Winter Cabin: The addictive new small town mystery thriller

Baker & Tate Series #2

by Sam Baron

Silent snow, deadly snow…

In the new suspense-filled instalment of the Baker & Tate series, Ruth’s courage is pushed to the brink in a gripping battle of survival and deception. Texas Ranger Ruth Baker is no stranger to danger, but nothing could prepare her for what she finds at a remote winter cabin deep in the frozen heart of Caldwell County. Called in to investigate a couple’s unexplained disappearance, Ruth and her partner, Aaron Tate, uncover a chilling scene that hints at a pattern of brutal killings hiding beneath the snow-covered wilderness.

As a vicious storm traps them in isolation, Ruth and Aaron realize they are not alone. Evidence points to a deadly predator lurking nearby, someone who knows the woods well—and who isn’t finished with their twisted games. With communication cut off and trust more fragile than ever, Ruth is forced to confront her own fears while navigating the unforgiving landscape and tracking a killer intent on keeping the cabin’s secrets buried forever.

Winter Cabin is an unrelenting, high-stakes mystery thriller packed with explosive action, psychological warfare, and the trademark emotional punch Baker & Tate fans have come to love.

Each book in the Baker & Tate series is a complete story that can be read on its own. 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.

Genres: Mystery

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2025

Reviews

[jamie griffith · Rating 2 out of 5]

if i had a dollar for every time the phrase “white chaos” was used to describe snow in this book, i’d have 19 dollars


never in my life have i read a book with the same phrases repeated over and over so many times and the plot had potential but i was so distracted by the repetitive phrasing i felt physical frustration trying to get through this

“tactical training taking over”
“white chaos”
“years working together paid off”
“her beam found”
“a ___ that must cost more than ruth’s yearly salary”
just off the top of my head i can recall reading these same sentences at least 5 times each. exhausting

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, this is a very interesting book with a unique theme. I love the winter conditions. I kept expecting to see snow outside, and I felt the chill in the air (in Florida!) I’ve read several of his books. All were good.

Now the bad: he kept repeating words, phrases. It was very irritating. I let my kindle do a word count on precision-92 times! Another word was 80 times! And the last part just seemed to repeat, taking a long time for the resolution. I hadn’t noticed this in past books so hopefully it’s a one off, but it was all so bad that I felt it should be mentioned.

[Larry Lamb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written by the author or AI?

Read his first book of this series and liked it. Thought he had a thing going.
This book was nothing but the same over used phrases again and again. Was wondering if he just needed to get enough words to make a book.
Evidently he didn't go back a proof read his own work.
Won't read anything else for fear of death from boredom.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for an isolated setting, so the cabin, a mountain, and a snowstorm sealed the deal for me. That trope can get old, but Baron somehow breathes fresh life into it. Maybe it’s the combination of creepy caves, creeping weather, and a cult that took it to a whole new level.

The creepy cult vibe is what really hooked me. The tension builds slowly; no jump scares, no cheap tricks, just a steady drip of “oooooh, this can’t be good.” When the Rangers get jumped by knife-wielding cult members I realized we weren’t dealing with your standard manipulative-but-mostly-harmless cult. These folks skipped straight past brainwashing and went right into “stab first, ask questions never.”

Ruth, our main character, is solid. Strong, capable, and exactly the kind of female lead I always root for. Everyone knows I love women who can stand their ground and still keep their wits about them. I was also absolutely convinced I knew who the villain was… until I didn’t. Baron made a fool out of me at least three times, which I grudgingly respect.

The cult dynamics were uncomfortably accurate: The isolation, the constant training, the mind control wrapped in myths and fear. Legends and religion often go hand in hand in my opinion, especially in groups where the leader’s word becomes gospel. Add hallucinogens to the mix, and suddenly people are ready to murder for a mountain. That was the part that chilled me the most—because it felt terrifyingly real.

The snowstorm setup felt classic, but classic done well. The cave scenes were fantastic. Enough of a claustrophobic atmosphere to make me tense up but not so over the top that I rolled my eyes. The college girls caught up in the cult frustrated me (Ladies. You have brains. Use them.) but that frustration served the story.

The pacing was a nice mix. I could put the book down to refill my coffee, but the story kept pulling me right back, determined to solve the case and get that cult leader his well-earned comeuppance.

And the ending delivered. Justice served, cult broken, heroes safe… at least until the next book. Because yes, I’d absolutely read more with these characters. I think I missed the first one in the series, so I'll go backward before I go forward.

If you like thrillers with brainwashed zealots, icy isolation, and strong leads making smart choices under pressure, consider Winter Cabin is win.

[Sandra Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to give this book a 3-star, because it was suspenseful and there were aspects that I liked about it, but as the story progressed there were various things that made me want to quit reading. One negative were a number of "inconsistencies/things that don't make sense." For instance, it had snowed so much on the mountain that "a red Tesla was buried up to its door handles in fresh snow. A vanity plate read 'SCENE 1.''' How can you see the license plate if the snow is that high? Another example was when the two main characters Rangers Ruth and Aaron are on the mountain investigating a disappearance of a wealthy couple who live up there in a mansion. In near-blizzard conditions, the rangers start tramping through the forest and nearly freeze to death, and they just keep going beyond realistic behavior. Also, the amount of repetition increased as the book progressed until it got on my last nerve. The story involves mysterious and ancient carvings and symbols are sprinkled throughout the story and that was interesting and unique. Parts of it were good, and if you can just suspend what might makes sense, and don't mind being reminded about certain aspects of the book every few pages, you'll find it very entertaining.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Cabin is the second book in the Baker and Tate Rangers series and it is even better than the first, and that's saying something. Plus, who knew there were mountains in Texas?! Maybe I should have, but it's known for being flat so it never crossed my mind. Learn something new every day. Anyway, the story is set on one of those mountains and boy, does that mountain and the weather play a part here. They are almost characters unto themselves. This story has a bit of everything, mountain "magic", archeology, mysteries, demented people, gun fights, fist fights, and, don't forget, a bit of romance. Everything a good mystery needs. Mr. Baron has created a wonderful world in which to get lost and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time there. I highly recommend Winter Cabin and Red Barn. You need to check out them both. They are worth your time. I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Olivermagnus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Winter Cabin is the second book in the Baker/Tate Texas Rangers mystery series. Ruth and Aaron are caught in a terrible snowstorm as they investigate a series of ritualistic murders, packed with cults, a sacred mountain, symbology, and old money.

I don't think Baker and Tate are horrible characters but their investigative skills seemed lethargic. They were also having a sexual relationship. At one point it led to a really bizarre sex scene in their vehicle which was completely unnecessary.

The mystery itself was easy to solve and dragged out for way too long. This author grinds out books within weeks of each other and the only way to do that is by using stock AI phrases. It really affected the enjoyment of the story.

On the plus side, it had a tree on the cover, which was the whole reason I chose to read it.

[Linda Sander · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has an engaging plot that keeps you reading start to finish in a single session, deserving of 3 or perhaps 4 stars. Unfortunately, the technical aspects of writing are so poor that they interfere with the enjoyment of the story. Thus, only 2 stars.

For example:
1) single words are overused - tactical training, tactical observations, tactical movements, tactical cataloging; white chaos, white chaos, white chaos

2) phrasing is repetitive - the story dealt with rich people whose belonging were worth more than the Rangers' annual salary, a month' s rent, a car payment, their first car. The wind changed directions repeatedly, and each time, it blew snow under the Ranger's collar, burning her skin.

3) Almost the entire story occurred during a serious snowstorm involving white out conditions. Nonetheless, the characters drove and hiked up and down a mountain in knee-high snow repeatedly spending hours on the edge of hypothermia.

[R. Small · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winter Cabin was a moody, atmospheric read that quietly pulled me in. The isolated setting, layered with snow and silence, perfectly mirrored the emotional isolation of the characters. Sam Baron does a great job of building tension—not just suspense, but that slow-burning, emotional kind that makes you feel both uneasy and curious.

I really enjoyed the thoughtful tone and the way the cabin became a character in itself—both a place of refuge and of reckoning. Some parts dragged a little or felt repetitive, which is why I landed between 3.5 and 4 stars. But overall, I was invested in the story and appreciated the blend of psychological tension and character-driven plot.

[MGB · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happens when a polar vortex and a cult collide in Texas? This book presumes the answer. However there are not some much cabins as palatial mountain estates with huge glass walls and windows.

Unfortunately the representation of many of the characters is inconsistent. Same is true of the equipment. The SIG Sauer P320 in 9mm was the default sidearm issued to the Texas Rangers not a Glock. A Glock uses a polymer for most of the weapon not "metal already cold enough to burn".

I stopped reading as things spiraled out of control in the story.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of action

The storyline was interesting. I wish more time was given to the actual history instead of just eluding to it. The female main character was not a favorite of mine. For someone who seemed to be so rugged and fearless she sure spent a lot of time worrying about a flesh wound. Why I rated only 3 stars? The time line was hard to follow. There was so much investigating, hiking, driving, shootouts, etc. In A very short time span. The use of the word tactical: 96 times. I counted! And the use of the word academic....26 times.

[Matt Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in the hill country!

Winter Cabin, Baker and Tate book 2, is about the investigation into a series of ritualistic murders, replete with symbology, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and old money. The narrative is quite entertaining, with good characters, good dialog, a fascinating plot and high quality narrative. Winter Cabin isn't bad at all, just not quite at the level of some of Baron's other works. 4.5/5 stars, any fans of unique crime fiction will love it!

[Mary Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mountain speaks

This is one of the strangest stories ever. A man starts a cult by stealing rich peoples property then kill hi by them. His followers are drugged and believe his rants. Many people from the area are missing. The Texas Rangers try to solve the deaths and missing people.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had the potential to be a good book. The story was interesting and kept moving. I really liked the characters and how they worked together. The reason for three stars was the constant and repeated use of.the word tactical. It was on what seemed like every page to the point it was very annoying. If you can get past that it was a good read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mountain

Ruth and Aaron are headed to Shadow Mountain for what turns out to be the adventure of a lifetime but not a good one. After reading this captivating book all I can say is I hope this can never happen in real life.

[Pat Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

long Read

I found this novel to be both too wordy and also repetitive in phrasing.
Too many reminders of Ruth and Aaron’s ability to communicate because of their extensive training.
But, like all things about Texas… bigger than everything, if you can believe that.

[Liz J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out quite well, but the last hour became horribly tedious. It felt as though the author was trying to hit a word count instead of forwarding the story. If I read "chemical haze" one more time, I think I'd have gone mad.

[Janine Brockus · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to force myself to finish this book. It was very repetitive, almost like filler was needed to reach a word count. As someone who has experienced many snow storms first hand, I question if the author actually understands them.

[Brenda Dobran]

Good book

This is a good story but there is too much repetitive phrases. Example " her tactical training" and others. We know we are reading the book you already told us. I still recommend but i did do allot of eye rolling.

[Gary Hahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok read, just not up to what I'm used to reading. Some sloppiness and inconsistencies with names and whether a mask was on or off and that type of issue. Story was fairly interesting and an easy read overall. There were a few twists and turns in the storyline, enough to keep it interesting.

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the intent of the story was good, too many repeat descriptions and too long to get to real action. This would have been better as short story after eliminating unnecessary/repeated descriptions of weather, history and signs.

[Lynnette Loud · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the haunted feeling this story caused the repetitive phrases were tiresome.

[Jodie Brubacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I enjoyed this book. Parts had me on the edge of my seat, and my heart beating faster. Good reading.

[Lynne Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Lots of twists and turns in this book. Manipulation of people and greed as the purpose. How awful someone can be when money is involved and power to get it

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baker and Tate are the best Texas Rangers. They always come out on top with an unbelievable partnership. Keep this books coming!

[Michael Molley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this episode although it became a little tedious at the end. Noted several inconsistencies with characters , weapons. Will read the next installment

[Susan DePue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brr

Pretty good story , some issues with plot. So far have read the first two books , I liked the red barn better. Give them a try.

[GarageNinja1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the ranger series and better than the first which was fantastic! Love the setting. Story line keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great book!

[Ticha Ulickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Just took a Star off cause so many things were repeated over and over and over again it. became very repetitive.

[Raberta Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the series !

I had a feeling that it was Harrison, but never guessed that he had all of the girls alive…I think Ruth & Arron are great together !