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Northern Shore Intrigue #3
Fatal Winter
In a small town where murder never happens, the unthinkable does happen. And two people with a tragic history must work together to protect their families before another life is taken~
Bookstore owner, Sylvie Patterson has a dark past with Detective Ridge Matthews. And hidden pain over the long ago tragedy that marked them both.
But he’s only aware of part of her secret feelings. Because of the past, she knows she has no future with him. Now Sylvie’s cousin Ginger returns home from Alaska from studying whales. She’s to write her PhD dissertation from her research. The evening Ginger arrives home, she ends their last conversation with these cryptic words: Sylvie, I am going to wow you with a big surprise tomorrow! Finding Ginger lying dead at the foot of the stairs is not any surprise anyone would ever want.
Ridge had come to town on a family matter. When he and Sylvie discover the body, as a state homicide detective, he’s ordered to stay and solve the murder. Murders don’t happen in small town Winfield—and he can’t get a break on the case. He’d wanted to leave town almost immediately but the case drags on. Break-ins and odd occurrences—most connected to Sylvie and her family—keep him in town, unable to get a break. More and more he’s forced into contact with Sylvie and more and more the barriers between them start to crumble.
When Detective Matthews fails to discover any motive or solid clues for her cousin’s murder, Sylvie refuses to believe that she might be next. What if she’s wrong…
Don’t miss the exciting ending to this northwoods murder mystery!
Book 1 Precarious Summer
Book 2 Bitter Autumn
Book 3 Fatal Winter
Book 4 Beneath Northern Lights
Bookstore owner, Sylvie Patterson has a dark past with Detective Ridge Matthews. And hidden pain over the long ago tragedy that marked them both.
But he’s only aware of part of her secret feelings. Because of the past, she knows she has no future with him. Now Sylvie’s cousin Ginger returns home from Alaska from studying whales. She’s to write her PhD dissertation from her research. The evening Ginger arrives home, she ends their last conversation with these cryptic words: Sylvie, I am going to wow you with a big surprise tomorrow! Finding Ginger lying dead at the foot of the stairs is not any surprise anyone would ever want.
Ridge had come to town on a family matter. When he and Sylvie discover the body, as a state homicide detective, he’s ordered to stay and solve the murder. Murders don’t happen in small town Winfield—and he can’t get a break on the case. He’d wanted to leave town almost immediately but the case drags on. Break-ins and odd occurrences—most connected to Sylvie and her family—keep him in town, unable to get a break. More and more he’s forced into contact with Sylvie and more and more the barriers between them start to crumble.
When Detective Matthews fails to discover any motive or solid clues for her cousin’s murder, Sylvie refuses to believe that she might be next. What if she’s wrong…
Don’t miss the exciting ending to this northwoods murder mystery!
Book 1 Precarious Summer
Book 2 Bitter Autumn
Book 3 Fatal Winter
Book 4 Beneath Northern Lights
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
554 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Cote
121 books588 followersLyn grew up loving books. Her favorite night of the week was Friday night, when the Bookmobile came to her neighborhood in Illinois. She’d spend those two hours chatting with the driver of the Bookmobile and the librarian and making the big decision of the week — which books to check out! In those distant days, children were limited in how many books they could check out. Lyn could only take home six a week — and there were so many to choose from. Her favorites were Cotton in my Sack by Lois Lenski, The Little House series and the One of a Kind Family series. Later, she discovered Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances!
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 5, 2020
Although Fatal Winter is book three in the Northern Shore Intrigue series, it can be read as a stand alone. Having read the first two books in the series, I enjoyed returning to the small town community and catching up with a few characters from the earlier books.
The action started right from the beginning of the story and had me trying to determine a motive for Ginger’s murder and the continuing break ins occurring around town.
The author did a good job of showing the importance of a loving and supportive family, as well as how guilt can eat away at a person’s happiness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The action started right from the beginning of the story and had me trying to determine a motive for Ginger’s murder and the continuing break ins occurring around town.
The author did a good job of showing the importance of a loving and supportive family, as well as how guilt can eat away at a person’s happiness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
October 15, 2024
Contemporary Christian romance with a bit of mystery. The editing was poorly done. Made it difficult to read. Kept wanting to get out my red pen and circle things.
October 26, 2022
Disappointing but ok mystery
I did not care for this mystery near as much as Bitter Autumn. The main character, Ridge, was not likable- he packed an attitude through the whole story. The Christian faith was barely talked about like in the previous book so that was disappointing. The previous book I could barely put down, while this book I had difficulty finishing.
I did not care for this mystery near as much as Bitter Autumn. The main character, Ridge, was not likable- he packed an attitude through the whole story. The Christian faith was barely talked about like in the previous book so that was disappointing. The previous book I could barely put down, while this book I had difficulty finishing.
January 19, 2024
A quiet town turned upside down.
I found it confusing to sort out so many characters introduced in this story ,, But I kept coming back for more. I found Myself wanting Sylvie to get relief for her injured hip And for Ridge to man-up and express his love. Typical resolution of romance - but murder interrupted bliss.
I found it confusing to sort out so many characters introduced in this story ,, But I kept coming back for more. I found Myself wanting Sylvie to get relief for her injured hip And for Ridge to man-up and express his love. Typical resolution of romance - but murder interrupted bliss.
October 10, 2024
It was ok
For me it was an ok read. I can't say I felt the romance but the intrigue was there. The ending was ok but I would have preferred that it had not all been a waste. If Ollie was left being able to get his granddaughter the help she needed and Sylvia could have started a scholarship in Ginger's name, that would have been a better way to end things. Imo.
For me it was an ok read. I can't say I felt the romance but the intrigue was there. The ending was ok but I would have preferred that it had not all been a waste. If Ollie was left being able to get his granddaughter the help she needed and Sylvia could have started a scholarship in Ginger's name, that would have been a better way to end things. Imo.
September 26, 2023
low key murder mystery
This book was a nice change from the graphic murder mysteries I normally read. The slow pace and depth of the characters was welcoming.
This book was a nice change from the graphic murder mysteries I normally read. The slow pace and depth of the characters was welcoming.
November 6, 2024
A little mystery a little longing for love. Found the book a bit choppy. Easy read.
October 29, 2024
The Hiding Place
I enjoyed the first 75% of this book, but then the author started to wrap up everything in a neat little package. She answered each question and more, leaving nothing to the imagination of the reader.
I enjoyed the first 75% of this book, but then the author started to wrap up everything in a neat little package. She answered each question and more, leaving nothing to the imagination of the reader.
December 5, 2022
Good Suspense Romance-4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this book. As long as the series keeps on with the same or better quality, then I'll keep reading. There was one chapter with some serious POV flipping which really tripped me up which is the main reason I gave this book 4.5 stars. Other than that and a few small personal preference things, I found the story to have a decent and mostly plausible plot, interesting characters with realistic problems to overcome, and a gritty sort of mood. Bonus points for a clean story with a fairly strong faith theme. If that sounds like something you enjoy, then I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. As long as the series keeps on with the same or better quality, then I'll keep reading. There was one chapter with some serious POV flipping which really tripped me up which is the main reason I gave this book 4.5 stars. Other than that and a few small personal preference things, I found the story to have a decent and mostly plausible plot, interesting characters with realistic problems to overcome, and a gritty sort of mood. Bonus points for a clean story with a fairly strong faith theme. If that sounds like something you enjoy, then I recommend this book.
March 16, 2022
This book is set in a pretty little town on Wisconsin's Lake Superior where every body knows everyone, so many townspeople are related to one another. There are two robberies, a saloon and a grocery store, plus more crimes. There are a few rough characters living in this town.
The book begins in March and goes through the month. Winter is hanging on as it does in the north country.
Sylvie Patter is the owner of a bookstore. So many of the town businesses are closed until summer arrives. Hers is open. She has a bad hip due to a childhood accident. Back into her life comes Ridge, who she had a crush on when she was a teenager. She wonders how she feels now. She shouldn't. He has come from Madison.
Folks blaming themselves, filled with guilt over happenings that was not their fault.
What brings Ridge to Winfield is a murder. Sylvie's favorite cousin, Ginger, was found dead on the stairs over Sylvie's store. Ginger was working on her study of whales in Alaska. an accident, says some. Others say no.
Shirley, Tom and Chad. Shirley is Ginger's mother, Sylvie's aunt. Chad is a young boy living with the couple. He has been taken from his father, who is a town troublemaker. Rea-Jean is also living with Aunt Shirley with her newborn. Rea-Jean has been on drugs and separated from her husband. She is afraid she will go back on drugs. She does not know if her baby is her husband's. The couple has a young son. Milo is Sylvia's father, Shirley's brother. There is a troubled teenager, Tanya Hendricks, whose mother has abandoned her and moved to France. There is also twelve year old Ben, deceased parents. Ridge, a busy detective in Madison, has placed him in this town until he can get the boy into a military school. Ben doesn't want to go, the people he is living with are older, have problems, don't seem to want him.
The book is fast paced, especially toward the end.
Some things are best kept secret, not bragged on. Just a comment.
The book begins in March and goes through the month. Winter is hanging on as it does in the north country.
Sylvie Patter is the owner of a bookstore. So many of the town businesses are closed until summer arrives. Hers is open. She has a bad hip due to a childhood accident. Back into her life comes Ridge, who she had a crush on when she was a teenager. She wonders how she feels now. She shouldn't. He has come from Madison.
Folks blaming themselves, filled with guilt over happenings that was not their fault.
What brings Ridge to Winfield is a murder. Sylvie's favorite cousin, Ginger, was found dead on the stairs over Sylvie's store. Ginger was working on her study of whales in Alaska. an accident, says some. Others say no.
Shirley, Tom and Chad. Shirley is Ginger's mother, Sylvie's aunt. Chad is a young boy living with the couple. He has been taken from his father, who is a town troublemaker. Rea-Jean is also living with Aunt Shirley with her newborn. Rea-Jean has been on drugs and separated from her husband. She is afraid she will go back on drugs. She does not know if her baby is her husband's. The couple has a young son. Milo is Sylvia's father, Shirley's brother. There is a troubled teenager, Tanya Hendricks, whose mother has abandoned her and moved to France. There is also twelve year old Ben, deceased parents. Ridge, a busy detective in Madison, has placed him in this town until he can get the boy into a military school. Ben doesn't want to go, the people he is living with are older, have problems, don't seem to want him.
The book is fast paced, especially toward the end.
Some things are best kept secret, not bragged on. Just a comment.
September 11, 2020
Fatal Winter by Lyn Cote
Northern Shore Intrigue Series Book Three
Sylvie Patterson owns a bookstore in Winfield, Wisconsin. She rents the downstairs of her aunt's Victorian. Winters are slow, but come nice weather...it brings plenty of tourists and business. When her cousin comes for a visit from Alaska, Sylvie's pretty excited. To top that off...her old crush has come for a visit as well.
Ridge Matthews was a homicide detective for the state. He didn't expect to be asked to stay in Winfield...a town he hated and tried to stay away from as often as possible...but when a murder occurs, his boss tells him to stay and work it.
Years ago, an accident happened, and it changed everyone involved. Sylvie lives with a bad hip and terrible limp...but she's given the situation to God. Given him the guilt. Sadly, others haven't done the same. Another remarkable story from the small town. Romance is in the story-line, but more so is the suspense story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Northern Shore Intrigue Series Book Three
Sylvie Patterson owns a bookstore in Winfield, Wisconsin. She rents the downstairs of her aunt's Victorian. Winters are slow, but come nice weather...it brings plenty of tourists and business. When her cousin comes for a visit from Alaska, Sylvie's pretty excited. To top that off...her old crush has come for a visit as well.
Ridge Matthews was a homicide detective for the state. He didn't expect to be asked to stay in Winfield...a town he hated and tried to stay away from as often as possible...but when a murder occurs, his boss tells him to stay and work it.
Years ago, an accident happened, and it changed everyone involved. Sylvie lives with a bad hip and terrible limp...but she's given the situation to God. Given him the guilt. Sadly, others haven't done the same. Another remarkable story from the small town. Romance is in the story-line, but more so is the suspense story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
September 8, 2020
I was happy how things turned out for Ben.
Looking forward to Ginger’s big surprise Sylvie was just getting ready to close her bookshop when Ridge came into the shop. Sylvie and Ridge have history. This meeting is not so great and kind of shows Ridge as being a jerk. Then the story really goes downhill with a bang. There is so good action, danger, and suspense in this piece I really enjoyed reading it. There is a moral to the story be super careful who you tell good news too because in this book it looks as if it was a death sentence. Awesome book I am so glad I took the time to read it and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Looking forward to Ginger’s big surprise Sylvie was just getting ready to close her bookshop when Ridge came into the shop. Sylvie and Ridge have history. This meeting is not so great and kind of shows Ridge as being a jerk. Then the story really goes downhill with a bang. There is so good action, danger, and suspense in this piece I really enjoyed reading it. There is a moral to the story be super careful who you tell good news too because in this book it looks as if it was a death sentence. Awesome book I am so glad I took the time to read it and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 13, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from the author, Lyn Cote, via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review. I loved this book that is exhilarating with murders, robberies, assaults, and romance for Sylvie and Ridge. It was nonstop action from beginning to end and a great addition to the Northern Shore Intrigue series. Each book is a standalone with no cliffhanger, and I highly recommend this book. Lyn Cote is one of my favorite authors because she keeps you wondering up until the end who the suspect is.
August 24, 2020
Fatal winter By Lyn Cote
I received an Arc copy of this book for an honest review.
This was a really good story. Ginger is back home to tell her cousin Sylvie some big news.
But something happens to Ginger and everything has changed. This story is in a small town and everyone knows everyone. The characters in this book are so relatable for a small town.
Very good story.
Recommend this book.
I received an Arc copy of this book for an honest review.
This was a really good story. Ginger is back home to tell her cousin Sylvie some big news.
But something happens to Ginger and everything has changed. This story is in a small town and everyone knows everyone. The characters in this book are so relatable for a small town.
Very good story.
Recommend this book.
October 10, 2020
Winter's Fury
A great page turner which I loved! This story has both mystery and romance in spades. The characters are strong in their positions whether they are right or wrong. Sylvie and Ridge have a strong connection, but Ridge has trouble communicating his true feelings. There are layers of things going on. This book is well thought out and worth every moment of your time!
A great page turner which I loved! This story has both mystery and romance in spades. The characters are strong in their positions whether they are right or wrong. Sylvie and Ridge have a strong connection, but Ridge has trouble communicating his true feelings. There are layers of things going on. This book is well thought out and worth every moment of your time!
July 12, 2021
This story has murder and intrigue that involves a local lady and a Wisconsin State Homicide Detective. The detective,Ridge, was raised in the small town by Lake Superior and has long admired Sylvia who has a bookstore in the town. After Sylvie’s cousin is murdered, incidents continue to happen and the crimes are not solved until Sylvie is kidnapped by the murderer. She has always had feelings for Ridge but it takes him almost loosing her to wake him up to the fact that he loves her. The story is well written and is pretty much a page turner and has a feel good ending.
March 25, 2025
As Sylvie Patterson was bringing Ridge Matthews upstairs to see her cousin Ginger who was just back from College in Alaska, Sylvie found Ginger dead at the bottom of the stairs. As Ridge was a homicide investigator this began a case that was far more complicated than one homicide. There were break-ins, attacks, robberies and ransacking, clearly to find something. But what?
Very good book with a mild faith arc. Loved the slow moving love story.
Very good book with a mild faith arc. Loved the slow moving love story.
August 29, 2025
I really hate to give such low ratings. This is the first book, from this author, that I’ve read of hers. I was not impressed. I felt the writing was amateur at best. The story was okay. I did listen to this one on audiobook. The reader was very monotone and boring. I just really did not like it. However, I gave it a full chance and finished it. Only because I feel horrible not finishing a book. I would not recommend.
September 8, 2020
Ms. Cotes does a fabulous job writing mysteries. This one is full of deep suspense & mystery. Once again I was not able to even imagine the culprit & was pleasantly surprised. All in this series are worth the read. Each is a stand-alone so there are no cliff-hangers. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary opinion.
October 21, 2022
Greed
Greed for money led to death of an innocent young lady . The beginning of this story wasn't as smooth of reading as I'd like. The story line is good and one is kept guessing until the end who or why is responsible. The effect of drugs also play a part as well as a young orphaned boy.
Greed for money led to death of an innocent young lady . The beginning of this story wasn't as smooth of reading as I'd like. The story line is good and one is kept guessing until the end who or why is responsible. The effect of drugs also play a part as well as a young orphaned boy.
November 15, 2024
My cousin Ginger is back in town
My cousin is back she’s been gone to Alaska but hopefully she is back home for good. I really missed her when she out there doing her environmental study, she said she had a surprise for me but I had to wait for tomorrow. Only something bad happened and now she’s dead. What was the surprise and what was she doing?
My cousin is back she’s been gone to Alaska but hopefully she is back home for good. I really missed her when she out there doing her environmental study, she said she had a surprise for me but I had to wait for tomorrow. Only something bad happened and now she’s dead. What was the surprise and what was she doing?
September 4, 2020
Another fantastic read in this series. Kept me wanting to see what would happen next. The ending took me completely by surprise too. Love it when that happens.
I received an advanced copy but was not required to write a review.
I received an advanced copy but was not required to write a review.
April 4, 2021
It's Easter and time to sleep in and read. the last book in the series for me. Sylvie and Ridge's story in the town of Winfield.
who is it mystery? a busy time for law enforcement! emotional past baggage. The storyline moved at a fast pace and I did cheat.
who is it mystery? a busy time for law enforcement! emotional past baggage. The storyline moved at a fast pace and I did cheat.
September 20, 2023
Thriller
This book was really good. It kept me guessing until the end, that is my kind of book. The characters are likeable and supportive. There was even a little romance. Highly recommend
This book was really good. It kept me guessing until the end, that is my kind of book. The characters are likeable and supportive. There was even a little romance. Highly recommend
October 28, 2024
I found this romantic Christian suspense novel enjoyable. Having read the entire series so far, it appears they are improving with each installment. This particular book was a worthwhile read and stands alone well, without the need to read the entire series.
March 4, 2025
Great book
The characters Were charming and you had feelings for them and you could relate to them. It held your interest to the end, and Iirked the epilogue that you learned more of the story.
The characters Were charming and you had feelings for them and you could relate to them. It held your interest to the end, and Iirked the epilogue that you learned more of the story.
March 6, 2025
I didn't realize that this book was #3 in a series, but I had no problem jumping right in. It's nice to have a murder mystery that isn't full of obscenities. It's a relatively short novel, but I rather enjoyed it.
August 26, 2020
Filled with mystery and intrigue, this story kept me reading and wanting to know what would happen next. I enjoyed this one. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
January 5, 2021
Nice Read
I liked the fact that it was written in a Christian genre as I find this reading soothing to my spirit. It was a quick read and a nice distraction from the daily grind.
I liked the fact that it was written in a Christian genre as I find this reading soothing to my spirit. It was a quick read and a nice distraction from the daily grind.
July 18, 2021
Absolutely awesome, so many twists and turns, couldn't change the pages quick enough.... Gripping!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews