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3.5 stars (rating shown may vary depending on site).

I've read other books by Dee Henderson including the first book in this series. I've enjoyed some of them though this series is probably not my favorite of the ones she's written. Despite the fact that this was written 4 or 5 years ago and left several unfinished plot points, it doesn't appear that other books featuring this character have been published (at least they are not showing on the site that I usually review on first).

So, apparently we are left to wonder if Evie decides if Rob is the "the one" for her. We're left to wonder if Maggie resolves her issues with Christianity so that she and David can get married or if she follows through on her resolve to let him go for good if she thinks she can't resolve it.

I was a bit surprised that other than a brief mention of Gabriel Thane sending Evie sweettarts candy and a brief mention of Evie not seeing herself as a sheriff's wife, there is nothing else about the family that figured so prominently in book 1 of the series.

I did like David, the member of the task force that Evie interacts with most in this book. I liked the friendship that develops between the two. I like that Henderson has Maggie honestly considering Christianity and trying to reason out what is keeping her from believing. I like that Evie is a single woman who does her job because she likes solving puzzles. I like that she is trying to figure out her relationship and whether she wants it to move forward or take a break.

I found it a little unbelievable that the task force takes on 5 unsolved cases and solves all 5. Granted, each is focusing all his or her attention (for the most part) on the case he/she chose whereas the original investigators probably had to split attention over several cases, but to bat 100% 100% of the time is unrealistic. And 3 of the cases (the three we don't hear much about) seem to wrap up fairly quickly and easily--if they were that easy to solve, why weren't they solved prior to the task force having to get involved?

Though I do think the methods shown are realistic (there's lots of legwork, lots of data-diving, lots of interviews) they aren't very exciting or suspenseful to read. ( )

I'm kind of past the Christian fiction phase of my reading lifecycle (though it is a cycle so I may come back to it someday), but I liked the first Evie Blackwell book so much that I figured I'd give this next one a chance too.

Even though Evie is the primary focus, there is a huge cast of characters and it helps to have read Henderson's other recent novels (which feature many of the same network). Personally, I felt this book was more heavy-handed on the faith-based monologues than the previous novel, and this felt very disruptive to the narrative. ( )

Dee Henderson is a favorite with lots of readers. Her beloved O’Malley series tops the lists of many romantic suspense fans. As with many authors, her writing has evolved over the years featuring more depth in character development and in relationship dynamics. The suspense element has waned a bit, and mystery has become more the norm. That is what I have found in her Evie Blackwell Cold Case series and in Threads of Suspicion, specifically. For the most part I like this turn in Henderson’s writing, though I have found some long-time fans do not. If you are looking for fast-paced, breath-holding suspense, this book is not for you. It is a slowly unfolding story featuring painstaking police work. I liked it, but if you are expecting another book a la the OMalley’s you may be disappointed.

Evie Blackwell, a detective with the Illinois State Police, has been assigned to the Missing Person Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional team tasked with solving the most difficult of cold cases. Evie and team member David Marshall share an office while investigating separate cases. But soon their individual cases intersect in interesting ways. Just what happened to a private investigator? And what did he have to do with a missing college student?

As stated above, Threads of Suspicion is more mystery than thriller. There is one instance of suspense late in the book, but much of that happens off page. Evie and David are dogged investigators exploring every thread no matter how obscure. I found the way they went about their individual cases interesting and their unique modes of operation intriguing. If the novel had just been about the cases, I would have liked the book fine. But Henderson includes a lot of character development, especially when it comes to their love relationships. I have to say that a little of that would have gone a long way. The characters really think — a lot — about the direction their love lives are going. Yes it’s realistic, but for me it became a bit tedious to read. I found myself skimming over those scenes to get back to the mystery. The characters are dedicated Christians, and their choices are influenced heavily by their faith. That’s a plus for fans of inspirational fiction.

All in all, I liked Threads of Suspicion. But I didn’t love it. I will definitely read any sequel that may come in the future, but I am hoping for more mystery.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

I can only say that I love this story. I am so looking forward to book 3 in this series( An Evie Blackwell Cold Case). I love how Evie and David work so well together. There is just enough suspense in the story. Evie is on a missing person cold case squad in Illinois and still working for the Illinois Bureau of Investigation. She is very busy. There are many twists and turns throughout this story. Each cold case is very interesting. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )