★★★★★ 5
My first 5+-starred read of 2025!
Format: Kindle
This! This is Catherine Cowles's best work to date, and I'm saying that as a reader who has perused all her books and have enjoyed the heck out of them. All the Missing Pieces is a complete standalone; yes, there's a mention of a character from a previous Cowles novel, and I wouldn't mind a novella for two supporting characters, but for all intents and purposes, this romantic suspense masterpiece can absolutely be read on its own. If you're new to this author, this book is an amazing place to experience her storytelling; if you've read Cowles before, sit back and relish all of the small-town rom-sus goodness.
When Ridley Sawyer Bennett (27) arrives in the small town of Shady Cove, California in Bessie the van with cat Tater riding shotgun, she quickly wears out her welcome when her true intentions come to light. The true crime podcaster is connecting dots, suspecting unsolved abductions, including her own twin sister's from five years ago, and murders are linked to one person--and that it all began with what happened to Emerson Sinclair nearly a decade ago. The residents of Shady Cove, however, are protective of Emmie, most especially the town's sheriff, Colter Brooks (36). He wants nothing more for Ridley to up and leave, but Colt is also at war with his pesky attraction to her. Soon, they're not only teaming up, they're diving into their fiery connection. Are they wading into long lost answers or could they quickly drown in danger?
Unsolved crimes, undeniable chemistry, small-town feels, AND fur babies?! Catherine Cowles delivers what has just become my very first five-plus-starred read for 2025. All the Missing Pieces is her first traditionally published novel, and let me just say this: The hype is oh-so-real. Cowles kept me on my toes, leading me to second-guessing whoever I had atop my list of potential suspects. Heck, there was a point in the story where I actually wasn't sure about the entire list I had! So, the suspense aspect was a hit with me, and the romance? Gah! The tension between Ridley and Colt was superb! Think not merely a chef's kiss but several of them. This book grabbed me from the get-go and just never let go. Five-plus stars!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
