About the Book

Book: Christmas Crime Cover-Up

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre:Inspy Suspense

Release date: November 29, 2022

From USA TODAY bestselling author Dana Mentink…

A violent attack

Isn’t the homecoming she expected.

When an ATV tries to run her down in Death Valley, animal rescuer Nora Duke knows it’s a sign she never should have returned. Now she’s stuck on Seth Castillo’s ranch until Christmas with a pregnant donkey—and a criminal desperate to silence her. Facing her past is as terrifying as uncovering a killer’s twisted plan. But can Seth convince her to stay…if they live through the holidays?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
Book 5: Christmas Crime Cover-Up
Book 6: Targeted in the Desert

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.) Her monthly newsletter features plenty of goodies, gab and giveaways. https://www.subscribepage.com/b8q0y5

More from Dana

Well here we go! Book five in the Desert Justice series features Nora (Chief Jude’s estranged sister), a wild donkey who needs rescuing, and a crime from the past that intrudes into the present. Twisty, right? I was inspired to write this story after visiting Death Valley and learning about the feral donkeys which inhabit the region. They’re cute, visitors love them, but the burros can encounter health problems and cause environmental damage if they aren’t settled into a safe area. It’s amazing to me that wild donkeys are adept at detecting underground water sources. They dig “wells” which can benefit many thirsty animals. Fascinating, right? Hope you’ll enjoy meeting Bubbles the donkey and the helpful humans who rescue her in this novel. God bless and thanks for reading!

My Thoughts

Christmas Crime Cover-Up is written by Dana Mentink. This is book 5 in the Desert Justince Series. I have read the whole series, but they can be read as a stand alone. I do not want to see this series end. I have enjoyed getting to know the Duke family. This one is probably my favorite so far. Nora, who left Furnace Falls after high school and has never looked back. She has built a life for herself in Colorado and works at a rescue facility. She has come back to Furnace falls with her friend. She is on the hunt for a donkey that is in bad shape. While she is in the process of capturing the donkey someone tries to hurt her.

Seth Castillo is grateful for Nora's assistance. He flies a drone to assist in the search and rescue of the donkey - he hears when an ATV trying to run down Nora. Seth finds himself with a deep desire to protect Nora on his ranch. Seth was introduced in a previous book and was shot and has been recovering. What he does not count on is the feelings that he has toward her - and is hurt when she makes it clear that once they get the donkey, she is heading back to Colorado.

It took me a bit to figure out who was behind the attacks - the author does a good job in laying out a few suspects. I loved Bubbles the donkey they were after - I wish I could pet her. In true Mentink fashion, you will get a lot of action and heartpounding suspense.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.