Abduction Cold Case

by Connie Queen

An unsolved case. A family secret.

Getting to the truth could be deadly…

Finding a mysterious file on her desk sends psychologist Kennedy Wells chasing down clues to solve a twenty-six-year-old kidnapping—and straight into a violent assault. When Texas Ranger Silas Boone comes to Kennedy’s rescue, he can’t help but wonder at her resemblance to the long-missing girl. With someone willing to kill to end the investigation, can they uncover the truth…and live to see Christmas?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Suspense, Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2022

About the author

New York Times Bestselling author, Connie Queen married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn't until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Texas with her husband, and Murphy, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense. This book has a lot of suspense and action. There is a mystery going on throughout this book, and I really loved trying to figure out the mystery in this book. The romance was not a big part of this book. I really loved the characters in this book. I really loved the ending of this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Suspense) or author (Connie Queen) 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.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

» Kennedy Wells is a psychologist at the Bring the Children Home Project.
» Silas Boone is a Texas Ranger on medical leave.
And the cold-case file Kennedy finds on her desk has her looking into a little girl abducted years ago. Her first stop becomes a violent assault.

Silas actually witnessed the abduction; he was a child but he never forgot. And in his spare time, he continues to check the law enforcement files for any clue. Anything he might have missed. The aging software of the little girl has a striking semblance to the woman, Kennedy Wells.

My review …
Zoom! Zap! Pow!
This book takes off at high speed from the beginning. And doesn’t let up.
You feel like if you stop reading, whoever is trying to kill Kennedy will do so due to your inattention.

The plot …
A little three-year-old girl, Harper Barclay, is kidnapped in a local park. No ransom note. No clues. And twenty years plus go by. Just a rusty tricycle laying in the weeds when Kennedy pulls into the driveway to interview Mrs. Barclay. Thus the “haunting and perfect” cover. And Kennedy is now a target.

Add in a Texas Ranger wearing a patch over his eye who is Mrs. Barclay’s neighbor and dear friend. A Texas Ranger stands by while Kennedy and Mrs. Barclay are in danger? Are you kidding?

Want a read with lots of action? Then “Abduction Cold Case” is definitely for you.

Christian Aspects …
The best Christian novels are those where the characters are Christians and live their beliefs. They show their love of God through how they live. How they talk. How they act when alone or with others. And the author, Connie Queen, did this beautifully.

I think by now you can tell, I liked this book. A lot. A five-star lot. And it didn’t hurt that the university mentioned once in the story is my alma mater. And no, that did not factor in the rating.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Abduction Cold Case” via NetGalley from the publisher, HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired Suspense. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
#AbductionColdCase #NetGalley #ConnieQueen

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abduction Cold Case was a book that I could hardly set down. I ended up reading the story in one day! It was packed with action and the main characters were constantly in danger as they tried to find out the truth behind a little girl’s abduction twenty-six years earlier. And things got even stranger at the possibility that the main character, Kennedy, might be that girl.

Someone definitely did not want Kennedy and Silas investigating this cold case. I was amazed at how the danger seemed to keep following them. The romance was light in this one, taking place mainly at the very end of the story, but that seemed to work fine for this novel. I really liked the way things turned out for these two.

(4.5 stars)

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...

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do this thing where I set my timer for 30 minutes to read and then I get up a do something physical for at least a half hour before I allow myself to get back to another 30 minute reading stint. So, I settled into my reading chair, set the timer and about jumped out of my skin when it went off at a particularly tense moment in the plot. lol Once I'd scraped myself off the ceiling I went right back to reading and didn't stop until I reached the end. So much for my good intentions about keeping physical throughout the day! My heart rate had a workout just the same though, so I guess that's something. :-)

What an absorbing read! Well written, the words just flowed through my mind creating images and emotions and there just wasn't a single moment where I wanted to put the book down. Emotionally gripping, intriguing mystery, and a special connection between the hero and heroine were just impossible to ignore. A great example of Love Inspired Suspense at its finest.

https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...

[CB Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. What a great job by Connie.

[Ancillar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This was my first book by Connie Queen but most definitely will not be my last. The book is a mystery/suspense that follows Kennedy who is a psychologist that works with an organization called Bring the Children Home Project. The sole purpose of her job is to reunite families and one day she goes on her first cold case about a missing child. Upon her arrival everything that could go wrong does and she suddenly also starts fearing for her life but hope stumbles in in the form of Texas Ranger Silas. Silas upon gazing on her finds a seemingly link between her and the missing child. The psychologist and the ranger end up working together to determine why someone wants to kill her and of course try to solve the case. Abduction cold case has the right dose of suspense and a tad bit of romance and the book is a wonderful read . Perfect for fans of cold cases and Texas.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, twisty suspense novel that turns character lives upside down and puts them in danger that'll have you on the edge of your seat from page one. Kennedy and Silas are a wonderful pair, and I loved their interactions and the immediate sense of protectiveness that Silas shows. It goes beyond attraction, which is good, because the danger and mystery are definitely top of the line in this story. I never knew what to expect on the next page, and the added adrenaline kept me reading from start to finish. I would've loved to see more of Solomon on the page since I love animals in stories, but I'm thrilled with how the book played out and how the author brought everything together at the end. Sign me up for the next one!
I received a copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the cold case file of a child abduction lands in psychologist Kennedy Wells’ lap, following procedure leads to danger and to Texas Ranger Silas Boone, it all adds up to a late night reading as I could not put Abduction Cold Case by Connie Queen down until I had read every word.

Silas quickly suspects that Kennedy is the child in question, but will his own connection to the case help or hinder their investigation and can he keep her alive to find out the truth along with who is behind the sudden and repeated attacks?

This was my first book by Connie Queen and she keeps up an edge-of-your-seat pace with pulse-pounding danger. If you enjoy fast paced Inspirational Romantic Suspense with likable main characters, Abduction Cold Case fits the bill!

This review refers to a digital galley that I voluntarily received and read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Abduction Cold Case" is a romantic suspense novel. Kennedy had loving parents, though they did keep her a bit isolated as a child. She's shocked when Texas Ranger Silas suggests she might be the missing girl in the cold case she's working on. He witnessed the kidnapping all those years ago and comes to the rescue when her scheduled interview with the mother of the missing child turns into an assault that leaves the woman in critical condition. Why did someone send Kennedy the file and who will kill to prevent her from discovering the truth behind the kidnapping?

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. Kennedy and Silas worked well together and respected each other. They came to care for each other as they spent time together. They asked questions and followed up on leads and while trying to stay alive. The suspense came from repeated attacks on Kennedy and those who knew information or continued to investigate the case. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic suspense.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put your seatbelt on before you start reading this one! Connie Queen steps on the gas from the first chapter and she does not let off of it until the shattering conclusion. Kennedy Wells is a psychologist who volunteers for an organization known as Bring the Children Home Project. They help families find missing children or find the faith to cope with losing one. She gets a mysterious envelope regarding a missing child cold case. She makes an appointment to see the mother of the missing child and gets a little more than she bargained for. Texas Ranger Silas Boone comes to her rescue, and is shocked to realize she resembles a missing child from a case he is very familiar with. From that point forward it becomes readily apparent that someone does not want Kennedy investigating this cold case kidnapping. The suspense, intrigue and action will keep you on your toes. Kennedy and Silas were very likable characters, and they were realistic to me as the reader. They both had real world problems, but they were tenacious in their pursuit to find out the truth while also running for their lives. There was a little romance percolating between the characters, but there was more suspense than anything. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery in this book. Suspense lovers will devour this book.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment I saw the cover of this book, I must admit I was drawn in... and thankfully upon reading just the first few pages, I could see that this was one case in which judging a book by it's cover paid off. Immediately I was drawn into the story... and boy, what a story it was! Imagine growing up with loving- if not a little overprotective parents-only to discover unexpectedly as an adult that you were kidnapped at just 3 years old! That is just what happens in this book, and as the truth comes out, it seems someone wants to keep it hidden.

The action starts right at the beginning and keeps a steady pace throughout. Just when it seems like things might quiet down for a moment, something else happened to keep me on the edge of my seat. I truly couldn't put it down. Of course, the romance made it all that much better... though I would say that the romance certainly took a backseat to the action and mystery in this one.

Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read that fans of romantic suspense are sure to want to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie Queen does inspirational suspense every well. I was all in from the first. Imagine finding out as an adult that you were kidnapped as a child. Then someone is trying to kill you? Great suspense here, folks, and non stop action. Well done!

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion is my own.

[Blender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abduction Cold Case (pub date 10/25/22)
by Connie Queen
HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada),

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first book by Connie Queen but most definitely will not be my last. This was a great suspense with twists and turns at every angle. I loved how both the Kennedy and Silas worked together to try to solve the mystery and included their faith in that journey and found an everlasting love. Kennedy was smart, determined and had a heart of gold. Silas was every hero we need in this crazy world, strong, smart and kind. A must read.


ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin-Romance (U.S. & Canada) Love Inspired Suspense in exchange for honest review.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. The story is light and kind of cheesy but also intriguing.
The book is very clean, too. I do wish the characters had talked about their faith more. The main character prayed and mentioned in passing that she went to church, but I have no idea if anyone else shared her faith.
All in all, this was a good book, and I'm glad I read it.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good story, good characters.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Truth.  Such a simple little word, but so destructive when we don’t have it.”  Such truth in such a simple statement.

Kennedy believes she is on a normal call to the home of a woman who had her three-year-old daughter abducted from a park over 20 years ago, the case so cold it’s practically frozen.  When she walks through the door her life changes more than she can ever imagine, instantly becoming the target of a madman, and she is clueless as to know why.  All she’s trying to do is her job: reuniting families with their missing children and helping grieving victims cope with such an unimaginable loss.

Texas Ranger Silas Boone lives next door to the grieving mother, and was actually present with this precious little girl was abducted, and thus feels responsible, holding onto guilt that should not be on his shoulders.  Protecting Kennedy and the girl’s mother from this faceless attacker becomes Silas’s top priority in hopes to atone for the past, and to get answers for Mrs. Barclay.

Out of all the books I’ve read in my lifetime, I cannot remember one being set around the Red River.  Being from north Texas myself, I enjoyed the relatable scenery and though this isn’t a major plot point, as this is more of a character-driven tale, I still appreciated it nonetheless, and feel like it made this read all the sweeter.

Abduction Cold Case is the perfect balance of heartfelt moments and heart-pounding situations, the simmering chemistry between the two main characters unmistakable, and the suspense constant.  This is truly the stuff of nightmares, especially when something like this could actually happen, and though that is a fearful thought, it also made for quite the entertaining read.

These are wonderful characters you can’t help but love and root for.  One of the sweetest moments occurred between Kennedy and Mrs. Barclay, the mother of the abducted daughter, and there are several lines in this scene that made my heart ache, the words resonating within my own soul, hearing the hearts cry of the character in her words.  It was a truly powerful moment that was quickly followed by a twist that kicks the suspense back in, taking you back on the heart-stopping rollercoaster of evil.

This was a read that went by way too fast, was full of twists and turns that were predictable, but still entertaining and I adored every moment.  This novel truly has it all!

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy Well's life is changed forever when she's given clues to the kidnapping of Harper Barclay, a three-year-old girl who disappeared twenty-six years ago. Imagine her shock when the cold case evidence suggests that she is that little girl who had been taken from a park so many years ago. Kennedy's parents had never mentioned adoption so how could this be?

Abduction Cold Case is a compelling story that kept me turning the pages until I learned the true story behind this kidnapping. Non-stop danger and clever clues make this a book that I couldn't put down, but Kennedy's realistic emotions make it especially poignant. Were her adoptive parents aware of this kidnapping? How can she separate the truth from lies? Who is determined to keep her from learning the truth?

I'm a fan of suspense novels and Connie Queen has become one of my favorite authors. This is a book you don't want to miss!

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I liked how you didn’t know who was behind the attacks until the end. I liked how there was a lot of misdirection so you were left guessing until the end. I liked watching Kennedy grow as she dealt with the truth of her past. i also liked seeing Silas heal as he found closer. I liked the relationship between Kennedy and Silas. I liked how the romance with them developed and that it was based on more then physical appearance. I thought the author did a great job with handling the topic of children being kidnapped. I thought she treat it with the respect it deserved. Overall I really liked the book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a romantic suspense story. There was a lot of suspense in this story. There is a woman in this story named Kennedy Wells and she is a psychologist. A mysterious file lands on her desk. The file is about a twenty-six year old kidnapping.

Kennedy comes to meet Texas ranger Silas Boone who comes to her rescue. She is chased by someone who wants to hurt her. The relationship between Silas and Kennedy isn’t a big part of the story. It is about the kidnapping and what Kennedy finds out. The suspense was good. However I didn’t find it to be spicy 🌶. There was action and the mystery was good.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abduction Cold Case has a lot of surprises and mystery around a child abduction. Kennedy, a psychologist, working at the Bring the Children Home Project has a manilla envelope appear on her desk. Inside is a cold case. She sets an appointment to meet with the mother, but when she arrives, circumstances bring about changes she isn't expecting.

The characters are well-developed. Kennedy is strong-willed and well-trained in abduction cases. Silas, a detective on medical leave suddenly is thrown into the case and tries to guard his heart from getting too involved.

This edge of your seat suspense leaves you hoping for a quick resolution to finding the one involved. I was engaged from the beginning. The author wrapped everything up nicely in the end and I couldn't wait to see how it all turned out. Highly recommended.

I received and ARC from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.

[Lindsey Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off with an interview gone wrong. Kennedy shows up to interview a mom of a child who went missing many years before and walked in on a man who injured the woman and then tried to hurt her. Silas came to the rescue and scared the bad guy away. This book then follows the journey of figuring out who wanted her dead. It was filled with suspense and many twists and turns. I couldn't put the book down and wanted to find out who was after her! The romance wasn't a huge part of the story and I would have enjoyed seeing more between the two main characters.

I was provided a free copy by the publisher for an honest review.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie Queen is a new author to me. I enjoyed her writing style. She has good dialogue and well developed characters. This book was full of mystery, suspense, forgiveness with a touch of romance. I enjoyed getting to know Kennedy Wells and Silas Boone. If you enjoy suspenseful, mysterious full of action books you will enjoy reading this one. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great story I would recommend it to everyone

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Abduction Cold Case. This is a great read! It's well-written, action-packed, and full of suspense. I enjoyed the characters. I know you are going to love it.

Psychologist Kennedy Wells finds a mysterious file on her desk. She discovers clues to help her solve this twenty-six-year-old cold case. Why do the case photos look familiar? Her investigation only leads to violent attacks toward her and the people around her.

Texas Ranger Silas Boone rescues Kennedy. He can't help but wonder at her resemblance to the missing child. With a killer willing to stop the investigation can he keep her safe and find the truth?

A dangerous journey as they try to find answers and survive to see Christmas. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and for a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life even in this time of political unrest and chaos.

[Linda Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kennedy Wells finds a file of a twenty-six-year-old kidnapping on her desk. She has no idea who put it there. No one claims responsibility for it. While she tracks down clears to the missing child, she runs into Texas Ranger Silas Boone. It seems that people that were connected to the case have either been hurt or are dead. Her life has also been threatened. Her emotions are all over when it is suggested that she is the missing child. She knows she was adopted but she doesn't want to believe her parents would have kidnapped her.

This is an intriguing story that I had trouble putting down. If you like a good mystery, then this is the book for you.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone wants to keep the truth hidden...

I've read all of Connie Queen's Love Inspired Suspense novels, well except for her first and I hope to find that one too, and Abduction Cold Case features all of the reasons why. To start with it's exciting, fast-paced, full of secrets, romantic sparks, and danger is at every turn...

When I said danger, I meant it! Someone will stop at nothing to prevent Kennedy from finding out the truth about the 3 decade old kidnapping and about her own history – they also will do whatever it takes to keep Silas from helping her. And then there's the emotional fallout that has to be dealt with as dark secrets come to light and the bad guys never seem to stop coming. Does that sound edge of your seat? Well, that's only the beginning...

I'm always up for a good Love Inspired Suspense novel. They are small, quick reads that you can carry around with you to snatch a page or two here and there or finish in almost a single sitting. Connie Queen has continued to deliver real page-turners in a small package that are perfectly enjoyable for this romantic suspense loving heart. Abduction Cold Case was her best yet and I can't wait to see how she will top even this one with her next release...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Joyce Stewart Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abduction Cold Case
4,⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was my first time to red any thing written by this author. I enjoyed it very much and the characters were well thought out. Lots of action and danger going on that keeps you glued to the pages. I didn’t know who the murderer was or who was behind the attacks until the very end. That makes a great book for me!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abduction Cold Case by Connie Queen is a Love Inspired Suspense.

I love the premise of this book! What a unique idea to bring the two main characters together. I’m not sure how much to share in my review because I don’t want to spoil the story, but the premise made me hope for a happily ever after for everyone involved.

I also like Silas and the way his past informed the present situation. I wish Kennedy could have trusted him better from the start, but I liked how he showed her she could trust him. And then there was Solomon, the Mastiff mix who appeared occasionally in the story. I liked him, too!

Overall, this was a wonderful story and intriguing mystery. If you enjoy Love Inspired Suspense, then give this one a read.

---
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these cold case books!

[Jean Volk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie Queen is a brand new author for me and this book did not disappoint in suspense! Which is one of my favorite genres. If you love suspense, you will love Connie Queen. My mouth dropped open by the 2nd chapter. I couldn't read the words fast enough so I could get to the next chapter.
So if you love suspense and a sweet love story, this book will be a great read.

I will definitely keep this author on my TBR list for other books.

I received an ARC from the author/publisher but was not expected or persuaded to leave a positive review.