BLURB:

Sometimes the last thing you expect is exactly what you need, the final missing piece. And sometimes it comes in the form of a towering, broody sheriff, determined to get in your way at every step.  

Ridley Sawyer knows what it’s like to miss someone, to feel like a piece of her vanished—because it happened to her the night her twin sister disappeared.  

Now, Ridley channels that loss into hope, traveling the country covering cold cases for her true crime podcast. She might not have found justice for her sister but that doesn’t stop her from finding it for others.  

Until Sheriff Colter Brooks gets in her way.  

Colt knows what it’s like to have reporters descend on his town in the wake of a tragedy, and he’s not about to let a fiery podcaster stir up trouble. It doesn’t matter that her haunting blue eyes tell him there’s more to Ridley’s story or that he can’t stop imagining what it would be like to touch her.  

But when Ridley’s cold case turns hot and she’s thrust into the crosshairs, Colt has no choice but to step in. Suddenly, Ridley’s living at his house, drinking his whiskey, and stealing his dog’s affections. But she’s also proving that she’s so much more than his first impression.

And as they get closer to the truth, the game they’ve been playing might just turn deadly… 

MY THOUGHTS:

Have you ever read a book that made you love the person you were while reading it? That’s exactly how I felt with All The Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles. It wrapped me up in its small-town charm, cozy mystery vibes, and just the right amount of spice—like a warm cup of tea with a surprising little kick.

I have to say, this book was the perfect blend of romance and suspense, with just enough heart to make you feel all the feels. Ridley, our fierce and determined true crime podcaster, is on a mission to bring light to unsolved crimes—one of which is deeply personal, as her own sister went missing years ago. She’s got that free-spirited, van-life energy, pedaling through town on her bike with her three-legged cat in tow. Then there’s Colt, the town’s grumpy sheriff, who also happens to own a gorgeous lake house. And let me tell you, if there’s one thing I love, it’s a good “grumpy MMC” trope—because you just know there’s going to be a moment when all that grumpiness melts away under the power of love. And oh boy, does Colt try, but he doesn’t stand a chance against Ridley.

Beyond the romance, this book nails the small-town aesthetic. As someone who’s lived in a tiny town, I can confirm—news travels fast. Catherine Cowles captures that perfectly, making the setting feel like another character in the story. And let’s talk about the unexpected spice! I wasn’t prepared for it, but I welcomed it. Ridley and Colt’s banter was top-tier—sarcastic, sizzling, and tension-filled. They started out as enemies with benefits, but let’s be real, Colt’s grumpiness didn’t stand a chance. Love had him slipping, and it was a delight to watch unfold.

That being said, my one gripe? Colt, my dude… you’re the sheriff, and you really didn’t piece this mystery together sooner? Like, at all? Ridley strolled into town and instantly shook things up, keeping him on his toes in ways he never expected. Honestly, he needed her in more ways than one.

Overall, All The Missing Pieces is a book you want to snuggle up with—whether it’s with a cozy blanket or your favorite cup of tea. It gave me Pumpkin Spice Café vibes, but with a thrilling mystery twist, and I ate it up. If you love small-town settings, grumpy-sunshine romance, and a bit of mystery to keep you turning the pages, this one’s for you.

My favorite quotes:

“A true small town had a feel. People knew instantly when you were an outsider. They’d welcome you in but with caution just the same. They’d tell you where to eat and what sights to see, but they wouldn’t open up about the underbelly of their community until they trusted you.”

“What a community looked like during the day, who you met then, was completely different than the vibe after dark. I needed the feel of both. Needed to know the characters and players.”