Close Range

Kate Fox #9

by Shannon Baker

Danger hides behind the faces you know. In a small town shaken by tragedy, Kate Fox finds herself at the center of a deadly mystery that threatens those she loves. When attorney Garrett Haney is found electrocuted, it's quickly deemed an accident. But as Kate assists young Sheriff Zoe in the investigation, they uncover a tangled web of lies involving the Haney family and Garrett’s powerful clients. As shocking secrets come to light, Kate discovers the person behind the murders is closer to home than she ever imagined. With the help of her niece Carly and Sheriff Zoe, Kate races against the clock to protect those dear to her in a pulse-pounding showdown that will change everything. In Close Range , loyalties are tested, and the hidden darkness within a family threatens to destroy lives. ___________________ Praise for Shannon "...terrific series..." —Catriona McPherson, multi-award-winning author of A Gingerbread House "...Baker knocks the wind out of you..." —Carolyn Ridder Aspenson, USA Today bestselling author of Damaging Secrets “Shannon Baker gets better with every book.” —Amazon Charts bestselling author Jess Lourey "...winning characters and a stunning setting…" —Mystery Scene "A wonderful western mystery not to be missed! Enjoy!" —Fresh Fiction "...laugh-out-loud humor and heart-stopping suspense...” —Gwen Florio, author of the Nora Best and Julia Geary series "Baker serves up a ballsy heroine, a colorful backdrop, and a surprising ending." —Kirkus Reviews "...Baker offers readers a protagonist and a place they will love coming back to visit book after book." —William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author "...perfect blend of small-town atmosphere, intriguing plot-line, and down-to-earth characters affectionately called Sandhillers." —Christine Carbo, author of the bestselling Glacier Mystery Series

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2024

About the author

Shannon Baker writes mysteries about strong women in dangerous situations. Her books are set in the iconic landscapes of the American West, from the Colorado Rockies to the Nebraska prairies, to the deserts of southern Arizona. Baker spent 20 years in the Nebraska Sandhills, where cattle outnumber people by more than 50:1, and too few years living on Colorado’s front range. Her dark suspense, The Desert Behind Me, is a 2019 Winner of the New Mexico/Arizona Book Award.
Seconds before quitting writing forever and taking up competitive drinking, Shannon was voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2014 Writer of the Year and, buoyed with that confidence, continued to write, earning another RMFW Writer of the Year nod in 2017-18. Shannon makes her home in Tucson where she enjoys cocktails by the pool, breathtaking sunsets, a crazy Weimaraner, and killing people (in the pages of her books).

A lover of the outdoors, she can be found backpacking in the Rockies, traipsing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, skiing mountains and plains, kayaking lakes, river running, hiking, cycling, and scuba diving whenever she gets the chance. Arizona sunsets notwithstanding, Baker is, and always will be, a Nebraska Husker, heartbreaking as the last two decades have been. Go Big Red.

Reviews

[M.J. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting novel!

This book had me literally on the edge of my recliner! I read about Katie Fox losing the recall election for sheriff, the shocking murder of an attorney named Garrett by electrocution and the split in the Fox family. It was Katie’s sister, Louise, who wanted her sister to be voted out of office. At the end, Katie fights the lady who murdered Garrett. I am now ready to read the next book in this series, when Katie and Aria partner to own a cattle ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is reaching its end and things are starting to fall into places. Kate struggles with what'll happen if she doesn't stay as sheriff and what would her professional options be, she's also shaken up by the return of Baxter to the area together with his girlfriend. Garrett's murder will reveal dark secrets in that family and the murderer is totally unexpected. Kate's relationship with her family however is still in turmoil, will she be able to recover from it? Very entertaining!
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Shannon Baker’s “Close Range” is the ninth book in the Kate Fox Mystery series, and it delivers a riveting tale that blends small-town charm with high-stakes suspense. Set in the seemingly tranquil Nebraska Sandhills, this novel plunges readers into a world where danger lurks behind familiar faces and secrets threaten to unravel the fabric of the community.

The story begins with the shocking death of attorney Garrett Haney, found electrocuted in what appears to be a tragic accident. However, Sheriff Kate Fox, with her keen instincts and unyielding determination, suspects foul play. As she delves deeper into the investigation, Kate uncovers a web of deceit and hidden darkness within the Haney family and their affluent associates.

Baker excels in creating a vivid and immersive setting, capturing the essence of the rural landscape and the tight-knit community. The characters are richly developed, with Kate Fox standing out as a resilient and relatable protagonist. Her personal connections to the case add layers of complexity and emotional depth, making her journey all the more compelling.

The narrative is expertly paced, with each chapter building tension and unveiling new twists. Baker’s writing is sharp and engaging, balancing moments of intense suspense with touches of dark humor. The themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of buried secrets are explored with nuance, adding depth to the mystery.

“Close Range” is a masterful blend of character-driven storytelling and intricate plotting. It keeps readers guessing, with a climactic showdown that is thrilling and satisfying. Fans of the Kate Fox series will find this installment to be a standout, while newcomers will be drawn in by the gripping mystery and the strong, relatable heroine.

“Close Range” is a must-read for fans of mystery and crime fiction. Shannon Baker has crafted a compelling and atmospheric novel that will keep you hooked. Recommended for anyone looking for a suspenseful and emotionally resonant read.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close Range by Shannon Baker is a highly recommended mystery and the ninth book in the Kate Fox series set in the sandhills of Nebraska.

There is plenty of small town intrigue as Sheriff Kate Fox is facing a recall election started by a petition her very own sister Louise filed. Kate's best friend, Sarah, is at the hospital awaiting the birth of her next child when Garrett Haney, Sarah's brother, is found electrocuted. Kate has the state police start the investigation, and then, after she loses the recall, she and the new, young Sheriff Zoe also look into it and find his death to be suspicious.

The focus of most of the plot is a whole lot of on-going family drama that I'm sure was started much earlier in the series. Admittedly, I haven't read the other books in the series and did lose track of some of the family and interpersonal relationships at times, but could parse out all the connections I needed to in order to follow the narrative in Close Range.

Fans of the series who have been introduced to all the characters are very likely going to easily jump right into the action. The main characters receive further development and experience some growth. However, there were some characters that I never quite figured out how their inclusion in the plot mattered.

There were a couple nice twists and the ending was a surprise. Thanks to Severn River for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through “Severn River” and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
.
The story begins with Kate on her way to “The Sale Barn” to meet with her friends. On her drive she discovers that there has been ab accident and the cows that were being transported are loose as a result of the trailer overturning. In addition, Garrett was injured as well. Kate 1st wanted to make sure that all of the individuals in the 3 trucks were accounted for and it was then when the roundup of the cattle began, As a result of this incident, the trip was called off.

Another event was happening that day and it was a recall vote to determine if Kate would remain sheriff. Unfortunately for Kate, she lost and would no longer be sheriff. Her thought was that Ted, her ex, would now take over that role.

Garrett had been taken to the hospital and later released. Garrett had gone out after getting home, but bever came back. Late was called and she soon started her search. After a short time, she discovered him and he had died from what looked like an accidental electrocution. This was later determined to be murder. Now Kate had the responsibility of notifying the family of his death. The next day, Kate learned that ZOE has been named the new sheriff and she started working with her. Their task was now to find out who killed Garrett.

To learn who killed Garrett, how Garrett’s son Ted played a role, why Garrett returned back to the farm from Arizona and how it all worked out in the end, then you must read this book.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Kate Fox book!

Reading Close Range, the latest in the Kate Fox series, was like riding and eccentric rollercoaster some of the drops were quick and sharp while others were slow and deliberate until thy evoked an emotional response. This book reveals several of the Fox family’s secrets, tests the bonds of family for several families, and hints at possibilities for more to come. There are several unexpected events in this story that came as complete surprises. I just knew the outcome of the recall election right up until I didn’t. Same goes with the case Kate gets involved in investigating.

If you have read the first eight books you need to read Close Range, if you are reading this review and using this book as your introduction to Shannon Baker’s storytelling, do yourself a favor and get Stripped Bare, Kate Fox book 1. I suppose you could read Close Range as a stand-alone story, but most of it would be out of context to the overall story arc that I can’t imagine it being enjoyable.

Of the nine books, Close range is my favorite until the 10th book and then we shall see if that choice stands. I received an Advance Copy of Close Range from the publisher and chose to provide my review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars rounded up. When I requested Shannon Baker’s “Close Range” I did not realize it was book #9 in the Kate Fox series. The author does a good job of explaining relationships and some of the series’ past events, but it was hard for me at times to fully understand things. I imagine the readers who have read all of the books in the series will fare better.

This book involves the death of Garrett Haney, the brother of Kate’s best friend, Sarah. He’s found electrocuted and it’s not clear at first if it was an accident or murder. Kate is also facing a recall as Sheriff that was filed by her sister, Louise. As the book progresses, Kate works with the incoming Sheriff, Zoe, to figure out the circumstances around Garrett’s murder.

This book involved figuring out who murdered Garrett and why, but that storyline was, at times, more of an afterthought. The larger focus of the book was on Kate and the fallout around her recall. In particular, Kate needed to figure out where the next chapter in her life would be located and what she wanted to do.

Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read any of the books in the Kate Fox series, but I was offered an ARC from Severn House, and I'm glad I took it. Kate is currently the Sheriff in cattle country but facing an unfortunate recall election. When a relative of her best friend is electrocuted, what starts as a terrible tragedy turns out to be murder, and Kate must juggle the investigation with the election, and all of it is far too close to home. Kate has family and history throughout the area, and it's a big family and a long history. Therefore this is probably a good series to read in order because it is a big walloping soap opera there. These people and those incidents are brought up here and there that I am sure were major happenings in previous books, and are fairly well explained, but it's still hard to keep track of everyone and all their happenings. It does sound intriguing enough, and this book is well written enough to make you want to go back and start at the beginning. The characters are very well developed and varied, and the mystery well plotted and thought out. Lots of suspense and excitement, and the setting well realized. A very enjoyable read.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something is distracting attorney Garrett Haney enough that it even causes him to wreck the livestock trailer, and it's not the recall election for Sheriff Kate Fox. When Garrett turns up dead on the day of his nieces birth Kate and Sheriff Zoe uncover clues that it wasn't an accident, and secrets from Garrett's past may be behind it. Most of this book after that is a frantic chase from location to location trying to head off the next threat while Kate ponders what her next step will be. While the author did an ok job of working clues that mental decline was the cause of the murders I don't like it when a character acting so out of character is the motive. I enjoyed the characters and relationships in the tight knit sandhills community and the authors descriptions of their wide open spaces. I received a free ARC of this novel from the publisher.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I jumped into this series at the very end it appears. But honestly, even without having every characters backstory I was never lost while reading. And that’s a feat in itself. Now I feel like I need to read the previous novels to really get all of Kate Fox’s backstory.

This one involved shitty family dynamics, murder, mental illness galore, and lots of twists you don’t see coming.

I will say, I wish we got more of a backstory on Sheila the runaway mom, as to why she ran away and what led up to all of that. I feel like that story was left very unfinished. But I can still appreciate the ending when you find out who really was the murderer. Overall this was an appealing read. Thank you Net Galley and publishers for this ARC.

[Amy Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

RE: Love Kate, this series, and this cast of characters

I stumbled upon this series some time ago and devoured the first six or so in a week or so, and since then have waited impatiently for each new book to drop. My goodness, Baker writes eloquently, while entertaining readers, painting pictures of a host of relatable characters, some who are easy to love and some, like Louise, who’s controlling, jealous-hearted yearning to control make it easier to loathe her while feeling sad for her at the same time. Baker explores what can happen when abuse goes on indefinitely, ignorance is passed on, friends are one’s chosen family, and grief shifts perspective and structure.

TW: domestic violence, family enmeshment, complex grief, triangulation, covert narcissism

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, this is one of those series where you really should start from the beginning. Yes there is an investigation in each book which lends to the suspense and mystery, but equally important and an intregal component of the series, is the family dynamics and drama in Kate’s family. The investigation into the electrocution death of Garrett Haney almost seems like an afterthought since a good portion of the story focuses on the recall vote to determine if Kate will continue to keep her job as sheriff and the ongoing Fox family drama. As someone who has been reading this series from the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment

[Kay M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Voted out as Sheriff

Kate is sheriff most of this book until a new sheriff is sworn in. Kate expects her ex,Ted, who used to be sheriff, would be the chosen one. Ted is moving back with his new wife and baby as he, too, expects to be appointed sheriff. Kate and Ted are wrong, and the new sheriff is a petite 24 year old mother and she's learning the ropes from Kate as they are drawn the murder of the brother of Kate's best friend Sarah. The Fox family is in disarray and the big family gatherings are a thing of the past. It's one big galloping rumpus out on the prairies of Nebraska and Kate is taxed trying to put order back into the county, her life, and her family.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling crime novel.

Deaths and family rifts have taken a toll on the Fox family and now Sheriff Kate Fox is facing a recall vote spearheaded by her sister. She didn't think things could get much worse until she saw the accident spread out on the highway before her. It’s just the first in a series of events packed with intrigue, danger, betrayal, and loss.

Shannon Baker wraps humor, pathos, and the ups and downs of family dynamics around a thrilling crime drama. I’m sad to see this series coming to an end. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sheriff Kate Fox and her family, but this the time the family had me upset! One of her sisters pushed a recall election and Kate lost. I have to say her replacement is cool BUT what will happen now.
Sarah, Kate’s best friend and sister-in-law, goes into labour, and Kate finds Sarah’s brother, Garrett, electrocuted, accident? Kate doesn’t think so, so together with the almost new Sherrif she delves into the solving Garrett’s death.
Can’t wait to see what is in store for Kate next, because this can’t be the end!

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close Range is the 9th book in the Kate Fox series by Shannon Baker. I really enjoyed this book, it was the first book that I have read by this author yet I had no problem following along with the story line. The book had enough twists and turns to keep it interesting and I would recommend it to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Severn River Publishing, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story kept me guessing from the first. I thought I knew who the killer was until the surprise twist had my jaw dropping. This is a story of a small town that holds many secrets. As the secrets are revealed, the impact is felt throughout. Families are divided and find it hard to reconnect. I would recommend this book I received an advance copy of this book via Severn River Publishing and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Sandhills turn

It's as much of a soap opera as Dallas? There's intrigue, chaos, murder and a dog deputy!!! Kate Fox at it again. Fear of being recalled as the Sheriff of the county even a murder can't stop it. Family trouble and old wounds threaten the little bit of peace Katie thought she had. Stumble along with Kate as she tries to find a murderer as the Sandhills turn!!!

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted relationships

The ninth book of this series is packed with painful moments for the Fox family and Sarah's, too. It is after the recall so Sheriff Kate has to choose a new job and life. Her family all have suggestions for her, meantime she must continue in her post until the new sheriff is sworn in. A heart rending and heartwarming storyline with intense action in between.

[Amanda Pool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I jumped in this series on book 9 I had no problem following the story line.

Who knew small town could have so much deceit, mayhem and murder. Well this book gives you all of that and so much more. The twists, turns and constant questions will leave you wanting more.

I know I will be going back and reading the books before this one in this series now.

[gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension in the Sand Hills

Like all Kate Fox stories, there is enough family stress to pressure Kate and those she loves to the max. She needs to solve a murder, look for a new job and deal with her dad and crazy siblings.
But the mystery this reader wants to solve: why are there no Sand Hill Cranes in these novels?

[Rich Bisanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book nine, great story,please read all books

I've read all nine books and ordered book ten. The character depictions are great and after nine books, they are just as interesting. I've really enjoyed reading about the happenings in the Sandhills. The stories never get repetitive, every book will hold your interest.

[shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family drama and solving cases or a brake from romance reading this series is for you

I love Kate and enjoy her solving cases and helping family and friends out. There's family drama to be had and I miss her not being sheriff. Kate has no love life and she's mooing over a man not worth her time in my opinion. So maybe the author can find her a good country man.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series! When a local attorney is electrocuted Kate helps investigate. A well developed cast of characters, a nice twisty plot, and excellent writing make this one a winner. Highly recommended. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Julie Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

OMG, I feel like I've been beaten with a stupid stick.

First, the back of the book blurb had NOTHING to do with the opening 60 pages. The first story, which was very interesting, got dropped and never finished. Geez.

None of the characters wee fleshed out or even nice for that matter.

I feel robbed.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sooo ticked off I have to wait for the next book in April! This was good. Burned through it in one day because I couldn't put it down. Lots happening. A whirlwind for Kate and her family. Good plot. Always good characters. I do wonder if Baxter is ever going to come to his senses.

[PE · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it wasn't for bad luck; Kate would have no luck at all!!

Sarah/Robert/Kate make a good trio, all the ends and outs make for a great ride!
Sorry, I for one still have major issues with Louise!!

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a crazy ending to this great small town, everyone knows everyone, type of murder mystery. I love books like this where everyone has know everyone since birth, this one caught me off guard with the ending which I loved. I’m excited to see what’s next in this series.

[LINDA GIPSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Fox Series

I have really enjoyed this series and I'm impatiently waiting for #10. I love the characters and the storylines are amazing. I felt like I had walked each step with Kate as she maneuvers through her day to day life. I'm hoping Kate Fox is around for a long time.

[W.S. Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminiscent of a great western author

Wonderful descriptions of the Sandhills, Shannnon prose reminds one of the classic descriptions of western landscapes by the great Louis L’Amour . I love this series.