Murder in Spa City

Sam Lawson #7

by David K. Wilson

While visiting the idyllic resort town of Saratoga Springs, private detective Sam Lawson is thrust into a murder investigation of a wealthy businessman, and it isn’t long before he realizes the key suspects are every member of the victim’s dysfunctional family.

From the grieving widow harboring dark secrets to the scheming adult children with their own hidden agendas, everyone has a motive. But as Sam peels back the layers of deception amidst the backdrop of Saratoga Springs' historic landmarks and bustling nightlife, a mysterious stranger lurks in the shadows, casting doubt on everything he thought he knew.

Set against the historic landmarks and bustling nightlife of Saratoga Springs during horseracing season, Murder in Spa City unfolds as a riveting whodunit, brimming with colorful characters, unexpected twists, and Sam’s signature wit. With each turn of the page, the stakes escalate, leaving you guessing until the thrilling conclusion.

For fans of Agatha Christie, Murder in Spa City is a must-read. Author David K. Wilson delivers another masterfully crafted standalone novel in the acclaimed Sam Lawson Mystery series. If you enjoy classic mysteries with a modern twist, this fast-paced tale of intrigue, deceit, and suspense is the perfect addition to your bookshelf.

Grab your copy today and join Sam Lawson on his most challenging case yet.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2024

About the author

David K. Wilson grew up in East Texas, surrounded by enough colorful characters to fill the pages of hundreds of books. He has been an advertising copywriter and creative director, and is probably responsible for some of the junk mail you've received over the years.

He is also a seasoned ghostwriter and screenwriter. Currently, he lives in upstate New York, where he still complains about the cold every single winter.

Reviews

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to read Murder in Spa City by David K. Wilson as the story is based in a town not far from where I live. I was looking forward to spending time in Saratoga and who better to be with than Sam Lawson as he tries to solve a murder and not get into too much trouble.

Murder in Spa City is the seventh book in the Sam Lawson Mystery series and hopefully you know Sam as well as the rest of us devoted readers and know that when he is on a case, he is laser focused and will do whatever he needs to do to see it through .... even if he is warned off the case.

In Murder in Spa City Sam and his newlywed wife, Carla, are in town for Carla's sister's wedding so Sam has to be on his best behavior.

While Carla and her sister are out doing wedding things, Sam decides to check out the racetrack. There he meets the Cannon family and friends which he ends up partying with. Frank Cannon is well-known in the area as he has car dealerships all over. He has two sons and a daughter, a loving wife, successful and rich but the morning after Sam meets them, he is called to the estate by the family lawyer. It seems that sometime during the night, Frank got up and killed himself.

The family hires Sam to look into it seeing as they don't believe it and once Sam sees the scene, he tends to agree. Sam begins his investigation by getting to know the family and close friends, trying to piece together what happened that night. It seems that the family had dinner, argued, drank and everyone ended up spending the night, so the house was full of likely suspects.

Wilson has a way of pulling the reader in immediately. By the time you finish the first chapter, which sometimes is two and a half pages, you are hooked. This is a captivating series with very interesting characters and the stories are crazy, good crazy !!!

Every time I finish a book in this series, I think that that one is my favorite. Then I get the next book and forget it, that one is my favorite. Let's just say that the Sam Lawson Mystery series is definitely one of my top series. I love getting lost in Sam's world.....

[Jacqueline Boulden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to see where this mystery was going, which is one of the best compliments you can give a book. Private Investigator and former cop Sam Lawson is in Saratoga Springs for the wedding of his wife’s sister. He’s caught up in the murder of a high-profile resident, who he just happened to have met at the Saratoga racetrack the day before. Sam locks horns with the local cops who declared the death a suicide. Not everyone agrees the man took his own life, and Sam, with help from his new wife, won’t stop digging for clues until he determines who killed the man. Lucky for me, this is only the second book in this series that I’ve read, so I have lots of Sam Lawson mysteriesto look forward to.

[Juliana Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading "Murder in Spa City" by local author David Wilson, and as a native of historic Saratoga, I found it to be even more magical! I got a signed copy of the book, and I have to say, it was really good. The mystery had me guessing until the end, and I loved how the author intertwined the family drama. Wilson's writing style is also quite humorous. I highly recommend this book - it's definitely a 5-star read! I will be reading the rest fo the Sam Lawson mystery series this summer!!!

[Debbie Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to support local authors. David K. Wilson is from East Texas but has lived in Saratoga Springs, NY for a few years. His latest Sam Lawson murder mystery is set in Saratoga. It was a good story and I enjoyed following all the suspects around to all the places I've come to know and love about the Spa City. A fun read.

[David Brakebill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Sam Lawson mystery! I like the story, the characters were developed just enough, and it kept moving….plus i really like short chapters…makes it easier to find a good stopping point when necessary
I really appreciate David Wilson’s talent for keeping the storyline moving. Fully recommend!

[GW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in Spa City -

Ehhh, didn't do much for me. The story just seemed to bounce around between scenes and the dialog seemed unrealistic. But, I finished it and it did have a resolution so I give it 3 stars.

[Jenn Nucifora Maroney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Sam Lawson (I bought it because it takes place locally) but now I look forward to reading the first six books. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the characters, and once I started it I didn’t want to out it down.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Great character development and I love that it's set in Saratoga Springs! He captured the charm of the town which made it all the more fun.
The murder mystery was well crafted
I recommend this book!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based in a city I'm familiar with. Had to read. Was interesting.

[Marjorie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool to read about places that are right here in Saratoga Springs!!!

[Lori Schuermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

witty, fun, vivid, with a twist

So descriptive I feel like I watched while I read

Good characters and solid twist, not who I thought all along

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story set in a beautiful upstate NY city.

[Risse Constantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun mystery! I loved that it took place in Saratoga, I loved reading about places I’ve visited there! You nailed it!

[Jeanette Constantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Since I live near the location setting, made this book even more interesting to read. great setting, money, murder and some twists.

[Leah Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced unputdownable murder mystery set in Saratoga Springs during track season. I really enjoyed this fun whodunnit!

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The murder mystery had fun twists and turns. It's set in my hometown, so it was easy for me to visualize what was happening where. Kept my attention.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 9/25

[Ann Marie Piche · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think that you or someone you know is from a dysfunctional family, think again. In David K. Wilson’s latest crime drama Murder in Spa City, you haven’t seen anything yet. In this new installment of the Sam Lawson Mystery series Detective Sam Lawson unexpectedly finds himself investigating a wealthy businessman’s murder where every member of this family is a suspect.

Saratoga Springs and its race track in upstate New York is known as the August place to be.
And this is where we find detective Sam Lawson as he stands cheering on his racehorse only to be defeated when the horse doesn’t win, but lucky for Sam, it was only a two-dollar bet.

I love how the author weaved the sights and sounds of this historical location in Saratoga Springs during the busiest time of year were horse racing is top of mind for most everyone.

Everyone, except Detective Sam Lawson when he helps the local police to solve a murder.

But it’s Sam’s keen instincts throughout the investigation that will help him navigate through the twists and turns of trying to figure out if it was an elusive stranger or someone in this wealthy yet dysfunctional family who committed
Murder in Spa City.

[Deneen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Carla do it again! You did not see this ending coming. Their quick wit and perfect sleuthing gets me every time. Another Sam Lawson must read!