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22 days and 09:16:35
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Pen & Dagger #2
Staged Evidence
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
22 days and 09:16:35
3 copies available
U.S. only
From the queen of clean romantic suspense—one terrified witness, one unsuspecting Broadway playwright, and a killer who won’t stop until the final curtain falls.
When Tessa Seidel delivers costumes to a Manhattan television studio late at night, she expects an empty set—not a murder scene. After stumbling upon a woman’s body and nearly being attacked by a man fleeing the scene, Tessa escapes with no idea who to trust—and a fear that the killer knows who she is.
Desperate, she runs to a friend’s beach house in the Hamptons, where Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer is retreating to finish his next script. But he knows danger when he sees it and offers to shelter Tessa, even when they find out she is being accused of committing the murder.
Back in Manhattan, CIA operatives Kimber Seidel and Brandon Hale realize Tessa is being framed. But with a powerful suspect manipulating the investigation, clearing Tessa’s name won’t be easy.
If they can’t unravel the truth in time, Tessa won’t just be the prime suspect—she’ll be the next victim.
When Tessa Seidel delivers costumes to a Manhattan television studio late at night, she expects an empty set—not a murder scene. After stumbling upon a woman’s body and nearly being attacked by a man fleeing the scene, Tessa escapes with no idea who to trust—and a fear that the killer knows who she is.
Desperate, she runs to a friend’s beach house in the Hamptons, where Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer is retreating to finish his next script. But he knows danger when he sees it and offers to shelter Tessa, even when they find out she is being accused of committing the murder.
Back in Manhattan, CIA operatives Kimber Seidel and Brandon Hale realize Tessa is being framed. But with a powerful suspect manipulating the investigation, clearing Tessa’s name won’t be easy.
If they can’t unravel the truth in time, Tessa won’t just be the prime suspect—she’ll be the next victim.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 7, 2026
1848 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hunter Abramson
66 books1,969 followersTraci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Edge of your seat suspenseful!
Tessa Seidel stumbles onto a murder at a TV studio and narrowly escapes, only to be framed for the crime. Hiding at a Hampton's beach house with playwright Parker Sawyer, she becomes the target of a dangerous conspiracy. But as CIA operatives race to uncover the truth, Tessa must survive long enough to prove her innocence...
What you'll love:
on the run/hiding out
multiple pov
framed for a crime
forced proximity
hidden truths
protective MMC
character cameos
super sweet romance!!!
AHHH!! Traci has done it again! This romantic suspense delivered on ALL FRONTS, and I could not put it down. It’s a fantastic blend of humor and wit, compelling characters, an unsolvable mystery, heart-pounding suspense, and a super sweet romance. Add in the fact that we still get POV from my two favorite characters from the first book, and is it any wonder I’m calling this one a must-read?!
There were so many clever twists and turns, and the way Traci wove Parker’s playwright career into the plot was pure genius. I absolutely loved the romance between Parker and Tessa. It was super sweet and not insta-love, but more of an insta-connection that grew naturally from there. Parker was so protective of Tessa, but I loved that she was just as protective of him right back!
The mystery kept me guessing until the very end (dang Traci and all those red herrings!), and I loved every minute of trying to figure out whodunit. And seriously, those suspense scenes had me turning pages long past my bedtime. But honestly…when have I ever been able to put a Traci book down??
If romantic suspense with twists, tension, and swoony moments is your thing, you don’t want to miss this one!!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Tessa Seidel stumbles onto a murder at a TV studio and narrowly escapes, only to be framed for the crime. Hiding at a Hampton's beach house with playwright Parker Sawyer, she becomes the target of a dangerous conspiracy. But as CIA operatives race to uncover the truth, Tessa must survive long enough to prove her innocence...
What you'll love:
on the run/hiding out
multiple pov
framed for a crime
forced proximity
hidden truths
protective MMC
character cameos
super sweet romance!!!
AHHH!! Traci has done it again! This romantic suspense delivered on ALL FRONTS, and I could not put it down. It’s a fantastic blend of humor and wit, compelling characters, an unsolvable mystery, heart-pounding suspense, and a super sweet romance. Add in the fact that we still get POV from my two favorite characters from the first book, and is it any wonder I’m calling this one a must-read?!
There were so many clever twists and turns, and the way Traci wove Parker’s playwright career into the plot was pure genius. I absolutely loved the romance between Parker and Tessa. It was super sweet and not insta-love, but more of an insta-connection that grew naturally from there. Parker was so protective of Tessa, but I loved that she was just as protective of him right back!
The mystery kept me guessing until the very end (dang Traci and all those red herrings!), and I loved every minute of trying to figure out whodunit. And seriously, those suspense scenes had me turning pages long past my bedtime. But honestly…when have I ever been able to put a Traci book down??
If romantic suspense with twists, tension, and swoony moments is your thing, you don’t want to miss this one!!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
Just running a late-night errand for her boss, Tessa (25yo) doesn’t expect to end up finding a murdered woman and fleeing from the scene. Parker (28yo) gets inspiration for his new mystery play from the woman who shows up on his uncle’s doorstep in the middle of the night. And Detective Murray is determined to apprehend Tessa quickly to clear away all the negative publicity from his last case.
With the first book being about Tessa’s sister and love interest, I expected this sequel to focus on Tessa and Parker in the same way, but Kimber and Brandon have large roles to play in this second book. I enjoyed being part of the action on all sides as the points of view switched between the sisters, those trying to help prove Tessa’s innocence, and those trying to prove Tessa’s guilt. Nothing about the case is straightforward, which puts readers right where they want to be, searching through the clues with everyone else before it’s too late.
The majority of characters are implied White. The mature content rating is for kissing and illegal activity. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, blood and gore, mentions of bombs, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Just running a late-night errand for her boss, Tessa (25yo) doesn’t expect to end up finding a murdered woman and fleeing from the scene. Parker (28yo) gets inspiration for his new mystery play from the woman who shows up on his uncle’s doorstep in the middle of the night. And Detective Murray is determined to apprehend Tessa quickly to clear away all the negative publicity from his last case.
With the first book being about Tessa’s sister and love interest, I expected this sequel to focus on Tessa and Parker in the same way, but Kimber and Brandon have large roles to play in this second book. I enjoyed being part of the action on all sides as the points of view switched between the sisters, those trying to help prove Tessa’s innocence, and those trying to prove Tessa’s guilt. Nothing about the case is straightforward, which puts readers right where they want to be, searching through the clues with everyone else before it’s too late.
The majority of characters are implied White. The mature content rating is for kissing and illegal activity. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, blood and gore, mentions of bombs, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this story, a woman witnesses a murder and is falsely accused of it. She was only dropping off some clothes for the upcoming shoot. She sees something that was deadly. People begin to search for her. While CIA agents work to clear her name, she runs to the only place she feels secure, which has her banging on the playwright's door. I liked how the agents used creative techniques to gather and exchange information. The setting was fun, I enjoyed the charming romance, and the variety of characters. It is a fun escape.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Traci Hunter Abramson is so great with suspense! It took me so long to figure out who could possibly be the murderer in this book. Tessa, Kimber Seidel's sister, stumbles onto a murder scene and because who she assumes is the murderer chases her, she runs away. With her purse and phone left behind, she is being framed for the murder and doesn't know where to turn. As she tries to find her sister at a writers' getaway, she ends up meeting Parker Sawyer, a Broadway playwright. They find a place to hide out until they can hopefully find the proof they need that Tessa is innocent.
Kimber and Brandon work to figure this out before more people are murdered or Tessa is arrested. The romance is fun, the mystery is thrilling, the characters are endearing. Very enjoyable romantic suspense!
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
Come back to your Review on the pub date, Apr 07 2026, to post to retailers.
Kimber and Brandon work to figure this out before more people are murdered or Tessa is arrested. The romance is fun, the mystery is thrilling, the characters are endearing. Very enjoyable romantic suspense!
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
Come back to your Review on the pub date, Apr 07 2026, to post to retailers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! This was a great second book with Kimber and Brandon! A murder, a possibly framed suspect, a young playwrite, a hideaway from the world, and tons of intrigue.
Tessa is delivering costumes to a TV studio shoot when she hears a scream and finds someone murdered. But as someone grabs her, thinking it is the killer, she runs. She tries to do the right thing and report it to the police, but sees the man who accosted her at the police station and runs. What begins as an easy delivery turns into a nightmare. The only bright side, Parker, a young playwrite, who helps her.
I can say more, it would give to much away. I enjoyed this one!
Thank you to netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to read an early release.
Tessa is delivering costumes to a TV studio shoot when she hears a scream and finds someone murdered. But as someone grabs her, thinking it is the killer, she runs. She tries to do the right thing and report it to the police, but sees the man who accosted her at the police station and runs. What begins as an easy delivery turns into a nightmare. The only bright side, Parker, a young playwrite, who helps her.
I can say more, it would give to much away. I enjoyed this one!
Thank you to netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to read an early release.
November 30, 2025
What if the evidence is wrong?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Tessa was simply making a late night costume delivery to a TV studio when she discovers a body. Then she discovers she is the prime suspect and that the lead detective has a history of wrongful convictions. Now she must put her trust in a stranger to keep her hidden while her sister tracks down the real suspect. A great read you’ll enjoy. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Tessa was simply making a late night costume delivery to a TV studio when she discovers a body. Then she discovers she is the prime suspect and that the lead detective has a history of wrongful convictions. Now she must put her trust in a stranger to keep her hidden while her sister tracks down the real suspect. A great read you’ll enjoy. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This kept me on my toes the entire time!
Kimber’s sister, Tessa, is wrongly accused of murder. Kimber is joined by Brandon in working against the clock to prove her sister is innocent.
I loved seeing characters from the first Pen and Dagger book, and it was just so much fun even though Tessa’s life was at stake, and she thought she was headed for a life in prison, if her sister and Brandon didn’t come through for her, and oh, they did!
My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.
Kimber’s sister, Tessa, is wrongly accused of murder. Kimber is joined by Brandon in working against the clock to prove her sister is innocent.
I loved seeing characters from the first Pen and Dagger book, and it was just so much fun even though Tessa’s life was at stake, and she thought she was headed for a life in prison, if her sister and Brandon didn’t come through for her, and oh, they did!
My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.
Read
March 7, 2026#StagedEvidence #NetGalley
This is a sequel to Novel Threat, but it could be read as a stand-alone novel. A late-night delivery to a recoding studio is not what Tessa had planned. Being at the scene of a murder and accused of being the killer wasn't in her plans either. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Tessa finds herself on the run or be wrongfully accused of murder. I read this book pretty quickly. There were many twists and turns. It was so good.
This is a sequel to Novel Threat, but it could be read as a stand-alone novel. A late-night delivery to a recoding studio is not what Tessa had planned. Being at the scene of a murder and accused of being the killer wasn't in her plans either. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Tessa finds herself on the run or be wrongfully accused of murder. I read this book pretty quickly. There were many twists and turns. It was so good.
Read
February 21, 2026Such a great sequel to Novel Threat. This story centered around Tessa, but I liked that Brandon and Kimber were still part of the story. This was an interesting mystery and intriguing to read. The last few chapters were very intense. I hope there is another book in the series l, maybe featuring Mark?! Recommend for fans of suspense/mysteries.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
March 8, 2026
I loved this second Pen and Dagger book more than the first! There is so much suspense and mystery and some romance and I loved it all! It grabbed my attention from the start, and I didn’t want to put it down! And I didn’t figure out whodunit until right about the same time the characters did, and I love that!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 28, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was unaware that this is the second in a series however I enjoyed this without reading the first one. Exciting with some romance thrown in. Highly recommend.
December 4, 2025
Second book in the Pen and Dagger series. Built on previous characters and added new ones, so definitely read the first book before this one. Interesting way to use playwrighting and scripts and TV stars to move the story forward. Always love a good murder mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved being back in this new world that Traci has created! It was a lot of fun trying to figure out this mystery. It was also not too heavy which made it a quick and fun read.
Light and sweet romance
Mystery & Suspense
Framed murder
Light and sweet romance
Mystery & Suspense
Framed murder
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Second book in the Pen and Dagger series. Built on previous characters and added new ones, so definitely read the first book before this one. Interesting way to use playwrighting and scripts and TV stars to move the story forward. Always love a good murder mystery.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews