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Coroner's Daughter #4
Frozen Lives
Dr. Emily Hartford is back in Frozen Lives, the next thrilling mystery from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush.
Chicago surgeon Emily Hartford has never quite shaken off the dust of her hometown in Michigan. She may be a professional success and have a princely boyfriend in the Windy City, but she can't seem to let go of being "the coroner's daughter" from Freeport.
Once again, she finds herself pulled back upstate during a wintery late March when Jeremiah--the eleven year-old son of her best friend, Jo--goes missing on the frigid shores of Lake Michigan.
To everyone's relief, Jeremiah turns up days later, alive and unharmed. But tensions remain high, and suspicions of every sort continue to grow. Jeremiah's account of his abduction doesn't add up and Emily worries about Jo's unraveling marriage. Jeremiah's recovery, it turns out, is not the end of their terrifying tale. It's just the beginning ...
For moving among them is a devious, malevolent force. Sowing panic while seeking to fulfill his own twisted needs, this wolf in sheep's clothing leaves a trail of rack and ruin, heedless of the damages in his wake ... and the bodies he leaves behind.
Emily solidifies her role as the coroner's daughter when she puzzles out this madman's chilling machinations. Risking everything dear to her, Emily is determined to go the icy distance and end his killing spree.
Chicago surgeon Emily Hartford has never quite shaken off the dust of her hometown in Michigan. She may be a professional success and have a princely boyfriend in the Windy City, but she can't seem to let go of being "the coroner's daughter" from Freeport.
Once again, she finds herself pulled back upstate during a wintery late March when Jeremiah--the eleven year-old son of her best friend, Jo--goes missing on the frigid shores of Lake Michigan.
To everyone's relief, Jeremiah turns up days later, alive and unharmed. But tensions remain high, and suspicions of every sort continue to grow. Jeremiah's account of his abduction doesn't add up and Emily worries about Jo's unraveling marriage. Jeremiah's recovery, it turns out, is not the end of their terrifying tale. It's just the beginning ...
For moving among them is a devious, malevolent force. Sowing panic while seeking to fulfill his own twisted needs, this wolf in sheep's clothing leaves a trail of rack and ruin, heedless of the damages in his wake ... and the bodies he leaves behind.
Emily solidifies her role as the coroner's daughter when she puzzles out this madman's chilling machinations. Risking everything dear to her, Emily is determined to go the icy distance and end his killing spree.
358 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2024
About the author
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
9 books577 followersJennifer Dornbush is a screenwriter, author, international speaker and forensic specialist. As she says, “I grew up around death.”
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 26, 2024
What a wonderful new-to-me series!
Frozen Lives
by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is a mystery with plenty of suspense, investigation, and family drama. Dr. Emily Hartford is a successful surgeon in Chicago, Illinois along with her boyfriend Brandon. However, she grew up in Freeport, Michigan where she was the daughter of the local coroner and helped him out when she was younger.
When Emily gets a call from her friend Jo Blakely that Jo’s son Jeremiah is missing, Emily leaves for Freeport. Arriving there, she immediately goes to the police station to talk with Detective Aditson. Jeremiah turns up a few days later, alive and seemingly unharmed. However, his account of what happened doesn’t sound right. On top of this, Jo and her husband are having marriage problems. However, the situation rapidly gets worse.
Emily is an excellent surgeon, but she’s also a great medical examiner. She has a sense of curiosity and is a bit of a risk taker, except when it comes to relationships. She has a sense of curiosity and doesn’t easily let go of her small-town connections. Brandon loves the city and doesn’t understand why Freeport appeals to Emily or why she rushes there to be with her friend. Many of the other characters are also well-defined and have depth.
The story quickly hooked me with a gripping prologue. A feeling of deep anxiety became prevalent as the story progressed, even though readers learn the identity of the antagonist halfway through the novel. The antagonist’s mental illness has a terrifying realism that is memorable and chilling. This riveting mystery kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. What an ending! It was foreshadowed and I guessed what was coming, but I was happy to see I was right despite a bit of a cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the story next. Threads include marriage, missing individuals, friendship, romance, family drama, and much more.
Overall, this was an intense, suspenseful, and engaging mystery. Exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts kept me rapidly turning the pages. The story exceeded my expectations. While this is the fourth book in the Coroner’s Daughter series, it can be read as a standalone. However, it does have some spoilers that might affect the enjoyment if you plan to read the earlier novels. Despite this, I want to read the others. They should add depth to Emily’s background and relationships with those in Freeport. This new-to-me author has me hooked on the characters, solid mysteries, and her excellent writing. Readers who enjoy mysteries with great characterization and excellent writing will likely enjoy this series.
Blackstone Publishing and Jennifer Graeser Dornbush provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 29, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
When Emily gets a call from her friend Jo Blakely that Jo’s son Jeremiah is missing, Emily leaves for Freeport. Arriving there, she immediately goes to the police station to talk with Detective Aditson. Jeremiah turns up a few days later, alive and seemingly unharmed. However, his account of what happened doesn’t sound right. On top of this, Jo and her husband are having marriage problems. However, the situation rapidly gets worse.
Emily is an excellent surgeon, but she’s also a great medical examiner. She has a sense of curiosity and is a bit of a risk taker, except when it comes to relationships. She has a sense of curiosity and doesn’t easily let go of her small-town connections. Brandon loves the city and doesn’t understand why Freeport appeals to Emily or why she rushes there to be with her friend. Many of the other characters are also well-defined and have depth.
The story quickly hooked me with a gripping prologue. A feeling of deep anxiety became prevalent as the story progressed, even though readers learn the identity of the antagonist halfway through the novel. The antagonist’s mental illness has a terrifying realism that is memorable and chilling. This riveting mystery kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. What an ending! It was foreshadowed and I guessed what was coming, but I was happy to see I was right despite a bit of a cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the story next. Threads include marriage, missing individuals, friendship, romance, family drama, and much more.
Overall, this was an intense, suspenseful, and engaging mystery. Exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts kept me rapidly turning the pages. The story exceeded my expectations. While this is the fourth book in the Coroner’s Daughter series, it can be read as a standalone. However, it does have some spoilers that might affect the enjoyment if you plan to read the earlier novels. Despite this, I want to read the others. They should add depth to Emily’s background and relationships with those in Freeport. This new-to-me author has me hooked on the characters, solid mysteries, and her excellent writing. Readers who enjoy mysteries with great characterization and excellent writing will likely enjoy this series.
Blackstone Publishing and Jennifer Graeser Dornbush provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 29, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
May 16, 2024
This novel has a large cast of characters, namely family and best friends that are developed nicely among this terrifying mystery. While part of a series, I didn’t feel left out for not reading the prior books. While the protagonist is a doctor turned coroner, there is very little about this in the novel. It is more about a missing boy and the tragic events that follow. It was a good mystery! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
October 30, 2024
Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush was a book that I could not put down. Dornbush showed who the villain is pretty early on in the novel. Normally, I do not like this when reading a suspense novel. But the way she crafted the novel, it was like watching a car wreck happen, and then stick around for the aftermath. You knew it was horrible, but you wanted to know how it played out. I wanted to know the villain’s mental issues. Why was he doing what he was doing? How long would the horrors happen before the rescue? Dornbush does a good job at leaving little clues and pushing the victims harder and harder. Emily and Brandon had to come to terms with where their relationship might be headed. If readers are familiar with the previous books, they would understand this plot line. As a word of Caution, there are some cuss words in the story, but they were spoken when a character was angry, so I just them and kept moving forward with the plot. It does help cement the anger of the person. Dornbush does leave the story in a cliff-hanger. Now I need the next book as soon as possible. I need to know answers to this ending. Overall, Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush was a wonderful suspense novel. I think it was the best book in the series. I recommend this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush from Blackstone Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush from Blackstone Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
October 9, 2024
Frozen Lives
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Book 4 The Coroner's Daughter Mysteries
Blackstone Publishing
What! Wow! Cliffhanger! Loved it! Need more!! Had a moment at the end Ahhhhh!!!
Full disclosure- I jumped in at Book 4. Read it easily as a stand alone and with cliffhanger at the end I knew I had to get more to tide me over until Book 5 comes out.
This was my first book by Jennifer Graeser Thornbush and it will not be my last. I immediately became so invested in Dr Emily Hartford, her family, friends, community and the people around her in Freeport, MI. All of the pieces that make her whole seem to be keeping her there.
This time, Emily is going the extra mile for her best friend Jo and her son Jeremiah have been abducted and must be found. This a fast paced read with perfect timing. There are sub plots that follow along as well (loved it) that keep the series going. Being a mother, a daughter and a sister this pulled me right in. I couldn’t stop.
I need the characters in a series to grow with each book. I do not like redundancy in a series,playing catch up or things being on repeat. I need each book to wrap most things up and who doesn’t love a cliffhanger? This series checks all of the boxes for me.
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Book 4 The Coroner's Daughter Mysteries
Blackstone Publishing
What! Wow! Cliffhanger! Loved it! Need more!! Had a moment at the end Ahhhhh!!!
Full disclosure- I jumped in at Book 4. Read it easily as a stand alone and with cliffhanger at the end I knew I had to get more to tide me over until Book 5 comes out.
This was my first book by Jennifer Graeser Thornbush and it will not be my last. I immediately became so invested in Dr Emily Hartford, her family, friends, community and the people around her in Freeport, MI. All of the pieces that make her whole seem to be keeping her there.
This time, Emily is going the extra mile for her best friend Jo and her son Jeremiah have been abducted and must be found. This a fast paced read with perfect timing. There are sub plots that follow along as well (loved it) that keep the series going. Being a mother, a daughter and a sister this pulled me right in. I couldn’t stop.
I need the characters in a series to grow with each book. I do not like redundancy in a series,playing catch up or things being on repeat. I need each book to wrap most things up and who doesn’t love a cliffhanger? This series checks all of the boxes for me.
October 7, 2024
Well, I've done it again! This is the 4th book in the author's The Coroner's Daughter series, but it's my 1st and most definitely won't be my last. I'm highly anticipating the next book because I really need to know what happens!
Dr. Emily Hartford has a great life in Chicago with her boyfriend. But there is just something about her small hometown of Freeport, MI that keeps pulling her back. She's the coroner's daughter, and she can't seem to let go of that title. This time, it's her best friend, Jo's missing 11 year old son, Jeremiah. Luckily, he's found a few days later alive and unharmed. But he's dealing with the trauma of being taken, and his story about the abduction isn't making any sense. Emily's worried about him and for Jo, whose marriage seems to be unraveling. But that's the least of her worries when Jeremiah is taken again, but this time, so is Jo. Can they be found before something happens to them? Who would take them both? Has this person done this before?
Told in multiple POV, this book was good. It was well written and suspenseful. It definitely had me turning pages. It was entertaining, and there were a great group of characters. Emily is a great female MC, and I absolutely loved Deila's character. There was one thing that Emily did that made me completely cringe, and I didn't understand why Emily didn't go to see Jo right away after she was rescued. But I did enjoy the book and would definitely recommend it. The ending definitely has a cliffhanger, but that just means you'll have to read book 5😊
Dr. Emily Hartford has a great life in Chicago with her boyfriend. But there is just something about her small hometown of Freeport, MI that keeps pulling her back. She's the coroner's daughter, and she can't seem to let go of that title. This time, it's her best friend, Jo's missing 11 year old son, Jeremiah. Luckily, he's found a few days later alive and unharmed. But he's dealing with the trauma of being taken, and his story about the abduction isn't making any sense. Emily's worried about him and for Jo, whose marriage seems to be unraveling. But that's the least of her worries when Jeremiah is taken again, but this time, so is Jo. Can they be found before something happens to them? Who would take them both? Has this person done this before?
Told in multiple POV, this book was good. It was well written and suspenseful. It definitely had me turning pages. It was entertaining, and there were a great group of characters. Emily is a great female MC, and I absolutely loved Deila's character. There was one thing that Emily did that made me completely cringe, and I didn't understand why Emily didn't go to see Jo right away after she was rescued. But I did enjoy the book and would definitely recommend it. The ending definitely has a cliffhanger, but that just means you'll have to read book 5😊
October 25, 2024
4.4
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours for including me on this tour!
Heartbreak, abduction, lake…
Dr. Emily Hartford returns in Frozen Lives, Book #4 of the Coroner’s Daughter series.
Emily returns to her hometown of Freeport, MI when her best friend’s son disappears. 11yo Jeremiah is found a few days later but then a series of bad events occur after his return.
Emily, Jo, and Delia were just a few of the strong female characters. I especially liked Delia.
The villain was cunning and treacherous, hiding malicious intent. He/she had his/her own wants, needs, and beliefs. Goals were elusive.
This mystery /thriller / crime fiction was a tug of war mystery. The plot was creative, suspenseful, and chilling. I was curious about how this was going to play out! Quite a cliffhanger ending!
I have not read the previous 3 books in the series but was able to follow the characters and plot. I will definitely read the next book in the series!
AVAILABLE 10/29/24.
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours for including me on this tour!
Heartbreak, abduction, lake…
Dr. Emily Hartford returns in Frozen Lives, Book #4 of the Coroner’s Daughter series.
Emily returns to her hometown of Freeport, MI when her best friend’s son disappears. 11yo Jeremiah is found a few days later but then a series of bad events occur after his return.
Emily, Jo, and Delia were just a few of the strong female characters. I especially liked Delia.
The villain was cunning and treacherous, hiding malicious intent. He/she had his/her own wants, needs, and beliefs. Goals were elusive.
This mystery /thriller / crime fiction was a tug of war mystery. The plot was creative, suspenseful, and chilling. I was curious about how this was going to play out! Quite a cliffhanger ending!
I have not read the previous 3 books in the series but was able to follow the characters and plot. I will definitely read the next book in the series!
AVAILABLE 10/29/24.
October 11, 2024
I enjoyed this mystery set in the cold north of Michigan. I like Emily as an amateur sleuth who has the help of a friend, an ex-FBI agent. Emily is sort of a non-heroine. She is a good support but it is really others who do the actual work on the abduction. I did not like Emily's over managing her relationship to Brandon. I rarely hope a romance will not happen but I did so with this novel. There was quite an emphasis on that relationship in the novel. In that respect, this novel is for readers who like about as much on the personal life of the main character as on the suspenseful mystery.
One aspect of the novel that captured my attention was how kids responded to the disappearance of a classmate. Speculation was rampant and the possible explanations were imaginative. That this novel deals with the abduction of a child may be a trigger situation for some potential readers.
I like Dornbush's writing style. She has included secondary characters to add depth to the main kidnapping plot. This is the latest in a series but it is the first I've read and I felt it read well on its own. Reading the earlier books in the series would help to better understand Emily's relationships with others in her home town, however.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
One aspect of the novel that captured my attention was how kids responded to the disappearance of a classmate. Speculation was rampant and the possible explanations were imaginative. That this novel deals with the abduction of a child may be a trigger situation for some potential readers.
I like Dornbush's writing style. She has included secondary characters to add depth to the main kidnapping plot. This is the latest in a series but it is the first I've read and I felt it read well on its own. Reading the earlier books in the series would help to better understand Emily's relationships with others in her home town, however.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 25, 2024
This is my fourth book by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and it definitely won't be my last! This one's told from multiple points of view and with so many characters this made it easy to get to know them and get a complete picture. The Coroner's Daughter is a great mystery series! Even though this is the fourth book you can read it as a standalone but with the cliffhanger at the end of this book you will definitely be picking up the next book! Overall this was an entertaining, suspenseful and interesting read! Thank you Partners in Crime Tours, Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and Blackstone Publishing for sharing this book with me!
October 27, 2024
I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could! It’s the 4th book in the series but the first one I’ve read. I will definitely be reading the backlist!!! Emily’s friend Jo’s son goes missing and Emily is there for support. I was very invested in Emily’s life and her relationships. I can’t wait for book 5, which the author promised is in process!!!
April 30, 2024
I've devoured every installment of the Coroner's Daughter mystery series, and this latest addition is just as captivating as the rest.
In this fourth installment, we continue to follow the journey of Dr. Emily Hartford, a skilled surgeon in bustling Chicago, who also happens to be the daughter of a former coroner from the quiet town of Freeport.
When Jeremiah, the son of Emily's closest friend Jo, disappears from a Lake Michigan beach, Emily finds herself drawn back to her hometown. Although Jeremiah is eventually found alive, the small town is shaken by the suspicion that one of their own may be responsible for his disappearance, and the ordeal is far from over.
I found this book to be thoroughly satisfying, maintaining the series' trademark blend of suspense and action. Each chapter left me eager for the next, and I appreciated how Dornbush skillfully lays the groundwork for the series' conclusion in the final book.
A heartfelt thank you to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mark your calendars for the release on 10/29/2024 and take note of trigger warnings for themes including serial killers, murder, kidnapping, suicide, and overdose.
Rating this 4 stars solely because I managed to predict the conclusion.
In this fourth installment, we continue to follow the journey of Dr. Emily Hartford, a skilled surgeon in bustling Chicago, who also happens to be the daughter of a former coroner from the quiet town of Freeport.
When Jeremiah, the son of Emily's closest friend Jo, disappears from a Lake Michigan beach, Emily finds herself drawn back to her hometown. Although Jeremiah is eventually found alive, the small town is shaken by the suspicion that one of their own may be responsible for his disappearance, and the ordeal is far from over.
I found this book to be thoroughly satisfying, maintaining the series' trademark blend of suspense and action. Each chapter left me eager for the next, and I appreciated how Dornbush skillfully lays the groundwork for the series' conclusion in the final book.
A heartfelt thank you to Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mark your calendars for the release on 10/29/2024 and take note of trigger warnings for themes including serial killers, murder, kidnapping, suicide, and overdose.
Rating this 4 stars solely because I managed to predict the conclusion.
August 11, 2024
This book is absolutely great! I did figure out a couple of things before
they were revealed, but I’m really hard to fool! From beginning to end I
was captivated. Right now my head is spinning as I try to construct a
proper review that is not full of spoilers. Since the book is not released
until 29 October, I have some time!
Do not miss this book. And, while it is best to read the series, most people
will enjoy this story since the Author backfills well.
they were revealed, but I’m really hard to fool! From beginning to end I
was captivated. Right now my head is spinning as I try to construct a
proper review that is not full of spoilers. Since the book is not released
until 29 October, I have some time!
Do not miss this book. And, while it is best to read the series, most people
will enjoy this story since the Author backfills well.
October 16, 2024
Compelling story as Dr. Emily Hartford tries to stop a kidnapper who may also be a serial killer.
Frozen Lives is the fourth book in author Jennifer Graeser Dornbush’s excellent Coroner’s Daughter Mysteries, but readers new to the series can easily catch up and enjoy this latest case. The author does a fabulous job smoothly establishing the characters’ backstories without slowing down the current action. With a strong, likable female protagonist and a riveting plot, I was so completely absorbed in what was going on that time flew by. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Successful Chicago surgeon Dr. Emily Hartford is smart and capable in her profession. With the extra skills acquired years earlier working side by side with her father, the coroner of her old hometown of Freeport, Michigan, she comes to the aid of her best friend, Jo, when her young son disappears from a local lakeshore playground. Jeremiah is found safe, but the circumstances surrounding his abduction remain shrouded in mystery, and there are indications that he may still be in danger.Even before Jeremiah’s disappearance off the deserted beach, Jo’s life was becoming a hot mess. With three school-age children and a demanding hospital nursing job, she’s been living the tough life of a single parent because her husband, Paul, is on the road for business more than he’s home and shouldering his fair share of family responsibilities. (Later, readers will discover this situation is a common thread in the story.) Although he’s not happy with his work demands, he has refused to take steps to improve his situation, which I immediately thought was weak and suspicious.
After the events in previous books had put her engagement to her surgery clinic partner, Brandon Taylor, on hold, she has finally gotten to the point where she’s ready to get their relationship back on track, something he had been advocating for already. However, her involvement in Jo’s troubles elicited some odd comments and weird vibes from Brandon and had me questioning their fit as life partners.The story is suspenseful and agonizing when young Jeremiah is missing, and there are several shocking twists, including an ultimate cliffhanger finale, that left me gasping. I recommend FROZEN LIVES to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who would enjoy a great small-town Michigan setting and fans of the previous books in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
October 9, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
FROZEN LIVES (Coroner’s Daughter Mysteries Book #4) by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is an edge-of-your-seat crime thriller/amateur sleuth mystery featuring Chicago surgeon Emily Hartford who gets pulled back to her small hometown of Freeport, Michigan when her best friend and son go missing. This is easily read as a standalone crime thriller and the author does a great job of intertwining Emily’s life from the previous books, so I never felt lost with her current relationships.
Emily is happy sharing a surgical practice in Chicago with her boyfriend, but she just cannot let go of her small town roots and all of her friends in Freeport, Michigan. She receives a call for help when her best friend Jo’s son, Jeremiah, goes missing. He is discovered a few days later unharmed, but the man who took him is still free. With accusations only ramping up the tensions in Jo’s crumbling marriage, Emily feels the need to support her friend.
As they all try to get back to a normal routine, no one knows the danger has not passed them by and it is about to become a race to find a twisted kidnapper and rescue Emily’s friends from a possible watery grave.
I could not put this book down and I am surprised that I had not read any of this series previously. If you have not either, this is a good book to jump in on because the author does a great job of giving the reader enough of Emily’s past and relationships so as not to be confusing. That said, I will be going back to read the previous three books because I enjoyed the author’s fast paced crime plot and hope the other three are just as interesting and well written. Even knowing who the kidnapper/killer is does not distract from the increasing tension and emotional involvement as the book races to a climax. I am excited to read the next book now that Emily has accepted the role she was born to have and to see what happens with her surprise personal ending.
I highly recommend this crime thriller/amateur sleuth mystery and look forward to reading more in this series.
FROZEN LIVES (Coroner’s Daughter Mysteries Book #4) by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is an edge-of-your-seat crime thriller/amateur sleuth mystery featuring Chicago surgeon Emily Hartford who gets pulled back to her small hometown of Freeport, Michigan when her best friend and son go missing. This is easily read as a standalone crime thriller and the author does a great job of intertwining Emily’s life from the previous books, so I never felt lost with her current relationships.
Emily is happy sharing a surgical practice in Chicago with her boyfriend, but she just cannot let go of her small town roots and all of her friends in Freeport, Michigan. She receives a call for help when her best friend Jo’s son, Jeremiah, goes missing. He is discovered a few days later unharmed, but the man who took him is still free. With accusations only ramping up the tensions in Jo’s crumbling marriage, Emily feels the need to support her friend.
As they all try to get back to a normal routine, no one knows the danger has not passed them by and it is about to become a race to find a twisted kidnapper and rescue Emily’s friends from a possible watery grave.
I could not put this book down and I am surprised that I had not read any of this series previously. If you have not either, this is a good book to jump in on because the author does a great job of giving the reader enough of Emily’s past and relationships so as not to be confusing. That said, I will be going back to read the previous three books because I enjoyed the author’s fast paced crime plot and hope the other three are just as interesting and well written. Even knowing who the kidnapper/killer is does not distract from the increasing tension and emotional involvement as the book races to a climax. I am excited to read the next book now that Emily has accepted the role she was born to have and to see what happens with her surprise personal ending.
I highly recommend this crime thriller/amateur sleuth mystery and look forward to reading more in this series.
October 31, 2024
This book pulled me in from page one and kept me glued to the pages until the end … I read this one in a little over one sitting. It is also apparently part of a series, The Coroner’s Daughter Mystery Series, and is listed as book four. That means I have three more books to read! And … there’s book five coming out in 2025, according to her website.
The premise of this book is Jeremiah going missing, turning up again, but the nightmare for his family (Jo (mom), Paul (dad), Jessica and Jaden (sisters), doesn’t end there. Jo’s best friend, Emily (the coroner’s daughter), returns home to help look for Jeremiah, which only throws a wrench in her own relationship with Brandon. Wait until you ‘meet’ Brandon’s parents, Theresa and Valence (minor characters, really, but still …). Throw in Aditson (the cop) and you’ve got yourself a story!
Oh, I almost forgot Delia. There’s definitely a backstory there. There is more to Delia than just owning a bakery.
Don’t forget the bad guy … because there has to be one.
I really enjoyed all the tidbits of backstories that were peppered throughout these pages. And, while this is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. There is Anna and her two daughters, Fiona and Flora, with Fiona’s dream becoming a reality (pretty cool for such a young girl). There is Emily and Brandon’s relationship, coupled with one she can’t let go of. This is one of those stories that gets you invested in the characters – rooting for the good guys, hoping the bad guys get caught. And the bad guy in this tale? Serious issues.
I liked the writing style, the pacing, the characters, the short chapters, the plans that never come to fruition. I am definitely going to be checking out the rest of this series. I also really enjoyed the fact that Emily is a professional in the medical field, as a surgeon and a budding coroner. Oh! And that ending? The perfect setup for the next book.
The premise of this book is Jeremiah going missing, turning up again, but the nightmare for his family (Jo (mom), Paul (dad), Jessica and Jaden (sisters), doesn’t end there. Jo’s best friend, Emily (the coroner’s daughter), returns home to help look for Jeremiah, which only throws a wrench in her own relationship with Brandon. Wait until you ‘meet’ Brandon’s parents, Theresa and Valence (minor characters, really, but still …). Throw in Aditson (the cop) and you’ve got yourself a story!
Oh, I almost forgot Delia. There’s definitely a backstory there. There is more to Delia than just owning a bakery.
Don’t forget the bad guy … because there has to be one.
I really enjoyed all the tidbits of backstories that were peppered throughout these pages. And, while this is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. There is Anna and her two daughters, Fiona and Flora, with Fiona’s dream becoming a reality (pretty cool for such a young girl). There is Emily and Brandon’s relationship, coupled with one she can’t let go of. This is one of those stories that gets you invested in the characters – rooting for the good guys, hoping the bad guys get caught. And the bad guy in this tale? Serious issues.
I liked the writing style, the pacing, the characters, the short chapters, the plans that never come to fruition. I am definitely going to be checking out the rest of this series. I also really enjoyed the fact that Emily is a professional in the medical field, as a surgeon and a budding coroner. Oh! And that ending? The perfect setup for the next book.
October 8, 2024
Everything about Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush spoke to me and I was not disappointed. A big plus, it takes place in my home state of Michigan and I felt right at home. I wasn’t able to read it in one sitting, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t try.
I was immediately swept away by the story and the characters. I love that the characters flaws and foibles were on prominent display. It makes them feel more realistic. Even the villain was worthy of empathy, but that doesn’t excuse what he does.
When Jeremiah , the eleven year old son of her best friend, is taken, Emily leaves the Windy City of Chicago and returns to Michigan.
I’m trying to come up with the words to describe the story without giving anything away. It is worth finding out what is going on for yourself. It’s worth meeting the characters and finding out who is your favorite for yourself. The book may highlight Emily, but there were other characters that had as much face time as she did.
The pacing kept me engrossed, unable to stop reading, wanting to know what was coming next and what was going to happen to who. The thrills and chills never stop coming.
There was a couple of times when I questioned their actions, or should I say non action, that kept me from giving the book five stars.
Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush has a fabulous ending and I must admit I thought it was a possibility.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
I was immediately swept away by the story and the characters. I love that the characters flaws and foibles were on prominent display. It makes them feel more realistic. Even the villain was worthy of empathy, but that doesn’t excuse what he does.
When Jeremiah , the eleven year old son of her best friend, is taken, Emily leaves the Windy City of Chicago and returns to Michigan.
I’m trying to come up with the words to describe the story without giving anything away. It is worth finding out what is going on for yourself. It’s worth meeting the characters and finding out who is your favorite for yourself. The book may highlight Emily, but there were other characters that had as much face time as she did.
The pacing kept me engrossed, unable to stop reading, wanting to know what was coming next and what was going to happen to who. The thrills and chills never stop coming.
There was a couple of times when I questioned their actions, or should I say non action, that kept me from giving the book five stars.
Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush has a fabulous ending and I must admit I thought it was a possibility.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
October 30, 2024
I was emotionally INVESTED in this book! Oh my! Things get intense right from the start and only intensify the further you read.
While the fantastically suspenseful main story took place within a small town group of friends, there were a couple of sub-plots going on among said friends that I didn’t totally love. I was so wrapped up in fear and anticipation of the overarching mystery that I had a hard time caring deeply about some of the smaller, less significant stories of the other characters.
I think in another time and place I would have connected more with Emily Hartford, her broken hearted past, and her undecided future, but my heart was with Jo the entire time as I held my breath and hoped for her happy ending. The way my heart raced while reading her side of things, I even shed a few tears as my heart broke for the situation she found herself in.
I will say, each time Emily threw caution to the wind and put herself in danger for her friend, she became my hero… while others made things worse, repeatedly getting the in the way, and made me want to throw my book across the room.
Except I have a Kindle and throwing that would be bad. So, instead, I had to turn page after page, hanging on every word, hopeful and fearful of what was going to happen next!
If you like emotionally heavy suspense thrillers, then you MUST read this book!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this virtual book tour, Partners In Crime Tours
While the fantastically suspenseful main story took place within a small town group of friends, there were a couple of sub-plots going on among said friends that I didn’t totally love. I was so wrapped up in fear and anticipation of the overarching mystery that I had a hard time caring deeply about some of the smaller, less significant stories of the other characters.
I think in another time and place I would have connected more with Emily Hartford, her broken hearted past, and her undecided future, but my heart was with Jo the entire time as I held my breath and hoped for her happy ending. The way my heart raced while reading her side of things, I even shed a few tears as my heart broke for the situation she found herself in.
I will say, each time Emily threw caution to the wind and put herself in danger for her friend, she became my hero… while others made things worse, repeatedly getting the in the way, and made me want to throw my book across the room.
Except I have a Kindle and throwing that would be bad. So, instead, I had to turn page after page, hanging on every word, hopeful and fearful of what was going to happen next!
If you like emotionally heavy suspense thrillers, then you MUST read this book!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this virtual book tour, Partners In Crime Tours
October 28, 2024
Thank you so much @partnersincrimevbt @blackstonepublishing @jgdornbush for an advance copy of this book!
3.5⭐️
✨ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ✨
This is book 4 in the Coroner’s Daughters series but can be read as a standalone, as it gives background information throughout the story! I read book 3 last year, and wanted to see how the main characters story would continue.
Dr. Emily Hartford returns to her hometown in Michigan because her best friend’s son has gone missing. She helps with family tension and search efforts, along with her Chicago boyfriend Brandon.
Emily’s best friends son luckily has been found safe but the mystery continues with his story of what happened. The local authority asks for Emily’s help with the case at hand and Brandon is wary of Emily getting overly involved in the case.
You could feel Emily’s constant pull to her small hometown that loved her and supported her. Emily is right in the middle of the case and her friend’s family tensions, and you could feel the unknown questions weighing down everyone as they searched for answers.
The ending had a surprise cliffhanger that will make you eager for book 5!! If you have read previous books in the series, you won’t want to miss the next one!
✨ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
♦️ Small Town Mysteries
♦️ Police Procedurals
♦️ Complicated Family Dynamics
♦️ Suspense and Unexpected Twists
3.5⭐️
✨ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ✨
This is book 4 in the Coroner’s Daughters series but can be read as a standalone, as it gives background information throughout the story! I read book 3 last year, and wanted to see how the main characters story would continue.
Dr. Emily Hartford returns to her hometown in Michigan because her best friend’s son has gone missing. She helps with family tension and search efforts, along with her Chicago boyfriend Brandon.
Emily’s best friends son luckily has been found safe but the mystery continues with his story of what happened. The local authority asks for Emily’s help with the case at hand and Brandon is wary of Emily getting overly involved in the case.
You could feel Emily’s constant pull to her small hometown that loved her and supported her. Emily is right in the middle of the case and her friend’s family tensions, and you could feel the unknown questions weighing down everyone as they searched for answers.
The ending had a surprise cliffhanger that will make you eager for book 5!! If you have read previous books in the series, you won’t want to miss the next one!
✨ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
♦️ Small Town Mysteries
♦️ Police Procedurals
♦️ Complicated Family Dynamics
♦️ Suspense and Unexpected Twists
October 14, 2024
I love a good thriller/mystery and this one was very engaging from the first chapter as you want to as a reader figure out where Jeremiah is and what happened to him. Our main character is Emily who is a surgeon in Chicago and she has a on again/off again boyfriend named Brandon. Emily has come back when Jeremiah who is 11, and the son of one of her best friends Jo, goes missing one night.
Luckily a few days later he is found, however there are secrets that Jeremiah will not reveal and also that we find out later in the book as a reader. The writing in this book is fantastic for a person who loves mysteries or thrillers. You really get engaged in the story and you want to know what happened and why.
The case gets more involved as you go through the book there are things that come up that are little concerning as you read through as a reader. I think the author did an excellent job with making sure that the reader wants to continue on to the end of the book. The ending definitely leaves myself and all of the readers wanting to know what’s going to happen next book for sure!
I highly recommend this one to readers who like mystery or thrillers!
Luckily a few days later he is found, however there are secrets that Jeremiah will not reveal and also that we find out later in the book as a reader. The writing in this book is fantastic for a person who loves mysteries or thrillers. You really get engaged in the story and you want to know what happened and why.
The case gets more involved as you go through the book there are things that come up that are little concerning as you read through as a reader. I think the author did an excellent job with making sure that the reader wants to continue on to the end of the book. The ending definitely leaves myself and all of the readers wanting to know what’s going to happen next book for sure!
I highly recommend this one to readers who like mystery or thrillers!
October 31, 2024
I read the exciting synopsis for Frozen Lives and knew I had to read it. The story takes place in Michigan and I was born there. Got me curious.
Emily dropped everything and rushed to the icy shores of Lake Michigan upon learning her best friends young son had disappeared. Miraculously, he reappeared days later with a story that didn’t compute. Thus the mystery deepened. And the closer Emily got to the truth, the most dangerous things became.
When the opening scene grips me, I get excited, cross my fingers and toes and hope the rest of the book is just as gripping. And it was. The author had me coming and going, with no solid idea of the who, what and why. And the characters were genuine. Not perfect, just human beings.
And the villain of the story. It doesn’t have to be a creature or something supernatural to make you fear the dark.
As I got closer to the end, I hoped the author would make it a killer one. Done deal!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Emily dropped everything and rushed to the icy shores of Lake Michigan upon learning her best friends young son had disappeared. Miraculously, he reappeared days later with a story that didn’t compute. Thus the mystery deepened. And the closer Emily got to the truth, the most dangerous things became.
When the opening scene grips me, I get excited, cross my fingers and toes and hope the rest of the book is just as gripping. And it was. The author had me coming and going, with no solid idea of the who, what and why. And the characters were genuine. Not perfect, just human beings.
And the villain of the story. It doesn’t have to be a creature or something supernatural to make you fear the dark.
As I got closer to the end, I hoped the author would make it a killer one. Done deal!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
October 19, 2024
Firstly. That ending?! Are you kidding me?!
I'm most definitely going to need the rest of this series.
I enjoyed this book so much! It was fun and fast paced but it was also emotional. The loss of your parents creates a pain in you that you carry with everything that you do. Emily is aware of that and because of that she holds the people she loves closer and holds them a little tighter. So when her best friends son goes missing she is present and ready to help.
I loved the emotion that this story carried. It was heavy on loss, mental illness, and found family. I love how this story developed and the raw emotion that you saw in each character. (Although let me say, there's this one character who is such a whipped mommas boy that I wanna fight him in a dark alley-_-)
Basically, Ive now ordered books 1-3 and I am already praying I get approved to read the 5th book because that ending was horrid.
I'm most definitely going to need the rest of this series.
I enjoyed this book so much! It was fun and fast paced but it was also emotional. The loss of your parents creates a pain in you that you carry with everything that you do. Emily is aware of that and because of that she holds the people she loves closer and holds them a little tighter. So when her best friends son goes missing she is present and ready to help.
I loved the emotion that this story carried. It was heavy on loss, mental illness, and found family. I love how this story developed and the raw emotion that you saw in each character. (Although let me say, there's this one character who is such a whipped mommas boy that I wanna fight him in a dark alley-_-)
Basically, Ive now ordered books 1-3 and I am already praying I get approved to read the 5th book because that ending was horrid.
October 20, 2024
Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is an intriguing mystery. The suspense builds up with every page. The dark atmosphere of danger, fear, and risks play a key role in keeping the reader hooked. I was completely in the dark but still on edge with wanting to know who was behind the kidnapping. This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and I am thrilled. The book went straight into the mystery, leaving me with a strong need to know is the evil behind the crimes. Emily's background as a coroner's daughter and as a surgeon are unique. It definitely helps her in this case. I really enjoyed the younger character, Jo's son, Jeremiah. He is brave for someone his age and has a right sense of morals. Overall, the story was addictive, mysterious, and leaves the reader wondering what will be the next grand adventure for Emily.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
May 22, 2024
Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is the 4th book in the Coroner's Daughter series. The author writes from her own experience as a medical examiner's daughter and her work in death investigation and forensics, which gives the story authenticity.
This book can be read as a standalone. I have not read all the books in this series, but I was able to follow along without difficulty. There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this story and its side stories.
The story was enjoyable; a good mystery with solid writing and a good main character.
I would recommend this book and this series.
#FrozenLives #NetGalley @BlackstoneAudio
This book can be read as a standalone. I have not read all the books in this series, but I was able to follow along without difficulty. There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this story and its side stories.
The story was enjoyable; a good mystery with solid writing and a good main character.
I would recommend this book and this series.
#FrozenLives #NetGalley @BlackstoneAudio
October 27, 2024
Frozen Lives.
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush.
A thrilling story.
Crime thriller.
Simply a thrilling read. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. What a fabulous book. I loved it. Happy to have been able to read this book.
Sometimes people, don't know what they have until it's gone. They think maybe a replacement will work.
I will say Jeremiah was one smart child in this story. Always the big big brother. And perfect son. Nothing gets him down.
The corners daughter. So intriguing for me that's the reason I picked this book. I love stories about coroners.
Fabulous book.
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush.
A thrilling story.
Crime thriller.
Simply a thrilling read. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. What a fabulous book. I loved it. Happy to have been able to read this book.
Sometimes people, don't know what they have until it's gone. They think maybe a replacement will work.
I will say Jeremiah was one smart child in this story. Always the big big brother. And perfect son. Nothing gets him down.
The corners daughter. So intriguing for me that's the reason I picked this book. I love stories about coroners.
Fabulous book.
October 2, 2024
You don't want to miss this fourth book in this series The Coroner's Daughter. A fun mystery. It is the fourth book in the series, but it reads as a standalone. I am going back and reading the first 3 now, very well written.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
October 30, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down! If you have not read the previous books, it’s okay. The author does a great job of incorporating the pertinent elements into this book. It does end on a cliffhanger and it keeps you wanting more. At times I had to stop myself from yelling at the book. There are a lot of twist and turns throughout the book! I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
November 2, 2024
One of my favorite boon series. Another trip back to her hometown to help solve a crime; but this time, it’s the kidnapping of her lifelong friend and her son.
I got annoyed with Emily, the main character, for not picking up on certain clues which was relieved in the end of the boon, but overall another great story! Horrible cliff hanger and now waiting very impatiently for the next book to come out!
I got annoyed with Emily, the main character, for not picking up on certain clues which was relieved in the end of the boon, but overall another great story! Horrible cliff hanger and now waiting very impatiently for the next book to come out!
October 30, 2024
I have waited for this book to come out and I bought it as soon as I got up this morning. I love it! Now I’m sad that I have to wait for the next book.
Honestly, I’ve read all of the series and I’m a huge fan of Jennifer’s. Literally can’t wait for her next book.
Honestly, I’ve read all of the series and I’m a huge fan of Jennifer’s. Literally can’t wait for her next book.
October 30, 2024
The murders, town and characters are interesting. The plots is engaging. However, the love triangle and constant flip/flop between jobs is wearing on my patience. Make a fucking decision and stick with it. I don’t like indecisive ramblings that carry on through 3-4 books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
This novel has a little of everything. Love, heartbreak, family ties, trauma, joy and a killer to boot.
November 1, 2024
😭 I need more! Jennifer my heart is in your hands!
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