Prowl

Combining a wildlife sanctuary, murder, and threatening events, Colleen Coble has another wonderful novel in Prowl, the second book in the Sanctuary series. When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, everyone assumes the big cat killed her. However, the autopsy shows she had been given a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilized gun.

As always, Sheriff’s Deputy Creed Greene suspects Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary.

Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name and get the wildlife sanctuary profitable. Then a soil test turns up traces of rare earth elements. Trespassers, cut fences, and other acts of sabotage occur. Is someone trying to destroy their business so they can buy the land cheaply?

Meanwhile, veterinarian Paradise Alden is splitting her time between the Sanctuary and the veterinary clinic she purchased. She’s also determined to find the brother she recently found existed. When the DNA test results mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she believes someone must not want her to know the truth. Additionally, someone is trying to scare her with phone calls and break-ins.

The good thing is Blake and Paradise have rekindled their relationship and have talked about marriage at some point in the future. Their relationship is one of a few solid things in their lives, along with Blake’s mother, Jenna, and his two half-brothers, Levi and Isaac.

Paradise projects a strong, confident manner and is a deep thinker. She’s spirited, stands up to bullies, and values independence. She tends to cling to the familiar because she experienced so much change when she was younger. Blake was a Marine combat paramedic before the death of his stepfather brought him back home to help his mother. He relates easily to most people, loves the Sanctuary, and tends to protect the underdog. He has a quiet confidence, kind manner, and is selfless and caring. He hates injustice and is committed to those he loves.

Suspense and danger abound in this novel and it includes several action-packed scenes. The mysteries add intrigue and depth to the story. Building on this are family dynamics and romance, as well as the possibility of losing their home and the sanctuary they love. This gives the story a plot that holds a reader’s attention and keeps them rapidly turning the pages. While I guessed who most of the antagonists were, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel. Add on great world-building and excellent characterization, and you get a wonderful tale.

Overall, this was an entertaining and suspenseful novel that kept me fully engaged with its gripping storyline. It’s well-plotted and beautifully executed. Themes include integrity, murder, love, family, threats, and much more. While the main mysteries were resolved, there are several threads for future books in the series. I can’t wait to see what is next.

Thomas Nelson Fiction – Thomas Nelson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 04, 2025.