Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up

Cold Case Investigators #3

by Jessica R. Patch

The mystery of her sister's death
is about to reveal some deadly answers…

When her sister’s remains are found just before Christmas, cold case agent Poppy Holliday is determined to solve the years-old murder—even if it turns the killer’s sights on her. But her investigation with her straitlaced partner, Rhett Wallace, is stirring up the town's old memories—and bitter grudges. And this killer will do anything to keep secrets buried…

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cold Case Investigators

Book 1: Cold Case Takedown
Book 2: Cold Case Double Cross
Book 3: Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Love Inspired Suspense, Christmas, Harlequin, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance, Romance

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2021

About the author

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Reviews

[Kav]

I see Jessica R. Patch's name on a cover and I don't even read the synopsis. The book is in my cart and on it's way as fast as my clicking finger can click. :-) But a Patch cold case suspense is an extra special treat. I'm loving this series (though, rest assured, each book can be read as a standalone.)

There's such an air of mystery surrounding cold cases, and the bad guys are that much more desperate because they've gotten away with murder for so long which means lots of action. Lots of danger. Patch delivers both with nail-biting finesse. Keep a reader's crash cart close by in case of emergency (I stock mine with chocolate, a comfort bear, anxiety ball and a paper bag in case I go into full-on hyperventilating mode.)

Love the dynamics between Poppy and Rhett. They are polar opposites and annoy each other to the nth degree but are stuck as partners on a cold case that is deeply personal to Poppy -- her sister's murder. Their sniping and comebacks are hysterical and irritating and ironic because their differences actually stem from similar childhood tragedies. In Rhett's case, it has made him a careful, deliberate, by-the-books detective while Poppy has become an impulsive rule-breaker. Fireworks ignite as they draw closer under impossibly tense circumstances.

I love the way the author has woven Christmas themes throughout the story. They provide some breathing-space and hope for both characters and reader. And there's a touching inspirational thread courtesy of a very special secondary character that moved me to tears.

An unputdownable festive romantic suspense.

[Susan Snodgrass]

'Was God hugging her? Why would He want to? She'd let Him down.'

I am a huge fan of this author. All her books sit on my shelves, many of them read more than once. She is great at suspense and sometimes has a great dry wit. The idioms situation in this book was so funny. This book reads like Patch put her heart into it. There was so much to love. My favorite genre is suspense and this one ticks all the boxes. Great characters, really good plot, plenty of suspects, loads of danger. I was in from the very first page. I love it when that happens. Purely love it.

Here we have two flawed people, both living under self-imposed guilt from situations in their past. Situations that were truly not their fault, but that's how minds work. Will they put down the heavy burden of guilt they've carried so long and allow God to lift it from their backs? Because that's what we all tend to do, isn't it? Not drop something when Christ has freed us from it?

Patch's hero here, Rhett, is her best since Wilder Flynn in an earlier book. Well, they are kinda tied for greatest hero in my book. (Pun intended) The connection between Rhett and Poppy was nearly tangible. And I don't mean just a romantic connection. There is a soul deep connection here and it is very well done.

Seriously this book truly did it for me. I loved it so much. There is super great suspense, a wonderful plot that I did not figure out at all, and a surprise element thrown in that caused me many smiles. Patch is at her best here. Well done!

My thanks to the publisher and author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not pressured to leave a positive review and the opinion here is my own.

[Dana Michael]

Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up is a definite page turner that will keep you up late at night to finish. I know, because that's exactly what I did. I'm worn out. Mrs. Patch is an action filled writer with a gift for suspense and thrills. The romance is sweet and I loved the characters. I hope to see some of these characters again in future books.
*I was given a copy by the author and publisher and this is my honest opinion.

[Melmo2610]

This was an interesting mystery that is very personal for Poppy. It has good characters and no shortage of suspects as well as several threads to investigate within the case. The end is exciting and is a quick easy read. Fun story.

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Ash]

Couldnt warm up to the heroine.

[Cathy]

Nobody kills over cannabis. Ridiculous 🤦🏻‍♀️

[Melissa Henderson]

This story is filled with action and non-stop breathtaking suspense. A cold case mystery brings new opportunities to find whoever is responsible. Get ready for another fast paced story by author Jessica R. Patch. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Elizabeth]

Yuletide Cold case Cover-Up ( Cols Case Investigators #3 )
By: Jessica R Patch
Poppy has a sister that is still on the cold case file. When her remains are found just before Christmas, she is determined to solve this case. Some people does not want her to find answers. Who and what link will they go to keep her from finding answers? Loved this story and it is well written and the characters are well developed. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat till the end.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, All opinions are my own.

[Monae Doyle]

This was a good story. Poppy Holliday is investigating her sister’s murder from the past. Rhett Wallace becomes her partner in trying to figure out the cold case. Rhett is straight laiced about following the rules and Poppy is more about going outside the lines of trying to figure out the case.

There is some action in the book but there is too much religion put into the story for me. There isn’t any steam between Rhett and Poppy which I would have liked. It was a short quick read.

[Deena Peterson]

I absolutely love a good cold case and Patch writes some of the best!

[Sheila]

This was a good book, I did not think it was too Christmasy though. I liked the characters and the story.

[Connie Hill]

Yuletide Cold Case Coverup is written by Jessica Patch. This is part of the Cold Case series through Love Inspired Suspense. This is a must read for the upcoming holiday season. I have been fortunate enough to read all of the books in the series, and each one gets better and better. I am a huge fan of this author and am thankful I have been able to read her last several releases.

In this book, Poppy Holliday returns to Gray Creek, Mississippi. Her sister Cora, has been missing for years and presumed dead. Poppy is employed by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. She has requested to be the lead investigator on the case. Her sisters remains have been found in a well. Poppy is a sort of loose cannon. She reacts then thinks it though. She wants to find the person or persons behind her sisters death more than anything. Poppy remembers how her last conversation went with her sister, and it was not a pleasant one. She has been plagued with guilt all this time.

Rhett Wallace has his own pain in regards to his family. Rhett is also assigned to the case to ensure that it is done by the book. While Poppy reacts first, Rhett prefers to do things by the book. He prefers to think it though. He is a fellow team member. Poppy is NOT his favorite person due to her reckless nature.

Both know that the small town of Gray Creek is hiding secrets. Poppy is convinced that someone that was in Cora's circle of "friends" know what happened to her, or are responsible for it. Once attacks are made on Rhett and Poppy over and over again they realize that even after seventeen years, they want to keep what happened to Cora private.

You will go on a roller coaster of emotions with this book. It is jam packed full of action. The author will throw a couple twists and turns in and I did not figure it out until it was revealed. The characters are well written and real feeling. The story-line is full of suspense. The action will be throughout the whole story.

I received a copy of this book through the author. All thoughts are my own.

[Marylin]

Seventeen years is a long time to be waiting to know what happened to her sister, but Poppy will not stop until she finds out the truth, even if it kills her. Which it just might!
Wow! Another amazingly, suspenseful story by Jessica R. Patch.
In this story, we find Poppy who works in the MBI researching and solving cold cases. She’s been waiting to solve this one for years and now the answers just might be found. Rhett is there to help keep her safe and following the rules. The only thing is, he never thought he’d be needing to be kept safe from her.
This isn’t your usual Christmas tale, but there is snow and decorations, plus some sweet characters who share the true meaning of Christmas. Unfortunately, there are also bombs, shootings, and running for your life.
I’ve said this before, but I’m going to say it again - When reading a book, I always try to place myself in the main character’s life. Well, with either of these main characters I think I’ll pass! Too many near-death situations.
In this book, the author has made her characters go through so much I can’t believe they are still standing! WOW! She has risen to join in with a few other authors which take their characters on one thing after another in their books.
I love this because it makes the book go fast and furious, but it’s also difficult to put down when I am reading it. I find I forget to do things like cook meals or go to bed, just so I can find out if the characters are okay!
I am loving reading Jessica R. Patch's books! They are packed with suspense, intrigue, action, and some twists and turns along the way, plus a bit of romance. (Okay, wait . . . maybe a little more than a bit! I loved the tension between Poppy and Rhett!)
The two main characters in this story learn important lessons that will change their lives. Wow!
I was given this book by the publisher and in no way did it influences my review, all opinions are my own.

[Jeffrey Reynolds]

Who murdered Poppy Holliday's kid sister and threw the body into a well 15 years ago? Or is it a conspiracy among her fellow high school classmates? And why did her boss assign stiff shirt .... I mean stuffed shirt Rhett Wallace, who considered Poppy a loose cannon, as her assistant on this case?

Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up is the third and final installment of the Cold Case Investigators by Jessica Patch. Typical of Love Inspired Suspense series, you don't need to read the other books to enjoy the story; there are common characters (Poppy and Rhett are side characters in the first book and mentioned in the second), but each story focuses on different individuals and are stand alone stories.

The series focuses on a four member Cold Case team. Each of them deal with a cold case that occurs in their small town hometown. Each also are good mysteries, with a collection of suspects and twists and turns in discovering who the killer is. But before you start comparing Jessica Patch with Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime doesn't keep me on the edge of my seat.

This is the sixth Jessica Patch book I've read, and I'm definitely a fan. She has created several of my favorite characters, including Poppy and Rhett in this story (and yes, I enjoyed their appearances in Cold Case Takedown before this one). As I mentioned above, the story is suspenseful, as well as bringing out the main characters through the action and the supporting cast.

I highly recommend this story, this series, and especially this story.

[Sarah]

As always this author did not disappoint with this book. This is one of those books where your like ok I will read a few chapters then go to bed and before you know the book has only a few chapters left and you have to be up in a few hours but you are so sucked into the story you need to finish it. Throughout the whole book you think you know who did it and Poppy and Rhett feel they know who did it and then BAM!!! not what you thought. I loved Beth and her sisterDelilah I so want them to have there happily ever after and I am not sure if the author plans something but I am rooting for them. I really over all enjoyed this book put me on the edge of my seat and just enjoyed it so much I really liked the banter from Rhett and Poppy and Poppy and her brother Tack they made a tough situation in the book laughable at time and it just helps break up a little of the suspense. Overall this book is worth the read.

[Nicki]

Poppy Holliday's sister Cora went missing when they were teens. Poppy and Cora had had an argument not long before Cora disappeared and Poppy had massive guilt. So much so that she ended up working for a cold case unit as Cora was never found. Cora's remains were finally found after 17 years. Poppy went home to find out what really happened to Cora. Her strait-laced partner, Rhett Wallace, is sent to help her. Rhett has his own demons from a long-ago family tragedy that make him who he is today.
Lots of twists and turns later including Poppy's very near death, the mystery is solved. Of course, this being a LIS book, Poppy and Rhett work through their problems and realize that they have feelings for each other and that they need to return to a relationship with Jesus.
This book is part of a series but it can be read on its own without any problems. I highly recommend this book.
I did receive a copy of this book from the author but I had already purchased it from Walmart. :)

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy]

The two main characters are tortured souls who have "assumed" blame for something tragic in their past. This assumption of blame has made them into the people they are today, but it has also stunted their ability to relate to others. Poppy's sister's body is found which brings Poppy and Rhett to town to investigate. As they work to solve this cold case, you will see each of them grow in their relationship with each other and their faith will grow as well. Jessica Patch always does a great job of providing plenty of suspects that will leave you guessing until the end. I enjoy a book about cold case mysteries, and Jessica Patch has become a master at writing this style of book. The action is high and the mystery is suspenseful. I can honestly say that I have never read anything written by Jessica R. Patch that I did not like! She is a gifted author with a gift for writing clean suspense. She always adds a little humor in as well.

[Sarah]

This book gave me a lot of feelings. I had grabbed it off the shelf without really looking at it because I needed a quick read backstage during The Nutcracker.
At first, I was critical of the writing style. Still, the characters were likeable and I had a specific actor in my mind playing the part of Rhett. I went back and forth with my feelings about the book the whole way through, but something kept me reading.
It turned out to be a pretty enjoyable read and was exactly what I had been looking for. It wasn't a simpering romance, nor a grisly mystery. It had a nice balance of everything, even as a faith based book.
Now I kind of want to pass it along to someone else, but am not sure who. Perhaps I'll put it in one of those neighborhood library cabinets. I think someone else might treasure this little find.

[Elaine Applebury]

Jessica R. Patch writes an intense story of murder, secrets, regrets, and redemption. Cold case agent Poppy Holliday is determined to solve the 17 yr old murder of the girl found in the well just before Christmas, the murder of her own sister, Cora. Poppy feels that she is to blame for Cora’s death. Poppy is the wilder loose cannon type that is partnered with straitlaced, by the book Rhett Wallace. Rhett has his own issues from his childhood to deal with. This book has action, suspense, tender moments, and a full cast of suspects.
Obviously Poppy and Rhett are touching a nerve with someone, or several someones , as they have to fight off several attempts on their lives as they get closer to solving the case.

[Tammy Payne]

This book, while at times unbelievable, ultimately won me over with its well-developed characters. The author’s writing style shines, particularly through the playful banter between the main characters, which adds a refreshing dynamic to the story. Also, Beth, the girl with Downs Syndrome, was adorably and perfectly portrayed, so that was a sweet addition.
I appreciated how the author skillfully reveals the internal struggles and flaws of the characters, showing how faith and God can guide them through personal challenges. However, I found myself wishing the characters were portrayed as less physically perfect—perhaps more ordinary—so they could feel more relatable. Despite this, the emotional depth and growth within the characters made it an enjoyable read.

[Patricia]

poppy is looking into a cold case that happens to be her sisters, a person was found at the bottom of a well. she has arrived before her parter rhett, and alread there is trouble. poppy is kidnapped and then the person she most wants to interview is found dead. if you like supsense with a little romance included you will want to read the story. i was given a copy of the arec but this is an honest review. i could not put the book down . the story is at Chistmas and discribes the train ride and finding a tree it is also about forgiveing others and yourself and letting the Lord take control a very good story looking forward to the next one

[Lisa]

If you like snarky banter, lots of action, nail-biting suspense, swoony kisses, and a perfect HEA, Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up is the perfect book for you. Because of their pasts, Poppy becomes prickly to keep people away, and Rhett becomes a stickler for doing things the right way. They clash--a lot. There are some very tender moments in the book as they deal with Beth, a sweet woman with Down's Syndrome. (Ms. Patch handled this so well.) Beth's childlike faith and love have a remarkable effect on Poppy and Rhett.
I would recommend this book to family and friends. In fact, I bought a copy for my mother to read.

[Kate Vale]

How is Poppy Holliday going to celebrate Christmas when she knows her family still blames her for her sister's death and the body they've been looking for for years has now been found? When she finally explains to her partner, police agent Rhett Wallace insists that she take it easy, not go off half-cocked like usual, but that's what she keeps doing, putting herself in danger as they get closer to what really happened to Poppy's sister and who might have been involved.

The question remains, however, will they succeed in their quest to find and apprehend the killer or will one or both of them end up dead, too?

[Phyllis Whitaker]

It was great returning to Serenity. This is the second book in the Smoky Mountains Defenders series. After meeting the mounted officers in book one, it was nice to get reacquainted with them. We met Silver in the first book, and this book really touched my heart. Hurting from a painful past, he overcomes that to help others. This book was full of suspense, unforgettable characters and a powerful lesson in forgiveness. Great story! Looking forward the seeing Raven and Cruz having their own stories.

[Phylis Carpenter]

What an awesome read. Once I picked it up I just could not put it down. I really enjoyed this book. From the very beginning you will love the characters and the story line.

Poppy feels guilty after her sister's death. She feels that she was responsible for her sister and that she let her down. Her sister had seizures and to Poppy it seemed her sister got more attention than she did.

Now decades after her sister's death Poppy comes back to town to find her sister's killer since the Police have recently discovered her sister's remains.

[Trudy Cordle]

Another great book!! There were so many twists in this book!! And, an ending I didn't see coming until the characters did!! I had my ideas of who did what, but wow, I did not see the one who did it coming!!! Loved the way Poppy finally realized that God (and her parents) loved her along, and absolutely loved the scene where Rhett realized the change he'd allowed in his life, too, and that God was still in control. God still loves us, no matter what we've done, or think we've done. All we have to do is repent and ask forgiveness. He's there waiting for us.

[Jordann]

Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up by Jessica R. Patch is her newest Love Inspired Suspense book in the Cold Case Investigators series! From the very beginning the story pulls you in and keeps you captive until the very end.

If you enjoy suspenseful stories, especially those that keep you guessing the whole way through, then Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up is the book for you!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author, but was not required to leave a review.

[Pianosue]

A fast-paced, action packed book.
Cold case Agent Poppy Holliday is on the case when her sister's body turns up right before Christmas. She has been missing for many years. She is determined to find out what happened to her sister. Rhett Wallace is her partner helping to investigate. Will they be able to discover what happened? They are complete opposites in their investigative styles. Someone doesn't want them to find out what happened! Who is behind these attacks?

[G]

Thoroughly enjoyed this story…beautiful conflicted romance…lots of suspense…twists and turns. Favorite lines, “But she was also impulsive and unpredictable. For those two reasons alone, he neglected to pick up his emotional shovel. The buried treasure within…” and “the way he kissed. It had felt like he’d humbled himself in it, to serve her and reveal beautiful truths about herself.” Thank you Jessica for sharing a heartfelt, deeply emotional story.

[Martic]

3 1/2 stars. I generally liked this book. I had so many choices of who could have “done it” but I never guessed the culprit. The suspense was good.

Two things held me back from fully liking the story. The first is that there were so many characters that I couldn’t keep track of them all.

The second was that I wondered how the bad guy always seemed to be everywhere the main character was.

The very end was especially satisfying.