Christmas Rodeo Killer

Stone Creek Ranch

by Sami A. Abrams

To catch a murderer
he’ll make himself a target.

After four suspicious deaths on the local rodeo circuit, rodeo bull rider turned FBI agent Cooper Sinclair returns to the arena undercover—and is nearly killed on his first ride. Rescued by his former love, private investigator Grace Harrison, Cooper learns she is also looking into the murders and believes he’s the next target. With more innocent lives on the line, Cooper must join forces with the woman who gave up their baby for adoption. And when the deadly attacks zero in on Grace, can Cooper keep her alive long enough to bring a killer to justice…and reveal his own shocking secret?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Stone Creek Ranch 

Book 1: Christmas Rodeo Killer

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Award-winning, bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.


If you love romantic suspense, go to Sami's website and sign up for her newsletter to get the inside scoop at samiaabrams.com

Reviews

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI agent Cooper Sinclair is undercover at the rodeo trying to investigate the mysterious deaths of various participants in several different locations. His entrance into the world of bull riding also puts him into the crosshairs of a killer. He also discovers that his first love, Grace Harrison, is at the rodeo as a private investigator, also investigating the deaths. Unfortunately, Grace is also targeted and Cooper is determined to protect her. Both of them are in danger and both are keeping a big secret from each other. I loved how the relationship developed and the important parts that the secondary characters played. Cooper’s mom offers common sense advice and his daughter adds her own wisdom to the adults’ take on the events in their lives. The pace is fast, the action is non-stop with someone in constant danger from an unknown killer. I enjoyed the relentless tension and the cleverly placed red herrings. The action was well balanced with the romance and the story was compelling from beginning to end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! I've read a lot of Ms Abrams books, but this one has definitely become a fast favorite of mine!! This author grabbed my attention from the very beginning to the end of the story!! Rodeo bull rider turned FBI agent Cooper Sinclair is targeted. He's surprised to see his former love private investigator Grace Harrison coming to his rescue. With more innocent lives on the line Cooper must join forces with Grace to outwit the bad guys. This story has all the elements I love in a book. Intriguing intense heart stopping heart pounding sitting on the edge of your seat suspense!! A definite roller coaster of a ride!! A must read!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Author Sami A. Abrams was right on target with her newest book: Christmas Rodeo Killer. Cooper and Grace were childhood best friends, friends who always seemed to have each other's backs growing up. Yet, deception had torn a hole in each of their lives and the secrets were supposed to stay buried. As an undercover FBI agent, as well as a P.I., they were thrown together to work a case. With this case before them - their hearts are opening doors that Cooper and Gracie intended to leave shut. This book has thrilling events, mysterious dangers and an emotional ride set aside in order to find and confront the evil before them. I enjoyed this book and saw a lot of hope offered up during the hardships. It was a time of miracles. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review of the author's work, with no expectations of a positive response.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author and I have enjoyed all of them. This one revolves around a rodeo. The main characters are Cooper and Grace. They have not seen each other for a while but now they are both working towards catching the bad guy and they both have a secret from each other. Between their secrets and the mystery of who the bad guy is, this book kept my attention throughout the entire story. I did not figure who the bad guy was until they told me. I definitely recommend this novel!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Holiday, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Western Romance, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Stone Creek Ranch (Book #1)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Holiday, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Western Romance, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Stone Creek Ranch (Book #1)

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense and romance mix perfectly in this story. Set in the rodeo world adds a new twist. Plenty of excitement, mystery, and secrets keep you turning the pages. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the author and publisher for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action-packed, twist-laden story roped me in immediately and kept me bound to the pages in what turned out to be a "one-sitting" read. I was immersed in the story's vividly portrayed rodeo world and found myself turning the pages quickly to see where the next turn would lead. There is plenty of action, danger, and suspense as FBI agent Cooper Sinclair and private investigator Grace Harrison work together, both undercover, to solve the puzzling deaths of four rodeo bull riders. They must also face their shared past and the secrets that bind them to secure a second chance at a happily ever after. I love Cooper and Grace as individuals and as a couple for their strength and vulnerability, and I enjoyed how their reunion unfolded. I adore precocious eight-year-old Lexi! This book ushers in the Stone Creek Ranch series set in Texas. I can't wait to read the next Sinclair family member's story!
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Sami A. Abrams or just enjoy romantic suspense books than this book is definitely a must read. Once I started reading it was hard for me to put it down. I enjoyed Cooper and Grace's story from the very beginning and enjoyed meeting their daughter Lexi as well as Cooper's siblings. It has the perfect blend of Suspense, action and romance all mixed in with belief in God. I've read many of Sami's books and this has become one of my favorites.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

You better hold on tight for this exciting read of Christmas Rodeo Killer by Sami Abrams. It's longer than an 8 second bull ride, but you still better get ready because this will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing what's next and who's behind it all. FBI Agent Cooper Sinclair formerly a bull rider returns to the rodeo undercover to try to figure out why there are some suspicious deaths. His first ride back out in the rodeo if his former love now private investigator, Grace Harrison didn't save him, he'd be dead before he even got started on his investigation. Cooper finds out Grace is also secretly looking into the suspicious deaths and he must team up with the woman who gave away their baby in adoption to try to find a potential killer who has now set his sights on Grace. Can he work through his past in to work with Grace and protect her so they can catch a killer. Highly recommend!

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Rodeo Killer by Sami A Abrams This is another great suspense book that pulled me in from start to finish one that would keep me reading and turning the pages to see who was behind this awful killing spree With such wonderful characters As FBI agent Cooper Sinclair and Private Investigator Grace Harrison work together can they find out who is behind this mystery I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion I highly recommend this book!

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"As she stood at the edge of the small crowd, her nerves stretched tighter than a well-strung guitar. Working her third rodeo since Keats had approached her, Grace hadn't discovered a single clue contradicting the reports tied to the four cowboys' deaths, let alone who could have committed each crime. The authorities hadn't labeled the deaths as homicides but as accidents. And that theory smelled worse than a pile of horse manure. "

Returning to her hometown was not her goal. But Grace could not help but want to determine why the rodeo was not a safe place to be anymore. Being close again to her former boyfriend brought out all sorts of emotions. The quicker that she helps to solve the case, the sooner she can go back to her regular life. Or is that what she still wants?

Going undercover to solve a crime is something that Cooper Sinclair is willing to do. But having to return to his life as a bull rider feels a bit extreme. But he is willing to try anything to determine why rodeos are not safe places to be. Being near Grace again is both healing and torture - especially since he is hiding a secret. Has time healed their wounds enough for him to trust her?

The Sinclair family adds so much to this storyline. 8-year-old Lexi might be the stand-out star. I do appreciate how they all try to work together. I am really glad that the author intends to write more books featuring this family.

This book tackles some hard family issues. The suspense aspect had many twists and turns. A wonderful read!

I did read an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

[Rick Molitor]

This is a well written Christian murder mystery. The main characters, Grace and Cooper, are both investigating for different people. Thay also have a complicated past. This read is full of actions and has many good side characters, especially 8-year-old Lexi. This is a very entertaining read.

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great suspense story I highly recommend it

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Sami’s books for quite a while and I am here for her new series, “Stone Creek Ranch.” We meet all the siblings in this first book, although Cooper takes center stage for this story. I enjoyed the rodeo elements and the dual mysteries Grace & Sami are trying to solve all while navigating a second chance at love and family complications in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I did struggle with the character of Ava (Grace’s mom) which lessened my overall enjoyment of the story a bit, but this was still a fun read that really kept me guessing. The resolution of the crimes really surprised me and the ending was really good. Book 2 is definitely on my radar!

I received a copy of this book from the Author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace is a PI and owner of GracePoint Security. Current job - undercover at the rodeo as a bullfighter, hopefully to discover who and why cowboys are dying. Cooper, FBI, is also undercover trying to solve the same mystery. Things get very dangerous when the bulls are not the only things that seem to want Grace dead.

I must admit, I never figured out who the killer was until the author revealed it. Abuse, adoption, running away and more all find a place in this incredible story. Grace finally realizes that it is time to stop running and face life and God head-on, and find the unconditional love of a father, unlike her own. But will it be too late for all concerned?

An early copy of Stone Creek Ranch Book 1 was received through Love Inspired Suspense and BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and wonderful characters.
Full of action and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Rodeo Killer by Sami A. Abrams
Release date October 28, 2025

This is a second chance romance between FBI agent, Cooper, Sinclair, and private investigator Grace Harrison.
There is an unknown killer on the loose and Cooper and Grace are both in danger, and both determined to find out who the killer is.
Sami always gets me from the very first page. This was a quick one sit read for me. Fast action, twist, and turns, definitely keeps you wondering.

Get on the series now with book one

Stone Creek Ranch

Book 1: Christmas Rodeo Killer

Thank you Sami for this ARC in return for my honest review.

[Jennie Harbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Rodeo Killer
Oh my! Exciting, action packed suspense from beginning to end! If you like suspense, you do not want to miss this new book in the Stone Creek Ranch series by Sami A Abrams!
#samiaabrams#suspense

[Laura Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read!

First time I read a Love Inspired Suspense about a rodeo and boy, it was fun! Of course, you’ll find romance and suspense, but the rodeo setting and rodeo activities were winners for me. Highly recommend!

[Connie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story

Although the book held some slow spots in the end, it came together. I look forward to reading the next book in the Stone Creek Ranch series.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Stone Creek Ranch series. It was full of suspense from beginning to end with a rodeo as the background. Grace Harrison and Cooper Sinclair have quite a bit of history and end up working together to solve so many deaths on the rodeo circuit while fighting for their own lives. They also have a second chance at romance during all the turmoil and suspicious incidents. The story had unexpected twists to it that kept my interest throughout. I am ready for the next book in the series. I voluntarily read an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHRISTMAS RODEO KILLER by Sami A. Abrams is the amazing, fast-paced, suspenseful story of FBI agent Cooper Sinclair and private investigator Grace Harrison as they team up to find out what’s behind the deaths of the bull riders on the local rodeo circuit. While each may appear to be explained, there are too many questions that need answered.

Cooper sustained a bullet to the leg in his last assignment. While off on medical leave to get the incident worked out in his head, his superior asked him to return to his former profession as bull rider to work undercover to find out answers about all the recent questionable deaths. When he accepted the job, little did he know that his first love would also be working the case from the private sector standpoint. Dare he make a clean confession about the secret he’s kept?

Grace suffered great abuse, both mental and physical, from your father growing up. Signs of the abuse were designed to be hidden and it was a secret she’d never divulged. The one bright thing in her life had been her love for Cooper. She had been left with some hard decisions. All she knew was she had to get away from her father’s grip on her life. She left town and never planned on returning to Rollins, Texas. She served in the military and has become rather successful as a private investigator now owning GracePoint Security with several employees. When the county rodeo director asked for her help in finding answers about all the recent deaths, she didn’t have to heart to turn him down. After all, she was once part of this crew. Now she’s back as one of the bullfighter’s while searching for clues.

Will Cooper be able to forgive Grace for the things she did? Can Grace keep her emotions out of working together because she’s not sure her heart can take being hurt again? Can Grace and Cooper make peace with their past when truths on both parties come out? What part will a little eight-year-old girl named Lexi play in it? Can two wrongs be made right? Can they find out the truth about what really happened in those rodeo bull rider’s deaths? Can they figure it out before the number count might include Cooper or Grace?

CHRISTMAS RODEO KILLER is an exceptional suspense story that will have you feeling all your emotions. Sami A. Abrams gives us a story of secrets, forgiveness, abuse, family, romance, suspense and second chances wrapping it all with a wonderful thread of faith. CHRISTMAS RODEO KILLER may be the first book in the Stone Creek Ranch series, but this FIVE STAR story gives this reader much anticipation for book number two! I highly recommend this book to everyone!

I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#ChristmasRodeoKiller #StoneCreekRanch #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Rodeo Killer by Sami Abrams

Grace Harrison and Cooper Sinclair grew up together through their teens. They were best friends. Then for one night they were more.

Grace Harrison is a private detective who was hired to find out who was killing bull riders at the rodeo, in her hometown of Rollins, TX. This was the last place she ever wanted to go back to. If it weren't for Cooper & his siblings and their Mom, she may not have been able to make it through high school. The Sinclair's showed her what family was, the love, the arguments and their faith in God. Now, she hopes to be able to help Sheriff Izzy Sinclair in any way she can to catch a murderer. That also means seeing Cooper again after all these years. The secret that she had been keeping through the years was suddenly burning a hole in her soul.
FBI Agent Cooper Sinclair had come home to Stone Creek Ranch in Rollins,TX to heal from a gunshot. And it allowed him to spend some quality time with his daughter, Lexi.
He was also undercover to find out who was killing the bull riders. Little did he know that he would see Grace after all these years. He was keeping a secret that he hoped would stay a secret.
Would they both be able to have forgiveness for one another? And would they be able to surrender their hurt to the One who can heal? Also will they be able to catch the murderer.

Thank you Sami Abrams for allowing me to be a part of this launch team. I really fell in love with the story. I cannot wait for the next one!

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Rodeo Killer is book one 1 in the Stone Creek Ranch series that is written by Sani A. Abrams. I have been fortunate enough to be able to read most of Ms. Abrams work, and I am NEVER disappointed.

Grace Harrison has returned to her hometown. A place where she never thought she would set foot in again. However, she is hired by a local rodeo manager to blend in and try to see what she can find out about the four suspicious deaths. She did a lot of rodeo work when she was younger, but after she left her hometown, she joined the military and eventually opened up her own private investigator firm.

It turns out she is not the only hometown hero that has been asked to go undercover. Cooper Sinclair, Grace's old boyfriend and childhood friend is now an FBI agent. He has been recovering from a recent injury and is back roping and riding to also try and find out what is going on. The two pair up, but have a lot of history between them. Cooper, now a widow with a little girl holds onto a lot of anger and resentment of the way things ended between Grace and him. Grace, had her reasons - and carries deep secrets around with her.

I loved all the twists and turns - lots of action and suspense. The author did a good job in laying clues, I did not figure it out until closer to the end.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Sami A. Abrams' Love Inspired books, and I have loved every one of them. Her newest Love Inspired book, Christmas Rodeo Killer, didn't disappoint.
As the title denotes, this book is centered around rodeos and suspicious deaths that have occurred on the local rodeo circuit.

FBI Agent Cooper Sinclair, also a former rodeo bull rider, is sent undercover to try to solve the deaths. On his first ride, he is nearly killed but is rescued by a former girlfriend, Private Investigator Grace Harrison. Grace believes that Cooper just might be the next bull rider on the killer's list.

I loved Cooper and Grace as well as Lexi (you'll need to read the book to meet Lexi). Ms. Abrams created her characters well by showing their vulnerable sides and also their strengths. Well done, Ms. Abrams!

Quite often, I can figure out "who dunnit," but I did not see it until the killer was disclosed.

If you enjoy clean romantic suspense and quick reads, you will enjoy Christmas Rodeo Killer. I highly recommend it,

On a 5-star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank the author, Sami A. Abrams, for my copy of Christmas Rodeo Killer. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI agent Cooper Sinclair is working undercover at the rodeo. There have been several suspicious deaths of bull riders at different rodeo locations. They have all been ruled either accidental or natural deaths, but some believe there is too much coincidence for these deaths not be investigated.

Grace Harrison is a private investigator, and she is also undercover investigating these same deaths. Both Grace and Cooper are shocked to see each other as they were friends for many years. They will have to put aside their past grievances so they can solve this mystery while also keeping each other safe.

Sami Abrams really outdid herself with this story. It had everything that I enjoy in the Love Inspired Suspense books with danger, mystery, suspense and a little romance. However, the backstory of Grace and Cooper, which was special and emotional, gave this book a little more pizzazz.

Poor Grace has never had it easy in life, but she has put her past aside and made something of herself. There was no pity party for Grace. I really admired her grit. I also loved Cooper's 8 year old daughter, Lexi. She was a hoot. This little girl was wise beyond her years.

This was a very satisfying book for me to read. I look forward to more stories from Stone Creek Ranch.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joy Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start a brand new series. Action packed, straight out of chute gate. Cooper Sinclair has come back to bull riding to catch a killer. After several suspicious deaths in the local rodeo circuit, Cooper is determined to find out what is going. Also in the mix, is Grace Harrison who was his former girlfriend. She has been asked to investigate the same thing. After an attempt on Cooper's life, him and Grace decides to combine all their resources to catch the killer. This story will have you jumping into barrels and holding on to your hats. Will they be able to solve this before that whistle blows? I enjoyed reading this story. It kept me engaged all the way through, with all the suspense and secrets. I can't wait to read more in this series, and learn more about the Sinclairs. Especially about Daniel who caught my attention. Saddle up for the thrill of the ride and unforgettable experience! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed is what I thought of the book. So grab your copy and saddle up for a bumpy ride that will last more than an eight seconds.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Investigator Grace Harrison doesn't expect to see her former love, FBI Agent Cooper Sinclair, ever again. It's been almost a decade, but fate (or is it the Lord?) has them both undercover in their hometown, each performing in a rodeo while looking into a series of recent murders. Now it looks like both are being targeted. Forced to work together and protect each other, the feelings they had for each other - but never really dissipated - come flooding back. But each is burdened with secrets. The Lord has His work cut out for Him in this story of danger, love, forgiveness, letting go of self-guilt, and second chances. I really enjoyed the twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout the story. I read Christmas Rodeo Killer, by author Sami Abrams, in one sitting, and I'm guessing you will, too. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue! I can't wait to get back to Stone Creek Ranch and read about the rest of the Sinclair siblings.
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may feel like you are on a bucking "bronco" as you follow Cooper and Grace through this Rodeo mystery. It looks like someone has it in for the cowboys on the rodeo circuit so Cooper, who is a former rodeo star and now an FBI agent, is here to investigate undercover. Grace, his high school friend, is also back home to investigate for her security firm but sparks fly when these two get together again. Both hold secrets and when Cooper seems to be targeted but Grace is in the line of fire, things begin to get very interesting. Tons of action, characters that pull at your heartstrings, a mystery that has so many twists, turns and clues that you may not be able to figure it out until the very end - all parts of a great suspense story!! This is a must read book. Since it says Book 1, I can't wait to revisit Stone Creek Ranch. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.