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Smoky Mountain Suspense #1

The Kidnapping of Cody Moss

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She lives in a utopian town, where nothing bad ever happens…

But when officers Zachary Leebow and Annalise Baker are invited to join a new special-task team, the Smoky Mountain Investigative Force, their lives become even more intertwined than before. With everything around them changing and an unnamed body on their hands, they must decipher the clues to their individual cases…

…before kidnapping turns into murder.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

32 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Sara L. Foust

9 books35 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Staci.
2,319 reviews674 followers
May 4, 2020
Enjoyable suspense novel and the start of a new series. Main character Annalise Baker is a police officer and it's clear that she cares about the people in her small community in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Her marriage is on shaky ground and she tries to work through that along with her caseload.

I look forward to the next in the series.

My gratitude to author Sara Foust for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lady The Owls.
389 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2019
What an exciting, sometimes edge of your seat other times trying to figure out what is going on. Danger and heart break abound in the book but this shows that faith in God and leaning on him and not your own understanding can have great outcomes.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,278 reviews
October 23, 2019
The Kidnapping of Cody Moss is an intense, pictorial and meaningful written tale set in the Smoky Mountains. This story is complex with various viewpoints but well written that’s it’ll keep the reader up along with moments of their heart racing. Annalise and Zach are working to solve crimes, but yet their lives become even more intertwined in ways they didn’t anticipate... When their focus was on finding Cody they knew they had to rely on their skills, faith and evidence clues to be able to solve not one but two crimes that were unbelievably connected. This story is filled with action, descriptive dialogue, complex characters with flaws but a message of faith that God is there in the most terrifying moments of life. Sara L. Foust penned another masterful suspense faith story in this book.

I received a complimentary e-copy of the book from the author. I was under no obligation to write a review but have shared my own opinion.
1,181 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!! Sara kept things moving, and I stayed up late to read!! I really enjoyed all of the play with the characters, and the weaving of the plot lines. I can't wait for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Ann.
2,652 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2019
This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is very well written and will keep you guessing until the end. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Missy Newman.
17 reviews
October 9, 2019
Full of suspense and action, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will not be able to put this page turner down.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,117 reviews19 followers
June 16, 2020
Annalise was best friends with Zach they worked for the police Dave her husband had started to work later and Annalise and him seemed to be never have time for each other. They were always working. Her & Zach were working together on a case about a missing young boy. Well eventually Dave told her he's seeing someone else as shes to busy working all the time and he was starting to get jealous of Zach who had know Annalise for many years . He secretly loved her but didn't ever tell her. They didn't have many lead on the boy kidnapping and they were getting worried they might find him dead - if and when they find him. Do they find him? Does Zach confess to his feeling for her?
Profile Image for Lensey.
232 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2021
So I’m reading this series out of order, but that doesn’t matter. These books are awesome as stand-alone books as well. Another well-written suspense novel with relatable characters. I love the backdrop of faith and friendship so prevalent in this story. A true page-turner and entertaining read! I’ll be recommending this one to my friends!
7 reviews
June 25, 2021
Page Turner

This quick read is just the thing when you need some escape. The setting, the Great Smoky Mountains, is my favorite place on earth. The characters are believable, struggling with the same life issues that we face today. This is a truly well-written Christian mystery.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,285 reviews44 followers
July 6, 2021
This was a pretty good suspense novel with Christian undertones. The story was pretty good but fairly predictable. The characters were relatable but not very well-developed.

The narrator did a decent job, but her performance seemed a little rushed at times. I would say that this was a pretty good way to spend 5 hours if you enjoy this type of book.
Profile Image for Cindy.
164 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2020
I loved this book to its last page! My favorite setting: Smoky Mountains. Suspenseful, yes! Anxious to read book 2!
38 reviews
June 12, 2021
Page turning read

Thoroughly enjoyable. A good detection story. Im looking forward to reading more. A woman who is determined to find the victims
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
October 15, 2019
I'm hooked!

I'm ready for the next book of the series already!

The Kidnapping of Cody Moss is a deeply emotional story. Told from three different perspectives, including that of 13-year-old Cody, who was in the wrong place at the right time and was paying the price.

I love the way the author was able to share Cody's experiences; his fears, his regrets, and how, in his distress, he turned back to God and yet didn't make this a horrifying story. The balance between giving enough details without sharing too much was achieved.

Annalise was torn in so many directions! The offer of her dream job in another town and the strange behavior of her husband as he seemed to distance himself from her were just the beginning of the struggles she faced. As a woman who feels deeply, being involved in investigating a kidnapping case tore her to pieces. And yet, she was so perfect for this job, being an amazing analyst! I enjoyed seeing how her mind worked through the evidence as they searched for answers.

Zach was the kind of life-long friend anyone would want to have. Caring, funny, strong in his faith. Smart. Ready to step in and do whatever was needed. I was so impressed with the way that he was so determined not to overstep any boundaries with Annalise, even in his thoughts, knowing she was married.

It appears that this series, unlike Sara L. Foust's previous one, will follow Annalise and Zach's careers. I imagine the stories will stand alone, as this one does, yet will also build on one another. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go. And hope that Annalise's chief will still be in them and that we will see more of Paul, Cody's friend, as well.

If you enjoy heart-wrenching stories that will have you fully invested in the outcome, clear your calendar so you can spend a day reading and grab a copy. You won't want to put this one down!

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
123 reviews
October 15, 2019
The Kidnapping of Cody Moss is another engaging novel by author Sara Foust. The suspense and tension she packs into this story kept me up reading late into the night.

As Police Officer Annalise Baker races against time to find a young teen who has been kidnapped, the emotional stakes rise for her and the victim’s mother. The challenge she is facing professionally and the personal turmoil she is hurled into by her unappreciative husband adds dimension to her character and tests her faith.

Her best friend, Zach Leebow, plays an important role in helping Annalise navigate the difficult trail of evidence she must follow when a case he is working on proves to be tied with the missing teen. These two characters come together as long-time friends and professionals.

Sara Foust’s vivid descriptions of the crime scenes, the ensuing investigations, and the surrounding terrain where searches for clues take place paralleled watching a favorite crime show on television. Her dialogue gives readers insight into the professional and personal relationship between these two main characters.

The plot works well as it connects two crimes and skillfully links them together. I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys suspense with non-stop action and great characterization.

The Kidnapping of Cody Moss is the first in Sara Foust’s Smoky Mountain Suspense Series.I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novel and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion of this book.


Profile Image for Janice Bates.
185 reviews
October 15, 2019
Action packed!

Annalise Baker is married to a jerk. As a police officer in a quiet, little mountain town, she's really under-utilized. She has been asked to join a special task force, but she just can't find a way to talk to her husband about it.

Then Cody Moss is kidnapped, and Annalise is racing against time to find him, with the help of a friend, Zachary Leebow, before it's too late.

Sara Foust throws in conflict, seat-of-your-pants action, and just a hint of romance to cook up a really great book! I very highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,787 reviews28 followers
October 22, 2019
The Kidnapping of Cody Moss has lots of action and danger! Police officer Annalise Baker is a dedicated officer who I felt was selfish and should have given more attention to her marriage and personal life. Special Agent Zachary Leebow and Annalise worked hard to find kidnapped twelve year old Cody! The book was set in the beautiful Smokey Mountains. Readers who enjoy suspense will like this book by Sara L. Foust. I received a complimentary e-book. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cyn Taylor.
Author 35 books14 followers
November 2, 2019
Does not disappoint

As always, Foust weaves a tale that pulls the reader in from the beginning and keeps you guessing. Loved how I recognized so many of the locations mentioned in the book. If you're wondering about making this purchase, stop wondering and do it. The book is faith-based, well written and we'll worth the read. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kathy Anderson.
149 reviews35 followers
October 16, 2019
Great characterization, vivid descriptions of the crime scenes, interpersonal conflicts, nail-biting suspense with just a touch of romance makes this a very engrossing read.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good romantic suspense story.

Profile Image for Susanne.
181 reviews28 followers
April 19, 2020
Great suspense!

Loved this mystery set in the Smoky mountains. Great characters and great suspense to keep you guessing until the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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