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Cincher's Waltz: A Riley Forte Suspense Thriller
A forgotten war secret. A relentless villain. A race against time.
After losing her family in a devastating fire, Riley Forte thought her life was over. Now, in training at Olivero’s top-secret spy camp hidden deep in Bavaria, she’s learning how to rebuild—one mission at a time.
When she stumbles upon a strange WWII-era artifact, Riley plunges into a deadly chase across continents. Driven by her unmatched ability to spot patterns and uncover secrets, Riley follows a trail of hidden clues intended to spark disaster for the free world.
But she's not the only one on the hunt. A ruthless criminal mastermind known as The Cincher will stop at nothing to claim a terrifying device whose power Riley can’t yet comprehend.
From the former summit of Nazi command and the depths of a secret tunnel system in Germany to a remote island in Argentina and a historic hotel in New York, Riley must stay in motion, trust her instincts, and lean on a new team that’s starting to feel like family.
Because what started as curiosity could end in catastrophe.
If you like twisty thrillers, secret codes, and non-stop action, then you’ll love Cincher’s Waltz. Grab your copy today to dive into a cinematic journey of danger, discovery, and jaw-dropping revelations.
After losing her family in a devastating fire, Riley Forte thought her life was over. Now, in training at Olivero’s top-secret spy camp hidden deep in Bavaria, she’s learning how to rebuild—one mission at a time.
When she stumbles upon a strange WWII-era artifact, Riley plunges into a deadly chase across continents. Driven by her unmatched ability to spot patterns and uncover secrets, Riley follows a trail of hidden clues intended to spark disaster for the free world.
But she's not the only one on the hunt. A ruthless criminal mastermind known as The Cincher will stop at nothing to claim a terrifying device whose power Riley can’t yet comprehend.
From the former summit of Nazi command and the depths of a secret tunnel system in Germany to a remote island in Argentina and a historic hotel in New York, Riley must stay in motion, trust her instincts, and lean on a new team that’s starting to feel like family.
Because what started as curiosity could end in catastrophe.
If you like twisty thrillers, secret codes, and non-stop action, then you’ll love Cincher’s Waltz. Grab your copy today to dive into a cinematic journey of danger, discovery, and jaw-dropping revelations.
539 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
About the author
Joslyn Chase
93 books33 followersJoslyn Chase is a prize-winning author of mysteries and thrillers. Any day she can send readers to the edge of their seats, chewing their fingernails to the nub and prickling with suspense, is a good day in her book.
Joslyn’s story, “Cold Hands, Warm Heart,” was chosen by Amor Towles as one of the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2023 and “A Band of Scheming Women” was a finalist for the Derringer Award in 2025. In addition, her thriller novel Staccato Passage was a 2025 semi-finalist for the Adventure Writer’s Grandmaster Award.
Her short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Malice Domestic's Mystery Most Devious, Thrill Ride Magazine, Fiction River, Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem, Mystery Magazine, and Pulphouse Fiction, among others.
Known for her fast-paced suspense fiction, Joslyn’s books are full of surprising twists and delectable turns. You will find her riveting novels most anywhere books are sold.
Her love for travel has led Joslyn to ride camels through the Nubian desert, fend off monkeys on the Rock of Gibraltar, and hike the Bavarian Alps. But she still believes that sometimes the best adventures come in getting the words on the page and in the thrill of reading a great story.
Joslyn’s story, “Cold Hands, Warm Heart,” was chosen by Amor Towles as one of the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2023 and “A Band of Scheming Women” was a finalist for the Derringer Award in 2025. In addition, her thriller novel Staccato Passage was a 2025 semi-finalist for the Adventure Writer’s Grandmaster Award.
Her short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Malice Domestic's Mystery Most Devious, Thrill Ride Magazine, Fiction River, Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem, Mystery Magazine, and Pulphouse Fiction, among others.
Known for her fast-paced suspense fiction, Joslyn’s books are full of surprising twists and delectable turns. You will find her riveting novels most anywhere books are sold.
Her love for travel has led Joslyn to ride camels through the Nubian desert, fend off monkeys on the Rock of Gibraltar, and hike the Bavarian Alps. But she still believes that sometimes the best adventures come in getting the words on the page and in the thrill of reading a great story.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 1, 2026
"Those who forget history...
Having read my own large selection of WW II documentaries, including, of course, The Diary of Anne Frank, I was delighted with the plethora of facts and scenarios that were presented in The Cincher's Waltz.
History, and in particular, World War II history, is such a two-edged sword. Many
Intriguing mysteries remain to be discovered just as many atrocities remain to be remembered so as not to be repeated.
Joslyn Chase adroitly guides her readers down twisted plotlines while facing realistic dangers from the WW II period through the eyes of her characters. Those same characters are faced with people who would perpetuate the atrocities of the Nazi regime.
Anxiety builds from the beginning, layer by layer, as each character unveils another risk in the enemy's Machiavellian plan to bring back the monstrous evil we thought had been demolished in 1945.
I loved and hated the end of Cincher's Waltz. I loved the wrap-up and disposition of the characters, but...the cliffhanger ending??? Not so much. I abhor waiting for the next book to get written. Even so, definitely a 5-star book.
Having read my own large selection of WW II documentaries, including, of course, The Diary of Anne Frank, I was delighted with the plethora of facts and scenarios that were presented in The Cincher's Waltz.
History, and in particular, World War II history, is such a two-edged sword. Many
Intriguing mysteries remain to be discovered just as many atrocities remain to be remembered so as not to be repeated.
Joslyn Chase adroitly guides her readers down twisted plotlines while facing realistic dangers from the WW II period through the eyes of her characters. Those same characters are faced with people who would perpetuate the atrocities of the Nazi regime.
Anxiety builds from the beginning, layer by layer, as each character unveils another risk in the enemy's Machiavellian plan to bring back the monstrous evil we thought had been demolished in 1945.
I loved and hated the end of Cincher's Waltz. I loved the wrap-up and disposition of the characters, but...the cliffhanger ending??? Not so much. I abhor waiting for the next book to get written. Even so, definitely a 5-star book.
April 4, 2026
Once again, Joslyn Chase has created a story that grabs the reader on the first page and doesn't let go until the last. There are characters the reader loves and characters this reader loves to dislike. Ms. Chase can play the reader's emotions like a well-tuned instrument. In fact, I found myself taking short breaks at times because her characters would have "my dander up" as my mother used to say. And any author who engenders emotions that well is a true artist. There is plenty of action, adventure, spy gadgets, and my favorite thing, the camaraderie of a great ensemble cast. Ms. Chase also manages to teach about history and science without the reader ever feeling lectured. Then, as icing on the cake, Ms. Chase adds just the right touch of romance. No heavy, unnecessary scenes; just the honest relationship between two people. If you haven't read the Riley Forte series, I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to have your emotions played. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
March 24, 2026
She has lost her family in a fire and she is about to find a new career with a new team. She is learning new skills and she is about to be pulled into a mystery when she find a secret which is about to take her on a fantastic journey. Follow her and see where she takes you
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great action read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great action read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Author Joslyn Chase really had me thrilled to bits with Cincher's Waltz.
Yes, Riley is still in training but this time a random rock with some weird etching is about to make her fail a training test but also put or on a weird trail for some mysterious locations where hidden objects hold clues pointing towards a huge threat to Bavaria and the rest of the world. By Nazi's.
oh, boy! And so it does.
There is little release in the tension and the efforts of the major enemy, called Cincher, attempting his play for power in a major but secretive way.
Death along the way is but a living reality, even for
Riley and the team.
Enjoy!
Yes, Riley is still in training but this time a random rock with some weird etching is about to make her fail a training test but also put or on a weird trail for some mysterious locations where hidden objects hold clues pointing towards a huge threat to Bavaria and the rest of the world. By Nazi's.
oh, boy! And so it does.
There is little release in the tension and the efforts of the major enemy, called Cincher, attempting his play for power in a major but secretive way.
Death along the way is but a living reality, even for
Riley and the team.
Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews