Totally Gripping
Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl is a totally gripping, contemporary Christian suspense. It is the second book in the Ryland & St Clair series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first in order to see not only character progression but there is a story thread carried over.
It was good to meet up with familiar faces. The pairing of Ryland and St Clair work well together. There is a chemistry simmering between them. They both had very different upbringings but River Ryland is welcomed and feels at home with the St Clair family.
We see the importance of faith and spreading God’s love. “Instead of the judgmental religious spirit she’d been raised with, the St Clair’s operated in love and grace.” Souls will never be won by Bible bashing. We are called to be Jesus’ representatives on earth. We are His hands and feet, His eyes and ears. We need to show His love to a hurting world.
Everyone wants to be loved and to belong. “I’m not special” … “To God, all His children are special.” God loves each and everyone of us. His love is big enough for us all.
God doesn’t wait until we are qualified to call us. He equips those whom He calls. God looks for willing hearts. “Tony wanted to be available to Him if He chose to use him.”
Forgiveness is important. If we withhold it, we risk becoming bitter. “She knew God wanted her to forgive him… but how could she?” If we cannot forgive in our own strength, we need to ask God for help and forgive in His strength.
God speaks to hearts. Sometimes “God speaks in dreams.” We need to pay attention to Him.
We see a character who had wandered away from God. As she re-commits herself to Him, she receives His peace that passes all understanding. God may not take away our storms but He does calm our hearts.
We all carry burdens but “faith… means giving the struggle to Him and allowing Him to carry us through.” God wants us to surrender our burdens to Him and to trust Him.
There is a serial killer on the loose. Nancy Mehl has constructed a marvellous plotline. Ryland and St Clair are former profilers for the FBI. They analyse patterns of behaviour in order to work out who the unsub is.
We see the importance of our upbringing. It shapes the adults we become. Troubled children become troubled adults, capable of anything.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. The leading characters are extremely likable.
Nancy Mehl is the master of suspense. As I became deeper engrossed in the novel, my pulse rate rose, along with the tension.
Cold Threat is simply marvellous. I think this Ryland and St Clair series would translate perfectly to a television series – any producers please take note.
I would like to leave you with my favourite quote:
“Good mothers quietly change the world.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
