Mixed Blood: The Sense of Belonging Series Book 3

by Brenda Benning

Trish Trottwood lost her daughter in a terrible accident that left her with more unanswered questions than answers. She never believed it was random and had spent the last decade and a half searching for the truth. The betrayal she experienced afterwards sent her into a spiral of darkness and isolation.

After spending years learning everything she could about a new trade and hardening her heart, Trish found a friend in her journey and a new identity that helped her confront those who harmed her. She knew in her heart what had really happened and who was behind it. Now she was on a mission to find the proof she needed to put those responsible behind bars and her mind at rest. Trish was focused completely on finding and proving the truth that shattered her perfect life and family.

Will Trish believe the truth when she finally uncovers it? Can Trish find her own sense of belonging again, or will she always be distrusting, believing everyone will betray her in the end?

Born and raised in Minnesota, Brenda is a devoted snow and winter lover. She and her family recently relocated to Maryland, where she was able to rekindle her love of writing stories. She earned a Bachelor's in English but strayed from her writing career to get married and raise a family. Her family grew through adoption, which veered her career path even more. She earned a Master's in Social Work and became licensed for family therapy, working exclusively with adoptive families raising children with trauma histories. She continues this work and helps many families find success in their parenting paths. She works with crisis situations, trains seasoned parents, assists agencies with preserving placements, and helps parents learn new skills. Brenda uses writing as her own tool for processing difficult situations within her life and family. Now, she has been able to turn her writing focus back to storytelling and writing for others. She enjoys keeping her readers guessing about what's coming next, as well as bringing happy endings to her characters' stories.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[Nelli Lakatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝙻𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎, 𝚗𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎, 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚌𝚒𝚛𝚌𝚞𝚖𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚠. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗’𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚊𝚍.”

From the moment I've read this incredible blurb and saw this eye-catching cover — I just knew I have to pick up this book! This is technically part of a series but I don't think it's necessary to read previous books to understand the story. This was my first book by Brenda and her writing style completely mesmerized me. It was flawless and the vibes of this novel were immaculate!

I come to realize how much I adore these types of cozy/slow burn mystery reads. Where I can just get myself lost into the story without my anxiety spiking, like with a nail-biting thriller.

The main character Trish were very strong and stubborn, to be completely honest sometimes she definitely frustrated me, but overall she was an honest and likable character. Aww, and Sharon! Everyone needs a best friend like her, and together they were truly the dream team. Ohh, and I absolutely loved Clayton! I trusted him from the beginning.

I had such a wonderful time reading 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝. It was mysterious, gripping and twisty. I even shed some tears!

I highly recommend checking out this cosy crime novel to everyone!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed Blood was a gripping and compelling read that pulled me in far more than I expected. Although it sits within a series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone for me, and I quickly became invested in both the mystery and the characters.

The emotional core of the story really stood out. Trish’s determination to uncover the truth is driven by years of grief, and that intensity comes through strongly on the page. At times I wanted to shake her, but that only made her feel more real. The real highlight for me, though, was Sharon she was loyal, supportive, and exactly the kind of friend you’d want beside you in a crisis. She completely stole the show for me.

The pacing builds steadily, layering clues and revelations in a way that kept me engaged the whole time. Rather than relying on constant shocks, the tension grows naturally, which made it feel more immersive and believable. By the end, I was fully invested and eager to see how everything would unfold.

Overall, this was an absorbing mystery with strong relationships at its heart. A really enjoyable 4-star read that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven crime with emotional depth.

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review 📖 A mother’s love is fierce and we will do anything for our kids - in life and in death. Trish lost her beloved daughter, Anyah, in a horrific accident, but her grief fuels her work to bring justice and resolve the unanswered questions that linger surrounding this tragedy. Mixed Blood is the story of this journey.

Brenda Benning’s books are beautifully heartfelt with endless soul poured into them. From the first book of hers that I devoured (and every book since), I love being able to identify the secret sauce that she pours into every chapter. Brenda Bening is a beautiful writer but she’s also a social worker and this winning combination produces emotionally charged books that resonate. In just a few days we celebrate Social Work Month. As a fellow social worker, I can see how her years practicing in the field that trains to Uplift, Defend, and Transform (the themes chosen for this year). And when you read Bennings’ absolutely profound works, you see these themes flawlessly woven throughout. Her latest emotional thriller with a gripping mystery delivers a captivating novel with so many layers.

[Archana A · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Trish honey we need to meet soon.

I know you don't want to see me, but I have to see you as soon as possible.

Please, Trish. I think you might be in danger."

I squealed with excitement when I got to know the release of 'Mixed Blood's by Brenda Benning. Ever since I read 'Bonded Blood', I was awaiting to read the next installment.

The story surrounds Trish Trottwood who was looking for answers after the death of her daughter. She believed that it wasn't what it seemed like, and the truth was something else. So she goes in search of it, and what's awaiting her is the story.

I'm not new to Brenda's writing. Forget the twists and turns she writes well; I love the way she blends emotional concepts and psychology in an impeccable manner. If you haven't read her books, I urge you to pick them up soon. I have read book two and three, but I now want to go back to one and complete the trio.

[Archana Ashok · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Trish honey we need to meet soon.

I know you don't want to see me, but I have to see you as soon as possible.

Please, Trish. I think you might be in danger."

I squealed with excitement when I got to know the release of 'Mixed Blood's by Brenda Benning. Ever since I read 'Bonded Blood', I was awaiting to read the next installment.

The story surrounds Trish Trottwood who was looking for answers after the death of her daughter. She believed that it wasn't what it seemed like, and the truth was something else. So she goes in search of it, and what's awaiting her is the story.

I'm not new to Brenda's writing. Forget the twists and turns she writes well; I love the way she blends emotional concepts and psychology in an impeccable manner. If you haven't read her books, I urge you to pick them up soon. I have read book two and three, but I now want to go back to one and complete the trio.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was part of a series, but I didn’t have any issues with not reading the other books. I love a good mystery and cozy crime. But I will admit there were some parts where I felt like it drug out and it lost my attention, but not too much where I didn’t finish.

Trish is looking for answers surrounding the death of her little girl. She does not believe what she was told and is determined to uncover the truth. I loved that she was stubborn and was not going to stop until she had answers. As a mother, I related to that part of her.

I loved Sharon, she is the best friend that everyone needs. She had Trish’s back no matter what and was going to help her. Clayton, I didn’t like at first, solely based on how Trish spoke about him, but once he came in, I just knew he was trustworthy. Something about him just made me believe him and that he wanted to help Trish also find the truth.

Get ready for a cozy crime story that has some twists and turns along the way.

[Kate Edmondson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Please, Trish. I think you might be in danger"

This is by far my favourite book by Brenda, and the best in the series! I read this almost all in one day!

The detail in Brenda's writing is intense and you feel as if you are part of the conversations, and the story and involved in all of their lives!

This is the mystery/crime book of the series, the others have mystery but this is another level!

I love the naming of the children for Patricia! Nice one, made them even more like "twins" and explained and created a lot more depth in the character relationship.

Poor Trish is quite insular, due to what has happened around her, and her friend Sharon - the undercover sleuth is there to help her and solve a many year long mystery

I enjoyed the development of Trish through the other books, but you can read this one alone, and if you only pick one - pick this one!

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trish’s daughter was killed several years ago and she has been searching for answers ever since. With the help of her friend Sharon, a retired agent they are closer than ever to figuring out what actually happened.

This is a slow burn mystery with lots of twists and turns for you to enjoy. Trish is very stubborn and infuriating at times. After experiencing such a heartbreaking loss she prefers to be isolated and doesn’t trust anyone except Sharon. Sharon is a lovely retired agent who may seem like an innocent old lady but could still take you down in the blink of an eye. I enjoyed their friendship and contrasting personalities.

Overall this was 3.5⭐️ for me. I struggled a little to connect to Trish which I think made it rate a little lower for me but that was just personal preference. For fans of slow burn mysteries, you will love this.

[Sam Oneill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3, although I haven't read book 1 and 2 and I wasn't confused.

This is a beautifully written novel, one which caught me hookline and sinker.
It was a quick and easy read.

This story is full of twists and turns, ones which kept you hooked from the start.

The way this author has created this storyline and the characters inside it, is brilliantly done.

In this novel we see Trish trying to get answers to her daughters death. She knew that it wasn't random and has spent a while investigating what really happened.

Can Trish discover the truth to her daughters death?
Can she handle the truth?

This is the first novel by this author I have read and I can hands down say it will not be the last!

I can't wait to see what this author has instore for us next!

[Jordan Riddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted a digital copy of mixed blood by Brenda Benning; From the moment that I saw that cover and read the blurb, I just knew I had to pick this up immediately, and wow, I’m so glad I did!

Even though this book is the third in its series, it worked perfectly as a standalone for me!

Brenda’s writing completely mesmerized me; everything about this book was incredible. I have always loved a slow-burn mystery as they have always been a page turner, and this delivered without a doubt!

There were moments when Trish frustrated me, but more than anything I get it, it made her feel like a real person you know? Overall. Mixed blood was a gripping yet emotional read. I even teared up, but that’s nothing new for me! I highly recommend!

[KizzasBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a character driven mystery with heart. It’s book three in The Sense of Belonging series, but you can absolutely dive in without reading the others first.

I was hooked by the writing style right away; it’s smooth, easy to sink into, and the characters feel instantly familiar. Trish, especially, shines. Following her journey and all the emotional layers that come with it, gave the story so much more depth.

It is a heartfelt mystery perfect for readers who love strong characters, gentle tension, and stories that explore belonging just as much as they unravel secrets.

Thank you Brenda Benning and Love Book Tours for my arc book.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a slightly longer wait this time, but I'm back with the third book in The Sense Of Belonging series.

I say a longer wait, but even still, it's really not been long since I read both books 1&2 in the series - Shared Blood and Bonded Blood through last year and so I was still just as excited to see this new release coming along.

 

After reading the first two books, I wasn't again expecting this to continue the stories on.

This makes it perfect to read as a standalone - but, you know me, I'd still recommend reading the series in order anyway.

 

Knowing that I'd be meeting new characters meant that I was able to really settle into this read much quicker and get to work with the new setting and Trish's situation.

 

Ever since her daughter was killed, Trish has been searching for answers and we follow the story several years later, just as she feels like she's getting somewhere.

 

Trish was quite a frustrating character and as much as I wanted to shake her up, I just couldn't help but sympathise with her situation.

I couldn't imagine losing a child not contemplate how I'd feel within my grief.

But to know that you could find out the truth about what happened, I feel would drive me a little crazy too.

 

I loved the working relationship and friendship that Trish and Sharon had together.

It really does show how totally different personalities can get along and not clash at times.

 

As ever, this is beautifully written with characters I found myself relating to in different ways and also rooting for - despite the not so proper methods used!

 

This was twisty and kept me guessing and this always has me turning those pages in search of answers.

 

Another great read in this brilliant series.

 

 

 

 

 

[Sarah Essex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic had me guessing all the time along the way, i really connected with Trish in her search for finding who was responsible for the tragic loss of her daughter. She consumed herself in pain and grief for over a decade in the search. I thought absolutely unique image i had in my head was the cameras in the gnomes i thought that was brilliant. This book had so many twist and turns along the way. this was my first book ive read by this author but it won't be my last, i thought the writing style so very clever

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the entire series, I can say this installment really deepened the emotional weight of Trish’s journey. Her relentless search for answers about her daughter’s death continues to drive the story.

What stood out most was the bond between Trish and Sharon. Sharon is loyal, sharp, and often the voice of reason, while Trish is fiery and determined. Their contrasting personalities balance the narrative beautifully, and I loved seeing how their friendship carried them through the darkest moments.

The mystery itself was layered with twists that kept me guessing.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it’s part of a series, I had no trouble jumping in. The writing is smooth and immersive, giving off cozy, slow-burn mystery vibes that kept me engaged without the stress of a high-intensity thriller. Trish is determined—maybe a little stubborn at times—but I felt her grief and drive for answers. Sharon is the ultimate best friend, and Clayton had my trust from the start. With clever twists and surprises, this one kept me guessing, I was hooked right away.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good installment and continuation of the series. I liked the story and felt that the concept was strong. The cover was another great design. The swings and the tree with the strung-up bottles are haunting. It works exceptionally well. The writing is good, and the story flows perfectly. I enjoyed the setting and thought it worked very well. I enjoyed the characters. I did like Trish, and her story was so sad, but it evolved well. I definitely recommend the book and series.