Big Lake Sinner

Big Lake #25

by Nick Russell

When a construction crew unearths a skeleton in an unmarked grave, there is speculation that it might be the remains of a long-forgotten settler, or even a Native American. Whoever it was, the discovery of a bullet hole in the back of the skull reveals that death was not by natural causes. And why was a silver cross found in the grave?

Even though forensic investigators determine the victim was killed at least half a century ago, Sheriff Jim Weber launches an investigation to determine who the murdered man was and how he ended up in his lonely grave. Assisted by his deputies, FBI Special Agent Larry Parks, and young newspaper reporter Jennifer Shores, the search for the truth takes Weber to a neglected cemetery, a ranch house in New Mexico, and a Catholic church where the priest in charge refuses to discuss the matter.

Along the way he learns of a possible scandal involving a young priest and a single mother, of a ghostly local legend of a mad woman spotted running naked through the night forest screaming at the moon, and neglected children caught in the middle of the chaos.

Meanwhile a land developer used to running roughshod over people to get his way wants the investigation over so he can proceed with his latest project, and some members of local government wonder why the sheriff is wasting resources on a crime that happened so long ago. But there is no statute of limitations on murder, and no way Weber is going to back off until he has the answers he seeks.

One reviewer has referred to the Big Lake mystery series as “Mayberry Meets Twin Peaks.” It’s a combination of humor and intrigue that launched New York Times bestselling author Nick Russell’s first Big Lake book into Amazon’s Top 100 Paid Kindle books for over 78 days, and Big Lake Sinner, the twenty-fifth book in this popular series, is sure to be a hit, too.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2024

Reviews

[Ricki]

Two local septic diggers find a skeleton on a property developers piece of land. Since ex-Mayor Chet Wingate was attacked a few books ago, he's been kind of on the sidelines and each book seems to have " an A_ _H_ _ E" and in this case it's the developer. He rants/raves about everything, ends up in jail etc all while Sheriff Weber investigates what was a crime from the 1950's. A couple of town council members think it's a waste of resourses but Weber believes even if it takes a while to ID the skeleton and the murderer may be dead, the case deserves to be solved.

Weber gets a lot of research help from the new reporter at the local paper and eventually the case is resolved with a small surprise at the end. It's very slow moving, small bits of info here and there and final resolution in the last chapter.

[Jeff Benham]

When a real estate developer has his crew start to dig a hole for a septic tank, they find a skeleton from a decades old murder victim. The developer couldn't care less, he wants to get on with the project. Sheriff Jimmy doesn't suffer fools gladly and it doesn't take long for this idiot to land in jail. Sheriff Jimmy is intent on finding out who the dead person is, even though the perp is probably long dead. You will enjoy the surprise ending.

[Inger DiGirolamo]

I didn't see that coming! The story is running smoothly along and I am enjoying reading it. Just when the characters and myself thought we had it all figured out, there came a surprise that changed everything! I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Nick Russell makes them so real that you begin to think they're your friends and neighbors. It's a good one!

[Leah Parker]

A different mystery too be solved!

A skeleton was found when digging for a septic system. Despite some members of town council, Webber wanted to solve the mystery of the crazy lady and a priest. Plus a domestic problem, an out of line teen, a snotty rich man, and a fatal wreck.

I enjoy these stories about a small-town sheriff. He is not a country hick.

[Billy]

Unbelievable grave

When this grave is on Doug and the whole town becomes an uproar over what it’s really about in the money it’s costing to share to run an investigation.

It’s very interesting to learn how people discover things that happen 50 years ago and the people that were involved.

You will enjoy finding who is really in this grave and how it all happened.

[Ronald F.]

Great book. In fact, the entire series was outstanding. Mr. Russell does an excellent job laying out the plots and developing his characters. It is amazing that with a series of 25 books, each and everyone had a different plot and surrounding story. Reading the Big Lake series was like setting down with some old friends. I will be reading more of Nick Russell's books.

[G.Richard Mccafferty]

Great story

Wow what's story with the best ending g ever it shows that as we get older our memories of time past and the people that were part of our life keep coming to the surface good bad or in different . I hope that the good Lord accepts me in Heaven as I sure want to see my mum and dad bonnie and I say good night and be safe Amen...

[Rick Hayden]

Awesome Series!

I was very anxious for this latest one to release, after having read every prior one in order. As always, Nick Russell has written another great addition to the saga!

[Black Butterfly]

THIS ONE WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN I EXPECTED, BUT JUST AS GOOD AND UNUSUAL AS ALWAYS. I'VE READ ALL OF THE BIG LAKES AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE. I JUST READ THE TEASER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK, THE NEXT WILL BE "BIG LAKE MISFITS #26" AND ITS OFF TO A ROCKING START, CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT. ;D

[margaret flickinger]

Loved this book

I enjoyed reading this book. Loved the twist and turns. I've read all the book in series. I like the same character, s in all the books. Everyone should read the series. You won't be disappointed.

[Angela]

A definite must read series

This was another complex story that had many unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. It's a great series that you won't want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[Walt Mccluskey]

Big lake sinner

Great tale just for the pleasure of reading and absorbing some of the things presented by your everyday life. The vignettes presented were all tied together in what was revealed as a very logical line of life and ended in a powerful manner.

[Barnhart]

Sins of the Father.

Never saw the ending as it unfolded in front of me. The stories continue to be most enjoyable and quite interesting Just hoping Nick Russell continues. Thanks as always.

[Hal Pohlman]

Great Read!!!

This book brought back many memories of life in a small town!!
And, all the problems that came with that life !!
Great mystery with a twist on th last few pages that I didn't see coming!!
I'll read more of this author !!!

[June M. Groves]

Such a great book! 💚

[Donna B. Maness]

Another Hit!

Just finished another wonderful book by Mr. Russell. I've read the entire series, some of them twice, and have loved them all. I'm already looking forward to book 26.

[David Mahoney]

Took some time but worth it,

I have read every book in the Big Lake series. For me this is the best one yet!!! As they say “Try it , you will like it!”

[Kay Jarr]

I enjoyed this book. It was like being back with old friends. I would start with the first book to get most out of them.

[Mike Matteson]

Myth of a grave

This was a very great plot and the detective part was very cool. Who was in the grave why he was in the grave and what did he do to get there.

[Karen]

Never a disappointment! Every story in this series is different and keeps you involved to the very end!

[Betty J. Kimes]

Excellent story

These just keep getting better. Every story line is exceptional in its own right .. Never go wrong in Big Lake.