Buried Cold Case Secrets (Deputies of Anderson County, 1)

a 2.5 stars read.

Melanie Hutton back to her hometown to find her best friend’s remains and to regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped. Yup this is sounds good, but unfortunately I don't really like it. The beginning is kinda confusing and then I kinda hate the characters, especially Detective Jason, it's like he didn't think like a cop, he's judging without checking the facts or proofs, well I know he lost his sister, but it's like he forgot that he's a cop and he's pull and push give me a whiplash. I don't like Melanie too, I know she's trying to overcome her trauma, but her behaviour is giving me a whiplash too, one minute she's so strong, the next one she's so weak and complaining and whining. I really can't connect with these characters.

As for the suspense story, even though it's predictable (I guessed correctly who's the bad guy is) and there's police's procedural that a bit unbelievable and weird and got me questioning everything, I still enjoy it, especially the action in the last few chapters, also I like how the author throwing a lot of suspects to keep the story more interesting.

So overall an okay read for me.

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.

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.

I have some times to Kansas so that was one interest in this book, that a Kansas native wrote it. The Love Inspired series is typically good, but this was just a well done read that met all my expectations. It's romantic suspense, with lots of suspense. I really liked that Melanie is a forensic anthropologist, as one of the TV series I like has that as a lead. To me it's a fascinating job, and a difficult one too. Melanie has gone home, to a solve a case she promised to solve, one that involves a friend of hers, who's murder wasn't solved. The case is cold, long ago, but she can find clues that might have been missed. Then there's Jason, the guy she use to know. He's the sheriff now. She's going to have to work with him to solve this case, but can he forgive her when he blames her for his sister's death? That's a big issue, forgiveness. Faith wasn't left behind, in fact, God moving on hearts was a big part of this story. The romance that grew could be deemed a bit predictable, but it doesn't matter. The story is still a good one and I really liked it. I would like more of this as a series.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and contains my thoughts about this book. A positive review is never required.

I have always loved reading debut novels so when I had the opportunity to join Sami A. Abrams "Crime Scene Crew" I jumped at the chance. Her debut novel is Buried Cold Case Secrets and let me tell you it is an awesome read with fast-paced action and wonderfully developed characters. I can hardly wait for her next novel.
I have to say that Love Inspired did an awesome job on the cover art for Buried Cold Case Secrets. By just looking at the cover you can guess that the heroine is a forensic anthropologist.

Melanie Hutton, a forensic anthropologist, has just returned to Valley Springs, the hometown of her youth, to join the Sheriff's department as the new forensic anthropologist and medical examiner. But the town that once held fond memories of her childhood now only brings her grief, sorrow, and lost memories of what happened to her 15 years ago. At that time she and her best friend Allison were kidnapped, shackled, and beaten but Melanie cannot remember everything that happened or who held them captive. She has been haunted all the years since and has decided that she would come to Valley Springs to find the remains of Allison.

The male lead is Detective Jason Cooper, who just so happens to be Allison's older brother and who has not been able to forgive Melanie for escaping and leaving Allison behind to be killed. When bones are discovered at a trailhead, Jason is sent to check it out as is Melanie. But someone tries to attach Melanie and she escapes only to run right into the arms of Jason. This all happens within the first five pages of the book and the action doesn't slow down until the end.

I so thoroughly loved this book. From the beginning, I was drawn in and rooted for Jason to get over being mad at Melanie and prayed that Melanie would get her memories back so Allison's remains could be found and she could be laid to rest. If I could have read it in one reading I would have as it is a book you hate to put down. In fact, I wish I had a sequel to it right now as I grew to love both Melanie and Jason.

This book is a January release for Love Inspired Suspense and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean romantic suspense.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 HUGE stars!

I would like to thank the author, Sami A. Abrams, for my copy of Buried Cold Case Secrets. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

This book was a fast-paced thriller that I couldn't put down! Normally, I'm more of a rom-com or historical fiction fan, but I really enjoyed Buried Cold Case Secrets, which was a pleasant surprise. The mystery had lots of different layers and kept me guessing throughout the book. There was also a strong faith element that ran through the story and made the end even more satisfying. Five Stars!!!!

Wow! This was a fantastic suspense book that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! The danger started right in the first chapter and didn’t let up. I don’t know if I have ever read a book where the main characters were in such danger so many times. Melanie and Jason went through so much!

I really enjoyed the peek into the way Melanie handled her forensic cases and seeing Jason and Melanie try to work out clues from both Allie’s cold case and two other cases that needed solving. It was hard to see how angry Jason was early on in the story. However, it was heartening to see the way he began to protect and grow close to Melanie.

Melanie had been through an horrific ordeal, yet she didn’t remember the details of it. Then, to go through all of the repeated attempts on her life in this novel was more than most people could handle. She and Jason had once been friends and I liked that even though there was hurt between them over those missing days, she still knew that he was the one person she could completely trust.

This was a great suspense story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I am not normally who truly enjoys Suspense or mystery novels. Although when it is a LOVE Inspired Suspense book, I LOVE this series and will read Suspense novels by any author on this series. Buried Cold Case Secrets is by Debut author Sami A. Abrams. I LOVE reading books by debut authors, so I grabbed the chance to read this book.

Melanie Hutton is a forensic anthropologist who wants to find her best friends remains. Melanie has had memory loss due to the traumatic kidnapping of herself and her best friend and ultimately the death of her best friend. Melanie must escape the Killer herself, as she was recently targeted. Detective Jason Cooper is assigned to protect Melanie. Jason Cooper is reluctant to help Melanie, as Jason is Melanie's Best Friends brother. He blames her for his sister's death, 15yrs after the event. There is hurt and anger amongst the 2. Can they put aside the hurt and anger to find out the secrets about what happened the Melanie's Best Friend? Will they discover that they actually don't hate one another and will there be a chance for a romance in this story?

WOW, this book is action packed and a total page turner from page 1! I made the "mistake" of starting the book as my "Before Bed" reading and could not put it down. I was up until the wee hours of the morning and finished it before I went to sleep. I think this is the most Fast Paced storyline I have ever read, but I truly enjoyed the Fast Pace of this book. I really like that this book is not predictable as to what happens next. I was always on the edge of my seat guessing what could happen, but the author does a great job at the twists and turns that a reader isn't able to easily predict the storyline. I must say I am very excited to read more books by Sami A. Abrams. She is off to a GREAT start as an author! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Fast-paced, intense suspense. This book was one I couldn’t put down. From the first page the adventure starts. It seems like everywhere Melanie goes, trouble is waiting. Can Jason and his partner keep her safe until her memory returns and they can solve his sister’s cold case? I loved the characters, and I really empathized with Melanie, (and I was rooting for her and Jason the whole time). Several times I felt like I knew “who done it,” but then another twist would happen and I was left guessing until the very end! Wonderful book, highly, highly recommend!

**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Just finished this. Literally could not put it down. Cannot wait to read more by Sami Abrams!!