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The Cold Case

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What happens when you stumble across a case that should never have been closed?


Detective Mark Friessen uncovers a disturbing mystery: A little girl was taken, but when evidence disappeared, the case was closed.

While cleaning out closed cases, Mark discovers a file on a missing toddler, Gabby Martin. After reading the two pages within, he realizes evidence is missing. The only interviews, by the detective who previously had Mark’s job, was conducted with a bitter ex-wife and a former business partner, both of whom pointed at the father.

It appears to have been an open and shut case. The father took Gabby in retaliation for a bitter custody dispute with her mother, and then he killed her. Although no body was found, the father was charged and convicted, and the case was closed.

However, an old woman the town has dubbed Crazy Carla disagrees. She says she saw everything, and she contradicts the investigating detective’s notes, yet the local cops pursued only one lead, the father.

As Mark secretly delves into the closed case and realizes that nothing adds up, he reaches out to social worker Billy Jo McCabe. Did social services receive any suspicious reports about the girl or her parents? What Billy Jo soon discovers is a family of secrets, a volatile marriage, and a forbidden relationship—and the mystery of the missing girl, whose body has never been found, becomes a case that should never have been closed.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2021

47 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Lorhainne Eckhart

294 books900 followers
"Lorhainne Eckhart is one of my go to authors when I want a guaranteed good book. So many twists and turns, but also so much love and such a strong sense of family."
 (Lora W. Reviewer)

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New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Norine Fry.
146 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2021
This was a great book. I’m really into the characters. I love this series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Reading Susan.
163 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2021
This was a short afternoon read that drew me in from the first few pages and kept me interested until the very end. This is the third book of the 'Billy Jo McCabe Mystery Series'. In 'The Cold Case' we find ourselves back on the small town island of Roche Harbor. It starts with our hero, Detective Mark Friessen, being tasked with reviewing past cold case files before packing them up for storage. One case is brought to his attention that involves a bitter divorced couple, a small child's disappearance, a questionable business partner, and a conviction of murder of a man who could be innocent. Little to no documentation can be found in this file which happened to be the case of his predecessor. Knowing that questioning a fellow officer's work could be the final nail in his coffin in regards to his employment, Mark can't let a bad situation lay dormant and decides to investigate the case in detail. Billy Jo is invited in by Mark as support when questioning witnesses and as his personal sounding board. As their relationship grows, so does the cold case they are investigating. Throw in some shady characters, hidden secrets, questionable legal decisions, and small town politics and you have an amazing whodunit. This book is well written and keeps you guessing. I thought that the secondary characters such as the Chief's wife Gail, Sybil and Crazy Carmen really added to the story. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3,601 reviews41 followers
February 27, 2021
We are back in the small island off the NW coast where secrets are kept and where Detective Mark Friessen has ended after his honesty and the truth ended his career on the mainland. Also where he and social worker Billy Jo McCabe have now developed a friendship neither expected.
When a closed case is brought to his attention, it’s evident it has more holes than a Swiss cheese.
The investigation leads to more questions than answers . Answers and digging that could cost him his job.
Is the former detective involved and if so why? What about the Chief of Police that wants Mark to stop the investigation?
But with no body, no real evidence and a stubbornness to find justice, Mark is once again in hot water.
This talented author gives us a story that will keep you guessing, and hoping that Mark and Bill Jo can figure out why things were hidden and what really happened.
Looking forward to more stories about this duo whose friendship continues to develop.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,900 reviews51 followers
February 28, 2021
In this book, Mark and Billy Jo are hip deep in another mystery and coverup. This time Mark is the one who heeds his gut instinct when it comes to an old case file that was due to be filed away and forgotten. A file about a missing girl, now presumed dead has far too little evidence or follow up within it, a fact that sets Mark on edge and provokes him to do his own investigating. Knowing he is about to set his boss off like a bottle rocket by investigating a case that has been deemed closed, Mark stubbornly persists on adhering to his sense of duty and own code of ethics when he continues his investigation. Not knowing who to trust in the police department, he pulls Billy Jo into the investigation with him. He knows that despite her tough, testy and sometimes prickly exterior, Billy Jo has her own determined need to serve, protect and make things right. She cuts through the clutter and tells him the truth as she sees it and holds him accountable too. As they conduct their investigation, they must deal with twists and turns in the case as well as roadblocks set up to prevent them from learning the truth. Just what will they uncover?

