A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. Cullen

A Field Guide to Murder
by Michelle L. Cullen

ISBN-13: 9798892424639
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Released: January 27, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors’ affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world.

Fate intervenes when Harry’s mysterious neighbor Sue phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue’s house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry’s quaint condominium community—putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.


My Review:
A Field Guide to Murder is an amateur detective mystery novel. It's a clue-based puzzle mystery. Emma and Harry were both very observant (noticing even small details) and were logical in how they considered the things they heard and observed. Harry used his life experience in observing people and discovering what motivated them along with his skill in leading people in casual conversation to provide the information he desired. It seemed like everyone in the community had secrets so there were many potential clues to expose and sort through. I was certain of whodunit several chapters before Harry figured it out, but I didn't identified whodunit until near the end of the book.

The characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. There was actual character development, too. Emma was engaged to a handsome, successful man who was nice but who had different goals in life. Emma wanted to use her skills to help people, but he wanted to primarily make money. Harry tried to help her find the confidence to chose the life she really wanted while she tried to get him engaged with life again rather than feeling like a has-been. They were a good team.

There were only a few uses of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable puzzle mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Hunting a Killer by Sarah Varland

Hunting a Killer
by Sarah Varland

ISBN-13: 9781488237690
Audiobook, Unabridged
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Released: Jan. 27, 2026

Source: Audiobook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
During an investigation into a series of homicides, FBI agent Finn McDaniel is unexpectedly attacked, and a blow to the head leaves him with amnesia. Left for dead, he’s discovered by cadaver dog Cipher and her handler, search and rescue specialist Jordyn Williams — who is also Finn’s missing sister’s best friend. As Finn and Jordyn work to recover his crucial memories, they unearth evidence that links his sister’s disappearance to the killings. After finding the body of the latest victim, can they stop the murderer from striking again?


My Review:
Hunting a Killer is a Christian romantic suspense. Finn discovered an important, overlooked clue to the killer's habits and identity and didn't tell anyone those details or apparently write it down anywhere. In an attempt to keep the latest missing woman from dying, he searched in the deep woods by himself, witnessed the murder, saw the killer, got hit over the head, and was left for dead. Happily, Jordyn followed her cadaver dog straight to him while searching for the missing woman. He didn't remember the important clues or whodunit but insisted that he needed to hide because he's certain he can't trust someone on the FBI team.

The main characters were likable, honorable, and reacted realistically to events. Finn and Jordyn both had a long-standing crush on each other that they never acted upon when they were younger. They got to know each other in the couple days that they worked the case together and came to admire each other. They worked well together. Both struggled with trusting God with their future when he let a loved one die despite their prayers. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.

The narrator of the audiobook did a good job of saying the text in a way consistent with the text (with surprise if surprised, etc.) and spoke in a way that kept my interest. It was easy to follow who was talking and what was going on.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Rebuilding His Trust by Jenna Mindel

Rebuilding His Trust
by Jenna Mindel

ISBN-13: 9781335621412
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Released: January 27, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Jace Moore has been afraid to love since losing his parents as a teen. But when he meets equine therapist Meredith Lewis and her horse Bella, something shifts inside him. Soon, constructing her indoor riding arena turns into volunteering with her therapy program just to spend more time with them. Initially wary of Jace’s charming ways, Meredith can’t deny her attraction to the off-limits builder, especially when he shows such kindness to one of her young clients. But as sessions with the animals—and Meredith—begin to heal Jace’s closed-off heart, can he convince her that love is worth the risk?


My Review:
Rebuilding His Trust is a Christian romance. I assumed the author knew something about horses, or would at least have an actual equine therapist (or riding instructor, for that matter) read through it to correct any errors. However, the author didn't spell "canter" correctly. Seemed to think "harness" referred to a halter or a bridle--she used it in place of both--when it's neither. Had Meredith describe one of her horses as blond (not what a horse person would use for a horse's color). Had the characters riding Western style (neck reining and a horn on the saddle) but had them post (which is typically only done in English-style riding). And not just posting when the horse was trotting, either, but at a walk and canter. And so on. Meredith had no credibility as a equine therapist as she got so many things incorrect. I read an ARC, so hopefully these errors will be fixed in the final version.

Anyway, Meredith's dad cheated on her mother, and they got divorced when she was young. Her mother told Meredith that a handsome man like Jace would never stay true to her, and Meredith already believed that her red hair and freckles made her ugly. Jace lost his parents when he was young, so he had trouble committing to relationships due to his fear of losing someone he loved. He's come to Christ, accepted God's forgiveness, and is trying to do things right now rather than casually dating around. But Meredith refused to believe he'd stay true to her, let alone find her beautiful (which he does).

Frankly, Jace fell in love with Meredith's horses while building her riding arena. He seemed to credit her with helping him, but she refused to be his therapist. There was a lot of 'I'm not interested in him, but I can't keep my eyes off his lips' and repeatedly stating 'we can't have a relationship because you're building my area and it'd also put my professional reputation at risk' but when he kissed her and then apologized, she's all 'Why? You must secretly not like me after all!' Sigh. It also annoyed me that Jace would fix things around her house when she said she was okay with them as they were. It just seemed controlling and disrespectful, though she liked it.

At least Jace was very supportive of Meredith's business and had a knack for showing up when needed. There was no sex or bad language.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Ambushed in the Night by Rhonda Starnes

Ambushed in the Night
by Rhonda Starnes

ISBN-13: 9781335957542
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: January 27, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When his scared neighbor appears on his doorstep seeking refuge from a gunman, former police officer Maxwell Prescott is determined to shield the single mother and her toddler daughter. With Brenda Granger’s witness-protection location compromised and her late husband’s ties to a drug-trafficking ring placing a target on her back, Maxwell is the only person she can trust. But with threats at every turn, Maxwell’s protection skills are put to the ultimate test, and outrunning danger could be beyond their reach. Can they evade lethal assailants determined to silence Brenda?


My Review:
Ambushed in the Night is a Christian romantic suspense. Brenda and her toddler are in witness protection because her brother and husband were dealing drugs (and she didn't know it). Her husband's dead, her brother's in prison, and she's determined to make a new life. Except two hitmen have found her and are looking for something that they think she has. Maxwell and his K9 Gus are trying to build a new life after false accusations that he took bribes left him disillusioned with police work. Stopping the bad guys after Brenda requires him to ask for help, forcing him to make contact with his family and friends and leading him to realize that people hadn't doubted him as much as he'd thought.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Maxwell respected and supported Brenda, and they worked well together. Maxwell used his knowledge and skills to keep her safe, which she appreciated. The suspense came from repeated attacks on Brenda. She had to figure out how they'd found her and what the bad guys wanted. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic suspense.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Track of Courage by Susan May Warren

Track of Courage
by Susan May Warren

ISBN-13: 9780800746056
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: January 6, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Pop Singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska turned out differently than she expected. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaska blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.


My Review:
Track of Courage is a Christian romantic suspense. Dawson has PTSD from trying to save a child's life, but he failed and got a major injury to his knee in the process. He's mostly recovered physically but is in denial about his emotional trauma. He hasn't make the connection that his dog--left behind by a traveler--is trained to help those with PTSD and emotional distress (not to mention, the dog's great at finding lost people). The dog played a major role throughout the story, helping Dawson, Keely, and several other characters.

Keely's a famous pop singer who may have lost her voice--time will tell. She was adopted by a relative and now must decide if she should take back her suddenly-orphaned child that she gave up for adoption. It doesn't help that a killer hijacked the small plane she's on, causing it to controlled-crash, and now she's being hunted by the killer while in a remote wilderness area in the winter.

The main characters were complex, realistic people, and I cared about what happened to them. Keely was unexpectedly resourceful and quick-thinking for a rich, city girl (thanks to her adoptive father). Dawson's impressed by her grit and her caring nature. They became friends as they spent time together, and they built each other up. The suspense stayed high throughout the story as they battled to survive the weather, the wilderness, and the killer. They learned that God did care about them and to trust God even when bad things happen. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Scent of Sabotage by Dana Mentink

Scent of Sabotage
by Dana Mentink
Narrated by Abby Craden

ISBN-13: 9781488236723
Audiobook, Unabridged
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: December 30, 2025

Source: audiobook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Detective Beth Wolfe’s reunion with investigative journalist Jack St. James is interupted when a masked assailant attacks them, a severe blow leaves Jack with some amnesia. Beth and her K-9, Arthur, are determined to keep Jack safe while he continues to work a case relating to the son they placed for adoption decades ago. When their investigations lead them inside a booby-trapped amusement park, it’s a race against the clock to put all the pieces together before the park owners’ kill them.


My Review:
Scent of Sabotage is a Christian romantic suspense. Beth and Jack dated in high school and had a baby, which they gave up for a closed adoption. Three decades later, Jack has never married, but Beth married, had kids, and is now widowed. Both have matured and changed in that time. Jack contacted Beth to tell her that he's trying to find a missing woman--the girlfriend of their son, whom he's recently found and been in contact with. Out of concern for Jack and not wanting to let her unknown son down, Beth helped Jack track down the girlfriend.

The main characters were likable, kind, and reacted realistically to events. Beth and Jack respected each other and worked well together, rekindling old feelings as they spent time together. The ongoing suspense came from bad guys who were willing to kill anyone who got in their way, plus there were wildfires burning nearby. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel with an interesting setting (an amusement park).

The narrator of the audiobook did a good job, making it easy to follow who was talking and what was going on. She used different voices for the different characters and narrated the story in a way that allowed me to become immersed in the story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post

Detecting Deadly Threats
by Carol J. Post
Narrated by Emma Lysy

ISBN-13: 9781488236730
Audiobook, Unabridged
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Released: December 30, 2025

Source: audiobook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Amateur photographer Lauren Hollander narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt—moments before a disastrous earthquake rocks her small town, destroying her store. She’s saved from the rubble by Zachery Kimball and his search and rescue K-9, Ranger. Someone is determined to get to Lauren—but who, and why? Is it tied to her brother’s criminal past? Or are the culprits after the pictures on her camera? Under Zach and Ranger’s protection, Lauren races to discover the truth behind all the attacks.


My Review:
Detecting Deadly Threats is a Christian romantic suspense. Lauren's had cancer, can't have kids, and has decided no man would stick around through the uncertainty of her future (especially if he wanted kids). Zach always assumed he'd get married and have kids once he got where he wanted to in his job, but now he has to raise his nephew. To keep the nephew out of trouble, he's moved to a small town and rented the apartment over Lauren's jewelry shop. Then an earthquake collapses the building on top of Lauren just as someone is trying to kidnap her. Zach and his rescue K9 were nearby and find Lauren in the rubble.

Lauren was attracted to the selflessness showed by Zach in raising his nephew and in protecting her during her troubles. She encouraged Zach when he felt like nothing he did with his nephew worked out right, and she started to bond with the kid. Zach admired how Lauren calmly dealt with her troubles and even encouraged others instead of falling into self-pity.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. However, the bad guys seemed pretty stupid to keep coming after Lauren for the reason they gave at the end, especially as they risked getting caught each time they tried to kidnap her and risked very little by leaving her alone. Anyway, Zach brought his nephew to Lauren's church, where he made some friends. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun novel.

The narrator of the audiobook did a good job of saying the text in a way consistent with the text (with surprise if surprised, etc.) and spoke in a way that kept my interest. It was easy to follow who was talking and what was going on.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.