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Baker & Tate Series #1
Red Barn
Some secrets refuse to stay buried...
Ruth didn't hesitate. She aimed and fired in the direction of the flash, squeezing off three rapid shots. The muzzle of her own weapon lit up the barn in staccato bursts, revealing fleeting glimpses of the whimsical wonderland turned battlefield. Shadows danced across the faces of smiling clowns and cartoon characters, their frozen grins taking on a sinister quality in the flashes of light.
(c) Sam Baron and Baron Books llc
In this explosive new Baker & Tate mystery, Texas Ranger Ruth Baker faces her darkest case yet—one that strikes at the heart of her own family.When twenty-three children vanish from a school bus in Caldwell, Texas, the case becomes personal for Ruth Baker—her daughter Ava should have been on that bus. Partnered with fellow Ranger Aaron Tate, Ruth uncovers a haunting connection to the infamous "Red Barn Killings" from twenty years ago. But as they dig deeper, they discover that Caldwell's most powerful figures may have been protecting a terrible secret all along.
With the FBI closing in and dangerous revelations about her late husband's death coming to light, Ruth must decide how far she'll go to expose the truth—even if it means destroying everything she thought she knew about her hometown.
A pulse-pounding thriller perfect for fans of Elle Gray and Mary Stone. 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. 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.
Ruth didn't hesitate. She aimed and fired in the direction of the flash, squeezing off three rapid shots. The muzzle of her own weapon lit up the barn in staccato bursts, revealing fleeting glimpses of the whimsical wonderland turned battlefield. Shadows danced across the faces of smiling clowns and cartoon characters, their frozen grins taking on a sinister quality in the flashes of light.
(c) Sam Baron and Baron Books llc
In this explosive new Baker & Tate mystery, Texas Ranger Ruth Baker faces her darkest case yet—one that strikes at the heart of her own family.When twenty-three children vanish from a school bus in Caldwell, Texas, the case becomes personal for Ruth Baker—her daughter Ava should have been on that bus. Partnered with fellow Ranger Aaron Tate, Ruth uncovers a haunting connection to the infamous "Red Barn Killings" from twenty years ago. But as they dig deeper, they discover that Caldwell's most powerful figures may have been protecting a terrible secret all along.
With the FBI closing in and dangerous revelations about her late husband's death coming to light, Ruth must decide how far she'll go to expose the truth—even if it means destroying everything she thought she knew about her hometown.
A pulse-pounding thriller perfect for fans of Elle Gray and Mary Stone. 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. 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.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2025
730 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 29, 2025
Compelling enough storyline to make me finish the book, but oh god. The hokey dialogue, awkward phrasing, and cop cliches….so distracting. Uneven detailing, like when the author runs through the supposedly horrific crimes like she’s writing a shopping list, but we get 2 pages of her wandering through her house. And then it just ends? No, sorry. It was a palate cleanser for me after a difficult read, and it’s served that purpose, but…Fire this editor.
June 24, 2025
Great book!! Lots of suspense, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great read!
December 21, 2024
Red Barn is an excellent Texas Rangers procedural with great depth of character, elements that show the true darkness of some human hearts, the corruption of some people who think they are above the law due to wealth and influence, the loyalty and determination of a mother who will do anything to protect her child, and the benefits of an excellent partnership. I'm not sure how Mr. Barron managed to cram all of this and all the action he included into one book without it being several hundred pages, but he did. There is plenty of suspense, action, and elements a thriller fan needs in their latest read. This multi-layered story had me reading well beyond the time I should have closed it and gone to bed. My only difficulty is with the proofreading. There doesn't appear to be any, but since it is quite possible that what I read was an unedited ARC, I won't address that any further. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest opinion.
May 3, 2025
cliffhanger to the next book
I was very disappointed in how it ended. It just ends abruptly and then you’re supposed to buy the next book.
I was very disappointed in how it ended. It just ends abruptly and then you’re supposed to buy the next book.
October 1, 2025
How could an entire school bus loaded with nearly two dozen children suddenly disappear?
The title provides an all too obvious answer.
But why were they taken?
Bonus points for the sick and twisted reasons.
Texas Rangers Ruth Baker and Aaron Tate investigate. Their relationship is interesting, but these characters aren't developed well enough, and Aaron comes off too much like a loyal puppy dog.
The plot is intriguing but stretches believability with a cover-up so massive and so unlikely to be sustained for so many years.
It's farfetched that Ruth's late husband, Jim, killed in the line of duty, would have kept so many secrets from a fellow officer of the law.
Points added for creepy characters and a creepy atmosphere, particularly inside the old barn.
Points off for unrealistic dialogue, which includes awkward exchanges and too many cliches, a problem in the narrative as well.
It's admirable that the author featured a deaf character, Ava, the daughter of the main character, but the constant references to communication by sign language were distracting and many could have been omitted after the fact that she speaks by signing has been established.
How many times do we need to be reminded that a character has a disfigured face? I lost count. I felt like yelling could we please move along?
Things get spicy near the end when a villain makes Ruth disrobe, but she stays naked much longer than necessary, and it's strange that her loyal partner largely ignores the fact that she's naked even though she's standing directly in front of him. Neither before nor after his injuries was he ever blind.
After the big showdown, Ruth doesn't respond in logical ways. She spends far too much time comforting Ava (yep, she's still naked, even during this) and she leaves an injured party unattended for far too long. She doesn't call 911 for an ambulance but instead drives them to the hospital (she's now partially dressed, thank goodness) in her own vehicle as they bleed against the door glass.
Ruth lets down her guard too quickly when giving Ava her undivided attention. How does she know there aren't more villains lurking in the shadows? An experienced cop would not behave so recklessly.
I didn't like the ending because it comes too abruptly and leaves too many things unresolved.
In fact, it's even difficult to tell where the book ends and the promotional excerpt of the next book begins.
The title provides an all too obvious answer.
But why were they taken?
Bonus points for the sick and twisted reasons.
Texas Rangers Ruth Baker and Aaron Tate investigate. Their relationship is interesting, but these characters aren't developed well enough, and Aaron comes off too much like a loyal puppy dog.
The plot is intriguing but stretches believability with a cover-up so massive and so unlikely to be sustained for so many years.
It's farfetched that Ruth's late husband, Jim, killed in the line of duty, would have kept so many secrets from a fellow officer of the law.
Points added for creepy characters and a creepy atmosphere, particularly inside the old barn.
Points off for unrealistic dialogue, which includes awkward exchanges and too many cliches, a problem in the narrative as well.
It's admirable that the author featured a deaf character, Ava, the daughter of the main character, but the constant references to communication by sign language were distracting and many could have been omitted after the fact that she speaks by signing has been established.
How many times do we need to be reminded that a character has a disfigured face? I lost count. I felt like yelling could we please move along?
Things get spicy near the end when a villain makes Ruth disrobe, but she stays naked much longer than necessary, and it's strange that her loyal partner largely ignores the fact that she's naked even though she's standing directly in front of him. Neither before nor after his injuries was he ever blind.
After the big showdown, Ruth doesn't respond in logical ways. She spends far too much time comforting Ava (yep, she's still naked, even during this) and she leaves an injured party unattended for far too long. She doesn't call 911 for an ambulance but instead drives them to the hospital (she's now partially dressed, thank goodness) in her own vehicle as they bleed against the door glass.
Ruth lets down her guard too quickly when giving Ava her undivided attention. How does she know there aren't more villains lurking in the shadows? An experienced cop would not behave so recklessly.
I didn't like the ending because it comes too abruptly and leaves too many things unresolved.
In fact, it's even difficult to tell where the book ends and the promotional excerpt of the next book begins.
August 19, 2025
I was looking for a book with a red barn on the cover when I came across Red Barn by Sam Baron. Ruth Baker and her partner, Aaron Tate, are Texas Rangers investigating the disappearance of a school bus carrying 23 children. Before long, clues appear that tie the kidnapping to a twenty year old case called the "Red Barn Killings".
The plot was engaging and the characters interesting. My problem with the ebook was that it was badly in need of editing. I just found out it was an unedited ARC and has been discontinued.
Another issue I found was that there appear to be several back stories referred to that had no explanation. Most of it involved issues with Baker's in-laws and tension between them. This was the first book in the series and no prequels have been published. While the storyline about the missing children and Ruth and Aaron's search for them was interesting, the lack of any explanation af the back story frustrated me.
There are 14 books in the series and most of them have been published in the last few months. There's just something strange about that. I don't expect to continue the series.
The plot was engaging and the characters interesting. My problem with the ebook was that it was badly in need of editing. I just found out it was an unedited ARC and has been discontinued.
Another issue I found was that there appear to be several back stories referred to that had no explanation. Most of it involved issues with Baker's in-laws and tension between them. This was the first book in the series and no prequels have been published. While the storyline about the missing children and Ruth and Aaron's search for them was interesting, the lack of any explanation af the back story frustrated me.
There are 14 books in the series and most of them have been published in the last few months. There's just something strange about that. I don't expect to continue the series.
October 27, 2025
This book had great potential
This book had potential, the story line was good, the writing was pretty good as well, but the author didn't keep his facts straight with the family connection storyline. Sometimes Julia was the daughter, sometimes the daughter in law. Sometimes Giles was Jim's father, sometimes grandfather. If Perry was Julia's son he would have been Jim's half brother but at the end he referred to himself as Jim's cousin. Also if Caldwell threatened to kill Williams for impregnating Julia (daughter or daughter in law...not clear) and make that "mistake" (Perry) disappear and not acknowledge he was a Caldwell then why would Perry have access to Caldwell fortune and why would Caldwell still allow all his crap if his son, daughter, grandson, the judge, judge's son...everyone already dead? Why would he protect the "bastard" grandson he didnt acknowledge?? Makes no sense.
This book had potential, the story line was good, the writing was pretty good as well, but the author didn't keep his facts straight with the family connection storyline. Sometimes Julia was the daughter, sometimes the daughter in law. Sometimes Giles was Jim's father, sometimes grandfather. If Perry was Julia's son he would have been Jim's half brother but at the end he referred to himself as Jim's cousin. Also if Caldwell threatened to kill Williams for impregnating Julia (daughter or daughter in law...not clear) and make that "mistake" (Perry) disappear and not acknowledge he was a Caldwell then why would Perry have access to Caldwell fortune and why would Caldwell still allow all his crap if his son, daughter, grandson, the judge, judge's son...everyone already dead? Why would he protect the "bastard" grandson he didnt acknowledge?? Makes no sense.
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October 30, 2025Surprised I bothered to finish this book
It started out so good and then it fell apart. Several times, back stories were hinted at, but not fully exposed. Most of the characters were severely lacking in development. Sometimes, I had to return to a previous chapter to see if I missed something. But, no, it was the author who kept dropping the storyline. Toward the end, Ruth's partner is shot. Instead of assisting him, or God forbid, calling for an ambulance, she spends a few too many pages comforting her uninjured daughter. Then she piles the shot partner in the car. He apparently lives, even though that is not mentioned in the end, because there is NO END! I am frustrated that I wasted my time with this book. But, now I'm gonna waste a few more minutes researching who edited this book because I find it hard that it was edited.
It started out so good and then it fell apart. Several times, back stories were hinted at, but not fully exposed. Most of the characters were severely lacking in development. Sometimes, I had to return to a previous chapter to see if I missed something. But, no, it was the author who kept dropping the storyline. Toward the end, Ruth's partner is shot. Instead of assisting him, or God forbid, calling for an ambulance, she spends a few too many pages comforting her uninjured daughter. Then she piles the shot partner in the car. He apparently lives, even though that is not mentioned in the end, because there is NO END! I am frustrated that I wasted my time with this book. But, now I'm gonna waste a few more minutes researching who edited this book because I find it hard that it was edited.
February 9, 2025
Texas Ranger, Ruth Baker, is slowly getting better after the death of her husband, Jim. Jim was a Deputy Sheriff in this small town of Caldwell, Tx. Now Ruth has been called in for a kidnapping, of 23 students in the local school. Fortunately, for Ruth, she was running late that day and her daughter, Ava, should have been on that bus, but she missed it!
Now, 23 missing students have happened again, the first case was twenty years ago, and all of them were found murdered. This was the infamous Red Barn killings. No one was ever arrested and no reason was found. Now Ruth and her partner have a chance to see if this kidnapping is tied to the one all of those years ago.
This is the 1st in the series!
Now, 23 missing students have happened again, the first case was twenty years ago, and all of them were found murdered. This was the infamous Red Barn killings. No one was ever arrested and no reason was found. Now Ruth and her partner have a chance to see if this kidnapping is tied to the one all of those years ago.
This is the 1st in the series!
August 7, 2025
More great crime fiction by Baron!
Red Barn, the first book in the Baker and Tate series, is great crime fiction set against small town Texas secrets and depravity. After 23 children are kidnapped, the Rangers end up in a race to not only save the kids, but to expose secrets the Caldwell family has been hiding for a century or more. The characters are empathic and well composed, with villains that will make your skin crawl. The narrative quality is exceptional, one of the things that draws me to Baron in particular when I'm looking for something different than my usual apocalyptic/dystopian/horror/sci-fi thrillers, he's that good. I can recommend Red Barn to anyone who enjoys thrillers of any kind, as well as crime fiction, obviously. 5/5 stars!
Red Barn, the first book in the Baker and Tate series, is great crime fiction set against small town Texas secrets and depravity. After 23 children are kidnapped, the Rangers end up in a race to not only save the kids, but to expose secrets the Caldwell family has been hiding for a century or more. The characters are empathic and well composed, with villains that will make your skin crawl. The narrative quality is exceptional, one of the things that draws me to Baron in particular when I'm looking for something different than my usual apocalyptic/dystopian/horror/sci-fi thrillers, he's that good. I can recommend Red Barn to anyone who enjoys thrillers of any kind, as well as crime fiction, obviously. 5/5 stars!
December 21, 2025
Got a whopping 14% into this before I couldn’t take anymore. MC drives Ram pickup to the school leaving her daughter in it. Later she and partner drive to interview man who was stopped while rushing to Dallas. He’s been traveling since before school bus started picking up kids so he’s stopped a couple or three hours into his trip. Leave to interview him in a Tx Ranger SUV—and leaving her kid in pickup. They come back—still no mention of her kid. Story clumsily moves along with still no mention of her kid. What a mess!
March 7, 2025
I have read several of Baron’s books, and I keep coming back for more. I believe this book is the first in the Baker/Tate series. They are Texas Ranger partners, and they have a doozy of murders to solve. Baker is also determined to find out who killed her husband. I felt like the pace was good. It started out with a real bang! The reveals were a little over the top, but that’s okay. It was an overall good story! I’m off to read the sequel soon.
November 2, 2025
Fast paced story that keeps you reading! I liked the variety of characters the author used to tell the drama that this book has. Love little Ava. Sure does add another layer with having to use "Sign language" when she's included in the scene.
Can't say that I'm a fan of the ending though. Nice to know main characters are ok..... But what happened to the Sheriff and others that had not been having to answer to the public? Is this something that will be addressed in the next book? Hope so!
Can't say that I'm a fan of the ending though. Nice to know main characters are ok..... But what happened to the Sheriff and others that had not been having to answer to the public? Is this something that will be addressed in the next book? Hope so!
October 28, 2025
Gripping tale
Very creepy and gut wrenching. I almost didn't finish this book because I do not like to read books where children are abused, hurt , or killed. The abductions were not what they seemed, but the actions of the abductors brought to light horrors that went way back. Looking forward to Book 2!
Very creepy and gut wrenching. I almost didn't finish this book because I do not like to read books where children are abused, hurt , or killed. The abductions were not what they seemed, but the actions of the abductors brought to light horrors that went way back. Looking forward to Book 2!
November 1, 2025
Unrealistic
The book is ridiculous. Professionals don't take those risks and you don' t lolly gag a nd make a dying man walk across a field to a truck and admire the scenery as you drive forever to. Med care. Its rush, officer down, he's bleeding out, lets stop and sign to our daughter on the way to the truck. Then the book ends with no conclusion.
The book is ridiculous. Professionals don't take those risks and you don' t lolly gag a nd make a dying man walk across a field to a truck and admire the scenery as you drive forever to. Med care. Its rush, officer down, he's bleeding out, lets stop and sign to our daughter on the way to the truck. Then the book ends with no conclusion.
December 3, 2025
Good story with plenty of twists
This was my first read of this author. On the whole, a gripping story line involving good characters and lots of drama, even some romance. At the end of a great tragedy justice is found. Again, good triumphs over evil. Good boom for adults and young adults.
This was my first read of this author. On the whole, a gripping story line involving good characters and lots of drama, even some romance. At the end of a great tragedy justice is found. Again, good triumphs over evil. Good boom for adults and young adults.
December 5, 2025
A Real Roller Coaster
What starts out as a kidnapping, turns into the key to solving a decades old case of kidnapping, murder and dark family secrets.
I could not put this one down. As Ruth slowly peels back the layers of the onion, she exposes the deep dark secrets of a small Texas town.
My only wish is that the book continued on further. It ended rather abruptly.
What starts out as a kidnapping, turns into the key to solving a decades old case of kidnapping, murder and dark family secrets.
I could not put this one down. As Ruth slowly peels back the layers of the onion, she exposes the deep dark secrets of a small Texas town.
My only wish is that the book continued on further. It ended rather abruptly.
May 18, 2025
Wow! Fast paced and lots of twists
Great book, thrills all over! From the beginning to the end. I read this in two days!! Seems like it's over then bam! another twist happens . good ending
Great book, thrills all over! From the beginning to the end. I read this in two days!! Seems like it's over then bam! another twist happens . good ending
July 23, 2025
what happened
I got to the end f the book. There was no epilogue it just stopped when they left the barn. What happened to the sheriff and the others that were hiding everything? It just went on to the next book and just left me hanging
I got to the end f the book. There was no epilogue it just stopped when they left the barn. What happened to the sheriff and the others that were hiding everything? It just went on to the next book and just left me hanging
July 29, 2025
The book kept me interested and was very suspenseful. However it ended very abruptly and never really wrapped things up. It also needs much better proofreading. Some of the descriptions were used repeatedly and I found that irritating.
July 29, 2025
Fast and intense book
While the storyline was exceptionally well written, catching your interest from the beginning, it left you hanging a bit at the end. Instead of tying up lose ends, it leads into the first 3 chapters of a different story for purchase.
While the storyline was exceptionally well written, catching your interest from the beginning, it left you hanging a bit at the end. Instead of tying up lose ends, it leads into the first 3 chapters of a different story for purchase.
August 6, 2025
Demented Power Grab
It is hard to believe there would be a town that would cover up, aid and abet these numerous murders. The ending was horrible. His reader had to skim through long periods of unnecessary verbiage.
It is hard to believe there would be a town that would cover up, aid and abet these numerous murders. The ending was horrible. His reader had to skim through long periods of unnecessary verbiage.
August 12, 2025
Abrupt ending, as if the story was longer before, but the Editor cut it in half for commercial reasons. The story is interesting. The writing, though, superficial and repetitive. Many adjectives to stress meanings. A good writer doesn't need that. Will not buy part 2.
September 5, 2025
First time reading anything by this author. Somewhat slow start, but enjoyed the book after I got further into the book. Some times had a little difficulty keeping track of who was who but overall would recommend. The story line did end rather abruptly which was strange.
October 20, 2025
great book. a great finishing book for the original red barn
This was an awesome read that explained a lot about the original book. I am glad to have this book as a follow up. Great book.
This was an awesome read that explained a lot about the original book. I am glad to have this book as a follow up. Great book.
November 25, 2025
Footsteps
I kept thinking “the sound of gravel, earth, under feet” was mentioned so many times that it was the key to the mystery, but it wasn’t.
It was a good book but certainly will listen for gravel more!
I kept thinking “the sound of gravel, earth, under feet” was mentioned so many times that it was the key to the mystery, but it wasn’t.
It was a good book but certainly will listen for gravel more!
December 5, 2025
the characters were not well developed. I understand it was supposed to be suspenseful, I never could t figure out how one of the bad guys actually tied into the whole scheme. I had go back several times to figure out how the people were connected
April 30, 2025
Red Barn
Totally exciting one thrill to the next until the exciting end. Many years of total evil unraveled at the final ending.
Totally exciting one thrill to the next until the exciting end. Many years of total evil unraveled at the final ending.
May 19, 2025
Wow. Hard to believe, but not that hard.
Never really knew how this book would end. Too much evil never really can a a pleasant ending...and it didn't really end.
Never really knew how this book would end. Too much evil never really can a a pleasant ending...and it didn't really end.
July 23, 2025
interesting but anticlimactic
Interesting but anticlimactic- too predictable and ending was a good ending as it morphed into another book to be read
Interesting but anticlimactic- too predictable and ending was a good ending as it morphed into another book to be read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews