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Sheriff Red Mysteries #2
The Pines Were Watching
The pines are watching, the shadows are creeping closer, and no one—not even the sheriff—is safe from the secrets of the Northwoods.
“…family, jealousy, and the secrets a small town can conceal.” —Booklist
When Joanie Crea is found strangled on the grounds of the crumbling Grandgeorge estate, Sheriff Red Hammergren faces a chilling mystery as dark as the dense forest surrounding the crime scene. All eyes turn to Derek Grandgeorge, the reclusive heir with a penchant for wearing a green jacket—even in the sweltering Minnesota summer.
But soon, a second body surfaces—a victim found with Joanie’s house key shoved into their mouth.
The gruesome discovery sends a shiver of dread through the tight-knit community. The key isn’t just evidence—it’s a macabre message from a killer who’s growing bolder and more brazen with each passing day. As the oppressive summer heat bears down and the shadows deepen, Red glimpses unsettling flashes of green at the edge of her vision. With a cunning murderer on the loose and the town spiraling into panic, Red must unravel the connection between the victims…before she becomes the final piece in the killer's twisted game.
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Praise for Linda
“…an enjoyable story with an eccentric cast of characters and a strong female lead…unpredictable, with a satisfying ending…Mystery fans will enjoy…” —Booklist
"…a gripping thriller that will chill you to the bone…Linda Norlander's well-crafted novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page." —Susan Hunter, author of Dangerous Habits
"Readers will love Sheriff Red, and absolutely devour every layer of masterful misdirection in this twisty mystery." —LynDee Walker, author of Fear No Truth
"…kept me hooked from start to finish…you won't want to miss this one." —Ava Roberts, author of The Perfect Boyfriend
“…family, jealousy, and the secrets a small town can conceal.” —Booklist
When Joanie Crea is found strangled on the grounds of the crumbling Grandgeorge estate, Sheriff Red Hammergren faces a chilling mystery as dark as the dense forest surrounding the crime scene. All eyes turn to Derek Grandgeorge, the reclusive heir with a penchant for wearing a green jacket—even in the sweltering Minnesota summer.
But soon, a second body surfaces—a victim found with Joanie’s house key shoved into their mouth.
The gruesome discovery sends a shiver of dread through the tight-knit community. The key isn’t just evidence—it’s a macabre message from a killer who’s growing bolder and more brazen with each passing day. As the oppressive summer heat bears down and the shadows deepen, Red glimpses unsettling flashes of green at the edge of her vision. With a cunning murderer on the loose and the town spiraling into panic, Red must unravel the connection between the victims…before she becomes the final piece in the killer's twisted game.
___________________
Praise for Linda
“…an enjoyable story with an eccentric cast of characters and a strong female lead…unpredictable, with a satisfying ending…Mystery fans will enjoy…” —Booklist
"…a gripping thriller that will chill you to the bone…Linda Norlander's well-crafted novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page." —Susan Hunter, author of Dangerous Habits
"Readers will love Sheriff Red, and absolutely devour every layer of masterful misdirection in this twisty mystery." —LynDee Walker, author of Fear No Truth
"…kept me hooked from start to finish…you won't want to miss this one." —Ava Roberts, author of The Perfect Boyfriend
- GenresMystery
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 21, 2025
Red is a sheriff in a small Minnesota town where her late husband formerly held the position. When a visiting nurse is murdered, Red finds that there are many people in town with secrets they are not willing to reveal, even to help the sheriff. When there is another murder, Red has to look back into the past to learn of who would want these two women dead. Three and a half stars. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
September 10, 2025
I would like to thank Severn River Publishing and Linda Norlander for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
3⭐ - after reading the first book in the Sheriff Red Mysteries, I knew I had to get my hands on The Pines Were Watching.
When nurse Joanie is found strangled at an estate, all eyes turn to the estate's owner. Why is he wearing a jacket during a Minnesota summer AND there's a body found on his estate? He must have something to do with the murder.
Not long after, a new female victim is found in Nurse Joanie's house. Why does she have a key stuffed in her mouth?
Follow sheriff Red as she finds the connection between the two murders in this intensely suspenseful thriller based in Minnesota.
3⭐ - after reading the first book in the Sheriff Red Mysteries, I knew I had to get my hands on The Pines Were Watching.
When nurse Joanie is found strangled at an estate, all eyes turn to the estate's owner. Why is he wearing a jacket during a Minnesota summer AND there's a body found on his estate? He must have something to do with the murder.
Not long after, a new female victim is found in Nurse Joanie's house. Why does she have a key stuffed in her mouth?
Follow sheriff Red as she finds the connection between the two murders in this intensely suspenseful thriller based in Minnesota.
January 18, 2026
Since each book in the series keeps getting better and better, this is my favorite.
The situation with Blue, the four legged character, was worrying until it surpassed the actual murder hunt at the time. Georgia's appearance in the story earned her my favorite character award.
Throughout the story, the atmosphere blended into the details of poverty is spot on--- vivid and crisp, as much as the ingrained method of how the poor dealt with it. The Grandma depicted a great use of dialog with few words-- and one of them was probably the main clue in the denouement. There were plenty of suspects, most with tantalizing motives, and sometimes actions. A great story, and not easily guessed by the reader.
Mystery fans will not be disappointed, and will be eager to see what Red does next!
The situation with Blue, the four legged character, was worrying until it surpassed the actual murder hunt at the time. Georgia's appearance in the story earned her my favorite character award.
Throughout the story, the atmosphere blended into the details of poverty is spot on--- vivid and crisp, as much as the ingrained method of how the poor dealt with it. The Grandma depicted a great use of dialog with few words-- and one of them was probably the main clue in the denouement. There were plenty of suspects, most with tantalizing motives, and sometimes actions. A great story, and not easily guessed by the reader.
Mystery fans will not be disappointed, and will be eager to see what Red does next!
September 7, 2025
Each novel in the Sheriff Red mysteries offers a single case in this small town in the Northwoods of Minnesota, but if you want to learn more about Sheriff Red Hammergren, I recommend starting with book one. When nurse Joanie Crea is found murdered, the number one suspect is Derek Grandgeorge, the estate owner, but when another body turns up with Joanie’s house keys in its mouth, Red knows she is dealing with something far more sinister.
Red has her hands full, and the townfolk aren’t much help. Some are keeping secrets. This was a well-paced, suspenseful thriller that kept me engaged as Red tries to tie the two victims together and unravel the clues left by the killer. The author breaks up the tension with small-town issues, a sick pup and town politics.
If you enjoy small-town crime stories set against the backdrop of the Minnesota Northwoods, you’ll want to grab a copy of The Pines Are Watching. I found it to be a light, engaging thriller.
Elisabeth Ashby narrates and brings Red and secondary characters to life with unique voices. She captured the tone of the story and provided an entertaining listen. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Red has her hands full, and the townfolk aren’t much help. Some are keeping secrets. This was a well-paced, suspenseful thriller that kept me engaged as Red tries to tie the two victims together and unravel the clues left by the killer. The author breaks up the tension with small-town issues, a sick pup and town politics.
If you enjoy small-town crime stories set against the backdrop of the Minnesota Northwoods, you’ll want to grab a copy of The Pines Are Watching. I found it to be a light, engaging thriller.
Elisabeth Ashby narrates and brings Red and secondary characters to life with unique voices. She captured the tone of the story and provided an entertaining listen. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 25, 2025
This is the second book in this series and can easily be read as a standalone. Red is dealing with two murders in her small, rural Minnesota town - she knows they’re connected, but finding those connections that will lead to the killer is proving to be difficult. I did think this installment stayed more focused on the investigation than the first book did. I’m still struggling with this series though. The storylines are interesting and the setting and characters are good, but it’s still missing the mark for me.
September 28, 2025
Minnesota Sheriff Red Hammergren receives a call about a woman in a summerhouse on the crumbling Grandgeorge estate. The gossip around town is that a man wearing a green jacket was at the scene. The reclusive Grandgeorge heir, Derek Grandgeorge, is suspect no. 1 – he’s on premises, he’s odd, and he wears a green jacket year-round. Then a second body turns up, with the house key of the first victim in her mouth. Red must figure out the connection between the two women and solve the crime before she becomes victim no. 3.
Red was a deputy, but succeeded her husband as sheriff when he died of lung cancer. Three years later, she still talks to him when she’s trying to figure things out. She’s lucky to work with Maynard Walz from the State Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, who has a reputation as a skilled interviewer and a hard but fair boss. This is only her third murder and she’s eager to learn more.
I like the relationship between Walz and Red. There’s a spark of attraction, but they keep it professional. A family crisis absents him for a chunk of the action, so Red is left on her own to work out the finer points, but he’s available by cell. She’s also supported by a crew public health nurses/longtime friends who kept her fed and occasionally help out with a particularly thorny issue. And she has an emotional support poodle who thinks he’s a guard dog, what more could you ask?
This was a well-written, surprise-filled mystery with dimensional characters, a plot that kept me guessing right up to the end, and a likeable main character I hope I get to see more of. Plus that it was book 2 in the series and I didn’t know that until I went to look it up afterward. The author did a great job of not leaving new readers out. I would read more from this author.
Red was a deputy, but succeeded her husband as sheriff when he died of lung cancer. Three years later, she still talks to him when she’s trying to figure things out. She’s lucky to work with Maynard Walz from the State Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, who has a reputation as a skilled interviewer and a hard but fair boss. This is only her third murder and she’s eager to learn more.
I like the relationship between Walz and Red. There’s a spark of attraction, but they keep it professional. A family crisis absents him for a chunk of the action, so Red is left on her own to work out the finer points, but he’s available by cell. She’s also supported by a crew public health nurses/longtime friends who kept her fed and occasionally help out with a particularly thorny issue. And she has an emotional support poodle who thinks he’s a guard dog, what more could you ask?
This was a well-written, surprise-filled mystery with dimensional characters, a plot that kept me guessing right up to the end, and a likeable main character I hope I get to see more of. Plus that it was book 2 in the series and I didn’t know that until I went to look it up afterward. The author did a great job of not leaving new readers out. I would read more from this author.
February 7, 2026
BOOK REPORT
⭐ 4 ⭐
Posting the same Book Report for Nos. 2 and 3 in the Sheriff Red Mysteries series by Linda Norlander.
Let’s give a shoutout to Previous Kristi, who encouraged me to give this series a go even though the first one in it seemed to be suffering from a bad case of everything-and-the-kitchen-sink. She was right to do so—these two books were much more believable, and I enjoyed the all the characters and locale even more. (Especially because some of them were not hesitant to voice their criticisms of The Current Regime, which is growing ever more base, cruel, and seemingly insane by the day as I write this in early February of 2026.)
I got the third book as an electronic advance reader copy (ARC) from Severn River Publishing, which reminded me I hadn’t yet read the second. Got it thanks to the Kindle Unlimited trial I’m doing.
Would have kept right on reading once I finished No. 3 were there more available in the series. Smart and realistic. Do wish there were a little more humor along the way.
Oh, and back to locale: Why is Minnesota so one with the zeitgeist not only in real life but in fiction these days? Can’t seem to get away from it.
⭐ 4 ⭐
Posting the same Book Report for Nos. 2 and 3 in the Sheriff Red Mysteries series by Linda Norlander.
Let’s give a shoutout to Previous Kristi, who encouraged me to give this series a go even though the first one in it seemed to be suffering from a bad case of everything-and-the-kitchen-sink. She was right to do so—these two books were much more believable, and I enjoyed the all the characters and locale even more. (Especially because some of them were not hesitant to voice their criticisms of The Current Regime, which is growing ever more base, cruel, and seemingly insane by the day as I write this in early February of 2026.)
I got the third book as an electronic advance reader copy (ARC) from Severn River Publishing, which reminded me I hadn’t yet read the second. Got it thanks to the Kindle Unlimited trial I’m doing.
Would have kept right on reading once I finished No. 3 were there more available in the series. Smart and realistic. Do wish there were a little more humor along the way.
Oh, and back to locale: Why is Minnesota so one with the zeitgeist not only in real life but in fiction these days? Can’t seem to get away from it.
August 15, 2025
Sheriff Red Hammergren certainly has her hands full in this intensely suspenseful thriller. With two murders and a handful of suspects, perhaps she can solve the cases if she can discover the connections. The story moves along at a nice pace, with nice location descriptions, but not enough to bog down the story. I would have happily given this book five stars if not for several unnecessary and very rude political comments, which had nothing to do with the story. 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.
November 11, 2025
The Pines Were Watching (Sheriff Red Mysteries Book 2), my second read from author Linda Norlander. If you like Jodi Burnett's Tin Star K9 Series & FBI-K9 Series you may like this book. A well-written, enjoyable book, it caught my attention in the opening pages & I never put it down until completed. "I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more in this series & more from this author, and look forward to What the Fields Saw (Sheriff Red Mysteries Book 3) due out in March of 2026. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 17, 2025
Complex, suspenseful
Sheriff Red Hammergren uncovers some dark Lykken Lake secrets in the second book in this series. When the body of a missing nurse turns up in a summer house on the Grandgeorge property, Red digs deep into her work and home life, looking for those elusive connections that will eventually lead to Joanie Crea’s killer. In the meantime, another body turns up, complicating the investigation. Red’s frustration with the clues and her lagging confidence are compounded by lingering grief over her husband’s death. This character-driven, suspenseful mystery kept me turning the pages, especially on the wild ride to the last page.
Sheriff Red Hammergren uncovers some dark Lykken Lake secrets in the second book in this series. When the body of a missing nurse turns up in a summer house on the Grandgeorge property, Red digs deep into her work and home life, looking for those elusive connections that will eventually lead to Joanie Crea’s killer. In the meantime, another body turns up, complicating the investigation. Red’s frustration with the clues and her lagging confidence are compounded by lingering grief over her husband’s death. This character-driven, suspenseful mystery kept me turning the pages, especially on the wild ride to the last page.
January 29, 2026
decent read but overly political
I love Red and her group of ladies. And I wasn’t completely sure who the killer was either. I just wish politics weren’t in every chapter. In today’s world the tension in politics is everywhere and we’re all feeling it. I read to relax and escape from stress. As much as i enjoy these books being reminded in every chapter of the stresses in politics right now ruins the enjoyment of the story. Red also really doesn’t have it in her to be a sheriff. I love her and especially her and blue but as a sheriff she’s lacking in many ways and the mistakes she makes end up being fine in the end but in the real world it wouldn’t be ok
I love Red and her group of ladies. And I wasn’t completely sure who the killer was either. I just wish politics weren’t in every chapter. In today’s world the tension in politics is everywhere and we’re all feeling it. I read to relax and escape from stress. As much as i enjoy these books being reminded in every chapter of the stresses in politics right now ruins the enjoyment of the story. Red also really doesn’t have it in her to be a sheriff. I love her and especially her and blue but as a sheriff she’s lacking in many ways and the mistakes she makes end up being fine in the end but in the real world it wouldn’t be ok
August 18, 2025
Great Book!! Like the characters and the nuances of Minnesota small town setting.
Red is the sheriff of a small town following her husband who was sheriff before he passed away.
There were two murders in this small town and she investigates while the state guy is busy in the cities. She is on her own talking to whoever will talk to her about their neighbors and friends and relatives in this small town.
Like how she goes about her job caring about the investigation as well as the people of the town.
Will read any and all in this series and any others by this author.
Red is the sheriff of a small town following her husband who was sheriff before he passed away.
There were two murders in this small town and she investigates while the state guy is busy in the cities. She is on her own talking to whoever will talk to her about their neighbors and friends and relatives in this small town.
Like how she goes about her job caring about the investigation as well as the people of the town.
Will read any and all in this series and any others by this author.
September 25, 2025
Red is the Sheriff in a small town and she is faced with two murdered women cases she has to follow and find the culprit. The truth is buried deep and the more she digs in more danger she finds herself. Red still misses her late husband and her best confidant is Blue, her old dog. The Pines Were Watching has well defined and believable characters and lots of mystery which provide good entertainment!
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
January 4, 2026
This is a Mystery/Suspense, and this is the second book in the Sheriff Red Mysteries. I have not read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I felt the mystery was just ok, and I wanted the characters to be more developed. I wanted to connect to the characters or the story more. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
September 24, 2025
Sheriff Red has an uneasy feeling about the Grandgeorge Estate. Then the body of a nurse, Joanie is found. Sheriff Red uses all her sleuthing skills to find the killer especially when another woman is found dead. An entertaining and intriguing mystery which is mind-boggling. The eerie description of the surroundings and the various characters adds to the suspense.
August 11, 2025
Police procedural story in which a small town female sheriff must find the answers for 2 local women who are murdered. The sheriff must work through all of the local families secrets to uncover the truth. Quick read.
October 11, 2025
I think these Sheriff Red books keep getting better - lots of intrigue and twists and turns. Great character development, even the dog, Blue. Being from Minnesota, I love the descriptions of the settings.
Read
July 25, 2026Another great Sheriff Red
The ending blew me away! I love all the side characters (the Nancy Drew gang) and how Sheriff Red keeps getting little nuggets of information from various members of the community.
The ending blew me away! I love all the side characters (the Nancy Drew gang) and how Sheriff Red keeps getting little nuggets of information from various members of the community.
September 24, 2025
An amazing town but instead there’s secrets and danger. No one is safe and you begin to wonder how will this all end. Don’t miss out on this second book of a fantastic series.
January 18, 2026
Meh. I realize yet again that I am not good at solving mysteries. Two murdered women, long-time grudges in a small town, clues that seem unrelated… I didn’t solve it myself 🤣
February 17, 2026
An engaging book in the series. Strong female character.
May 9, 2026
Another excellent Sheriff Red book!
June 21, 2026
2.5 because who the hell put Clyde's body in the trunk??? And why was that guy with the "family emergency" so hot and cold?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
As with the first book in this series, plodding on on the boring side. I am starting book 3 today, but only because I already have it checked out from the library.
September 15, 2026
I enjoy mysteries situated in Minnesota and this is second in this series. Was good but as I think I felt in first book, why do we need so many characters to keep track of?
May 3, 2026
Atmospheric, twisty, and easy to sink into even mid‑series.
This was my first book by Norlander, and even though it’s the second in a series, I had no trouble falling into the characters, the setting, or the mystery. The atmosphere is the standout here—moody, suspenseful, and threaded with that quiet tension that keeps you turning pages. The mystery itself is twisty in a satisfying way, with enough reveals to keep the momentum going without feeling overdone.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for the digital copy I read.
This was my first book by Norlander, and even though it’s the second in a series, I had no trouble falling into the characters, the setting, or the mystery. The atmosphere is the standout here—moody, suspenseful, and threaded with that quiet tension that keeps you turning pages. The mystery itself is twisty in a satisfying way, with enough reveals to keep the momentum going without feeling overdone.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for the digital copy I read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews