What do you think?
Rate this book
Coroner's Daughter #6
Walking on White
The coroner’s daughter is back when a ferocious snowstorm buries Freeport, Michigan—and with it, a deadly secret.
When the frozen body of high school senior Ethan Quon is found wedged deep in a snowbank, medical examiner Dr. Emily Hartford is called in to determine how—and why—he died. What should be a routine case quickly turns thorny. The evidence is inconclusive, the timeline fractured, and the town’s citizens close ranks.
As Emily digs deeper, she uncovers a tangle of lies, betrayals, and half truths that ignite outrage among Freeport’s residents. Tensions explode when local teenagers begin receiving chilling text messages—apparently sent by Ethan himself. A dead boy is speaking, and the town is listening in horror.
As the investigation intensifies, Emily’s personal life begins to unravel. Her closest friend is leaving town. Her half sister, Anna, newly divorced, may take her children and move out of the Hartford home. And Emily is forced to rule on the death of a violent criminal killed during a struggle with Nick Larsen—the man she loves—which could determine the future of not only his career but his life with Emily.
Racing against time to uncover the truth before anyone else dies, Emily exposes long-buried family secrets, a dangerous teenage conspiracy, and disturbing sexual transgressions. In a town where lies spread faster than the storm, truth comes at a devastating cost. Emily must not only solve a murder but confront the truths she’s been avoiding about herself and the life she’s willing to fight for.
When the frozen body of high school senior Ethan Quon is found wedged deep in a snowbank, medical examiner Dr. Emily Hartford is called in to determine how—and why—he died. What should be a routine case quickly turns thorny. The evidence is inconclusive, the timeline fractured, and the town’s citizens close ranks.
As Emily digs deeper, she uncovers a tangle of lies, betrayals, and half truths that ignite outrage among Freeport’s residents. Tensions explode when local teenagers begin receiving chilling text messages—apparently sent by Ethan himself. A dead boy is speaking, and the town is listening in horror.
As the investigation intensifies, Emily’s personal life begins to unravel. Her closest friend is leaving town. Her half sister, Anna, newly divorced, may take her children and move out of the Hartford home. And Emily is forced to rule on the death of a violent criminal killed during a struggle with Nick Larsen—the man she loves—which could determine the future of not only his career but his life with Emily.
Racing against time to uncover the truth before anyone else dies, Emily exposes long-buried family secrets, a dangerous teenage conspiracy, and disturbing sexual transgressions. In a town where lies spread faster than the storm, truth comes at a devastating cost. Emily must not only solve a murder but confront the truths she’s been avoiding about herself and the life she’s willing to fight for.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
16 books740 followersJennifer Dornbush is a screenwriter, author, international speaker and forensic specialist. As she says, “I grew up around death.”
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a gripping thriller that kept me turning the pages.
Plot summary: Medical examiner Dr. Emily Hartford is called to the scene of a dead body, and it turns out to be a local teenager. There doesn't seem to be an indication of murder, and Emily works with local law enforcement to figure out what happened. The teenager was at a dance the previous night with a high school girl who's a karate champion, but it doesn't look like an open-and-shut case.
On the personal side, Emily is dealing with the fallout of her long-time on-and-off boyfriend's killing of a serial murderer, her sister's new relationship, and her niece's growing up.
The mystery is compelling, with many moving parts and players. It took a while to see where this was going. It's well-balanced between the mystery and the personal aspects, so we can relate to the FMC as she's undergoing several major life changes. I also enjoyed the atmospheric details, and you can feel the cold and the snow, which is central to the story, as in the title.
This is part of a series, and it was obvious that I missed many pieces from the previous books. It still worked well as a standalone mystery, and the reader is provided with all relevant information.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Jennifer Graeser Dornbush for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Plot summary: Medical examiner Dr. Emily Hartford is called to the scene of a dead body, and it turns out to be a local teenager. There doesn't seem to be an indication of murder, and Emily works with local law enforcement to figure out what happened. The teenager was at a dance the previous night with a high school girl who's a karate champion, but it doesn't look like an open-and-shut case.
On the personal side, Emily is dealing with the fallout of her long-time on-and-off boyfriend's killing of a serial murderer, her sister's new relationship, and her niece's growing up.
The mystery is compelling, with many moving parts and players. It took a while to see where this was going. It's well-balanced between the mystery and the personal aspects, so we can relate to the FMC as she's undergoing several major life changes. I also enjoyed the atmospheric details, and you can feel the cold and the snow, which is central to the story, as in the title.
This is part of a series, and it was obvious that I missed many pieces from the previous books. It still worked well as a standalone mystery, and the reader is provided with all relevant information.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Jennifer Graeser Dornbush for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well, once again, I've picked up a book not realizing it's actually the latest book in a series. And once again, I've really enjoyed it which means I can go back and read the rest of the series. Yaaaayy!!! I just realized that I had previously read Hole in the Woods years ago from this author and it was really good, also! This book is a story where the main character, Emily, is a coroner's daughter and the book is actually written by a coroner's daughter! How cool is that? Emily is now a medical examiner in her own right but will forever be known as the coroner's daughter in her hometown of Freeport, Michigan. Ethan, a high-school senior is found dead in a snowbank and Emily is called in. The case turns out to be anything but routine as the timeline does not make sense and no one in town wants to talk. Oh, and Ethan is still sending text messages. Huh? Yeah, that's all for Emily to help figure out. Emily s a cool character. She has family issues she is also dealing with along with her relationship with high-school sweetheart/Sheriff, Nick. As they investigate, numerous dark truths and secrets come to light. I definitely got Karin Slaughter and Patricia Cornwell vibes while reading this and am eager to go back and read the other books.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Walking on White — 4.25★
This was a really good read. Once again, I accidentally jumped into the middle of a series without reading the earlier books… and once again, it worked surprisingly well. The author gives just enough backstory to make the characters feel established without overwhelming the current mystery.
The novel weaves together two investigations. The first follows the identification of the bones of a young boy who died years ago. Returning him to his family is emotional, but uncovering how he died becomes a compelling subplot that quietly runs alongside the main case.
The central mystery begins during a brutal snowstorm. Maddie stumbles into a gas station after her school dance wearing a torn dress, sandals, and no coat. The next morning, her date Ethan is found dead in a snowbank. Coroner Dr. Emily and her police partner must piece together what really happened through a maze of lies, buried secrets, Ethan's violent past, and the unexpected observations of a young man with special needs who notices details everyone else missed.
Beyond the mystery, I really enjoyed getting to know Emily's world—her police colleagues, her sister Anna and nieces, especially the child who dreams of becoming a coroner, plus the small-town relationships that continue to evolve. Emily's romance with Nick ( clearly a throwback from the previous books) has a hitch while a new teacher arrives in town with an obvious interest in her, setting up what feels like an intriguing future storyline.
I was completely engaged from start to finish. It isn't a gritty, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it's an absorbing, well-crafted mystery with strong characters and excellent pacing. I kept wanting to know the truth about the kids involved, and the reveals were worth the wait. Definitely the kind of book that's hard to put down once you start.
This was a really good read. Once again, I accidentally jumped into the middle of a series without reading the earlier books… and once again, it worked surprisingly well. The author gives just enough backstory to make the characters feel established without overwhelming the current mystery.
The novel weaves together two investigations. The first follows the identification of the bones of a young boy who died years ago. Returning him to his family is emotional, but uncovering how he died becomes a compelling subplot that quietly runs alongside the main case.
The central mystery begins during a brutal snowstorm. Maddie stumbles into a gas station after her school dance wearing a torn dress, sandals, and no coat. The next morning, her date Ethan is found dead in a snowbank. Coroner Dr. Emily and her police partner must piece together what really happened through a maze of lies, buried secrets, Ethan's violent past, and the unexpected observations of a young man with special needs who notices details everyone else missed.
Beyond the mystery, I really enjoyed getting to know Emily's world—her police colleagues, her sister Anna and nieces, especially the child who dreams of becoming a coroner, plus the small-town relationships that continue to evolve. Emily's romance with Nick ( clearly a throwback from the previous books) has a hitch while a new teacher arrives in town with an obvious interest in her, setting up what feels like an intriguing future storyline.
I was completely engaged from start to finish. It isn't a gritty, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it's an absorbing, well-crafted mystery with strong characters and excellent pacing. I kept wanting to know the truth about the kids involved, and the reveals were worth the wait. Definitely the kind of book that's hard to put down once you start.
October 30, 2026
Walking on White by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is a riveting story that will keep readers flipping through the pages. Dornbush does a wonderful job at presenting the less likely character who helps Emily solve the mystery. If readers are familiar with the previous five stories, then they will see some familiar characters and see what is going on in their lives. As for the mystery, it kept me glued to the pages, and I knew who the villain was before it was shown but that happens to me a lot when I read suspense novels. I do like that the story happens with snow falling A LOT during the story. Dornbush does a good job at using the snow to create havoc in the story. Overall, Walking on White by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush was a exhilarating story that checked all the boxes for me.
I received a complimentary copy of Walking on White by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Walking on White by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, but the opinions stated are all my own.
November 2, 2026
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush does it again! This mystery is unveiled through thoughtful storytelling.
The reader is included in the writing as if we are walking along with Dr. Emily Hartford as she investigates the suspicious death of a normally otherwise healthy seventeen year old student.
A mystery that involves murder, teenagers, secrets, and a few subplots create an intriguing page turner!Gripping! Haunting!
Her characters are fully developed from her first book, The Corner, to this her sixth book in the Corner’s Daughter Mystery Series. Characters come alive on the pages, and a movie runs through our minds, as we see the story unfolding!
I could not put the book down. My only disappointment, I do not have another book to keep reading about the lives of Emily, Nick, Anna, Fiona, Flora, Delia, and Sheriff Aditson.
My husband is from Traverse city, Michigan, so it is fun hearing familiar names and places.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series if you like murder mysteries.
I also recommend Hole in the Woods by this author.
Her stories are sometimes based on true cases, such as Hole in the Woods.
The reader is included in the writing as if we are walking along with Dr. Emily Hartford as she investigates the suspicious death of a normally otherwise healthy seventeen year old student.
A mystery that involves murder, teenagers, secrets, and a few subplots create an intriguing page turner!Gripping! Haunting!
Her characters are fully developed from her first book, The Corner, to this her sixth book in the Corner’s Daughter Mystery Series. Characters come alive on the pages, and a movie runs through our minds, as we see the story unfolding!
I could not put the book down. My only disappointment, I do not have another book to keep reading about the lives of Emily, Nick, Anna, Fiona, Flora, Delia, and Sheriff Aditson.
My husband is from Traverse city, Michigan, so it is fun hearing familiar names and places.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series if you like murder mysteries.
I also recommend Hole in the Woods by this author.
Her stories are sometimes based on true cases, such as Hole in the Woods.
October 20, 2026
This is book 6 in the Coroner's Daughter Mysteries series and while it is readable as a standalone, I did find myself looking for more information on her history with the other characters so I recommend that you read the others. There is a lot going on with her on/off boyfriend and a continuing story with her niece finding a bone included in this book.
The storyline was good, although with all of the teens, it did feel a bit more young adult at times but with a more mature side to the crimes and I wish we had more on the actual ruling of the death with the fallout for Nick rather than a quick autopsy where she had someone watch just in case.
Maybe the decisions would make more sense if I had read the rest of the series but her sister talking about marriage again when she is newly divorced and her kids have not met the guy (or her sister even knowing she was dating) seems really rushed along with the ending to the Nick Larson storyline.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the advance copy for review.
The storyline was good, although with all of the teens, it did feel a bit more young adult at times but with a more mature side to the crimes and I wish we had more on the actual ruling of the death with the fallout for Nick rather than a quick autopsy where she had someone watch just in case.
Maybe the decisions would make more sense if I had read the rest of the series but her sister talking about marriage again when she is newly divorced and her kids have not met the guy (or her sister even knowing she was dating) seems really rushed along with the ending to the Nick Larson storyline.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the advance copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WALKING ON WHITE is the sixth book of the Coroner’s Daughter series. Emily Hartford, the medical examiner of Freeport, Michigan, is called in after Ethan’s body is found dead in the snow after prom night. Ethan’s death does not make sense, and none of the high school students want to talk, but Emily and her police partner Aditson must still piece together what happened.
The story is a slow burn mystery with many surprises and betrayals. In addition to the main case, Emily also works with her niece, Flora, on a case involving a bone belonging to a boy who died several decades ago, which, as it turns out, becomes a subplot. Although the book is part of a series, it works well as a standalone, and I highly recommend the entire series to anyone who enjoys a cozy hometown mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advance reader copy. Thanks also to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush for this suspenseful and engaging read. I'm excited to read more of your books!
The story is a slow burn mystery with many surprises and betrayals. In addition to the main case, Emily also works with her niece, Flora, on a case involving a bone belonging to a boy who died several decades ago, which, as it turns out, becomes a subplot. Although the book is part of a series, it works well as a standalone, and I highly recommend the entire series to anyone who enjoys a cozy hometown mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advance reader copy. Thanks also to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush for this suspenseful and engaging read. I'm excited to read more of your books!
Read
September 1, 2026I have read every book in The Coroner's Daughter series and was so excited to receive this advanced copy. I have been so invested in the characters, it's like they are from my own hometown - which also happens to be in Michigan.
As with all of the books in this series - I loved the newest installment - Walking on White. It played out like the classic hometown mysteries do with a secret from the past coming back to haunt the current residents - although this time there were new family members introduced as well as the on-going drama of Dr. Emily Hartford and her lifelong love, and her childhood trauma. The cozy familiar setting of town and those who inhabit it, along with the twists and haunting mood, left me satisfied and hoping there will be another. I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone that enjoys a cozy hometown mystery.
As with all of the books in this series - I loved the newest installment - Walking on White. It played out like the classic hometown mysteries do with a secret from the past coming back to haunt the current residents - although this time there were new family members introduced as well as the on-going drama of Dr. Emily Hartford and her lifelong love, and her childhood trauma. The cozy familiar setting of town and those who inhabit it, along with the twists and haunting mood, left me satisfied and hoping there will be another. I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone that enjoys a cozy hometown mystery.
October 3, 2026
Once again, the Coroner’s Daughter series delivers a captivating mystery that kept me turning the pages, because I didn’t want to miss a single detail!
Walking on White is filled with secrets, betrayals, suspense, and intrigue that kept me guessing and completely invested until the final reveal. The twists and revelations kept the tension going, making this such an entertaining and engaging read.
I really enjoyed diving back into this series, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes next! 🤗
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing and Jennifer Graeser Dornbush for my eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Walking on White is filled with secrets, betrayals, suspense, and intrigue that kept me guessing and completely invested until the final reveal. The twists and revelations kept the tension going, making this such an entertaining and engaging read.
I really enjoyed diving back into this series, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes next! 🤗
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing and Jennifer Graeser Dornbush for my eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Walking on White by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush Bk #6 of the Coroner’s Daughter mystery series. I was so wanting more from Emily and Nate’s story and I am not liking the direction it’s going. I am so disappointed in that. Otherwise, love the details of the mystery and the suspense of who murdered this prodigy high school student. Small town vibes in upper Michigan. Couldn’t put it down. Anxiously awaiting the next book. Than you to #NetGalley and #Blackstone Publishing for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 20, 2026
Read
October 21, 2026Walking on White is a gripping mystery that combines chilling suspense, complex relationships, and secrets buried beneath a winter storm. Jennifer Graeser Dornbush builds an intriguing investigation filled with unexpected revelations and rising tension. With a compelling protagonist and a mystery that reaches deep into the community, this is an engaging read for fans of crime thrillers and atmospheric mysteries.
October 20, 2026
I think this is my last read in this series. Even though I understand why Emily and Nick had to split this time, I don't understand the other times. I feel like the author is playing with my emotions which she is allowed to do. I'm just a little tired of it. I wish Emily all the best. She's one smart, bad-ass lady.
October 30, 2026
Thank you to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary, and any opinions are my own.
This was a good book. It draws you into the story right away, then just like a good roller coaster, it sweeps you up and down the track not knowing where the ending winds up. I will definitely look for other books from this author!
This was a good book. It draws you into the story right away, then just like a good roller coaster, it sweeps you up and down the track not knowing where the ending winds up. I will definitely look for other books from this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another excellent book in the series. There were a few areas where I skipped pages when the main character was remembering things or musing about how things could be. But overall a great story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.
Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.
October 29, 2026
The narrator did a good job. I enjoyed the mystery story.
I am not a fan of how the author does the small romance part of the storyline. At the end of this book we are now on the 3rd possible love interest of the FMC and for me it's annoying.
I am not a fan of how the author does the small romance part of the storyline. At the end of this book we are now on the 3rd possible love interest of the FMC and for me it's annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2026
Ya know how in tv shows they keep messing with a character or characters love lives and making things so complicated for no reason? Thats how I’m feeling about this series right now and im sad about it. I hope it starts to change.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow what a thrilling ride of this intense dark mystery of a read. I was on the edge of my seat and read in one sitting. I enjoyed this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Got the ARC. It wad a great read. Can't wait for the next book. I have all her books and everyone of them i couldn't put down. Very suspenseful. It will keep you guessing
November 10, 2026
Once again Ms. Dornbush knocks it out of the park. Great writing, great story, wonderful narration.
July 28, 2026
I’ve devoured every book in The Coroner’s Daughter mystery series, and the sixth installment, *Walking on White*, is just as compelling as the rest.
In *Walking on White*, Dr. Emily Hartford is called to investigate the death of high school senior Ethan Quon, whose frozen body is discovered buried deep in a snowbank after a ferocious snowstorm hits Freeport. But this case stumps Emily from the start. The evidence is inconclusive, the timeline doesn’t add up, and the town’s residents seem determined to keep their secrets buried. As Emily digs deeper, she quickly realizes Ethan’s death is far more complicated than it first appears.
Things take an even more chilling turn when local teenagers begin receiving disturbing text messages that appear to be coming from Ethan himself. A dead boy is seemingly speaking from beyond the grave, and the messages send the town into a frenzy. As Emily works to uncover the truth, she finds herself unraveling a tangled web of lies, betrayals, family secrets, and a dangerous teenage conspiracy.
Meanwhile, Emily’s personal life is becoming increasingly complicated. I especially loved the continuation of the storyline involving Emily and her niece, which began in the previous book. That added backstory brought an emotional depth to Emily’s character and made me even more invested in what was happening within the Hartford family. Between her closest friend preparing to leave town, her half sister Anna facing major changes of her own, and Emily being forced to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of a violent criminal killed during a struggle with Nick Larsen, the man she loves, there’s plenty happening outside of the investigation as well.
This book delivers everything I’ve come to expect from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush: small town intrigue, suspense, unexpected twists, and emotional stakes that keep the pages turning. I especially loved watching Emily tackle a case that genuinely stumps her, while the snowy Freeport setting creates an eerie atmosphere that perfectly complements the mystery. The continuation of storylines from the previous book was another highlight for me, making this feel like a natural progression of Emily’s journey rather than simply another standalone mystery. Six books into the series, I’m still completely invested in Emily and the people of Freeport, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Walking on White releases on October 20, 2026.
Trigger warnings: murder, violence, sexual assault
In *Walking on White*, Dr. Emily Hartford is called to investigate the death of high school senior Ethan Quon, whose frozen body is discovered buried deep in a snowbank after a ferocious snowstorm hits Freeport. But this case stumps Emily from the start. The evidence is inconclusive, the timeline doesn’t add up, and the town’s residents seem determined to keep their secrets buried. As Emily digs deeper, she quickly realizes Ethan’s death is far more complicated than it first appears.
Things take an even more chilling turn when local teenagers begin receiving disturbing text messages that appear to be coming from Ethan himself. A dead boy is seemingly speaking from beyond the grave, and the messages send the town into a frenzy. As Emily works to uncover the truth, she finds herself unraveling a tangled web of lies, betrayals, family secrets, and a dangerous teenage conspiracy.
Meanwhile, Emily’s personal life is becoming increasingly complicated. I especially loved the continuation of the storyline involving Emily and her niece, which began in the previous book. That added backstory brought an emotional depth to Emily’s character and made me even more invested in what was happening within the Hartford family. Between her closest friend preparing to leave town, her half sister Anna facing major changes of her own, and Emily being forced to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of a violent criminal killed during a struggle with Nick Larsen, the man she loves, there’s plenty happening outside of the investigation as well.
This book delivers everything I’ve come to expect from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush: small town intrigue, suspense, unexpected twists, and emotional stakes that keep the pages turning. I especially loved watching Emily tackle a case that genuinely stumps her, while the snowy Freeport setting creates an eerie atmosphere that perfectly complements the mystery. The continuation of storylines from the previous book was another highlight for me, making this feel like a natural progression of Emily’s journey rather than simply another standalone mystery. Six books into the series, I’m still completely invested in Emily and the people of Freeport, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Walking on White releases on October 20, 2026.
Trigger warnings: murder, violence, sexual assault
June 21, 2026
As per usual Jennifer does it again! I couldn't put the book down, I truly love this series. As a forensic tech I love all her knowledge of the medical examiner. It adds so much depth and realness to the story. I really enjoyed the guessing game this book put me through!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews