The Well Read Fish

Breathless by Kathryn J. Bain Series: The Lincolnville Mystery Series (Book 1 of 5) Publisher: Indie Release Publication Date: March 22, 2022 Review by Mae Clair I picked up this book because the premise sounded intriguing—an ex-cop/undercover DEA agent (Matthew Winters) becomes the pastor of a church in the small town of Lincolnville. He doesn’t fit the image of what the townsfolk are expecting—long hair down his back, motorcycle, leathers, and tats.

The Cottage on Ghost Lane by Christy Barritt Series: The Beach House Mystery Series Publisher: River Heights on July 1, 2021 REVIEW BY STACI TROILO The Cottage on Ghost Lane by Christy Barritt is the first in a four-book Christian romantic suspense series (The Beach House Mystery Series). I believe these works all stand on their own, and if the initial installment is any indication, they will be fast and easy reads.

SAPPHIRE ISLAND BY CRESTON MAPES SERIES: A STANDALONE PUBLISHER: ROOFTOP PRESS (May 25, 2026) REVIEW BY GWEN M. PLANO Creston Mapes’ latest suspense novel, Sapphire Island, takes readers to a location off the coast of Florida and into the lives of those living in a tiny island town. The characters seem familiar in their ordinary lives, but just below the surface, each carries a complexity that drives the story forward.

Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill Series: Book 2 in The Art of Love and Danger series Publisher: Kregel Publications (March 17, 2026) REVIEW BY PRISCILLA BETTIS Sung in the Shadows is a historical romance and suspense novel. I was surprised to learn it’s the second book in a series because it completely stands on its own. Anyway, Nora is the main character, and she has a beautiful mezzo operatic voice, but her father won’t allow her to sing because it’s dangerous.

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep Time’s Lost Treasures, Book 1 Bethany House Publishers (September 24, 2024) REVIEW BY KELLY J. GOSHORN Michelle Griep’s Of Gold and Shadows is an engaging blend of Victorian mystery, historical romance, and adventure that transports readers to 1888 and the gaslit streets of Oxford, England.

Sapphire Island by Creston Mapes Publisher: Rooftop Press Publication Date: May 25, 2026 Review by Gwen M. Plano Creston Mapes’s latest suspense novel, Sapphire Island, takes readers to a location off the coast of Florida and into the lives of those living in a tiny island town. The characters seem familiar in their ordinary lives, but just below the surface, each carries a complexity that drives the story forward. Pastor Nick Landstrom has lost his wife and young child to a mysterious home fire.

The Next War byAmir Tsarfati and Steve Young Series: Book 1 of the Nir Tavor Tribulation Series Publisher: Ten Peaks Press Publication Date: May 5, 2026 Review by Mae Clair Having read the entire Nir Tavor Mossad Thriller Series, I couldn’t wait to start this new series, featuring characters I’ve grown to love. For clarification, Mossad is Israel’s national intelligence agency, responsible for covert operations and counterterrorism.

The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch Series: NA (stand alone) Publisher: Love Inspired Trade on April 28, 2026 REVIEW BY STACI TROILO Christian suspense is among my favorite types of books to read, and Jessica R. Patch is one of my favorite authors in the genre, so I was excited to read this novel. I’m happy to say it did not disappoint.

Never Say Goodbye by Irene Hannon Series: Standalone Publisher: Irene Hannon (March 11, 2025) REVIEW BY GWEN M. PLANO Prisoner Scott Mitchell is released after three years of confinement. He’s a changed man and has one hope – to win back his wife, Jess. This seems to be an impossible goal, because Jess hates him for having killed their four-year-old daughter in a drunk driving accident. She, and her parents, want nothing to do with him.

Redeeming the Time by Alexandra T Armstrong Series: Book 1 in Armstrong’s Faircourt Friends Series Publisher: Parable Print (June 20, 2023) REVIEW BY PRISCILLA BETTIS Redeeming the Time is book 1 in Alexandra T. Armstrong’s hilarious series about seven older friends living together in retirement. If you liked The Golden Girls but cringed at some of Blanche’s bedroom exploits, then you’ll love Redeeming the Time.