For fans of historical fiction, true crimes, and sinister plot lines

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsmais the latest release in the True Colors series. These stories are based on actual crimes in American history. The Gold Digger explores some strange events from LaPorte, IN in the early 1900’s, centering around Belle Gunness and some of her suspicious behaviors.  She’s a widower twice-over, and she takes out personal ads looking for a husband. But when men show up to her farm, they never heard from again. Belle’s sister, Igrid Storset, meets Nils Lindherud who is in town looking for his missing brother. Together they begin to unravel terrible secrets at the Gunness’ farm.

This story isn’t for anyone looking for a cozy mystery. The truth is strange, terrifying, and unresolved, and the author does a great job of bringing out the drama. But it’s such a twisted story to begin with. I love the author’s notes at the end of the book showing the research behind the real Belle Gunness. It’s truly a heartbreaking and horrifying situation in real life, and Liz Tolsma does a great job of bringing the details to light, but tempering it with faith and a love interest. But it’s definitely intense, creepy, and disturbing at times.

Definitely an intriguing read, and if you are a fan of this true crimes series, you’ll be taken with this one!

Overall Rating:
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)

Suspense Rating:
4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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For fans of historical fiction, true crimes, and gritty dramas

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is part of the True Colors series. These stories are based on actual crimes in American history, and this novel focuses on the notorious Robinson family. One by one, family members die a slow and agonizing death. Harriet Peters, caregiver to the children and friend of the family, begins to realize that it’s way too coincidental that so many people in the same family all died the same way. She invites her own doctor, Michael Wheaton, to help investigate and keep the children safe from the mysterious illness that has taken the lives of so many.

This story is creepy! I read up on the historical events, and the author did a great job of bringing this story from the pages of the past and turning it into a suspenseful and intriguing story. This novel is gritty and dark, not a light read. There is a love story that develops to lighten the mood a bit. I’m usually not a fan of stories set in the 1800’s, but the author did a lot of research and the setting just adds to the macabre and nightmarish circumstances. It’s hard to believe this is based on real life! Also, by the time you understand why the title is The Green Dress, your head will be spinning.

Definitely check this novel out, especially if you like gritty true crime stories.

Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The post The Green Dress appeared first on Best In Suspense.

The Pink Bonnet is part of a series of true crimes stories. Set in the 1930’s, the novel portrays the scandal with the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and Georgia Tann. Based on a true story, Tann ran an adoption scam and was kidnapping children and selling them to the highest bidder. The story focuses on Cecile Dowd, who’s daughter was given up for adoption without her consent. She hunts down her daughter with the help of attorney Percy Vance, while no one believes that Tann would do such heinous things.

The Pink Bonnet is well-written, fast paced novel, but the topic is not a happy one. If you are sensitive to stories about child abuse, steer clear. It’s hard to believe this novel is based on a true story. While I liked Cecile’s tenacity to find her daughter, the love story seemed a bit contrived at times. Also, the end seemed like it had some inconsistencies. I read a review copy so hopefully the final version will flow better. But as far as a suspenseful crime story, the plot moved fast and kept me reading and on the edge of my seat.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The post The Pink Bonnet appeared first on Best In Suspense.