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Columbia River #6
The Next Grave
A Wall Street Journal bestselling series.
Following a murder and a woman’s sudden disappearance, investigations into old crimes and new collide in an alarming novel of suspense by a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author.
Detective Evan Bolton is gutted by his latest investigation. His friend and mentor, retired detective Rod McLeod, has been murdered, his body left in the trunk of a junkyard car. When McLeod’s daughter and grandson abruptly vanish, Evan knows it’s not a coincidence. Search and rescue canine specialist Rowan Wolff agrees as she and her dog, Thor, track the missing family.
The two cases converge in a puzzling twist. Evan discovers that McLeod has been reinvestigating old crimes—solved but not forgotten. Evan takes them on, one by one, and a disturbing suspicion forms that someone in law enforcement has something to hide and would do anything to keep those secrets buried.
But Evan and Rowan’s time is slipping away. They have to find the killer now. Before someone else disappears. Before someone else dies.
Following a murder and a woman’s sudden disappearance, investigations into old crimes and new collide in an alarming novel of suspense by a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author.
Detective Evan Bolton is gutted by his latest investigation. His friend and mentor, retired detective Rod McLeod, has been murdered, his body left in the trunk of a junkyard car. When McLeod’s daughter and grandson abruptly vanish, Evan knows it’s not a coincidence. Search and rescue canine specialist Rowan Wolff agrees as she and her dog, Thor, track the missing family.
The two cases converge in a puzzling twist. Evan discovers that McLeod has been reinvestigating old crimes—solved but not forgotten. Evan takes them on, one by one, and a disturbing suspicion forms that someone in law enforcement has something to hide and would do anything to keep those secrets buried.
But Evan and Rowan’s time is slipping away. They have to find the killer now. Before someone else disappears. Before someone else dies.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2024
3303 people are currently reading
7434 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Elliot
38 books6,512 followersAn Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 14 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
December 12, 2024
My Kendra Elliot experience has been limited to her Columbia River series, which I've enjoyed, so I thought it would be good to read the next one. This is the sixth book in that series.
Description:
Detective Evan Bolton is gutted by his latest investigation. His friend and mentor, retired detective Rod McLeod, has been murdered, his body left in the trunk of a junkyard car. When McLeod’s daughter and grandson abruptly vanish, Evan knows it’s not a coincidence. Search and rescue canine specialist Rowan Wolff agrees as she and her dog, Thor, track the missing family.
The two cases converge in a puzzling twist. Evan discovers that McLeod has been reinvestigating old crimes—solved but not forgotten. Evan takes them on, one by one, and a disturbing suspicion forms that someone in law enforcement has something to hide and would do anything to keep those secrets buried.
But Evan and Rowan’s time is slipping away. They have to find the killer now. Before someone else disappears. Before someone else dies.
My Thoughts:
I love following the relationship between Rowan and Evan in this series. They work so well together. Rowan's skill with training and using dogs to seach is amazing and important to the investigation. This investigation was difficult in that it involved a dear friend of Evan's and there were so few clues to go on. There were a number of twists to the investigation that kept me guessing. Anyone who enjoys a good crime mystery will enjoy this book and the series.
Thanks to Montlake through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Detective Evan Bolton is gutted by his latest investigation. His friend and mentor, retired detective Rod McLeod, has been murdered, his body left in the trunk of a junkyard car. When McLeod’s daughter and grandson abruptly vanish, Evan knows it’s not a coincidence. Search and rescue canine specialist Rowan Wolff agrees as she and her dog, Thor, track the missing family.
The two cases converge in a puzzling twist. Evan discovers that McLeod has been reinvestigating old crimes—solved but not forgotten. Evan takes them on, one by one, and a disturbing suspicion forms that someone in law enforcement has something to hide and would do anything to keep those secrets buried.
But Evan and Rowan’s time is slipping away. They have to find the killer now. Before someone else disappears. Before someone else dies.
My Thoughts:
I love following the relationship between Rowan and Evan in this series. They work so well together. Rowan's skill with training and using dogs to seach is amazing and important to the investigation. This investigation was difficult in that it involved a dear friend of Evan's and there were so few clues to go on. There were a number of twists to the investigation that kept me guessing. Anyone who enjoys a good crime mystery will enjoy this book and the series.
Thanks to Montlake through Netgalley for an advance copy.
May 27, 2025
Deschutes County Detective Evan Bolton was devastated when he found the body of his mentor, Retired Detective Rod McLeod in the trunk of an abandoned car. When Evan asks Detective Noelle Marshall to notify Rod's daughter about her father's murder, she finds the house has been torn apart and blood is sprayed everywhere. Both Sophia and her son Zack are missing. Evan quickly calls his girlfriend, Search and Rescue Specialist Rowan Wolff in hopes that her dog, Thor, can help find the missing family.
This is another excellent addition to the Columbia River series. We met both Evan and Rowan in previous books. I like both of them and am always happy to continue reading their story. In addition, FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick makes an appearance. She's my favorite reoccurring character in this author's suspense books. We also learned a lot about Evan's partner Noelle Marshall. I believe the next book is about her and I'm looking forward to it. My review: 4.5 Stars.
This is another excellent addition to the Columbia River series. We met both Evan and Rowan in previous books. I like both of them and am always happy to continue reading their story. In addition, FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick makes an appearance. She's my favorite reoccurring character in this author's suspense books. We also learned a lot about Evan's partner Noelle Marshall. I believe the next book is about her and I'm looking forward to it. My review: 4.5 Stars.
December 6, 2024
I am never disappointed with a Kendra Elliot book. "The Next Grave" has a plot that presented a real conundrum to work through. No strong suspects, no viable motive and no clues to work with. A real head scratcher and a wonderful mystery/suspense plot. The pulse pounding ending is just a bonus.
When his mentor and friend, Rod McLeod, is found dead in the trunk of a car in a junkyard, Detective Evan Bolton is devastated. There are few clues at the junk-yard. Evan is called to the home of Rod's daughter Sophia where he discovers her and her son, Zack, missing and the home a blood bath. What is going on? Evan's biggest concern and fear is that they have been taken by the person who killed Rod.
Evan's girlfriend, Rowan Wolff uses her search and rescue dog, Thor to track Sophia, but that is a dead-end. Evan fears that Sophia may have met the same fate as her father, but, why? When Evan gets to Rod's home, he discovers everything in order, just like Rod's desk in the department. Closer inspection leads him to discover that small things are out of order and when he looks closer, it appears that retired detective Rod McLeod is digging around in old, closed cases. But with no pattern to work with, Evan is at a loss as to what direction to go. His only real clue are gaps in Rod's filing system.
Why Rod was looking into closed, solved cases is all Evan has to go on and that path has put him in a killer's crosshairs.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone.
When his mentor and friend, Rod McLeod, is found dead in the trunk of a car in a junkyard, Detective Evan Bolton is devastated. There are few clues at the junk-yard. Evan is called to the home of Rod's daughter Sophia where he discovers her and her son, Zack, missing and the home a blood bath. What is going on? Evan's biggest concern and fear is that they have been taken by the person who killed Rod.
Evan's girlfriend, Rowan Wolff uses her search and rescue dog, Thor to track Sophia, but that is a dead-end. Evan fears that Sophia may have met the same fate as her father, but, why? When Evan gets to Rod's home, he discovers everything in order, just like Rod's desk in the department. Closer inspection leads him to discover that small things are out of order and when he looks closer, it appears that retired detective Rod McLeod is digging around in old, closed cases. But with no pattern to work with, Evan is at a loss as to what direction to go. His only real clue are gaps in Rod's filing system.
Why Rod was looking into closed, solved cases is all Evan has to go on and that path has put him in a killer's crosshairs.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone.
November 7, 2024
oh my first audiobook approval 🎧
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, &Brilliance Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, &Brilliance Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
March 3, 2025
The Next Grave was another great installment in the Columbia River series following Rowan and Evan as they investigate the murder of Evan's old mentor.
Detective Evan Bolton arrives at a crime scene to discover the victim is his friend and old mentor, retired detective Rod McLeod. And when detectives attempt to notify his daughter, they discover her and her son missing and their home in shambles. Evan calls in his girlfriend, search and rescue specialist Rowan Wolff and her dog Thor to track the missing family but there's no sign of them. When Evan discovers McLeod was reinvestigating old cases, solved ones he wasn't even assigned to, he starts to suspect someone in law enforcement is involved.
The Next Grave is the second book in the series that follows Rowan and Evan and it opens with Evan discovering Rod's body in the trunk of a car at the junkyard. From there Detective Noelle Marshall goes to notify his daughter Sophia of Rod's death and that's when she discovers Sophia is missing and her house is in disarray. At that point Rowan is brought in to see if her and Thor would have any luck tracking her down. The investigation went in a few directions I wasn't expecting and after Evan realizes someone in law enforcement may be involved, things start to go wrong for him. I liked the direction the author took things at this point and the final confrontation with the killer was well done with the perfect mix of action and suspense.
Both Rowan and Evan's characters were originally introduced in the Mercy Kilpatrick series before they got their own book in this series, The First Death. I like both of their characters so I'm definitely happy to see more of them. Their romantic relationship started in The First Death and it was pretty slow going in that book whereas this one picks up months later after they've been a couple for a while. The two have settled into a routine and I like that their relationship is pretty much drama-free.
Overall The Next Grave was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend this series, as well as the other connected series, to anyone looking for great romantic suspense with an emphasis on the mysteries.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Detective Evan Bolton arrives at a crime scene to discover the victim is his friend and old mentor, retired detective Rod McLeod. And when detectives attempt to notify his daughter, they discover her and her son missing and their home in shambles. Evan calls in his girlfriend, search and rescue specialist Rowan Wolff and her dog Thor to track the missing family but there's no sign of them. When Evan discovers McLeod was reinvestigating old cases, solved ones he wasn't even assigned to, he starts to suspect someone in law enforcement is involved.
The Next Grave is the second book in the series that follows Rowan and Evan and it opens with Evan discovering Rod's body in the trunk of a car at the junkyard. From there Detective Noelle Marshall goes to notify his daughter Sophia of Rod's death and that's when she discovers Sophia is missing and her house is in disarray. At that point Rowan is brought in to see if her and Thor would have any luck tracking her down. The investigation went in a few directions I wasn't expecting and after Evan realizes someone in law enforcement may be involved, things start to go wrong for him. I liked the direction the author took things at this point and the final confrontation with the killer was well done with the perfect mix of action and suspense.
Both Rowan and Evan's characters were originally introduced in the Mercy Kilpatrick series before they got their own book in this series, The First Death. I like both of their characters so I'm definitely happy to see more of them. Their romantic relationship started in The First Death and it was pretty slow going in that book whereas this one picks up months later after they've been a couple for a while. The two have settled into a routine and I like that their relationship is pretty much drama-free.
Overall The Next Grave was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend this series, as well as the other connected series, to anyone looking for great romantic suspense with an emphasis on the mysteries.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
November 14, 2024
This began with quite a blow to who would turn out to be one of the main characters. I was immediately invested in the story due to the emotions that each consequent character dealt with as well. Despite being a strong procedural law enforcement story, this really dug into my heart and had me reading at moments when I should have set it aside and got busy with life.
I enjoyed all the steps these characters took to work out who, what, where and why. There were some great twists along the way. Some I suspected were coming and others blindsided me completely. I love when a story can tangle me up in such a way.
While the romance is not in the forefront of the story, it is never forgotten. This author had it interwoven throughout the drama and danger in such a way it added to the intensity of the climax of the story and I loved every moment.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I enjoyed all the steps these characters took to work out who, what, where and why. There were some great twists along the way. Some I suspected were coming and others blindsided me completely. I love when a story can tangle me up in such a way.
While the romance is not in the forefront of the story, it is never forgotten. This author had it interwoven throughout the drama and danger in such a way it added to the intensity of the climax of the story and I loved every moment.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
November 11, 2024
Evan has his hands full with his new case. He believes a murder and another case have alot in common. He needs to find the individual before someone else is killed. A good read.
December 8, 2024
The Next Grave is book 6 in the Columbia River series by Kendra Elliot. This is the second book in the series featuring Detective Evan Bolton and Search and Rescue canine specialist Rowan Wolff with her dog Thor. I love these characters and couldn't wait for them to be featured more after reading The First Death. Evan is devastated when the body of his mentor, Rod McLeod is found in the trunk of a car. He had been shot in the forehead and tortured before that. Rod was retired, but he and Evan were still close. Rod has a daughter, Sophie and Evan dreads having to tell her the news about her Dad. Luckily, Sophie has a son, Zach, so she won't be alone.
Things take a turn for the worse when Sophie cannot be located and her house is a disaster. Someone fought hard and there's a lot of blood throughout the house. Who does the blood belong to? Is it Sophie's? Is it Zach's? Is it Rod's? It will take time for the lab to figure that out. Rowan uses clothing with Thor for him to get the tracking scent. It's a deadend when Thor loses the scent at a dirt road. They were taken to the road and driven away. When Evan goes to Rod's house he finds out that he had been investigating old cases that were already solved. Why would he be looking at cases that were solved? Why are some of the case files missing? Is this why Rod was murdered? Was he getting close to discovering something important? Something that someone didn't want getting out? As the investigation progresses it seems more and more likely that someone in law enforcement is helping the killer with inside information!
Evan and his partner aren't sure who to trust. This investigation gets very personal as one of our beloved characters gets taken and tortured by the killer. Will they be able to figure out the killer's motive and locate them before it's too late? This book will have your heart racing and flipping pages at record pace. I read The Next Grave in 1 day and can't wait for the next book in the series. If you love a good thriller, engaging characters, and a tough mystery to solve this is the book for you! I rate The Next Grave 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an advanced copy of The Next Grave in exchange for a fair review. #TheNextGrave
Things take a turn for the worse when Sophie cannot be located and her house is a disaster. Someone fought hard and there's a lot of blood throughout the house. Who does the blood belong to? Is it Sophie's? Is it Zach's? Is it Rod's? It will take time for the lab to figure that out. Rowan uses clothing with Thor for him to get the tracking scent. It's a deadend when Thor loses the scent at a dirt road. They were taken to the road and driven away. When Evan goes to Rod's house he finds out that he had been investigating old cases that were already solved. Why would he be looking at cases that were solved? Why are some of the case files missing? Is this why Rod was murdered? Was he getting close to discovering something important? Something that someone didn't want getting out? As the investigation progresses it seems more and more likely that someone in law enforcement is helping the killer with inside information!
Evan and his partner aren't sure who to trust. This investigation gets very personal as one of our beloved characters gets taken and tortured by the killer. Will they be able to figure out the killer's motive and locate them before it's too late? This book will have your heart racing and flipping pages at record pace. I read The Next Grave in 1 day and can't wait for the next book in the series. If you love a good thriller, engaging characters, and a tough mystery to solve this is the book for you! I rate The Next Grave 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an advanced copy of The Next Grave in exchange for a fair review. #TheNextGrave
November 8, 2024
I listened to the audio of this book which I note is the sixth in a series. I've not read the previous 5 and I don't think you need to. The characters do mention earlier exploits but it doesn't appear to bear much relation to the storyline.
Evan Bolton, a detective, has to find out why his retired mentor Rod McLeod has been killed and who has abducted Rod's daughter, Sophie. He has the help of girlfriend, Rowan, a dog handler who specialises in finding missing people. The story basically follows the investigation in which Evan himself becomes a target.
The series appears to be set in Oregon, a state I know very little about but they do seem to have terrible problems with people getting kidnapped. There is mention of Rowan's brother who was held for decades then another relative who was rescued much more quickly. And in this book there are several abductions.
This part of the plot seemed very unlikely as we're the kidnappers methods of extracting information and even the reasons for the abductions. In all, I spent quite a bit of time rolling my eyes and talking back to the book.
The actual narration by Teri Schnaubelt, was okay but fell into the category of female narrators who overdramatise. Her "male" voice was a tone I often find offputting - either in pain or constipated. I wish narrators would merely leave gaps between characters rather than "do" voices.
I also found the character of Rowan quite irritating as she would listen to what someone said then repeat it in her mind. It got a little annoying at the end.
For me, the book was just average as was the narration hence the 3 stars.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio advance review copy.
Evan Bolton, a detective, has to find out why his retired mentor Rod McLeod has been killed and who has abducted Rod's daughter, Sophie. He has the help of girlfriend, Rowan, a dog handler who specialises in finding missing people. The story basically follows the investigation in which Evan himself becomes a target.
The series appears to be set in Oregon, a state I know very little about but they do seem to have terrible problems with people getting kidnapped. There is mention of Rowan's brother who was held for decades then another relative who was rescued much more quickly. And in this book there are several abductions.
This part of the plot seemed very unlikely as we're the kidnappers methods of extracting information and even the reasons for the abductions. In all, I spent quite a bit of time rolling my eyes and talking back to the book.
The actual narration by Teri Schnaubelt, was okay but fell into the category of female narrators who overdramatise. Her "male" voice was a tone I often find offputting - either in pain or constipated. I wish narrators would merely leave gaps between characters rather than "do" voices.
I also found the character of Rowan quite irritating as she would listen to what someone said then repeat it in her mind. It got a little annoying at the end.
For me, the book was just average as was the narration hence the 3 stars.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio advance review copy.
November 25, 2024
Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audio book in exchange for honest review!
This story, if I had read it as an ebook or a physical book, would have been a solid 4 stars for me. The audio version, in my opinion, was not great. There are several instances where the characters have internal thoughts. These thoughts would be clear with the written word, but with the audio version, it was hard to follow. Sometimes, characters would say things, or i would think they said something out loud, only to realize that it was an internal thought.
This is the first book in this series that I've read, and I think it could be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the mystery, and I loved the dog. I am a fan of the author, and I will continue reading books by her and in this series. From now on, though, I will be sticking to the ebook versions.
This story, if I had read it as an ebook or a physical book, would have been a solid 4 stars for me. The audio version, in my opinion, was not great. There are several instances where the characters have internal thoughts. These thoughts would be clear with the written word, but with the audio version, it was hard to follow. Sometimes, characters would say things, or i would think they said something out loud, only to realize that it was an internal thought.
This is the first book in this series that I've read, and I think it could be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the mystery, and I loved the dog. I am a fan of the author, and I will continue reading books by her and in this series. From now on, though, I will be sticking to the ebook versions.
December 25, 2024
This was intense! I so enjoy seeing characters that appeared in another one of the author's books and reading about their stories. Rowan and Evan deserved their story to be told and it was powerful! And, there was Mercy Kilpatrick popping in! I LOVE the Mercy Kilpatrick series too! Powerful, intense, smart and clever. Kendra Elliot consistently brings it with every book. Always an auto buy for me.
April 4, 2025
Good enough but I prefered it more fast-paced.
March 20, 2025
Wish I liked this more
First Mercy is in this for like 5 sec working on the case then just disappears?
Poor Evan is struggling with the murder case of his mentor. Apparently he thinks of his mentor daughter like a sister. They are super close and family but he also seated this girl? Honestly I didn’t like that bit. Just leave her in the sister/close friend zone. Plus it added NOTHING to the story.
I like Evan a lot but he is kidnapped and tortured for WAY TO LONG in this one.
Hardly any on page time w Evan and Rowan so not a lot of romance here. I mean they barely were in the same room together.
Rowan has no real actual contribution to the case. I like when the h and H are working together. But here they are not and when Evan is taken she adds every little to the search and rescue. She was useless.
And cause she has nothing to add to the story and she did t spend on page time w Evan she was useless. lol like why? Why do that?
Anyways overall the story was good but a bit boring.
First Mercy is in this for like 5 sec working on the case then just disappears?
Poor Evan is struggling with the murder case of his mentor. Apparently he thinks of his mentor daughter like a sister. They are super close and family but he also seated this girl? Honestly I didn’t like that bit. Just leave her in the sister/close friend zone. Plus it added NOTHING to the story.
I like Evan a lot but he is kidnapped and tortured for WAY TO LONG in this one.
Hardly any on page time w Evan and Rowan so not a lot of romance here. I mean they barely were in the same room together.
Rowan has no real actual contribution to the case. I like when the h and H are working together. But here they are not and when Evan is taken she adds every little to the search and rescue. She was useless.
And cause she has nothing to add to the story and she did t spend on page time w Evan she was useless. lol like why? Why do that?
Anyways overall the story was good but a bit boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2024
4.25⭐
Kendra Elliot's latest mystery is both intense and gripping. As she returns readers to the Columbia River series and focuses back on Detective Evan Bolton, his girlfriend, SAR Rowan Wolff, and her dog, Thor.
Who find themselves embroiled in a puzzling case. That is close to Evan's heart. When he finds his mentor, friend and retired police detective, Rod McLeod, murdered and his body dumped in the boot of a car in a junkyard.
And while Evan is devastated by the discovery, he is also determined to catch the killer. But when Rod's daughter and grandson suddenly disappear, Evan knows something more is going on and asks his girlfriend Rowan and her dog Thor to track them down quickly.
However, Evan is unaware that the murder and disappearance are connected in the most perplexing of ways. And that Rod had been reinvestigating previously solved cases.
So, Evan decides to reexamine them too, and one by one, he discovers a disturbing pattern. Which leaves him with the uneasy feeling that someone in law enforcement has something to hide and will do anything to ensure their secret stays hidden.
But unfortunately for Rowan and Evan somebody is on their trail and now it's only a matter of time before someone else disappears or worse ends up dead.
My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Next Grave. ☺️
Kendra Elliot's latest mystery is both intense and gripping. As she returns readers to the Columbia River series and focuses back on Detective Evan Bolton, his girlfriend, SAR Rowan Wolff, and her dog, Thor.
Who find themselves embroiled in a puzzling case. That is close to Evan's heart. When he finds his mentor, friend and retired police detective, Rod McLeod, murdered and his body dumped in the boot of a car in a junkyard.
And while Evan is devastated by the discovery, he is also determined to catch the killer. But when Rod's daughter and grandson suddenly disappear, Evan knows something more is going on and asks his girlfriend Rowan and her dog Thor to track them down quickly.
However, Evan is unaware that the murder and disappearance are connected in the most perplexing of ways. And that Rod had been reinvestigating previously solved cases.
So, Evan decides to reexamine them too, and one by one, he discovers a disturbing pattern. Which leaves him with the uneasy feeling that someone in law enforcement has something to hide and will do anything to ensure their secret stays hidden.
But unfortunately for Rowan and Evan somebody is on their trail and now it's only a matter of time before someone else disappears or worse ends up dead.
My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Next Grave. ☺️
November 29, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
I love when I can’t figure out a mystery early on in a book and I feel like I’m along for the ride as the characters themselves work things out. Kendra Elliot is so good at writing books like that, and this was another success for me.
I’ve always been a fan of Evan Bolton and I love that we continue to get to know him better with this Columbia River series. I also love Rowan (and Thor), so seeing their relationship blossom even more is lovely.
The case they have to solve here involves one their law enforcement own and his family, who Evan has close ties to, so the stakes are even higher. There are multiple leads to follow, and each one ratchets up the tension as they face even more challenges along the way. It keeps you on edge as the danger escalates and more characters find themselves in harms way. It reaches a harrowing conclusion that will have a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Kendra Elliot is a go-to author for suspense and mystery. She teased that a book for Noelle is in progress and I can’t wait to read that one. Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love when I can’t figure out a mystery early on in a book and I feel like I’m along for the ride as the characters themselves work things out. Kendra Elliot is so good at writing books like that, and this was another success for me.
I’ve always been a fan of Evan Bolton and I love that we continue to get to know him better with this Columbia River series. I also love Rowan (and Thor), so seeing their relationship blossom even more is lovely.
The case they have to solve here involves one their law enforcement own and his family, who Evan has close ties to, so the stakes are even higher. There are multiple leads to follow, and each one ratchets up the tension as they face even more challenges along the way. It keeps you on edge as the danger escalates and more characters find themselves in harms way. It reaches a harrowing conclusion that will have a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Kendra Elliot is a go-to author for suspense and mystery. She teased that a book for Noelle is in progress and I can’t wait to read that one. Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
I always enjoy KE’s books!
November 18, 2024
I love a good police procedural series, and Kendra Elliot's Columbia River series is one of the best. With The Next Grave, the 6th installment in this series, Evan Bolton, Rowan Wolff and Thor are both emotionally involved in the investigation and personally targeted. When Rod McLeod's body is found, Evan is immediately obsessed with finding out who and why his friend and mentor was brutally murdered. When the investigation reveals that Rod was looking into old, solved cases and then Rod's daughter disappears, the case becomes personal.
Like any good detective series, the characters are relatable, and I enjoy the relationships between recurring characters throughout. The romance between Evan and Rowan, being completely off-screen, is one of the aspects of this series that I enjoy. As a dog lover I especially love Thor's small role in the story, he is such a smart canine.
The audiobook, narrated by Teri Schnaubelt was terrific, well-paced with a good voice for a detective novel. Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the audio ARC of The Next Grave by Kendra Elliot. The opinions in this review are my own.
Like any good detective series, the characters are relatable, and I enjoy the relationships between recurring characters throughout. The romance between Evan and Rowan, being completely off-screen, is one of the aspects of this series that I enjoy. As a dog lover I especially love Thor's small role in the story, he is such a smart canine.
The audiobook, narrated by Teri Schnaubelt was terrific, well-paced with a good voice for a detective novel. Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the audio ARC of The Next Grave by Kendra Elliot. The opinions in this review are my own.
January 10, 2025
Never a disappointment with this author…Rowan-skilled dog investigator with her boyfriend,Evan-police detective. Plenty of twists and turns-an awesome thriller.
December 5, 2024
I haven't read this series and I was excited to discover that The Next Grave can be read as a stand alone. I plan on reading the entire series soon. This story follows Detective Evan Bolton, and his girlfriend Rowan, and let me tell you these two are adorable and I immediately loved them as individuals and Rowan's dog sounds just as adorable as well. I was immediately pulled into the story and I thoroughly enjoyed Teri Schnaubelt narration. The tones and inflections used were great and I could differentiate characters throughout the book. It was great catching a glimpse of Mercy in this book as well. Addicting mystery that I was eager to solve and I was shocked to find out who was helping the bad guys too.
A very special thanks to Brilliance Publishing and Netgalley for the ALC.
A very special thanks to Brilliance Publishing and Netgalley for the ALC.
December 1, 2024
The Columbia River Series gives us additional stories from characters of Kendra Elliot’s other series. Detective Evan Bolton and SAR Rowan Wolff story continues in The Next Grave.
Evan is devastated when the body found in a trunk turns out to be his is old mentor retired detective Rod McLeod. He dreads having to inform Rod's daughter and grandson. Things get even bleaker when they arrive at her house and find both of them missing and a bloody crime scene.
Both Evan and Rowen are heavily involved in the investigation and the search not realizing their lives are now in danger. This story got intense as it went along and wow that edge of your seat ending.
Another winner from this author.
Evan is devastated when the body found in a trunk turns out to be his is old mentor retired detective Rod McLeod. He dreads having to inform Rod's daughter and grandson. Things get even bleaker when they arrive at her house and find both of them missing and a bloody crime scene.
Both Evan and Rowen are heavily involved in the investigation and the search not realizing their lives are now in danger. This story got intense as it went along and wow that edge of your seat ending.
Another winner from this author.
January 9, 2025
I felt obligated to read this book after reading the first five in the series as well as all the mercy Kilpatrick books. I think I’ve read a total of 13 Kendra Elliott books in the last 10 months and quite frankly I’m fatigued.
I don’t think I’ll be reading much more from her anytime soon. This book never really grabbed me. The story flowed, and I was able to get through the book relatively quickly, but I just never really felt that engaged with the story or the characters for that matter. I have a hard time giving books less than three stars unless I absolutely just hate them and I did not hate this and have not hated any of her previous books.
I would not recommend this book unless you are engaged in the previous stories
I don’t think I’ll be reading much more from her anytime soon. This book never really grabbed me. The story flowed, and I was able to get through the book relatively quickly, but I just never really felt that engaged with the story or the characters for that matter. I have a hard time giving books less than three stars unless I absolutely just hate them and I did not hate this and have not hated any of her previous books.
I would not recommend this book unless you are engaged in the previous stories
January 19, 2025
Good up until the end
So frustrating when a book flows really well and is right on track, then boom, it's like everyone's brain falls out. The last quarter of the book it's like everybody got dumber and dumber. Then the FMC decides to be TSTL and almost gets multiple people, including herself killed - which really wasn't in character for her. Most of the book was really good, but the conclusion was stupid and clumsy.
So frustrating when a book flows really well and is right on track, then boom, it's like everyone's brain falls out. The last quarter of the book it's like everybody got dumber and dumber. Then the FMC decides to be TSTL and almost gets multiple people, including herself killed - which really wasn't in character for her. Most of the book was really good, but the conclusion was stupid and clumsy.
June 14, 2024
Thank you to the publisher who allowed me to read this ARC. It his book was really good. You immediately get action at the start and it continues throughout. There was never a dull moment reading this book. And just when you think you knew who did it your turned for a loop. Definitely recommend reading this book.
December 10, 2024
What a page turner! Man was I so stressed out during this book. Such a great addition to the series. I’m so excited for the next book. Rowan has become a favorite and of course Thor. I also love that Mercy made a quick appearance too.
December 23, 2024
I think this might be the last book by the author I am reading. The story feels stale and recycled from previous installments, the characters soppy and the insert of "thoughts" annoying 🤷🏻♀️
January 18, 2025
I don't know why this one was so bad when I really enjoyed the others before. The story was terrible and the ending was so lame.
January 20, 2025
My least favorite Elliot novel. Very repetitive and unrealistic.
June 15, 2025
Kendra Elliot is one of those rare authors on my auto-buy list, so I picked up The Next Grave on publication day back in December. And yet... for some reason, I couldn’t get past chapter two for months! I started and stopped this book more times than I can count. Then a couple of days ago—on the day Her First Mistake released—I decided to give this one another shot and made it to chapter 16. Fast-forward to 2:30 this morning when I randomly woke up and devoured the rest of the book in one sitting. 😂 Probably the weirdest reading journey I’ve ever had.
The case in this installment was especially emotional since the victim was “one of their own” and a mentor to Evan. The unfolding of the case kept me guessing, and I really liked how the story led you to suspect deep corruption—only to reveal something else entirely. It still made sense why the victim felt paranoid, which made the plot feel grounded in reality.
One odd thing: Mercy Kilpatrick makes a very brief appearance and then disappears without any follow-up. It felt random and a bit jarring. Also, the wrap-up of the case felt pretty rushed, which left me wishing for a bit more depth at the end.
Still, overall this was a solid, engaging read once I finally got into it. And now I’m extra excited to dive into Her First Mistake!
The case in this installment was especially emotional since the victim was “one of their own” and a mentor to Evan. The unfolding of the case kept me guessing, and I really liked how the story led you to suspect deep corruption—only to reveal something else entirely. It still made sense why the victim felt paranoid, which made the plot feel grounded in reality.
One odd thing: Mercy Kilpatrick makes a very brief appearance and then disappears without any follow-up. It felt random and a bit jarring. Also, the wrap-up of the case felt pretty rushed, which left me wishing for a bit more depth at the end.
Still, overall this was a solid, engaging read once I finally got into it. And now I’m extra excited to dive into Her First Mistake!
December 5, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this.
When the body of a former detective is found in an abandoned car, it’s clear that someone with an axe to grind has taken action. The detective’s daughter is missing and it seems that it could be linked to a former case.
Before long those investigating the case seem to be being targeted. Prints are found at a crime scene, and shots are fired during the course of the investigation. Someone is keen for them not to find answers.
Though there was the basis of a good plot here, there was a bit too much going on. We were given little information to explain some of the events and it seems that some of the acts described would have been picked up. Entertaining, if somewhat far-fetched.
When the body of a former detective is found in an abandoned car, it’s clear that someone with an axe to grind has taken action. The detective’s daughter is missing and it seems that it could be linked to a former case.
Before long those investigating the case seem to be being targeted. Prints are found at a crime scene, and shots are fired during the course of the investigation. Someone is keen for them not to find answers.
Though there was the basis of a good plot here, there was a bit too much going on. We were given little information to explain some of the events and it seems that some of the acts described would have been picked up. Entertaining, if somewhat far-fetched.
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