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Cape Refuge #3
River's Edge
The man Lisa Jackson loved most may have betrayed her. Another used deception to manipulate her. But did one of them kill her? Ben Jackson is sure to defeat Jonathan Cleary in Cape Refuge’s mayoral race, until his wife turns up missing the day before a major debate. Suspecting foul play, Police Chief Cade launches an island-wide search. But it takes a psychic’s “vision” to point police to the riverside—and Lisa’s body. The evidence implicating Ben in his wife’s murder is convincing. But as a local scandal escalates into a national media circus, Cade’s instincts tell him to dig deeper. And he’s not the only one. Blair Owens of the Cape Refuge Journal is using her investigative skills to uncover a rat’s nest of dirty secrets—and more than one person with a motive for murder. But Blair’s methods are jeopardizing her relationship with Cade, and an unsolicited prediction from the psychic only adds to her troubles. Is the man’s so-called gift truly from God, as he claims? Did Lisa’s murder have anything to do with the mayoral race, her husband’s alleged affair, or her decade-long struggle with infertility? Whoever the killer is, he’s about to take his evasion of justice to the next, lethal level. And someone else is going to die.
361 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2004
About the author
Terri Blackstock
97 books5,904 followersTerri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
May 15, 2023
This has been my favorite book in the series so far. I just love it that the storyline focuses on the same characters as the previous books, with a few new ones. Definitely mystery and suspense! In this one, I didn’t see the ending coming. I thought it was someone else. A page turner for sure.
Faith based and clean, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite series I’ve read. Looking forward to jumping into the final book of the series!
Faith based and clean, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite series I’ve read. Looking forward to jumping into the final book of the series!
September 6, 2020
What an intense story, with lots of twists and turns! Can't wait to read the finale!
January 21, 2020
Personally I wish Ms. Blackstock had placed the Afterword before chapter one. It gave great insights into Ms. Blackstock's motivation for writing, and the reader can see where she was going with regard to her faith as she wrote. I found it not only enlightening but encouraging.
Story:
Two characters face years of infertility. Their husbands are both vying for mayor of a small town on an island outside Savannah. But that doesn't stop them from being friends and being a support system for the other when their emotions are low from lack of children.
When one turns up missing, the whole town is concerned. What followed were enough accusations, rumors and arrests to make this one really good book!
Thoughts:
One GR friend offered the thought that it requires some suspension of belief. I found that to be true on two accounts, but the characters and the storyline helped me to put that aside and just enjoy the book.
Now, to find the two previous books so I can get a fuller picture of Cape Refuge and it's citizens.
Story:
Two characters face years of infertility. Their husbands are both vying for mayor of a small town on an island outside Savannah. But that doesn't stop them from being friends and being a support system for the other when their emotions are low from lack of children.
When one turns up missing, the whole town is concerned. What followed were enough accusations, rumors and arrests to make this one really good book!
Thoughts:
One GR friend offered the thought that it requires some suspension of belief. I found that to be true on two accounts, but the characters and the storyline helped me to put that aside and just enjoy the book.
Now, to find the two previous books so I can get a fuller picture of Cape Refuge and it's citizens.
May 4, 2012
#3 Cape Refuge
A series I recommend reading in order, as a lot of the background of this story happens in #1 and #2.
I'm really enjoying this series! I loved being back in Cape Refuge and meeting back up with familiar characters, and getting to know some new ones.
I felt the subject of infertility was handled very sensitively, portraying well the feelings of those who go through this.
The subject of physics and what the Bible has to say about them, and how they can affect us was also dealt with well. It was well played out through the characters. I was a bit nervous to start with when the subject came up in the story wondering where the author was going with the story line, but I soon relaxed as the story unfolded.
Cape Refuge Series
#1
#2
#3
#4
A series I recommend reading in order, as a lot of the background of this story happens in #1 and #2.
I'm really enjoying this series! I loved being back in Cape Refuge and meeting back up with familiar characters, and getting to know some new ones.
I felt the subject of infertility was handled very sensitively, portraying well the feelings of those who go through this.
The subject of physics and what the Bible has to say about them, and how they can affect us was also dealt with well. It was well played out through the characters. I was a bit nervous to start with when the subject came up in the story wondering where the author was going with the story line, but I soon relaxed as the story unfolded.
Cape Refuge Series
#1
#2
#3
#4
May 20, 2019
5/3/19
Another great installment in the Cape Refuge series. It requires some suspension of belief for the capabilities of a small-town police department, but I bumped it up to four stars because I came to care so deeply about these characters.
Another great installment in the Cape Refuge series. It requires some suspension of belief for the capabilities of a small-town police department, but I bumped it up to four stars because I came to care so deeply about these characters.
September 19, 2019
The third book in this series is just as thrilling as the others. I love these characters and can't get enough of them. The books should be read in order so you don't miss any of the ongoing story.
January 3, 2018
Ben Johnson's wife is missing. A psychic's vision leads police to her body. A national media circus plays out.
What a story. It's great on many levels as a lot happens within the pages of River's Edge. I read Book one and two a few years ago and remembered why I liked this series so much. The characters are memorable and likable.
The plot kept me turning the pages, wanting to find out, "who did it." Great book.
One part of the book spoke to me. I had to be strong with someone I love and who had been on drugs. I wondered if I'd been too hard on him until I read a passage.
"But it's no one else's fault. It's just mine. I'm the one who's failed myself. I'm the one who's failed my children."
(The person I'd been speaking to has blamed everyone except himself.)
Great book.
What a story. It's great on many levels as a lot happens within the pages of River's Edge. I read Book one and two a few years ago and remembered why I liked this series so much. The characters are memorable and likable.
The plot kept me turning the pages, wanting to find out, "who did it." Great book.
One part of the book spoke to me. I had to be strong with someone I love and who had been on drugs. I wondered if I'd been too hard on him until I read a passage.
"But it's no one else's fault. It's just mine. I'm the one who's failed myself. I'm the one who's failed my children."
(The person I'd been speaking to has blamed everyone except himself.)
Great book.
July 29, 2016
This is book 3 of the Cape Refuge series. As usual I was kept in suspense throughout the whole story not even realizing who the killer was until the last chapter. Blackstock gives a testimony at the end of the book on her style of writing. No matter how much she mentions her writing, she always gives praise to the Bible and mentions how her books could not even approach the glory of the Bible. She praises the Word of God. Every story I read from her, I can see the providence and sovereignty of God. I recommend her writings to every Christian who has the opportunity of reading her works.
February 16, 2024
No ring ☹️ ……yet🫣
June 27, 2024
This book has to be the best one yet! However, I hate how Cade treats Blair and I hate that it’s normalized. He seems like a big brat and I’m tired of his character. Blair loves him but he treats her like an idiot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
started off a bit slow then things really picked up! i absolutely love this series and am excited to read the finale! 🤩
September 30, 2024
In my humble and honest opinion, this is the best book thus far in this series!!! Kept me guessing until the final few chapters- much more suspenseful!
August 14, 2018
Lots going on in this book.. media is a big topic.. infertility and dishonest doctors..
prisoner rehabilitation.. politics.
The author’s afterword was a highlight for me.
prisoner rehabilitation.. politics.
The author’s afterword was a highlight for me.
July 29, 2009
Terri Blackstock writes another murder mystery with a Christian perspective. She feels that her books are her ministry. Sometimes when I read this type of book, I find the author very preachy, but she strikes a nice balance between an interesting story and sharing her beliefs.
This story is the third book in the Cape Refuge series. This fictitious island off Georgia's coast has seen a surge of murders recently. Police Chief Cade is now on the hot seat as the mayor's race heats up. Two of the candidates (Ben and Sam)don't think he is doing a good job and would love to get rid of him. It's only long time friend, Jonathan, who is also a mayoral candidate who continues to believe in him.
When Ben's wife disappears and is found murdered, the pressure is on to find the killer before he strikes again. Rumors are flying that Ben was having an affair. Perhaps he or his mistress were behind Lisa's murder? Rounding out the cast is Blair, who recently bought the island newspaper, her sister Morgan who desperately wants a baby, a psychic, a tabloid reporter, and the residents of Hanover House who are trying to put their lives back together again.
This story is the third book in the Cape Refuge series. This fictitious island off Georgia's coast has seen a surge of murders recently. Police Chief Cade is now on the hot seat as the mayor's race heats up. Two of the candidates (Ben and Sam)don't think he is doing a good job and would love to get rid of him. It's only long time friend, Jonathan, who is also a mayoral candidate who continues to believe in him.
When Ben's wife disappears and is found murdered, the pressure is on to find the killer before he strikes again. Rumors are flying that Ben was having an affair. Perhaps he or his mistress were behind Lisa's murder? Rounding out the cast is Blair, who recently bought the island newspaper, her sister Morgan who desperately wants a baby, a psychic, a tabloid reporter, and the residents of Hanover House who are trying to put their lives back together again.
March 16, 2013
Once again, Terri Blackstock has created an intricate mystery with several sub-plots weaving their way through the main mystery. She included several sub-plots involving themes you don't often see in Christian fiction: infertility, psychics (palm-reading), and halfway houses. This is the third book in the Cape Refuge series and I have enjoyed them all.
June 8, 2024
This book was wild. There were so many suspects and plot points.
I loved the family aspect and the faith content. Blair and Cade continued to grow. Sadie, Caleb, and Sheila made an interesting dynamic. Jonathan and Morgan work so hard and they were so faithful through all the pain.
Why is it a four? For two reasons.
One: there is a psychic in this book. It was explained a bit, but I would have liked it a bit more fleshed out at the end. I did enjoy the emphasis on trusting God for our life
Two: While the romantic content was clearer than book 2, this deals a lot with infertility. There is some basic terminology surrounding this as well as a miscarriage scene at the beginning (not detailed, mostly blood).
Overall, I enjoyed this third book a lot
Content: miscarriage, kisses (up to almost semi-detailed), infertility and terminology surrounding it, violence
I loved the family aspect and the faith content. Blair and Cade continued to grow. Sadie, Caleb, and Sheila made an interesting dynamic. Jonathan and Morgan work so hard and they were so faithful through all the pain.
Why is it a four? For two reasons.
One: there is a psychic in this book. It was explained a bit, but I would have liked it a bit more fleshed out at the end. I did enjoy the emphasis on trusting God for our life
Two: While the romantic content was clearer than book 2, this deals a lot with infertility. There is some basic terminology surrounding this as well as a miscarriage scene at the beginning (not detailed, mostly blood).
Overall, I enjoyed this third book a lot
Content: miscarriage, kisses (up to almost semi-detailed), infertility and terminology surrounding it, violence
December 17, 2020
The further I get into this series, the better it gets! I thought it was a mistake for the author to repeat the plot point of putting the wrong person in jail and just leaving them there for most of the book, like she did in the first book. Both times it just made Cade look inept. However, other than that I really enjoyed this book! Not predictable at all.
September 5, 2022
3⭐️
Jonathan is running for mayor and Cade’s position as Police Chief is threatened if the opposition wins.
The wife of a different candidate has gone missing.
Mandy and Jonathan try to conceive a baby after a miscarriage.
Sadie’s mom might be released from prison.
This story is heavily saturated with infertility & fertility treatments content.
Jonathan is running for mayor and Cade’s position as Police Chief is threatened if the opposition wins.
The wife of a different candidate has gone missing.
Mandy and Jonathan try to conceive a baby after a miscarriage.
Sadie’s mom might be released from prison.
This story is heavily saturated with infertility & fertility treatments content.
July 15, 2026
Great story! I couldn't stop listening! I am loving the main characters in the Cape Refuge series, and have really enjoyed the mystery, inspiration, and good people as they try to make sense of what life throws at them. This one was mostly Blair and Cade's story, and I loved the integrity they show in their careers and with each other. I also enjoyed all the other threads of the story and couldn't listen fast enough. It certainly had me guessing! I can't wait for book #4!!
January 2, 2019
This third book is a bit over the top. This series is set in a small town supposedly. Too much happens in this small town for it to feel even remotely real. I will not read the last book in this series.
January 14, 2026
Such a talent!
I am blessed with each book. The gift God gave you spill out to the readers and blesses us, too. Cried tears, snickered and down right laughed out loud! Thank you for sharing.
I am blessed with each book. The gift God gave you spill out to the readers and blesses us, too. Cried tears, snickered and down right laughed out loud! Thank you for sharing.
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March 19, 2026[Comments/Review years after reading] Terry Blackstock is great at writing CLEAN suspense/thriller/mystery books that are fairly fast paced in nature and easy to follow. They are clean in every way. Any violence is minimal and non-descript.
August 11, 2020
Amazing read!
September 14, 2020
Love love love this series! great book!
December 13, 2021
Exciting mystery and plenty of twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I feel attached to the main characters too.
November 13, 2022
A good mystery with a surprise ending - story has it all - murder - small town police - romance - rehabilitation.. politics - family - strong faith in God - held my interest to the end & it became a "page turner"
August 21, 2026
So good! I’m absolutely loving this series. The suspense, characters, and twists kept me hooked, and I absolutely loved the ending! Definitely can’t wait to continue. 📚❤️
January 24, 2022
Probably the least best in the series, it's more sad and intense than the other ones but still really good!❤
August 27, 2024
This one kept me guessing till the end. Good mystery.
June 20, 2020
Very enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews