"Penelope McGregor shivered at the distant creak from the back of the house. Goose bumps erupted along her spine."

Wow! These opening lines of Cold Case Pursuit describe how I felt as I read the first chapter of this book! Shivers and goose bumps as Penny learns that she is once again being thrust into a nightmare with a blue-haired killer clown. Apparently, the same person who killed her parents twenty years ago, when she was just four years old, is now intent on killing Penny and her brother Bradley . What follows is a story filled with twists and turns, thrills and chills, and my constant urge to check the doors and windows!

Cold Case Pursuit is part of the True Blue K-9 Unit series and I enjoyed seeing the special bonds between the policemen and their K-9 partners but the human bonds are what make this story so special. Siblings Penny and Bradley McGregor and single parent Tyler Walker and his two-year-old daughter have unique relationships that have been forged by tragedy and loss.

Author Dana Mentink has written a sweet romance filled with believable characters, intense action, and a wonderful faith thread running throughout the story. I especially loved her reminder that "You are lovable and loved because God says so." I recommend Cold Case Pursuit to all who enjoy Christian romantic suspense.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts and opinions. ( )

It doesn’t take much to convince me to read Christian suspense, but throw in a dog and I can’t turn away! I have a great love for and respect of working dogs of all kinds. That is, admittedly, what first attracted me to this book, followed quickly by the author’s name and the fact that I have yet to read a Love Inspired Suspense novel that I did not enjoy. I was apprehensive about one thing, however, and discussing it will be a bit of a spoiler, but hopefully not one that will cause any upset. Any time I read a book that features a dog, I worry that something will happen to cause or lead to its demise, and I absolutely cannot handle it when a dog dies. Therefore I make it a point to note whether the dog emerges unscathed, because it is the first thing I want to know, and in this case I am happy to report that all is well on that front.

Identifying a murderer dredges up a two-decades-old homicide case that seems to be taking on new life as author Dana Mentink gives readers insight into the K-9 police unit with “Cold Case Pursuit.” Through Penny McGregor, who witnessed her parents’ murders at age 4 and whose brother Bradley is part of the K-9 unit, and Detective Tyler Walker and his K-9 partner Dusty, Mentink explores the effects of past trauma and how they impact the present and even the future. Penny has overcome the challenges of her childhood, but she still harbors fears of inadequacy, and when she once again becomes a target for the killer from twenty years ago, her world is shaken. Likewise, Tyler tries to be the best single dad he can be to his vivacious toddler, Rain, but he struggles with opening his heart after former rejection. And yet in spite of their fears and brokenness, God shows each of them their unique ability to meet someone’s needs because of their past experiences. As Tyler tells Penny, “You are lovable and loved because God says so. I tell Rain that every day and I think maybe you need to hear it, too.” Indeed, your past doesn’t define you, nor does what someone else says about you; what God says about you is what defines you, and in His Word He says that you are chosen, beloved, and free from condemnation through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I just recently started reading Dana Mentink’s novels, but I wish I had discovered her sooner. Cold Case Pursuit by Dana Mentink is a realistic, romantic suspense tale that I really enjoyed. Tyler and Penny are both relatable people. Both are flawed and feel unloved by at least one parent. Yet, I want to cheer for them as they work through their respective baggage to discover they have value in the sight of God and others. Their pasts do not have to define them. Don’t we all need to learn that?

A friend of mine loves evil clowns, so I enjoyed the story as if through her eyes. I also appreciated the close sibling relationship we see between Penny and Bradley.

Dana Mentink captivated my attention from start to finish.
If you like romantic suspense, young children, or dogs, Cold Case Pursuit will give you plenty to love.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily leaving these thoughts, while no positive feedback was required. All opinions are solely my own. ( )

What makes for a successful romantic suspense? I have a list that I want to share. It has to have suspense that is fast paced, intriguing and keeps you guessing til the end. Of course you need romance, but not too much.You need characters that are easy to get attached to and bonus if there is a child and/or dog involved. Well it looks like this is exactly what this story is. It starts with danger from the beginning and I instantly tensed up. I do not like clowns at all. They are creepy and just right for a suspenseful story.

Penny is a very likable character. She is dedicated to her job and loves her brother. There is a bond between Penny and her brother Bradley that draws a dark cloud over their heads. Growing up with parents that didn’t really take care of them was hard. Penny questions why she was not loved by them. It is hard for a child to be rejected by their parents and it can cause lingering insecurity.

I loved how the author brings a cold case to the surface and unravels it piece by piece. We get a glimpse of who killed Penny and Bradley’s parents, but as the story continues we realize how evil he is. This man who claims that he did it to save Penny and Bradley from more abuse made me want to scream. All he really wanted was to feel power over someone and reign terror in their lives.

Tyler is someone who works with K-9s and dedicates his life to protect others. I liked learning about his precious daughter Rain. He is raising her as a single dad since the mother abandoned her. Tyler won’t let anyone get close to him for fear they will leave him. He has a new assignment to keep Penny safe until they can catch the man who not only killed her parents but is now trying to kill her and her brother. Something in the paper sets this unstable man off. Now the race is on to capture him before he kills again.

The story is one that holds your attention and keeps the action going. Penny has a few close calls that had me on the edge of my seat. Tyler does his best to try to stay one step ahead but somehow this evil person knows where they are at all times. I loved how the K9 dogs took center stage and allowed readers to see how hard they work. Each one is trained and only listens to their handler. I have really been enjoying this series and getting to know more about these specially trained dogs.

In the midst of the danger going on, we see two people start to have feelings for each other. Penny is scared to let someone in because she isn’t sure that she can be loved. Her fear of turning out like her parents keeps her from letting go of the past. Tyler has not forgiven his ex-wife for abandoning him and their daughter. The author does an excellent job of using faith to help these two people realize they both need to stop allowing the past to keep them from happiness. The story is a great example of surrendering to God . His unconditional love is there for them and He is there to heal their broken hearts. I loved everything about the story and always love reading a book by this author. Her ability to make the story come to life is exception. The characters are relatable and the lessons in the book help you understand that God loves us and will never leave us.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Cold Case Pursuit by Dana Mentink is the 7th book in the multi-author True Blue K9 Unit: Brooklyn series. I didn’t know that when I chose this book to read. Did it make a difference in my enjoyment of the book? Not at all. Mentink does a great job of creating a book that can stand alone. Of course after being introduced to great characters and their doggie companions, I have to go back and read the rest of the books. Cold Case Pursuit features Penny McGregor and Tyler Walker. Penny was a witness to her parents brutal murders 20 years before. The killer is back and now targeting Penny. Her job with the K9 unit doesn’t deter the killer in the least, but it does allow her to have a lot of personal protection. Tyler is one of those who takes on her case. The two have lots of baggage to say the least, but sparks fly between the two that are hard to put aside. Their romance is rocky and the danger continues to ramp up. For fast-paced suspense fans, Cold Case Pursuit is a good choice. The action never bogs down. The characters, especially the 4-legged ones, are endearing. If you are a dog lover, this one is for you too. The details of the K9 unit are fascinating as the officers work with their partners in a variety of ways, each with specific skills and purpose. There is a strong faith message that runs throughout, but I never felt like it was preachy. Just ordinary people depending on a big God to protect, provide, and guide.

If you are looking for a quick weekend read, then Cold Case Pursuit is a good choice. Even if your plans involve staying right at home, this book will sweep you away. And if you finish quickly, you know there are a lot more books in the series to read. 😉

Recommended.

Audience: adults

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )