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Forest Ranger Rescuers #4
Cold Case Arson Investigation
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26A decades-old crime.
A secret ready to explode.
Trapped in a burning barn, fire ranger Clay Reiger barely escapes with his ex-girlfriend, fire marshal Autumn Jennings, as the inferno rages out of control. Soon a chilling pattern emerges—fires eerily similar to those set by a serial arsonist who disappeared years ago. As the past resurfaces, the danger becomes impossible to ignore. With their lives under attack and a long-buried secret threatening to reignite old wounds, Clay and Autumn must confront their shared history. Can they unravel a deadly mystery and stop a vengeful criminal before more lives are lost?
A secret ready to explode.
Trapped in a burning barn, fire ranger Clay Reiger barely escapes with his ex-girlfriend, fire marshal Autumn Jennings, as the inferno rages out of control. Soon a chilling pattern emerges—fires eerily similar to those set by a serial arsonist who disappeared years ago. As the past resurfaces, the danger becomes impossible to ignore. With their lives under attack and a long-buried secret threatening to reignite old wounds, Clay and Autumn must confront their shared history. Can they unravel a deadly mystery and stop a vengeful criminal before more lives are lost?
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Expected publication October 27, 2026
About the author
Kerry Johnson
33 books460 followersKerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America), she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. Kerry lives in the Sunshine State with her family, a lazy boxer, a temperamental sun conure, and way too many books. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, and iced chai tea.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
COLD CASE ARSON INVESTIGATION by Kerry Johnson is the high-octane, suspenseful story of Clay Reiner, wildland fire ranger with the U. S. Forest Service, and Autumn Jennings, fire marshal, as they work the present fires and explore the similarities with an unsolved cold case. Along the way, can they forgive events of the past and dream of a future – together as a family!
Clay’s life has changed drastically through the year. Severely burned from his time of service in Qatar, where the mental scars of saving everyone hurt him the most. It led him to heavy drinking and self-doubt of his worth planted by Autumn’s mother and sister that had him breaking up with the love of his life. Thanks to a friend showing him the way, he’s now a Christian realizing he has to turn it all over to Him. Imagine his surprise to look up while doing inspections at the Hartley Historical Center and be looking into the same eyes he’d turned away all those years ago!
Autumn felt responsible for her friend’s death in Qatar. She’d called in sick. If she hadn’t, maybe her best friend would be alive. She would have had more insight and training. She was crushed when Clay broke up with her. Then she found out she was pregnant and moved to Holloway where her sister lived. Years later, coming face to face with the man who has the same eyes as Grayson, her six-and-a-half-year-old son, she knows she will have to finally tell Clay about his son. What will his reaction be?
When a fire at the Hartley Historical Center threatens to take their lives, managing to escape along with the property’s unconscious owner has them rethinking doubts and regrets. With this fire similar to those attributed to the Allegheny Shoebox Arsonist, Clay and Autumn are assigned to work together. With threats getting more personal, will they be able to stay alive and keep Grayson safe? Can past events finally be put to rest and forgiveness extended? Will Clay get past his childhood and welcome the news of having a son? Will the regrets of having missed 6 ½ years have him longing for a future with his son – and Autumn? Will they solve one case or two?
COLD CASE ARSON INVESTIGATION immediately grabs your attention and keeps you turning pages as the danger becomes real and the suspense lingers as you fall in love with the characters. Kerry Johnson gives us a book of overcoming the past, perils, second chance, family, forgiveness and wraps it all in a wonderful thread of faith. COLD CASE ARSON INVESTIGATION is absolutely a FIVE STAR book that I can highly recommend to everyone!
While the fourth book in the Forest Ranger Rescuers series, COLD CASE ARSON INVESTIGATION can definitely be read as a standalone book.
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#ColdCaseArsonInvestigation #ForestRangerRescuers #KerryJohnson #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance
Clay’s life has changed drastically through the year. Severely burned from his time of service in Qatar, where the mental scars of saving everyone hurt him the most. It led him to heavy drinking and self-doubt of his worth planted by Autumn’s mother and sister that had him breaking up with the love of his life. Thanks to a friend showing him the way, he’s now a Christian realizing he has to turn it all over to Him. Imagine his surprise to look up while doing inspections at the Hartley Historical Center and be looking into the same eyes he’d turned away all those years ago!
Autumn felt responsible for her friend’s death in Qatar. She’d called in sick. If she hadn’t, maybe her best friend would be alive. She would have had more insight and training. She was crushed when Clay broke up with her. Then she found out she was pregnant and moved to Holloway where her sister lived. Years later, coming face to face with the man who has the same eyes as Grayson, her six-and-a-half-year-old son, she knows she will have to finally tell Clay about his son. What will his reaction be?
When a fire at the Hartley Historical Center threatens to take their lives, managing to escape along with the property’s unconscious owner has them rethinking doubts and regrets. With this fire similar to those attributed to the Allegheny Shoebox Arsonist, Clay and Autumn are assigned to work together. With threats getting more personal, will they be able to stay alive and keep Grayson safe? Can past events finally be put to rest and forgiveness extended? Will Clay get past his childhood and welcome the news of having a son? Will the regrets of having missed 6 ½ years have him longing for a future with his son – and Autumn? Will they solve one case or two?
COLD CASE ARSON INVESTIGATION immediately grabs your attention and keeps you turning pages as the danger becomes real and the suspense lingers as you fall in love with the characters. Kerry Johnson gives us a book of overcoming the past, perils, second chance, family, forgiveness and wraps it all in a wonderful thread of faith. COLD CASE ARSON INVESTIGATION is absolutely a FIVE STAR book that I can highly recommend to everyone!
While the fourth book in the Forest Ranger Rescuers series, COLD CASE ARSON INVESTIGATION can definitely be read as a standalone book.
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#ColdCaseArsonInvestigation #ForestRangerRescuers #KerryJohnson #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance
August 17, 2026
As with all of Kerry’s stories, I find myself frustrated when I have to put her book down to do something else. This was another suspenseful story whose characters were as personal to me as my friendship with Kerry. Fantastic series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This cleverly written page turner includes intense suspense, a blooming second chance at romance. Fire ranger Clay Reiger is tasked to partner with fire marshal Autumn Jennings, a young woman with whom he has a history he wants to forget. Clay and Autumn are investigating a series of fires that seem to be exactly like the fires set by a serial arsonist two decades previously. The two of them have to follow the clues to determine if the serial arsonist has returned or if the new fires are being set by a copycat. They also need to protect innocent victims and themselves from the perpetrator who is determined to thwart them from learning the truth. The plot has intricate and intriguing threads of mystery and an edginess to the suspense as one never knows when or where the arsonist will strike next. The plot is remarkably fast-moving and well researched with captivating and insightful details about the investigation and the crime of arson. Masterfully written with dynamic characters who have worked hard to overcome a challenging past, this book is dramatic, exciting and includes some intense scenes of rescue from imminent death. I enjoyed the well-crafted story and the multi-layered characters as well as the realistically portrayed effect that arson has on the victims. This is a book not to be missed for fans of quick-paced and intriguing stories with romance skillfully blended into the main plot.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gosh, I loved this! I loved catching back up with earlier couples, and gosh, this was the ultimate second chance romance! Add in the mystery and suspense, and I did not want to put it down!
Clay and Autumn have a past, one of broken hearts and long held secrets, but as they find themselves teamed up to uncover a cold case and local arsons, they don’t have time to unpack their past. But the closer they get to finding out who is behind the fires that have plagued the town, the more at risk their lives are. And the more time they spend together, the more at risk they are of wanting another chance with each other. But with broken hearts, messy pasts, and secrets waiting to be revealed, their path forward may not be that simple. And the present crimes seem to be more personal than they expected!
This was a total page turner! The faith, shared past, secrets, the chemistry they tried to tamp down, but the admiration and love that kept peeking through? Loved it! I loved the whole crew helping with these cases, and I loved getting a sneak peek of everyone in the earlier books happily ever after. This has been a great series.
I gave this a 4.5, rounded to a 5.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Clay and Autumn have a past, one of broken hearts and long held secrets, but as they find themselves teamed up to uncover a cold case and local arsons, they don’t have time to unpack their past. But the closer they get to finding out who is behind the fires that have plagued the town, the more at risk their lives are. And the more time they spend together, the more at risk they are of wanting another chance with each other. But with broken hearts, messy pasts, and secrets waiting to be revealed, their path forward may not be that simple. And the present crimes seem to be more personal than they expected!
This was a total page turner! The faith, shared past, secrets, the chemistry they tried to tamp down, but the admiration and love that kept peeking through? Loved it! I loved the whole crew helping with these cases, and I loved getting a sneak peek of everyone in the earlier books happily ever after. This has been a great series.
I gave this a 4.5, rounded to a 5.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This wonderful book has suspense throughout the pages from beginning to end! It was exciting, with scary situations, a shared past, forgiveness, and everything that I love about suspense romance books! Very very good!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Clay, a Fire Ranger, discovers when he "meets" the new Fire Marshal that she is his ex-girlfriend from when they were in Qatar in the military. After he is trapped in a burning barn while trying to save a civilian also trapped in the barn at the Historical Center, he is hit in the back of his head and is transported to the hospital where he sees Autumn who accidentally calls him Grayson her 6 1/2 yr old son's name. Clay is surprised and disappointed to learn she has a son until she tells him that Grayson is their son. He is shocked to learn he has a son he didn't know about. After he was severely burned in an explosion in Qatar while trying to save other team members, he cuts off all contact with Autumn. She tried to let him know she was pregnant, but couldn't contact him.
Together, they must put their history aside except for Grayson, to work together to solve a 25 year old arson cold case which appears to have become active again. Autumn thinks the new fires set by an arsonist might be a copycat based on things she's discovering that don't quite fit the cold case arsonist from 25 years ago.
While they investigate the new serial arsonist their lives are put in danger several times from brake lines being cut to being tied up including their son in a burning cabin. Why is someone targeting them and who is it? Why target Grayson, too as he's only 6 1/2 years old? Who would be so filled with hate as to do this? Read Cold Case Arson Investigation by Kerry Johnson to find out.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect on Kerry Johnson. I was given this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not asked to do anything else nor was I promised any form of compensation.
Together, they must put their history aside except for Grayson, to work together to solve a 25 year old arson cold case which appears to have become active again. Autumn thinks the new fires set by an arsonist might be a copycat based on things she's discovering that don't quite fit the cold case arsonist from 25 years ago.
While they investigate the new serial arsonist their lives are put in danger several times from brake lines being cut to being tied up including their son in a burning cabin. Why is someone targeting them and who is it? Why target Grayson, too as he's only 6 1/2 years old? Who would be so filled with hate as to do this? Read Cold Case Arson Investigation by Kerry Johnson to find out.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect on Kerry Johnson. I was given this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not asked to do anything else nor was I promised any form of compensation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cold Case Arson Investigation lights up the pages with suspense, faith, and romance!
When a series of fires seems suspiciously like the ones set years ago by a serial arsonist, whom they never discovered the identity of, Fire Ranger Clay Reiner and Fire Marshal Autumn Jennings, who just happens to be his ex-girlfriend, team up to solve the case. As a mysterious assailant begins to stalk them and the son he didn’t know they had, will Clay be able to keep his newfound family alive?
This was an epic suspense! Kerry Johnson has written a fast-paced novel filled with non-stop action. From the moment I began, I was on the edge of of my seat. Clay and Autumn made a great investigative team, as well as a couple. It was very satisfying in the faith department. I really enjoyed how they relied on God to help them through both past and present trauma. Grayson, their son, was adorable! I really enjoyed seeing them react with him. It brought out their softer, more vulnerable sides, bringing them together again.
I do wish there would have been more of a realization that they should have waited for intimacy until after they were married. Other than that I really enjoyed the story!
I received this book from the author. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
When a series of fires seems suspiciously like the ones set years ago by a serial arsonist, whom they never discovered the identity of, Fire Ranger Clay Reiner and Fire Marshal Autumn Jennings, who just happens to be his ex-girlfriend, team up to solve the case. As a mysterious assailant begins to stalk them and the son he didn’t know they had, will Clay be able to keep his newfound family alive?
This was an epic suspense! Kerry Johnson has written a fast-paced novel filled with non-stop action. From the moment I began, I was on the edge of of my seat. Clay and Autumn made a great investigative team, as well as a couple. It was very satisfying in the faith department. I really enjoyed how they relied on God to help them through both past and present trauma. Grayson, their son, was adorable! I really enjoyed seeing them react with him. It brought out their softer, more vulnerable sides, bringing them together again.
I do wish there would have been more of a realization that they should have waited for intimacy until after they were married. Other than that I really enjoyed the story!
I received this book from the author. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This new to me author has really hit this story out of the ballpark she surely did!
Kept me turning the pages to see what happens next and omg my heart kept pounding when Autumn and Clay came across something new to help solve the shoebox mystery man. He's definitely come up with a different calling card! Goodness! Made me shiver!
I really enjoyed sleuthing along side the wonderful characters. It was a way for me to get to know them better and Grayson too!
Cute kid.
Both had pasts to overcome. I found myself rooting for them throughout the story but yet at the same time I wanted to shout at them too.
For their stubborn ways and to look out behind them.
I was glad they were a praying team because they surely needed God to get out of the jam they were in.
This story of 2nd chances is a wonderful heartfelt book that I couldn't put down!
This story shows how you can run from your past but that you can’t hide either.
Can they find the arsonist before it's too late?
Y'all just have to pick up this wonderful adventure to find out!!
5 stars for a job well done!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Kept me turning the pages to see what happens next and omg my heart kept pounding when Autumn and Clay came across something new to help solve the shoebox mystery man. He's definitely come up with a different calling card! Goodness! Made me shiver!
I really enjoyed sleuthing along side the wonderful characters. It was a way for me to get to know them better and Grayson too!
Cute kid.
Both had pasts to overcome. I found myself rooting for them throughout the story but yet at the same time I wanted to shout at them too.
For their stubborn ways and to look out behind them.
I was glad they were a praying team because they surely needed God to get out of the jam they were in.
This story of 2nd chances is a wonderful heartfelt book that I couldn't put down!
This story shows how you can run from your past but that you can’t hide either.
Can they find the arsonist before it's too late?
Y'all just have to pick up this wonderful adventure to find out!!
5 stars for a job well done!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Read
October 14, 2026Who is responsible for setting the fires in and around Holloway? Could the Shoebox Arsonist from years ago have resurfaced? Is it a copycat? Are several people starting fires at the same time?
Fire marshal Autumn Jennings is called in to investigate and finds herself face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend, fire ranger Clay Reiger. Somehow, they have to put their past relationship aside to investigate the crimes. Danger surrounds them and escalates as they grow closer to discovering the truth. Will they be able to unravel the mystery and put an end to the death and destruction before the arsonist destroys them?
Kerry Johnson has woven a magnificent story with plenty of suspenseful moments and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. She draws readers into the action on the very firs page. Her characters are not only believable, but they are very likable. The plot moves quickly. Readers need to stay on their toes to decipher the clues as Autumn and Clay discover them. I’m guessing, though, that the ending will be a surprise to everyone.
I highly recommend Cold Case Arson Investigation to anyone who enjoys a well-written story with exactly the right amount of faith, suspense, and romance. Kudos, Kerry, on another superb book!
Fire marshal Autumn Jennings is called in to investigate and finds herself face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend, fire ranger Clay Reiger. Somehow, they have to put their past relationship aside to investigate the crimes. Danger surrounds them and escalates as they grow closer to discovering the truth. Will they be able to unravel the mystery and put an end to the death and destruction before the arsonist destroys them?
Kerry Johnson has woven a magnificent story with plenty of suspenseful moments and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. She draws readers into the action on the very firs page. Her characters are not only believable, but they are very likable. The plot moves quickly. Readers need to stay on their toes to decipher the clues as Autumn and Clay discover them. I’m guessing, though, that the ending will be a surprise to everyone.
I highly recommend Cold Case Arson Investigation to anyone who enjoys a well-written story with exactly the right amount of faith, suspense, and romance. Kudos, Kerry, on another superb book!
Review of advance copy
Some mysteries are simply too gripping to put down, and Cold Case Arson Investigation by Kerry Johnson had me eagerly turning pages long past bedtime. The author skillfully weaves a decades-old arson mystery together with present-day copycat crimes, creating a fast-paced story filled with danger, emotion, faith, and a sweet second-chance romance. I enjoyed spending time with Autumn Jennings, Clay Reiger, and their son, Grayson, as well as catching up with familiar characters from earlier books in the series. The intriguing mystery delivers plenty of tension, unexpected twists, and action before building to a suspenseful reveal that brings the case to a satisfying close. The heartfelt romance adds warmth to the story, while the epilogue provides a lovely finishing touch. Although this is the fourth book in the Forest Ranger Rescuers series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Just one warning: start this page-turner at bedtime, and you may find yourself reading until the wee hours!
October 12, 2026
This hard-to-put-down read is a stellar final addition to the Forest Ranger series. The story reunites Wildland Fire Ranger Clay Reiger and Fire Marshall Autumn Jennings, who are targeted as they investigate suspicious fires mirroring the twenty-five-year-old Allegheny Shoebox Arsonist Cold Case while, at the same time, confronting their complicated past. The tightly woven plot, full of twists and suspense, and compelling characters demanded my attention from the beginning and kept me totally engaged as the danger, suspense, and romantic tension escalated. Just when I thought I might have it figured out, the ending delivered a a total surprise, offering a shocking resolution to the mystery while beautifully wrapping up the tender second chance romance. I especially appreciate the inspiring message of lived out faith with prayers and scripture woven naturally into the story. This is inspirational romantic suspense at its best and well worth your reading time.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are the recently set fires related to similar fires from years ago? Has the arsonist returned or is there a copycat? These questions make for an intriguing, danger-filled investigation. Kerry Johnson has woven a tale designed to keep you glued to the edge of your seat as she keeps you guessing who the arsonist could be. In this book, you will find a reunion, second chances, new beginnings, a surprise child, unexpected attacks, and puzzling clues. I found myself unable to put this book down, reading late into the night. I highly recommend Cold Case Arson Investigation for a thrilling, inspirational suspense. I received an advance copy from the author. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cold Case Arson Investigation is a truly fantastic book, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Fire ranger Clay Reiger and his ex fire marshal Autumn Jennings, are brought together to close a cold case that has been reopened with new fires set by a serial arsonist. Now someone is trying to stop their investigation and now they are trapped in a burning barn, with the inferno raging out of control. A chilling pattern emerges with the new fires they are eerily similar to those set by a serial arsonist who disappeared years ago. With the past resurfacing, the danger grows. Their lives are under attack and an old secret is threatening to reignite old wounds, making Clay and Autumn face their shared history.
This story was so great, but the ending totally blew my mind!
Fire ranger Clay Reiger and his ex fire marshal Autumn Jennings, are brought together to close a cold case that has been reopened with new fires set by a serial arsonist. Now someone is trying to stop their investigation and now they are trapped in a burning barn, with the inferno raging out of control. A chilling pattern emerges with the new fires they are eerily similar to those set by a serial arsonist who disappeared years ago. With the past resurfacing, the danger grows. Their lives are under attack and an old secret is threatening to reignite old wounds, making Clay and Autumn face their shared history.
This story was so great, but the ending totally blew my mind!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. This book was really good. The suspense and mystery started from the very beginning. I really tried to solve all the different pieces of the two puzzles and I figured the cold case out but not until they almost told me the answer. As for the recent crimes, I did not get that one at all. The secondary characters in this book really added to my enjoyment of it. The interactions between Grayson and Clay were some of my favorite parts. I found myself feeling really sad and sorry for Roger. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who trapped Fire Ranger Clay Reigner and Fire Marshal Autumn Jennings in a barn then set it on fire? They barely make it out alive. A pattern emerges, chilling Clay and Autumn, that reminds them of the chilling and eerie details of a serial arsonist who disappeared.
Lives once again are lost. Will Clay and Autumn be able to solve the deadly mystery before more lives are lost? Will they be able to stop a vengeful criminal?
Lives once again are lost. Will Clay and Autumn be able to solve the deadly mystery before more lives are lost? Will they be able to stop a vengeful criminal?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! Kerry Johnson does it again! Autumn and Clay have you on the edge of your seat right from the start! Knowing the secret Autumn has hidden from Clay is just the twist needed. As flames literally fan around them the plot heats up. I urge anyone looking for a great read to get this book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews