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Covert Operatives #1
Cold Case Cover-Up
She’ll risk everything to uncover her past
The first thrilling Covert Operatives tale
An infant is believed to have been murdered thirty years ago—but investigative journalist Dana Lang is convinced she’s that baby. Now someone’s willing to kill to stop her investigation. And only secretive deputy Quinn Dawson, whose grandfather may have faked Dana’s death to protect her, can keep her safe. But a killer’s dead set on burying the past—and them—for good.
The first thrilling Covert Operatives tale
An infant is believed to have been murdered thirty years ago—but investigative journalist Dana Lang is convinced she’s that baby. Now someone’s willing to kill to stop her investigation. And only secretive deputy Quinn Dawson, whose grandfather may have faked Dana’s death to protect her, can keep her safe. But a killer’s dead set on burying the past—and them—for good.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 7, 2018
113 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Vaughan
118 books235 followersAward winning author Virginia Vaughan lives by the motto ‘It’s not hoarding if its books’. Always the kid with her nose stuck in a book, becoming a multi-published author hasn’t stopped Virginia from continuing to grow her own collection of favorite reads. Her family has refused to help her move anymore because of the sheer number boxes of books, but she’s no quitter. She’ll keep buying books and, the next time she moves, hire a moving van.
If you love stories where romance intersects danger and faith, subscribe to Virginia’s email list at https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl and be the first to know when a new story arrives.
If you love stories where romance intersects danger and faith, subscribe to Virginia’s email list at https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl and be the first to know when a new story arrives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 27, 2018
'God had never been on Dana's side. He'd allowed terrible things to alter her life.'
Investigative reporter Dana Lang is in town to work on a story for her tv program. She has some pretty convincing evidence that she is the child who was reported dead 30 years ago. She meets security specialist Quinn Dawson, whose grandfather, while sheriff those years ago, covered up the supposed murder of an infant girl. Dana begins to investigate and as soon as she does, she becomes a target. Someone doesn't want her to find out whether she is the supposed murdered infant from all those years ago. It's up to her and Quinn to find out the truth before they assailants take her out.
Virginia Vaughan has written a tight suspense novel, full of intrigue and I enjoyed it very much indeed. Her characters are well written and fleshed out and the plot was very, very interesting. I never guessed the culprit, either! Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Investigative reporter Dana Lang is in town to work on a story for her tv program. She has some pretty convincing evidence that she is the child who was reported dead 30 years ago. She meets security specialist Quinn Dawson, whose grandfather, while sheriff those years ago, covered up the supposed murder of an infant girl. Dana begins to investigate and as soon as she does, she becomes a target. Someone doesn't want her to find out whether she is the supposed murdered infant from all those years ago. It's up to her and Quinn to find out the truth before they assailants take her out.
Virginia Vaughan has written a tight suspense novel, full of intrigue and I enjoyed it very much indeed. Her characters are well written and fleshed out and the plot was very, very interesting. I never guessed the culprit, either! Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
August 31, 2018
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Cold Case Cover-up. This is the first book in the Covert Operatives Series. This is an awesome book and I look forward to the next book in the series. This book is well written, action packed, and full of faith. You are going to love it.
Investigative Reporter Dana Lang has come to West Bend, MO to find answers to her birth. She found evidence that she is the baby that was believed to have been murdered thirty years ago along with its mother. She has been investigating a heroic eight man team of CIA-contracted security operatives that rescued eighteen Americans trapped in an embassy. Now she must find answers to her own questions. No sooner than she has arrived she is attacked. Is someone trying to keep her from finding answers? Who is covering up the murders?
Reserve Deputy Quinn Dawson is also a part of the CIA; as part of the Security Operations Abroad. He was a part of the covert rescue but if this reporter find out who he is she will blow his cover and ruin his career. He is sent to her apartment when she is attacked. Can he keep her safe without revealing who he is? How did his grandfather fit into this mess?
A journey of two wounded souls trying to find out answers that will solve the murders. God has a plan for these two a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too, a plan for a hope and a future.Give Him your heart and watch Him move in you life.
Investigative Reporter Dana Lang has come to West Bend, MO to find answers to her birth. She found evidence that she is the baby that was believed to have been murdered thirty years ago along with its mother. She has been investigating a heroic eight man team of CIA-contracted security operatives that rescued eighteen Americans trapped in an embassy. Now she must find answers to her own questions. No sooner than she has arrived she is attacked. Is someone trying to keep her from finding answers? Who is covering up the murders?
Reserve Deputy Quinn Dawson is also a part of the CIA; as part of the Security Operations Abroad. He was a part of the covert rescue but if this reporter find out who he is she will blow his cover and ruin his career. He is sent to her apartment when she is attacked. Can he keep her safe without revealing who he is? How did his grandfather fit into this mess?
A journey of two wounded souls trying to find out answers that will solve the murders. God has a plan for these two a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too, a plan for a hope and a future.Give Him your heart and watch Him move in you life.
August 5, 2018
My new favorite by Virginia Vaughn! Cold Case Cover-Up, the first book in a new series, was so full of gripping suspense that it was hard to put down. She had me transfixed from the very first page.
Investigative Journalist Dana Lang travels to the small town, West Bend, Missouri, to find out what happened to an infant and her family who were murdered thirty years ago. She believes she’s that infant. Unsolved secrets from the past come back to haunt Dana. Once she starts looking for answers, she becomes a target and someone doesn’t want her digging up news from the past. Security Operatives deputy Quinn Dawson comes to her safety and he won’t leave her site. It’s believed that Quinn’s grandfather may have faked her death for her protection. Will she find the one who’s behind the mess? Will just be served?
Dana Lang has a spunky personality that contributes to her don’t give up attitude. On the other hand, Quinn Dawson is quiet and secretive because he has to protect his job. At first their personalities clash but Dana soon realizes that Quinn is a blessing in disguise. Once they both realize that they’re both after a common goal, they work well together. I enjoyed getting to know each of them. Virginia does a great job with developing believable characters and a great plot to go with it. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a copy from the author. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review. All ideas expressed are my own.
Investigative Journalist Dana Lang travels to the small town, West Bend, Missouri, to find out what happened to an infant and her family who were murdered thirty years ago. She believes she’s that infant. Unsolved secrets from the past come back to haunt Dana. Once she starts looking for answers, she becomes a target and someone doesn’t want her digging up news from the past. Security Operatives deputy Quinn Dawson comes to her safety and he won’t leave her site. It’s believed that Quinn’s grandfather may have faked her death for her protection. Will she find the one who’s behind the mess? Will just be served?
Dana Lang has a spunky personality that contributes to her don’t give up attitude. On the other hand, Quinn Dawson is quiet and secretive because he has to protect his job. At first their personalities clash but Dana soon realizes that Quinn is a blessing in disguise. Once they both realize that they’re both after a common goal, they work well together. I enjoyed getting to know each of them. Virginia does a great job with developing believable characters and a great plot to go with it. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a copy from the author. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review. All ideas expressed are my own.
August 2, 2018
Explosive secrets are uncovered! My attention was grabbed from the very start when the details of this cold case began to emerge. The story line was riveting and the characters well developed and personable. Really enjoyed it!
Investigative TV journalist Dana Lang is well known for her tenacity in getting her story, but this time, the thing she's intent on investigating is personal! She's found information that leads her to believe she's the infant that was believed dead in small town West Bend, Missouri thirty years ago. She's going to find answers of who she really is, even though things have started to happen ever since she arrived in town!
Security specialist Quinn Dawson finds himself drawn to Dana the first time he meets her, so when he hears that someone is targeting her, he's determined to get to the bottom of it ... especially when he realizes his grandfather may have been involved in whatever cover-up happened all those years ago. Danger is circling around them and determined that she won't uncover the truth ... will he be able to keep her safe while she does?
Investigative TV journalist Dana Lang is well known for her tenacity in getting her story, but this time, the thing she's intent on investigating is personal! She's found information that leads her to believe she's the infant that was believed dead in small town West Bend, Missouri thirty years ago. She's going to find answers of who she really is, even though things have started to happen ever since she arrived in town!
Security specialist Quinn Dawson finds himself drawn to Dana the first time he meets her, so when he hears that someone is targeting her, he's determined to get to the bottom of it ... especially when he realizes his grandfather may have been involved in whatever cover-up happened all those years ago. Danger is circling around them and determined that she won't uncover the truth ... will he be able to keep her safe while she does?
June 16, 2018
I've always enjoyed Virginia's books and this one doesn't disappoint me at all. In this story I get to meet Dana Lang and Quinn Lawson. Dana has found out she is adopted with a mystery tied into it. She is a investigative reporter trying to solve a mystery about herself and about something that happened overseas. That has to do with Quinn. I love the way she has more than one mystery going on in a story. It keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen next. I like the different twists in the plot. I also like the way she keeps you on the edge of your seat with some of the things that are going on. Its a great book to read with a really good story line to follow. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series for there is alot of action in every book. But I especially love the ending to this book. J
June 29, 2018
This is a Christian, clean, suspense with some romance. It’s also, the first book in the series.
I found it interesting and entertaining.
Dana Lang , a tv investigation reporter, and Quinn Dawson ,are the main characters. Dana comes to town when she finds out her origins , were not what she thought. Determined to find out about her past, she appears to have made someone nervous enough for them to try and harm her. Quinn, a reserve deputy and former Special Forces warrior, is attracted to her, but fears she can cause him more harm than good.
Though I found the story engaging and Quinn a likable character, I didn’t particularly care for Dana,
For me it was more of a 3.5 star book, I will give it 4 stars since authors are dedicated individuals who should be appreciated.
I voluntarily read this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I found it interesting and entertaining.
Dana Lang , a tv investigation reporter, and Quinn Dawson ,are the main characters. Dana comes to town when she finds out her origins , were not what she thought. Determined to find out about her past, she appears to have made someone nervous enough for them to try and harm her. Quinn, a reserve deputy and former Special Forces warrior, is attracted to her, but fears she can cause him more harm than good.
Though I found the story engaging and Quinn a likable character, I didn’t particularly care for Dana,
For me it was more of a 3.5 star book, I will give it 4 stars since authors are dedicated individuals who should be appreciated.
I voluntarily read this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 30, 2018
Virginia Vaughn has become one of my favorite suspense authors, and her latest is my new "favorite" of her's.
In a Cold Case Cover-Up, Dana Lang, an investigative journalist comes to small town to investigate a thirty-year old unsolved murder case, only this isn't just the "usual" case she is investigating, it is much more personal. As she begins to dig, she quickly finds out that someone will do just about anything to keep this case closed, even kill Dana.
This page-turning suspense had me hooked from the very first page with its characters, plot, its many twist and turns, and trying to figure out who committed this murder and why?
This is a book and author you do not want to miss! I give it 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
In a Cold Case Cover-Up, Dana Lang, an investigative journalist comes to small town to investigate a thirty-year old unsolved murder case, only this isn't just the "usual" case she is investigating, it is much more personal. As she begins to dig, she quickly finds out that someone will do just about anything to keep this case closed, even kill Dana.
This page-turning suspense had me hooked from the very first page with its characters, plot, its many twist and turns, and trying to figure out who committed this murder and why?
This is a book and author you do not want to miss! I give it 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
July 9, 2018
Cold Case Cover-Up
Virginia Vaughan
An intense story of finding out you aren’t who you thought you were all your life. In trying to find out who she is, Dana encounters dangerous events shared with a stranger. Quinn goes from non- believer to believer as the threats increase.
Strong characters who find out trust can still be had even in the worst of times.
Many twists and turns that keep you turning page after page so you can find the answers to all the questions that are presented throughout the story.
A must read!
Virginia Vaughan
An intense story of finding out you aren’t who you thought you were all your life. In trying to find out who she is, Dana encounters dangerous events shared with a stranger. Quinn goes from non- believer to believer as the threats increase.
Strong characters who find out trust can still be had even in the worst of times.
Many twists and turns that keep you turning page after page so you can find the answers to all the questions that are presented throughout the story.
A must read!
August 10, 2018
Cold Case Cover-Up is the first book in author Virginia Vaughan’s Covert Operatives series. The storyline is packed with mystery and suspense aplenty and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what will happen next!
If you enjoy suspense books, especially those from the Love Inspired Suspense line, then Cold Case Cover-Up is the book for you!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
If you enjoy suspense books, especially those from the Love Inspired Suspense line, then Cold Case Cover-Up is the book for you!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
August 30, 2018
Super good mystery! I really got into Dana and Quinn’s story.
Dans Lang comes to West Bend to find answers to whom she think she really is and immediately is threatened and her things gone through. She calls the police and they send Quinn Dawson to check things out. They’re drawn together awkwardly at first but after several attempts on Dana’s life and Quinn realizes there might be some validity to her claims that she is Alicia Renfield who was believed to have been killed along with her mom over 30 years ago.
They need to find the answers quickly before it’s to late for a future together!
Dans Lang comes to West Bend to find answers to whom she think she really is and immediately is threatened and her things gone through. She calls the police and they send Quinn Dawson to check things out. They’re drawn together awkwardly at first but after several attempts on Dana’s life and Quinn realizes there might be some validity to her claims that she is Alicia Renfield who was believed to have been killed along with her mom over 30 years ago.
They need to find the answers quickly before it’s to late for a future together!
June 24, 2018
loved the story, if you like suspense you have to read the book, why was she not told she was adopted?, why is she connected to a cold case murder, why is someone trying to kill her since she has gotten to town who can she trust. I was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review. loved how she draws you into the story. loved it.
August 30, 2018
I have just finished reading "Cold case cover-up". WOW, was this a page turner! At first I thought it was one person and then I thought it was someone else and I was second guessing myself! I finished this book the day I started it! Virginia Vaughan is an AMAZING story teller!! Her latest book does not disappoint!
June 27, 2018
Not my usual type of read but I read the book for a review and I'm glad I did. It was intriguing and gripping. Dana and Quinn were great characters. I did figure out who was really behind all of it at around chapter 9 but I still thought it was great!
July 16, 2018
This is Virginia Vaughan's best book yet. I enjoyed reading this latest book, it's quick and a page turner. The characters are strong and deal with past tragedies. If they can overcome the past, they just might find happiness. This is my favorite so far. Congratulations Virginia.
August 1, 2018
If you like Love Inspired Suspense books, you’ll love Cold Case Cover-Up. It is fast paced and captivating. With high intensity and strong characters, Vaughn keeps you turning pages. I can’t wait to read book two in the series.
August 2, 2018
I was pulled into this well-written story quickly and never let go until the end. There are great characters, an exciting plot, lots of twists and turns, and a romance. I was given an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this exciting book.
June 21, 2019
INCREDIBLE BOOK!!! Our electricity went out in a storm, & I stayed up for Hours READING WITH A FLASHLIGHT because I couldn’t put this book down!
So well written that I didn’t even figure it out until the end! WOW!
So well written that I didn’t even figure it out until the end! WOW!
May 9, 2020
Wonderful
Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.I was sitting on the edge of my seat from the very beginning to the end.I really enjoyed this one.I will be looking forward to reading 📚more stories from this author.
Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.I was sitting on the edge of my seat from the very beginning to the end.I really enjoyed this one.I will be looking forward to reading 📚more stories from this author.
July 15, 2020
Great read
I love how fast these suspense tales read. It makes it easy to read a full book in an evening. Highly recommend this one. I loved getting to know Dana and Quinn though I really wanted a DNA test to confirm something’s.
I love how fast these suspense tales read. It makes it easy to read a full book in an evening. Highly recommend this one. I loved getting to know Dana and Quinn though I really wanted a DNA test to confirm something’s.
August 4, 2022
I'm giving this 3 stars because I finished it. The only part that I didn't like was the ending - I am used to these romances having a "finished" feel at the end. This one left me feeling unsatisfied.
September 15, 2022
While most of this book was terribly predictable, I greatly appreciated how you couldn't tell who the murderer until the end was. I also liked how they were willing to wait to get married, which I don't often see in these kinds of books.
August 2, 2018
I felt like the romance was rushed and I still had questions after it was over, other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
March 18, 2019
WOW!!!!!
This was an exciting book. It contained intrique, mystery greed, deadly jealousy, faith and romance. I really enjoyed this book.
This was an exciting book. It contained intrique, mystery greed, deadly jealousy, faith and romance. I really enjoyed this book.
July 31, 2019
I have read several books by this author so I was excited about this book which is the start to a new series. I really enjoyed this fast paced, suspenseful book! Highly recommend!
July 12, 2020
I loved this book! It was full of suspense!
It had Mystery and romance! I loved the characters! I highly recommend this book!!!!
I definitely want to read more of Virginia Vaughan books!
It had Mystery and romance! I loved the characters! I highly recommend this book!!!!
I definitely want to read more of Virginia Vaughan books!
January 6, 2021
Love the suspense and the ending! I would definitely read the next one.
June 22, 2022
Excellent book. Suspenseful.
October 26, 2025
loved it
October 22, 2021
Dana returns to her hotel to find an intruder in the room. Quinn Dawson, serving as an "extra" deputy while at home comes to her rescue. However, when he arrives he realizes he already knows her from her reporting of an attack overseas which killed a member of his team. He thinks this is her way of getting to him. Soon he realizes that she did, in fact, have an intruder. The story is action packed and full of forgiveness, love and inspiration. A very clean read.
August 2, 2018
Great start to a new series. A journalist goes in search of her past and finds not only the answers she is seeking, but also a future with a man that will always be there for her. Dana finds out she is adopted after her mother dies, which starts her search into a 30 year old unsolved murder case. Her adopted mom has always been a little distant with her, which has caused her to feel unloved. When she finds the adoption papers and other items in her mother’s things, she feels abandoned. That leads her search into why she was abandoned, and where her roots are. It is also a story of feeling God doesn’t love her because of her abandonment issues. It is a story of coming back to faith as she journeys into her past.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews