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Colt Brothers Investigation #1
Murder Gone Cold
Could his unsolved murder case reveal all of her family’s past secrets? When James Colt decides to solve his late father’s final murder case, he has no idea of the danger he’s unleashing. And Lorelei Wilkins can’t believe that her high school crush is implicating her stepmother! Now James and Lorelei are embroiled in unraveling a cover-up involving some of Lonesome, Montana’s finest citizens…including a killer determined to keep the truth hidden.From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.Discover more action-packed stories in the Colt Brothers Investigation series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following Book 1: Murder Gone ColdBook 2: Sticking To Her Guns
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2022
245 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Daniels
512 books1,257 followersB.J. Daniels started her life in Houston, Texas, before her family moved to Montana at age five. She grew up in a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and later on Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone. Because of her love for Montana, most of her books are set there.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 2, 2023
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in A Colt Brothers Investigation series. I really enjoyed this book, but I do think the beginning was a little slow to get going. The suspense/mystery was front and center in this book, and I really loved the mystery in this book. Mystery kept me guessing and wanting to keep reading this book. The romance was cute and in the background of this book. The characters in this book was great, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (B.J. Daniels) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
March 18, 2022
First, although Murder Gone Cold is billed as a mystery/thriller, it also has a romantic suspense backstory, and it appears that this is the first book in what may be the start of a new series featuring the 4 Colt brothers, set in Lonesome, Montana. I don't know how B.J. Daniels does it, but she always manages to hook me from the first page to the last, and she did it again with this novel. I'm giving it 4 stars because I would have enjoyed a bit more romance between the two principal characters, James Colt and Lorelei (Lori) Wilkins.
James and his 3 brothers all ride the rodeo circuit, but when 36-year-old James was injured during his last bronc ride, he returns home to rest and recuperate only to find that all that's left of doublewide trailer that had been home-base for him and his brothers, was nothing but ashes. He winds up moving into the small bedroom/bath in his late father's office, which his dad used to sleep in after working late. James' father was a private detective, who died before finishing his last case, the mysterious death of a 7-year-old boy whose body was found in a ditch just before it was about to be buried under concrete, nine years earlier. With not much to do but recuperate, James decides to look into the case, and that starts the ball rolling, because some of the people in Lonesome want the past to also be buried. James' father, Del Colt, also died under mysterious circumstances, a second mystery within a mystery.
In addition to meeting the locals, getting his license as a private investigator, and starting to ask questions, James also meets Lori, a gal he went to high school with, and who now owns the sandwich shop next door to his dad's office building. While she carries a silent but weird chip on her shoulder since he ignored her during their school years while she crushed on him, she too gets involved in trying to help his investigation, not even realizing that she's putting herself in danger too, but she's about to find out that there are more secrets and intrigue in the small town of Lonesome than she ever realized.
Clue by clue, Ms. Daniels leads us into the unsolved case (or it is two unsolved cases?), as well as the budding relationship between James and Lori, and as the secrets begin to unravel, there's danger lurking everywhere, and this is indeed a gripping thriller with one heck of a surprise ending. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
James and his 3 brothers all ride the rodeo circuit, but when 36-year-old James was injured during his last bronc ride, he returns home to rest and recuperate only to find that all that's left of doublewide trailer that had been home-base for him and his brothers, was nothing but ashes. He winds up moving into the small bedroom/bath in his late father's office, which his dad used to sleep in after working late. James' father was a private detective, who died before finishing his last case, the mysterious death of a 7-year-old boy whose body was found in a ditch just before it was about to be buried under concrete, nine years earlier. With not much to do but recuperate, James decides to look into the case, and that starts the ball rolling, because some of the people in Lonesome want the past to also be buried. James' father, Del Colt, also died under mysterious circumstances, a second mystery within a mystery.
In addition to meeting the locals, getting his license as a private investigator, and starting to ask questions, James also meets Lori, a gal he went to high school with, and who now owns the sandwich shop next door to his dad's office building. While she carries a silent but weird chip on her shoulder since he ignored her during their school years while she crushed on him, she too gets involved in trying to help his investigation, not even realizing that she's putting herself in danger too, but she's about to find out that there are more secrets and intrigue in the small town of Lonesome than she ever realized.
Clue by clue, Ms. Daniels leads us into the unsolved case (or it is two unsolved cases?), as well as the budding relationship between James and Lori, and as the secrets begin to unravel, there's danger lurking everywhere, and this is indeed a gripping thriller with one heck of a surprise ending. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
August 8, 2022
Good mystery, along with a second chance romance. The four Colt brothers are all rodeo cowboys. When James is injured during his latest bronc ride, he returns home to Lonesome, Montana, to heal, only to find that the trailer he and his brothers use as a home base has burned down. Needing a place to sleep, James goes to his dad's old PI office and beds down in the sleeping area there. While sitting at his father's desk, lost in memories, he sees the still-open file folder of the last case his dad had worked on - the unsolved hit-and-run death of a seven-year-old boy. With nothing else to do while he's healing, James decides to look into the matter himself.
The next day he encounters Lori, who runs the sandwich store next to the office. He remembers the girl who was so different from him in high school and that he couldn't help flirting with her despite it. Lori remembers him, too - the bad boy her stepmother warned her about, but she crushed on anyway. She still has a bit of a grudge that he never seemed to notice her back then, which comes out amusingly when he first visits the sandwich shop. She tells herself she's more interested in buying his building than in him, but she can't deny the attraction she still feels for him.
I liked both James and Lori. Though he intends to return to the rodeo circuit after he heals, James realizes that his days there are numbered. Living in his father's old office brings back memories of his childhood and teen years helping his dad with his cases which is why he decides to pick up Del's last case. Initially intending it to be a way to honor his dad, it wasn't long until the case intrigued him on its own. I liked how it got him thinking about his future, leading him to apply for a PI license of his own. I enjoyed seeing James get into the spirit of the job and his growth from just winging it to thinking like an investigator.
Lori works hard at running her shop and looks to its future when James returns to Lonesome. She has a great relationship with her stepmother, Karen, the only family she has left. I liked the family loyalty she displayed and the need to get to the truth.
The suspense of the story sucked me in from the start. James's curiosity about Del's last case leads to the desire to solve it to honor his dad. James has no real experience as a PI, so his initial actions are haphazard. It is evident from the beginning that some people are unhappy about how James is stirring up memories from so long ago. When Lori's stepmother becomes a person of interest in his quest, Lori joins him in his search for the truth. The more information they uncover, the more confusing the situation gets. I ached for Lori as some evidence pointed toward Karen's involvement, though there was also room for doubt. The intensity increases when one of the people James wants to question is murdered. Several twists place multiple people on James's suspect list, and the challenge is figuring out which one is the culprit. Just when they thought the mystery was solved, a final puzzle piece changes everything. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with Lori in extreme danger.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between James and Lori. Their high school crushes became an undeniable mutual attraction as adults, though initially, neither was in a hurry to admit it. Lori planned to stay away from James but changed her mind when he focused on her stepmother during his investigation. As they spent time together, that attraction exploded into several passionate kisses. It wasn't long before James pictured a future with Lori. I liked watching them get to know each other as they worked together on the investigation. Lori tries to resist her growing feelings because she knows James intends to return to the rodeo circuit. James realizes what is most important to him when Lori is injured during the final confrontation. I loved his big moment at the end; his nervousness and vulnerability were evident. I loved Lori's surprise and joy as he revealed his plans and her admission of her feelings for him. The last chapter was sweet.
There is a secondary mystery in the book: James's suspicion that his father's death was not an accident. A couple of conversations with others confirm that suspicion. When James's brothers return to Lonesome to support him at the end of the book, he shares those feelings with them. None of them are surprised, as each had had doubts about Del's death. The mystery is not solved in this book, and I suspect it will build throughout the series before it is resolved. I liked James's surprise and happiness when his brother Tommy announced his intent to leave the rodeo circuit and join James in the PI business. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of the newly formed Colt Brothers Investigations.
The next day he encounters Lori, who runs the sandwich store next to the office. He remembers the girl who was so different from him in high school and that he couldn't help flirting with her despite it. Lori remembers him, too - the bad boy her stepmother warned her about, but she crushed on anyway. She still has a bit of a grudge that he never seemed to notice her back then, which comes out amusingly when he first visits the sandwich shop. She tells herself she's more interested in buying his building than in him, but she can't deny the attraction she still feels for him.
I liked both James and Lori. Though he intends to return to the rodeo circuit after he heals, James realizes that his days there are numbered. Living in his father's old office brings back memories of his childhood and teen years helping his dad with his cases which is why he decides to pick up Del's last case. Initially intending it to be a way to honor his dad, it wasn't long until the case intrigued him on its own. I liked how it got him thinking about his future, leading him to apply for a PI license of his own. I enjoyed seeing James get into the spirit of the job and his growth from just winging it to thinking like an investigator.
Lori works hard at running her shop and looks to its future when James returns to Lonesome. She has a great relationship with her stepmother, Karen, the only family she has left. I liked the family loyalty she displayed and the need to get to the truth.
The suspense of the story sucked me in from the start. James's curiosity about Del's last case leads to the desire to solve it to honor his dad. James has no real experience as a PI, so his initial actions are haphazard. It is evident from the beginning that some people are unhappy about how James is stirring up memories from so long ago. When Lori's stepmother becomes a person of interest in his quest, Lori joins him in his search for the truth. The more information they uncover, the more confusing the situation gets. I ached for Lori as some evidence pointed toward Karen's involvement, though there was also room for doubt. The intensity increases when one of the people James wants to question is murdered. Several twists place multiple people on James's suspect list, and the challenge is figuring out which one is the culprit. Just when they thought the mystery was solved, a final puzzle piece changes everything. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with Lori in extreme danger.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between James and Lori. Their high school crushes became an undeniable mutual attraction as adults, though initially, neither was in a hurry to admit it. Lori planned to stay away from James but changed her mind when he focused on her stepmother during his investigation. As they spent time together, that attraction exploded into several passionate kisses. It wasn't long before James pictured a future with Lori. I liked watching them get to know each other as they worked together on the investigation. Lori tries to resist her growing feelings because she knows James intends to return to the rodeo circuit. James realizes what is most important to him when Lori is injured during the final confrontation. I loved his big moment at the end; his nervousness and vulnerability were evident. I loved Lori's surprise and joy as he revealed his plans and her admission of her feelings for him. The last chapter was sweet.
There is a secondary mystery in the book: James's suspicion that his father's death was not an accident. A couple of conversations with others confirm that suspicion. When James's brothers return to Lonesome to support him at the end of the book, he shares those feelings with them. None of them are surprised, as each had had doubts about Del's death. The mystery is not solved in this book, and I suspect it will build throughout the series before it is resolved. I liked James's surprise and happiness when his brother Tommy announced his intent to leave the rodeo circuit and join James in the PI business. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of the newly formed Colt Brothers Investigations.
April 28, 2022
Murder Gone Cold is a Mystery/Thriller with a bit of a romance undertone. It is the first book in A Colt Brothers Investigation series. James and his 3 brothers are all rodeo cowboys. James has been injured and returns home to Lonesome, Montana to heal. He is planning to stay in the doublewide trailer that he and his brothers use as a home base, but it is nothing but ashes. He ends up staying in the small bedroom/bathroom that his father used at his office, when working as a P.I. His father died under mysterious circumstances while working on a case, that is still unsolved seven years later. James has nothing else to do, so he decides to look into the case. Once he starts asking questions, some people become antsy and would prefer that the case remain unsolved. With no kitchen, James heads to the sandwich shop next door, and discovers it is run by Lori, a girl he went to school with. She was attracted to him then and those feelings surface once again. Although Lori tries to bury those feelings, they find themselves working together to figure out who killed the young boy as well as if his father was also murdered.
I really enjoyed this book, but it was a bit slow to start. I liked that there were two mysteries to solve in this book. Lori and James had some sexual tension, but the romance took a backseat to the mystery. I liked both main characters and wanted them to be safe, solve the crime and that their relationship would work out. There was some danger as secrets were revealed which added to the suspense and thriller feeling. Following the clues, unraveling secrets and working together Lori and James are able to sort things out keeping one step ahead of the threats and danger. I will say the ending was a great surprise. My one issue is that the romance took such a back seat, and I would have liked there to have been more of a relationship development before they ended up together. Overall, this was a great mystery, with suspense and some gripping situations. I happily recommend this one. The audiobook was narrated by Corey M. Snow, a new narrator to me. Corey Snow has a deep, rich voice, perfect for James. His male voices were well done, unique with various accents/drawls, but the female voices were not the best. His tone and expression were good, making the story easy and entertaining to listen to. I did listen at 1.4 speed, as I found the pacing quite slow. With this modification, the audio was quite enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this book, but it was a bit slow to start. I liked that there were two mysteries to solve in this book. Lori and James had some sexual tension, but the romance took a backseat to the mystery. I liked both main characters and wanted them to be safe, solve the crime and that their relationship would work out. There was some danger as secrets were revealed which added to the suspense and thriller feeling. Following the clues, unraveling secrets and working together Lori and James are able to sort things out keeping one step ahead of the threats and danger. I will say the ending was a great surprise. My one issue is that the romance took such a back seat, and I would have liked there to have been more of a relationship development before they ended up together. Overall, this was a great mystery, with suspense and some gripping situations. I happily recommend this one. The audiobook was narrated by Corey M. Snow, a new narrator to me. Corey Snow has a deep, rich voice, perfect for James. His male voices were well done, unique with various accents/drawls, but the female voices were not the best. His tone and expression were good, making the story easy and entertaining to listen to. I did listen at 1.4 speed, as I found the pacing quite slow. With this modification, the audio was quite enjoyable.
June 12, 2022
3.5 stars.
I do believe that this is my first-ever Harlequin Intrigue. I knew before reading this that the mystery is the main plot with romance being secondary, but even so, I was pretty surprised how light this was. The cold case of the death of a little boy was the real glue that held this book together. Watching James come back to town after some rodeo injuries and take up his father's old PI business was interesting, and seeing him and the heroine, Lori, get to know one another after not seeing one another for so long was nice. I never really guessed all the twists and turns, so the way the mystery ended was quite surprising. There were a few different points of view in this story as well, and though I'm not really a fan of people outside of the main couple narrating, it did build some suspense. I'm excited to see how the series builds after this, though I hope that I find other Intrigues that have a touch more romance than this.
I do believe that this is my first-ever Harlequin Intrigue. I knew before reading this that the mystery is the main plot with romance being secondary, but even so, I was pretty surprised how light this was. The cold case of the death of a little boy was the real glue that held this book together. Watching James come back to town after some rodeo injuries and take up his father's old PI business was interesting, and seeing him and the heroine, Lori, get to know one another after not seeing one another for so long was nice. I never really guessed all the twists and turns, so the way the mystery ended was quite surprising. There were a few different points of view in this story as well, and though I'm not really a fan of people outside of the main couple narrating, it did build some suspense. I'm excited to see how the series builds after this, though I hope that I find other Intrigues that have a touch more romance than this.
March 3, 2022
James Colt was back in his hometown of Lonesome, Montana recuperating from his rodeo injuries. He loved riding broncs in the rodeo but he sure could get pretty banged-up. James figured he would head back to the rodeo after he healed but while waiting to heal James decided to try to solve the last case his Private Investigator father was working on when he died. This involved getting to know sandwich shop owner Lorelei Wilkins. Together they worked on the case and fell in love. Not that either road ran smoothly! I really enjoyed getting to know Lorelei and James. They are both very likable well-developed characters. The plot of this book took some surprising twists and turns and I really enjoyed the suspense. I am looking forward to the next Colt brother's story.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
April 29, 2023
I totally adored this story. Such a great plot for this couple and leaving a sub-plot for more!
This story is told in a dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into both of the main characters really helps me to better understand and connect with them.
James Colt comes back into town to heal from a rodeo accident. He has no place to stay as the double wide trailer that sits on the family ranch was burnt down! He heads to the woman he was seeing prior to leaving. Sure enough, she rented out the place and the renters burnt it down. Yikes!
James goes to his father's detective agency's office. There is a back room where he can stay and recoup. Old feelings of being with his dad in that office has him going through an open file on his desk. His father died 9 years old and everything was left the same.
It appears that his father was looking into the death of a young boy. The murder was never solved. So James decided to try his hand at being a PI.
The building next door, is owned by Lorelei. She went to school with James. She wants to purchase the building so if she wants to expand, she will have it. Going over to talk with James, brings the first hint that her high school crushing on James isn't over!
These two quickly go through some trying times in trying to solve the cold murder mystery. There is a lot of mystery here that crop up throughout the book. Who, what and why are some questions that will keep one guessing.
There are just some kissing scenes and nothing else. If you love mysteries in your romance, you have to start this series!
This story is told in a dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into both of the main characters really helps me to better understand and connect with them.
James Colt comes back into town to heal from a rodeo accident. He has no place to stay as the double wide trailer that sits on the family ranch was burnt down! He heads to the woman he was seeing prior to leaving. Sure enough, she rented out the place and the renters burnt it down. Yikes!
James goes to his father's detective agency's office. There is a back room where he can stay and recoup. Old feelings of being with his dad in that office has him going through an open file on his desk. His father died 9 years old and everything was left the same.
It appears that his father was looking into the death of a young boy. The murder was never solved. So James decided to try his hand at being a PI.
The building next door, is owned by Lorelei. She went to school with James. She wants to purchase the building so if she wants to expand, she will have it. Going over to talk with James, brings the first hint that her high school crushing on James isn't over!
These two quickly go through some trying times in trying to solve the cold murder mystery. There is a lot of mystery here that crop up throughout the book. Who, what and why are some questions that will keep one guessing.
There are just some kissing scenes and nothing else. If you love mysteries in your romance, you have to start this series!
July 18, 2022
Loved the slow build-up of romance in this story. The mystery was excellent and had a surprise twist that I hadn't expected. There were enough unanswered questions that had me wondering what else this sleepy town was hiding. I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 31, 2025
2.75/5 stars
June 11, 2025
LOVED this book!! The mystery, the slow burn romance, the realistic characters and setting, all of it! 5/5 stars
March 4, 2022
As with any BJ Daniels book, you get sucked in right away and it's hard to put the book down until the very last page has been read! This story did the same thing for me! James has been on the rodeo circuit but has been injured so he heads home to recuperate for a bit. He finds his home was blown up while he was gone so he needs to stay in his dead father's office (who was a PI) for a while. Next door, Lorelei has a sandwich shop and they used to go to high school together. While James is biding his time, he decides to work on his father's last PI case before he died. Suddenly, things begin to unravel in the small town even though it's been 9 years since the death of a young boy, which is the case James is working on. Lorelei is working with James on the case because her stepmother is somehow implicated, and she refuses to believe it! There is always a lot of action and multiple characters' viewpoints. I was fully immersed in the story and constantly guessing how it would turn out!
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March 2, 2022Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance
Miniseries
A Colt Brothers Investigation (Book #1)
Miniseries
A Colt Brothers Investigation (Book #1)
April 20, 2022
James Dean Colt is back in town, Stetson hat and all, recovering from injuries earned on the rodeo circuit. The first thing he finds is the burned wreckage of the trailer that he left his last girlfriend staying in, out on the ranch he co-owns with his three bronco-riding brothers. Turns out the girlfriend rented it out to some meth cookers and they blew it up. The second thing he finds is an unfinished case, left open on his father's desk in the late private investigator's office downtown, where James goes looking for a backup place to rest and heal. Intrigued by a sense that the old man was close to solving the hit-and-run death of a child at the time of his own death nine years ago, James applies for a P.I. license and reopes his dad's last case. The third thing he finds is a whole lotta pushback to the kid's murder being reopened, from the crooked town sheriff and his even crookeder, sheriffer brother to the tightly-wound yet strangely sexy woman running the sandwich shop next door.
Lorelei, as said sexy sandwich purveyor calls herself – James calls her Lori – can't make up her mind whether she loves him or loathes him, and it's been that way since high school. She's always thought of him as a reckless ladies' man, never suspecting that he's always had a crush on her, too. And lately, he's been bitten by a strange urge to settle down and start a family. Torn between solving the case quick and getting back out on the broncs, James follows up on his dad's leads and finds himself getting in deeper and deeper trouble. Lorelei's stepmother has a secret life that she's hot to protect, and it involves not only a philandering U.S. senator but also the father of the dead boy. The ex-sheriff also has secrets to cover up, and may not be above a little arson, attempted murder and planting incriminating evidence on the Colt brothers' land. And then again, members of a construction crew working in the area where the boy's body was found seem to be tied in with the crime in various ways, including one guy who turns up shot to death when James goes out to see him. There somehow seems to be more people carrying a bad conscience away from the kid's death than could possibly have been responsible for it – and thereby hangs a red herring or two.
It's a short, quickly read mystery that surprisingly (this being the first Harlequin title I've ever read, to my knowledge) doesn't lean too hard on the romance. In fact, it's downright chaste; it wouldn't have to change much to air on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. In its favor, I'll say that it sketches in several multi-faceted and interesting characters, presents a real puzzle of a case, and depicts a heartwarming love story between two people who must decide whether they are ready to alter their entire way of life before they can turn toward each other. The vision both James and Lorelei have of a little girl not yet born is a plot device that really grabs the reader's heart. On the not-so-positive side, apart from the shooting death that most likely wasn't connected with the case and the final, climactic ramp-up, I felt this book held back from putting its characters in as much jeopardy as it could have, and even walked back some potential peril without letting it pay off. In short, it felt a little too safe. Nonetheless, it had charms, the small-town Montana setting among them, and I'd definitely give further installments a chance.
This is the first of (so far) three "Colt Brothers Investigation" novels, whose sequels Sticking to Her Guns and Christmas Ransom are due for release on May 24, 2022 and Nov. 29, 2022 respectively. Sometime newspaper writer B.J. Daniels is also the author of about 19 other series of Montana-based mystery-romance-thrillers, as well as about 11 standalone novels, many of them (like this book) published under the Harlequin Intrigue imprint – which, if this book is typical, means low-priced, lightweight, PG-rated tales of love and crime in the American west.
Lorelei, as said sexy sandwich purveyor calls herself – James calls her Lori – can't make up her mind whether she loves him or loathes him, and it's been that way since high school. She's always thought of him as a reckless ladies' man, never suspecting that he's always had a crush on her, too. And lately, he's been bitten by a strange urge to settle down and start a family. Torn between solving the case quick and getting back out on the broncs, James follows up on his dad's leads and finds himself getting in deeper and deeper trouble. Lorelei's stepmother has a secret life that she's hot to protect, and it involves not only a philandering U.S. senator but also the father of the dead boy. The ex-sheriff also has secrets to cover up, and may not be above a little arson, attempted murder and planting incriminating evidence on the Colt brothers' land. And then again, members of a construction crew working in the area where the boy's body was found seem to be tied in with the crime in various ways, including one guy who turns up shot to death when James goes out to see him. There somehow seems to be more people carrying a bad conscience away from the kid's death than could possibly have been responsible for it – and thereby hangs a red herring or two.
It's a short, quickly read mystery that surprisingly (this being the first Harlequin title I've ever read, to my knowledge) doesn't lean too hard on the romance. In fact, it's downright chaste; it wouldn't have to change much to air on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. In its favor, I'll say that it sketches in several multi-faceted and interesting characters, presents a real puzzle of a case, and depicts a heartwarming love story between two people who must decide whether they are ready to alter their entire way of life before they can turn toward each other. The vision both James and Lorelei have of a little girl not yet born is a plot device that really grabs the reader's heart. On the not-so-positive side, apart from the shooting death that most likely wasn't connected with the case and the final, climactic ramp-up, I felt this book held back from putting its characters in as much jeopardy as it could have, and even walked back some potential peril without letting it pay off. In short, it felt a little too safe. Nonetheless, it had charms, the small-town Montana setting among them, and I'd definitely give further installments a chance.
This is the first of (so far) three "Colt Brothers Investigation" novels, whose sequels Sticking to Her Guns and Christmas Ransom are due for release on May 24, 2022 and Nov. 29, 2022 respectively. Sometime newspaper writer B.J. Daniels is also the author of about 19 other series of Montana-based mystery-romance-thrillers, as well as about 11 standalone novels, many of them (like this book) published under the Harlequin Intrigue imprint – which, if this book is typical, means low-priced, lightweight, PG-rated tales of love and crime in the American west.
July 23, 2022
One of the reasons I love reading B. J. Daniels books are they are hard to put down. They are fast paced, edge of your seat thrillers. This book was no exception! I read it in just one day. It was a roller coaster of wondering who was behind the cold case that James is trying to solve. It was the last case his dad was working on before he was killed. He is home from the rodeo to heal. While there he starts uncovering all the things from the case. While he is doing that he is stirring up the people in town. The one girl he crushed on in school Lori has the sandwich shop next door. She is really prickly at first. Even more so when he asks her about someone in her life that could be connected to the cold case. As he and Lori try to solve the mystery they are uncovering things left and right. Just when you think the mystery is solved, NOPE there is more to the story! I was shocked and could not believe how it all went down. This book left you guessing, gave you gasps of surprise and left you befuddled all in one. What a wonderful great book! I highly recommend B. J. Daniels! If you have never read her before you really really need to!
June 4, 2022
James Colt has returned home to recuperate from his latest rodeo injuries. He finds the family doublewide burn down. He decides to stay in town in his fathers of PI office. He notices the last case his father worked is still on his desk; unsolved. He decides to start reading the case and see if he can close the case of a hit and run of a seven-year-old boy. Lorelei Wilkins owns the sandwich shop next door and went to school with James. She would love to buy the building from him to expand her business. It seems like as James starts working the case he needs to talk to Lori's stepmother, and she is acting strange about that night.
Good Suspense read; there are a lot of suspects that seem have been keeping secrets for years. Can't wait to read the stories for the 3 other Colt brothers.
Good Suspense read; there are a lot of suspects that seem have been keeping secrets for years. Can't wait to read the stories for the 3 other Colt brothers.
April 14, 2023
Can a broken down rodeo cowboy change?
James came home battered and bruised from his last bull ride, only to discover his double wide trailer burned to the ground. His father had died nine years ago, but his private detective office was still there, so James crashed there for the night. The last case Del had been working on was still on the desk. As James read about the little boy who had died, he decided to finish the case in honor of his father. It didn't hurt that the building next to his office was a sandwich shop owned by Lorelei, James's high school crush, whose stepmother was on Dell's list to interview. As bodies begin to pile up, will anybody be safe?
James came home battered and bruised from his last bull ride, only to discover his double wide trailer burned to the ground. His father had died nine years ago, but his private detective office was still there, so James crashed there for the night. The last case Del had been working on was still on the desk. As James read about the little boy who had died, he decided to finish the case in honor of his father. It didn't hurt that the building next to his office was a sandwich shop owned by Lorelei, James's high school crush, whose stepmother was on Dell's list to interview. As bodies begin to pile up, will anybody be safe?
June 17, 2022
Loved it! Loralei and Colt stun in this murder gone cold. I hope to read more of this series, just a great book.
What did I like? Not my first by this author and definitely not my last. Colt comes home hurt from a rodeo injury only to pick up a mystery where his dad left off. Loralei an old high school acquaintance help Colt out trying to solve the mystery. Five stars!
Would I recommend or buy? Yep. Can’t wait to get more of the series! I enjoyed it and definitely want more!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left this opinion!
What did I like? Not my first by this author and definitely not my last. Colt comes home hurt from a rodeo injury only to pick up a mystery where his dad left off. Loralei an old high school acquaintance help Colt out trying to solve the mystery. Five stars!
Would I recommend or buy? Yep. Can’t wait to get more of the series! I enjoyed it and definitely want more!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left this opinion!
September 18, 2023
Murder gone cold...
B.J. Daniels has written an interesting intrigue book that has a lot going on. Set in a small town, the people seem friendly, church goers who lookout for their neighbours and help each other.
Then the son of a deceased private eye comes to town and after looking at his father's case notes he decides to close his last case.... then the action heats up as the secrets unfold over there body of a young boy.
B.J. Daniels has written an interesting intrigue book that has a lot going on. Set in a small town, the people seem friendly, church goers who lookout for their neighbours and help each other.
Then the son of a deceased private eye comes to town and after looking at his father's case notes he decides to close his last case.... then the action heats up as the secrets unfold over there body of a young boy.
October 5, 2023
Murder Gone Cold by B.J. Daniels is one of the best stories I have read. I fell in love with the man who wanted only the rodeo life only to find an unfinished cold case that belonged to his father. Turns, out the case is enough to keep the hero in town longer. Questions are asked, another murder happens, and other almost deaths happen. One case is linked to so many others. I can't wait to read the next book!
November 29, 2025
A page turner:
I have rated Murder Gone Cold : A Montana western mystery ( A Colt Brothers Investigation book 1) A five star it was a fun , exciting read that's for sure. The characters were quite interesting. James Colt wanting to know how and why regarding his fathers death. Who killed this seven year old boy and why ?? The twist and turns the who done it ?? So much involved a page turner that's for sure. I couldn't put my book down. I absolutely loved reading this book.
I have rated Murder Gone Cold : A Montana western mystery ( A Colt Brothers Investigation book 1) A five star it was a fun , exciting read that's for sure. The characters were quite interesting. James Colt wanting to know how and why regarding his fathers death. Who killed this seven year old boy and why ?? The twist and turns the who done it ?? So much involved a page turner that's for sure. I couldn't put my book down. I absolutely loved reading this book.
November 13, 2023
B.J. Daniels is one of my favorite serial romance writers. When I see her books offered, I buy them, confident that I'll enjoy a good read. This novel was enjoyable because the storyline was so well-plotted. The unfolding of the plot elements is cleverly done. James was an irresistible hero, and Lori was his stable anchor. I found it hard to put this book down.
September 28, 2024
James Colt has just found a clue to a kids murder in his dads old PI office.
James is home healing from his latest ride when he finds a list with the clues to a murder of a young boy nine years ago. It was the last case his dad worked on before he was killed. He has some time off so decides to stay a while in Lonesome and see where the clues go.
James is home healing from his latest ride when he finds a list with the clues to a murder of a young boy nine years ago. It was the last case his dad worked on before he was killed. He has some time off so decides to stay a while in Lonesome and see where the clues go.
April 18, 2022
So enjoyed this
Really enjoyed reading this one cannot wait for the next in this series this author is never disappointing love that the settings are in Montana a lot that I have visited or know about
Really enjoyed reading this one cannot wait for the next in this series this author is never disappointing love that the settings are in Montana a lot that I have visited or know about
June 24, 2022
I enjoyed reading this story! This has romance . suspense, drama and intrigue.I was drawn in to find out what is happening and kept reading to find out who did it! Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
September 22, 2022
A little slow to get started and then it is a rapid dash until the finish. I enjoyed how BJ Daniels kept so many threads active, intertwined and still vibrating! Did not see the twist at the end coming at all. Well written and well constructed.
February 6, 2023
Great start to the series
James comes home busted up from the rodeo. Starts looking into one of his PI father's old cases. Mayhem ensues. But in the process, he falls in love with his old crush from high school, Lorelei. Very good story.
James comes home busted up from the rodeo. Starts looking into one of his PI father's old cases. Mayhem ensues. But in the process, he falls in love with his old crush from high school, Lorelei. Very good story.
March 29, 2023
Enjoyed the Colt brorhers
Although didn't read much about brothers I loved this book. I loved the way the author introduced the killer in the beginning and than at the end of the book, the killer was exposed and I was not expecting that.
Although didn't read much about brothers I loved this book. I loved the way the author introduced the killer in the beginning and than at the end of the book, the killer was exposed and I was not expecting that.
April 8, 2022
Another book that had romance and mystery combined. Kept you guessing until the end. Would highly recommend.
April 13, 2022
I could not put the book down. Been a long time since I read a book in a day.
April 15, 2022
*Actual score: 4.75*
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