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Murder, meltdown or misadventure?

Police officer, John Tyson, has disappeared on a remote mountain range and Detective Bridgette Cash has been sent to investigate. Hampered by local police as she tries to discover the truth, Bridgette becomes the target of a syndicate as she uncovers secrets about the nearby town of Sanbury.

Racing against the clock, a town that refuses to help, and a huge snowstorm, can Bridgette find the answers before it's too late?

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2018

973 people are currently reading
253 people want to read

About the author

Trevor Douglas

30 books44 followers
Trevor Douglas is a multi-award-winning author from Brisbane, Australia. Since the release of his debut novel, The Catalin Code, in 2014, he has published ten novels and is now working on a new murder-mystery series.

With more than 12,000 five-star reviews, Trevor’s books are enjoyed by readers worldwide in paperback, audiobook, and eBook formats.

When he’s not writing, he enjoys playing pickleball and spending time with his family.

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5 stars
857 (58%)
4 stars
454 (31%)
3 stars
126 (8%)
2 stars
18 (1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile".
1,902 reviews297 followers
June 1, 2019
4 stars

This series seems to be a winner for me - I love Bridgette Cash. Bridgette actually warms up a little in this book and takes a chance on friendship. While the bad guys were fairly obvious in this episode, the real mystery is the crooked cops who are involved in the murder of her father. It is probably too much to expect that book 3 may answer these questions, and I don't mind - the series works for me.
Profile Image for Monnie.
1,624 reviews790 followers
February 24, 2018
Despite having a backlog of books to read and review, I accepted the author's offer to tackle this book - mostly because a) it sounded interesting and b) I'm always on the lookout for a new series to follow. This one is the second in the series - the first is Cold Comfort, released last year. I didn't read that one, and while I always recommend starting any series at the beginning, I didn't feel at a disadvantage here.

Hartbourne Metro Police rookie detective Bridgette Cash has been given an assignment to investigate the disappearance of fellow police officer John Tyson, last seen working for the police in Sanbury, a couple of hours away. The job is considered a bit of a respite for Bridgette, who apparently narrowly missed being killed off in the first book. But early on, she runs afoul of the Sanbury police when she tries to defend (and befriend) Hughie, a mentally challenged man when officers use excessive force to get him to the police station. The police chief further resents Bridgette's intrusion on the gone-missing Hartbourne officer (that's putting it mildly; he sticks his foot in her way - and often in his own mouth - every time they meet and is a totally unlikable person. For the record, just about every person she meets in this town seems to be a jerk, a lecher, or worse).

Meanwhile, the town itself is in the midst of building a high-stakes ski resort that's expected to be a big boost to the economy. As she begins her investigation (trying to work around the local police), Bridgette manages to get on the bad side of one of the project's big investors, making her stay - and progress toward finding the missing officer - even more difficult. Complicating things still more is the threat of a huge snowstorm that could bring everything, most notably Bridgette's investigation, to a halt for several days.

It doesn't take long, though, for her to conclude that officer Tyson was murdered. But just like the woman Hughie is accused of murdering years ago, there's no body to be found. Bridgette finds who she hopes is a friend in a local man who was close to Tyson, and together with him and Hughie, she tries to get to the bottom of things without landing in jail or the hospital. And as she discusses progress with her chief back in Hartbourne, she gets even more distressing news: It's likely that one of her co-workers had a hand in her near-murder. But who?

As is typical in books like this, the heroine - Bridgette - comes off as super-human at times (reminding me a bit of Nora Roberts' Lt. Eve Dallas, who somehow survives injuries that would put any other woman down for the count). And I must point out that the characters here use each other's names in their conversations way, way more than "normal" people do, nearly driving me buggy at times. Still, it's a solid plot, and while the ending isn't a cliffhanger, it does leave open the door for the next installment (reportedly Cold Hard Cash.

I'll be waiting!
Profile Image for Helen Starbuck.
Author 11 books77 followers
December 9, 2022
the good and the bad

The plot was great, lots of twists and turns, but, what took away from the reading experience was the characters repeating the name of the person they were talking to in nearly every bit of dialogue. Distracting and annoying.
Profile Image for Michelle .
346 reviews25 followers
April 2, 2018
"Bridgette walked out into the early morning sunshine and thought about the day ahead. She had no idea whether she would be in jail, on her way back to Hartbourne or still investigating by lunchtime.".....

We are back for book 2 in the “Bridgette Cash Detective” series. Officer John Tyson has disappeared on a remote mountain area. Bridgette has been assigned to try to find John. Is he lost, still alive, or suffered some other misfortune? Is it Mother Nature that has taken him, or someone or something more sinister? It’s been four months since John failed to report to work at the local police department. That’s a long time to think he may still be alive out there somewhere.

The local police aren’t too inclined to help her. Obviously Bridgette has come across things they’d rather keep quiet in the town of Sandbury. Snow storms are coming their way. Bridgette is fighting the weather, and the locals, in her effort to find out what happened to John. There’s also something else going on in the little town that will sidetrack her from her original goal.

An exciting thriller. Bridgette is a tough woman and a capable detective. The story line was intriguing. I really liked Bridgette in the first book “Cold Comfort.” As her character becomes more developed in this next book, I can’t wait to see where the third book in the series takes her. “Cold Hard Cash” is slated to be book 3 in this series.

What will Bridgette face in her attempts to get to the bottom of what’s going on in Sandbury? Is John alive ? If anyone can find out it will be Bridgette. She trusts her instincts and is not easily influenced. While the side story ties everything together, I didn’t feel like the everyone got what they deserved. She made some new friends and in the end it was an enthralling read.

Thank you Trevor Douglas for another great book!
Profile Image for Jane Blanchard.
Author 11 books53 followers
March 20, 2018
Cold Trail by Trevor Douglas is a suspenseful read. There is a strong female protagonist, always a plus for me. The tight plot and subplots kept me turning the pages.Though this is the second book in the Bridgette Cash Mystery Thriller series, Cold Trail is stand-alone yet the multiple references teased me into wanting to read the first.

Bridgette Cash, a Hartbourne Metro Police detective, is sent to Sandbury to investigate what happened to John Tyson, a past coworker who transferred to the small town and has disappeared. There, she witnesses two police officers using unnecessary force in the arrest of Hughey, a "gentle giant." The fact that she is prepared to file a complaint against the policemen has her starting on the wrong foot with the local police. As she tries to figure out what happened to John, she solves an old murder, uncovers embezzlement, misuse of power in the small town, and almost loses her life. Great read.
53 reviews
December 1, 2022
Great series so far! Poor Detective Cash needs a break and a vacation! But something tells me she would still end up in the middle of trouble then too :D roll on book 3!
6 reviews
November 28, 2025
I really want to love this series but there is one key issue I struggle with. The conversational dialogue is painful with the constant reiteration of names. “Hi Jack, how are you?” “Good Bridgette, how are you?” “Good Jack thanks for asking.” “No problem Bridgette. Do you want to stay for dinner Bridgette?” “Sure Jack, thanks Jack.” It’s so annoying over time and takes away from the story. I think the author needs to trust the reader that we are aware of who is in the room and can comprehend the normal cadence of conversations.
Profile Image for Vera mallard.
459 reviews12 followers
March 26, 2018

Rating 4.5

STORY-LINE:

Sanbury Police Officer John Tyson, formerly with the Hartbourne Metro Police Department, disappeared during an investigation of an old murder case. In Sanbury, they believe he disappeared in the surrounding mountains while hiking or committed suicide. The Commissioner and Chief Inspector Felix Delray assign rookie Detective Bridgette Cash to investigate and close out Tyson's file. Little did they know what she would walk into at Sanbury.

This easy assignment quickly turns into a dangerous situation. She comes up against a local Sheriff with a massive chip on his shoulder bent on freezing her out. As well as an old murder without a body, she finds simple Hughey Warren, who went to prison for the killing. To the dismay and anger of the town, he is out on a technicality. Also, the town is gearing up for construction of a new ski resort.

Bridgette finds herself in the middle of a town full of secrets, and someone wants her gone; if not on her own then her death will do. As the body count mounts, will Bridgette's keen mind ferret out whats truly happening in Sanbury? My book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Once again, author Trevor Douglas created a police procedural filled with suspense, mystery, action, and thrills galore. As with his earlier novel, I found his characters multi-faceted and intriguing. Including a varied cast of personalities, you will either love or hate, Douglas grabbed me in the first few pages. He held me in the palm of his hand until the finale. His well-developed secondary characters are instrumental to the storyline. Bridgette's personality grows as she learns another life lesson in this intense non-stop thriller.

Of course, Chief Delray's prominent in this tale. He's continuing the investigation into her near-death shooting and the death of her father. I loved watching her and Delray interact as he is almost a father figure to her. Adding angst with the Sanbury Sheriff and his department, introduced action and intrigue to the storyline; what a piece of work he created in the Sheriff and his men.

I came to love Hughey with his simple ways and outlook on life. He knows more of life's injustices than any young man should know. He desperately in need of friends who believe in him. I became so involved in the storyline I wanted to give him a big hug.

In Cold Trail, we do not see Bridgette's profiling take the lead; the reader's invited to see a more personable human side of her nature. However, never fear, her keen mind is in action in this case.

MY OPINION:

Trevor Douglas' plotting is multi-layered which ramped up the intrigue, spine-tingling suspense, and mystery. I thought I knew the culprit; wow was I wrong! The storyline is rich with varied people, plots, and suspense which kept me on the edge of my seat. Douglas bit by bit revealed the culprit and mystery keeping me turning the pages for reasons and answers. The progression of the plot-threads is skillful and seamlessly. His writing is so descriptive and vivid I could almost breathe in the cold air. I could see the beauty of the mountains, the expressions on the characters faces, and feel the fear.

As in his previous work, this story twists and turns its way to a surprising ending filled with heartfelt emotion, action, dread, and suspense. Never would I have guessed the identity of the henchman in charge of the skullduggery. The epilogue is awesome. It almost had me in tears as Bridgette learns another life lesson by the end of her travail.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves action, suspense, murder, and mystery; all rolled into one well-written book. Be sure to go to the link provided at the end where you will find more information on Bridgette. Cold Comfort is still free on Amazon; I highly suggest you grab a copy. I look forward to the next installment of this series.


COLD TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS: STARS 4.5

ALSO PLEASE NOTE:

I purchased this novel and chose to review the novel with honest police procedural book reviews voluntarily. Reviews of any novel are dependent on the review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions.

Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,347 reviews6 followers
June 1, 2019
I just love this series, better then watching a tv series and more action!

This is the 2nd in the serious about Detective Bridgette Cash. If you read the first one, Bridgette is very intelligent and has a knack for solving the mysteries in a murder case. When she was a rookie, most of the police department was against her and even the Commissioner wanted her gone from the unit. But, Bridgette did the unthinkable, she solved a serial killer case.

Always in Bridgette's mind is that twenty years ago, her father was accused of killing her mother. Her father has been on the run all of this time and even contacted Bridgette. She knows now, that he didn't kill her mother, and one of their own is behind the murder.

In this case, Bridgette needs a break from everything, and is sent to a remote city, where one of their police officers, John Tyson, has moved and accepted a position there. But, he is missing and no one knows what happened to him..Bridgette is sent to find out..What will she uncover?

If you know Bridgette, she is right in the middle of things and being shot at, at every turn! What was John Tyson investigating and when she finds out the the local police are corrupt, has she put her life in danger!!

Great book, not to be missed..Ready to open the 3rd one and find out what she is up to now.
Profile Image for Janice Spina.
Author 46 books110 followers
October 3, 2018
Cold Trail is a fast-moving, exciting, thriller of a mystery featuring fearless and determined Detective Bridgette Cash. She is on the move this time trying to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Police Office John Tyson.

Even if you haven’t read the first book you will enjoy this one as a stand along novel. I did just that.

The author has created an intriguing character in Detective Bridgette Cash. She is a no-nonsense kind of woman who is not afraid to go where others have feared to tread. In this book she puts her life in jeopardy when she uncovers evidence that others do not want made public.

I couldn’t put this book down. It was a real page turner and a much enjoyable read. I look forward to the next book in this series. Kudos to the talented author who knows how to keep his reader enthralled with his tale and gripped in the palm of his hand.
474 reviews7 followers
December 16, 2024
Likeable characters

It is so much fun to read a book with an intriguing plot when you have likeable characters. Not all the characters were overly developed but the main characters we developed well and blended well together.

Bridgette Cash is a very intelligent Vancouver Canadian with the smarts to keep her opinions from getting her into trouble. She is a rookie police detective but with a mother and father (deceased) who were successful in law enforcement. Bridgettte has a high IQ which helps her evaluate and form an inciteful investigation.

The Bridgette Cash mystery thriller series are entertaining and fun to read. I am especially thankful the Trevor Douglas didn't have to use excessive violence, foul language or sex scenes to provide an entertaining story.
Profile Image for Amy Shannon.
Author 135 books134 followers
May 29, 2018
A real-page Turner

I didn't read the first book in the series, but I'm glad I didn't miss this one. This story is well-written and I enjoyed getting to know Bridgette, a young female detective. This story brings her to a small town, which can be pretty much any small town. The story was put together well, and was intriguing as Bridgette was not only dealing with her own past and connection to the town, but to find the truth behind another police officer's disappearance. It was mysterious and thrilling, and I look forward to another story from Douglas.
438 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2024
details are important

This is a good book. The characters and plot are excellent. I would’ve given it five stars but for two big problems. The first is commas. Throw them in the air and let them drop where they will seems to be the process. There are rules for using commas, and they are not all that difficult. A writer should know them. The second big problem is the Glock. It’s locked in the house, Bridgette does not go back to the house, but suddenly the Glock is in her pocket. How does that work? Secondly, Glocks do not have a slide safety.
623 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2025
The mystery itself is interesting and Bridgette follows the trail as she finds out more information. Easy enough to check out what happened to the missing officer except she has a gun pointed at her 5 min after she arrived. If the Sheriff had just helped her out vs being obstinate she might have written her report and moved on Accusing her of murder when she was spent the night on the mountain for example. Once again Bridgette ends up in the hospital. As a police officer she also can not accept a car from Sutton.
50 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2018
book two awesome

His book starts off right where book one ended. Bridgette is sent to Danbury to see what happened to a detective that has went missing. Upon arrival she sees her neighbor be a arrested for no reason. While doing her investigation she finds a missing person from 20 years earlier. She finds new friends and solves two cases. The is a very good book keep you turning pages. Could not out it down.
Profile Image for Audrey.
1,087 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2021
True justice wins out

Good second book in this series. Just love the main character, Bridgette. Although the amount of times she is close to being killed is a little concerning. But it’s fiction after all. The author is good at constructing supporting characters, the ones in this story are great. Good story line. Writing could have been a little more polished, however I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in this genre.
526 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2024
Heartrending drama

When Bridgette Cash, an out of town police officer, is assigned to follow up on a report of a mysteriously disappeared fellow police officer, she has no idea how it will grossly affect her whole life. With the aid of a near neighbour and a close friend of his, she investigates not only the disappearance officer but also solves the case of the death of a young town girl from long past.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
March 1, 2018
'Cold Trail' was a great addition to a fantastic series. The story line pulled me in from the start. I liked how it played out. Full of action, deception, corruption, great characters and a great story line. Bridgette was put through a lot during her time in Sanbury. She finds such a great support system in her new friends and they are awesome. I look forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Mimi Davis Hopkins.
676 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2018
Another Great Story in the Saga of Detective Cash

This story falls in line with the fanatic work of this author in the Bridgette Cash mystery thrillers. Great flow with amazing characters. Once again Detective Cash is on the case, finding answers , making connections and solving the case. Great Read
Profile Image for Jacqui Houlding.
61 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2018
Another riveting read

Another all nighter reading this book. Somewhat less believable than the first in the series; I can believe incredible luck once, somewhat less twice. However this did not diminish my enjoyment of the story or my sympathy with Bridgette. Looking forward to book 3.
13 reviews
July 2, 2019
Great book for a mystery. I liked that it was a woman detective. The reading was easy and very knowledgeable. I will recommend this book to the book club and all friends. I choose five star rating because I have really enjoyed it.

I can’t wait until I get a chance to read Bridgette Cash Mystery Thriler book 2. Happy readings from me.
180 reviews
May 28, 2021
Excellent book

I really like this series. The characters and plots are much better than most books. While there are some important mysteries carried to the next book , some things are solved in each book. You don't feel like you've been abandoned in the middle of a story. This book and series are great.
208 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2024
Refreshing plot

This reader was happy to read a book with a different plot than most books out there. It was about a smart detective who was investigating the disappearance of a fellow officer. What she learned was the town was corrupt and there was more happening than just the missing officer.
1 review1 follower
December 7, 2024
This was an interesting police / crime story, with believable characters and story line. However, I was so irritated by the lax proofreading and the dearth of commas, especially before a name, that my enjoyment was severely limited. Sorry, 4 stars only, please start using commas like everyone else. They stand for the slight taking of a breath, and I wasn't allowed to take one in time.
Profile Image for Macjest.
1,336 reviews10 followers
December 16, 2024
Quite good. Only rating a 4 because I didn’t read the first book and there’s some details I’m missing. The main character Bridgette Cash is sent out of town to look into a missing person. There’s a lot going on in the small town and some major secrets. A nice twisty ending wrapped things up, causing me to not want to put the book down.
Profile Image for Jen.
2,029 reviews67 followers
May 1, 2025
Sent to discover more about a missing police officer, Bridgette quickly becomes immersed in problems with the local police department. Bridgette makes a couple of unusual friends that help her development as a character. This is a series I plan to continue, and in addition to the characters, I like the VanCouver setting.
Profile Image for Michael Wells.
1,078 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2025
Greed and money

Bridget becomes involved in a case about the missing detective. She is quite a character and manages to make a lot of the police force mad at her. There are some wonderful characters in this story and they really make for a good read. Bridget is a great character and the people around her for a very good story. I recommend this book for all crime readers.
Author 26 books147 followers
February 18, 2018
From the moment I started this book, I couldn't put it down. The only disappointing thing to me was that it didn't solve one mystery, but maybe that's because it's a series. Even though that was a drawback, it didn't stop me from flying through the book to find out the ending. Loved it.
60 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2018
A page turner!

I've read both of these novels and could barely put them down to go to bed. Bridgette is one gutsy lady, and I'm looking forward to the third novel. If you like thrillers read them all.
31 reviews
October 8, 2018
Friendship!

A mystery, some suspense, and some great secondary themes, friendship, heroes, and kindness. Very few editing mistakes and some great characters: Hughey, Jack, Felix and others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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