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Sanctuary #3
Conspiracy
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.
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
First published July 7, 2026
About the author
Colleen Coble
149 books6,772 followersUSAToday 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 231 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 13, 2026
Conspiracy is the third and final installment in the Sanctuary series, a trilogy of Christian romantic suspense novels following Paradise Alden, a wildlife veterinarian, and Blake Lawson, co-owner of the wildlife sanctuary at which she works. The two have weathered tremendous heartache in the past as well as much more recent threats as they dig into the cold case murder of Paradise’s parents. Someone is determined to keep the truth from being discovered, and that someone is powerful and well connected. But Paradise and Blake—along with Paradise’s recently discovered, police detective half-brother, Drew—are even more determined to see justice served. Can they persevere through the attacks and bring the conspiracy into the light?
One of my favorite aspects of this particular installment was the double meaning of the title. The first meaning is obvious: unraveling the conspiracy that ended in four deaths decades ago and continues to this day to terrorize Paradise and those she’s grown to love. But the secondary meaning is linked to the animal on the front cover. A group of lemurs is called a conspiracy. Despite the name, these tight knit families are vital to each and every lemur; they cannot flourish alone, apart from a family unit. And that is a huge emphasis in this series overall, but specifically in this final installment. We see Paradise finally letting her guard down and completely opening up her heart to this wonderful found family God has built up around her. I loved this emphasis on family, especially when it came to sibling relationships.
Conspiracy is where the series hit its stride for me. While I wasn’t wholly engaged by Prowl, the installment preceding this one, I was deeply invested in this final novel. The romance might have elicited an eye roll or two, but I was glad to see Paradise and Blake get their happily ever after. The plot and pacing were tighter in this installment, and the faith element felt balanced and believable. I think this series might have been a stronger story overall if it had been shortened into a duology, but it ended up being a satisfying reading experience in spite of those pacing issues in the second book. If you’re looking for a clean romantic suspense story with a unique twist, I would recommend the Sanctuary series.
One of my favorite aspects of this particular installment was the double meaning of the title. The first meaning is obvious: unraveling the conspiracy that ended in four deaths decades ago and continues to this day to terrorize Paradise and those she’s grown to love. But the secondary meaning is linked to the animal on the front cover. A group of lemurs is called a conspiracy. Despite the name, these tight knit families are vital to each and every lemur; they cannot flourish alone, apart from a family unit. And that is a huge emphasis in this series overall, but specifically in this final installment. We see Paradise finally letting her guard down and completely opening up her heart to this wonderful found family God has built up around her. I loved this emphasis on family, especially when it came to sibling relationships.
Conspiracy is where the series hit its stride for me. While I wasn’t wholly engaged by Prowl, the installment preceding this one, I was deeply invested in this final novel. The romance might have elicited an eye roll or two, but I was glad to see Paradise and Blake get their happily ever after. The plot and pacing were tighter in this installment, and the faith element felt balanced and believable. I think this series might have been a stronger story overall if it had been shortened into a duology, but it ended up being a satisfying reading experience in spite of those pacing issues in the second book. If you’re looking for a clean romantic suspense story with a unique twist, I would recommend the Sanctuary series.
July 17, 2026
Riveting suspense as Paradise and brother Drew try to figure out the decades long mystery of who killed their parents. As the romance plays out for Blake and Paradise, they must hold onto their faith when trouble follows them and endangers the wildlife sanctuary yet again.
The wrap up to the series was exciting and full of surprises. I liked the interaction between Paradise and Blake’s family. The memories keep unfolding for Paradise as she remembers what happened years ago. But if the principal players of that fateful night are gone, who is behind the attempts on her life? Who does not want the truth to come out? This bad guy was really hard to figure out.
Along with the mystery, there are interesting facts about the animals at the sanctuary. I liked that the main characters prayed about each obstacle that came across and chose to leave the outcome to God. Also, I appreciated the crossover characters in other series by this talented author.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
The wrap up to the series was exciting and full of surprises. I liked the interaction between Paradise and Blake’s family. The memories keep unfolding for Paradise as she remembers what happened years ago. But if the principal players of that fateful night are gone, who is behind the attempts on her life? Who does not want the truth to come out? This bad guy was really hard to figure out.
Along with the mystery, there are interesting facts about the animals at the sanctuary. I liked that the main characters prayed about each obstacle that came across and chose to leave the outcome to God. Also, I appreciated the crossover characters in other series by this talented author.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
July 19, 2026
In the conclusion to the series, Paradise continues to pursue leads on who killed her parents 15 years ago. The continuing thread on the murder throughout the series makes it even stronger. The series also features an animal sanctuary which ties into Paradise's profession as a veterinarian. The way Paradise's memories return slowly was realistic and built up the suspense.
Narrator Karen Peakes does a nice job.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary audiobook copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Narrator Karen Peakes does a nice job.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary audiobook copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
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March 7, 2026Conspiracy 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
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Loved some of the twists and turns that finally wrapped up this trilogy but overall I couldn’t give it a full 4 stars because so much of it just felt so far fetched.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
July 11, 2026
Get ready for a thrilling finale to the Sanctuary series! Colleen Coble pulls out all the stops in this heart-pounding conclusion. Conspiracy kept me quickly turning the pages & the audiobook made it even more compelling. Filled with twists & turns, edge of your seat suspense, sweet romance, & a touch of faith, this story definitely grabbed hold & didn’t let go.
Wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden’s ready to let go of the past & look forward to a future with Blake & his family. As she continues the hunt for her parents’ killer, she’s joined by her newly discovered law enforcement brother, Drew. But, unearthing deep family secrets & narrowing down suspects brings new threats, & Paradise is forced to face one of her worst fears, a leopard trained to stalk and kill.
Wow, this story was so intense! I loved seeing all the pieces of Paradise’s past finally come together in this stunning conclusion. I’ve enjoyed seeing her rekindle her love for Blake & was hoping they’d finally find their happily ever after. Their romance didn’t disappoint, though they’re faced with one frightening obstacle after another as someone’s determined to get Paradise out of the way.
I enjoyed watching Paradise & Drew become closer as siblings while they ferret out the clues to their pasts. It was fun getting to know Drew better & see him find a possible new love interest. With the discover of who Drew’s father was & more family secrets coming to light, the danger escalates with more murders, betrayals, & suspense, culminating in a pulse-pounding, shocking ending that had me on pins & needles.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series & hope that this won’t be the last we see of Paradise, Blake, & Drew. Along the way, I’ve loved learning more about the sanctuary’s animals. Who knew a group of lemurs is called a “conspiracy?” And it was such a treat getting cameos of Hez & Savannah too.
The audiobook was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the way the narrator voiced each character & really made the story come alive.
Highly recommend to romantic suspense fans! To avoid spoilers, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
Wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden’s ready to let go of the past & look forward to a future with Blake & his family. As she continues the hunt for her parents’ killer, she’s joined by her newly discovered law enforcement brother, Drew. But, unearthing deep family secrets & narrowing down suspects brings new threats, & Paradise is forced to face one of her worst fears, a leopard trained to stalk and kill.
Wow, this story was so intense! I loved seeing all the pieces of Paradise’s past finally come together in this stunning conclusion. I’ve enjoyed seeing her rekindle her love for Blake & was hoping they’d finally find their happily ever after. Their romance didn’t disappoint, though they’re faced with one frightening obstacle after another as someone’s determined to get Paradise out of the way.
I enjoyed watching Paradise & Drew become closer as siblings while they ferret out the clues to their pasts. It was fun getting to know Drew better & see him find a possible new love interest. With the discover of who Drew’s father was & more family secrets coming to light, the danger escalates with more murders, betrayals, & suspense, culminating in a pulse-pounding, shocking ending that had me on pins & needles.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series & hope that this won’t be the last we see of Paradise, Blake, & Drew. Along the way, I’ve loved learning more about the sanctuary’s animals. Who knew a group of lemurs is called a “conspiracy?” And it was such a treat getting cameos of Hez & Savannah too.
The audiobook was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the way the narrator voiced each character & really made the story come alive.
Highly recommend to romantic suspense fans! To avoid spoilers, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 stars
Completed: Jun. 16/26
Series: Sanctuary, #3
Format: Net Galley audio & digital advanced reader copies
Narrator: Karen Peakes — Great job, as always.
Book #55 of 2026: This is the final book in the author’s Sanctuary series. Personally, I think it’s the best one. There is much suspense and intrigue and many characters. As with the first two, there is a lot happening. It felt more balanced in this book.
I particularly liked the relationship and bond that formed between Paradise and her half-sibling. I also appreciated the growth arc in Paradise with accepting help and trusting in Blake and their future. The tie-in to the lemurs was touching.
*** My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net galley for the advanced copies. My rating and review are voluntary and completely contain my own opinion and wording.
Completed: Jun. 16/26
Series: Sanctuary, #3
Format: Net Galley audio & digital advanced reader copies
Narrator: Karen Peakes — Great job, as always.
Book #55 of 2026: This is the final book in the author’s Sanctuary series. Personally, I think it’s the best one. There is much suspense and intrigue and many characters. As with the first two, there is a lot happening. It felt more balanced in this book.
I particularly liked the relationship and bond that formed between Paradise and her half-sibling. I also appreciated the growth arc in Paradise with accepting help and trusting in Blake and their future. The tie-in to the lemurs was touching.
*** My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net galley for the advanced copies. My rating and review are voluntary and completely contain my own opinion and wording.
June 26, 2026
Conspiracy by Colleen Coble. The main characters, Paradise Alden, with her longtime boyfriend, Blake Lawson, find themselves still in search of answers of who brutally murdered her parents fifteen years ago. This is the third book in the series, and since I did not read the first two, I can say this can be a stand-a-lone book. The author weaves her past books stories into this new murder mystery thriller, so you don't miss out on any of the story. Paradise found out that she has a brother that she never knew about and together the trio survives the mystery together while taking care of the wildlife of the sanctuary. The term "Conspiracy" helps tie the story with panthers, who when in a group are called conspiracy, and people hiding facts while working together to hide the truth of their conspiracy. It is a quick read and has a lot of interesting tidbits about wild animals. I enjoyed this book and give it 4 stars.
June 7, 2026
What a dynamic ending to a fantastic series! It is full of suspense, danger, and romance to keep you on the edge of your seat. It has twists and turns that I never saw coming keeping me completely captivated.
I have throughly enjoyed Paradise and Blake’s story. The bonus for me was the animal sanctuary. I loved that it also crossed over into other series allowing us to catch up with some of our favorite characters.
This is definitely a must read! It will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
I have throughly enjoyed Paradise and Blake’s story. The bonus for me was the animal sanctuary. I loved that it also crossed over into other series allowing us to catch up with some of our favorite characters.
This is definitely a must read! It will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm so sad to see this series come to an end! The time at the Sanctuary has been so interesting, minus all of the animal attacks. I can almost imagine being at the refuge and the majesty of the animals and the surroundings.
The characters in this story have been filled with such admirable traits. It's hard to pick my favorites but Blake, Paradise, Jenna, Isaac and Levi were definitely favorites. The addition of Drew in this book was so sweet, especially his relationship with Paradise.
The story left me guessing as to who was involved all the way to the end.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
The characters in this story have been filled with such admirable traits. It's hard to pick my favorites but Blake, Paradise, Jenna, Isaac and Levi were definitely favorites. The addition of Drew in this book was so sweet, especially his relationship with Paradise.
The story left me guessing as to who was involved all the way to the end.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
July 9, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this final book in Colleen Coble's Sanctuary series. What a conclusion!! The author wrapped up the series that began with Ambush perfectly. Conspiracy continued the story of Blake and Paradise along with their family, friends, and enemies. The Sanctuary is the wildlife park that Blake's mother owns, the park were Paradise works as the veterinarian. We also get to see characters from the Tupelo Grove series that Colleen Coble co-authors with Rick Acker, plus her Pelican Grove series. So, if you are like me and you want to really get to know the characters in the order they are introduced, I would highly recommend reading the Pelican Grove series first. I would also recommend reading the Tupelo Grove books and the Sanctuary books in the order they were published, alternating between the two series.
If knowing the relationship connections doesn't really bother you, I would still highly recommend reading the Sanctuary series in order as the main mystery has continued through the series.
Also, if you haven't read the previous books, you may want to skip this review as there will be spoilers to the previous books.
You've been warned.
The story is told from the points of view of both Paradise and Blake, a couple who knew each other when they were younger and have now gotten back together when Paradise began working at the Sanctuary. They have gone through quite a bit already in this series, and the author wasn't done yet with all the danger she was going to put them through. A new character has also joined them in their quest to discover who killed her parents. She finally connected with her half brother Drew, who happens to be a police detective.
While the story begins with a sweet scene with baby lemurs, the suspense quickly escalates as Paradise is warned off of digging into the cold case of her parents' murder. However, Blake, Paradise and Drew remain determined to bring the murderer to justice. Big cats play a big role in the danger that they are facing and bring some suspenseful scenes. But there are also wonderful moments with friends and family. I loved seeing Paradise and Blake's relationship continue to grow.
There were a whole lot of suspects and I have to admit, I was not sure who the culprit was. I definitely was surprised by one twist, though close to the actual big reveal, I was starting to suspect a certain person. The author definitely took me by surprise when everything was finally brought out into the open.
Can I just ask, why in the world does the FMC always seem to do something stupid to get herself into a predicament in suspense books??? Okay, maybe not always, but I was a bit disappointed in Paradise for a certain scene.
I appreciated that faith was important in the lives of the characters. This is a passage that really spoke to me:
"'God always knew the plans he had for us, but we sure couldn't see them in the rough times.'
Blake pulled her away from his chest so he could see her face. 'There will be more tough times, babe. Our whole lives those times will come. But let's hold on to this certainty that God has us, that his plan will work for our good because we love him and want his will.'"
I absolutely loved this book, loved this series, loved the connected series, and I am definitely sad that this book seems to be wrapping up our time with all of these awesome characters. I can't wait to see what the author has for us next. She is an awesome author of Christian suspense who always leaves me on the edge of my seat, zinging through the pages.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
If knowing the relationship connections doesn't really bother you, I would still highly recommend reading the Sanctuary series in order as the main mystery has continued through the series.
Also, if you haven't read the previous books, you may want to skip this review as there will be spoilers to the previous books.
You've been warned.
The story is told from the points of view of both Paradise and Blake, a couple who knew each other when they were younger and have now gotten back together when Paradise began working at the Sanctuary. They have gone through quite a bit already in this series, and the author wasn't done yet with all the danger she was going to put them through. A new character has also joined them in their quest to discover who killed her parents. She finally connected with her half brother Drew, who happens to be a police detective.
While the story begins with a sweet scene with baby lemurs, the suspense quickly escalates as Paradise is warned off of digging into the cold case of her parents' murder. However, Blake, Paradise and Drew remain determined to bring the murderer to justice. Big cats play a big role in the danger that they are facing and bring some suspenseful scenes. But there are also wonderful moments with friends and family. I loved seeing Paradise and Blake's relationship continue to grow.
There were a whole lot of suspects and I have to admit, I was not sure who the culprit was. I definitely was surprised by one twist, though close to the actual big reveal, I was starting to suspect a certain person. The author definitely took me by surprise when everything was finally brought out into the open.
Can I just ask, why in the world does the FMC always seem to do something stupid to get herself into a predicament in suspense books??? Okay, maybe not always, but I was a bit disappointed in Paradise for a certain scene.
I appreciated that faith was important in the lives of the characters. This is a passage that really spoke to me:
"'God always knew the plans he had for us, but we sure couldn't see them in the rough times.'
Blake pulled her away from his chest so he could see her face. 'There will be more tough times, babe. Our whole lives those times will come. But let's hold on to this certainty that God has us, that his plan will work for our good because we love him and want his will.'"
I absolutely loved this book, loved this series, loved the connected series, and I am definitely sad that this book seems to be wrapping up our time with all of these awesome characters. I can't wait to see what the author has for us next. She is an awesome author of Christian suspense who always leaves me on the edge of my seat, zinging through the pages.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have really enjoyed this trilogy of a wild animal sanctuary by Colleen Coble. I had never read anything of hers before. I’ve always passed over any book labeled Christian fiction because I am not religious – at all. However, the setting of a wild animal sanctuary piqued my interest so much, I chose to check it out, telling myself that if it was too preachy, I could just DNF it. That never happened. I found the religious references and passages rather far and few between and actually seemed more spiritual than religious. I’ve said this before, but it bears mentioning again, the references reminded me more of the kind of stuff my yoga instructor says, who has often commented that she is not a fan of organized religion. Anyway, it’s been a really good trilogy and I’m sure at some point, I will probably check out some of Coble’s other work.
This installment wrapped up the storyline of what happened to Paradise and Drew’s parents; Paradise and Drew are half-siblings who share a mother. Drew is five years old and was given up for adoption when their mother was an unwed teenager. Paradise was born later after their mother married Paradise’s father. Their parents were killed when they were kids. Drew, now a detective for Atlanta PD, found Paradise, a vet at the sanctuary, in the last installment when he started searching for his birth parents.
The book summary introduces the primary storyline of Paradise and Drew continuing their investigation, that they started in the last installment, of what happened to their parents. There is a secondary storyline of Paradise and Blake, discovering some wild animals that appear to have been kept as pets. They are in bad shape and in need of medical care. One is a leopard that appears to have been trained to hunt Paradise.
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of what happened to Paradise and Drew’s parents. The more they discover and the closer they get to the truth, the more dead bodies pile up. It’s deep in the second half when it becomes a scary and intense battle to stay alive for Paradise. Omg!!! It was another late night on a work night finishing the book because I could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended. The finale was a bit of a tearjerker too. I am such a sucker for a sappy love scene and finale.
The continuing character development of Paradise, Blake and Drew was well done, as well as a few other characters. Loved Isaac and Levi, Blake’s little brothers. They definitely added entertainment value to every scene they were in. The pacing was steady to fast, especially in the second half. The storyline was intricate and fascinating and kept me engrossed from the get-go. The writing was also well done; Coble is a really good writer and storyteller. I flipped back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook, which allowed me to get in a chapter or two whenever I had some spare time. Karen Peakes was also a very good narrator; a great narrator adds so much value to a great story.
I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I’m going to round up to a 5star review. This was definitely the best installment of the trilogy. I also discovered that it’s actually part of a longer series called Alabama Coastal Justice. I may just check that series out, at some point. I want to thank NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Thomas Nelson Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #ThomasNelsonFiction #ThomasNelsonAudio #Conspiracy
This installment wrapped up the storyline of what happened to Paradise and Drew’s parents; Paradise and Drew are half-siblings who share a mother. Drew is five years old and was given up for adoption when their mother was an unwed teenager. Paradise was born later after their mother married Paradise’s father. Their parents were killed when they were kids. Drew, now a detective for Atlanta PD, found Paradise, a vet at the sanctuary, in the last installment when he started searching for his birth parents.
The book summary introduces the primary storyline of Paradise and Drew continuing their investigation, that they started in the last installment, of what happened to their parents. There is a secondary storyline of Paradise and Blake, discovering some wild animals that appear to have been kept as pets. They are in bad shape and in need of medical care. One is a leopard that appears to have been trained to hunt Paradise.
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of what happened to Paradise and Drew’s parents. The more they discover and the closer they get to the truth, the more dead bodies pile up. It’s deep in the second half when it becomes a scary and intense battle to stay alive for Paradise. Omg!!! It was another late night on a work night finishing the book because I could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended. The finale was a bit of a tearjerker too. I am such a sucker for a sappy love scene and finale.
The continuing character development of Paradise, Blake and Drew was well done, as well as a few other characters. Loved Isaac and Levi, Blake’s little brothers. They definitely added entertainment value to every scene they were in. The pacing was steady to fast, especially in the second half. The storyline was intricate and fascinating and kept me engrossed from the get-go. The writing was also well done; Coble is a really good writer and storyteller. I flipped back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook, which allowed me to get in a chapter or two whenever I had some spare time. Karen Peakes was also a very good narrator; a great narrator adds so much value to a great story.
I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I’m going to round up to a 5star review. This was definitely the best installment of the trilogy. I also discovered that it’s actually part of a longer series called Alabama Coastal Justice. I may just check that series out, at some point. I want to thank NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Thomas Nelson Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #ThomasNelsonFiction #ThomasNelsonAudio #Conspiracy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
-------------------------------
My 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
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.
-------------------------------
My 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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?
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?
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
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
July 8, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.
Summary
Conspiracy follows wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden as the murder of her parents from fifteen years ago comes crashing back into her present. Just as she is starting to imagine a future with Blake Lawson, new threats, old memories, and a trained leopard stalking her force Paradise, Blake, and her brother Drew to dig into secrets that connect their families to something much darker than they ever expected.
My Review
This was my first time reading anything by Colleen Coble, and I can already say it will not be my last. I went into Conspiracy not fully knowing what to expect, and I ended up really loving the mix of suspense, family secrets, danger, romance, and faith. This book had heart, and that is what stood out to me the most.
I loved Paradise as a character and how much of her story was tied to her past, her fear, and the pain she had been carrying for so long. The mystery surrounding her parents’ murder kept me invested, especially as new pieces started connecting to the present. The trained leopard stalking her added such a tense and unique element, and it made the danger feel personal in a way that really worked for me.
The relationship between Paradise and Blake was also sweet, and I enjoyed the emotional side of the story just as much as the suspense. I loved the found family feeling, especially with Drew, and the way the story showed that the past can shape you without having to define your entire future. There was romance, but it did not overpower the mystery, and the faith element felt heartfelt rather than forced.
I have not read many heartfelt faith based stories like this, but this one really worked for me. It had suspense, emotion, healing, family, and just enough romance to make me care about what Paradise and Blake were trying to build. Even though this is the third book in the series and my first one, I still enjoyed it so much that I definitely want to go back and read the other books.
Would I Recommend?
Yes. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who enjoy romantic suspense, cold cases, family secrets, faith filled stories, found family, and books with danger but also a lot of heart. Conspiracy was a five star read for me, and it made me excited to read more from Colleen Coble.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.
Summary
Conspiracy follows wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden as the murder of her parents from fifteen years ago comes crashing back into her present. Just as she is starting to imagine a future with Blake Lawson, new threats, old memories, and a trained leopard stalking her force Paradise, Blake, and her brother Drew to dig into secrets that connect their families to something much darker than they ever expected.
My Review
This was my first time reading anything by Colleen Coble, and I can already say it will not be my last. I went into Conspiracy not fully knowing what to expect, and I ended up really loving the mix of suspense, family secrets, danger, romance, and faith. This book had heart, and that is what stood out to me the most.
I loved Paradise as a character and how much of her story was tied to her past, her fear, and the pain she had been carrying for so long. The mystery surrounding her parents’ murder kept me invested, especially as new pieces started connecting to the present. The trained leopard stalking her added such a tense and unique element, and it made the danger feel personal in a way that really worked for me.
The relationship between Paradise and Blake was also sweet, and I enjoyed the emotional side of the story just as much as the suspense. I loved the found family feeling, especially with Drew, and the way the story showed that the past can shape you without having to define your entire future. There was romance, but it did not overpower the mystery, and the faith element felt heartfelt rather than forced.
I have not read many heartfelt faith based stories like this, but this one really worked for me. It had suspense, emotion, healing, family, and just enough romance to make me care about what Paradise and Blake were trying to build. Even though this is the third book in the series and my first one, I still enjoyed it so much that I definitely want to go back and read the other books.
Would I Recommend?
Yes. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who enjoy romantic suspense, cold cases, family secrets, faith filled stories, found family, and books with danger but also a lot of heart. Conspiracy was a five star read for me, and it made me excited to read more from Colleen Coble.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Conspiracy AUDIO by Colleen Coble is a romance and a mystery and so much more. Paradise has returned to a wild animal sanctuary near where she’d grown up. She is now a wild animal vet and living her dream. Plus, she has Blake whom she’s loved for years. Then the most amazing thing happened. A man named, Drew, presented himself as her half-brother. She’d never known. She was still mourning her parents , who had been murdered, and now she discovered his dad had been murdered just a week before her parents. Then, his dad’s wife had fallen down the stairs and been killed, as well. Becky, Paradise’s mom had been in love with Ben, Drew’s father for years, but he was a married man. She didn’t tell him about their baby; she just gave him up for adoption. Now he was here and he wanted to be her brother. He was a police detective and he wanted to unravel the murders of his parents and her father. It got complicated, fast.
Lots of characters and lots of murky corners. Lead after lead came and went. Then one of their leads, the widow of the sheriff at the time, was murdered in her own home. She had known plenty, but she had known more that she was never able to tell them. She did leave a small box with her lawyer for Paradise, though, in which there was a roll of undeveloped film. Another clue. Working in a wild animal park could be dangerous. Many of them were predators, but they ran a tight operation. That is why she was surprised when she was stalked by an unknown panther. Eventually all the clues coalesced and the murders were solved. This was a very convoluted mystery with lots of people knowing only one small thing that would help. The characters are good, and well fleshed out, as this is the end of a series. There’s been plenty of time. The plot was good and made the reader anxious at several points. All’s well that ends well, as the saying goes.
The reader is Karen Peakes who did a nice job, combining her slight accent with a feeling for the story and the characters. She was good listening.
I was invited to listen to Conspiracy by Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #ThomasNelsonFictionAudio #KarenPeakes #ColleenCoble #Conspiracy
Lots of characters and lots of murky corners. Lead after lead came and went. Then one of their leads, the widow of the sheriff at the time, was murdered in her own home. She had known plenty, but she had known more that she was never able to tell them. She did leave a small box with her lawyer for Paradise, though, in which there was a roll of undeveloped film. Another clue. Working in a wild animal park could be dangerous. Many of them were predators, but they ran a tight operation. That is why she was surprised when she was stalked by an unknown panther. Eventually all the clues coalesced and the murders were solved. This was a very convoluted mystery with lots of people knowing only one small thing that would help. The characters are good, and well fleshed out, as this is the end of a series. There’s been plenty of time. The plot was good and made the reader anxious at several points. All’s well that ends well, as the saying goes.
The reader is Karen Peakes who did a nice job, combining her slight accent with a feeling for the story and the characters. She was good listening.
I was invited to listen to Conspiracy by Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #ThomasNelsonFictionAudio #KarenPeakes #ColleenCoble #Conspiracy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THIS IS BOOK #3 IN THE SERIES, AND WOW! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CONCLUSION!!
Yes, if you have not read the other books, please go back and read them before you pick this one up!
Paradise and Blake have been through a lot together. And this book is no different. Prepare to hang on to your seats... (and for your heart rate to go up to about 200 if you are like me...)
Also, Drew (Andrew), Paradise's brother from another mother appears and plays a HUGE part in book #3. And yes, I fell in love with him too!!
This is such a beautiful, sweet, caring, family-oriented, small-town, Christian-based series! And I loved every minute of listening to it!!
OF NOTE: It is also scary as hell with some big/HUGE cats and predatory animals playing in the forefront of the book... with some big, sharp, scary teeth too!
So yes, you will get a bit of both! =0
I absolutely adore how the families are portrayed and how they all work together to do things as well as get through things! It's the type of book that gives you hope when you think that there is nothing good left in this world... and that just means everything!!!
#Conspiracy (Sanctuary, Book #3) by @ColleenCoble and narrated phenomenally by @KarenPeakes.
All the stars in the world for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨
This one made me LOL, cry, smile, scream, pace, and just glow and bask in the love throughout! Yes it is Christian based. It is not overwhelming, but it is present. And it is truly wonderful!
This one has not been released yet. Please look 👀 for it starting July 7, 2026!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @ThomasNelsonFiction and @ThomasNelsonFictionAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Yes, if you have not read the other books, please go back and read them before you pick this one up!
Paradise and Blake have been through a lot together. And this book is no different. Prepare to hang on to your seats... (and for your heart rate to go up to about 200 if you are like me...)
Also, Drew (Andrew), Paradise's brother from another mother appears and plays a HUGE part in book #3. And yes, I fell in love with him too!!
This is such a beautiful, sweet, caring, family-oriented, small-town, Christian-based series! And I loved every minute of listening to it!!
OF NOTE: It is also scary as hell with some big/HUGE cats and predatory animals playing in the forefront of the book... with some big, sharp, scary teeth too!
So yes, you will get a bit of both! =0
I absolutely adore how the families are portrayed and how they all work together to do things as well as get through things! It's the type of book that gives you hope when you think that there is nothing good left in this world... and that just means everything!!!
#Conspiracy (Sanctuary, Book #3) by @ColleenCoble and narrated phenomenally by @KarenPeakes.
All the stars in the world for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨
This one made me LOL, cry, smile, scream, pace, and just glow and bask in the love throughout! Yes it is Christian based. It is not overwhelming, but it is present. And it is truly wonderful!
This one has not been released yet. Please look 👀 for it starting July 7, 2026!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @ThomasNelsonFiction and @ThomasNelsonFictionAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
July 11, 2026
Get ready for a thrilling finale to the Sanctuary series! Colleen Coble pulls out all the stops in this heart-pounding conclusion. Conspiracy kept me quickly turning the pages. Filled with twists & turns, edge of your seat suspense, sweet romance, & a touch of faith, this story definitely grabbed hold & didn’t let go.
Wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden’s ready to let go of the past & look forward to a future with Blake & his family. As she continues the hunt for her parents’ killer, she’s joined by her newly discovered law enforcement brother, Drew. But, unearthing deep family secrets & narrowing down suspects brings new threats, & Paradise is forced to face one of her worst fears, a leopard trained to stalk and kill.
Wow, this story was so intense! I loved seeing all the pieces of Paradise’s past finally come together in this stunning conclusion. I’ve enjoyed seeing her rekindle her love for Blake & was hoping they’d finally find their happily ever after. Their romance didn’t disappoint, though they’re faced with one frightening obstacle after another as someone’s determined to get Paradise out of the way.
I enjoyed watching Paradise & Drew become closer as siblings while they ferret out the clues to their pasts. It was fun getting to know Drew better & see him find a possible new love interest. With the discover of who Drew’s father was & more family secrets coming to light, the danger escalates with more murders, betrayals, & suspense, culminating in a pulse-pounding, shocking ending that had me on pins & needles.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series & hope that this won’t be the last we see of Paradise, Blake, & Drew. Along the way, I’ve loved learning more about the sanctuary’s animals. Who knew a group of lemurs is called a “conspiracy?” And it was such a treat getting cameos of Hez & Savannah too.
Highly recommend to romantic suspense fans! To avoid spoilers, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
Wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden’s ready to let go of the past & look forward to a future with Blake & his family. As she continues the hunt for her parents’ killer, she’s joined by her newly discovered law enforcement brother, Drew. But, unearthing deep family secrets & narrowing down suspects brings new threats, & Paradise is forced to face one of her worst fears, a leopard trained to stalk and kill.
Wow, this story was so intense! I loved seeing all the pieces of Paradise’s past finally come together in this stunning conclusion. I’ve enjoyed seeing her rekindle her love for Blake & was hoping they’d finally find their happily ever after. Their romance didn’t disappoint, though they’re faced with one frightening obstacle after another as someone’s determined to get Paradise out of the way.
I enjoyed watching Paradise & Drew become closer as siblings while they ferret out the clues to their pasts. It was fun getting to know Drew better & see him find a possible new love interest. With the discover of who Drew’s father was & more family secrets coming to light, the danger escalates with more murders, betrayals, & suspense, culminating in a pulse-pounding, shocking ending that had me on pins & needles.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series & hope that this won’t be the last we see of Paradise, Blake, & Drew. Along the way, I’ve loved learning more about the sanctuary’s animals. Who knew a group of lemurs is called a “conspiracy?” And it was such a treat getting cameos of Hez & Savannah too.
Highly recommend to romantic suspense fans! To avoid spoilers, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
** “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.
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.
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