Buried Cold Case Secrets

By Sami A. Abrams

Recovering her missing memories

could be the key to solving a murder

Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first. For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?

For fans of thrillers with:

• cold case
• murder mystery
• amnesia???????

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Love Inspired
• Release date: Dec 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9780369716392

Sami A. Abrams

Award-winning, bestselling author Sami A. Abrams and her husband live in Northern California, but she’ll always be a Kansas girl at heart. She enjoys visiting her two grown children and spoiling their sweet fur babies. Most evenings, if Sami’s not watching sports, you’ll find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. She thinks a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Visit her at http://www.samiaabrams.com.

Book preview

ONE

Melanie Hutton’s feet struck the dirt trail in a comfortable rhythm. The cool air filled her lungs and relieved the tension building inside her. She’d taken up jogging years ago to help process her pain and calm her panic attacks. The semidaily routine had saved her sanity in the months following her escape from captivity and the disappearance of her best friend Allison’s body.

Grateful the mild winter weather allowed her to pound out her stress on the lake loop, she forced herself to take advantage of her peaceful surroundings before the first snow of the season decided to fall.

Evergreens and bare-limbed trees towered above. A mix of bushes and brambles lined the path, and the light streaming through the foliage warmed Melanie’s skin. Her breathing followed the same pattern as her steps. In, in, out. In, in, out.

A week ago, she’d accepted a job here in Valley Springs, the town that once held fond memories of her childhood. Now, fifteen years later, the horrors of her and Allison’s time shackled and beaten by a deranged man hovered like a raging storm. Her brain refused to release the details, but the terror continued to haunt her. Pure determination had fueled her decision to return. She owed it to Allison to find her remains.

Melanie had intended to slip into town without announcement of her arrival. However, someone had taken it upon themselves to post news of her return on the local social media group for all to see. Looks of pity were not something she wanted. Nor were the glares of accusation. Within days of her escape, the town had taken sides. People either felt sorry for her, for what she’d endured, or they hated her for leaving Allison behind to die. As for her parents, they hadn’t had her back. They’d been too worried about their reputation.

Why had she come home?

Slowing her run to a walk along the wooded trail, she placed her hands on her lower back and sucked in the crisp winter air. Memories of Allie during happier times flooded her mind. The two of them had come to the lake and explored the path often as teens. She missed her friend so much that her chest ached. Her phone buzzed, so she pulled it from her zippered pocket. She glanced at the screen. A text from Sheriff Monroe.

Know you aren’t officially on the job yet. Hikers found some suspicious bones. Can you meet one of my detectives at Myers Trailhead?

Might as well. Melanie was already at the lake, so the jog back to the trailhead would only take ten minutes. Her thumbs flew over the keypad.

Heading there now.

Monroe responded within seconds.

Thanks. I owe you.

She smiled and tucked away her phone...along with the IOU, which she would claim at a later time.

Sparrows screeched and scattered, leaving an eerie silence. She scanned the adjacent brush.

What did the birds know that she didn’t?

A cold shiver snaked down her spine. The bushes rustled, and tree limbs dangled like fingers reaching out to grab her. Her worst nightmare—the fear of captivity—threatened to grab hold and consume her.

Calm down. Take a deep breath. Don’t let the past control you. She spoke aloud, the words soft and deliberate. She’d overcome the worst of her post-traumatic stress from her abduction, but on occasion, panic rushed to the surface. This was one of those occasions. The necessity to escape clawed at her.

She spun to face the trail and took her first step.

A strong arm encircled Melanie’s throat from behind and yanked her backward. Her attacker tightened his hold, cutting off her ability to scream.

Her fingers pulled at the sweatshirt-covered arm in a frantic attempt to get air.

The hulk of a man pulled her off the trail and into the woods. Her heartbeat pounded like a jackhammer, and black dots clouded her vision. If her assailant succeeded in getting her deeper into the brush, her life was over.

Think, Melanie. Think. Her mind cleared enough to formulate a plan. It was a long shot, but what choice did she have?

She inhaled and released her grip on his arm. Curving her fingers, she reached back and jammed her fingernails into his face, praying she struck his eyes.

His hold loosened as he howled in pain.

Melanie scrambled from his grasp. Her momentum sent her sprawling on the ground. Rocks and bark tore her hands and ripped through her black track pants, scraping her knees. Sucking in precious oxygen, she lifted her head and came eye-to-eye with a man in a ski mask. Hollow orbs stared back at her as he gripped her arm and leaned close.

The man’s breath fanned her face, and his nails dug into her sleeves and pricked the skin on her arm.

Her heart thundered in her chest. She jerked away and gave her attacker a hard shove.

Surprised, he lost his balance and stumbled backward.

She staggered to an upright position and sprinted through the dense woods.

Tree limbs slapped against her. Her breath whooshed with each frantic step. She lost her balance and grasped a nearby tree. The bark sliced her skin, adding to the sting of her already damaged flesh. Tears pricked her eyes. The thought of being abducted again made her gut twist.

The sound of crunching footsteps tormented her as her assailant drew closer.

She prayed she’d chosen the right direction and that the trailhead and her car were not far.

Maybe staying off the path hadn’t been a great idea, but the man-made trail put her out in the open. She had to get away and find help.

Make a plan and do it. Don’t second-guess yourself.

Her pace quickened, and she stumbled on the uneven terrain. Her foot landed in a hole. Her ankle rolled. Landing with a thud, breath whooshed from her lungs. Pushing herself upright, she sprang to her feet and bit back a scream. Fire shot up her leg, but she surged on. She refused to die in the middle of nowhere.

Her gaze darted around the woods. There. Up ahead, a bramble of bushes. Melanie cringed at the thought of tiny thorns stabbing her, but she had limited choices.

Thankful for the protection of her long sleeves and pants, she skirted the edge of the thick blackberry vines and tucked in behind the tangled shrub. The sharp points tore into her skin.

Blood trickled down her arms and legs beneath her clothes. Her face stung from the scrapes she’d endured. But she was alive. So far, anyway.

Silence surrounded her. She strained to listen for a clue to her attacker’s location.

Minutes dragged by. Nothing.

She exhaled and slipped from the prickly vines, receiving more cuts for her efforts. Her ankle throbbed, but she ignored it and took off in the direction of the parking lot. She hoped.

The sight of the trail ten feet away made her want to weep for joy. Relief flooded her as her location registered. Fifty yards from her car. She was going to make it. Hitting the path, she turned left and ran smack into pure muscle.

Arms closed around her.

She screamed and struggled against the powerful grip.

Whoa. Take it easy, a deep baritone voice soothed.

She glanced up and gazed into the most vivid green eyes she’d ever seen.

He released her and stepped back, giving her space. I’m with the Sheriff’s department. You’re safe with me.

The man’s flannel shirt and jeans had her mind scrambling to put the pieces together.

Reality hit her like a two-by-four to the stomach and knocked the wind out of her.

He wasn’t her attacker. He was worse.

Her best friend’s brother, Jason Cooper, stood before her. The man who hated her guts.

---

The blood drained from the woman’s face. She stared at him as if he’d introduced himself as a serial killer. Her facial features had a familiarity about them.

The air left Jason’s lungs.

Melanie Hutton, his sister Allison’s best friend. The friend who’d left Allie in the hands of a maniac to save her own hide. The desire to walk away flooded him, but Melanie appeared to be in trouble, and duty called him to help.

He fought the urge to cross his arms over his chest. What happened?

Someone attacked me. Her teeth chattered.

Explain.

Words flew from her mouth as she gave an account of being attacked on the trail, then chased through the woods and finally, running in to him. Literally.

Jason unsnapped his holster strap and hovered his hand over the Glock at his side. He scanned Melanie from head to toe. The scrapes and cuts covering her face and body made his heart rate kick up a notch.

How about we get you back to my truck and take a look at those injuries? His gaze darted along the edge of the trail. He may not like her, but no one deserved to be hunted like an animal.

Thank you. She took a step and stumbled.

He steadied her. You never mentioned you hurt your leg.

I twisted my ankle when I escaped. I guess it stiffened when I stopped running. She straightened and pulled away.

Listen. He pursed his lips. I’ll be honest. You’re not my favorite person, but you need someone to lean on right now. Let me help you.

Her mouth fell open. You want to help me?

Did he? He sighed. His instincts told him Melanie’s life was in danger, and he had to man up and protect her. I’m not a monster.

Never said you were, she mumbled.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and waited for her to lean against him.

She stiffened, but then, after a long exhale, she allowed him to take her weight.

As they ambled down the trail toward his vehicle, he scanned the area. He slid his hand into his pocket and clicked the unlock button on the truck remote. Supporting Melanie, he reached across and opened the passenger door.

Let’s sit you down and take a look at your wounds. He lifted her and eased her onto the seat.

She collapsed, leaning against the headrest.

Now, in a public area and off the wooded trail, he took inventory of her injuries. She would’ve looked better if she’d gone ten rounds with a grizzly bear.

Hang on. He reached behind the seat and retrieved his first-aid bag. Placing it on the ground, he squatted and rummaged through it.

That’s quite the medical kit.

Jason met her gaze.

Had her eyes always been that brown and vulnerable?

Get it together, dude. She left your sister to die.

He shook off the thought and pulled out a handful of antiseptic wipes.

This is gonna sting. He dabbed the wet cloths on her scrapes and cuts.

She hissed in a breath. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

I’m sorry. His grandma had taught him to cherish women and never hurt them. He hated causing her more pain.

It has to be done. She bit her lower lip.

Several minutes later, he finished cleaning her wounds and applied cream to the abrasions.

Time to take a look at that ankle. He bent and untied her tennis shoe.

Jason! Fear strangled her word.

His hand flew to his sidearm. He popped up and spun toward the direction of Melanie’s stare. A shadowed figure ducked into the brush along the edge of the parking lot and out of sight.

So much for safety in a public place. Jason snatched the cell phone from his belt holder and dialed his partner’s number.

Hey, Keith. I need backup at Myers Trailhead. West entrance.

On it, Keith replied.

Jason had come to Myers Lake Park, following the report of a suspicious find by a group walking the trail. According to the call, hikers had discovered bones near the lake, and he’d drawn the short straw to come investigate.

Jason placed himself between her and the suspect. His instincts told him to pursue the man, but his training said to keep the victim safe. He’d stay by her side, for now.

After one last survey of the area, he turned his attention back to Melanie. He kneeled and wrapped an ice pack on her ankle. My partner will be here in a few. I need to go check out a possible crime scene. I’ll have him escort you to the hospital.

Not a chance.

He blinked. Excuse me? Standing, he leveled his gaze on her.

I said no. She brushed the hair from her face. I’m going with you.

Of all the ridiculous ideas. Jason fisted his hands on his hips. You need to see a doctor.

She slid from the truck and wobbled. He grabbed her arm and stabilized her. I have a job to do. Maybe you haven’t heard, but I’m the forensic anthropologist your department hired. Besides, the sheriff already asked me to accompany you.

He clenched his jaw. Yeah, he’d heard she’d taken the job, but he’d convinced himself she’d never return to Valley Springs. The Lord had to be playing a joke on him. Putting him and Melanie together in the same room was like throwing gas on a fire. But to work together?

Look, if you have a problem with it, talk to your boss, she challenged.

Keith pulled into the parking lot, saving Jason from having to respond.

How would he survive working with the person who sentenced his sister to death?

---

Grateful for the walking stick Jason had begrudgingly found her, Melanie hobbled along the trail.

Keith hadn’t verbally questioned her presence, but she’d seen the look he’d aimed at Jason. Trusting his partner, Keith had positioned himself on one side of her and Jason on the other. The trio walked along in silence, Jason carrying an evidence-recovery kit and Keith a camera.

Happy for the moment of quiet, she took the opportunity to calm her mind. She inhaled the crisp winter air and focused on the beauty of her surroundings. After escaping the brutality of her captor as a teen, she’d experienced horrible flashbacks and panic attacks for years. Over time, she’d harnessed control of her extreme reactions, but she’d never released the guilt of leaving her friend behind.

Maybe she should tell Jason about her PTSD, but that was her own business. Besides, the man hated her. She didn’t want his pity, as well. Her shoulders slumped as she continued the trek.

The sun flashed through the trees, highlighting the spot of her attack. A shiver snaked down her spine. She trudged on to the location of her first assignment.

Three hikers stood on the edge of the trail, huddled together.

Afternoon, folks. Jason introduced himself, took their personal information and listened while the group explained what they’d come across. And where did you find these bones?

There. The woman pointed at the small opening in the thick bushes.

Melanie ducked under the dangling tree limbs and pushed past the brush, adding to her scrapes and cuts.

Jason passed the bag to Keith and approached the disturbed soil with caution. He sat on his haunches and studied the bones protruding from the earth, then turned to the hikers. How in the world did you see that from the trail?

We didn’t. One of the guys piped up. Sharon had to, um, go. So she ducked behind the bushes. That’s when we heard her scream and found those. The man pointed to the three to four inches of brownish-colored bones peeking from the packed Indiana soil.

Thanks for calling it in. We’ll be in touch if we need additional information.

Sure thing. The group strolled on but continued to look over their shoulders until they were out of sight.

Jason pivoted on the balls of his feet and reached into his jacket. He pulled out blue nitrile gloves and snapped them on. Keith, hand me an evidence bag, would you?

Wait. She held her hand out to Jason’s partner. We need to take pictures first.

The man shifted his gaze to Jason, as if asking permission.

Jason shrugged. Why not. Partner, I’d like to introduce you to the new forensic anthropologist you’ve been hearing about. And, if I’m not mistaken, our newly appointed coroner.

She nodded. Most forensic anthropologists carried two jobs. Usually, the second was in a lab or as a professor. How she’d landed the appointment as Forensic Anthropologist and part-time Anderson County coroner was beyond her. She hadn’t even applied for the position. Sheriff Monroe had offered, and she’d accepted.

Keith raised an eyebrow. Okay, then. He handed her the camera. Welcome to the team.

Jason grunted—the fact that he still blamed her after all these years was obvious.

Well, he could hold a grudge all he wanted. No one hated her more than she hated herself for leaving Allison behind.

Turning her focus to the job at hand, she grasped the camera and grimaced. Her palms burned from the cuts. She slipped the strap around her neck and snapped pictures of the scene from multiple angles, then zeroed in on the bones.

Satisfied she had sufficient documentation, she nodded at Jason. I think I got enough photos.

He rolled his eyes. Look, we don’t even know if this is a crime scene yet. Those bones could be from an animal for all we know.

Then let’s find out. Melanie brushed past him and kneeled on the ground next to the dingy white objects. A whimper escaped her lips. Her body protested every move. She gazed up at Jason and extended her hand. Gloves, please.

He slapped the items into her hand and crossed his arms.

It only took a few seconds to verify her suspicions. Nope, not animal. These look human. See the three distal and middle phalanges? If these bones extend beneath the surface, there’s enough evidence to work an exhumation. She swung her hand in a horizontal arc. A body shouldn’t be buried out here.

Keith dug in the kit and produced an evidence marker. He placed it next to the bones and snapped a picture. She’s right, man.

The glare Jason pointed at his partner had her biting her lip to keep from smiling. The last thing Jason Cooper wanted to admit was that she was right.

Melanie dusted the soil from the bones, careful to keep the sediments in

Reviews for Buried Cold Case Secrets

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Forensic anthropology, and forensics in general, has fascinated me for two decades. It may not be as glamorous as Hollywood would have us believe (it rarely, if ever, is), but using remains to piece together the story of a person’s death and aspects of their life in order to provide some closure seems like a unique calling. I wanted to read this book based on the title and cover alone! One major benefit of the Love Inspired Suspense series is the tacit understanding that the stories will be clean, providing the mysterious and thrilling elements without the profanity and immorality. As this particular story attests, the series does not shy away from the uncomfortable realities of life, but instead presents them through a Christian lens. A contemporary union of suspense and romance, “Buried Cold Case Secrets” by debut novelist Sami Abrams offers both to readers from the very first chapter. The pacing is quite intense, with no breaks in the action, and as a result, I had a difficult time putting this one down! Despite the heroine Melanie Hutton’s profession, no foreknowledge of forensic anthropology is necessary; Abrams smoothly works the science into the plot without pulling readers out of the story. Furthermore, Melanie’s plight evokes sympathy for the feelings of rejection she has endured: “Stuck in a town that pitied her, working with a man who hated her, and in pain because someone tried to hurt her—what a mess. Why had God brought her back here? No matter the reason, she trusted Him, but it didn’t mean that it wasn’t hard.” All of us have felt similarly at one time or another, regardless of our backgrounds, and as Abrams demonstrates, God goes with us through it all, promising to never leave or forsake us. Being a former kidnapping victim and survivor, Melanie has an ongoing conflict between her past and her present that stands in the way of her hope for the future. “Buried Cold Case Secrets” explores the long-term effects of trauma, a topic that is sadly ever more relevant in today’s secularized society. Detective Jason Cooper, whose sister was Melanie’s best friend and who was kidnapped with her but with a worse outcome, harbors unforgiveness toward Melanie for what happened that day, especially because Melanie claims to have no memory of the details. Abrams uses dissociative amnesia and PTSD to inform the story as Melanie again finds her life in danger. Melanie is forced to acknowledge that “Someone had painted a target on her back, and she was clinging to reality by a thread,” highlighting the psychological impact of unresolved trauma compounded by new attacks. On a lighter note and because she was my favorite minor character, everyone needs a Miss Judith Evans in their lives to boost them into gear and get the wheels turning toward the Lord and His plan!Sami Abrams has written a solid debut with “Buried Cold Case Secrets.” The story is intriguing and the rhythm unremitting. I did find Jason annoying in that he continued to make the same mistakes with regard to his approach to situations, to the point that it seemed a bit overdone. Some of the elements could have been more subtle, in my opinion, including the identity of the perpetrator, but I still think that this is a very well-done debut and am truly looking forward to reading more inspirational suspense from this author! Fans of Investigation Discovery, the popular TV series “Bones,” or the romantic suspense genre will doubtless enjoy this book. 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.

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrams is a stand-alone Love Inspired Suspense Romance. Forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton returns to her childhood hometown to try to find the remains of her best friend. If she could only remember what happened to them both when they were kidnapped fifteen years ago it might make the job easier. But somebody doesn’t want her to remember or find Allison’s grave. With the help of Detective Jason Cooper maybe things will finally be cleared up if he can keep her alive long enough. This story started out with bang and didn’t let up until the end! The suspense kept me turning the pages to find out what happens next. There was always some kind of action going on. It was a great story!I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“He wasn’t her attacker. He was worse. Her best friend’s brother, Jason Cooper, stood before her. The man who hated her guts.”Melanie Hutton returns to the small town she left years ago, following the horrendous kidnapping of her best friend and herself. She vows to find justice for her murdered friend but doesn’t count on having to work with her best friend’s brother.Sami Abrams brings us a fast-paced romantic suspense adventure in Buried Cold Case Secrets. I liked the trope of childhood best friend’s brother to more. Jason seemed a bit insensitive until I really understood all the baggage he was juggling for years. Then his unreliable actions make a lot of sense. Amazing how easy it is for us humans to judge each other when we don’t know somebody else’s full story. It seems the whole book was about that, yet I just realized I may have been doing that throughout the book!I found Melanie to be incredibly brave. Just returning to her hometown is hard enough, but in her efforts to discover the truth, she eventually makes some choices that cause her some very painful results.The hidden gem of this book? (That invaluable secondary character?) That would have to be a tie between Mrs. Evans and Keith, Jason’s partner. What a sweet, wonderful, wise, and older lady. And Keith always has Jason’s back!I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What if you saw your best friend killed and you yourself brutally attacked, but you couldn't remember the details around that traumatic event? What if you were accused of leaving your friend to die, so that you could live? Melanie Hutton has lived with these questions for fifteen years, and now, she's returned to her hometown to find answers, and hopefully closure. What follows is an exciting adventure that threatens Melanie physically and emotionally! I love mystery/suspense and I'm always eager to discover new authors, so reading this book was the perfect chance to do both. Buried Cold Case Secrets is the debut novel of Sami A. Abrams, and I now have a new author to follow! Abrams has crafted a gripping adventure with intriguing characters and a plot that is filled with unanswered questions, suppressed memories, and a dangerous race to find a killer before he/she strikes again.Abrams kept me in suspense, she made me like her characters, and she gave me all of the feels--both chills and thrills! I especially appreciate that faith and forgiveness were woven into her plot. If you enjoy romantic Christian suspense, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Buried Cold Case Secrets. I'm ready for another Abram's book, and I'm hoping that Keith, Jason's partner, will get his own story!I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

[harley0326 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fast paced, danger, secrets, fractured relationships and unforgiveness make this story stand out. The characters are flawed with emotional baggage that keeps them from trusting each other. I like how the author gave us a glimpse at what Melanie had been through years ago. Readers will understand how traumatic it was for Melanie as she relives it everyday. Coming back to where it happened may not be a wise decision but Melanie is determined to find closure. Jason is not happy to see Melanie since he still is angry at her after all these years. In his mind she abandoned her best friend that fateful day to save herself. The person she left behind was his sister. How can he forgive Melanie for not helping his sister escape with her? His pain can be seen in his eyes every time he thinks of what his sister went through. I loved the mystery of the man who was after Melanie. He was determined to stop her, but from what? Was he the person who had kidnapped and tortured her and her best friend? Why is this person so violent each time he gets near Melanie? The story is very intense and at times I caught myself holding my breath. As the story progresses the author uses faith to help Melanie and Jason start to open up to each other. The ending is filled with surprises and sadness as the truth is finally revealed. I liked how the author showed how forgiveness can heal relationships as she wraps up the story with secrets that will shake the town and restore trust to those who held bitterness for so long. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a quick read that keeps you on your toes. I really liked Melanie and Jason. It was a tragedy that pulled them apart and a tragedy that gets them back together. This has a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed the suspense and the romance. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You should have stayed away. But don’t worry. I’ll be back and finish what I started years ago.Hang on to your seats - if this is a debut novel, get ready for many more wonderful hours to read. Melanie Hutton is a forensic anthropologist, a career choice made partly due to being kidnapped and beaten years earlier, barely escaping with her life. Unfortunately her best friend did not escape. With no memories of that horror except the desire to find out what happened to her friend, she returns to the place that used to be home.The action never lets up, leaving you guessing who could possibly be the perpetrator and why he would want to finish the job. Between stalking, poison and more, I must admit I began to wonder if she could survive. Why, after 15 years, could it conceivably be so important for her to die? The author kept me speculating right up till the end, evidence of a fabulous suspense story!This ARC was received through Harlequin and Love Inspired Suspense. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami Abrams is a fast-paced Christian suspense novel. I should give you fair warning that this book will have you staying up late to finish it (you will need extra caffeine in the morning). I started reading this book and was quickly immersed in the tale. I thought Buried Cold Case Secrets was well-written with developed, realistic characters. The main characters go on an emotional roller coaster ride as the set out to uncover the truth. I loved all the action and suspense. The plot was well thought out. Melanie Hutton was abducted fifteen years prior with her best friend. Melanie made it out alive, but her best friend did not. The victim’s brother, Jason Cooper blames Melanie for his sister’s death. Melanie has amnesia regarding the events. She has decided it is time to return to her hometown and search for her best friend’s remains. Someone is not happy with Melanie’s homecoming and sets out to stop her from uncovering the truth. Jason Cooper, the best friend’s brother, is now a detective. He must put aside his feelings to keep Melanie safe. The pair must work together to learn who is behind the attacks and what happened fifteen years ago. I loved the mystery in the story. In the beginning, I was wondering who abducted Melanie and her best friend fifteen years ago. Then the suspense and action start with the various attacks. I read as quickly as I could because I wanted to see how Buried Cold Case Secrets would turn out. I appreciated that this was a Christian story. It is a clean read (no intimacy or foul language) for which I was grateful. I cannot wait to read this author’s next novel. Buried Cold Case Secrets is an action-packed suspenseful adventure from beginning to end.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This suspense story from the Love Inspired line stars Dr. Melanie Hutton and Detective Jason Cooper. Now a forensic anthropologist, Melanie has come back to town hoping to finally find out who kidnapped her and her best friend Allison fifteen years earlier and to try to recover Allison's body.Jason Cooper was Allie's older brother and the object of Melanie's teenage crush. He has never forgiven Melanie for surviving and escaping when his sister did not. But Melanie doesn't remember those two days when she was held captive and beaten. But her amnesia and the PTSD she also suffers from don't relieve her guilt that she left her best friend behind. But someone is really, really unhappy that Melanie is back to try to uncover secrets. First, she's attacked while jogging. Then her apartment is fire bombed. There are more attacks because Melanie is determined to do her job which puts her out in public. Jason has been assigned and then self-assigns himself to keep Melanie safe. He gradually gets over his anger at her and begins to remember the young woman he was falling in love with.The attacks don't stop with both Melanie and Jason getting injured numerous times throughout the story. Each injury, each attack, makes Melanie more determined to find out what her brain has suppressed and makes Jason fall in love with her more. There are lots of possible suspects and another murder to add to the tension and twists of this story. It was action-packed and fast-paced. Fans of Christian Romantic Suspense will especially enjoy this story.