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A calculated murder, a tangled web of crimes, and a woman determined to unravel it all.

Scarlett Mitchell is certain her friend’s overdose wasn’t the accident the police report claims. Gracie had something to live for. She’d told Scarlett as much. But she’s a nurse, not an investigator, and finding a trail to a killer isn’t exactly in her wheelhouse. At least not until an old neighborhood contact comes through with a lead. Armed with information about Gracie’s supplier, Scarlett is ready to do whatever it takes to find the truth. Unfortunately, there’s a sexy as sin man watching her and he doesn’t appear inclined to let her walk into danger on her own.

As the manager of a popular resort, Brad Warwick knows trouble when he sees it. And the three men the enticing woman across from him is watching are Trouble. Unable to sit back and let her walk into a lion’s den, he does the only thing he can—he walks in with her. He doesn’t know her name, he doesn’t know the situation, and he certainly never anticipated what his decision would lead to. As they say, though, nothing ventured nothing gained, and from their first shared glance, he’s prepared to venture everything.

Scarlett is 100 percent certain that dragging the charming Brad into her mess isn’t a good decision. But when they witness a murder and then a single scorching night together leaves them with repercussions neither anticipated, turning to him and his connections is the only way she—they—can fight for the family they never knew they wanted.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

55 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

Tamsen Schultz

41 books348 followers
Tamsen Schultz is the author of several romantic suspense novels and American Kin (a short story published in Line Zero Magazine). In addition to being a writer, she has a background in the field of international conflict resolution, has co-founded a non-profit, and currently works in corporate America. Like most lawyers, she spends a disproportionate amount of time thinking (and writing) about what it might be like to do something else. She lives in Northern California in a house full of males including her husband, two sons, three cats, a dog, and a gender-neutral, but well-stocked, wine rack.

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5 stars
129 (66%)
4 stars
50 (25%)
3 stars
14 (7%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny Jackson.
1,274 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2024
Brad and Scarlett

This was a good book to read on a snowy day. It was well written and had an interesting plot line. The characters were diverse. And there was very little conflict. It was very light on the steamy scenes, and while I wouldn’t call it a closed door romance, it was close.

Brad and Scarlett met while she was investigating the death of her friend and following some unsavory people. Two months later, a housekeeper is murdered at Brad’s resort and he finds the woman he couldn’t get out of his head has been working for him to stay hidden and is also pregnant with his baby. They are connected in more ways than they could have imagined, as Scarlett’s best friend is married to his cousin.

Brad is determined to keep Scarlett and his unborn child safe. He moves her into his apartment and helps her through her morning sickness. As they spend more time together, the connection they felt that first night grows and their relationship quickly develops.

The whole Warwick family is in on the investigation into Gracie’s death. They want to help Scarlett find closure, and justice, for her friend. While the investigation is interesting, the suspense is pretty mild.

I thought this was a good book for a short escape from every day life. It was entertaining and mysterious while never feeling very heavy. The one thing I thought was missing was Brad revealing the Mystery Lake secret to Scarlett.
Profile Image for Big Time Book Junkie.
794 reviews47 followers
February 15, 2024
I think Tangled may be my absolutely favorite book in this series (so far)! Each of the books in this series bring in many of the characters from previous books in the series so we're always getting the latest updates on them as well as being pulled into a ride so wild you want to disregard everything else that really needs to be done!

So while the dust piled up and the laundry went unfolded, I snuggled in and visited my friends in Mystery Lake again. This time I met Scarlett, who wanted to find out how her friend Gracie really died. As the investigation into Gracie's death unfolded, the story took several satisfying twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. Ms. Schultz is such a wonderful author that I actually ended up kind of cheering on a rather unsavory character.

If you haven't yet picked up a book by Tamsen Schultz, you should as soon as you can! All of her series are excellent and I find myself silently begging her to write faster, but honestly, each new book in each series is worth the wait.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own and happily shared.
Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 1 book48 followers
February 18, 2024
Every time I return to Mystery Lake I know that I'm in for a good read. The Warwick family seem to have almost all found their person now and only Brad from the men in the family was left to find his love. In Tangled he meets, falls for and helps Scarlett.
I love the way that the mystery/thriller side of these books weaves into the romance, with neither one nor the other being the more important aspect. As with the other books, I did end up feeling a little like a child watching grown-ups, they all seem to be so sorted and completely at ease with who and where they are in life.
I enjoyed both the romance and thriller elements to this book, they make a great couple and the problem that Scarlett was faced with was interesting and engaging, there were parts when the book was hard to put down.
My only slight issue with these books are that there are so many of the family, I'm starting to struggle to remember who is who. I also not a fan of people having babies to early in their relationships, but that's just me.
Overall a great read and I'm looking forward for the next in the series.
1,622 reviews13 followers
February 12, 2024
Tangled is the 8th book in the Mystery Lake series. It could be read as a standalone, but since we get to see snippets of all the characters from the previous books living their HEA, I would highly recommend reading the books in order. Scarlett and Brad are both wonderful characters, loveable and relatable, loyal and determined. Their attraction is instantaneous and the love growing from that first spark is wonderful to watch - and yes, the description of feelings from both POVs are so vivid it felt like a movie was playing out in my head! Add in murder, mayhem and unexpected twists and turns and I was glued to the pages from the first to the last. Another fantastic addition to an already outstanding series. I can't wait for the next one!
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Profile Image for Caron.
16 reviews
February 20, 2024
Family is the key to Tangled, the latest installment of Tamsen Schultz’s Mystery Lake series. The family is always the glue, the support, the cooperation needed, to keep these two new characters, Brad and Scarlett, from falling apart, coming unglued, or any other cliché. Just as in real life, family is so very important, so too are they here. We see everyone step up to the plate in one fashion or another to help resolve the situation. As in all good books, the happy ending brings a real smile. Well worth reading!
Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
61 reviews
February 22, 2024
When Scarlett Mitchell believes her friend was murdered and tries to find out who did it, she follows 3 men to the back of a restaurant, Brad Warwick is just getting a meal when he notices a beautiful woman follow 3 men down a back hallway of the restaurant. He's on alert, so he follows her. They see a man murdered. So starts a gripping tale of hiding from men Scarlett thinks killed her friend and want to kill her. Trying to find out who did kill her and why. Brad can't forget her and is surprised to find her working at his family's lodge. Then he gets a bigger surprise, after their one night together!
1,247 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2024
Tangled is the 8th book in the series and is certainly a standalone. You do read about the characters from the previous books, which I enjoyed, This had a little mystery and some spice but it was all off the page. Scarlett is trying to uncover who killed her friend. She’s following one of her suspects in a bar where she meets Brad. A little slow at times as it seemed like Scarlett was cooped up in a hotel room the entire time. Overall, an enjoyable read nonetheless. I received an ARC copy.
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,027 reviews86 followers
February 11, 2024
Another Mystery Lake mystery that originates in Los Angeles. It quickly involves the reader in an unusual situation. As the title suggests, it truly is a tangled story. Several murders, but are they connected or not? It kept me turning the pages. I did skip over the intimate scenes. Lots of babies and family interaction add interest to the tale. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary. Very engaging and enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,411 reviews33 followers
March 3, 2024
A definite must read book and series!

I really wish that it was possible to give more than 5 stars, especially for amazing stories and series like this one. I've been hooked on this series since the beginning, and it keeps surpassing every expectation that I have. I love the unique, intense, complex, and intriguing stories, and can't wait for the next release!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
20 reviews
February 20, 2024

Once I started Tangled, Book 8 in the Mystery Lake Series, I couldn’t put it down. I love getting lost in the action-packed, sassy, suspenseful, interconnected relationships in Tamsen Schultz’s Mystery Lake World. I end up reading with a huge smile and baited breath, wanting and not wanting the story to end.
4 reviews
February 25, 2024
a next chapter with a new twist

Tamsen Schultz’s stories are always fast paced with thoroughly researched details, and this one is no different. The next chapter in the Warwick clan saga brings back familiar characters and adds new ones, both living and dead. Corruption and murder are the drivers of this exciting tale.
17 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2024
The eighth book in the Mystery River series. I have loved each one and this book did not disappoint. Scarlett and Brad are both very caring. The story grabs you right away. I also enjoy revisiting the characters from previous books.
26 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2024
An apt title for a story with intermingled plots, sub-plots and wondering whom to trust and who is the enemy. Not only are there several antagonists to sort out but also the Warwick clan continues to expand. Pay attention as you read or you may lose track of who is on Scarlett’s side.
31 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2024
The story starts out very implausible but then quickly moves into the area which I love! All the Warwick family members! They are a crazy fun bunch of characters that you will love to read about! You will fall in love! This whole series is wonderful!
Profile Image for Susan.
2,482 reviews13 followers
February 21, 2024
Very enjoyable!!

This book has everything I love. It has great writing, great characters - a whole family of them, great suspense, and romance. I really enjoy this series. This book is another great addition.
6,036 reviews45 followers
February 23, 2024
a few glimpses into the world of a strong and sassy nurse, and another hot Warwick - and a whole lot of crazy and hot stuff going on

love the suspense, drama, hot stuff and action that brings folks together and baddies under the microscope- baby boom included

272 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2024
Can't distract someone with vengeance on their mind.

Great characters in this venue. Bringing Scarlet into this story helped it to move along. Enjoyed every minute of this read. Generally read in a day with travel it was hard to GRT to the book, it was still goo.
Profile Image for Beth Helm.
1,097 reviews
February 20, 2024
I loved this book! I highly recommend this book. A case of mistaken identity, and dirty secrets land in Mystery Lake. HICC and others have to stop them before they murder more people.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews10 followers
February 20, 2024
Great story

Loved this book every bit as much as every other book by Tamsen Schultz. Her books always have mystery, suspense, and a great love story, and this one is no different.
201 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2024
I highly recommend this book. Well written ,page turner, great characters, well done. I really enjoyed it. I received a copy & voluntarily leaving a review.
12.7k reviews189 followers
February 27, 2024
Absolutely fantastic. Full of suspense and secrets. Scarlett isn’t a detective but she’ll try to solve the crime of who committed the murder of someone close to her. Impossible to not enjoy it
45 reviews
February 28, 2024
Great read.
I really enjoyed this book and the way this author writes. I like the chemistry of the characters and the story line. It's another romantic, little bit steamy, fun read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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