During this investigation, both of them also become aware of their growing connection to each other through the tidbits of personal information that each seems unwittingly to provide the other. Their relationship is as fascinating and intriguing as the case they are investigating. So far we have learned they both are stubborn, driven to serve and protect, doggedly persistent in search of the truth and justice (sometimes to their own detriment), and have an unexpected vulnerability that they keep well hidden. We have also discovered that they work well together and instinctively trust each other to have the other’s back. I can’t wait to read more about this couple and the mysteries or situations they feel bound to investigate.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,438 reviews15 followers
February 26, 2021
You know Mark Friessen, when faced with a closed case that doesn’t add up, is going to look into it further. With Billy Jo McCabe’s help, he starts asking questions, and that’s when things really start heating up. What’s the real story behind a little girl’s disappearance & will this be the final straw to end Mark’s career in law enforcement?

It’s an intriguing tale in which we are not only captivated by the mysteries surrounding this closed case, but by watching the relationship between Mark and Billy Jo grow stronger as their feelings for each other begin to blossom and the trust between them forms a stronger bond. Although each book in this series brings with it its own enjoyable story, having Mark and Billy Jo’s connection slowly developing throughout adds so much to the overall entertainment of the series. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for this engaging couple.
10.9k reviews127 followers
March 18, 2021
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Lorhainne Eckhart; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the third book in the Billy Jo McCabe Mystery Series; Mark is a detective who is cleaning out old closed cases when he comes across a file about a missing toddler; the case was closed when evidence disappeared. Her father was convicted; they never found her body but the old women they called Crazy Carla claims she saw everything that happened but no one believed her. Mark decides to investigate it further because nothing adds up.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
546 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2021
Another great addition to this series. Billy Jo and Mark make a great investigative duo. It seems like things in the sheriff’s office are on the irregular side. I’m sure there are a lot more secrets to come. When Mark is assigned to help clean out the storage area he comes across a murder file about a little girl whose file only had two pages in it and not any evidence. Becoming suspicious, he includes Billy Jo in his investigation, and it was quite an interesting case. Given what he has discovered as far as how cases seem to be handled on the inland, this series could last a long time and the readers will never get enough of them.
748 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2021
Billy Jo and Mark solve another mystery

While going through old files to be stored, Detective Mark Friessen comes across a closed case that doesn’t seem to be right. Deciding that there’s more to the case than the two pages of notes, he begins to dig into it. He also calls on DCFS case worker Billy Jo McCabe’s help since the case involves a missing child. And the two go against everything to make sure justice has been served.
Profile Image for Nicole Dunton.
1,419 reviews36 followers
July 15, 2021
This was a very emotionally intense book. It's about a cold case involving a little girl that went missing. Her father was convicted for her murder. The body was never found. Everybody but Mike and Billy Jo wants to let the case go and not open up old wounds so to speak. I just wish it was longer!
2,576 reviews41 followers
February 28, 2021
Little Gabby is gone. She has been gone for four years. Her father is in jail for her murder, but her body has never been found. Once Detective Mark Friessen sees the slim file on this closed case he has to investigate. As he starts questioning those involved in Gabby’s life, he asks for help from Billy Jo McCabe, the town social worker. He and Billy Jo have a curious history as they seem to circle around each other, not quite friends, but each interested in justice. Mark knows that the chief will most likely fire him if he finds out that Mark is “going cowboy” again by investigating a case that he was not assigned. Slowly Mark determines that what he thought was just shoddy police work is concealing something much more serious. Will he and Billy Jo uncover what happened to Gabby? A shorter story, but my favorite of this series so far. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
1,788 reviews15 followers
March 7, 2021
Another intriguing mystery with many twists and turns and very interesting story in this series.

This is also a love story.

Wonderful read.

I enjoy Ms Eckhart’s stories. The storylines are always engaging and captivating.

Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Lee Simpson.
Author 4 books14 followers
March 3, 2021
Another intriguing story in this series. Mark Friessen comes across an old case file and discovers there is a lot missing from the investigation. Mark enlists the help of Billy Jo McCabe to find out what happened to the little girl that was presumed murdered four years earlier. Together they work to figure out what happened and why there was mistakes made in the original investigation. This is a very interesting story and learning more about the lives of Mark and Billy Jo is interesting too.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
February 28, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better! This time Mark is steered towards an old case that was closed. A toddler was deemed missing and her father was convicted of killing her. Her body was never found and Mark thinks the whole thing stinks. The file that he was led to only has two pages. Mark reaches out to Billy Jo for help. Will they be able to uncover the truth? Will they both lose their jobs in the pursuit? Will they find each other? I am loving these characters and the mysteries just get better.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Karen L Ledee.
906 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2021
Mark’s coworker makes sure that he gets a sketchy closed case to file away. A little girl is missing, kidnapped, dead, alive? Her father has been railroaded into prison for her death, but no body. He starts investigating the sloppy, or intentional, work of another cop, same situation that got him in hot water before. Stinks all the way around. He involves Billy Jo to help him sort it out. This one zig zags all over the place and he has to figure out how everyone is connected. Well written and sucks you in from the beginning and barely let’s you go at the end! Interesting and intriguing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
587 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2021
Just what happened to Gabby? When Mark is given an old closed file which makes him suspicious about its contents he opens a can of worms.

Where does Billy Jo fit in? Together they see if they can solve this mystery.

Yet again Lorhainne Eckhart has shown what a talented author she is with this addictive and compelling story which I thoroughly enjoyed.
418 reviews
March 2, 2021
Cold case

Enjoyed the book. Mystery solved with a HEA. The main characters Mark and Billy Jo compliment each other. They are two strong minded individuals who can work together as partners and friends.
1,237 reviews
February 28, 2021
Another great read by Lorhainne. Loved all the mystery and twists and turns. This is truly a great series and look forward for more to come.
Profile Image for Chris.
179 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2021
Started the book and had a hard time putting it down. Twists and turns. Love the interaction of the characters. The book was over way to soon. Looking forward to more.
2,518 reviews
June 9, 2021
Billy Jo and Mark are working together again. An old case of a missing little girl. When Mark is shown the file he is shocked as to how little information is in the file. All of two pages. So many holes in the so-called investigation. He defies authority once again to look into the case with the help of Billy Jo. What on earth will they find? Such a terrific story of these two.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,968 reviews22 followers
March 13, 2021
What a better way to spend an afternoon than to sit and read a book by Lorhainne Eckhart. This is book 3 in the Billy Jo McCabe mystery series and once again it was a great read with an intriguing mystery disappearance of a little girl whom everyone assumed was dead. This book had a few interesting series of events until the mystery was solved and Mark Friessen and Billy Jo McCabe were able to help the little girl’s father be released from prison due to him being unfairly accused and convicted of her murder. So well written with lots of detailed information on the events had me constantly on the edge of my seat and gasping at every turn. I know that when I start a book by Ms Eckhart I am in for a real treat with a gripping storyline and wonderful characters who burrow their way in my heart and soul and I find it very hard to say good bye. Loved this book so much but I also loved that justice was served. Highly recommend this book and series and so eagerly awaiting to read the next book. Congratulations to Ms Eckhart on another amazing read.

I received an arc copy via from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,207 reviews55 followers
May 10, 2021
The Cold Case
Billy Jo McCabe Mystery, Book 3
By: Lorhainne Eckhart
Narrated by: Leo Jones

I love a story that makes you think, and keeps you guessing. This quick listen has Mark Friessen back and checking out a cold case like no other. With the nugget of information from Billy Jo McCabe, the social worker, a doubt of the conviction in this case as Friessen digging into the past, questioning evidence and information that clearly should not have been entertained. It's fast paced, the chemistry between Billy Jo and Mark is bubbling and the story line intriguing! I love untangling the clues, finding corruption and guilt and freeing the innocent. Well written and exciting, it's another great listen in this series(and it stands alone if you haven't listened to the others!). Leo Jones gives a commanding performance with great voices and building suspense. He enhances the story and gave me hours of entertainment.
Profile Image for Lcr.
910 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2021
The Cold case is a gritty drama that will keep you reading to the very end.
Detective Mark Friessen comes across a cold case that was never fully investigated and should never have been closed. Despite this a father is in prison for his little girls murder even though her body was never found. Even knowing it could end his career and going against his Police Chief ordering him to stop he has to find the truth. Calling on Billie Jo for help he sets out to do just that.
This is a great, fast paced drama full of danger and suspense. The characters a great and the tentative friendship between Mark and Billie Jo slowly and cautiously continues to deepen and evolve which adds further depth to this book.
I enjoyed it a definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, well written, murder mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,353 reviews19 followers
March 17, 2021
What happens when you stumble across a case that should never have been closed? Detective Mark Friessen uncovers a disturbing mystery: A little girl was taken, but when evidence disappeared, the case was closed.

A story so well written that it captivates you from the start and you don't want to put the book down. The details are written and described so well you find yourself glued to the pages. Mystery, suspense and danger keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. The characters are well developed, strong, realistic and easy to get to know.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
185 reviews
April 11, 2021
The Cold Case is a a great suspense (contains cursing and sexual references) that kept me listening while others slept. I haven’t listened to any others in this series and was able to jump right in. It referred back to a few things, but I didn’t feel like I was lost. I am definitely looking forward to catching up on the others in the series though. I enjoyed the twists and writing style of the author and, of course, not being able to quite figure out how it all fits together until the last few chapters is always a bonus. The narrator gave a wonderful performance without being over-the-top or too dramatic. Nicely done.
6,044 reviews46 followers
April 22, 2022
Mark seems to have the smallest of things lead to something big. When Carmen asked Mark to help clean out old file boxes, he discovers not only a filing procedure that is far from secure.

A file containing only two sheets of evidence is all that exists for a convicted killer of a two year old.

Mark already has a reputation for not tolerating perceived abuses by other officers, and not holding the Blue Line.

A number of inconsistencies are uncovered, and a bumpy relationship that he thought was a no strings hook up unravels messily.

Will both Mark and Billy Jo end up leaving the island for good?

Intense. Emotion and action packed drama.
Profile Image for stardragon.
1,351 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2022
Mark Friessen is cleaning out closed cases and comes across one that he questions. It is of a missing toddler that only is a couple of pages long and sees evidence missing. The father was convicted of murdering the child during a nasty custody battle. As Mark quietly investigates the case he contacts Billy Jo and together they realize the case should not have been closed. Mark finds a witness Crazy Carla who tells him she seen everything. Her account contradicts what is in the file. Mark and Billy Jo work to find the truth. This mystery series is just amazing. Each book takes you on another mysterious journey that won’t let you put down.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,856 reviews32 followers
September 18, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 4
Story – 5

Intriguing case, I loved it!

I’m enjoying this series more and more; it just keeps getting better and better. The cold case in this story gave Mark Friessen all kinds of trouble with his book, the Chief of Police, but he was determined to do the right thing. Billy Jo was helpful in cracking the case. Mark and Billy Jo are getting closer but there’s still no romance going on yet.

I’m ready to move on to the next book!

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
2,114 reviews16 followers
April 23, 2021
This is the 3rd book of the 'Billy Jo McCabe Mystery Series'. In this one we are taken back to small town island of Roche Harbor. Detective Mark Friessen, is reviewing a cold case before being placed in storage, he finds a file involving a divorced couple, a small child's disappearance, a business partner and an man convicted murder who might be innocent. He asks Billy Jo to help him question witnesses Now what will happen? Can they solve this mystery? This book will keep your mind questioning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tom Casey.
682 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2021
Audiobook Review:
Another well written story following the exploits of Billy Jo and Detective Mark Friessen. A father in prison for the murder of his daughter but no body has been found, a closed police file mysteriously appears but there is not much information in the file.
The mystery deepens, can Billy Jo and Mark crack this cold case.
I like the characters and the descriptions of the areas in the book, I find them easy to imagine and takes you into this story.
I received this audiobook for free from the author and wanted to give an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 132 books5 followers
March 12, 2021
Detailed and realistic, you will find yourself thinking about this book even after putting it down. The emotional connection you forge with the outstanding characters will make it easy for the reader to submerge into the storyline. Brilliant interactions make this story an easy to read way to escape the trials of the everyday.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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