Missing in New Mexico

by Kathleen Tailer, Caroline Cole (Narrator)

Cracking a cold case

has this lawman under fire…

Sheriff Joaquin Fuentes stumbles upon a desert car crash in New Mexico, rescuing Luann St. John from the smoking wreckage—but this was no accident. Someone sabotaged her vehicle to stop her from uncovering the truth about a twenty-year-old plane crash tied to her father’s disappearance and diamond smuggling accusations. As danger closes in, Joaquin is determined to protect Luann, even as they’re hunted at every turn. With secrets unraveling and a killer lurking, the truth could clear her father’s name—or drag Joaquin and Luann into a deadly grave.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Suspense

Audible Audio

Published September 29, 2026

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book hat way to much shooting, for my anxiety.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luann is a young woman who lost her father many years ago, when she was just a child. The sad part is that no one really knows what happened to him. He went to work, like he did every morning. But that day, a man came into his jewelry store and he left with him... taking over 2 million dollars in diamonds with him. Was he taken hostage? Did he steal the diamonds? What actually happened? And, where is he now? He was never seen or heard from again...
So, Luann is on a quest to find out what happened.
She does know that he boarded a plane with the other man, and the pilot... and the plane crashed. But, only one body was found. The pilots.

She heads to New Mexico to start digging to find out what she can. BUT, before she even gets there, her rental car ends up in a ditch... as she lost her brakes while driving... and who comes to her rescue, but the local sheriff. And thank God he did, because she is in a lot of danger!

And I am going to leave it right there!
If it sounds like something you'd like, please pick this one up!!

#MissingInNewMexico by @KathleenTailer and narrated nicely by @CarolineTurnerCole.

3 /2 🌟🌟🌟💫 for me, rounded up to 4!

*** This has not been released as yet, but look for it soon! Release date is 9/29/26. ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HarlequinAudio and @LoveInspired for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I couldn't put it down.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really stunning storytelling. The way the author builds the suspense while developing the relationship between Joaquin and Luann is so well done. The words just flow, the scenes fly by and I was utterly captivated. There’s wonderful pacing in the heart-in-throat action scenes. And the romance…blissful sigh! Joaquin is a toe-curling example of swoonworthy hero material. Love the way he tenderly but persistently looks out for Luann right from the start. And the delicious way they are drawn together made my romantical heart so happy!

I enjoyed the unusual setting (why aren’t more books set in New Mexico?) The author captured the unique geography and culture which brought another dimension to the story. I do so love a good armchair travelling read!

Well, listen in my case, as I enjoyed Caroline Turner Cole’s narration. Her performance brought these characters and their exploits to vivid life which made for an entertaining listening experience. Would definitely recommend this audio book to discerning listeners.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/09/10/m...

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing in New Mexico by Kathleen Tailer (2026)
5h 49m narrated by Caroline Turner Cole, 272 pages

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Movie Rating Equivalent: PG-13 for scenes of violence

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🚗🔍🗺💎👮🏽‍♂️✝️

Quick, Action-Packed Love Inspired Suspense

When I turn on Lifetime, I know exactly what to expect, and it's the same for a Love Inspired Suspense—some are fantastic and some are decent, but all feature romance, danger, and prayer. Missing in New Mexico is no exception. I thought the title was pretty basic, but the cover is what really drew me in; I wanted to know why that car was out of commission on a mountainous road, and I found out within the first few minutes of the story.

​There is an incredible amount of action and a strong sense of danger, but I found the plot itself to be a bit thin—although it held its own. I just wasn't buying the romance, but all in all, it was a decent story.

​Recommend to others: Sure, if you're looking for a quick popcorn thriller with a hint of romance and a reminder to keep God in all your daily choices, this story is perfect for you. Something about it gave me a little bit of True Grit vibes, probably due to the romance level and the hunt.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Audio and Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Featuring: Epigraph, Cold Case, English Professor, Clearing Father's Name, Fictional Town near Albuquerque, New Mexico; Sheriff, Dog - Siberian Husky, Divorcé, Abandonment, Clovis, New Mexico; Murder, Las Cruces New Mexico; In Danger, Mysterious Foe, God's Presence, Author’s Note

Live Status Updates: 📱64% Chapter Twelve - There's not much going on but action. I think I'm going to just restart this book in the morning because I feel like I'm missing something. something.

[B.E.Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luann grew up in a loving home with her mom. Her father was a wonderful father until he disappeared after a robbery at the jewelry store he worked at. Being accused of robbing the store and fleeing Luann and her mom have always known this couldn't be true but the case has sat cold for years. Now Luann's mom has terminal cancer and Luann knows she must find the truth and prove her father's innocent before her mother passes away. Traveling to New Mexico during her brake as a teacher Luann has car problems she is sure are because someone tampered with her car. The local sheriff Joaquin shows up on the scene and helps Luann just in time.

As sheriff Joaquin investigates it becomes clear Luann is correct and someone has tampered with her car. Keeping her safe Joaquin agrees to help her find the truth of her father's disappearance. The more they search the more they see someone wants the truth hidden by any means necessary. As they search for the truth Joaquin and Luann begin to find something they never through possible in each other and just when they think everything may finally work out the truth is revealed and their lives may never be the same.

This was a sweet quick read. I really like the mystery in this story about Luann's dad and everything that brings her to New Mexico. Joaquin has been hurt and has no plans to ever find romance again till Luann walks into his life and Luann has so much on her plate right now it's not even a thought till they meet each other. I do wish this story had been a little longer so we could have had more time with the mystery and Luann and Joaquin because their stories were very good. However this was a charming quicker read that I really enjoyed. This is one that is a perfect weekend read.

*Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Audio | Love Inspired Suspense for this ARC

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luann St. John is an English professor who has traveled to New Mexico in search of answers about her father. Twenty years earlier, her father died in a fiery plane crash. But there is much more to the story. Before the crash, he was facing charges for stealing a bevy of valuable diamonds. Luann wants answers. She wants to clear her father’s name and, more importantly, find out whether the plane crash that took his life was truly an accident.

Luann quickly finds herself in danger. Her car crashes, and she is lucky to survive. Sheriff Joaquin Fuentes is called to the scene, and it soon becomes clear that what happened to Luann was no accident. The danger is directly connected to the reason she came to New Mexico in the first place.

Luann has apparently stirred up a hornet’s nest, and someone definitely wants her stopped - even if it means killing her. Joaquin decides to become Luann’s personal protector while also helping her uncover the truth about her father. As they dig deeper into the past, the danger surrounding Luann only increases, and the two realize they may be dealing with someone who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

This book was equally balanced when it came to mystery, suspense and romance. It was enjoyable to watch Luann and Joaquin work together as they worked the difficult puzzle of piecing together what happened twenty years ago. I listened to this as an audiobook, and it was very nicely narrated. The narration fit the story well and made it easy to become immersed in Luann’s search for answers. Overall, Missing in New Mexico was an enjoyable Christian romantic suspense with an intriguing mystery, plenty of danger, and characters I enjoyed getting to know.

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Missing in New Mexico
Author: Kathleen Turner
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narrator: Caroline Turner Cole
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Genre: Christian, Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: September 29, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 208

When Sheriff Joaquin Fuentes finds a smoking car crash in New Mexico, he immediately rushes to rescuing Luann St. John. from the smoking wreckage.
It appears someone sabotaged her car to stop her from revealing the truth about a twenty-year-old cold case. Her father disappeared after a plane crash. Afterwards her father disappearance as he was accused of diamond smuggling.

Sheriff Joaquin is determined to protect Luann. Luann. Although he truly likes Luann, he is dealing with some issues as he and his young daughter are still dealing with the abandonment of his wife and the mother of their child.
But wants to keep Luann safe as she wants to visit the crash site where her father’s plane went down. She is sure there is something there that will give them a clue.
However, as they head to the site they are hunted and shot at every turn. Soon secrets unraveling, Although, a killer is lurking, Luann is still driven to solve this twenty-year mystery. She needs to clear her father’s name!

Story was interesting and kept me involved.
I also like the author’s comments that her novel was more than a romance suspense but ‘Abandonment issues’ are real and she wanted to address it.

I want to thank NetGalley and Love Inspired Suspense for this audiobook.
Publishing Date September 29, 2026.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Missing in New Mexico" is a Christian romantic suspense. Joaquin was abandoned by his wife, who divorced him and left him and their daughter behind. Luann has wondered for 20 years if her father abandoned her mother and her, stealing diamonds and fleeing the country. The loving father she remembers would have contacted them if he was still alive. Convinced that her father was forced by the true thief to board a small plane that later crashed, she traveled to the crash area to find out the truth. As soon as she started asking questions about the crash, someone started trying to kill her and Sheriff Joaquin became involved.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. The suspense came from the attacks on Luann, from car crashes to arson to shooting. Joaquin was attracted by her beauty and determination to find the truth. She appreciated that he was willing to protect her even to the point of potentially dying to save her. They came to care about each other as they spent time investigating what happened to her father. They were both Christians and asked God for guidance and protection. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense novel.

The narrator of the audiobook did a good job, making it easy to follow who was talking and what was going on. She used different voices for the different characters and narrated the story in a way that allowed me to become immersed in the story.

I received a free audiobook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Rudi McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Missing in Mexico through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an engaging mystery that immediately pulled me into the disappearance of Sarah and the search to uncover what really happened to her. I enjoyed following the investigation and trying to piece together the clues alongside Stan, the private investigator determined to find answers.

What really stood out to me was the sense of place. The descriptions of Los Cabos made Mexico feel like more than just a backdrop—it became an important part of the story. I also enjoyed the Spanish language elements woven throughout the book.

The mystery kept me curious, and I appreciated the twists and turns along the way. Overall, this was an enjoyable mystery with an intriguing premise, a memorable setting, and enough unanswered questions to keep me turning the pages.

A solid read for anyone who enjoys missing-person mysteries and stories with a strong travel element.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Joaquin Fuentes rescues Luann St. John from the fiery wreckage of her rental car, that was sabotaged to cause her harm. Luann is visiting New Mexico with mission to find answers about her late father, who she believes was set up, but someone is determined to stop her from uncovering the truth.

Suspenseful, and well-paced. I liked how Joaquin stays by Luann's side and helps her stay ahead of the would-be killers, with great relationship building and dialogue. Joaquin and Luann make a great team, working together, bonding over the case, their shared faith, and his young daughter.

Engaging and entertaining, with great characters, plenty of twists and turns, strong faith and a riveting plot.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Wenona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing in New Mexico by Kathleen Tailer is a cozy mystery style of a read that keeps the pages turning.

Luann St. John has always wondered what happened to her father twenty years ago. Never believing the story that he abandoned his family while stealing diamonds, she sets out to find the truth.

Sheriff Joaquin Fuentes first lays eyes on Luann when her car crashed in the desert. What's more shocking, it wasn't an accident. Everywhere they turn, a killer is set on keeping Luann from knowing the truth. Will she find the answers she has longed for or will the killer finally make his mark?

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Standalone Romantic Suspense
Written in a way that it could be read as a standalone.
For 20 years her family has been waiting for answers. They can't accept the assumptions that were made, before the case went cold. She's determined to get answers before it's too late. Unfortunately, someone is just as determined to make sure she doesn't and they're willing to do whatever it takes to stop her.
He's the sheriff, and the only person who has been willing to listen to her and help her. Keeping themselves alive might be harder than closing the case.
Struggles with abandonment
Kisses and hugs only

[All Things Liz]

First a big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of this book for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This book was a quick romance inspired suspense thriller. Filled with faith, action, suspense and connection. The premise was unexpected. The story takes off right away and you are putting pieces together right away. It tugs at your heart strings while you are working out the puzzle (whodunnit style). I truly enjoyed it. I would recommend.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cold case suspense and this one checks all the boxes! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life!

I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I enjoyed the audiobook. This is a fast paced suspenseful book. I felt the romance and the mystery in this book moved too fast, and I needed a little more development on both. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.