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Cold As The Grave
A missing girl. A dead hunter. One sheriff caught in the storm.
When a seasoned hunter is found murdered in the Colorado high country and a teenage girl vanishes hours later, Sheriff Ray Duke doesn’t believe in coincidences. Not in Blue Sky County. Not with the snowstorm rolling in. And not with fresh boot tracks pointing to a tangled trail of lies.
As Duke digs deeper, what he finds isn’t just a missing girl—it’s a web of secrets that stretches across families, friendships, and the frozen wilderness they all call home.
With tensions boiling over and time running out, Duke must risk everything to bring a killer to justice and a girl safely home. But the closer he gets, the more personal it becomes—and the harder it is to tell who’s protecting the innocent… and who’s just hiding the truth.
Perfect for fans of clean, redemptive mysteries, this novel delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense without the grit—just courage, conviction, and hope in the face of darkness.
When a seasoned hunter is found murdered in the Colorado high country and a teenage girl vanishes hours later, Sheriff Ray Duke doesn’t believe in coincidences. Not in Blue Sky County. Not with the snowstorm rolling in. And not with fresh boot tracks pointing to a tangled trail of lies.
As Duke digs deeper, what he finds isn’t just a missing girl—it’s a web of secrets that stretches across families, friendships, and the frozen wilderness they all call home.
With tensions boiling over and time running out, Duke must risk everything to bring a killer to justice and a girl safely home. But the closer he gets, the more personal it becomes—and the harder it is to tell who’s protecting the innocent… and who’s just hiding the truth.
Perfect for fans of clean, redemptive mysteries, this novel delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense without the grit—just courage, conviction, and hope in the face of darkness.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 18, 2026
Mixed feelings
It took me a long time to finish this story. It dragged out so slowly. Too many side stories and repetitions. I did not count how many times I was told how smart and observant Duke was. Or how his wife always made him feel better. The man could read faces and gestures like Sherlock but let his 17 year old daughter drive off angry in a snow storm he was nervous to drive slowly in. With no clue why she was angry. I still don’t know why she was angry. He left the house to go break up a bar fight and didn’t know his daughter made it home till the next morning. But he was fiercely protective of his family. There were so many things that didn’t line up. For being a super smart observant sheriff he didn’t seem to understand what gathering evidence was. His character just didn’t feel right. I don’t know. I’m not in law enforcement. I have never written a book. My only experience is crime novels and cop shows. But it seemed like he did more walking in circles than actual detective work. I just was not impressed with the story. I almost gave 2 stars but I was invested enough to finish, even if I had to make myself push through the middle of it. I kind of want to know if he finds his sister but I might just read reviews instead of trying to read another book like this one.
It took me a long time to finish this story. It dragged out so slowly. Too many side stories and repetitions. I did not count how many times I was told how smart and observant Duke was. Or how his wife always made him feel better. The man could read faces and gestures like Sherlock but let his 17 year old daughter drive off angry in a snow storm he was nervous to drive slowly in. With no clue why she was angry. I still don’t know why she was angry. He left the house to go break up a bar fight and didn’t know his daughter made it home till the next morning. But he was fiercely protective of his family. There were so many things that didn’t line up. For being a super smart observant sheriff he didn’t seem to understand what gathering evidence was. His character just didn’t feel right. I don’t know. I’m not in law enforcement. I have never written a book. My only experience is crime novels and cop shows. But it seemed like he did more walking in circles than actual detective work. I just was not impressed with the story. I almost gave 2 stars but I was invested enough to finish, even if I had to make myself push through the middle of it. I kind of want to know if he finds his sister but I might just read reviews instead of trying to read another book like this one.
June 3, 2026
it’s ok
Interesting mystery to solve but, as others have said, too much repetition. How many mentions of the snow do you need? It’s Colorado. Also several places with obvious typos that should have been edited. And ( spoiler alert) wasn’t there an extra 16yo when Lacey & Peter show up? What happened to her?
Interesting mystery to solve but, as others have said, too much repetition. How many mentions of the snow do you need? It’s Colorado. Also several places with obvious typos that should have been edited. And ( spoiler alert) wasn’t there an extra 16yo when Lacey & Peter show up? What happened to her?
February 27, 2026
This was a hard one for me. I almost quit half way through. So many cliches, clues that were reality-stretchers, ie; footprints and tire marks still "crisp" in the middle of a snowstorm. But I actually finished because I really wanted to know how this tangled web would unwind.
June 21, 2026
Cold As The Grave
The book has a good background. The male protagonist is an interesting character. It is a Faith written book containing quotes from the Bible. Some people are offended by this. I think there was too much emphasis put on trail cameras and moving them. It took over the book. Also, we never even learned the identity of a character in the book. She was in diner scene at beginning and at the end with the unwed kids during the shootout. Like how her in the corner for extra casting. The book could have been written with a lot less trips to the trails repeating same action over and over again.
The book has a good background. The male protagonist is an interesting character. It is a Faith written book containing quotes from the Bible. Some people are offended by this. I think there was too much emphasis put on trail cameras and moving them. It took over the book. Also, we never even learned the identity of a character in the book. She was in diner scene at beginning and at the end with the unwed kids during the shootout. Like how her in the corner for extra casting. The book could have been written with a lot less trips to the trails repeating same action over and over again.
July 19, 2026
Too Long of a Good Story
I was able to read the whole book because I wanted to know what happened. But the plot is not consistent. The author contradicts himself in several instances. He adds way too much filler. It's way too wordy. And it makes a stab at being a Christian based novel, though the stab often misses its mark, like the author must insert Biblical references or prayers in order to be deemed a "Christian" novel. By the time the plot winds up, it is anti-climatic. It could be a really good book if it had a really good editor who wouldn't mind slashing it down to a reasonable length, and doing something to pull the disjointed plot together.
I was able to read the whole book because I wanted to know what happened. But the plot is not consistent. The author contradicts himself in several instances. He adds way too much filler. It's way too wordy. And it makes a stab at being a Christian based novel, though the stab often misses its mark, like the author must insert Biblical references or prayers in order to be deemed a "Christian" novel. By the time the plot winds up, it is anti-climatic. It could be a really good book if it had a really good editor who wouldn't mind slashing it down to a reasonable length, and doing something to pull the disjointed plot together.
July 25, 2026
Long story
Great story. Very long, but interesting read. I would have given it a five star but I had some concerns about the characters. The characters were great but not too deeply developed. I'm still curious about McCoy'S past. She seemed well trained and professional for a small town law enforcement job.
I also was left mystified about Scout. He too was to good to be true. I also had some problems with all the fresh snow and the mention of the dust in the air from the vehicles. Oh well, the story was entertaining and suspenseful.
Great story. Very long, but interesting read. I would have given it a five star but I had some concerns about the characters. The characters were great but not too deeply developed. I'm still curious about McCoy'S past. She seemed well trained and professional for a small town law enforcement job.
I also was left mystified about Scout. He too was to good to be true. I also had some problems with all the fresh snow and the mention of the dust in the air from the vehicles. Oh well, the story was entertaining and suspenseful.
August 24, 2026
Well written kinda cozy mystery with Christian undertones. The book is pretty clean and I enjoyed the biblical quotes. The book is FAR TOO LONG. This is a common problem with authors today. They take a good story or premise and drag it out into a slog through quicksand. Overly descriptive language and repetitive writing hurts so many books. It’s being careless with the reader’s time which is a big negative. Readers will read more books if they have time to read more books. This could have been a 4 star story, but the author couldn’t land the plane after 300 pages.
August 26, 2026
All in all, I loved this book. The best proof of that is that I have already begun Deadly Current, the second book in the series. The only thing that kept me from giving it a five was this: the "secrets" being hid by the sheriff's family were so obvious that way too many words were spent on them. They got really annoying a few chapters in. That's not to say that the family values in the book were not welcome. I loved the emphasis on family, just didn't like running a couple of things into the ground. After having said all that (Man, I'm long-winded) I do highly recommend the book.
August 15, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up. Goodreads, please give us the option for partial stars!
I started this in January. Why did it take until August to finish? Mostly because I prefer physical books, and this was read via app. It's difficult for me to read on a device.
But I did enjoy this. It's refreshing to read a mystery/thriller without terrible language and explicit scenes. This was my first Christian fiction, but it won't be my last.
I started this in January. Why did it take until August to finish? Mostly because I prefer physical books, and this was read via app. It's difficult for me to read on a device.
But I did enjoy this. It's refreshing to read a mystery/thriller without terrible language and explicit scenes. This was my first Christian fiction, but it won't be my last.
August 20, 2026
way too much Christian undertones for my liking
The story was engaging, and the characters were well developed. There was a bit more repetition than I like in my books, and there was way more Christian undertones and jargon than I am comfortable with. This should be categorized as a Christian book and sold in Christian bookstores. I would not have picked it up had I have known that, but was engaged enough to finish it.
The story was engaging, and the characters were well developed. There was a bit more repetition than I like in my books, and there was way more Christian undertones and jargon than I am comfortable with. This should be categorized as a Christian book and sold in Christian bookstores. I would not have picked it up had I have known that, but was engaged enough to finish it.
February 6, 2026
This author was recommended thru another author's newsletter. This was so good. Kept me bouncing between culprits, suspenseful. Great interplay in the characters. The family dynamic and the faith that was built in. Looking forward to the next book - already have it in my library. Looking forward to more from this author!
February 20, 2026
Cold as the Grave
This is a great read. The story was well put together and kept you turning the pages. It brought out the characters faith and how their actions followed the faith. It is definitely a book I recommend to anyone wanting a good suspenseful book that you don’t want to put down.
This is a great read. The story was well put together and kept you turning the pages. It brought out the characters faith and how their actions followed the faith. It is definitely a book I recommend to anyone wanting a good suspenseful book that you don’t want to put down.
March 8, 2026
I LOVED this book! I love the scriptures & how they were placed, the realness of the situations, the characters. I love how there's no smut! I definitely love a good mystery & this one had me guessing about the entire time! The ending of this had the first few chapters of Book 2 & after previewing it, can't wait to sink in ♡
March 18, 2026
Good Read
The story line was excellent. Kept you in the story due to the twist in the past and present emotions. However, characters were mixed in certain scenes you knew who was being spoken of but it was distracting. Also did love the mix of Christian values. Did fell book was stretched out and could have been brought together better.
The story line was excellent. Kept you in the story due to the twist in the past and present emotions. However, characters were mixed in certain scenes you knew who was being spoken of but it was distracting. Also did love the mix of Christian values. Did fell book was stretched out and could have been brought together better.
March 31, 2026
Best Mystery I've Read For Awhile!
This book grabbed my interest within the first couple of paragraphs and never let go. The multiple twists in the plot made ot a joy to read. It is very well written. I highly recommend this book, and I personally will be purchasing more by this author.
This book grabbed my interest within the first couple of paragraphs and never let go. The multiple twists in the plot made ot a joy to read. It is very well written. I highly recommend this book, and I personally will be purchasing more by this author.
April 1, 2026
A truly blessed read.
It would take more than a thousand words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Everyday I looked forward to getting back into it. Mystery wrapped up with love so grand it could only come from Our Lord, Jesus Christ. So do yourself a huge favor. Find a quiet corner somewhere and immerse yourself with.
It would take more than a thousand words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Everyday I looked forward to getting back into it. Mystery wrapped up with love so grand it could only come from Our Lord, Jesus Christ. So do yourself a huge favor. Find a quiet corner somewhere and immerse yourself with.
May 9, 2026
Great story with lots of twists but...
Love the writing style and wonderful character development. Story is captivating but too much repetition and OVERUSE of some phrases. Ex: jaw tightened or chest tightened. Finally wanted to scream but just slapped my face a d rolled my eyes a hundred times!! LOL other than that you will enjoy the book
Love the writing style and wonderful character development. Story is captivating but too much repetition and OVERUSE of some phrases. Ex: jaw tightened or chest tightened. Finally wanted to scream but just slapped my face a d rolled my eyes a hundred times!! LOL other than that you will enjoy the book
June 1, 2026
Refreshing and down to earth
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. The plot was very good, though sometimes frustrating. The people are true to character and come shining through as the book goes on. Excellent writing and keeping us on our toes until the end!! Thank you!
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. The plot was very good, though sometimes frustrating. The people are true to character and come shining through as the book goes on. Excellent writing and keeping us on our toes until the end!! Thank you!
August 13, 2026
This book started out slow and uninteresting and I almost put it down but decided to keep reading on and was glad I did. It took a while for the story to develop and the characters to develop, but it was worth reading through to the end. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
August 16, 2026
Gripping mystery with good, clean storytelling. I was a little confused in parts of the story, but it all came together in the end.
Sheriff Duke finds himself in the middle of a crime investigation that sounds very similar to his sister’s cold case from 25 years ago. It’s difficult for his emotions not to interfere with his work, but will they sabotage the whole investigation?
Sheriff Duke finds himself in the middle of a crime investigation that sounds very similar to his sister’s cold case from 25 years ago. It’s difficult for his emotions not to interfere with his work, but will they sabotage the whole investigation?
August 16, 2026
2.5 stars for me
I was excited to find a new, clean, mystery series to listen to, and I liked the story, but this book was much longer than it needed to be. Much of the middle was repetitive and could have been omitted. While listening, I ended up skipping ahead an hour or so. With some good editing, this could be a great book.
I was excited to find a new, clean, mystery series to listen to, and I liked the story, but this book was much longer than it needed to be. Much of the middle was repetitive and could have been omitted. While listening, I ended up skipping ahead an hour or so. With some good editing, this could be a great book.
March 1, 2026
captivating story.
Fast paced story that kept me thinking and guessing. Believable characters and story. Appreciated the foundation of faith and the interactions that came from that faith.
Fast paced story that kept me thinking and guessing. Believable characters and story. Appreciated the foundation of faith and the interactions that came from that faith.
March 8, 2026
A comforting mystery
I am so grateful to read a Christian novel that is not about electric zingers when we touch, ripped muscles and overdone attraction. I also appreciate the great unfolding of clues as a case is solved. Will look for more by this author.
I am so grateful to read a Christian novel that is not about electric zingers when we touch, ripped muscles and overdone attraction. I also appreciate the great unfolding of clues as a case is solved. Will look for more by this author.
March 20, 2026
Great story well written
Characters well fleshed out; the Christian truth were well proclaimed, and were a part of the story in a meaningful way; the story carried you along until the end
Characters well fleshed out; the Christian truth were well proclaimed, and were a part of the story in a meaningful way; the story carried you along until the end
March 26, 2026
A good country mystery
A very classical mystery, small town sheriff, missing girl, local murder, small town gossip and drama,…. Homey and Heartfelt, with Christian themes and lessons. Nice.
A very classical mystery, small town sheriff, missing girl, local murder, small town gossip and drama,…. Homey and Heartfelt, with Christian themes and lessons. Nice.
April 9, 2026
Good but not great
The story was ok but the writing was only a 2. Too many reparations of the same description such as "married for 20 years" and "his boots crunched on the snow" and many more. It seemed like every sentence had a description of some kind or another!
The story was ok but the writing was only a 2. Too many reparations of the same description such as "married for 20 years" and "his boots crunched on the snow" and many more. It seemed like every sentence had a description of some kind or another!
April 26, 2026
Great story
The author poetically sets the scene, evokes the emotions, and gives the character's depth.
The author isn't shy about faith and includes scripture. Good clean writing.
The author poetically sets the scene, evokes the emotions, and gives the character's depth.
The author isn't shy about faith and includes scripture. Good clean writing.
June 15, 2026
Love, Service, Sacrifice – these are the values Sheriff Ray Duke tries to uphold in his small Colorado community while simultaneously searching for a missing teenage runner and the murderer of a long-time town resident. A very enjoyable and wholesome read with a very likeable supporting cast.
June 22, 2026
Great Novel!
Just finished reading Kelly Cross ‘s story. Had not read a scarey novel in a long time. Each character was well thought out. Sheriff Duke and Grace, his wife, and their family were good. Each of the deputies were good. Jeanette Stracner
Just finished reading Kelly Cross ‘s story. Had not read a scarey novel in a long time. Each character was well thought out. Sheriff Duke and Grace, his wife, and their family were good. Each of the deputies were good. Jeanette Stracner
June 23, 2026
Great story that keeps you reading
Kelly Cross delivers a great mystery with a refreshing and we'll timed breath of faith and God. Sheriff Ray Duke is a great character and the world of this "small town mystery" is worth the read.
Kelly Cross delivers a great mystery with a refreshing and we'll timed breath of faith and God. Sheriff Ray Duke is a great character and the world of this "small town mystery" is worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews