Tangled Past by Mary Alford

Tangled Past

Book Summary

A murdered police chief. A missing truth. A witness who can’t remember.

Twenty-five years after his father’s unsolved murder, Asa Dutton returns to Hope Island determined to uncover the truth. His only lead is Maya Callahan—the little girl found hiding in the barn the night his father died.

Maya has no memory of that stormy night. But as fragments of her past resurface, so does danger. Someone is watching. Someone who will kill to keep the truth buried.

As Asa and Maya grow closer, the stakes turn deadly. Because remembering the past may be the only way to survive it.

My Thoughts

Tangled Past by Mary Alford has a dynamic and captivating cold case. I found Asa and Maya to be well-developed, relatable characters.  I felt for Maya who has lost treasured and scary memories.  I enjoyed watching Maya and Asa gradually develop trust and love as their relationship grew.   The suspense and action were engaging, though I did identify the killer early on (my mother attributes it to me reading an abundance of mysteries). Still, I wanted to know why this person committed the crimes and how they eluded investigators.  I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Hope Island.  The graphic word depictions of the decaying barn, Asa’s childhood house, the forest, and the neglected lighthouse helped me picture each setting clearly.  While Tangled Past is the seventh novel in the Hope Island Securities Series, it can be read as a standalone.  Tangled Past is a tense tale with a murdered father, missing memories, a cold case, a resolute killer, clues coming together, and helpful flashbacks.

Tangled Past can be obtained from Amazon*.  If you belong to Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free. You can find the other books in the Hope Island Securities Series here.  Mary Alford has Unsolved Amish Abduction coming out March 31. When you get a chance, check out Mary Alford's other novels.  I appreciate your presence here with me today. I am featuring No. 17 Curisosity Lane by Christie Barlow on Thursday, March 12. It is the fifth book in the Puffin Island series. I am off to work in the garden.  I need to pluck the weeds out of the raised garden beds.  I want to get them out before the poppy vines cover them up (I weeded last week, but you would not know it).   May you have a sunny day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford

Shattered Amish Identity

Book Summary

 

The key to her survival lies hidden within her memories.

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Thoughts

Mary Alford's Shattered Amish Identity is a gripping read that immediately pulled me into the story. I enjoyed returning to Rachel’s Crossing, Kentucky. Hannah and Titus are developed and believable characters that I enjoyed.  Hannah was unable to recall her past and relied on her brother to furnish her with accurate details.  I loved Nala,  Hannah’s Rhodesian Ridgeback, who protected her.  The danger, suspense, and mystery kept things lively.  You never knew what would happen next (those bad keys kept popping up, it reminded me of whack-a-mole).  I enjoyed the second chance romance. A thread of faith is nicely woven throughout the story.  The story had a satisfying finale.  Shattered Amish Identity is a suspenseful story with a snatched sibling, missing memories, menacing criminals, a protective pooch, blocked calls, a chilling climate, a dangerous Dragon, and having faith. 

Shattered Amish Identity is available from Amazon*. Mary Alford has Unsolved Amish Abduction coming out March 31, 2026.  You can find Mary Alford's other novels here. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, November 4 with Saving Daniel's Daughter by Mindy Steele. It is the second book in the Daniel's Daughters series.  I hope that you have a Happy Halloween!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Frankie is running from the spider chasing him!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Here is my yard.  It is not quite what I had planned, but it is cute and a hit with the community!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Snowbound Threat by Lisa Phillips, Mary Alford, and Jessica Ashley

 Snowbound Threat

Book Summary

Home - Lisa Phillips

Left for dead by a treacherous DEA team, Caleb Rourke returns to his quiet hometown in Montana, seeking to escape his troubled past. When his neighbor, Tessa Langley, discovers encrypted documents hidden in her father's secret safe, Caleb’s return takes a perilous turn. He soon realizes that both his enemies and an enigmatic ally know exactly where to find him. Tessa's family becomes a target for those intent on keeping the truth buried. Determined to protect her, Caleb confronts the secrets his own parents concealed for years. Together, they must rely on their faith, each other, and a God who sees what remains hidden. This Christmas isn’t just about the holiday—it’s about the future they could build together.

Silent Snowfall Secrets - Mary Alford

In the snowbound town of Pine Haven, Colorado, Charlie Wells returns home to settle her uncle’s estate—and stumbles into a chilling mystery. Fifteen years earlier, her best friend Abby vanished during a midnight meeting. Now, someone is determined to keep the past buried at any cost. As a deadly blizzard isolates the town, Charlie and deputy Ryan McCabe race to uncover the truth behind Abby’s disappearance and a string of deadly secrets tied to Charlie’s tragic past. But the closer they get, the more dangerous their search becomes—and the killer watching from the shadows will stop at nothing.

Critical Velocity - Jessica Ashley

Ten years after her husband’s plane crash, Beckett Wallace receives proof it wasn’t an accident. To find the truth, she must team up with Detective Shawn Sampson—the guarded man she hoped never to see again. He hasn’t forgotten the sharp-tongued lawyer who nearly wrecked his last case. Working together is a terrible idea… but their only shot. As danger closes in and sparks fly, the truth might cost them everything. And for Shawn, protecting Beckett may mean risking more than his badge—it may cost him his heart.

My Thoughts

Snowbound Threat contains three romantic suspense stories by Lisa Phillips, Mary Alford, and Jessica Ashley.  I enjoyed the three suspenseful stories.  Home by Lisa Phillips is a fast-paced novella.  I was quickly drawn into the story involving Tessa and Caleb.  I loved all the action, intrigue, and suspense.  There is romance as well.  Silent Snowfall Secrets by Mary Alford captured my attention immediately.  I felt for Charlie who felt responsible for the death of her friend. The case remains unresolved fifteen years later.  Charlie returns home after the death of her uncle, and it appears that the killer has her in his sights.  I liked the sections from the killer’s point of view.  The story has danger, action, mystery, suspense, romance, and faith.  Critical Velocity by Jessica Ashley grabbed my attention right away and held it until the end.  The story moved at a quick clip.  There is danger, secrets, faith, and romance.   I loved the epilogue.  This is the first book that I have read by Jessica Ashley, and it is definitely not going to be the last.  I enjoyed the three thrilling tales in Snowbound Threat.

Snowbound Threat comes out October 24 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  Snowbound Threat is the first book in the Do You Hear What I Hear series.  Noel Secrets, the second book in the Do You Heart What I Hear series, comes out November 14 and it can be pre-ordered on Amazon.  Mary Alford has Shattered Amish Identity coming out October 28 and it is a page turner!  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Thursday, October 23 with My Daughter's Baby by Kate Hewitt.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford

 Framed in Amish Country

Book Summary

To prove her innocence

she’ll have to expose a lethal conspiracy.

A frantic call from her best friend sends district attorney Paige Grayson running right into a trap—and now she’s being framed for her friend’s murder. With the police after her and evidence against her stacking up, she seeks refuge in Amish country—and the help of her first love, Elijah King, to clear her name. To expose the drug dealer setting Paige up, they must work together while evading a ruthless criminal and the police. With threats closing in and time running out, one wrong move could be their last.

My Thoughts

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford captured my attention from the very first page.  I liked the main characters, Elijah and Paige.  The characters are developed, and I found myself cheering them on (I wanted them to survive).  I loved Gunner, Paige’s dog, who is protective of her, and Elijah’s dogs.  I enjoyed the suspense, action, and mystery.  I could feel the danger and the characters’ emotions.  With Paige and Elijah being near each other and in peril, it arouses old feelings.  Of course, there is still the problem of one being Amish and the other an Englisher. I delight in a good second chance romance. Faith is nicely woven throughout the story.  Forgiveness and grace are two of the themes.  I finished Framed in Amish Country with a smile on my face.  Framed in Amish Country is a captivating tale with a tricked attorney, a dead friend, battling bullets, guard dogs, Amish friends, a cruel criminal, and a second chance romance. 

Framed in Amish Country is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  You can find Mary Alford's other books here.  Mary Alford has Shattered Amish Identity coming out October 28 (you can preorder it now).  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, July 2 with Murder, She Wrote:  A Body in Boston by Jessica Fletcher with Terrie Farley Moran. Other books that came out today are Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele, Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink, Wyoming Wilderness Survival by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, and Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs (I will feature on July 3). I recommend all four books.  I am off to hunt for rocking chairs for our new screened porch.  My mother wants them to be red and she would like them to have Ohio State cushions (I have a feeling that I will need to get those made).  I hope that you have a joyful day (we need more happiness in our lives).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford

 Amish Country Killer

Book Summary

An unsolved mystery…

Seeking the truth could be fatal.

Reopening the investigation of her mother's disappearance puts chief of police Diana Fisher in someone’s lethal sights. As she delves deeper into the mystery, a murderer resurfaces, targeting the Amish community. Detective Micah Nissley, whose fiancée went missing a decade ago, joins forces with Diana to stop the threats and bring the killer to justice. But can they uncover the connection between Diana and the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

My Thoughts

I began reading Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford and, after doing the evening chores, I stayed up late to finish it. I enjoyed all the suspense, action, and mystery.  I followed Diana, Micah, and Kip as they worked to solve the string of murders.  The killer was always one step ahead of them.  I was amazed that Diana and Micah were able to keep going after what they went through (I would want a paid four-week vacation after catching the killer). Kip, Diana’s K9 officer, is clever, brave, and a sweetheart.  

I had fun solving the whodunit. There are twists and turns throughout the story. I never knew what would happen next.  It is a good thing that Diana and Micah had each other to rely on (once Diana learns to trust him that is).  Naturally, with the duo spending considerable time together, it is inevitable that sparks will fly between them. Given the challenges the pair face, Diana and Micah will find their faith indispensable.  I like how the story ended.    Amish Country Killer is an enthralling tale with a narrow escape, hits to the head, a serial killer, teens trapped in a mine, an unexpected find, a trusty canine, a twisted mind, and a tenacious chief of police.

Amish Country Killer is available from Amazon. Want to read the first chapter of Amish Country Killer?  Visit Harlequin and use the Look Inside feature to preview the story. Mary Alford has Framed in Amish Country coming out July 1.  You can find Mary Alford's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Courting Daniel's Daughter by Mindy Steele tomorrow.  There are many great books coming out this month (my TBR pile is quite large).  We are currently going through a hot spell in Florida (86 degrees is the high today).  I hope we will have a little more spring before the heat sets in for the summer.  What is the weather like in your area?  Do you have any book recommendations?  I hope that you have a cool day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Seeking Evil by Mary Alford

 Seeking Evil

Book Summary

No one knows where she is. . .

When BAU Agent Sierra Parker's car dies in the middle of nowhere Wyoming, she breaks a critical rule by catching a ride with a kind stranger. This decision leads her straight into the lair of a serial killer, where she discovers she isn't the first victim. Barrels containing the remains of those who went before her line a wall proving none of them escaped their captor. Can Sierra outwit the seasoned killer to save her life, or will she become the latest victim buried in a barrel?

The last Agent Zeke London heard from Sierra was when she told him she needed to get away to figure things out between them. That was over a week ago and his calls have been met with radio silence. Can he do the impossible and locate Sierra in the middle of the mountains before it's too late?

My Thoughts

Seeking Evil by Mary Alford is an intriguing story.  The prologue drew me in, and my interest was held as I progressed through the book. The characters are developed and varied. The mystery was full of suspense and action.  There were several suspects, but one stood out to me (I love solving whodunits).  I was happy to see that my guess was correct during the reveal. Sierra is a courageous woman.  She is smart and tenacious.  Sierra used her training to her advantage.  I imagine that it can be hard holding on to hope as time passes.  I enjoyed the epilogue.  Seeking Evil is the third book in the Hallowed Hall series.  It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series like me (it will, though, have you wanting to go back and read the first two books in the series).  Seeking Evil is a captivating tale with missing climbers, romance woes, a creepy killer, troubled team members, disturbing barrels, and a bothered boyfriend. 

Seeking Evil is available from Amazon.  It can be read for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.  The first two books in the Hallowed Hall series are Don't Close Your Eyes and The Last to Know (both are available through Kindle Unlimited).  Mary Alford has Amish Country Killer coming out April 1.  You can follow the author on Amazon, and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for popping by today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber.  I hope that you have a peaceful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Beside the Dead by Mary Alford

 Beside the Dead

Book Summary

Harrison Troyer has been a ghost for over a decade. . .

His future silenced by the threat of prison. But now, the secrets that haunted him can no longer remain buried.

Now living in the shadows as a private investigator in Alaska, Harrison is sent to Evergreen Falls, Maine to find a desperate mother’s missing daughter.

But when a terrified woman stumbles into his remote hideaway in the North Woods of Maine, pleading for his help to escape a killer, his fragile anonymity shatters.

Eden’s story of survival is harrowing—and eerily connected to a case Harrison is chasing. As they team up to unravel her abduction, Harrison realizes Eden may hold not only the key to exposing a dangerous predator but also answers to his missing persons.

Deputy Sheriff Samantha Baker is relentless in her search for answers about her sister Mae’s disappearance twenty-three years ago. When Eden’s escape mirrors Mae’s case and another missing woman, Sam suspects the same monster has returned to prey on Evergreen Falls.

Forced into an uneasy alliance with law enforcement, Harrison and Eden plunge into a chilling web of lies, secrets, and deadly truths. With each step closer to justice, the lines between their hunt for the killer and their fight for survival blur. And as their growing bond threatens to thaw hearts long frozen by grief, they must face a final question: can they stop a killer before the past destroys them both?

Beside the Dead is a gripping tale of love, redemption, and the unrelenting pursuit of truth. Packed with pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping twists, this romantic thriller will keep you guessing until the final page.

Grab your copy of the long-anticipated follow up book to Among the Innocent today and find out what happened to Harrison!

My Thoughts

I have been waiting for Harrison ‘s story since I read Among the Innocent, and we get it in Beside the Dead by Mary Alford.  Mary Alford has skillfully woven a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, offering both thrills and heartfelt moments. Alford’s ability to craft well-developed characters adds depth to the narrative, making each revelation and interaction meaningful.   The mystery was intriguing.  There were several suspects plus some red herrings.  As an avid mystery reader, I zeroed in on one person early in the story (my mother says I have read too many mysteries).  I eagerly followed the clues to see if I had correctly identified the guilty party.  I enjoyed the action and suspense which kept things lively. There is a good reveal and wrap up at the end.  

A touching romance for Harrison that, while a bit hurried, still adds a layer of warmth to the chilling suspense. Harrison's journey through the shadows of his past while navigating the complexities of new relationships is both engaging and emotionally resonant.  Beside the Dead is an emotional story. The sinister undertones of the story serve as a stark reminder of the darkness that can reside within individuals, making the twists and turns of the plot even more compelling.  Beside the Dead is a captivating tale with a missing offspring, absent remembrances, a twisty mystery, an evil entity,  a shocking explosion, and a surprising revelation.  

Beside the Dead is available from Amazon.  Harrison was first introduced in Among the Innocent. Mary Alford has Amish Country Killer coming out April 1.  You can follow Mary Alford on Amazon, and they will send you an email when she has a new book release. You can follow Mary Alford on Bookbub as well. Thank you for stopping by today!  I received some good news yesterday.  There was a knock at my door in the afternoon.  It was a man looking for Carol (wrong house).  By luck, the man fixes and replaces carports (hooray)!  After I told him about the trouble I have encountered finding someone to fix my carport, he has promixed to fix mine (fingers crossed). There is some bad news.  The materials are taking six months to come in (thanks to two hurricanes Florida had last fall), but he promised to talk to the office for me (since the work will not be done by the June deadline).  My prayers have been answered!  

I will return on Wednesday, March 5 as a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for  High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs.  It is the 29th A Tea Shop Mystery. I hope that you have tranquil weekend.   Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Amish Wilderness Survival by Mary Alford

 Amish Wilderness Survival

About the Book

To stay alive, she must escape a killer’s clutches. . .

When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a preteen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

More from Mary

Before the Story Begins

Every good Christian romantic suspense has a beginning where the hero and heroine are introduced to each other and to the danger they’ll be facing, followed by an ending where everything (usually) is tied up nicely.

In Christian (and Amish) romantic suspense, there must equal amounts of danger, romance, and faith.

As a reader, one of my favorite parts of the book is when the hero and heroine have backstories that draw me in and have me pulling for them to overcome their pasts as well as the villain chasing them.

In AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, the heroine, Leora Mast has a heartbreaking backstory. As a teenager, Leora’s and her twin brother Tanner’s parents were killed in a fire that was later ruled arson. They relocated to Colorado to be closer to their aunt and uncle and grandparents. Soon after, Leora’s brother left the Amish faith and joined the marines.

As an adult, Leora has gone through 2 separate rounds of breast cancer. She’s just finished the final round of chemo when her brother goes missing and Leora travels to West Kootenai, Montana to find Tanner’s marine lieutenant hoping to get answers about her brother’s disappearance.

Instead of finding her brother or Ethan Connors, she runs into Fletcher Shetler and the danger unfolds quickly from there.

Fletcher Shetler’s family has seen their share of heartaches as well. They have lived in West Kootenai for several generations. Fletcher’s grandfather started the furniture making business and the family mill their own timber for the pieces they create. Fletcher has a big heart and has been taking care of his mother since his father passed away.

Fletcher can’t imagine living anywhere else but his West Kootenai community and being part of a close family. But that loyalty cost him the love of his future bride when she chose to leave the community and break his heart.

Both Leora and Fletcher must put aside their pasts to try and find out what happened to her brother and Ethan before it’s too late.

From facing down armed kidnappers, to almost being swallowed alive by a sinkhole, to being forced to hideout in a cave in order to avoid being captured, Leora and Fletcher face one trial after the other, and yet they persevere thanks to each other, Ethan’s K-9 German Shepherd dog, Molly, and their faith in God that is unshakable.

My Thoughts

Amish Wilderness Survival by Mary Alford is a gripping story. I always enjoy Mary Alford’s twisty romantic suspense novels.  Fletcher Shetler and Leora Mast find themselves fighting to stay alive in the Kootenai National Forest.  The suspense and action start at the beginning, and it does not let up.  The story is well-written with good characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Fletcher and Leora.  I loved Molly, Ethan’s dog.  She is one smart cookie.  I thought the author captured the beauty of the forest as well as its vastness.  The forest can also be a scary place when you are being hunted.  Mary Alford combined suspense, mystery, action, romance, and faith into one compelling story.  I stayed up late to finish Amish Wilderness Survival.  Amish Wilderness Survival is a riveting tale with an absent brother, a caring sister, ruthless killers, a vast forest, a devoted dog, a brave friend, and a loving Lord. 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.

Amish Wilderness Survival is available from Amazon*.   Mary Alford has Amish Country Ransom coming out August 22.  It is Jade and Ethan's story (both characters in Amish Wilderness Survival).  You can find Mary Alford's other novels here.  Don't forget to leave a comment for an extra entry in the contest.  You can enter the giveaway here.  Good Luck!  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Her Only Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray.  It is the second book in A Season in Pinecraft series.  Two cozy mysteries that were released today are:  Death Knells and Wedding Bells by Eva Gates and Songs of Wine and Murder by Lynn Cahoon.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Blog Stops

Betti Mace, June 3

Blossoms and Blessings, June 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 5

The Avid Reader, June 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 7

Holly’s Book Corner, June 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 8 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 9

,Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 12

Splashes of Joy, June 13

Bizwings Book Blog, June 13

Simple Harvest Reads, June 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, June 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 16 (Author Interview)

Books I’ve Read, June 16

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