a lemur he reportedly won in a poker game, which sounds absurd enough to be fiction, yet fits perfectly into the novel’s unusual setting. The Sanctuary’s work rescuing neglected animals adds an extra layer of heart to the story.

As Paradise investigates her parents’ deaths alongside Blake and her recently discovered half-brother Drew, new clues emerge through a childhood diary that unlocks memories she had long forgotten. I found this aspect particularly compelling because it tied the present-day mystery to Paradise’s traumatic past and gradually revealed how much she still didn’t know about her own history.

The book does not shy away from difficult subjects. Paradise’s life after her parents’ deaths was marked by significant trauma, including abuse while in foster care. Coble presents a recurring theme that suffering can lead people to appreciate goodness and faith more deeply. While I understand the intent behind that message, it was one aspect of the novel that didn’t fully resonate with me. Some forms of trauma are so devastating that I struggle with the idea of viewing them as necessary parts of a larger plan.

Readers should also know that this is very much Christian romantic suspense. Expressions of faith are frequent, prayers are common, and gratitude toward God is woven throughout the story. The romance remains extremely clean, focusing on commitment, trust, and emotional connection rather than physical intimacy. At the same time, the suspense can be surprisingly intense. There are multiple attacks, attempted murders, and graphic descriptions of injuries that make the danger feel real.

What kept me listening was the pacing. The story rarely slows down for long before another clue, revelation, or threat appears. The mystery surrounding Paradise’s parents unfolds steadily, and the constant sense of danger creates genuine momentum. Karen Peakes’s narration elevates the audiobook even further. She gives the characters distinct voices and accents that make it easy to follow conversations and distinguish personalities.

Overall, Conspiracy delivered exactly what it promises: a fast-moving blend of mystery, danger, faith, and romance set against the unique backdrop of an exotic animal sanctuary. While some of the book’s spiritual themes didn’t align with my own views, readers looking for Christian suspense packed with intrigue, family secrets, and plenty of action will likely find a lot to enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for providing an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Grandma Susan.
624 reviews277 followers
June 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Conspiracy by Colleen Coble is another 5-star read for me! In fact, every book in the Sanctuary series has earned 5 stars.

This story kept me guessing from beginning to end. There were so many villains to suspect—and so many to loathe—that I never completely figured out who was behind it all until the big reveal.

I continue to love Paradise and Blake as main characters, and Blake’s family adds so much heart to the story. Their relationships feel genuine and make the suspense even more engaging.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was outstanding. The voices for Blake’s little brother were especially well done and added so much personality and charm to the listening experience.

As always, I appreciated the lovely, sweet faith content woven naturally throughout the story. It added depth and hope without overwhelming the plot.

Another excellent installment in a series I highly recommend!

I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,306 reviews59 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 7, 2026
What a satisfying conclusion to this series. While Blake and Paradise should have been focusing on their HEA, they and Paradise's newly found brother Drew are digging into the murders of Paradise's parents and Drew's dad. However, someone is determined to not let the truth be revealed. Packed full of suspense, secrets, attacks, twists and turns, and heart-pounding close calls, Conspiracy is a clean romantic suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kay Defreese.
674 reviews47 followers
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March 7, 2026
Conspiracy is the last book in the Sanctuary series. The first part of the book started out slow for me but by the middle of the book I couldn't put it down. In this book we meet Paradise's half-brother, Drew who turned out to be very likable. In this book Paradise, Blake and Drew investigate who murdered Drew's bio father, and Paradise's parents. Their research reveals secrets that have been burried for 20 years. I was surprised by who the villains were.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,702 reviews56 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 16, 2026
Wow! What an amazing ending to this series! As always, Colleen's writing blew me away. I never would have guessed who the perpetrators were. The Sanctuary is one of my favorite fictional places to "visit"!

There are a lot of familiar characters and some new ones. Paradise amazes me. She's such a strong and giving person. Blake is extraordinary! His protector characteristic ensures that those he loves remain safe. Isaac and Levi are adorable as always! Their funny antics helped balance the serious content of the story.

The importance of family is prevalent throughout the book. It reminded me to be thankful for the loving and supportive family that I have. It's truly a blessing!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Harper Collins Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Dana.
265 reviews
May 29, 2026
What an ending! Whew! The Sanctuary series was a wild ride. Nothing was ever as it seemed and I was extremely surprised at the killers. Colleen Coble has always been my top favorite romantic suspense Christian author and she just proved why today. Paradise & Blake are in search of answers to who killed her parents and now her brother Drew is in the picture. He’s a police detective, looking into the murder of his father as well since they all happened at the same time. I am impressed with Mrs Coble’s ability to take a story like this and weave all the details together. She always delivers romance, suspense and Jesus into her every book perfectly.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Brown.
66 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 13, 2026
This was a satisfying conclusion to the Sanctuary trilogy. I was definitely anxious to know what happened and what the conclusion would be. If you've read the first two books, be sure you pick this one up. If you haven't read the first two, grab the whole trilogy, and be ready for a ride.

In the first two books, you met Paradise and Blake. They were young sweethearts before circumstances and tragedy torn them apart. The first book picks up with Paradise coming back to the small town where she grew up and fell in love with Blake. But it also the place where her parents were murdered and she wasn't taken good care of in the foster homes she placed in. Paradise never thought she'd return but when the opportunity to be a vet in the town and at the Sanctuary she took a chance. On herself. On Blake. And the opportunity to potentially solve her parent's cold case murder.

Conspiracy picks up right where Prowl left off. Blake and Paradise had figured out who was targeting his family's Sanctuary and saved this animal rescue. In Conspiracy, they are devoted to figuring out what happened to her parents and why after 20 years their murder remains unsolved. Together, along with Blake's family and Paradise's newly discovered half brother, they delve in the secrets this small town has been hiding for at least 20 years.

Conspiracy takes you on a ride. Occasionally, sending you down side roads that take you nowhere and long, twisty dirt roads that lead you directly to a clue. There wasn't a dull moment in the story. It felt that once the story opened, the gas was pushed, and the reader was along for the ride. The ending. Whoooee... it had my heart pumping and hoping everyone would be okay in the end.

Like all of Colleen Coble's books there is strong emphasis on faith and family. Having faith in yourself and a higher power. But more importantly, relying on your family, whether it's your chosen family or the one you were born into. Conspiracy explored this not only with the human characters but also with the animals that the Sanctuary saves. The lemur story was such an interesting juxtaposition to some of the characters and how being alone can turn you into someone you're not. But that with love and community, you can become the version of yourself you are meant to be.

This book also explores a lot of self growth through Paradise. In the first book, you find out she was mauled pretty badly by a big cat (Jaguar) and she finds herself still very scared of them. Despite the fact that she is a trained vet that specialized in more exotic animals. But as the story goes on you watch as Paradise navigates her fear and finds herself learning to trust herself and those around her.

Blake and Paradise are the heart of the story. As is their love for the animals they choose to save. The Sanctuary Trilogy is a great look at animal conservation and how it can be done in a way that feels safe to the animals without being exploitative. I learned a lot about a variety of animals throughout this trilogy. And it served as a reminder to do the things you love and to trust yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the early ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for PamG.
1,382 reviews1,124 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 14, 2026
Combining a wildlife sanctuary, murder, a cold case, and threatening events, Colleen Coble has written another wonderful novel in Conspiracy, the third and final book in the Sanctuary series. It blends a crime thriller with a romantic suspense novel and finds the right balance.

Wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alder has begun to imagine a future with Blake Lawson, the oldest son of the owner of The Sanctuary, a wildlife refuge near Nova Cambridge, Alabama. However, she, Blake, and her newly found half-brother Drew Bartley continue to investigate the murder of their mom, her dad, and his dad fifteen years ago.

Meanwhile a trained leopard stalks Paradise and a few memories resurface as they follow a trail of clues and learn family secrets linking their families. However, the killer is becoming more desperate and the race against time becomes explosive.

Paradise projects a strong, confident manner and is tenacious. She’s spirited, stands up to bullies, and values independence. She tends to cling to the familiar because she experienced so much change when she was younger. However, she annoyingly seems to need Blake to continually rescue her. I wanted her to be a stronger protagonist. Blake was a Marine combat paramedic before the death of his stepfather brought him back home to help his mother. He relates easily to most people, loves the Sanctuary, and tends to protect the underdog. He has a quiet confidence, kind manner, and is selfless and caring. He hates injustice and is committed to those he loves.

Suspense and danger abound in this novel and it includes several action-packed scenes. The mysteries add intrigue and depth to the story. Building on this are family dynamics and romance, as well as danger. This gives the story a plot that holds a reader’s attention and keeps them rapidly turning the pages. It grabbed me with a fast-paced opening and kept me hooked. While I guessed who most of the antagonists were, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel. Add on great world-building and excellent characterization, and you get a wonderful tale. The epilogue wrapped up the outstanding threads and brought them to a satisfying resolution. However, it felt a little rushed.

Overall, this was an entertaining and suspenseful Christian fiction novel that is both a crime thriller and a romantic suspense novel. It kept me fully engaged with its gripping storyline. It’s well-plotted and beautifully executed. Themes include cold case murders, found family, murder, friendship, overcoming emotional pain, moving forward from past trauma. Other threads include greed, power, jealousy, corruption, family relationships, trust, romance, and secrets.

Thomas Nelson Fiction – Thomas Nelson and Colleen Coble provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 07, 2026.
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My 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
4,376 reviews313 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 8, 2026
Title: Conspiracy
Series: Sanctuary Series #3
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Romance
Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Pages: 336

Story starts with wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden at the Sanctuary assisting with the birth of two lemurs. In fact, future husband Blake Lawson’s seven-year-old half-brother Levi also observing. He is obsessed with lemurs, and his mother Jenna Anderson is one of the owners of the Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve and allowed him to witness the birth. His brother Issac is only five so he needs to wait.
(BTW: These two little guys just happened to have the same name as Ms. Coble’s two adorable grandsons. Yes! They were the inspiration for these two fictional characters Ms. Coble tells us in her Note from the Author that she smiles every time she writes them in them into the story!)
We readers also get a educated in wildlife and learn the title of this nook has a double meaning as a group/family of lemurs are called a Conspiracy.

Paradise and Blake Lawson are looking forward to their lives together; however, the murder of Paradise’s parents has been an unsolved mystery for fifteen years. Now there are new threats including a trained Leopard. When she ends up in a dumpster nearly dead Blake knows he needs to do everything he can to protect her; in fact, he asks his cousins Hez Webester and his wife Savannah if she can stay with them. They, of course, are pleased to help.
I am sure you know them from the Tupelo Grove series; they were my favorites including their adopted son Simon. That series ended and I was delighted they are not forgotten,

Paradise, Blake, and Paradise’s newfound brother, Drew have not given up on finding the truth which leads them to dark family secrets. What it even more shocking are the connections linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

The ending was a wild ride!!!

I am a Colleen Coble fan! Whenever I see a new book by her- it automatically goes on my TBR list! This is #31 for me and I am not disappointed! One of the beauties of her stories are the interconnected. Such as Hez, Savannah and Simon showing up in this story something similar often happened in other books! In this story Ms. Coble wove Pelican Harbor, Tupelo Grove as well as The Sanctuary together.
I always enjoy reading Ms. Coble’s ‘Author’s Note and Acknowledgements’. Plus, the Discussion Questions are great if you are or are not in a Book Club.

I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with another great eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 7, 2026.

Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,374 reviews44 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 26, 2026
I don’t know if Colleen Coble has something against letting her characters relax, but Paradise cannot catch a break… and I kept reading because I had to know when life was finally going to be fair to her.

Colleen Coble’s Conspiracy is the last book in the Sanctuary series. Thomas Nelson Fiction, thank you so much for the gifted copy.

I have to admit, finishing this one was a little bittersweet. I’ve spent three books with Paradise and Blake, so by now they don’t feel like strangers anymore. They feel like those fictional people you secretly hope will get a happy ending because you’ve watched them work so hard for it.

The mystery is still front and center, but for me it wasn’t even the biggest reason I kept turning pages. I wanted Paradise to finally get answers about her parents. I wanted Drew to find some peace too. Mostly, I wanted somebody in this book to have one completely normal day. That was asking a lot.

I still love that this series takes place at a wildlife sanctuary. It’s different. There aren’t many suspense novels where you can go from smiling over baby lemurs to worrying about a leopard a few pages later. Every time somebody wandered outside by themselves I caught myself thinking, “Please don’t. Haven’t we learned anything yet?”

Blake stayed one of my favorite parts of the series. He’s dependable without making a big production out of it. He doesn’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be the strongest one. I always appreciate characters like that.

There was one point where I thought I’d finally figured everything out. I was feeling pretty confident too. Then a few chapters later I realized I had absolutely not figured it out. So… congratulations, Colleen. You got me.

One line I kept thinking about after I finished was:

“God is good. He’s good all the time, even when things look bleak.”

That really sums up the heart of these books. The faith never feels forced. It’s simply part of the way these characters keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when life gets messy.

If you’ve been thinking about this series, don’t start here. Start with Ambush. Trust me. Watching Paradise, Blake, and the people around them grow over three books makes this ending mean so much more.

★★★★★

“A conspiracy of lemurs is a family. But a conspiracy of people can be deadly.”

Now I’m curious… when you finish the last book in a series you love, do you jump right into something new, or do you need a day or two to recover?
Profile Image for Jamie Gordy.
279 reviews15 followers
June 25, 2026
Thank you to Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson Fiction Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me an eARC of this book to read and review and also early review copy of the audiobooks to listen to and review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Exotic veterinarian Paradise Alden is ready to start a life with her boyfriend Blake Lawson. However, she and her newly discovered half brother Drew must discover why their parents were killed 20 years before. Someone does not want this to happen . Someone is determined to stop this investigation from happening. Knowing Paradise’s past issues with big cats, they keep sending big cats to try and attack her - along with other attacks. Blake, Paradise and Drew must work together to finally solve the mystery so they can have their happy ever after.

The audiobook was well done. The narrator kept me in the story. Karen Peakes does exceptionally well with narrating the voices of the little boys. I did not hear any discrepancies. I would definitely recommend Karen as a narrator.

This is a wonderful conclusion to the Sanctuary Series by Colleen Coble. All the mysteries were well wrapped up and the park was left in good standing. However, I had some issues with this book, and maybe it was with Paradise as character or maybe it is with Colleen’s female main characters in general. She did things did not make sense. She knew people were after her, yet she still put her life in danger. She was one of those FMCs that make you want to shake her. The other minor issue I had with this book (and really this series in general) was as a southerner from the Gulf Coast area it felt like Colleen Coble did not do adequate research. This is just a little thing, but if we had a shrimp boil we would not be using Old Bay Seasoning. I have noticed several discrepancies like this throughout the series. As I stated, on the whole I enjoyed this book, I just wish some of the little issues would have been better planned out. The faith content of this book was great, probably the best of the whole series.

If you love great mysteries that are full of faith or books that give you glimpses into the world of keeping exotic animals, then this would be your book. If books that have fmcs that don’t think before they act get on your nerves, then you might not like this one.

#Conspiracy #NetGalley
4,123 reviews1,767 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 2, 2026

This has been my favourite Colleen Cable series, but be forewarned, the ‘Sanctuary’ books should be read in order, ‘Ambush‘, ‘Prowl‘ and finally ‘Conspiracy‘. The perfect blend of romance along with stalkerish suspense make each book impossible to put down and all combined — phew, what I call sweet perfection. Or maybe that should be eerie perfection. Lots of shivery chills and romantical thrills!

The wildlife sanctuary setting is so unique and utterly fascinating between the details on the various animals and the challenges of keeping a facility like that funded and running smoothly. And it provides some wonderful scope for compelling suspense and action scenes!

The romance between Paradise and Blake has been spectacular. It’s been so fulfilling to watch their relationship deepen over the course of three books, making their ultimate happily ever after downright epic! And that goes for personal character growth as well, especially in Paradise. Her backstory was brutal and her struggle to overcome the subsequent fears inspiring. I love how Blake didn’t back away from any of their issues either. They talked things through, fretted when they didn’t see eye to eye but neither gave up on the other. That kind of romantic depth just couldn’t happen in one book.

‘Conspiracy’ is the series grande finale, where all the loose ends are tied up nicely, from cold cases to Paradise’s family history and even the ultimate comeuppance for one particularly nasty secondary character (I cheered out loud!) Such an enriching read!

Well, listen in my case as I enjoyed the audio edition narrated by Karen Peakes. She has been the narrator for all three books and I appreciate that continuity. She has the incredible ability to portray each character with unique voices that suit their personalities and is especially wonderful at creating believable children’s voices. Highly recommend the audio editions in the ‘Sanctuary‘ series.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/06/02/c...
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books34 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 27, 2026
Oh boy! I loved this book and am so glad I discovered this author.
This is the gripping, climactic conclusion to a mystery that has spanned three great books. This author manages to combine everything you would want in a story, murder, revenge, jealousy, secrets, family and even a few wild animals to join in on the fun. All of it adds up to an interesting read that will keep you up late into the night. I wanted to quickly read it to find out what happens but at the same time I didn't want the story to end because it's the last In the series.

I love the characters and the way that they have become a family. I am normally all about the investigation side of stories but I have to say I would make an exception for this family and I loved spending time with them. It wasn't just because of the wild life sanctuary setting either. Although getting to meet some of the animals was a treat, when it was deadly.
With book two, I spent most of the time not trusting anybody as Paradise and Blake struggled to protect the sanctuary but this book is more focused and they are only working the one case. Who killed Paradise parents? Even with just the case there's plenty going on to keep you entertained, suspects to keep you guessing and heart felt moments to make you fall in love with the characters all over again. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

With the sanctuary no longer in danger, Paradise turns her attention to her parents murder. With her newly discovered brother Drew by her side, the pair of them start following clues. In order to discover what happened that night the have to discover who Drew's father is and whether his family had anything to do with the deaths. Drew's father is as big a mystery as why they died but maybe together they can get to the bottom of things, unless the killer stops them first.
I liked the narrator. She made a great story even more entertaining if that's possible with individual voices for the characters.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Profile Image for Dr. F.
130 reviews
June 6, 2026
Conspiracy by Colleen Coble is the third book in the Sanctuary Christian romantic suspense trilogy. Coble’s writing is thrilling, featuring a narrative style that feels deeply personal, as if she is telling the story directly to the reader. The novel effectively utilizes a found family trope and emphasizes trust in God's love.
Paradise Alden, a wildlife veterinarian, works at a wild animal sanctuary. She is on a quest to uncover the truth behind her parents' murders, as well as the killer of her half-brother Andrew’s father, fifteen years ago. Because she lacks clear childhood memories, this investigation is difficult and information is scarce.
To piece together the past, she consults Trisha and West Miller, her parents' best friends. West reveals that her father had been trying to prevent a tragedy. At that time, a private investigator named Fletcher was searching for Drew’s father and even threatened Paradise and Drew's mother, Becky. Further investigation reveals that Drew’s father was eight years older than Becky, married, and had a three-year-old daughter—facts Becky was completely unaware of when they were together. She had left him before realizing she was pregnant with Drew. Known only as "Ben," he came from a wealthy Louisiana family.
Becky’s memories resurface after visiting her childhood home with her half-brother Drew—a detective—and her boyfriend, Blake. Upon finding her old pink diary, she recalls her father, Granger, shouting at her mother because she had conceived a son with another man before her marriage.
The trio—Paradise, Blake, and Drew—follow these clues and uncover a complex network of corruption. As they dig deeper, the killer grows increasingly reckless, putting all their lives in danger. While unraveling her parents' death, they uncover dark family secrets and conspiracies.
Overall, I found this novel witty, engaging, and enjoyable. I recommend it and give it a 4-star rating—I’ll stop here to avoid any spoilers!
Profile Image for Sara Wise.
659 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 24, 2026
** “God is good. He’s good all the time, even when things look bleak. Even if we lost it all, he’s still good.” **

Colleen Coble concludes her heart-pounding Sanctuary series with a very intense “Conspiracy.”

