Blood in the Sand

Emily Slate #15

by Alex Sigmore

Sun, sand and champagne. It sounds like the perfect vacation, until the disappearances started. Local women are vanishing from the Caribbean island of St. Solomon and no one seems to know why. Even worse, the local authorities aren’t doing anything about it.

Determined not to let these disappearances get any worse, Special Agent Emily Slate goes undercover for the first time since her life was turned upside down, determined to find out who could be behind it all.

Except she’ll get more than she bargained for. The tropical island holds a deadly secret, one that may drag Emily under with no chance to come up for air.

Genres: Mystery, Crime

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2024

Reviews

[Vicky Hafler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t as thrilled with this one. Maybe I just need a break from Emily Slate.

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the tropical getaway anyone was expecting.

Emily is sent to the Virgin Islands to investigate the disappearance of three women, one of whom has a remote connection back to the FBI. The local police don’t seem to be doing anything to try to find these women or even acknowledge they’re missing. With an undercover persona already at the ready, Emily is tasked with infiltrating the inner circle of a rich developer who has a connection with one of the missing women.

There was no shortage of shady characters to suspect. Eventually, Emily leaves her cover story behind and operates openly as an FBI agent, partnering up with a disgruntled local cop. Peregrine was cool! She’s a lot like Emily: a bit of a lone wolf and a woman unafraid to take less conventional paths, if needed, to serve justice. Once again, the mirror this turns back onto Emily and how she reacts to the revelations was the real journey.

To say I was surprised by the villain’s reveal in the final chapters would be a massive understatement. Hats off to Alex Sigmore for yet another twisted mystery!

The tease of another leak or infiltration of the FBI at the end, enticing us into the next book and setting up this third ‘conspiracy arc,’ was deftly set up from the first pages of this book. Can’t wait to see what Emily is challenged with next.

[Amanda Moldy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to revisit my girl Emily after Shay gave me a good recap of what happened in the first 14 books 🤪 still love these easy mysteries and will be back for #16

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favorite in this series.

[Susan Coopersmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome adventures

I have so enjoyed every one of this series - I have read every one in order and as soon as I finish one, I start the next one can’t wait for more !

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the beginning of this book! It starts out like an episode of Alias starring Jennifer Garner. Emily is undercover all glammed up at a bar. Her mission is to drug and seduce a creepy bad guy, get him up to his room, and ransack his belongings for proof of international espionage while he’s out cold. It just gets more exciting from there. Before you know it, she’s undercover on a Caribbean island trying to figure out why women have been going missing, and the authorities haven’t been trying to find out why. Oh, and there’s a very suspicious rich guy on the island with a basement full of sex rooms. Hmmm…

While I like Emily’s boyfriend Liam and especially her bestie Zara, I didn’t miss them in Emily’s very exciting solo adventure. I am looking forward to learning more about her and Liam’s new dog though.

Book 15 and the rest of the Emily Slate series are all free with #KindleUnlimited.

Thank you, @AlexSigmore for my gifted copy. I’m looking forward to the next one!

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. For Special Agent Emily Slate, she'll do whatever it takes to complete her cases and bring whatever kinds of dirtbags to justice... even if it means being made personally uncomfortable. With an expected twist causes the current case to fall back onto the back burner, Special Supervisory Agent Caruthers ( Emily's newest boss ) presents Emily's a new case he believes she can solve upon the island of St. Solomon... women have gone missing and now one can explain why. And while the lush paradise can easily cast its spell upon any visitor, Emily cannot ignore innocent lives are on the line and afford to enjoy the sea and sand. The case is absolute cluster fuck, as the seductive world of flowing money and two colorful men keep Emily spinning her wheels as the case feel impossible to crack. The alliance of a local detective upends the case in ways Emily couldn't imagine... and time is running out. A clever and crafty killer haunts this paradise... determined to fulfill a cold-blooded plan.

Highly recommended.

[Tiera Chari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blood in the Sand

I enjoyed this series, however, this particular book wasn’t very interesting to me. I found myself having to reread certain parts because it just wasn’t attention grabbing like the other books. I look forward to reading the next one.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

undercover glam - not Emily’s forte but….

Emily is glammed up to infiltrate a suspected international data broker’s hotel suite and snatch up any intelligence extant on his computer.

Things go downhill from there.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Blood in the Sand is the fifteenth book in the Emily Slate Series by Alex Sigmore.
This has the vibes of crime thrillers that feel like binge-worthy TV shows, but in book form. Alex Sigmore has created FBI agent, Emily Slate, who’s tough, smart, and just the right amount of emotionally messy to make her feel real and relatable. She’s not some flawless superhero type - she’s been through loss, made mistakes, and still pushes forward, which makes you root for her even harder.
Each book has its own mystery, but there’s also this ongoing thread about Emily’s personal life and career struggles that keeps you hooked from one installment to the next. The twists are sharp, and while you might guess a few things, the author still manages to throw in curveballs that make you go, wait, WHAT?!
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…

[Lopsided · Rating 4 out of 5]

No profanity that I am aware of until book 9 when the narrator changes. The F word was used. That one one thing that stood out. There are no sex scenes. Just a coworker who talks about getting action, not graphically though. Books 1 - 8 are read by Nicole Dolan. Books 9 - 17 are read by Molly Secours. I had to look up and confirm the narrator changed. Molly has a more flat/monotone voice. I prefer narrator Nicole voice. Another change with book 9 is now the book is told in alternating viewpoints. This is not my favorite format. The alternating viewpoint was not done consistently in every book. It would just happen randomly a time or two during the book. I did a binge on this series book 1 - 17. The biggest disappointment was when profanity was added in for book 9 and on. 2.25 audio

[Sharon Bell tabbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and the characters in it. Emily sure has gone through a lot of stuff. I am glad she found Liam and Zara. I just hope they both are still with them at the end. Its not the end yet, so we have hope. I just can't stop reading this series. I have read the last two in two days each. I have more to read before the 18th on comes out. I want to be all caught up when that one comes out. This series is a great read, check it out.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure

This was a little scary but a great read. Being all alone on an assignment without back-up on top of not knowing who to trust certainly makes for a job I would never envy. The sadness part is what the outcome of this case will mean for the next phase of Emily's life.

[Susan Clair Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood in the Sand

Emily is undercover on a tropical island where several women have disappeared, but her cover is blown before she gets there. There are very wealthy movers and shakers trying to develop the island and someone is trying to stop it and get revenge at the same time. With that solved they now need to find out who has breeches the FBI.

[Kate Stinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorite opening scenes in the Emily slate series. Emily undercover with a rich, swanky man then ends up jumping off a balcony in $700 shoes?! What a bad bitch moment! Emily continues this swagger to the sun and sand filled island of St. Solomon. I liked the change of scenery, with a challenging assignment that turns into much more than she bargained for!

[Mona Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, as always

I can't get enough of Emily Slate and her crazy cases. Edge of your seat thriller that makes you want to keep reading. Start at the beginning of her journey. You won't be disappointed.

[Cecilia U. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

island life

I lived several years in the islands in the Caribbean and the description of the island life was very realistic. I consider myself an island girl! Thanks for taking me back to those wonderful days!! I enjoy your book very much.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in this series. The plot is detailed and the descriptions put you on the island, feeling like you have been there before. I have to say all the clues I thought I was picking up on lead to the absolute wrong solution. This book had my interest right to the end, hard to put down.

[Fern Krayenhagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on a beautiful island!

It was very.suspendesful and so many suspects I was completely puzzled and actually surprised AR the ending! Quite involved but mystery readers its good!

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is kind of like a reset. For the first time there is a decent gap (9 months) between the last book and this one. This one starts off with Emily back under cover for the first time in a long time. Lots of great plot twists and turns. Can't wait for the next book.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women are disappearing on an island, and Emily is sent in to investigate. But her cover is quickly blown. She pairs up with a local police woman, the only one on the force who seems to care about the disappearances. Together, they uncover a web of lies and deceit.

[Carol Dickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood in the sand

Great book, with great characters and, an intriguing plot. Lots of twists and turns. Leaves you wanting more. I can't for the next book in the series.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting visit with Emily. I’m not sure I’m loving the direction this is going. Need the next book now. I’m ready for her relationship to move forward too.

[Bon Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS BOOK

I’ve followed Emily Slate from the beginning. I’ve read all the books published thus far. I’m also caught up on Ivy Bishop.
I enjoy Alex’s books. Highly recommended.

[Marg goby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marg’s choice

Great book can’t wait till next book last in the series, great read from start to finish and worth buying all these books

[Patricia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book gets you from the begining, then just keeps getting better. I would never have guest who the villain was. Can't wait to read 16.

[Ann Jillson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily oh Emily what are you involved in now?

I took a break from this series for a while. Glad to see it's still like it was, thrilling and somewhat unpredictable.

[Kenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - sooo good!

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series.

[Helene Vallow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intense! Couldn’t read fast enough.