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Baker & Tate Series #3
Desert Highway
It’s murder out there…
In the new Baker & Tate mystery, Ruth faces a sniper’s deadly game on a remote desert highway where escape is impossible and survival is uncertain.Texas Ranger Ruth Baker thought she’d seen everything—until travelers start turning up dead along an isolated stretch of highway, victims of a group of snipers who strike without warning and without apparent motive. Partnered with Aaron Tate, Ruth is called in to investigate the chilling case. But with no witnesses and no evidence, the killers seem to vanish into the endless desert, leaving only fear and carnage behind.
As Ruth and Tate dig deeper, they uncover ties to a death cult whose dark secrets may hold the key to the case. With each discovery, the snipers grow bolder, targeting anyone who gets too close—including Ruth herself.
In a deadly race against time, Ruth must push past her limits to stop a death cult of killers who always seem one step ahead. But on this highway, justice comes at a high cost—and not everyone will make it out alive.
Desert Highway is the gripping new mystery perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, Elle Gray, and Mary Stone.Each book in the Baker & Tate series is a complete, standalone story - there is no cliffhanger at the end of the book.Readers love Sam Baron's unputdownable mystery thrillers“The very epitome of page-turner with a chilling storyline that grips from the first and kept me guessing right up to the heart-racing denouement… STUNNER.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I devoured this book in 1 day! A suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Captivating and nail-biting… literally gave me the chills… full of twist and turns… you are always left guessing… story was gripping and gut wrenching. Susan is an amazing protagonist! … I am hooked and can't wait for the next one! Must read!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Consumed me, transporting me to a realm of pulse-pounding suspense that lingered long after I finished reading… be prepared to sleep with the lights on...” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Kept me guessing to the end.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Fast and intense.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I couldn't put it down… read this in one sitting... Highly recommended for anyone in search of a pulse-pounding read that will keep them up late into the night.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat… Fans of Robert Dugoni, Gregg Olsen, and Lisa Regan will be riveted by this electrifying novel that delivers twists, turns, and heart-stopping suspense at every corner.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Loved it! ... Great characters, a story full of twists, and a surprising ending.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was on the edge of my seat… I even held my breath at one point. There is a ton of mystery, suspense and action.
In the new Baker & Tate mystery, Ruth faces a sniper’s deadly game on a remote desert highway where escape is impossible and survival is uncertain.Texas Ranger Ruth Baker thought she’d seen everything—until travelers start turning up dead along an isolated stretch of highway, victims of a group of snipers who strike without warning and without apparent motive. Partnered with Aaron Tate, Ruth is called in to investigate the chilling case. But with no witnesses and no evidence, the killers seem to vanish into the endless desert, leaving only fear and carnage behind.
As Ruth and Tate dig deeper, they uncover ties to a death cult whose dark secrets may hold the key to the case. With each discovery, the snipers grow bolder, targeting anyone who gets too close—including Ruth herself.
In a deadly race against time, Ruth must push past her limits to stop a death cult of killers who always seem one step ahead. But on this highway, justice comes at a high cost—and not everyone will make it out alive.
Desert Highway is the gripping new mystery perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, Elle Gray, and Mary Stone.Each book in the Baker & Tate series is a complete, standalone story - there is no cliffhanger at the end of the book.Readers love Sam Baron's unputdownable mystery thrillers“The very epitome of page-turner with a chilling storyline that grips from the first and kept me guessing right up to the heart-racing denouement… STUNNER.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I devoured this book in 1 day! A suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Captivating and nail-biting… literally gave me the chills… full of twist and turns… you are always left guessing… story was gripping and gut wrenching. Susan is an amazing protagonist! … I am hooked and can't wait for the next one! Must read!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Consumed me, transporting me to a realm of pulse-pounding suspense that lingered long after I finished reading… be prepared to sleep with the lights on...” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Kept me guessing to the end.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Fast and intense.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I couldn't put it down… read this in one sitting... Highly recommended for anyone in search of a pulse-pounding read that will keep them up late into the night.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat… Fans of Robert Dugoni, Gregg Olsen, and Lisa Regan will be riveted by this electrifying novel that delivers twists, turns, and heart-stopping suspense at every corner.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Loved it! ... Great characters, a story full of twists, and a surprising ending.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was on the edge of my seat… I even held my breath at one point. There is a ton of mystery, suspense and action.
- GenresMystery
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
479 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 13, 2025
Language
Sprinkled with profaning the names of deity and f-bombs. I would not waste my time on this. There’s better elsewhere.
Sprinkled with profaning the names of deity and f-bombs. I would not waste my time on this. There’s better elsewhere.
June 16, 2025
While it is evident early on,
Female killers create an unusual storyline. Stories where the killer thinks the deaths are for the world’s greater good clearly indicate a warped mind and scary thoughts. However once again the female cop takes unnecessary risks and has this attitude, she is the only one who can solve the crime. I really don’t like characters like that.
Female killers create an unusual storyline. Stories where the killer thinks the deaths are for the world’s greater good clearly indicate a warped mind and scary thoughts. However once again the female cop takes unnecessary risks and has this attitude, she is the only one who can solve the crime. I really don’t like characters like that.
July 28, 2025
Unexpected and exceptional crime fiction!
Desert Highway is an exceptional and unexpected crime thriller that will keep you guessing! Rangers Baker and Tate are immaculately composed characters, empathic and believable, and the secondary story of them and their kids forming a blended family from tragedy ups the emotional ante even higher. The antagonists are not who you would ever expect, nor are their tactics and motives. There are plenty of surprises and twists, with the antagonists proving remarkably skilled and resourceful. This book was recommended to me by a friend who knows I can appreciate a piece of high quality crime fiction if I want a break from my typical horror/scifi/apocalyptic survival thriller fare and I'm happy to have listened to the recommendation! 5/5 stars! Desert Highway is good enough that it will appeal to just about anyone who enjoys a good thriller, even if crime fiction isn't their usual fare, the narrative quality and exceptional story are that good! Seriously, read Desert Highway, you won't regret it, it takes off from page 1 and doesn't ease off the pressure until the very end!!!
Desert Highway is an exceptional and unexpected crime thriller that will keep you guessing! Rangers Baker and Tate are immaculately composed characters, empathic and believable, and the secondary story of them and their kids forming a blended family from tragedy ups the emotional ante even higher. The antagonists are not who you would ever expect, nor are their tactics and motives. There are plenty of surprises and twists, with the antagonists proving remarkably skilled and resourceful. This book was recommended to me by a friend who knows I can appreciate a piece of high quality crime fiction if I want a break from my typical horror/scifi/apocalyptic survival thriller fare and I'm happy to have listened to the recommendation! 5/5 stars! Desert Highway is good enough that it will appeal to just about anyone who enjoys a good thriller, even if crime fiction isn't their usual fare, the narrative quality and exceptional story are that good! Seriously, read Desert Highway, you won't regret it, it takes off from page 1 and doesn't ease off the pressure until the very end!!!
July 18, 2025
Desert Highway by Sam Baron. (Baker & Tate Book 3).
This book was recommended on my kindle and even though I had not read the first 2 books in this series, this reads as a stand-alone book. The book starts with a bang and continues to hurdle the reader along a journey at break neck speed. The main characters are Texas Rangers Ruth Baker and Aaron Tate and the story is told from both their point of view and the villains. The story telling is superb and the story itself with the many twists is very engaging. In my opinion, the main character of Ruth Baker has " I am the only person in Law Enforcement who can solve this crime" syndrome and as a result she takes risks that not only put her own life in jeopardy but also exposes her partner and colleagues and that got annoying at times. I was engaged with the rather unique storyline and the characters for the entirety of the book. This book would make a great action movie. 4 stars.
This book was recommended on my kindle and even though I had not read the first 2 books in this series, this reads as a stand-alone book. The book starts with a bang and continues to hurdle the reader along a journey at break neck speed. The main characters are Texas Rangers Ruth Baker and Aaron Tate and the story is told from both their point of view and the villains. The story telling is superb and the story itself with the many twists is very engaging. In my opinion, the main character of Ruth Baker has " I am the only person in Law Enforcement who can solve this crime" syndrome and as a result she takes risks that not only put her own life in jeopardy but also exposes her partner and colleagues and that got annoying at times. I was engaged with the rather unique storyline and the characters for the entirety of the book. This book would make a great action movie. 4 stars.
June 23, 2025
3* An eye-catching book cover with a tense opening chapter, the plot continued with fast action and suspense.
A chilling storyline about unsuspecting motorists who are indiscriminately murdered as they drive along deserted desert roads. The explanation for the spate of murders was particularly alarming.
So why only a 3* rating. I enjoyed the book until the female Texas Ranger in charge of the investigation took on a Superwoman attitude with her, ‘only I am able to save the situation’. Whilst what she did made for good imagery, her unprofessional and dangerous actions endangered her own life and compromised the safety of her partner and colleagues. Should this not bother you, you'll probably rate the book higher.
A chilling storyline about unsuspecting motorists who are indiscriminately murdered as they drive along deserted desert roads. The explanation for the spate of murders was particularly alarming.
So why only a 3* rating. I enjoyed the book until the female Texas Ranger in charge of the investigation took on a Superwoman attitude with her, ‘only I am able to save the situation’. Whilst what she did made for good imagery, her unprofessional and dangerous actions endangered her own life and compromised the safety of her partner and colleagues. Should this not bother you, you'll probably rate the book higher.
November 7, 2025
What a ride!
This author knows how to get your attention and keep it going! Very hard to put down once you've started it. The action is descriptive and you can imagine you're there watching it unfold. The Diner scene was really intense and realistic in the design of his words.
There is also another side to this story. I'm loving the blended family scenes and how Aaron's sons accept Ava. Their excitement about learning ASL to be able to communicate with Ava, is endearing. Very nice to read something good happening with them. It's a much needed option for how the world should treat others. Thank you Sam Baron! I'm on to the next book in the series!
This author knows how to get your attention and keep it going! Very hard to put down once you've started it. The action is descriptive and you can imagine you're there watching it unfold. The Diner scene was really intense and realistic in the design of his words.
There is also another side to this story. I'm loving the blended family scenes and how Aaron's sons accept Ava. Their excitement about learning ASL to be able to communicate with Ava, is endearing. Very nice to read something good happening with them. It's a much needed option for how the world should treat others. Thank you Sam Baron! I'm on to the next book in the series!
September 6, 2025
Interesting plot, good pace
This was my first book by the author. I enjoyed the plot, the pace and the characters . I thought there was a little too much repetition (ex. Character's work ethics and traits) and inconsistencies (Jim's death one or two years ago? ages of Jake and Marcus changed). But I'll try another in the series as the book was definitely interesting and exciting.
This was my first book by the author. I enjoyed the plot, the pace and the characters . I thought there was a little too much repetition (ex. Character's work ethics and traits) and inconsistencies (Jim's death one or two years ago? ages of Jake and Marcus changed). But I'll try another in the series as the book was definitely interesting and exciting.
October 16, 2025
Dragged on, so many repeated paragraphs/sentences and sometimes gender name mismatch in Suzan name, Jim death period, AVA age ...sometimes it feels like major points are left out. There was no major tie-up from previous series ending based on hero heroine life. Jim's death was not drug related right? So many mis matched /left out info.. Finished bcoz i downloaded it...
June 23, 2025
Desert Highway
This was a really great tale. It keeps the reader on edge and turning the pages. A tale about killers that we know exist, but don't want to recognize. A book that brings the reader to cheering on the good guys.
This was a really great tale. It keeps the reader on edge and turning the pages. A tale about killers that we know exist, but don't want to recognize. A book that brings the reader to cheering on the good guys.
June 22, 2025
very good and hard to put down
June 28, 2025
Desert Hiway
What a wonderful read! These villains are bad, bad, bad. The Texas Rangers are competent, intelligent, lucky and good. Lots of action too.
What a wonderful read! These villains are bad, bad, bad. The Texas Rangers are competent, intelligent, lucky and good. Lots of action too.
August 18, 2025
From Page #1 to the End; Captivating!! You won’t want to put this book down! Can’t wait to read more in the Baker & Tate Series
August 26, 2025
Great crime thriller that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat.
October 1, 2025
A thrilling, suspense with action galore. an edge of your seat read.
September 26, 2025
This book would get some number of negative stars if that was possible.
The villains are a gang of violent, murderous trans women. It's a disservice to the trans population of the world, which is suffering from horrendous prejudice and sadistic laws. It's a vanishingly small number of people anyway and the idea of recruiting a bunch of them to kill as many people as possible - for any cause whatever - is far removed from real-world possibility.
Would this writer attack some other vulnerable minority than trans people? Perhaps a despised (by him) ethnic group? Or disabled people? Maybe - I have not read other books in the series and certainly won't now.
The radical hatred in this book will appall anybody with half an ounce of empathy.
The villains are a gang of violent, murderous trans women. It's a disservice to the trans population of the world, which is suffering from horrendous prejudice and sadistic laws. It's a vanishingly small number of people anyway and the idea of recruiting a bunch of them to kill as many people as possible - for any cause whatever - is far removed from real-world possibility.
Would this writer attack some other vulnerable minority than trans people? Perhaps a despised (by him) ethnic group? Or disabled people? Maybe - I have not read other books in the series and certainly won't now.
The radical hatred in this book will appall anybody with half an ounce of empathy.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews