Lethal Tracks: A Crawford Mystery

by Merissa Racine

IT'S FINALLY HAPPENED, THE OPIOID CRISIS HAS ARRIVED

IN CRAWFORD, WYOMING



Court Stenographer Lauren Besoner was finally recovering, both physically and emotionally, from her narrow escape from death, but when she discovers her young neighbor's lifeless body in the bone-chilling snow all the dark memories resurface. Are the nightmares soon to follow?

The arrival of Detective Sam Overstreet, the man Lauren's recently begun seeing, settles her nerves. He tells her all signs point to an overdose, but Lauren's neighbor Twila refuses to believe her granddaughter OD'd.

Sam's investigation into the deadly opioids poisoning his hometown comes to an abrupt halt when the autopsy results return. Sam's search for a drug dealer turns into a hunt for a cunning killer.

Are Lauren and Sam about to discover the truth is more dangerous than any drugs on the street?

342 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2025

About the author

Merissa Racine is originally from Long Island, New York. Life took her to Miami, Florida, and then to Cheyenne, Wyoming, which she now calls home.
Merissa is a court stenographer by trade. Working in the court system has enabled her to give the Crawford Mystery Series its unique authenticity.
When she's not reporting a case Merissa can be found outdoors taking photos of the scenery around her, unless it's snowing outside. Then she can be found enjoying a cup of coffee while reading a good book.
Being a dog lover - and cat lover - you will always find a four-legged friend in her stories.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I enjoyed the previous two books that had me hooked so it was a no brainer getting this one. This book can be read as a standalone, but you get a better feel for the characters and understanding of where they come from and why things are happening if you read the other two books before this one.
Lethal Tracks is another engrossing and intriguing crime and investigation tale involving Lauren Besoner, Court Stenographer, who is unfortunate in that trouble seems to land on her doorstep. She has a strong belief in finding the truth and can’t not involve herself and it is because of her sense of justice that she is often caught in the crossfires of danger, often leaving her a little worse for wear.
Whilst hunting for a lethal killer, danger to Sam and Lauren is closer than they think and twice as deadly as before.
The multilayered story is complex and full of thrilling mystery, suspense, tension, and intrigue, along with secrets, danger, action, and lots of drama. It should not be missed!

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, court stenographer Lauren Besoner finds herself at the center of a murder investigation when she discovers her elderly neighbor's teenage niece, Ruby, dead in the snow. At first glance, it appears to be a drug overdose, possibly a suicide. However, Ruby's grandmother, Twila, insists that her granddaughter had been working hard to clean up her act in hopes of regaining custody of her daughter from DFS.

Detective Sam Overstreet has been investigating a series of drug overdoses that initially seemed unrelated and had been ruled as suicides or accidental overdoses. However, the autopsy results on Ruby shift the detective's focus from capturing a drug dealer to hunting down a cunning murderer.

Sam and Lauren's relationship is a slow burn as they learn surprising things about each other. i like the way they support each other without being over the top.

This is the third book in the Crawford Mystery series and can be read on its own, but readers will gain a deeper understanding of the relationships among the characters if they have read the earlier books. The story is well-written, fast-paced, and contains just enough behind-the-scenes action to demonstrate the author's expertise.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Racine returns with a chilling and timely thriller in Lethal Tracks, a suspenseful dive into the creeping devastation of the opioid crisis in small-town America. Set against the icy backdrop of Crawford, Wyoming, this novel expertly blends personal trauma, community heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

At the heart of the story is Lauren Besoner, a court stenographer still recovering from past trauma. Racine crafts Lauren as a compelling protagonist—fragile yet determined, haunted but not broken. Her fragile peace is shattered when she finds the body of her young neighbor lying lifeless in the snow, triggering a flood of painful memories. As the death is initially ruled an overdose, Lauren is thrust into the heart of a growing epidemic—and something far more sinister.

Enter Detective Sam Overstreet, Lauren’s romantic interest and a steady presence amid the chaos. His investigation into what appears to be another tragic casualty of opioid abuse quickly pivots when autopsy results reveal foul play. What follows is a tense and twisting search not just for a dealer, but for a cold-blooded murderer hiding in plain sight.

Racine excels at layering the emotional weight of addiction and grief with the sharp pace of a procedural thriller. Lethal Tracks doesn’t just ask who committed the crime—it asks how a community falls apart, and what it takes to hold it together. The chemistry between Lauren and Sam adds warmth to the otherwise bleak landscape, though Racine wisely keeps their relationship grounded in realism rather than melodrama.

The strength of Lethal Tracks lies in its immediacy and relevance. Racine doesn’t shy away from the ugly truth of the opioid epidemic. She treats it with the seriousness it deserves, using it not as a backdrop but as a central force that touches every character in some way.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Tracks: A Crawford Mystery is the third book in the Crawford Mystery series. Although this book is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. It is a crime thriller that blends suspense, intrigue, danger, romance, and social commentary on the opioid crisis. The story follows Lauren Besoner, a court stenographer recovering from a near-death experience. One morning, she discovers her young neighbor's lifeless body in the snow, which brings back dark memories. At first, Detective Sam Overstreet—who Lauren has recently begun seeing—suspects an opioid overdose, but the grandmother of the deceased refuses to believe it. When autopsy results come back, the investigation shifts from drug-related causes to homicide, forcing Sam to hunt for a killer rather than a drug dealer.

This book is a fast-paced read with a gripping plot, complex characters, and twists and turns that will keep you riveted until the final pages. The book delves into the devastating impact of opioids on small communities, examining addiction, its consequences, and how it intertwines with crime. Lauren is a strong, feisty, determined, and compelling character with a strong sense of justice. Her deep investment in uncovering the truth behind her neighbor’s suspicious death shows her determination in seeking justice in a world where things aren’t always as they seem. I highly recommend this book.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is book 3 in the Crawford Mystery series, but you can absolutely read it as a stand-alone without any real struggle, though you may find yourself wishing you read the others, just because you WANT to know more, not because you have issues without the information.

Lauren Besoner lets her dog Maverick out for what she assumes will be a normal morning potty break, only to have him freak out and jump the fence into the neighbors yard. By trying to get Maverick back, she stumbles upon the body of the granddaughter of her neighbor, Ruby in the cold. Ruby's death at first appears to be a drug overdose, but those closest to her don't believe that's what happened or that she's on drugs, because it would jeopardize her reunification with her daughter, whom she just got back from DFS. Through trying to help her neighbor handle her loss, as well as helping her boyfriend, Detective Sam Overstreet, solve the mystery of what happened to Ruby, Lauren learns that sometimes people just aren't what they seem.

The characters in this book are relatable, and the story is captivating. I couldn't put it down, and finished over half of it in one day.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Tracks is the third book in the Crawford Mystery series. It CAN be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the previous books beforehand for background info and character building. These are small town mysteries that will keep you guessing and entertained. Lauren's canine companion, Maverik, finds her neighbor dead, seemingly of an overdose. As she starts to sleuth a little, Lauren learns that Ruby (the deceased) was actually clean and sober, and toxicology confirms that. As more details emerge, the mysterious death turns into a murder investigation. Who killed Ruby, and why? She was a new mother with a newborn daughter, and was turning her life around. As the story progresses, new bonds are made with the elderly neighbor (Ruby's grandmother) and more character building is made for Lauren and her detective boyfriend, Sam. I love how this author makes the book easy to read and follow, without getting into politics or in-depth police jargon, so even the most amateur sleuth can follow the details, yet still be thrown off the trail. I highly recommend this series, and other reads by M.Racine.

[Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren finds her neighbour dead and the detective Overstreet thinks that it is an opioid overdose. Lauren doesn’t believe this to be true, neither does the grandmother of the deceased causing the detective to look further into the case. More and more overdoses are appearing all over the city and it's up to the duo to find out why and put a stop to it.

This book is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. From the very first page, I was hooked. The author does an amazing job making a suspenseful, fast-paced mystery filled with twists and turns. Although this book is the third in the series and I was a bit behind since I have not read the previous books, it doesn’t take much away from the joy and action of the book. The main character, Lauren, is complex and compelling. Plus she gets bonus points from me because she has a loveable dog. The writing is very engaging, and the author clearly did a lot of research or has experience in this kind of thing. All of this with a hint of romance!

[Ashley Lape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when Lauren thought her life was returning to normal, her dog Maverik started to act strangely. Lauren let him outside to do his business, but she did not expect Maverik to jump the fence into her neighbor Ms. Twila Nash's yard. Maverik was sniffing something on the ground. To Lauren’s horror, it was the lifeless body of Twila’s young granddaughter, Ruby. At first glance, it appeared to be a simple overdose. However, Twila insists that Ruby stopped using drugs to maintain custody of her newborn daughter, Evie. Once the toxicology results came back, the case shifted from an overdose to a full-blown murder investigation. But who could it have been? The suspect list only keeps getting longer. This was a sweet yet sad story at the same time. The interaction between Lauren and Sam is charming as we see them connect both professionally and personally. Then there’s the mystery surrounding poor Ruby’s death. Before diving into this book, there are some triggers to consider, but it was an amazing read nonetheless.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Crawford Mystery Series. Even though each book focuses on a different case I do recommend reading them all as the characters are the same from the beginning and it will give you a better understanding of who they are and where they find themselves.
This was a really intriguing crime/murder mystery read which kept me on the edge of my seat with all the twists, turns, danger, deciet, lies, and opiod crisis and so much more to unravel.
Lauren Besoner is a court stenographer and she seems to have a nack for getting herself involved in murder investigations and this time is no different. When she discovers the body of the young girl that lives next door at first glance it seems it was an accidental overdose. But things don't seem to add up. Together with her love interest Sam they start to unravel the case and what they find is more darker and sinister than a simple accidental overdose.
This is definitely on story that you pick up and can't put down. If you love crime stories I highly recommend these books.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed their attention to details that made the story realistic. Their writing style brought the twists and turns to a new level. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story about Lauren and how she escaped her death only to find her young neighbor dead. She has been dating Sam who is a detective who believes the young neighbor’s death is an overdose. The more he looks into this the more he finds that there is a drug problem in his town. Are they in more danger then they realize? I enjoyed both of these characters and how they kept me turning pages fast to see what would happen next. They are strong, engaging characters that add to the story which makes it easy to read and entertaining. This is a fast paced story and one you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Tracks: A Crawford Mystery by Merissa Racine. I have started to love this author and every book I read is just better and better. This is the latest a Crawford Mystery and its the story of Lauren who is a court stenographer who is recovering from a very scary situation and thinks she is finally starting to get on with her life until she finds her young neighbor dead. The detectives think its just another overdose but no one else close to the victim believes it. When Detective Sam shows up he thinks its just another overdose but once he gets some back lash he looks into it further and finds out a much more morbid reason. Lauren is also seeing Sam and he brings her some peace. The deeper Sam digs into this case the worse it gets. He's not just dealing with an overrun of opioid deaths he's dealing with a murdering drug dealer! Will he be able to find out who it is before more victims end up dead? Such a great thrilling crime novel! I can't wait for another one!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Lethal Tracks is the third book in the Crawford Mystery series by Merissa Racine. This proved to be an intriguing crime and investigation story- with plenty of mystery, suspense, dramatic developments, tension, and much more.
We met Lauren Besoner, a court stenographer, in the previous books as she invariably gets drawn into murder investigations. In this story, Lauren is thrust into the opioid crisis that hits close to home when she discovers her neighbour's body in the snow. What begins as a suspected overdose soon unravels into a complex web of deceit, danger, and murder investigation. Along with Detective Sam Overstreet, Lauren's romantic interest, they navigate the challenges of the investigation, unravelling the complexities of the mystery. What ensues makes for a gripping read as the author cleverly blends social commentary with a thrilling murder mystery.
Bring on Book #4!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Merissa Racine!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter in Crawford, Montana can be a real killer! While out walking her dog Maverick in the early morning, court reporter, Lauren Besoner stumbles upon her neighbor’s granddaughter, dead in the snow. Wearing only light pajamas, Ruby has a used syringe lying by her side. Ruby only recently regained custody of her infant Evie, and rumor swirls that her death is the result of yet another of Crawford’s numerous overdoses. Thus begins Merissa Racine’s third in a series of Crawford Mysteries. The story is captivating with numerous red herrings, and ample opportunities for future sequels. Several times the story alludes to material contained in previous books however I did not find that it detracted from Lethal Tracks. This story can and does stand alone. I was also delighted to learn that Ms. Racine is herself, a court reporter. I would recommend and rate this book 5 stars for being the perfect cozy murder mystery and quick read between spring chores!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed the previous two books in this series I was excited for this third ‘Crawford Mystery’. Having recently recovered from her narrow escape from death, court Stenographer Lauren discovers her young neighbours dead body in the snow. Whilst all the signs indicate a drug overdose Twila, Lauren’s neighbour and the grandmother of the deceased refuses to believe she OD’d. Detective Sam Overstreet, who Lauren has recently started seeing, is called in to investigate this latest death in his hometown from opioids. Sam believes he is searching for a drug dealer until the autopsy results show that he should be looking for a very cunning killer. The intriguing storyline and plot twists, along with the mystery element kept me hooked throughout. I liked being back with Lauren and I felt instantly engaged with this realistic and relatable character. It can be read as a standalone story however, I recommend enjoying the whole series.

[Tammy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Tracks by Merissa Racine grabs you from the start. Lauren’s morning starts as usual. She lets her dog outside, and he uncharacteristically jumps the fence into the next door neighbor’s yard. When Lauren goes over to retrieve him, she finds the neighbor’s granddaughter dead in the backyard. Lauren has never been close to the elderly neighbor but shields her from seeing her granddaughter that way. The lead detective happens to be Lauren’s boyfriend and together, they try to find out what happened to the young girl. Lauren grows closer to her elderly neighbor who finally begins to let her guard down and allow Lauren to help her. This story is multi-layered and full of twists and turns. The list of suspects never ends. The characters are well developed and the story moves along at just the right pace to keep you reading every last word. This book will keep you guessing until the very end.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the previous books I thought I knew what to expect but I was wrong and in a good way 😉this one is my favourite of the 3 !

Lauren seems to have a habit finding bodies 😵‍💫🙈and she’s still recovering from her near death experience when she discovers her neighbour’s body in the snow 🥺🙈 naturally Sam is on ( he’s a detective and he’s recently started seeing Lauren) the case and he’s almost sure it’s an overdose but he’s now not only worried about murder but drugs in his town ……

Lauren’s neighbour is convinced it wasn’t an overdose despite the results of the autopsy but there was too much at stake for Ruby to get involved in the wrong things …..Lauren will get to the bottom of it and she does 😉

My nerves were shattered and I was on the edge of my seat most of the time but I was well rewarded till the very last page , now that I’m done I think a tub of ice cream is in order 😜

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third in A Crawford Mystery series by the same author. I read books two before this one. I recommend reading at least the second book before reading this one. Although you could read this book stand-alone, I feel it is helpful to the reader to have the background story of the main characters. I’m glad the author chose to continue Lauren and Sam’s story. This mystery is packed with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing what happened to Lauren’s neighbor, Ruby. The characters are loveable and realistic. I enjoy books, like this one, which feature small towns and the relationships amongst their citizens. I like that the main characters are concerned with health and fitness, even during all the turmoil in their lives. It makes them more relatable to me. I recommend this book for adults and older teens. I am hoping this author writes a fourth book to this series.

[Jessie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merissa Racine did it again. This is a great addition to an awesome series, with enough of a backstory that it could be read as a standalone if someone grabbed them out of order. However, I recommend this entire series. Especially if you are wanting a series that will keep your attention the entire way through.
With only a 4 months break from the last book, you get to see what little has changed and grown from the previous book without so long of a break that you feel you are playing catch up learning the changes in the characters lives.
It was great to see the change and grown in Lauren’s relationships with her neighbor, Twila, and also with the Detective, Sam. As she has many interactions in this book with both of them, you see her work hard at building the relationships regardless of the challenges previously.
Once again, Lauren is working tirelessly to get justice and find out what truly happened, this time to her neighbor’s granddaughter, Ruby. You also get to see a different side of the cranky neighbor, and learn more about what has made her how she is.
It is shown again that Lauren is so much more than simply a court reporter. And honestly she’s an asset to the town in finding true justice in devastating situations.
I hope there are more books that continue to come out in this series.

[Ash Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we meet Lauren once again in the latest installation of the Crawford murder mystery series. These books have been on the edge of your seat reads, and this latest book does not disappoint! A teenage mother is found dead in her backyard, and her drug use past was used against her. The death is ruled out as a drug overdose but no one in her life agrees that this is what happened! She was on track to taking care of herself in order to keep her newborn baby. Now that Lauren is released from her ex husband troubles, she decides to date Sam, and of course her curiosity leads to working with Sam to solve this mystery. This book keeps you on the edge of your toes just like the others and it also does not disappoint! I love a great mystery and the author does a great job making the reader invest in all of the characters!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Tracks is another thrilling addition to the Crawford Mystery series that had me hooked from the first page. Lauren, still healing from a recent brush with death, stumbles into yet another murder mystery when her dog leads her to a neighbor’s body in the snow. What appears to be an overdose quickly unravels into something far more sinister, and with her detective boyfriend Sam by her side, the tension only builds. The small-town setting, relatable characters, and seamless writing make this an easy yet edge-of-your-seat read. I loved the slow burn of suspense paired with genuine emotional depth and character growth—especially the evolving bond between Lauren and Sam. Whether you’re a returning fan or new to the series, Lethal Tracks is a must-read that delivers twists, heart, and just the right dose of danger.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Lethal Tracks: A Crawford Mystery By Merissa Racine

Lethal Tracks: A Crawford Mystery is a Suspenseful read that had me turning the pages till the end. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to see what other books they have written. The twists and turns had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. This is a fast paced story that is packed with, suspense, mystery, drama, action, and so much more. What will happen when the neighbors body is found in the snow ? What will they uncover? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to give anything away. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good 4 star read. When Lauren’s neighbor is found passed away, she doesn’t believe that it's an Opioid overdose like her boyfriend Sam thinks and sets out to prove it. The author does a great job of pulling you into her story. You are on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is next. Will Lauren be right? There are so many twists and turns that added a great element to the story. I really liked Sam and Lauren, their connection and teamwork were great. If you are looking for a thrilling and suspenseful mystery this is your read. This is the 3rd book in the series, I don’t feel like you need to read from book 1 but it will help you get to know the characters on a more personal level. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the series and it can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first two before reading this one, mostly because they are just so good!
This book has all the twists and turns and page turning mystery that will keep you hooked until the end.
Like with the first 2 books, our leading lady stumbles into a murder mystery and this time she's working with her boyfriend to solve it.
This isn't a simple "oh yeah this is what happened" kind of story though, and will leave you guessing and second guessing yourself until the big reveal.
4 out of 5 stars, I highly recommend this book. This whole series really. These books were a first from this author for me, but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just as much if not more than the previous two, but I hate that it has come to an end! If you haven’t read the previous books, this one can absolutely be read as a standalone. I bet you’ll grab the other two though because the author has a way of creating an all-encompassing and captivating story! Lauren remains one of my favorite characters throughout all the books I’ve read because she’s just so relatable. She had me invested from the get-go and felt more like a friend than a fictitious character. The author has skillfully woven together a suspenseful story that explores themes of grief, trust, and the devastating impact of addiction. This is a must read for anyone interested in complex issues wrapped in a compelling mystery with loads of suspense!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a gripping story and is a brilliant addition to the series. I loved getting to know the MC more. I find her to be such an interesting character to read about, even if she does seem to have the worst luck ever. I really enjoy her need to get to the bottom of everything and ensure that the mystery is solved.
The overall storyline to this book was strong as well. I was pulled into it straight away and wanted see how things would play out. The author kept you guessing the whole way through and it felt like it could go in another direction at any moment. This a really strong series that, so far, I am very much enjoying.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lethal Tracks in the 3rd book in the Crawford Mystery series, but can be read as a standalone. It has some references to the previous books, but is its own story. Lauren finds herself in the middle of another case. Her dog stumbles upon her neighbors body, and the case is investigated by Lauren’s sort of boyfriend. Lauren finds her life woven into the case, and evidence points away from the OD everyone suspected, and toward a murder. There are a variety of people who have motive, and they must keep investigating to find the real killer. This book was full of twists- some I saw coming and others I didn’t. I really enjoyed it, and would read more from this author.

[Amanda Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and can also, easily be read as a standalone. Our protagonist, Lauren, a court reporter, finds herself yet again, in a murder mystery. Lauren finds the body of the young granddaughter of her neighbor. At first sight, it seems like a tragic overdose death of a young girl, who fell back into using drugs, all is not as it seems. The layers of the mystery unfold, taking you on an unexpected, tragic journey. The pages turn quickly as you try to solve the mystery, thinking you know who did it, only to find a dead end and a new suspect. I recommend giving this and the other two in the series a read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Laurens dog finds the neighbor cold and dead, she finds herself in the middle of a murder case. Having a boyfriend that is a detective she was drawn in. This is a great mystery. It is smooth running and very intense. Every detail is set out making the story easy to follow. I felt as though I was involved in the investigation. So Cool. This may be the third book in this series, but it can be read as a stand alone. This author knows her stuff when it comes to mysteries. This story kept my blood pressure up and I felt like I needed to keep reading to get to the end. I really enjoyed reading this story and will go in to read book 1 and 2 . This series is well written.

[Jessica Condra · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I have just so enjoyed this series and this third installment delivers the same way the first two did!

The characters continue to be lovable and relatable—Lauren, our main character and court stenographer, and her romantic interest and local detective, Sam, make the story so much sweeter. The character development, setting, and plot are on point.

This is a page-turner that you will want to finish in one or two sittings. The suspense and unexpected turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. Run to this series, you won’t regret it!

[Kirsten Berkebile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newest book is a hit!!!! I literally read this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. I swear Lauren is like Nancy Drew finding crimes everywhere she goes. Just like the other ones she does put herself in danger but each time, someone is always there to save her. Lauren’s neighbor Twila has a granddaughter and a great granddaughter living with her. Ruby, the granddaughter, is found in the backyard by Maverick, Lauren’s dog. Can the cops with Twila and Lauren’s help find out who took a mother away from their newborn daughter.