Picking up immediately after the series’ second installment, “Prowl,” when wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is almost chased down by a black jaguar, she knows trouble has once again come to the Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve. And when she begins to receive threatening messages to keep her newly discovered brother Drew away, she really knows there’s more than meets the eye.

After finally meeting the brother she never knew she had, they race to figure out who killed his father and her parents 20 years ago with the assistance of her boyfriend Blake Lawson. Their quest will lead them down some troubling roads. Who was truly involved and who is still trying to prevent them from finding answers?

Once again, Coble provides a story filled with twists and turns and heart-thumping moments, both suspense-wise and romance-wise. She creates very real and relatable characters, as well as a couple of adorable little boys and a new lemur named King Julien, and visits from characters and places from her other series, like Pelican Harbor and Tupelo Grove.

She also includes some great themes like asking for and allowing help is not weakness; bad experiences help form our lives, and God will help us through them; God is always good; we can find strength through each other; obsession and bitterness are ugly things; and God will comfort us through our pain.

This really should not be read as a standalone, as it would be best to read the first two installments first, as the plots are closely entwined.

Fans of Lynette Eason, Kelly Irvin, Terri Blackstock and Irene Hannon will love this novel, which is due out July 7.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,355 reviews104 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 9, 2026
Colleen Coble is back with another gripping blend of suspense, heart, and high‑stakes emotion—and this one might be my favourite of the Sanctuary series yet.

Conspiracy drops us straight into the tense, twisting world of Paradise Alden, a wildlife veterinarian whose past has never truly let her go. Fifteen years after the murder of her parents, new threats push that cold case into terrifyingly current territory—complete with a trained leopard stalking Paradise like a living nightmare. From page one, the tension snaps tight, and Coble never lets it slacken.

What really elevated this instalment for me is how seamlessly it layers mystery, danger, and emotional depth. Paradise is a compelling protagonist—strong yet vulnerable, determined yet deeply wounded. Watching her confront long-buried memories, lean into newfound family with her brother Drew, and navigate her slow-burn relationship with Blake Lawson added so much richness to the story. The romance is subtle and supportive, the kind that grows in the cracks left by trauma and resilience.

The investigation itself is wonderfully atmospheric, weaving dark family secrets, hidden motives, and old betrayals into a narrative that constantly keeps you guessing. Coble’s pacing is spot-on: short, sharp suspenseful beats punctuated by moments of real human connection. And the way she threads together the past and present gives the story both urgency and emotional weight.

By the final chapters, I was fully invested—not just in solving the mystery, but in seeing Paradise reclaim her life and her future.
If you love romantic suspense that balances heart-pounding danger with heartwarming themes of healing, second chances, and the strength of found family, Conspiracy delivers on every front.

My thanks to Colleen Coble, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
152 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 3, 2026
This was a strong finish to the Sanctuary series and might honestly be my favorite installment yet.

What I appreciated most is that the story finally circles back to what happened to Paradise’s parents instead of introducing an entirely new mystery. That choice made everything feel cohesive and meaningful, tying directly into the emotional threads that have been woven since book one. The stakes felt personal and earned, not manufactured just for shock value.

Colleen Coble drops us straight back into Paradise Alden’s world, and the tension builds steadily as long-buried secrets resurface. Fifteen years after her parents’ murder, new threats make the past feel dangerously present. The wildlife preserve setting once again adds such a unique layer of suspense, especially once things begin escalating. The danger feels immediate and atmospheric, and it heightens every reveal.

I also loved the emotional depth in this installment. Watching Paradise confront painful memories while continuing to build her relationships, particularly with her brother Drew and Blake, added warmth and grounding to the suspense. The romance remains subtle and supportive, complementing the mystery rather than overshadowing it.

There were a few moments where it felt like a lot was happening at once, but overall the pacing was strong, the twists were handled well without becoming unrealistic, and the conclusion felt satisfying and complete. By the final chapters, I was fully invested, not just in solving the mystery, but in seeing Paradise move toward healing and a future that finally feels her own.
If you enjoy romantic suspense that balances high-stakes danger with themes of family, resilience, and second chances, this series finale delivers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Brina's Emotional Borrow.
409 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 14, 2026
3.75 ⭐

This book demonstrates how one's actions can have a ripple effect. The lies, deceptions, and carelessness of one person can cause so much pain and devastation for others down the road.

Colleen Coble is such a lovely storyteller. Amidst multiple mysteries, she shows a slow healing from past trauma, the courage to let others in, and the strength to do hard things. I appreciated how the primary mystery unfolded across the series. I was on high alert the entire time. This book makes you question everyone and everything you think you know, and the twists genuinely surprised me.

I also appreciated Paradise's character growth. She has endured so much, and I felt deeply for her. Watching her grow in her faith and begin to let others help was meaningful. She still made some reckless choices that frustrated me, but they also made sense for her character arc and her fear of being let down again.

Found family is one of my favorite things, and it played a major role here. Seeing her loved ones rally around her was so sweet and really added to the story.

The pacing is medium with a slow unfolding mystery and a mix of character development, danger, and high-stakes moments. At times the sheer amount of drama and danger felt a bit unbelievable, but I was still fully invested.

The narration by Karen Peaks was wonderful. She gave each character a distinct voice, and even her male and child voices were great. I highly recommend the audio.

I also enjoyed the author notes at the end. It was fun to see what inspired some of the characters and how she tied in previous series.

If you love danger, mystery, high stakes action, found family, healing, redemption, or stories about Christian faith, this is a great series to read.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and Colleen Coble for this ALC.
Profile Image for Tami (wondering... How did I get here?).
414 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 21, 2026
​I just finished listening to Conspiracy by Colleen Coble, and it was such a bittersweet moment because this book brings her thrilling trilogy to its final conclusion! Getting to wrap up this three-book series has been quite the ride, and this finale really holds nothing back when it comes to high-stakes action, suspense, and danger.

If you are a fan of fast-paced crime thrillers that smoothly weave in a sweet romance story, you’ll find a lot to love here. This final book reads like a true race against time, packed with action scenes that keep the stakes incredibly high. True to form for a solid mystery, the plot is full of twists, turns, and clever red herrings that kept me guessing. There were so many moments where I genuinely had no idea who could really be trusted, which made the suspense all the more intense.

What I’ve loved most across this entire series are the rich, layered themes. Coble tackles heavy elements like a cold case murder, greed, and the corruptive nature of power, but beautifully balances them with deeply encouraging themes of overcoming adversity, learning to trust, healing, and redemption. It operates as a fantastic Christian suspense read, where characters lean into their faith when things are at their darkest.

For me, the heart of the entire trilogy is its focus on found family. Even when times are tough, the story always centers on those unbreakable family bonds and what it means to protect the people you love.
​While a few plot points felt a bit stretched, the finale expertly ties up all the loose ends, delivering a genuinely satisfying conclusion to the overarching mystery. If you love stories featuring danger, mystery, found family, or inspiring journeys of faith, I highly recommend picking up this entire series!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for sharing Cobles world with us.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,627 reviews58 followers
Review of advance copy
March 16, 2026
I have really been looking forward to this final book in this series, and when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of it four months early, I jumped at the chance. And I am glad I did. This was a truly awesome read that I enjoyed - or devoured.

Coble has done a few series where there is one main couple and the whole series covers their growing relationship, as opposed to one couple per book. I have found myself liking that kind of series, and this series is that kind. All three books cover Blake and Paradise's relationship.

Conspiracy mainly centers on the murder of Paradise's parents and her newfound brother Drew's father.

I enjoyed all three books in this series, but this one was my favorite, but then it did tie up everything and was a great conclusion to this series.

As with the other two books, Blake's 5 and 7 year old brothers Isaac and Levi were in the book a lot, and added a lot to the book.

And even more than the other two, family was a big emphasis in this story as Drew and Paradise deepen their brother-sister relationship, and he meets other new family.

I learned a lot about some animals, and lemurs were a featured animal in this book. In fact, the title has a double meaning since a group/family of lemurs are called a Conspiracy.

Hez, Savannah, and Simon from the Tupelo Grove Series made appearances in this book, which was cool.

Coble is a favorite author, but I had some doubts about a series set around an animal sanctuary, but this series is battling for first place with my previous favorite series of hers, The Pelican Harbor Series.

Conspiracy brings a conclusion to an awesome series, and the mystery of the murders of the parents of Paradise and father of her brother, Drew. This series had a fantastic cast of characters and a terrific plot. I was eager to read the final book, but sad to see the series end. But knowing how this author writes, we may see more of them in another series. This was an awesome read and an awesome series.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance e-book copy of the book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Profile Image for Desiree Mosley - A Love Affair With Books.
592 reviews43 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 1, 2026
*** This review is for the audiobook version narrated by Karen Peakes ***

I gave the audiobook of Conspiracy (Sanctuary #3) by Colleen Coble 4 out of 5 stars. The narration was excellent and brought the story to life, making it easy to become fully immersed in the world of Paradise and Blake. This series has been a fantastic ride from beginning to end, filled with suspense, emotion, and plenty of twists that kept me invested throughout all three books.

One of my favorite aspects of the series has been the unique setting of the animal sanctuary. It provides a refreshing backdrop for the mystery and the big cats and other animals add an extra layer of heart to the story. I've also loved following the long-running mystery surrounding what happened to Paradise's parents all those years ago. Conspiracy finally delivers answers, and I was pleasantly surprised by several twists that I genuinely did not see coming.

This book also reminded me why I love stories set in small towns. Being from a small town myself, there is something special about the close-knit community, familiar faces, and interconnected relationships that make the setting feel like a character of its own. And as always, I was charmed by the young boy characters in the story. Blake's brothers bring humor, warmth, and energy to the plot, and they are often some of my favorite parts of any book. Overall, Conspiracy was a satisfying conclusion to a wonderful series that I would happily recommend to fans of romantic suspense and mystery.

Thank you to Colleen Coble and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
207 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 13, 2026
I did not want to put this book down - right from the start I was hooked into the story that delivered thrilling suspense blended perfectly with romance to create a story that left me on the edge of my seat. Conspiracy is book 3 of the Sanctuary series and is a satisfying series conclusion as it ties up all the loose ends and also connects with other series Colleen Coble has written.

Just when things seem back to normal it ramps up again for Paradise. She is looking forward to her half brother arriving in town so they can investigate her parents murder and who his father was ... but one incident after another leaves her shaken and on edge. Thankfully Blake is there supporting her every step of the way, and his mother and brothers are the family that grounds them all and gives them a safe space to land. As the investigation pans out there are lots of surprises along the way and the gripping storyline leaves you guessing.

I know when I pick up a book by Colleen Coble that it will be a good one. This series is another memorable one and I loved the animals and the emphasis put on family throughout the books. There is a gentle faith element woven throughout the story which I appreciated. The romance was spot on and the suspense had me guessing throughout. I totally recommend reading this series, but do recommend reading them in order to enjoy them best.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Anne Wolters.
529 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 28, 2026
Conspiracy is the third book in Colleen Coble’s Sanctuary series, and what a gripping, edge of your seat conclusion it delivers. While Coble provides enough context to follow along, the first two books lay the groundwork for the emotional and relational depth that makes this finale so powerful.
Wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is finally allowing herself to imagine a future with Blake Lawson—until her past resurfaces with a vengeance. The murder of her parents fifteen years ago remains unsolved, and as old memories begin to haunt her, Paradise, Blake, and her newly discovered brother, Drew, start digging for answers. What they uncover is far more shocking and dangerous than any of them expected, revealing long buried connections between their families.
The deeper they search, the more perilous the journey becomes. New evidence sheds light on the brutal deaths of Paradise’s parents and Drew’s father, exposing secrets that have been hidden for decades—and placing everyone seeking the truth in imminent danger.
Colleen Coble once again proves herself a master of clean romantic suspense. Her storytelling is immersive, her pacing relentless, and her ability to weave familiar characters from previous books into new stories always feels like a warm reunion with old friends. This finale is both thrilling and deeply satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Trisha.
358 reviews130 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 31, 2026
Conspiracy by Colleen Coble closes out the Sanctuary series with a finale that’s almost as strong as its beginning. There are undeniably electric moments of tension (like the shocking use of a trained predator to attack humans), and the loose ends from earlier installments are tied up in a way that feels satisfying. The wildlife refuge backdrop continues to be the series’ greatest strength, offering a vivid and atmospheric stage for all the drama.

That said, the book is weighed down by repetition and distractions. Paradise repeatedly wanders into the same kinds of grave situations (being attacked by a trained leopard and still choosing to roam alone). Learn, girl! The romance between Blake and Paradise also becomes excessive, with kisses appearing in nearly every perilous moment, which undercuts the suspense. On top of that, the frequent mentions of God, though thematically tied to love, family, and redemption, often diffused the tension for me, especially in the middle of high‑stakes scenes.

Still, the series as a whole remains gripping, with simple yet engaging mysteries, strong character development, and a heartfelt focus on family bonds. And if you’re considering formats, I recommend the audiobook. The narrator truly knows what she’s doing and elevates the story with skill.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5⭐️.
Profile Image for BookLoverAmanda.
809 reviews1,199 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 15, 2026
Conspiracy by Colleen Coble
4 Stars
Book #3 in the Sanctuary Series
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...


A good ending to this series! I love these audiobooks. We pick back up with Blake and Paradise in book #3 of this series and you're pulled right back into the wildlife sanctuary and traumas of the past with our characters. Paradise is a wildlife veterinarian and just when she thinks she can move on with her partner Blake in a romantic relationship, all of the past threats re-emerge that have been following them throughout the series. Everyone is searching for who killed Paradise's parents and Drew's father. As you usually see in romantic suspense, lots of secrets, fast paced action and not knowing who to trust.

The narrator does such a great job with the emotions as you listen, I always love Karen Peakes' narrations with Colleen's books. Very bingeable series. I also liked the tie in with the Tupelo grove series with Hez and Savannah, I finished that series this year too!

Content/Trigger Warnings: Mention of past sexual assault, past parental death, past trauma processing as a child, intense situations with wild animals, death mentioned, not extremely detailed by any means for me, loss of loved ones mentioned

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary gifted copy of the ebook and audiobook to read and listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.
137 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 27, 2026
“Conspiracy” by Colleen Coble is another edge of your seat plot that will keep readers turning pages to the very end. I have read this series and the Tupelo Grove series as they have come out, and I have loved getting to visit familiar characters between the two series. This book would be ok to read as a stand alone, but it is a much richer reading experience having read the other books in this series. Paradise and Blake have been through sooo much in the past and then in the timeline of this series. To have all of the horrors and troubles resolve in some shape or form through this book was relieving. Although, I do wish I could read the next part of their story where life is just normal and no one is blackmailing anyone or trying to kill them!

I highly recommend this book and series. The plot never lags, and is driven by the mystery and suspense. The characters are rich and deep and real-to-life. Even the villains are deep and well developed. Some of them you love to hate from the moment you first read about them, and others you don’t suspect. Faith is an important part of the books, but it is never preachy or awkward. Faith just naturally flows into the story through the characters and their conversations. I cannot wait to see what new series Colleen Coble has coming next.
Profile Image for Rach.
390 reviews
June 27, 2026
4.5 stars

What a riveting read!!! I was fully immersed in the story from start to finish, no doubt thanks to the great narrator and fast-paced thrill this book delivered. This was such an intricate story with moving pieces everywhere, a strong sense of foreboding and twists that had me backtracking on every hypothesis I had made.

I loved the reference to the lemurs in the title and how the author wove the animals into the plot, given the FMC’s job as a wildlife vet. It all felt very cohesive and was well-paced. I read this seeing that it was the third book in a series, and was truthfully a bit worried that I would feel lost, but I never felt like I was in the dark or missing important information. I loved that I could jump right into the story and follow along with the characters and some of their established relationships. If anything, it just makes me want to go back and read the others so I can spend more time with Paradise and Blake. I also appreciated how there was such a heartfelt romance story amongst all the fast-paced action and uncovering of dark secrets. The epilogue was a tad short for my liking, but that was such a minor blip in the grand scheme of things.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, Colleen Coble and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this ACL. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Alyssa Amey Madjeski.
386 reviews29 followers
June 27, 2026
Such a great conclusion to this trilogy! The stakes were high as the danger ramps up as Paradise and Drew really dig into the murders of their parents. The mysterious panther— gave me chills, btw— and the rescued lemur are all keys to the puzzle. I had several suspicions but I only guessed the main culprit close to the reveal. I know a conspiracy is a group of lemurs, but I do believe this book is aptly named! Paradise and Blake’s relationship is so sweet as they dream about the future. I’m so pleased with their ending, it was truly wonderful. And I’m so happy where Drew’s story ends up too. Happy endings all around and ends the story world (just for now, I’m sure) of Pelican Harbor, Tupelo Grove, and The Sanctuary. It was so fun having all these series intertwine. Rewarding for those of us who have read all of them, but they also stand alone just fine.

The audio on this book was engaging and comfortable to listen to. I listened at my typical 2x speed. I appreciated the different tones/accents for characters and they were not jarring as they sometimes can be. I felt the narrator was excellent.

I received a complementary copy of both this ebook and audiobook from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. I read both versions in tandem. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,682 reviews94 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 16, 2026
"Conspiracy" is a Christian romantic suspense. This is the third book in a series and continues the story of the main characters in the previous books. Drew, Paradise, and Blake asked questions, found clues, and made connections regarding the deaths of Drew's and Paradise's parents. Two of the bad guys were pretty guessable as the clues built up, and they weren't a surprise to Paradise's group, either. While I didn't guess the main whodunit until the critical clue was uncovered, I did wonder at this person's behavior shortly before the reveal. This killer made a mild attempt to misdirect the investigation but did so by pointing them toward two major clues, one of which prompted Paradise to remember the truth. Basically, the killer needlessly exposed themselves, and I don't quite understand why (though the killer had plans to disappear, and I suppose killers aren't required to be logical).

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The suspense came from the danger from the attacks on Paradise. Blake and Paradise supported each other and worked well together. Paradise grew in her trust that God cared about her. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
241 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 27, 2026
Conspiracy by Colleen Coble is the third book in the Sanctuary series. While prior reading isn’t required to enjoy this story, reading the books in order definitely enhances the experience and allows you to fully appreciate the intricate character development.

This installment is hard to put down, especially as a thread that began in the first book comes to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. It delivers a wonderful ending to an excellent series. Familiar characters from the first two books return and join the quest to uncover who murdered Paradise’s family 20 years earlier. As they dig deeper, the investigation becomes increasingly dangerous and complex.

The story is packed with suspense, secrets, emotional twists, and constant danger, with plenty of plot turns that keep you engaged right up to the final chapters. Fans will also enjoy seeing not only returning characters from the series, but even a few from Coble’s other works. The tension builds steadily throughout, making this another compelling and memorable read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
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