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Believer

Prairie Nightingale Book 3

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Book 3 of Prairie Nightingale

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Pub Date 8 Sep 2026 | Archive Date 30 Sep 2026


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Description

A teenager convinced there’s more to a cousin’s estrangement than family friction leads to the exposure of a cult operating in plain sight.

Prairie Nightingale, PI, has it all: great kids, a private detective agency run by brilliant women, and maybe a handsome FBI situationship. When her daughter’s best friend asks her to look into a bitter family estrangement, Prairie is reluctant to take on a case that requires even more life/work balance than she’s already attempting—especially with her parents visiting from out of town. But when everyone she talks to takes her deeper into a labyrinth of lies, control, and secrets, she and her team begin to untangle the history of a couple with a knack for gathering fervent followers … and collecting criminal charges.

The existence of a cult is difficult to prove, and this one’s members are less than forthcoming, requiring Prairie and her fellow agents to deploy all of their available tricks and talents. Joyce is uncovering shady history and false identities, Emma’s partnered with ex-members to appeal to her podcast audience, and Prairie and Foster find themselves following the money and working undercover. Even Prairie’s parents chip in: as residents of an Oregon commune, they know the ins and outs of high-control groups. And, to Prairie’s horror, her daughters sneak in a spy mission of their own.

But a cult is most dangerous when it’s threatened, and Prairie’s desire to rescue believers makes her a target—and risks exposing cult members on the run. She’ll need more faith in her abilities than she’s ever had to find the truth.

A teenager convinced there’s more to a cousin’s estrangement than family friction leads to the exposure of a cult operating in plain sight.

Prairie Nightingale, PI, has it all: great kids, a private...


Advance Praise

Praise for the Prairie Nightingale Series

“Behind all [the] motives for murder is a clear-eyed look at the enduring inequality between men and women.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In this witty series launch from Knox and Mare, divorced mom Prairie Nightingale…is a lovably eccentric protagonist, and her first adventure goes down easy. Cozy fans will be satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly

“Original, imaginative, deftly crafted, and a fun read from cover to cover.” —Midwest Book Review

“Gorgeously written and frequently hilarious…I adored every word of this book, and I’m hoping for a zillion more in this world.” —Emma Barry, author of Bad Reputation

“Homemaker has it all: a ripped-from-the-headlines mystery, a found family of big-hearted, hilarious feminists, a slow-burn romance, and the most compelling heroine-slash-amateur sleuth I’ve read in ages. I don’t just want more Prairie Mysteries—I want her to be real so we can hang out. Pick up this book. You’re going to love it.” —Molly Fader, USA Today bestselling author of The Sunshine Girls

“Knox and Mare’s effervescent sequel to Homemaker melds mystery and light romance…Despite the heavy subject matter, Knox and Mare maintain a witty tone that helps them straddle the line between cheeky cozy and full-blown thriller. With rich cast dynamics and a sweet central love story, this series shows promise.” —Publishers Weekly


Praise for the Prairie Nightingale Series

“Behind all [the] motives for murder is a clear-eyed look at the enduring inequality between men and women.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In this witty series launch from...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9363653474231
PRICE $3.99 (USD)
PAGES 302

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Average rating from 9 members


Featured Reviews

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This series just continues to get better with every new book. I love love the character development in each character, even the minor ones. I also think the Prarie and Foster relationship is just the perfect amount of romance in a mystery. I thought that I had this one figured out and I had part of it figured out. I am ready for the next book in the series after reading the sample at the end of the book. Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

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5/5 stars: This is Knox & Mare's third entry in the Prairie Nightingale series which is a Cozy-ish Mystery set in Wisconsin. Featuring a single mom and private investigator as she finds herself and her crew working to untangle the history of a couple with a collection criminal charges and who might just be be operating a cult in plain sight. But the existence of a cult is difficult to prove, and this one’s members are less than forthcoming, requiring her and her fellow agents to deploy all of their available tricks and talents. As her team uncovers shady history and false identities and partners with ex-members on a podcast, she and her FBI agent boyfriend find themselves following the money and working undercover. Even her visiting hippy parents chip in their expertise as residents of an Oregon commune. And, to her horror, her daughters sneak in a spy mission of their own. But a cult is most dangerous when it’s threatened, and her desire to rescue believers makes her a target – and risks exposing cult members on the run. She’ll need more faith in her abilities than she’s ever had to find the truth.

With plenty of twists and turns, Knox & Mare has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Knox & Mare's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. Additionally the authors are a married 2SLGBTQIA+ couple.

Knox & Mare take on some sensitive issues; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Homemaker.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and 7th Floor Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

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A wonderful addition to the series that explores modern day cults. The strong female protagonists are compelling, complex, and unapologetically themselves. I especially appreciated the thoughtful representation and diversity woven naturally into the story. A moving, engaging read that celebrates individuality and the strength of authentic relationships. I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.

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Believer is my favorite book in the Prairie Nightingale series so far, and I am already anxious for the next one.

The women-run detective agency continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series. Watching Prairie and her team divide and conquer as they untangle this cult was so satisfying to read. Joyce digging into shady histories, Emma partnering with ex-members for her podcast, and Prairie and Foster following the money undercover all show just how well this team works together. Everyone brings something different to the table, which makes the investigation feel layered and believable.

Prairie and Foster continue to grow closer in this one, and I love how well they complement each other. I am definitely rooting for them.

Meeting Prairie’s parents added another great dimension to the story. Their firsthand knowledge of high-control groups from their time on an Oregon commune gave the investigation some interesting depth, and I loved seeing them step in to help. Prairie’s daughters, Anabel and Maelynn, are growing up right along with the series, too, and their sneaky little spy mission had me both nervous and delighted.

Knox and Mare handle the cult subject matter with real care, while still delivering a mystery with plenty of twists that kept me guessing. I’m completely hooked on this series and even more invested in these characters after this book. Whatever comes next for Prairie and her team, I’ll be there for it.

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The setting, vibes and characters immediately pulled me in and I was hooked since the first chapter! I finished this in one sitting because I just had to know how it was going to end! This was my first book by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare and I'd love to check out more by them!

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