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Sheriff Red Mysteries #3
What the Fields Saw
Decades of secrets surface when a high school reunion spirals into a deadly reckoning.
“Even seasoned mystery readers will have a tough time guessing how the story ends.” —Booklist
When Sheriff Red Hammergren welcomes billionaire Vance Judson back to Lykkins Lake for his high school reunion, his return stirs up more than nostalgia—it unearths old grudges, long-buried betrayals, and a reckoning sixty years in the making. At the same time, a young podcaster, drawn to whispers of an unsolved hit-and-run from the same era, begins asking questions—questions that cut too close to the truth and put a target on her back.
What begins as unease soon turns to fear when reunion attendees start turning up dead and the podcaster vanishes without a trace. Red races to untangle a mystery that refuses to stay in the past, knowing the next victim could already be marked. With help from her friends, she pieces together a history stained with privilege, silence, and revenge. Each bit of evidence brings her closer to the truth—but also closer to a killer who has already waited a lifetime to finish what was started.
In a town where loyalty is a dangerous currency, Red must determine who is paying for old sins—and who is collecting the debt.
___________________
Praise for Linda
“…an enjoyable story with an eccentric cast of characters and a strong female lead…unpredictable, with a satisfying ending…Mystery fans will enjoy…” —Booklist
"…a gripping thriller that will chill you to the bone…Linda Norlander's well-crafted novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page." —Susan Hunter, author of Dangerous Habits
"Readers will love Sheriff Red, and absolutely devour every layer of masterful misdirection in this twisty mystery." —LynDee Walker, author of Fear No Truth
"…kept me hooked from start to finish…you won't want to miss this one." —Ava Roberts, author of The Perfect Boyfriend
“Even seasoned mystery readers will have a tough time guessing how the story ends.” —Booklist
When Sheriff Red Hammergren welcomes billionaire Vance Judson back to Lykkins Lake for his high school reunion, his return stirs up more than nostalgia—it unearths old grudges, long-buried betrayals, and a reckoning sixty years in the making. At the same time, a young podcaster, drawn to whispers of an unsolved hit-and-run from the same era, begins asking questions—questions that cut too close to the truth and put a target on her back.
What begins as unease soon turns to fear when reunion attendees start turning up dead and the podcaster vanishes without a trace. Red races to untangle a mystery that refuses to stay in the past, knowing the next victim could already be marked. With help from her friends, she pieces together a history stained with privilege, silence, and revenge. Each bit of evidence brings her closer to the truth—but also closer to a killer who has already waited a lifetime to finish what was started.
In a town where loyalty is a dangerous currency, Red must determine who is paying for old sins—and who is collecting the debt.
___________________
Praise for Linda
“…an enjoyable story with an eccentric cast of characters and a strong female lead…unpredictable, with a satisfying ending…Mystery fans will enjoy…” —Booklist
"…a gripping thriller that will chill you to the bone…Linda Norlander's well-crafted novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page." —Susan Hunter, author of Dangerous Habits
"Readers will love Sheriff Red, and absolutely devour every layer of masterful misdirection in this twisty mystery." —LynDee Walker, author of Fear No Truth
"…kept me hooked from start to finish…you won't want to miss this one." —Ava Roberts, author of The Perfect Boyfriend
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 1, 2026
I would like to thank Severn River Publishing and Linda Norlander for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
3,25⭐ - after reading the first two books in the series, I had to read the third book in the sheriff Red Mysteries.
After a billionaire returns to town for high school reunion, the case of a 60 year old cold case resurfaced.
Great subject for a true crime podcast right? Our local podcaster thinks so too, with dead bodies of alumni turning up it's also up to sheriff Red to find the bad guy who's responsible for these crimes.
Quick enjoyable read, every time I saw the name Vance Judson it made me think of JD Vance, but other than that I loved the characters even though the story was a bit predictable.
3,25⭐ - after reading the first two books in the series, I had to read the third book in the sheriff Red Mysteries.
After a billionaire returns to town for high school reunion, the case of a 60 year old cold case resurfaced.
Great subject for a true crime podcast right? Our local podcaster thinks so too, with dead bodies of alumni turning up it's also up to sheriff Red to find the bad guy who's responsible for these crimes.
Quick enjoyable read, every time I saw the name Vance Judson it made me think of JD Vance, but other than that I loved the characters even though the story was a bit predictable.
March 26, 2026
This book is a 3 - 3 1/2 star read for me. The setting is good and the small town dynamics are realistic. The mystery is also good, but I’d like to see more actual investigation and more self confidence from the sheriff. The revelation of what happened in that field 60 years ago seems like more of a lightning bolt from the sky or an ah-ha moment rather than aa a result of thorough investigation. The occasional political jabs are also kind of a turnoff for me. We get enough exposure to varying political views in everyday life without having it inserted into our escapist fiction.
March 26, 2026
A local boy made good returns to Lykkins Lake for a 60th high school reunion, stirring up nostalgia, old grudges, betrayals, and an overdue reckoning. At the same time, a podcaster who had been asking questions about a hit and run case 60 years cold disappears. Was she kidnapped? Did she take off on her own? Does the hit and run have a connection to the reunion?
Whatever the outcome, Sheriff Red Hammergren will follow the clues and the truth no matter where they lead, or whom they lead to, all while facing misogynists and a shrinking budget. She’s aided in her search for who is paying for old sins and who is collecting the debt by a group of sharp deputies and the local ladies’ poker society.
Thoroughly enjoyed this third entry in the series. Tight writing, evocative dialogue, interesting plot, plenty of red herrings, realistic office politics, and good friends who get you out of a jam – all the things I look for in a mystery. I like that Red is a strong central character who takes care of her team and isn’t afraid to ask for help. Her friends bring differing skills to her crime solving and prop her up when she gets down. This book held my interest all the way through and kept me entertained at the gym and at home. I look forward to the next entry in the series.
Whatever the outcome, Sheriff Red Hammergren will follow the clues and the truth no matter where they lead, or whom they lead to, all while facing misogynists and a shrinking budget. She’s aided in her search for who is paying for old sins and who is collecting the debt by a group of sharp deputies and the local ladies’ poker society.
Thoroughly enjoyed this third entry in the series. Tight writing, evocative dialogue, interesting plot, plenty of red herrings, realistic office politics, and good friends who get you out of a jam – all the things I look for in a mystery. I like that Red is a strong central character who takes care of her team and isn’t afraid to ask for help. Her friends bring differing skills to her crime solving and prop her up when she gets down. This book held my interest all the way through and kept me entertained at the gym and at home. I look forward to the next entry in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
BOOK REPORT
⭐ 4 ⭐
Posting the same Book Report for Nos. 2 and 3 in the Sheriff Red Mysteries series by Linda Norlander.
Let’s give a shoutout to Previous Kristi, who encouraged me to give this series a go even though the first one in it seemed to be suffering from a bad case of everything-and-the-kitchen-sink. She was right to do so—these two books were much more believable, and I enjoyed the all the characters and locale even more. (Especially because some of them were not hesitant to voice their criticisms of The Current Regime, which is growing ever more base, cruel, and seemingly insane by the day as I write this in early February of 2026.)
I got the third book as an electronic advance reader copy (ARC) from Severn River Publishing, which reminded me I hadn’t yet read the second. Got it thanks to the Kindle Unlimited trial I’m doing.
Would have kept right on reading once I finished No. 3 were there more available in the series. Smart and realistic. Do wish there were a little more humor along the way.
Oh, and back to locale: Why is Minnesota so one with the zeitgeist not only in real life but in fiction these days? Can’t seem to get away from it.
⭐ 4 ⭐
Posting the same Book Report for Nos. 2 and 3 in the Sheriff Red Mysteries series by Linda Norlander.
Let’s give a shoutout to Previous Kristi, who encouraged me to give this series a go even though the first one in it seemed to be suffering from a bad case of everything-and-the-kitchen-sink. She was right to do so—these two books were much more believable, and I enjoyed the all the characters and locale even more. (Especially because some of them were not hesitant to voice their criticisms of The Current Regime, which is growing ever more base, cruel, and seemingly insane by the day as I write this in early February of 2026.)
I got the third book as an electronic advance reader copy (ARC) from Severn River Publishing, which reminded me I hadn’t yet read the second. Got it thanks to the Kindle Unlimited trial I’m doing.
Would have kept right on reading once I finished No. 3 were there more available in the series. Smart and realistic. Do wish there were a little more humor along the way.
Oh, and back to locale: Why is Minnesota so one with the zeitgeist not only in real life but in fiction these days? Can’t seem to get away from it.
March 27, 2026
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story is about the 60th High School reunion which seems to have an incident which happened 60 years earlier. The reunion will have one of the graduates attending who made a big name for himself. Because of his importance Red, the sheriff, had a lot of pressure put on her by the mayor and city manager. To make matters worse, a podcaster, Apple, was attempting to follow up on the case of Rodney's death that had never been resolved and which was classified as a hit and run. There seemed to be a run of incidents related to a group who ran together 60 years earlier and resulted in Red spending a lot of her time investigating accidents and deaths.
Read along and follow Red as she tries to get a handle as to why the event 60 years ago was so important. Discover what steps and who she talked to as the time for the reunion approached. Learn what occurred at the end of the reunion and how everything is finally explained.
This story is well done and will definitely keep your interest. The book is well worth the read, don't miss out!
The story is about the 60th High School reunion which seems to have an incident which happened 60 years earlier. The reunion will have one of the graduates attending who made a big name for himself. Because of his importance Red, the sheriff, had a lot of pressure put on her by the mayor and city manager. To make matters worse, a podcaster, Apple, was attempting to follow up on the case of Rodney's death that had never been resolved and which was classified as a hit and run. There seemed to be a run of incidents related to a group who ran together 60 years earlier and resulted in Red spending a lot of her time investigating accidents and deaths.
Read along and follow Red as she tries to get a handle as to why the event 60 years ago was so important. Discover what steps and who she talked to as the time for the reunion approached. Learn what occurred at the end of the reunion and how everything is finally explained.
This story is well done and will definitely keep your interest. The book is well worth the read, don't miss out!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Great Book!!! Love the author, the characters and this series. The books in the series just keep getting better. Red, the county sheriff talks to a Podcaster from Minneapolis who knows about an uninvestigated “murder” from 60 years ago. A famous rich former resident of the small town is to return for his 60 years reunion. Classmates start to have accidents and where is that podcaster. The town is a buzz. Red starts to put things together and then the accidents start to happen. Some of our town favorites, Georgia from the antiques shop, Scotty from the local diner, who makes most things more healthy for her clients even though they don’t like it. So old friends getting together and not just the reunion. Looking forward to many more books in the series from Lykkins Lake, Minnesota. Love that Vance is the bad guy!!
Read
March 20, 2026Red is a Sheriff so unsure of her own instincts. The Politics of the Town isn't giving her much support either. There's a Class Reunion of elderly group which has it's suspicious characters, amoung them a rich old guy who's one of the ulumni who's attendance requires security. We also have an old unsolved hit and run. A PodCaster disappears. Dead bodies of Alumni are also turning up. It's a mess and just gets messier as the secrets slowly unravel that have been dormant for quite a few long years. The ending is quite unique. Though the Sheriff handles herself in certain situations like a pro, I would of liked her to have been that way throughout. As in Character building though we're in the Beginings of her Sheriff's career. Even though she was in patrol before, still not long enough to gain her confidence. Thanks for the read, Good Reads, Author and Publisher.
May 4, 2026
Method: Ebook
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Spice: 0/5
Favorite Quote: "I remember what my Grandma told me when it was no business of hers...not my circus not my monkeys."
This is book 3 of the Sheriff Red Mysteries. The class reunion in Small Town, Nowhere brings up all sorts of past drama amongst the many characters. I love a strong female lead and Sheriff Red did not disappoint in this newest book. There's plenty of suspense and red herrings to keep things interesting while trying to solve a 60 yr old crime. Being from a small town, I found the characters relatable and the story realistic.
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Spice: 0/5
Favorite Quote: "I remember what my Grandma told me when it was no business of hers...not my circus not my monkeys."
This is book 3 of the Sheriff Red Mysteries. The class reunion in Small Town, Nowhere brings up all sorts of past drama amongst the many characters. I love a strong female lead and Sheriff Red did not disappoint in this newest book. There's plenty of suspense and red herrings to keep things interesting while trying to solve a 60 yr old crime. Being from a small town, I found the characters relatable and the story realistic.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When a prominent person returns to town for his high school reunion, Sheriff Red Hammergren has her hands full with other class members dead under suspicious circumstances, and a missing blogger. A nicely written suspenseful tale, with well-developed characters, and a nice twisty plot. I would have happily given this book five stars if not for several unnecessary political comments, which had nothing to do with the story. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
While this is the third novel in the Sheriff Red Mysteries, I feel confident that each can be listened to as a standalone. The series takes place in Lykins Lake, Minnesota. A small rural town with its fair share of colorful characters and a small police force.
The town is buzzing, in particular the older population who are geared up for a high school reunion and a visit from their former classmate, billionaire Vance Judson. Red’s morning is filled with visitors. First, a local who is heading up security for Vance and insisting Sheriff Red needs to provide protection. Then, a stranger visits, a podcaster who asks questions about an unsolved hit-and-run from sixty-years ago. It’s a case that Red knows nothing about.
The tale that unfolded was a curious one, as the past seems determined to give up its secrets. When classmates from Vance’s graduating class turn up dead, Red realizes she will need to get to the truth, and fast.
Norlander does a splendid job of delivering an engaging murder-mystery while highlighting small-town life, politics, and the lush landscape of Minnesota. If you’ve read the series, you’ve gotten to know quite a few characters and their quirky personalities. As Red pieces together clues both past and present, it brings her ever closer to the killer, and the tension grew with each reveal.
What the Fields Saw is perfect for fans of small-town murder mysteries and light procedural novels. Elizabeth Ashby does a stellar job of bringing both the Sheriff and this small-town to life. Her narration captured the tone, quirks, and suspense of the story. I recommend grabbing your earbuds for this one! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The town is buzzing, in particular the older population who are geared up for a high school reunion and a visit from their former classmate, billionaire Vance Judson. Red’s morning is filled with visitors. First, a local who is heading up security for Vance and insisting Sheriff Red needs to provide protection. Then, a stranger visits, a podcaster who asks questions about an unsolved hit-and-run from sixty-years ago. It’s a case that Red knows nothing about.
The tale that unfolded was a curious one, as the past seems determined to give up its secrets. When classmates from Vance’s graduating class turn up dead, Red realizes she will need to get to the truth, and fast.
Norlander does a splendid job of delivering an engaging murder-mystery while highlighting small-town life, politics, and the lush landscape of Minnesota. If you’ve read the series, you’ve gotten to know quite a few characters and their quirky personalities. As Red pieces together clues both past and present, it brings her ever closer to the killer, and the tension grew with each reveal.
What the Fields Saw is perfect for fans of small-town murder mysteries and light procedural novels. Elizabeth Ashby does a stellar job of bringing both the Sheriff and this small-town to life. Her narration captured the tone, quirks, and suspense of the story. I recommend grabbing your earbuds for this one! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
March 28, 2026
A sixty year high school reunion which will count with the participation of a billionaire that used to live in town will make a six decades old crime resurface and Red's life will be even more difficult than normal. She'll have to make a stand about her work for the powers that be, will rely on the help of her friends and her thorough investigative work and will place her life at risk but she'll uncover the truth. Well-written and easy to read, What the Fields Saw, is a good addition to the Sheriff Red Mystery Series.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
April 27, 2026
This is a very solid series. In this one, a billionaire returns home for a high school reunion, a podcaster starts looking at the billionaire's past, and other's in his graduating class are winding up dead. This one is all about secrets, and Red and her friends must dig up all of them and then figure out which are relevant before more bodies drop. A nice twisty tale with vivid characters and plenty of suspense. Anyone who likes the Joanna Brady series will enjoy this one featuring a strong, sensible female sheriff who understands her job and the people around her. Excellent.
March 7, 2026
The actual story was decent, but the author was heavy handed in putting their political views into the story. It could have been as good as a Kathy Reichs book but there was too much unnecessary politics. Even naming the main character Vance Judson (take off of JD Vance) and making him a privileged rich man was overtly political. I will not read more by this author. It is a shame because the story would have been good without the extra.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Great mystery and several suspects to keep you guessing to the end. Even though this is the third book in the series you won’t be lost with who all the characters are. The author does a good job introducing them for new readers by giving you just enough but leaving you intrigued to go back and want to read books 1 and 2.
April 30, 2026
Loved It
Great series, can no wait for the next one. There is always a surprise ending. I like that the main characters are old and not the beautiful people most authors like to use. Keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Great series, can no wait for the next one. There is always a surprise ending. I like that the main characters are old and not the beautiful people most authors like to use. Keeps you at the edge of your seat.
May 15, 2026
Sheriff Red
From the very first book in the series I've liked and admired Red. She's strong but vulnerable and not afraid to lean on her friends for aid and comfort. She may be hesitant in her decisions but gets there like all of us. AND she loves Blue and not afraid to show it.
From the very first book in the series I've liked and admired Red. She's strong but vulnerable and not afraid to lean on her friends for aid and comfort. She may be hesitant in her decisions but gets there like all of us. AND she loves Blue and not afraid to show it.
March 26, 2026
Great read! Highly recommend
April 3, 2026
Another excellent Sheriff Red Hammergren story from Ms. Norlander! I love this series@
May 30, 2026
This one wasn’t as good as the other two books.
I am looking forward to 4th book in the Sheriff Red mysteries
I am looking forward to 4th book in the Sheriff Red mysteries
March 24, 2026
I love a strong female character and Red as a sheriff is just that. As she tries to solve a series of unfortunate events, she has to deal with her grief with the loss of her husband as well as the prejudices from her male colleagues and fellow townspeople, but relies on her female support group to keep her sanity. It was fun to get to know their spirited personalities and of course, I love her dog Blue. Working to solve a podcaster’s disappearance and a murder, possible murder, and trying to keep a former resident alive for his upcoming hometown visit, proves to be a challenge. As the details from that fateful night in the distant past emerge, so does a killer hidden among them. A great read! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
May 20, 2026
Decades of secrets surface when a high school reunion spirals into a deadly reckoning.
When Sheriff Red Hammergren welcomes wealthy Vance Judson back to Lykkins Lake for his high school reunion, his return unearths old grudges, long-buried betrayals, and a reckoning 60 years in the making. At the same time, a young podcaster, drawn to whispers of an unsolved hit-and-run from the same era, begins asking questions—questions that cut too close to the truth and put a target on her back.
Unease soon turns to fear when reunion attendees start turning up dead and the podcaster vanishes without a trace. Red races to untangle a mystery that refuses to stay in the past, knowing the next victim could already be marked. With help from her friends, she pieces together a history stained with privilege, silence, and revenge. Each bit of evidence brings her closer to the truth and closer to a killer who has waited a lifetime to finish what was started.
MY THOUGHTS - ⭐⭐⭐.5
Red Hammergren is a strong, empathetic character in this small-town, facing a wall of silence trying to solve a 60 year old mystery. With likeable characters, the story realistically portrays life in a small rural town and the challenges that come with it. The crime central to the story is intriguing, with a number of possible culprits to keep you engaged with the story.
This is the 3rd installment in this series but can easily be read as a standalone story without any background knowledge of the characters. Thank you @severnriverpublishing for the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable mystery. I look forward to reading the earlier books in this series.
When Sheriff Red Hammergren welcomes wealthy Vance Judson back to Lykkins Lake for his high school reunion, his return unearths old grudges, long-buried betrayals, and a reckoning 60 years in the making. At the same time, a young podcaster, drawn to whispers of an unsolved hit-and-run from the same era, begins asking questions—questions that cut too close to the truth and put a target on her back.
Unease soon turns to fear when reunion attendees start turning up dead and the podcaster vanishes without a trace. Red races to untangle a mystery that refuses to stay in the past, knowing the next victim could already be marked. With help from her friends, she pieces together a history stained with privilege, silence, and revenge. Each bit of evidence brings her closer to the truth and closer to a killer who has waited a lifetime to finish what was started.
MY THOUGHTS - ⭐⭐⭐.5
Red Hammergren is a strong, empathetic character in this small-town, facing a wall of silence trying to solve a 60 year old mystery. With likeable characters, the story realistically portrays life in a small rural town and the challenges that come with it. The crime central to the story is intriguing, with a number of possible culprits to keep you engaged with the story.
This is the 3rd installment in this series but can easily be read as a standalone story without any background knowledge of the characters. Thank you @severnriverpublishing for the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable mystery. I look forward to reading the earlier books in this series.
March 24, 2026
This book is a quick read about an old murder and all the suspects are coming back for a high school reunion. Lots of characters to choose from for the perpetrator. Decent story, but it never really took off for me.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews