One Little Lie by Colleen Coble

Book Review: One Little Lie by Colleen Coble

Genre: Christian Suspense / Mystery

Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5 - 4 stars)

I recently picked up One Little Lie by Colleen Coble, and I have to say—it was a ride. This is the first book in her Pelican Harbor series, and it kicks off with a strong sense of mystery, layered characters, and secrets that beg to be unraveled.

The standout for me? Police Chief Jane Hardy. She’s the kind of female lead I love to see in suspense fiction—tough yet emotionally complex, driven by justice but still learning how to navigate personal betrayal and trust. Coble does a great job making Jane feel real, and her past, shaped by a controlling cult, adds a unique and unsettling backdrop that gives the story depth.

The pacing is quick, and the mystery is solid, keeping me turning the pages to see how everything connects. There’s a subtle romance thread with Reid, a journalist who has his own complicated role in Jane’s life, but it doesn’t take over the plot—which I appreciated.

Now for the part that fell a little short for me: the ending. While the buildup was strong, the resolution felt a bit rushed. Certain elements tied up too neatly, and I was left wishing for just a bit more complexity or closure, especially with how personal the case was for Jane.

Still, the book delivers a lot—small-town secrets, a smart female lead, emotional tension, and a clean read with threads of faith woven in. If you’re a fan of Christian suspense or enjoy mysteries that focus more on characters than just crime-solving, this one is worth checking out.

Final Thoughts:

A gripping start to a new series with a memorable main character, though the ending may not hit as hard as the buildup promises. Still, I’m curious enough to continue with the next book and see where Jane’s journey goes.