Christmas Cold Case

Twin Oaks Christmas

by Sarah Hamaker

All she wants for Christmas is to solve her parents’ murders—and stay alive.
Noelle Chastain has returned to Twin Oaks to discover who killed her parents thirty years ago. When the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office declines to reopen the cold case, citing lack of new evidence, attorney David Keener steps in to help her search—and keep her safe from someone who doesn’t want her digging up the past.
Will they find out who’s behind the increasingly personal attacks on Noelle before she suffers the same fate as her parents?

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Christmas, Novella, Christian Fiction

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

About the author

Award-winning and best-selling author Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and three cats.

Reviews

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot packed into this short, satisfying Christmas novella set in Twin Oaks, Virginia,—drama, mystery, suspense, a consequential family secret, and a dash of sweet romance. The well-written story moves along at a steady pace and kept me eagerly turning the pages from the beginning to the surprising ending. Statistician Noelle Chastain and lawyer David Keener lead the wonderfully crafted cast of characters. I admire Noelle’s determination to find justice for her parents who were killed on Christmas Day thirty years ago and discover more about her family’s past even though it puts her life in danger. I love the way David encourages and protects her on her quest. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. If you are looking for a quick, romantic suspense read, try this one!
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who really did it?

Noelle makes the journey of her life to find out the truth about who her parents were and how they died. Things are definitely not as they appear and she has to learn what the real truth is and who is telling it. Her life is put in danger and David, her lawyer, steps up for her protection and helps navigate this confusing, troubling time. The truth is finally revealed and many lives are affected.

A touching story of how the truth will prevail and how you must face the past head-on. David and Noelle’s romance is sweet and gentle, both living by a deep faith in God. I enjoyed the story, which I received through a promotion and was not required to leave a positive review. These opinions are voluntary.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this page turning Christmas novella by a new to me author! I can't wait to read more of her stories! Christmas Cold Case packed a lot of story into a short amount of pages. Statistician Noelle Chastain takes time off from her job in Boston to return to the home she lived in with her parents in Virginia until they were murdered when she was one. Since the local law enforcement won't reopen the case, lawyer David Keener is willing to help her solve her parents murder.

Non stop action, murder attempts, plot twists, and family secrets. Readers of romantic suspense will love this well-written novella!

[Renee Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of action and plot twists.
Wonderful Story and characters.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good read! I got lost in the stories because the characters are so likeable and realistic. At times I felt like I was in the story alongside the characters because Sarah explains the environment so well.

The story has many twists and turns that kept me guessing "who did it", but I was wrong! Sarah did a great job at keeping the mystery throughout.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Noelle Chastain’s search for the truth about her parents’ deaths and for justice for them is suspense-filled and engaging from beginning to end. Once Noelle arrives at the little town of Twin Oaks, VA, her quest is disrupted by dangerous attacks on her and her new friend in the town, lawyer David Keener. The attacks do not keep the intrepid young woman from seeking the truth, even it it means exposing family deceptions that could have major repercussions. I enjoyed the realistic plot that moved along at a fast pace as well as getting to know the characters. Noelle and David were dynamic and believable heroes who are equally determined to ferret out the truth about the deaths of Tyrone and Juliette Holly, Noelle’s parents. The truth is shocking and somewhat of a surprise, but with such a well-written plot, the truth itself knit the entire story together seamlessly. Great story told in a great way with some interesting tidbits thrown in about slavery and drug investigations!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Laura Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read Christmas Cold Case by Sarah Hamaker twice now. Once in the suspense collection Holiday Menace and just now as a single book. The second time was as good as the first.

Lawyer David Keener’s law firm is managing the estate of a couple murdered thirty years ago. David goes to investigate a neighbors call about someone being in the house and finds the couples daughter struggling with an intruder.

Noelle Holly Chastain has come to town to investigate the unsolved murder of her parents. Someone wants to stop her. David offers to help her when the police says they can’t reopen the cold case without any new evidence.

After reading the book the first time I added Sarah to my authors to follow. I’ve not been disappointed and have enjoyed mall I’ve read.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella! It is a quick and easy read but it is so full of intrigue. It kept me guessing until the very end! I highly recommend this one!

[Ethelann · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Noelle trys to find out who killed her parents, she gets their cold case reopened after attacks begin happening to her. This book had a great storyline, but the ending totally blew me away.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I love reading Christmas books of the traditional variety of Christ’s Birth and those of a fluffy Christmas movie flair, I love it when I can spice up my reading with a Christmas Mystery. Sarah Hamaker’s Christmas Cold Case is high octane from the very beginning. Christmas Cold Case is the story of Noelle, a woman whose parents were savagely murdered in their family home on her birthday, which is also Christmas day. After Noelle’s Aunt Mabel passes away, Noelle returns to the place of the crime to obtain answers. As soon as Noelle begins to seek answers, her life and that of the family lawyer, David, are instantly put in danger. Will the truth of of what happened to Noelle’s Parents ever come to light or will it remain a Christmas Cold Case forever?

I love it when an author writes a suspense novel and is able to give you suspense in every page! With every layer of the story that is introduced, the reader is taken on a ride that is unexpected in the best way. With every book that I have read by Sarah Hamaker, Ms. Hamaker has the unmistakable ability to do this very thing and she has done it with excellence with Christmas Cold Case. I love the character of Noelle and my heart went out to her when I read what happened to her Parents. I love the character of David and believe that he was a perfect fit for Noelle and the perfect person to help Noelle uncover the truth of what happened to her Parents. I love how David and Noelle were continuously calling out to God for Wisdom, Protection, and help during the case, in hopes of bringing peace and closure. I thought the mystery in and of itself was very unique for the story and genre. I love how Ms. Hamaker sprinkled past history into the mystery. I thought that sprinkling the past into the mystery was an important reminder to own up to our mistakes and wrong doings, not brushing them to the side or ignoring them. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised at how much content Ms. Hamaker packed into Christmas Cold Case despite it being a smaller book because it did not leave questions unanswered. I was just sad when I finished Christmas Cold Case because that was truly how much I enjoyed the book and felt it ended before I was ready. (Which is a good thing in this sense!) If you are looking for a thrilling Christmas read to spice up your Christmas reading, I highly recommend Christmas Cold Case by Sarah Hamaker!

Have you read Christmas Cold Case? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to Sarah Hamaker for giving me a copy of Christmas Cold Case to review, for letting me be on the Christmas Cold Case ARC Team, and for helping me gather information for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The non-stop action and the mystery involved with this cold case is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Noelle is known as the Christmas orphan as her parents were murdered on Christmas Day. Searching for answers, she returns to Twin Oaks, Virginia - the place of her birth and her parents’ mysterious murder. What she didn’t expect is to be assaulted in her own home!

Apparently the quest for explanations will prove to be more difficult and much more dangerous than she anticipated. Refusal by law enforcement to reopen this cold case leads her to try to discover information on her own, helped by David, estate lawyer. The danger multiplies until they both wonder if they will survive.

An early copy of this suspenseful book was received through Seshva Press and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noelle's return to Twin Oaks to investigate her parents' unsolved murder begins with a sense of quiet determination. However, her pursuit of justice quickly escalates into a dangerous game. As she delves deeper, facing vandalism and even an attempted hit-and-run, the attorney managing her parents' property becomes her unlikely protector. A budding romance with David further complicates her investigation as they work together to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths. While the eventual revelation of the killer's motive might seem a bit outlandish, it underscores the chilling reality that even the most seemingly stable families can harbor dark secrets. Despite this, the story delivers a satisfying conclusion and proves to be an engaging read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am amazed at how many twists and turns that author Sarah Hamaker packed into this relatively quick and really good read! I never felt like the story was rushed or that I was missing out on anything. The main characters are very likeable, and I definitely wanted that HEA that the author delivered. But to get to it, they both had to survive! I liked the way that the faith of both David and Noelle was displayed. It was just a natural part of their lives. Don't pick up this book thinking that you'll just read a chapter or two. I didn't want to put it down until I got to the end.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this exciting and well-written book.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Noelle Chastain returns to her family home to try and search for her parents' killer all kinds of things start to happen. First she is attacked and it goes from there. The story really pulls you in. It happens in VA, which is a plus for me. David Keener is a lawyer that is tasked with taking care of the family home. He is pulled into Noelle's plight. The story is great. I highly enjoyed it. I did receive a copy of the book from the author, but my review is my own opinion. You'll enjoy this novella if you like suspense with a happy ending.

[Joy Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noelle has come back to the town that her parents were killed in when she was only a year old. As soon as she gets to the house, she gets attacked by someone in a ski mask. David is a lawyer whose firms represents the estate and he gets called by a neighbor who saw someone in the house. He gets there in time to scare off the attacker. Before they leave the house, Noelle gets attacked again. After that it is non-stop action until the last chapter. Who is attacking Noelle and why, does it have to do with her parents murders or something else entirely? You will need to read it to find out.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sad thing about novellas is that you can’t go so much into depth with your story. However, the author packed soo much into this book. My only disappointment is that because of the space crunch, a lot of information and reveals are thrown at us all at once and some pieces felt a bit convenient (leading to a 4.5 review).

This short romance had mystery and lots of suspense and danger. Family and plantation slavery and more. It had strong characters and a solid storyline.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone doesn't want Noelle digging into her past, but she is bound and determined to find out who murdered her parents 30 years ago and why no one will talk about it. She meets David, a lawyer who offers to help, and winds up helping her sleuth and keeping her safe. The layers keep coming undone until the surprise conclusion. This was a great novella and I am loving everything that Sarah Hamaker writes.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story set less than three hours away in my home state of Virginia. Although the locations appear fictional, I could relate to Interstate 81 which I have traveled many times. Noelle had lived in Boston from any early age but returned to the family home to try to discover the truth about the death of her parents that occurred on her first birthday. Although the police were unwilling to help, David, the attorney who was overseeing the estate, came to her aid. The story is fast moving and kept me turning pages. The outcome of their search for answers was unexpected and interesting.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Noelle goes to her old family home she is attacked. David, the attorney for her family arrives on the scene to help. There are some secrets somebody does not want Noelle to uncover. The closer she gets, the more peril she is in. David stays right by her side. Once they get through this he hopes she will stay.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Cold Case follows a 30-year-old cold case that features the last surviving family member. Or is she? The story was well written with lots of potential suspects as to who did the deed. The romance was sweet and peppered with kindness and faith. Great holiday read. I received a free copy of this book as part of a multi author promotion but this is my honest opinion.

[KYlady498 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I came across this wonderful writer in a series Christian Romance Suspense, book 4 Truth. I'm looking forward to reading many more of her books. I highly recommend this book and any other books she will write in the future.

[Melissa Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced book with non-stop action! The only wished there was more to read! I really liked the characters and wanted to know them deeper!

[Clara K Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting, held my interest. Story was good. There were a few twists.
Overall a good book to read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading from this author. Hooked me from the beginning. Wonderfully written, loved the romantic suspense. Great read.

[Dawn Putnam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn't connect. The storyline was good, but the development wasn't there for me. Also, there were several typos or grammatical mistakes which throws me off when reading..

[Rachelle Bachiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this short story. It was full of twists and turns and kept me reading till the end. Will be reading more from this author.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed this page turning suspenseful read set at Christmas. For a novella, I was pleasantly surprised with the intricate plot. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic suspense at its best.
Heart stopping action throughout the book.
A confirmed bookworm, I loved the book.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I really enjoyed it