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Missing in New Mexico
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26Cracking 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.
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.
- GenresSuspense
Audible Audio
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
September 5, 2026
"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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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...
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...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews