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Cold Case Investigators #1

Cold Case Takedown

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Exposing a murderer

is a deadly game.


When cold case podcast host Georgia Maxwell’s investigation into her friend’s decade-old murder unveils corruption in small-town football, she’s thrust into a deadly conspiracy. And it’s put her on the radar of Colt McCoy—cold case unit chief and her high school sweetheart—who wants her help solving the crime. But every clue brings them one step closer to someone who will kill to keep the truth hidden…

From Harlequin 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

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

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About the author

Jessica R. Patch

99 books951 followers
Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense, a cold case thriller, or a small-town romance. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

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5 stars
179 (56%)
4 stars
89 (28%)
3 stars
39 (12%)
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7 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,614 reviews1,403 followers
April 26, 2021
I loved how front-and-center the faith element was as the heroine battles debilitating panic attacks and everyday anxiety. I honestly think this is my favorite yet of Patch’s writing and I loved the dangerous journey to solving the cold case. Can’t wait for the next in the series in August!
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,316 reviews125 followers
August 24, 2021
I'm needing a nap. This book had so much action I am worn out. In a good way. I love these Love Inspired books because they are just the right size to give a good read and also because they have an inspirational message. This book by Jessica Patch is about a woman's panic attacks and how God's grace is sufficient. The heroine, Georgia does a podcast on cold cases and it gets her into danger. The hero, Colt is with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and her former boyfriend in high school. There is action and suspense on each page and the romance is sweet and satisfying. I definitely recommend to any romantic suspense readers.

Oh, I also love the little reference in the book about one of the author's other books, Honeyhaven based in Mississippi.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
523 reviews84 followers
March 14, 2021
COLD CASE TAKEDOWN by Jessica R. Patch is the first book in the Cold Case Investigators series. It’s the inspirational, suspense story of Georgia Maxwell, reporter and hosting - as Christi Cold - the Dead Talk Podcast covering cold cases, and Agent Colt McCoy, cold case unit chief with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations.

Georgia’s parents died when she was 12. At the same time, Georgia developed severe spells of panic with panic disorder symptoms. Georgia and Colt had a romantic history in high school, but her panic attacks just kept getting worse and worse. Just the thought of him being in a football game and possibly getting hurt caused her to physically get sick. It kept getting worse causing their arguing to increase and Georgia just couldn’t tell him why. She also knew she couldn’t hold him back or continue to live the way she was – in constant fear. When he thought they were on their way to happily ever after, she broke up with him with no real explanation. - other than she never wanted to marry anyone. In her heart, she knew she couldn’t.

Colt had been told all his life he was worthless and that he would amount to absolutely nothing. Georgia’s rejection just confirmed that. He’s spend the last 15 years working at his job trying to prove to his Dad and to everyone else, including himself, that he was someone worthy. He’s achieved great goals at work, but finally accepts that he will never get the approval or love from his Dad.

Georgia works as an investigative reporter and also covered classifieds at the Magnolia Gazette. She’s was hoping to take over the position of editor after the retirement of the present one. While cleaning out the desk of her best friend Dandy, after she was killed in a carjacking, she found notes showing evidence of an illegal athletic recruiting ring. Using those facts and investigating on her own, she started the cold case podcasts. Fifteen years ago another friend, Jared, a promising football player in high school, had been murdered by blunt-force trauma to the head - killed in an undetermined location and then relocated to the athletic training room at Courage High. Was Dandy’s death really due to a carjacking? Could Jared’s death be connected to Dandy’s notes?

Colt happened to catch Christi’s podcasts which intrigued him. He felt a connection to the host. When she mentioned details too similar to his friend Jared’s death, he know that Christi must actually be Georgia and if she was digging up the past that it would most likely endanger her life. Was his trip back to his hometown to help her find answers or to save her? Can he handle the old feelings and the hurt from the past?

Too many folks she cared about had been ripped from her thanks to an unsafe world. That’s why she has isolated herself, not allowing anyone to get really close to her. Can she work through those fears and find a way to have a somewhat normal type life? Will seeing Colt again bring back all the happy and loving feelings she had for him all those years ago or just bring more intense fearful thoughts?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Can Georgia use this life verse to keep her calm enough to handle all that is about to come into her life? Can Colt keep Georgia safe when she keeps getting in people’s faces? Are past crimes linked to the present ones?

Time will lift the truth to the surface and it’ll bob in the water of lies for all to see. It’s only a matter of time. Will this saying of her mother allow the one that wants to past to stay in the past know who is racking it back up and give them the advantage to strike? Will ultimate danger be what actually brings the “unworthy” and the “fearful” to a like goal joining the past with the present and possibly the future?

COLD CASE TAKEDOWN pushes all the buttons. It’s full of edge of your seat suspense. It’s a love story with many twist and turns and one in which you are pulling for a happily ever after from the first chapter. It has an inspirational thread that totally weaves this story together and makes the story all the stronger. Jessica R. Patch does a fabulous job satisfying both your mind and your heart. At the end you will sit back and say “Very well done!” Although sad that the reading is over, I can be happy because COLD CASE TAKEDOWN is the first book in the series. It will have you waiting with great expectation for the rest of the books in this amazing series. I can’t wait! It gets a big FIVE STARS from me!
3,550 reviews1,752 followers
April 7, 2021
There is so much to gush about over this enthralling romantic suspense. Jessica Patch is one of my fave LIS authors and she might just have outdone herself with this one.

Love the heroine, Georgia, with all her complexities. She has some unique struggles that make coping with all the chaos and danger that much harder but she perseveres with grit and determination and tenacious faith which left me awestruck.

Colt has reservations about coming face to face with his old flame from high school. Georgia broke his heart back in the day and it never completely healed. But she's stirred up a hornet's nest with her cold case podcast and there's no turning back. They need to work together to bring justice to a murdered friend...if they can stay alive long enough!

Phew -- the suspense is intricately woven in a bazillion layers of tangled knots. Utterly fascinating to pick your way through. I'm not a football fan and not from the US so I'm still a little addlepated over how seriously you take your high school/college football!!! :-)

This is the first book in a new series and Patch has done a great job of introducing the team and setting the stage for future novels. Can't wait for the next installment -- Cold Case Double Cross -- which comes out this summer.
Profile Image for Stacey.
Author 18 books97 followers
September 20, 2023
I appreciated the author's biblical worldview in this suspense story. It was never preachy and really showed what it looked like to press into God during anxious times. I'm looking forward to reading through her backlist!
Profile Image for Melissa.
388 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2021
Cold Case Takedown is the first in the Cold Case Investigator series by Jessica Patch. It is a second chance romance filled with lots of action and page turning suspense. Georgia hosts a cold case podcast and Colt is the cold case unit chief, but they were also high school sweethearts. When Georgia brings up a case from their past on the show, it becomes apparent someone doesn't want her to live long enough to find the truth. They team up to solve the case and what begins is a lot of adrenaline pumping action complete with small town secrets that often left me with more questions than answers. I was completely surprised at the ending.

Not only did this book have the suspense with the right amount of romance that I appreciate in a Jessica Patch book, but she also tackled mental health issues in a very appropriate way. Georgia has pretty crippling anxiety and so readers got to see first hand how Georgia deals with that through the help of her dogs and advice from a counselor. Readers get to see the growth in Georgia as she is too afraid of living life for fear of losing someone she loves to realizing she wants to give life and love a chance.

I am looking forward to Cold Case Double Cross which releases later this year.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Profile Image for Whitney Hurst.
Author 1 book9 followers
June 22, 2021
Cold Case Takedown by Jessica R. Patch was an enjoyable read for me. I love a good romantic mystery and this one was enjoyable enough.

I felt the overall story was interesting and the mystery was well maintained throughout the entire book.

Georgia, is a likeable character with real flaws that I thought were addressed well. Colton (Colt) won my heart with his love and dedication to all he did and I am a sucker for a wounded soul that couldn't see his worth. I liked that both he and Georgia had faith in their lives but still needed to overcome things from the past to move forward and find a happy ending together. There was a theme of forgiveness and not allowing fear to rule over faith, which I liked.

The reason this story only earned 3 stars and didn't really hit home for me was at times it felt hard to follow and I was not sure if that was just the flow of writing or editing that was done. I still felt it was well done enough that I wouldn't mind reading more from Jessica R. Patch and I would especially enjoy it if we had more in this series with the rest of the Cold Case Crew, their overall characters really made the story fun.

So if you are looking for a mystery that keeps you guessing with enjoyable side characters and second chance love for a hero and heroine this may be the story for you!
1,646 reviews14 followers
February 17, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this ARC by Jessica Patch and this is my honest opinion. One I started this book I could not put it down. I was on the edge of my seat trying to find out what was going to happen next.

Georgia and Colt liked each other in high school but she suffered from anxiety issues which I can relate to because I too have panic attacks. Then she broke up with Colt because of them.

Their best friend was murdered 15 years ago and because of some notes Georgia found from a colleague after she was murdered, she mentioned them on a podcast she was doing. Once the scene was set we were taken on an amazing journey. I think if you like second chance romances, and suspense stories you will certainly enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews256 followers
February 3, 2021
'Forgiveness wasn't for the offender. It was for the offended.'

Jessica Patch is back with another great inspirational suspense novel. One that will keep you guessing till the end! With many twists and turns, several crimes going on, this cold case, combined with a present case, will ratchet up the excitement for everyone! And a powerful spiritual theme is here also. One that ministered to me, in fact. Well done!

My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion here is my own.
211 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2022
It was bad enough for the High School quarterback to be murdered a decade ago. But is that the only problem with the football program? Reporter Georgia Maxwell and cold case detective Colt McCoy want to find out the answers. Others in the town don't, and they're willing to kill to keep the answers buried.

I absolutely loved "Cold Case Takedown," the first of the three part Cold Case Investigators series by Jessica Patch. It has the suspense (and romance) you'd expect from a Love Inspired Suspense (LIS) novel. It also has the great characters I find in Patch's novels (my all-time favorite male LIS lead was Wilder Flynn from Patch's "Dangerous Obsession;" my favorite LIS female lead is Georgia Maxwell of this story). This also has a mystery in it that is more like Agatha Christy than a typical LIS story.

One thing I liked in this story was Georgia's battles with anxiety. To me, that helped the story stand out.

As stated, this is the first part of a trilogy. I have a hunch that I've been introduced to the leading ladies and one of the male protagonists of the following installments. I haven't read the plot description of the other two, so I'm looking forward to seeing if I guessed correctly.

This is one of my favorite novels I've read this year, and Jessica Patch is already one of my all-time favorite authors. In other words, I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,104 reviews12 followers
March 7, 2021
If you have ever seen a hornet nest in a tree, you probably steered clear of it. The nest can remain there for an indefinite period of time with no trouble. But if you poke it with a stick, you will surely stir up the hornets. A cold case can be like that. A huge initial effort is made to find how a person died and who was responsible. But the cases sometimes grow cold until they are almost forgotten. Colt McCoy is in charge of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation cold case unit, and knew how deadly things could become if someone started poking around in one of the cases. However, that was his job. Suddenly realizing one evening that the host of the nightly cold case podcast he had enjoyed for months was none other than his high school sweetheart, Georgia Maxwell, he became alarmed at the familiar case she had described. His instincts told him she was poking a hornet nest and could have some major problems on her hands. Law enforcement had never been able to solve the suspicious death of their friend. Knowing she was getting in over her head, he felt compelled to rush to the rescue. The suspense mounts throughout the story as they keep poking the nest. Although she suffered from anxiety attacks, Georgia was often the one who caused anxiety for others, opening her mouth after promising to be quiet, and pressing people for answers. I have no idea how Colt was able to maintain his sanity when she ran ahead of him. I appreciated the faith message in the story and the impact of the truth of Scripture in their lives.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,168 reviews31 followers
February 4, 2021
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!
In this book, the author, Jessica Patch, 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!
This story also dealt with some tough issues many people struggle with. The problem of panic-attacks and how devastating it can be for those who grapple with it. This author did a beautiful job of sharing the concerns and battles people who have it deal with sometimes, daily.
Jessica Patch is a very skilled author who weaves intriguing stories that will grip your heart and captivate your soul. Her stories also have wonderful examples of how God can take a hurting individual, and fill them with peace, joy, and love.
I was given this book by the publisher and in no way did it influences my review, all opinions are my own.
I highly recommend picking up this book. However, I need to warn you, you might not get much sleep until you finish reading it!
1,089 reviews10 followers
April 6, 2021
Jessica Patch is back with a brand new series! Cold Case Takedown is book number one in her Cold Case Investigations series and if it comes even close to predicting the rest of the series, readers are in for some intense and suspense filled reads.

I’m not a football fan myself but those who are will get an extra bonus with this tale that also includes a second chance romance. Nearly every page is filled with action as the danger ramps up with surprises around every corner. I could easily identify with Georgia’s anxiety issues and was quite happy that I was not in her shoes.

This author is a master at creating realistic characters and placing them in virtually impossible situations yet somehow they manage to develop a believable romantic relationship in the midst of it all. That’s what I call talent. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment!

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,090 reviews9 followers
March 3, 2021
OMG I could not put this book down, I had it with me, I swear everywhere I went. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns to keep you guessing what is going to happen next. I could never relate more with Georgia, she is a fighter and way stronger then she realizes, but she heads into life with God at her side knowing that's what's keeping her going. Cole wow what he faced at such a young age broke my heart but he too was a fighter and was not going to give up on love. Susan was the best kind of friend anyone could ask for she spoke truth in love and said the hard things as well. All in all this book was an amazing read and was a clean read. You can not go wrong with this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Alicia.
175 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2021
In the 220ish pages of the book, there are numerous shootings at Georgia and Colt, her dogs are poisoned and a vehicle they are using is tampered with. I loved the premise of the book, but the story fell short for me. It also felt like too much was being crammed into such a short book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,042 reviews9 followers
December 8, 2021
The biggest issue I have with this runs through most of these series - the author gets towards the end of their word/page count and has to just wrap everything up however they can. I actually really liked this book until the last 30 pages or so!
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
741 reviews76 followers
April 29, 2022
Cold Case Takedown is a powerful start to the Cold Case Investigators series. This touching story features Agent Colt McCoy, cold case unit chief with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Georgia Maxwell, cold case podcaster and armchair detective. These former sweethearts are reunited in a dangerous cold case investigation involving the murder of Colt’s best friend. The suspenseful plot twists and turns with surprising revelations that uncover multiple crimes and produce a growing list of suspects. The characters are well-developed and believable. Sensitive issues of mental health are handled with sensitivity and grace. Second chance romance, a strong faith thread, and an aptly described small town setting add to the enjoyment of the read. I think that fans of inspirational suspense will really like this read.
968 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2022
Loved this book!! Georgia and Colt were high school sweethearts, until she decided she had to push him away because she couldn't cope. She didn't realize that the way she did it left Colt feeling less than. when he comes to town because of her podcast, they're thrown together. The more time they spend together, they realize those old feelings never left. When she finds out just what they breakup did to Colt, she apologizes, though things really aren't so different now from then. She just has a name for what was wrong then. That is, until one of her friend's tells her some hard-hitting truths that make her change her mind. However, do those truths come just a little too late?? Or, will they both be able to put the past behind them, and walk into their future with God and each other?
65 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2022
A journey through fear to solve the mystery.

I like stories that deal with subjects that seem to have a no win solution. Yet they work it through to a logical conclusion. This story takes you through a believable problem dealing with fear and anxiety. And walk you though the reality of journeying through fear to get to the only solution that actually works.
Not only that she throws in a a great mystery while solving the fear challenge. If you have ever experienced a panic attack. You will enjoy solving this mystery.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,494 reviews35 followers
May 13, 2023
I really like action suspense books but this one was not as well done as most I’ve read. I’ve never heard of this author and I’m not sure how it ended up in my TBR shelf.

There’s nothing wrong with this book, but it’s not as well written as some others and there were a lot of players that left me confused. I also felt like the amount of bad things was a little over the top.

However, Georgia’s fears and the things she faces were really helpful and timely for me so that part I appreciated a lot. Maybe that’s why this book was on my shelf. Who knows. But I’m not sorry I read it.
82 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2023
Suspenseful

#JessicaRPatch writes amazing suspenseful books. Hard to put down to sleep. Too many suspects, murder attempts and murders, but cold case team lead by Colt and an investigative reporter Georgia Jane find so many clues and questions. Can they solve cold case before one of them becomes another victim? You have to get this one and find one. You won't be disappointed.
30 reviews
February 22, 2022
Twists and turns

What starts out with Georgia's podcast concerning a football player who died fifteen years ago...what happened? Why did the case die? How were all these high school football players being recruited to her high school when they don't live in the district? You will never guess where the story goes next.
112 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2023
Another twisted plot

Loved the plot, as Patch has a unique way of putting you on a fearsome rollercoaster ride. I was more moved by the amazing way she handled the topic of severe anxiety. While well versed in dealing with people I know who have anxiety, I saw a whole other side to their daily struggle. Well done.
8 reviews
May 31, 2024
It was a good book on how to cope with anxieties biblically. It showed how God’s Word could change hearts. The reason I am giving a lower rating is for the audiobook that was narrated digitally through Apple Books. So many places they mixed up between Colt and Georgias voices which made it confusing. I had to listen again. So avoid the audiobook version.
150 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2021
Riveting

This is a fast paced, edge of your seat romantic suspense! Jessica R. Patch has done an excellent job of blending together a story filled with suspense, uncertainty, faith, hope and romance. I recommend this for those who enjoy Christian Romantic Suspense.
Profile Image for Lela Preston.
256 reviews21 followers
February 7, 2022
No Man's Life is worth less than yours.

College recruiting has been in the news lately,, but Murder can never supercede lying about an address or fake School records. God has shown all that one sin is the same as another sin.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,182 reviews36 followers
March 6, 2022
This is the 2nd book I read by Jessica R. Patch. This book's storyline was okay. I liked the football 🏈 theme in this story. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian theme in this story. Georgia's character was okay. Colt's character was okay. The ending was okay.
73 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2022
Great read

I loved Georgia! She was a heroine who wasn't perfect in every way, yet she learned to overcome and leave her anxiety with the Lord. The action and figuring out "the bad guys" made for a good book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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