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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
Published December 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 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.
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
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.
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.
January 18, 2026
Great book! Loved the characters!
January 31, 2026
Great Read
The story line is engaging the character are likeable and draw you in to story. A good Christian fiction read.
The story line is engaging the character are likeable and draw you in to story. A good Christian fiction read.
February 12, 2026
Intriguing
Keeps you reading. Looking forward to the next book. Scout is the glue. Hoping McCoy comes to see the benefit of the Word and prayer.
Keeps you reading. Looking forward to the next book. Scout is the glue. Hoping McCoy comes to see the benefit of the Word and prayer.
February 15, 2026
a blessing
This nrougjt to the reality that Christian novel can be inspirational and well thought out thank you for this novel
This nrougjt to the reality that Christian novel can be inspirational and well thought out thank you for this novel
March 5, 2026
Great read
I’m thankful that this book was Christian based, no foul language, nothing to do with sexual imagery.
Great story line.
I’m thankful that this book was Christian based, no foul language, nothing to do with sexual imagery.
Great story line.
March 14, 2026
I did not like the author's writing style one bit. Could only stomach a couple of chapters and then quit to move on to something better.
March 20, 2026
Fascinating complex small town mystery full of surprises. Faith and family take a front seat- great read!
March 26, 2026
I liked the idea of a dual-mystery with Christian undertones, but it was too long and too repetitive.
May 9, 2026
wonderfully surprising
I really enjoyed this read. First time with this author and I’m definitely reading the next book in the series. You won’t be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this read. First time with this author and I’m definitely reading the next book in the series. You won’t be disappointed.
March 10, 2026
One thing I wish is that authors would provide a map of the story area. It's already in their heads, so share!
Very good story with enough tension and suspense to keep you turning pages. Kelly Cross is a new author for me, and I'm hooked. The characters are believable with depth. It's definitely a must-read.
Very good story with enough tension and suspense to keep you turning pages. Kelly Cross is a new author for me, and I'm hooked. The characters are believable with depth. It's definitely a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews