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Relic Hunters Taskforce #0.5

Summer of Suspense: Sixteen Tales By Some of Christian Fiction's Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors

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Start your summer off right with 16 gripping and never-before published tales of Christian suspense from today's most popular mystery and suspense authors.
Join Mary Alford, Christy Barritt, Patricia Bradley, Vannetta Chapman, Mary Ellis, Debby Giusti, Rachel J. Good, Ruth Hartzler, Shaen Layle, Ruth Logan Herne, Loree Lough, Elizabeth Ludwig, Nancy Mehl, Serena B. Miller, Samantha Price, Alana Terry on a dangerous journey filled with mystery, suspense, and faith that that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Afterglow (Lantern Beach Escape, Book One) by Christy Barritt
Fading into the Night by Vannetta Chapman
On the Run by Debby Giusti
Murder in Sugarcreek (An Accidental Adventure of Doreen Sizemore) by Serena B. Miller
Storm Warnings by Mary Alford
Code Pink - Stolen Baby by Patricia Bradley
Missing by Mary Ellis
Wedding Day Revenge by Rachel J. Good
Inscription by Ruth Hartzler
Death in Earthen Vessel by Shaen Mehl w/a Shaen Layle
Deceiving Death by Ruth Logan Herne
The Secret Life of Emma Evans by Loree Lough
Cold Creek Manor by Elizabeth Ludwig
Chasing Shadows by Nancy Mehl
Breakout by Samantha Price
Terror in the Cabin by Alana Terry

911 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2019

552 people are currently reading
625 people want to read

About the author

Mary Alford

182 books1,228 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.
Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.
Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

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5 stars
223 (50%)
4 stars
132 (29%)
3 stars
67 (15%)
2 stars
16 (3%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,771 reviews155 followers
August 1, 2019
My review is for two books in the Anthology. The first book is Inscription by Ruth Hartzler. This novella is a prequel to the Relic Hunters Taskforce series. This novella is a clean romantic suspense and I really enjoyed it, ALOT. I have read this author's cozy mystery series which is fantastic and this romantic suspense did not disappoint.

The main character is Dr. Abigail Spencer who is a biblical scholar, not only that a Latin and Greek Scholar. She is a college professor that is forced into procuring biblical artifacts.

This is an incredibly well written story full of suspense. The descriptions were so detailed and the research the author did is obvious to this reader. I could not read this book fast enough! It was so good! So much intrigue and well developed characters. This novella packs such a punch I forgot it wasn't a full length novel.

This story is fast paced and thrilling.

I can't wait for the first book in the series, called Scroll, coming out soon.

The second book I read in the anthology is Breakout by Samantha Price This is the first book I have read from this author and I was BEYOND wowed! This book is a prequel to the Gretel Koch Jewel Thief series.

Gretel Kotch is a international jewel thief that loves the high of stealing diamonds until she falls in love with the wrong person. Gretel is in prison trying to think of ways to get out and get her old life back. This story had me on the edge of my seat. The characters are terrific. The writing is so well done. This is what a suspense book should be. If you like clean and wholesome romantic suspense, your going to LOVE breakout, like I did.

Keep an eye out for the first book in this series called Shiny Things.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,226 reviews48 followers
August 18, 2019
Storm Warnings by Mary Alford ** It Was Ok
There was potential for a good story but I felt like the book was incomplete.

Afterglow (Lantern Beach Escape, Book 1) by Christy Barritt **** I Really Liked It
This Mystery/ Suspense was very good. It nearly had a spooky Gothic vibe to it but it wasn't that dark and drear. In fact, a sweet love story runs through it.

Code Pink - Stolen Baby by Patricia Bradley *** I Liked It
Two significant days, five years apart, dramatically change a woman's life. This novella is intense, like a made for TV movie.

Fading Into the Night by Vannetta Chapman *** I Liked It
This novella has two very interesting lead characters who are polar opposites in almost every way but they work well together on a brief mission. I would enjoy reading more about them in other books even if the author never had them cross paths again.

Missing by Mary Ellis ** It Was Ok
This tale did not have the angst of Suspense; it read more like a Cosy Mystery. I did enjoy the dialogue between Marc and Lily.

On the Run by Debby Giusti ** It Was Ok
This tale had a number of intriguing elements but it did not set well for me. The main plot thread was not resolved, making this tale feel like just a prequel to the real story.

Wedding Day Revenge by Rachel J. Good ** It Was Ok
I don't really have any criticism of the story but I just wasn't really interested in reading another Amish story.

Inscription (Relic Hunters Taskforce - Prequel) by Ruth Hartzler **** I Really Liked It
Wow! This novella packed the punch of a full length novel. I almost gave it 5 stars but I thought the reason the bad guys gave for keeping Agent Jack Riley alive was weak. However, the rest of the plot was believable. This tale is intriguing and I am considering delving into the Relic Hunters Taskforce series.

Death in Earthen Vessels by Shaen Mehl W/A Shaen Layle *** I Liked It
This is a thriller just a little on the dark side.

Deceiving Death by Ruth Logan Herne ***** It Was Amazing
This is just the way Romantic Suspense should be: great characters, intricate plot, witty dialogue and believable romance. It is so very entertaining that I'm going to put a bookmark in this volume so that I can easily come back to this tale again and again.

The Secret Life of Emma Evans by Loree Lough *** I Liked It
There was a convoluted path for Bady and Libby to navigate in order to find the truth and I enjoyed the process of discovery with them.

Cold Creek Manor by Elizabeth Ludwig ** It Was Ok
This was too short. It felt like only a summation of the story.

Chasing Shadows by Nancy Mehl *** I Liked It
Interesting tale. Interesting lead character; I think I will check out more of this author's books about her.

Murder in Sugarcreek (An Accidental Adventure of Doreen Sizemore) by Serena B. Miller ** It Was Ok
Kind of entertaining Cosy Mystery with quirky "senior's" humour.

Breakout (Gretel Koch Jewel Thief: Prequel) by Samantha Price *** I Liked It
This was very different from what I expected but that's okay. This fast-paced, action-packed tale is definitely a prequel; it is an intriguing teaser designed to entice the reader to follow the storyline in the ensuing series. I'm hooked.

Terror in the Cabin by Alana Terry ** It Was Ok
Not my cup of tea. This tale is written from the main character's point of view in the first person narrative style and I didn't connect with the character at all.
Profile Image for Linda.
692 reviews37 followers
August 8, 2019
I just read Inscription which is a prequel from Ruth Hartzler. It’s was really suspenseful and it left you wanting more. It had you at the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read the whole series
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
August 8, 2019
Summer Of Suspense: Sixteen tales by some of Christian Fiction most popular authors.

Wow , a collection . There are sixteen authors that went together to write sixteen different novellas . All these are suspense, mystery, Amish , fictional, good and clean novellas. I enjoyed all of them . There were a few authors that I had not read anything from , but I enjoyed them. I was not disappointed. These novellas will keep you up way in the night reading . They are short stories so you can read them pretty quick.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books190 followers
August 2, 2019
What a great collection of suspense stories! Each one was filled with suspense and action. Every author brings a unique style of writing and unique story. From the Amish mysteries to guns and bullets flying to a brave granny praying over a thug, the stories and characters are amazing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
Profile Image for Sarah.
575 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2019
I was SO excited when I saw, MONTHS AGO, that several of my favorite authors were putting together an anthology of suspense and mysteries. Summer of Suspense was everything and more that I was expecting, as far as the quality of the stories. In fact, I was pre-ordering the next books in the series as I finished stories. It’s always exciting when authors start new mystery/suspense series! It was also fun getting to see old friends making cameo appearances in some of the stories. I had pre-purchase the iBook version for myself, and the Kindle version for my mom. Then I had the opportunity to get a early reviewer copy!!! *HappyDance!!! Every story is a keeper and I’m looking forward to reading the books over and over again!
1,170 reviews16 followers
August 9, 2019
Mary Alford is one of my favorite authors and if you like suspense get this collection and let her set you off on some seriously good reading! Suspense, action, Amish, faith and just so many of my favorite authors kept me in quite a few late night reading.
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
100 reviews
August 7, 2019
I started this series with Vannetta Chapman's Fading Into the Night. This story introduces us to Nora Brooks and Benjamin Lapp. What happens when a cyber terrorist hides in Amish country? See how both perspectives come together to save the day.

This book promises to be the first of a series set in this community. With the excellence of this introduction I cannot wait to read what's next.
Profile Image for Jerah Alvarado.
261 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2019
Mary Alford kicks off this exhilarating novella collection by 16 christian mystery/suspense authors! There is everything from being on the run from the government to a stolen baby, Amish suspense, ex-boyfriend/spouses, con artist, theft, airplane ride gone wrong, and insanely good FBI thrillers!
893 reviews13 followers
July 31, 2019
Summer of Suspense:Sixteen Tales
Some of Christian Fiction’s Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors

From Mary Alford to Ruth Logan Herne to Debi Giusti just to name a few of the authors, you will take a reading journey that covers many different heroes/heroines who use their faith to solve their problems. There is something for everyone. Would love to see them do another project like this.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews272 followers
July 29, 2019
If you like inspirational suspense, here's a keeper for you. Sixteen, count 'em, SIXTEEN, tales of suspense. Short novellas that can easily be read in just a short amount of time, they are sure to be pleasing to suspense fans. I had read only three of these authors before, Mary Alford, Ruth Logan Herne and Loree Lough, but thoroughly enjoyed the offerings by others. The one by Elizabeth Ludwig was especially suspenseful. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to one of the authors for a preview copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books414 followers
October 30, 2019
I enjoyed this great collection of powerful suspense stories by wonderful writers who know how to hold your attention with exciting tales. It’s nice to know the stories are clean and not overly violent too. Most of these writers I have read and recommended, and now I know a couple more. Many of the stories are Amish mysteries, so those who like this genre won’t be disappointed. Don’t wait to order yours. They’re on sale this week—all 16 for 99c, and each is worth more than that. I received a copy from an author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Deena Peterson.
1,185 reviews
August 16, 2019
It's always a little difficult to rate a an anthology of short stories, especially one as riverside Summer of Suspense. I'm happy with the handful of stories I read and enjoyed. But there were quite a few I wasn't able to get into, mainly because I'm not a fan of the genre.

My favorites? Afterglow by Christy Barritt, Storm Warnings by Mary Alford, Chasing Shadows by Nancy Mehl, and Cold Creek Manor by Elizabeth Goddard.
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,846 reviews1,436 followers
January 15, 2020
Most of the sixteen stories were underwhelming for me. My favorites were Christy Barritt and Patricia Bradley's; each of those were four star stories for me. Most of the rest weren't very memorable or weren't well developed, and I found myself annoyed by several stories that were criminal POVs (a personal pet peeve in mystery) and several others that included some profanities.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,809 reviews46 followers
August 15, 2019
A collection of suspense/mystery/and interesting stories by an assortment of authors, many of which were new to me. The stories are about random topics, not like some compilations that are all about one topic-such as dogs. However, what they share is individualism and quality writing. While many of the authors were ones I was familiar with from previous reading, I was pleased to discover new authors as well.
Two of my favorite authors represented were Christy Barritt and Ruth Hartzler. Ruth's book in particular interested me because it was quite different from her typical Amish stories. It seemed to be fiction, yet had elements that seemed like well researched facts. This combination, with one foot in fictional suspense and one foot in non-fiction, made INSCRIPTION a story that stayed with me long after I finished it.
A nice collection with plenty of variety, and a terrific bargain!
Profile Image for Sunnie.
1,003 reviews47 followers
August 8, 2019
So I love a good suspense and a good mystery, and I was happy because there was also some Amish stories in this set as well. They are really entertaining reads and I really enjoyed the stories by Vannetta Chapman and Rachel J. Good. Yes, I'm just a little partial to the Amish stories. But all the stories were attention getters and you can't just read "part" of a story or "part" of this anthology. You have to read each of the stories.

There was a wide variety of storylines and there were a few new authors for me, but many were authors whose books I won't miss! It was a wonderful price, too, for so much to read and keep ya busy! Highly recommend this one!!!!
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
August 10, 2019
A Nice Collection.

This was a nice collection of Christian romantic suspense.
I loved seeing some familiar authors and meeting new ones.
This collection is recommended for those who love Christian suspense.
Profile Image for Tonya.
Author 22 books2 followers
August 18, 2019
Some of the stories were absolutely wonderful! Some of them were just flat out unbelievable. Spies that are believers? Not possible. Spies have to lie too much to be believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. But it was a good deal and I’m glad I read the books.
Profile Image for C Allen.
488 reviews13 followers
August 2, 2019
Breakout is Samantha Prices's contribution to this Sixteen book collection of Christian Fiction. It is a new idea for the mostly Amish author and a tremendous prequel to the Gretel Koch Jewel Thief series.

Gretel Koch is a minister's daughter that is an international jewel thief and worst, she has been caught. Gretel's every waking minute is spent planning her escape and revenge on the boyfriend who stole her diamonds.

How was Special Agent Jack Fletcher going to play into her plan?

A fast-reading story that keeps your attention from beginning until the end.

A real winner, Samantha. Can't wait for the rest of the series.

I was given an ARC by the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews17 followers
August 3, 2019
What a great collection of suspense tales. I absolutely loved each and everyone in this book. All had a twist which made the suspense even stronger. Highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
1,405 reviews16 followers
August 7, 2019
if you like supsense you will want to read this book i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review. all the authors have great stories, all will keep you reading all day and night
Profile Image for Kristine Morgan.
670 reviews56 followers
January 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this group of novellas from some of today's leading suspense authors. Every story grabbed my attention but luckily they were novellas so I could budget 1 a night and not lose too much sleep. Each story is complete. So settle in for 16 nights of suspense. Grab a pot of coffee and settle in for a great read.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,268 reviews
August 17, 2019
Summer of Suspense has some of my favorite authors contributing to this great collection. Since I recently attended an event with authors Vannetta Chapman and Rachel J. Good present I read their contributions first.

Vannetta Chapman tale Fading Into the Night setting was in Shipshewana, IN. Ben Lapp sure didn’t expect any to be trying to save his Amish community from a terrorist attack. I felt like I was right in the midst of his travels with the Agent Nora Brooks as they went to the Bishop. When will Dash be spotted with his wanderings around the area with no electronic signals in Amish Country?

I was thrilled to hear that Rachel J. Good’s contribution featured beloved characters Benuel and Mari in Wedding Day Revenge. As their wedding day was near, Mari was uneasy with threats being received that sounded like her twin sister who was in prison. This tale was enthralling thinking a conclusion was coming only to lead into more unexpected events that kept me on the edge of my seat until I was finished.

I’m looking forward to reading every other tale in this marvelous suspense collection by so many gifted authors. I appreciate the wide variety of genres that each author is known for.
I’m so glad I pre-ordered Summer of Suspense. I highly recommend this collection to fans of suspense.
7,761 reviews50 followers
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May 5, 2021
BREAKOUT.by Samantha Price, love her Amish books,and in this she is writing in a different category. The harshness of prison, and jewels, especially diamonds give her a high, a mistake in love, she now is in prison.
Action packed, and prequel to Jewel Thief series.
CODE PINK - STOLEN.BABY.by.Patricia Bradley
Was it fate for him to come by after the accident, only the sound of an infant that was alive was heard. A quick thought of his wife, hanging on by an edge losing their son. A mother, still looking after five years. A new software, of what her son would look like. A new detective studying the cold case. Would he be the miracle. It pulls you in when a child is missing the love of a mother. These are two in this set.
Great selection to read one or all, will let you find new authors.
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,648 reviews15 followers
August 18, 2019
Summer of suspense

A lot of great authors in the book set. A lot of stories to read. A great way to read authors you have not read before. I still have a lot to read but wanted to write a short review. I will update when I read more of them.

Wedding day revenge by Rachel Good

Definitely very suspenseful. Frannie escapes from prison. When will they catch her?

The way the story started out I wasn’t sure Frannie was really the bad sister or if it was Mari. I was on edge of my seat with suspense.

The secret life of Emma Evans by Loree Lough

Who do it ? Read and see who killed Emma or if someone really did. It was a fun story to read but ended too soon.

Storm Warnings by Mary Alford

Fast moving story. A lot of action. Covered a short amount of time. Really exciting book.





Profile Image for Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read.
1,194 reviews26 followers
August 16, 2019
What a great collection of stories! Every author in this collection is an accomplished author. I loved the variety of stories in this collection. Two of my favorite stories were by Vannetta Chapman and Rachel Good. This book is quite the bargain, and the stories are short enough that you can read one in a setting. I’m hoping this same group of authors collaborates on another collection again. Just the right blend of suspense and romance. Don’t miss it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
718 reviews14 followers
August 15, 2019
Sixteen stories to devour for a few days or more of happy enjoyment are all in one package. Several have Amish undertones or story lines but within modern settings. This set will take you all over the globe. All stories are previously unpublished by these Christian suspense authors. Some introduce you to characters in other books as a sample of their work.

Grab a glass of your favorite summer beverage while you treat yourself to stellar mysteries from authors both known and new.
288 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2019
Clean suspense worthy of your time.

Each story in this series is well worth spending time reading. They keep you on the edge of your seat, following the twists and turns before reaching the conclusion. Many have a dash--or more--of romance included. I look forward to reading more by these authors.
Profile Image for Connie Brown.
144 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2019
Great stories.

This collection of stories is marvelous. Some of the authors are old friends of mine as they are some of my go to reads. Some are new to to me and I'm finding new people to read. The stories are filled with tense situations and some unexpected outcomes
Read these stories and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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