Murder in the Appalachians by Susan Furlong: Book Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Murder in the Appalachians by Susan Furlong
Publisher:  Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense

After unearthing secrets from her late brother’s police notebook, journalist Emma Hayes discovers his death was no accident—he was murdered. Only someone doesn’t want Emma to find out the connection to the cold case her brother was investigating…and they’ll kill to keep it that way. Now Emma must rely on local ER doctor Logan Greer to help her stay alive and follow a trail of elusive evidence. But as they unravel a conspiracy, they realize that the killer could be anyone hiding in the mountains…

PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon
Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org


Rating: 5 out of 5.

Murder in the Appalachians follows Emma Hayes, an investigative journalist whose twin brother—a police officer—is killed during what’s reported as a routine traffic stop. But Emma doesn’t buy it. It just doesn’t make sense to her. So, she heads back home to the Appalachian Mountains to start digging into his death.

Emma doesn’t know who she can trust, but she quickly crosses paths with Logan Greer, an ER doctor who ends up helping her. Emma knows someone wants her dead, and she’s sure it’s connected to her brother’s death—but the pieces aren’t coming together. She wants the truth, but the truth doesn’t want her.

Perhaps it was mood-related, but I didn’t take to this book right away. Even though it kicks off with action and keeps the tension high, something didn’t quite hook me at first. But by the halfway point, I couldn’t put it down. The twists were unexpected (which I love), and any time a book can completely fool me, I’m in. And the ending? I was crying. Between the suspense, the twists, and the emotional elements, how could I not give this five stars?

The romance in the story was woven in naturally—it wasn’t forced, nor did it overtake the suspense. It fit the story perfectly.

If you like suspense or thrillers, I think you’ll love this one. If romance isn’t your thing, don’t worry—it doesn’t overwhelm the plot. Furlong’s writing is smooth and fluid. She clearly did her research, and I appreciated the attention to detail. I also really liked the Christian themes throughout and her author’s note at the end about grief—it added a thoughtful and personal touch.

This was a wonderful read, and I hope you’ll give it a try soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
All opinions are my own.


About the Author

Susan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types. She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.

Connect with Susan:

www.SusanFurlong.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub – @SusanFurlongAuthor
Instagram – @susanfurlong
Threads – @susanfurlong
X – @Furlong_Sue
Facebook – @SusanFurlongAuthor
Pinterest – @S_FurlongAuthor


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Susan Furlong. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Enter Giveaway



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5 responses to “Murder in the Appalachians by Susan Furlong: Book Review & Giveaway”

  1. April 2025 Wrap-Up – Carla's Book Crush Avatar

    […] Murder in the Appalachians by Susan Furlong […]

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  2. Carla Avatar

    Nice review, Carla. I do enjoy a good, clean suspense novel.

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    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thank you, Carla!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. mjeanpike Avatar

    Great review. I enjoy a good suspense novel now and then. Will definitely keep this one in mind, Carla.

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    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I hope you have the opportunity to read it!

      Like

Leave a reply to Carla Cancel reply

Welcome to Carla’s Book Crush where I share my favorite clean, Christian reads. I review everything from Amish and historical romance to suspense, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and the occasional devotional. If it has heart, hope, and a message that points back to Christ, it’s probably on my shelf. I also love chatting with authors and featuring interviews that give you a peek behind the pages. Whether you’re looking for a new release, a cozy weekend read, or just something uplifting and well-written, you’re in the right place. Clean stories. Encouraging faith. Books worth reading.

5 Stars – Overwhelmed me in a good way!
4 Stars – Strongly moved me
3 Stars – Entertaining, worth the read
2 Stars – Meh, take it or leave it
1 Star – Nails on a chalkboard