A Four Star Book Review of The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma | A True Colors Series Novel Based on Historical Stories of American Crime
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book which I received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links which means I will receive a commission based on sales generated via these links, at no additional cost to you. This helps keep my blog running!
AMERICAN TRUE CRIME
A tragic, sinister tale comes to life in a surprisingly tasteful and creative way in this fictitious retelling of true events in LaPorte, Indiana, 1907.
Author Liz Tolsma has been a long-time favorite of mine with her historical tales… In this newest story, based on true events, she brings the Black Widow of LaPorte, Indiana to life and mesmerizes readers with a story of suspense, morbid curiosity and even a touch of romance! Readers will devour the True Colors series, based on real American true crime!
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through a unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.
In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.
★★★★ | Any story that captures my attention and causes me to embark on my own research is a story worth reading.
Liz Tolsma’s newest release, The Gold Digger, is a truly gruesome tale told in a creative, but mild, fashion that anyone can enjoy.
The True Color series is very appealing because it creates fictitious stories, based on true American crime, and brings erie, haunting tales to life.
Early into the story, it was very evident by her writing that Liz Tolsma researched this book very thoroughly. I really enjoyed how true to the real life events she kept this story and how she created the characters of Nils and Sven based on two brothers who actually were a part of the tragic, sinister events that happened on the Gunness farm in the early 1900’s.
My one drawback to the story was that the character of Ingrid was very hard for me to relate to with her meek character but I appreciated how the story was narrated from her point of view. About halfway through the story, I warmed up to her character, mostly because of Nils fascination with her. I enjoyed Nils character immensely.
This story was well planned, well written and I devoured the suspense with incredible curiosity surrounding Belle, her farm, the children and the tragic events that played out.
Because this is a faith-based series, and therefore clean reading, the books are mild in the depth, intensity and gore of the true crime. They are appropriate for mature teens and trend towards a more simple, light read. They also include a sweet romance aspect which balances out the heavy, more sinister part of the story, in turn making the fiction surrounding the crime tasteful and creative, which wins points for me! Overall, I enjoyed this story and it sparked a deep enough curiosity that I spent a few hours after finishing the book to research the true events of the Guness farm murders and the Black Widow of LaPorte, Indiana. I would definitely recommend this story to those who enjoy suspense, historical fiction and mysteries.
Here Are a Few More of Liz’s Books That I’ve Enjoyed:
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Author Image Courtesy of https://liztolsma.com/
