Nancy Mehl’s Shattered Sanctuary (Bethany House 2025) is a Christian mystery novel for anyone who enjoys suspense, crime dramas, psychology, or all the above. The story begins with ex-police officer turned novelist Erin Delaney going on vacation to a cabin in the small town of Sanctuary, Tennessee, at her friend’s request. Her friend, Kaely Quinn-Hunter, is a retired FBI behavioral analysis with some unconventional methods up her sleeves. Erin, having spent the last year grappling with the trauma of losing her partner and accidentally shooting a child during her previous job, hopes for a break from her scattered mind. A knock at the door interrupts this break before it gets a chance to start. Adrian Nightengale, Sanctuary’s police chief, asks Erin to help him solve the murder of a woman recently found dead in the woods. In this small town full of possible suspects, Kaely, Erin, and Adrian race to find the killer before he or she can strike again. Erin must face her memories, religious doubts, a ghost in the woods, and her own mortality in this first installment of The Erin Delaney Mysteries series.
While someone may pick up Shattered Sanctuary just for the murder mystery, they will no doubt care deeply for the characters by the end. Mehl does a fantastic job of weaving together the suspense of a serial killer storyline with the personal, yet relatable, mental health of the main characters. By delving so deeply into their minds, Mehl creates characters that have lives that extend beyond the confines of the page. Erin embodies the realities of how heavy the job of law enforcement can be, and how haunting memories can eat away at even the strongest people. After leaving the force due to trauma, she finds this new identity difficult to navigate. Her newfound paranoia can be seen when Adrian shows up at her doorstep:
Erin fought a feeling of panic that made her feel nauseated. Her throat burned, and she swallowed the acrid bile that tried to push its way into her mouth. Fear had become her constant companion—one that she detested. She used to be so brave. Where was that woman?
This is a story about overcoming anxieties and recognizing one’s value and strength despite them. Though she wrestles with self-doubt throughout the novel, Erin’s trauma does not define her. Instead, she takes on the role she tried to escape because Adrian—and everyone in Sanctuary, for that matter—needs her help.
Additionally, Mehl personifies the killer early on without revealing their identity. Throughout the novel, she includes brief sections from the killer’s perspective, making Erin and Kaely’s hunt for them more nerve-wracking. The killer’s language is unnerving. These instances encourage the reader to question every character that hits the page for any possible parallels to this disembodied voice. They may begin to feel Erin’s paranoia that anyone she meets may not be what they seem.
Mehl also explores trusting God when life feels out of control. This theme is most prevalent in Kaely. Having God at the center of a novel about tracking down a serial killer may seem like an odd choice, but Mehl uses this juxtaposition to add further complexity to the main characters and create an even more frightening killer. Kaely and Erin’s relationship is particularly interesting because Kaely’s faith is often met with skepticism and occasional frustration from Erin. Kaely must find ways to navigate giving Erin advice when having faith in God is at the core of said advice. Despite their differences, Kaely and Erin have a clear love for their friendship. Mehl represents this very real dynamic with much needed nuance.
As can be seen above, Mehl balances a suspenseful serial killer story with several complicated topics in Shattered Sanctuary. She writes with the care and detail that subjects like faith and mental health require. The characters have to face their flaws head on, creating both intense and beautiful moments of self-discovery. However, Erin doesn’t want to dwell on any of her feelings right now—she and Kaely have a killer to catch. Who will survive Sanctuary?
Nancy Mehl
Nancy Mehl lives in Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her puggle, Watson. She’s authored over fifty books. You can find out more by visiting her Web site www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.
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