The Snake Handler's Wife

by Sue Hinkin

When Lucy’s life partner, war reporter Michael Burleson, suddenly leaves the U.S. to take a job re-establishing the cable news network office in Iraq, Lucy is alone with their four-year-old son Henry on her isolated Malibu Ranch. Michael’s sweet but unstable, recovering addict daughter, shows up looking to meet her baby half-brother and establish a relationship with Lucy. Despite Michael’s warnings, Lucy wants to re-kindle family ties and hires the girl to help care for Henry when Lucy is working. Weird things begin to happen at the ranch—her beloved horse is bitten by a rattle snake not native to the region, the animal enclosures are vandalized, and a loaded gun is found next to Henry’s swing set. Lucy doesn’t know that the daughter has fallen under the spell of a sexy, snake-handling cult leader who wants to get rid of Lucy, take her ranch and her son.

332 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Writer of the Year, Sue Hinkin was raised in Chicago and is a former college administrator, TV news photographer, and NBC-TV art department manager. She was also a Cinematography Fellow at the American Film Institute. Her thrillers featuring Los Angeles TV news journalist Bea Middleton and her BFF, photographer Lucia Vega, have garnered numerous awards. Book 6, the final story in the Middleton and Vera series, The Snake Handler's Wife, will be released October 1,2025. See more at www.suehinkin.com. Hinkin now lives in Littleton, Colorado where she is the grandmother of twin girls who already love a good book.

Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Snake Handler’s Wife completely pulled me in from page one. This isn’t your average whodunit, the villain is obvious but the tension comes from the “when” and “how” as everything slowly unravels. The story is packed with creeping dread, unexpected twists, and that deliciously sinister vibe that keeps you flipping pages way past bedtime.

What I really loved was the balance between suspense and heart. Lucy is doing her best to keep her world together while juggling motherhood, friendships, and family ties, and you feel every ounce of her determination. The relationships, especially between Lucy and Bea were such a strong anchor amidst all the chaos. Add in a cult-like villain, rattlesnakes, sabotaged animal pens, and high emotional stakes, and you’ve got a thriller that feels both chilling and deeply human.

Sue Hinkin layers suspense with emotion so well it’s not just about danger, it’s about trust, resilience, and the bonds that hold us together when fear is closing in. This one felt vivid, tense, and surprisingly moving. Definitely a standout in the Vega & Middleton series! Thanks to Books Forward PR for the gifted arc!

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sue Hinkin’s The Snake Handler’s Wife, opens with Lucy returning to Rancho de La Vega, the ranch she grew up on, after the loss of her parents. She’s trying to rebuild a life for herself and her four-year-old son, Henry, while her partner, war reporter Michael Burleson, is away on assignment in Iraq. When Michael’s daughter, Jaime, a recovering addict, shows up wanting to reconnect and meet her baby half-brother, Lucy decides to take a chance on family despite Michael’s warnings. But soon, strange and dangerous things start happening around the ranch, and Lucy realizes that Jaime’s reappearance may have brought something far darker into their lives.

Lucy was a character I found myself rooting for, mostly because I felt she truly deserved better. From the start, her relationship with Michael rubbed me the wrong way, she had a clear vision of the kind of family and home life she wanted, and she definitely wasn’t getting that with a war reporter who was always away. Sue Hinkin portrays Lucy as a brave and capable photojournalist, someone who faces danger and adventure head-on, which makes her judgment about Jaime and Mark feel like such a sharp contrast. There were red flags she noticed but chose to ignore, and while I understood her wanting to give Jaime the benefit of the doubt, she was far too trusting, even after Michael warned her.

I really loved Lucy’s friendship with Beatrice. Beatrice is exactly the type of friend I’d want in my corner, she pushes Lucy to see her worth, encourages her to showcase her work, and constantly reminds her that she deserves more than the way Michael treats her. The dynamic between Lucy and Jaime was another highlight for me. Jaime’s redemption arc was handled beautifully; she felt like a lost young woman trying to find her footing. Through Lucy’s guidance, she begins to recognize the manipulation she’s endured and starts to reclaim her sense of self. Watching her slowly evolve from fear and guilt toward healing was one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

I also loved the side characters, Heath, the ex–Army medic turned veterinarian and Lucy’s love interest, and Detective Pete, who helps uncover the truth about Mark and his cult. The snake-handling cult itself was chilling, especially when you realize there really are people who think and act that way. The way Mark twisted scripture to justify violence and control was disturbing but well-written, and it made me reflect on how easily people can be manipulated when they’re vulnerable. Mark preys on those moments, finding women in pain, addiction, or despair, and presenting himself as their savior. That power dynamic, and the fear he instills by holding their children hostage, gives the story real depth.

The book also touches on addiction and recovery through Jaime’s journey, showing the strength it takes to stay clean and the internal battles that come with it. The isolation of the ranch added an atmospheric layer that heightened the tension perfectly. Overall, Sue Hinkin does a wonderful job balancing suspense with emotional storytelling. The pacing, the character arcs, and the psychological realism all build into a smart, gripping thriller about manipulation, control, and the will to fight back.

Thank you to Books Forward PR, Sue Hinkin, and Literary Wanderlust for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Snake Handler’s Wife begins on a ranch in coastal California as cult leader Mark Wenter releases a rattlesnake into a stable. Quoting from biblical scripture, he believes a horse suffering a snakebite will trigger a divine prophecy. It’s just the first step in a devious plan to take over the ranch belonging to veteran news photographer and mother Lucy Vega. Soon, a second snake is released onto the ranch in the form of college dropout Jaime Wenter. She and Lucy have never met, and her shock visit is certainly unannounced. Nevertheless, as the estranged daughter of Lucy’s long-term partner, Michael (and the half-sister of Lucy and Michael’s son, Henry), she is welcomed with open arms. Soon, it’s revealed that Jaime is also married to “Pastor Mark.” A glance at Mark’s social media profile – revealing just a few cute pictures of him with kids at the Christian camp he runs – puts Lucy’s mind at ease. Mark, whose manipulative influence extends far further than just his young wife, may be author Sue Hinkin’s most engrossing villain yet. His plan seems to be working more quickly than he could have imagined, as Lucy offers Jaime a temporary role as Henry’s nanny. It’s an invitation that eventually enables her husband, with Jaime as his conflicted accomplice, to infiltrate her life. Enter Lucy’s wise best friend Bea Middleton, who brings instinct and skepticism to the table. Her first sage observation comes early in the book: “I was afraid you might have let her into your life a little too fast. I still think that might be the case.” Hinkin’s sixth Vega & Middleton story features deliberate parallels between Mark and real-life cult leader/mass murderer Charles Manson. Like Manson, Mark’s California-based cult “Eden’s Gate” is built around his personal charisma, manipulation and extreme interpretations of scripture. Like Manson, Mark is sexy and intense, commanding rapture-like devotion from his followers. He also exiles dangerous young men to reduce competition for the commune’s women. And believing Lucy’s ranch is the promised land (Manson also took over rural SoCal properties where his “family” lived), he’ll do anything to secure it. Hinkin’s depiction of Mark’s uncanny ability to exert control over his targets is not only fully believable, but also delivers significant suspense. The more Bea and others discover about Mark’s backstory, the more interesting the story gets. Thematically, much of the book’s character development explores life outside the traditional nuclear family, which Hinkin does with her heroines as well as with her antagonists. All the book’s relationships are gloriously complicated. Partners thought to be monogamous are not. Half-siblings, adopted children and even murkier relationships (“sister cousin”) are the norm. This wonderfully messy cast of characters, and the secrets they keep, will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Books Forward sent me The Snake Handler's Wife by Sue Hinkin, I went in completely blind and honestly, that's exactly how this book wants you. The opening scene had me convinced I was diving into a classic affair thriller: someone's planting venomous snakes in the stables, clearly gunning for the lady of the house. My brain immediately jumped to "If I can't have her, no one can" territory. Spoiler alert: I was delightfully wrong.

The story quickly pivots to Lucy and her son Henry, who've just been abandoned (again) by Michael, Lucy's perpetually absent partner who's buggered off to the Middle East for yet another news assignment. Just when Lucy's adjusting to single life, Michael's daughter Jane rocks up unannounced. At first, she seems like she might be extending an olive branch, but nope—Jane's husband is the titular Snake Handler, a cult leader who's got his sights set on Lucy's ranch property and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty to claim it.

Here's where Sue Hinkin gets clever: Jane isn't your stereotypical villain's wife. As she spends time with Lucy, she begins to genuinely like her stepmother and starts questioning her husband's increasingly sinister motives. This moral awakening adds unexpected depth to what could've been a straightforward thriller. The tension ramps up beautifully when Lucy gets kidnapped by the cult, and suddenly it's a race against time to see if Jane and Lucy's mates can save her.

I'm a complete sucker for cult-based fiction—there's something utterly compelling about exploring the psychology of manipulation and control—so The Snake Handler's Wife was always going to hook me. Sue Hinkin delivers on the creepy cult vibes while weaving in elements of family drama and romantic suspense.

The Snake Handler's Wife earns a solid three Ps from me. It's not perfect, but it's an engaging read that successfully blends cult thriller elements with family dynamics and a touch of romance. If you're into stories about dangerous religious movements, complicated family relationships, or just enjoy watching a woman find her strength when pushed to the edge, slither on over and give this one a go.

[Donnell Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of the Vega/Middleton series, I couldn't believe when Sue Hinkin hinted at ending her series. She's taken me on so many thriller joyrides, I hated to see it end. I must say that Ms. Hinkin outdid herself, placing her protagonist Lucy Vega in danger for the most pathetic reason ever -- greed. Trust at the Vega ranch is at play in the Snake Handler's Wife and Lucy falls prey. Fortunately, for every despicable character Hinkin creates, she counterbalances with venerable qualities -- of course beginning with Bea Middleton. I couldn't put it down has become a cliche. In the case of The Snake Handler's Wife, I had a hard time focusing on anything else until I finished. Sue Hinkin ends her series with a well-deserved bang!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Snake Handler's Wife. I liked the story right from the start. It's not a typical mystery that needs to be solved because the villain is obvious. I really liked the relationships of Lucy Vega (news photographer) with her young son Henry, with her best friend Bea Middleton, with the animal vet Heath Sinclair, with Henry's half-sister Jaime, and with the menagerie of animals especially her beloved horse Odin. This book has a great flow and kept me reading well past my bedtime. I did manage to read it in one sitting!

[Emily C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SNAKE HANDLER’S WIFE is a tightly woven thriller coiled with tension and laced twists that would compel readers to keep turning pages!
I enjoyed the unwavering bond between Lucy Vega and Bea Middleton - a friendship forged in faith and fire, unshakable even in the face of danger.

Sue Hinkin delivers this thriller that is venomous in its best way, thick with creeping dread that would send fears slithering down your spine!

[Tom Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced entry in the thriller series finds Bea and Lucy caught up in an evil web spun by a cult leader who will go to any lengths to get what he wants. Newcomers to the series will have no trouble starting with this book, since the author deftly weaves in backstory elements. Family stakes and danger ramp up to a high pitch as the cult leader takes aim at Lucy and her son. I literally could not put this book down.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything more satisfying than seeing a horrible man get his comeuppance?? If you've got religious trauma, this might be a tough read or it might be an excellent way to work out some issues. Although this is a thriller with plenty of action, the characters and family dynamics are central to the story. Lucy and Bea's friendship is at the forefront - so awesome to see a thriller with competent women as friends and protagonists. I also loved hunky vet Heath and Tanya cracked me up.

[Corrine Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Snake Handler’s Wife is a tense, emotional thriller from award-winning author Sue Hinkin. Her mystery series blends cult intrigue, family drama and razor sharp suspense. Vega and Middleton return in top form, navigating danger both personal and professional in a story that grips from the first page.

[Books Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely thrilling! Hinkin delivers another page-turner in this latest installment of the Vega and Middleton mystery series. Full of betrayal, twists, and suspense, "The Snake Handler's Wife" is a must read.

[Marjorie McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulled me in right away and didn’t let go. I was completely caught up in Lucy’s fight to protect her family—Sue Hinkin knows exactly how to blend heart, suspense, and danger in a way that keeps you turning pages.

[Margaret Mizushima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hinkin amps up the tension in The Snake Handler's Wife. I love the Vega and Middleton Mysteries and book six is no exception. This one stands alone, but I highly recommend all of the series!

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway. I tried readibg it but I couldn't get into it.

[Carlo Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner.

The characters are so relatable it makes it easy to follow the twists and turns of this story. A joy to read this book even though I am afraid of snakes.

[Linda Behn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Enjoyed this book immensely. I found it hard to put down. I would recommend this book and author to any reader who loves a good mystery.

[Sue Hinkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's what some early reviewers have had to say about The Snake Handler's Wife:

•Darkly riveting and disturbingly real, The Snake Handler’s Wife features Hinkin’s most chilling villain yet. Move this edge-of-your-seat domestic thriller to the top of your reading queue. www.BestThrillers.com

•…a thrilling ending that makes for a worthy conclusion to the series. –Kirkus Reviews

•Vivid and memorable characters and relationships, a strong sense of place, a compelling story that flows naturally, fast, hair-raising action, romance and with as satisfying an ending as the beginning - it’s all there. Begs to be made into a movie. –Carolyn Olson Adams, Librarian Ret.

•Libraries seeking vivid suspense stories that simmer with the impact of an attractive cult following will find The Snake Handler's Wife nicely detailed, replete with tension and a blend of believable characters whose lives dovetail in unexpected ways. Suspense readers seeking an immersive story that portrays chaos, monsters, just desserts and unexpected twists will find The Snake Handler's Wife holds everything needed for a powerfully alluring delivery with a satisfyingly unexpected conclusion. –D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Snake Handler’s Wife by Sue Hinkin had me completely hooked from page one! It’s one of those thrillers that sneaks up on you. It starts with the ache of loneliness and family tension, then slowly coils into something far more sinister.

Lucy is doing her best to hold it all together while her partner, war reporter Michael, is off in Iraq. She’s got her little boy, Henry, and her Malibu ranch to manage. Enter Michael’s daughter, sweet but fragile, fresh out of addiction recovery, and desperate to connect. Against Michael’s warnings, Lucy opens her home and heart, hoping to build family ties. And at first, it feels like a cautious step toward healing.

But then the strange incidents start. A rattlesnake bite from a species that doesn’t even belong there, animal pens vandalized, and worst of all, a loaded gun found by Henry’s swing set. The dread just builds and builds as you realize someone is deliberately tightening the noose around Lucy’s safe world. And when the truth surfaces that a charismatic snake-handling cult leader has his sights on Lucy’s land and her son it becomes downright chilling.

Sue Hinkin knows how to layer suspense with emotional stakes. This isn’t just a thriller about danger, it's about trust, motherhood, vulnerability, and how love can make you brave even when fear is closing in.

Thank you Books Forward PR and Sue Hinkin for sharing this book with me!

[Melissa Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lucy’s partner leaves for a war reporting assignment in Iraq, she’s left alone on their remote Malibu ranch with her young son. Hoping to rebuild family ties, Lucy welcomes her partner’s troubled daughter Jaimie into their home and hires her to help with childcare. But when strange and increasingly dangerous incidents begin happening around the ranch, Lucy begins to suspect something far more sinister may be at work.

I ended up flying through this one.

Everyone loves a California religious cult, right? That aspect definitely kept me turning pages, and the multiple POV storytelling moved along seamlessly. My favorite part of the book was the friendship between Lucy and her longtime friend Bea Middleton. That relationship felt genuine, even coming into the book cold.

I picked this up without having read the earlier books in the series and had no trouble jumping right in.

If you’re in the mood for a quick, entertaining thriller with a memorable setting and a touch of cult intrigue, this one is an easy recommendation.