Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Big Lake #25

Big Lake Sinner

Rate this book
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

583 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Nick Russell

102 books166 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
424 (62%)
4 stars
175 (25%)
3 stars
67 (9%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,712 reviews10 followers
November 12, 2024
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.
25 reviews
October 26, 2024
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!
374 reviews
Read
October 29, 2024
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.
206 reviews
November 10, 2024
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.

138 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2024
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.
91 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2024
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!
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
November 8, 2024
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
51 reviews
January 5, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,380 reviews33 followers
March 24, 2025
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.
999 reviews23 followers
June 3, 2025
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.
176 reviews
August 13, 2025
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.
7 reviews
November 5, 2024
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.
56 reviews
December 9, 2024
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!”
Profile Image for Kay Jarr.
81 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Mike Matteson.
49 reviews
March 17, 2025
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.
733 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2025
Never a disappointment! Every story in this series is different and keeps you involved to the very end!
11 reviews
November 15, 2025
Excellent story

These just keep getting better. Every story line is exceptional in its own right .. Never go wrong in Big Lake.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.