The Miles That Move You Forward

Mailbox Mysteries #5

by Melanie Lageschulte

Kate’s new case forces her to wonder: Who in her hometown will stop at nothing to get what they want?

The peace of an early summer morning in Eagle River is shattered by shocking news: A house on a quiet side street was burglarized the night before, and a beloved resident was injured during the home invasion.

In an unusual move, the police chief recruits the mail carriers to look for leads in the case. Kate was already on it, of course, even though the circumstances could put her now-steady relationship on the rocks. After a route through the neighborhood nets more questions than answers, she suspects nothing is what it seems.

When the case veers wildly off course, Kate must dig deep to discover who is behind the betrayal … and deliver justice for an elderly victim before it’s too late. Don’t miss the next installment in this cozy mystery series filled with seasonal settings, supportive friends, and lots of small-town suspense!

Genres: Contemporary, Mystery

280 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2026

About the author

Melanie Lageschulte writes heartwarming rural fiction, including the "Mailbox Mysteries" and "Growing Season" series. After growing up on an acreage in Iowa with a menagerie of four-footed friends, she had spent much of her professional life telling the stories of the state and its residents. She enjoys baking, sewing, and supporting local animal shelters.

Reviews

[Joy B]

Worth the Wait

I have been waiting eagerly for the next book in this series, and it certainly did not disappoint. In fact, I thought I had figured out the offending ingredient and I was completely wrong. I love it when a book can draw me in like this one did. Now I am looking forward to reading more about Kate and her adventures in the next book when it comes out. But I know it will be worth the wait, too.

[christine]

The Miles That Move You Forward

I just enjoy the wholesome characters from this small Iowa town. You feel like your neighbors and your friendly mail carrier is out to salve the next crime that's caused the residents to be a little fearful. You don't get more wholesome clean mystery than that. Your hooked from the first chapter. Hope you find this book your next great mystery. Enjoy

[Simona Dunn]

The Miles That Move You

Simple, small town happenings, imperfect lives, white farming and small town communities, various levels of emotional and social maturity, finding hope in community.

[Frankie]

This is another series I have been reading. It started with a murder mystery. All the books are mysteries but not murder mysteries. There’s a touch of a romance, a group of workers/friends, friends, and family that are central to the stories. It’s fun to see how they interact throughout the stories.

[SylviaV]

The Miles That Move You Forward by Melanie Lageschulte. (Mailbox Mysteries, #5)

A stand-alone cozy-mystery story. Lots of charming characters, great setting and the mail delivery worker and her friends as the amateur sleuths. Each book can be read as a stand-alone story.

[Ellen Daum-Grod]

I always enjoy her books. The Iowa countryside comes to life.
The characters are great. Story was good and kept me guessing.
Can’t wait for future installments.

[Diana]

A great addition to a fun series. I think I liked this book better than any in the series, although they are all great.

[L Diane]

Excellent!

I loved this book! Not only was it exciting but it had a nice heartwarming end. This series is one of the best I’ve read!!

[Flint]

Gosh, these books take me back to my childhood in the Midwest. Those days are gone… and seem further away more than ever.

[Alayne]

3 and a half stars. I found this to be overlong and it took too long to get anywhere. When it finally did get somewhere I found it enjoyable.

[Muriel Paul]

Excellent read

Love the follow through of "clues". Resourceful heroine and her confidant, they are people I would like to have as friends.

[Mel]

It was a slow starter but there were some surprises along the way.

[Trish]

The Miles That Move You Forward

It’s always a pleasure to visit Eagle River and it’s residents. I look forward to the next release in this series.

[MargeGordon]

I love this series except for one thing... we have to wait soooo long between each one. I love meeting the people of Eagle River and surrounding towns, it feels like home to me