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Reservations: A Samantha Wright Crime Series
A brutal case. A haunted profiler. A killer hiding in plain sight.
When Special Agent Samantha Wright’s mentor dies while profiling a disturbing serial killer case known as “The Reservations Case,” she’s left to pick up the pieces—and finish what he started. Young Native American boys are being abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered across multiple states, and the trail leads deep into the heart of the American West.
Sam is no ordinary profiler. Gifted with an uncanny psychological insight and a darkly self-deprecating sense of humor, she sees patterns others miss. But as the case grows more complex—and culturally sensitive—she’ll need more than sharp instincts to bring the killer to justice.
With help from her commanding yet complicated boss, Special Agent Charlie Falken, and a skilled Cheyenne tracker, Will Little Bear, Sam must navigate the perilous intersection of federal law, reservation sovereignty, and cultural trauma. As tensions rise and bodies pile up, alliances deepen—and so do emotions.
RESERVATIONS is a gripping crime thriller that blends psychological suspense, romance, and a poignant exploration of Native culture into a haunting, high-stakes journey.
When Special Agent Samantha Wright’s mentor dies while profiling a disturbing serial killer case known as “The Reservations Case,” she’s left to pick up the pieces—and finish what he started. Young Native American boys are being abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered across multiple states, and the trail leads deep into the heart of the American West.
Sam is no ordinary profiler. Gifted with an uncanny psychological insight and a darkly self-deprecating sense of humor, she sees patterns others miss. But as the case grows more complex—and culturally sensitive—she’ll need more than sharp instincts to bring the killer to justice.
With help from her commanding yet complicated boss, Special Agent Charlie Falken, and a skilled Cheyenne tracker, Will Little Bear, Sam must navigate the perilous intersection of federal law, reservation sovereignty, and cultural trauma. As tensions rise and bodies pile up, alliances deepen—and so do emotions.
RESERVATIONS is a gripping crime thriller that blends psychological suspense, romance, and a poignant exploration of Native culture into a haunting, high-stakes journey.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2025
About the author
Theresa M. Janson
3 books7 followersAuthor Theresa Janson grew up in the Midwest and uprooted to Colorado in 1996. Writing has always been in her blood and now it’s on the pages of her first novel kicking off a series.
In March of 2017, writing came to Theresa as a gift in the form of dreams, after she demanded the universe give her a new life—what she likes to call a “do-over”. She began to dream the Samantha Wright series 2 days after she quit her job and filed for divorce. In these dreams, she sees her books unfold. She’s in the dream, but aloof. She never knows how the plot is going. The next day, Theresa records her dreams, which becomes chapters and then a book. Theresa knows when the story’s over when she sees a movie marquee in her dream with the title of the next book. She also dreamt the music to accompany scenes. She is now working on her 8th book in the series.
In March of 2017, writing came to Theresa as a gift in the form of dreams, after she demanded the universe give her a new life—what she likes to call a “do-over”. She began to dream the Samantha Wright series 2 days after she quit her job and filed for divorce. In these dreams, she sees her books unfold. She’s in the dream, but aloof. She never knows how the plot is going. The next day, Theresa records her dreams, which becomes chapters and then a book. Theresa knows when the story’s over when she sees a movie marquee in her dream with the title of the next book. She also dreamt the music to accompany scenes. She is now working on her 8th book in the series.
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August 20, 2025Dear readers, welcome to my dreams,
Words matter, especially in a certain order that evokes all the feelings and passions that you will derive from this book. Immerse yourself in a read that came from nightly visceral dreams telling me to write down what they were showing me. The dreams became words, those words became pages of what someone said to me, “a rare gem of genre crossover” written in first and third person so you know what all characters think and always feel. If you are looking for a book, the one beginning a series of seven books; then you should read Reservations: A Samantha Wright Crime Series and get your fill of crime procedural, thriller, suspense, romance, humor, spirituality and multi-cultural woven into a tapestry of satisfaction. It’s like taking the FBI, the Tribal Police and the Local Authorities, merging them into a locked room and making them work together to solve the murders.
Reservations began the story of my characters; Samantha Wright an FBI Profiler along with Will Little Bear the Native tracker, who have become family to me, plots that are original and thought provoking, engaging all your senses and making you emotionally invested in the story and in each character, wanting the next story, just as I want the next dream.
Catching a serial killer in the Western US reservations never had so many layers to it, saddle up and each layer will take your breath away. A brutal case, a haunted profiler and a killer hiding in plain sight.
Theresa Janson
Words matter, especially in a certain order that evokes all the feelings and passions that you will derive from this book. Immerse yourself in a read that came from nightly visceral dreams telling me to write down what they were showing me. The dreams became words, those words became pages of what someone said to me, “a rare gem of genre crossover” written in first and third person so you know what all characters think and always feel. If you are looking for a book, the one beginning a series of seven books; then you should read Reservations: A Samantha Wright Crime Series and get your fill of crime procedural, thriller, suspense, romance, humor, spirituality and multi-cultural woven into a tapestry of satisfaction. It’s like taking the FBI, the Tribal Police and the Local Authorities, merging them into a locked room and making them work together to solve the murders.
Reservations began the story of my characters; Samantha Wright an FBI Profiler along with Will Little Bear the Native tracker, who have become family to me, plots that are original and thought provoking, engaging all your senses and making you emotionally invested in the story and in each character, wanting the next story, just as I want the next dream.
Catching a serial killer in the Western US reservations never had so many layers to it, saddle up and each layer will take your breath away. A brutal case, a haunted profiler and a killer hiding in plain sight.
Theresa Janson
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December 22, 2025Reservations: A Samantha Wright Crime Series by Theresa Janson is a mystery/thriller about a contemporary FBI case involving a serial killer and children from indigenous tribes located throughout the United States. The main character grieves the loss of a mentor at the outset of the novel, which amplifies her motivation to solve the case in question. Along the way, she sifts through the intricacies and difficulties of romantic relationships.
This story fits squarely into the thriller/romance genre, and there are times when it feels a lot like a medical drama. The story itself is interesting—both the way the mystery ends and the romantic and somewhat sappy details about what it means to be in a life partnership relationship, even “in sickness.”
The main character has more than one PhD and a high IQ, so it’s natural that her stream of consciousness would be written with more intellectual phrasing and stiffness than other characters. The intense attention to detail also plays into this character type well.
The open-door intimacy scenes are frequently lifelike and full of realism, which helps them to flow in a natural manner. While some of the beginning scenes of attraction between the two romantic leads feel awkward, they effectively show the mutual attraction with some appealing details.
Research done for this novel was clearly in-depth, as the book deals with PTSD and trauma processing in realistic ways, as well as the way an agency handles a case, medical information about how injuries of different types are treated and how they heal, and information on the Cheyenne way of life and faith. These each added a level of depth to character development on a wide scale, as the cast throughout the book is diverse in background and situation. The balance between “strong female character” and “traditional/homemaker” lifestyles is done well, as is the notion that men can have healthy masculinity and also cherish traditions. The story comes across as poignant, and the author times the use of comic relief well.
Excellent character development and a satisfying ending successfully set up a second novel in the series. Reservations would benefit from a thorough editing pass, especially for pacing issues, but meeting the main character and following her story is certainly a fascinating journey.
This story fits squarely into the thriller/romance genre, and there are times when it feels a lot like a medical drama. The story itself is interesting—both the way the mystery ends and the romantic and somewhat sappy details about what it means to be in a life partnership relationship, even “in sickness.”
The main character has more than one PhD and a high IQ, so it’s natural that her stream of consciousness would be written with more intellectual phrasing and stiffness than other characters. The intense attention to detail also plays into this character type well.
The open-door intimacy scenes are frequently lifelike and full of realism, which helps them to flow in a natural manner. While some of the beginning scenes of attraction between the two romantic leads feel awkward, they effectively show the mutual attraction with some appealing details.
Research done for this novel was clearly in-depth, as the book deals with PTSD and trauma processing in realistic ways, as well as the way an agency handles a case, medical information about how injuries of different types are treated and how they heal, and information on the Cheyenne way of life and faith. These each added a level of depth to character development on a wide scale, as the cast throughout the book is diverse in background and situation. The balance between “strong female character” and “traditional/homemaker” lifestyles is done well, as is the notion that men can have healthy masculinity and also cherish traditions. The story comes across as poignant, and the author times the use of comic relief well.
Excellent character development and a satisfying ending successfully set up a second novel in the series. Reservations would benefit from a thorough editing pass, especially for pacing issues, but meeting the main character and following her story is certainly a fascinating journey.
July 23, 2025
Samantha Wright takes on a difficult multi-murder case from her mentor when he dies suddenly. She is a young FBI Profiler with real talent for solving crimes. This case takes her to Montana in the middle of winter with her part-time lover and boss Charlie. Once in Montana she needs a guide to take her to the area of the latest murder. She meets Will Little Bear and during their trek they find feelings for one another.
The plot takes many twists and turns with graphic crime scenes and romantic sex scenes. We learn a lot about the characters and their inner struggles while they catch the killer(s). The book is fast paced, the writing style is unique and rivetting and you want to be friends with the characters. I want more from this author.
I loved it!
The plot takes many twists and turns with graphic crime scenes and romantic sex scenes. We learn a lot about the characters and their inner struggles while they catch the killer(s). The book is fast paced, the writing style is unique and rivetting and you want to be friends with the characters. I want more from this author.
I loved it!
December 19, 2025
Reservations follows FBI profiler Samantha Wright as she’s pushed back into the hunt for a serial killer after the sudden death of her mentor and closest friend, Dr. Edmond Sampson. The story opens with grief, then moves fast into danger as Sam takes over the RESERVATIONS case, a string of murders involving young boys on reservations across the American West. Her past traumas, messy romantic entanglement with Special Agent Charlie Falken, and deep loyalty to Dr. Sampson color every choice she makes. The book blends crime, trauma, culture, and romance in a way that feels raw and intimate, almost like sitting beside Sam as she thinks her way through every dark corner of the investigation.
I liked how emotional the writing feels. The author doesn’t rush through Sam’s pain. She lets it sit there, real and jagged. Sam grieves her mentor with this quiet, private sorrow that feels heavy and familiar. At the same time, the pacing snaps between slow internal moments and sudden shocks. The memories of the BAKER’S DOZEN case are especially rough. The writing keeps things personal. It doesn’t pretend Sam is made of steel. She’s brilliant, but she’s tired, haunted, and sometimes unsure, and I liked her more because of that.
The mix of genres also surprised me in a good way. The romantic scenes with Charlie are blunt, sweaty, flawed, and full of emotional landmines. They’re not polished or dreamy. They feel like two people clinging to each other because they don’t know what else to do with their hurt. Then the story swings into investigative mode with sharp detail and a steady buildup of dread. The casework feels grounded and tense, especially when Sam revisits crime scenes or pieces together old trauma with new evidence. The writing is vivid.
I’d recommend Reservations to readers who enjoy crime fiction with strong emotional depth and a protagonist who feels human in all the best and hardest ways. It’s especially fitting for people who like stories that dive into trauma, culture, identity, and the complicated ties we form with the people who shape us. If you want a thriller with heart and heat, something that grips you and makes you feel a little raw by the end, this book will get you there.
I liked how emotional the writing feels. The author doesn’t rush through Sam’s pain. She lets it sit there, real and jagged. Sam grieves her mentor with this quiet, private sorrow that feels heavy and familiar. At the same time, the pacing snaps between slow internal moments and sudden shocks. The memories of the BAKER’S DOZEN case are especially rough. The writing keeps things personal. It doesn’t pretend Sam is made of steel. She’s brilliant, but she’s tired, haunted, and sometimes unsure, and I liked her more because of that.
The mix of genres also surprised me in a good way. The romantic scenes with Charlie are blunt, sweaty, flawed, and full of emotional landmines. They’re not polished or dreamy. They feel like two people clinging to each other because they don’t know what else to do with their hurt. Then the story swings into investigative mode with sharp detail and a steady buildup of dread. The casework feels grounded and tense, especially when Sam revisits crime scenes or pieces together old trauma with new evidence. The writing is vivid.
I’d recommend Reservations to readers who enjoy crime fiction with strong emotional depth and a protagonist who feels human in all the best and hardest ways. It’s especially fitting for people who like stories that dive into trauma, culture, identity, and the complicated ties we form with the people who shape us. If you want a thriller with heart and heat, something that grips you and makes you feel a little raw by the end, this book will get you there.
November 8, 2025
I picked up Reservations after hearing Maestro Laycon mention it as a must-read for fans of intelligent thrillers and I’m so glad I did. Theresa Janson has crafted a haunting and emotionally charged crime novel that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
The story follows Special Agent Samantha Wright, a brilliant yet haunted FBI profiler determined to solve a gruesome series of murders targeting young Native American boys. When her mentor dies mid-investigation, Sam steps in to continue the hunt for a serial killer hiding in plain sight. Alongside her complicated boss, Charlie Falken, and a gifted Cheyenne tracker, Will Little Bear, Sam dives into a case that blurs the lines between justice, culture, and trauma.
What impressed me most was Janson’s balance of psychological suspense, cultural sensitivity, and deep character work. Sam isn’t your typical agent she’s flawed, funny, and fiercely human. The author doesn’t shy away from the dark truths about reservation life or the systemic challenges surrounding law enforcement.
It’s fast-paced, gripping, and surprisingly spiritual at moments. The chemistry between the characters and the depth of emotional conflict make it much more than a standard procedural. Maestro Laycon was right—this one’s worth every page.
The story follows Special Agent Samantha Wright, a brilliant yet haunted FBI profiler determined to solve a gruesome series of murders targeting young Native American boys. When her mentor dies mid-investigation, Sam steps in to continue the hunt for a serial killer hiding in plain sight. Alongside her complicated boss, Charlie Falken, and a gifted Cheyenne tracker, Will Little Bear, Sam dives into a case that blurs the lines between justice, culture, and trauma.
What impressed me most was Janson’s balance of psychological suspense, cultural sensitivity, and deep character work. Sam isn’t your typical agent she’s flawed, funny, and fiercely human. The author doesn’t shy away from the dark truths about reservation life or the systemic challenges surrounding law enforcement.
It’s fast-paced, gripping, and surprisingly spiritual at moments. The chemistry between the characters and the depth of emotional conflict make it much more than a standard procedural. Maestro Laycon was right—this one’s worth every page.
November 15, 2025
I recently picked up Reservations after hearing glowing recommendations from my Book Club Group, and I’m already hooked. Theresa Janson crafts a chilling and complex thriller that balances intense crime investigation with moments of dark humor and genuine heart. Special Agent Samantha Wright is a fascinating protagonist her psychological insight and self-deprecating wit make her both relatable and compelling.
The story plunges you into the tragic, high-stakes world of abductions and murders on Native American reservations, exploring not only the procedural side of the investigation but also the cultural and emotional layers behind it. The interplay between Sam, her boss Charlie Falken, and the Cheyenne tracker Will Little Bear adds depth, tension, and even sparks of romance.
The pacing is fast, the suspense is gripping, and Janson handles sensitive topics with care and nuance. I’m already invested in seeing how Sam navigates this dangerous case and the personal challenges along the way. Definitely a must-read for crime thriller fans who enjoy a mix of action, mystery, and cultural insight.
The story plunges you into the tragic, high-stakes world of abductions and murders on Native American reservations, exploring not only the procedural side of the investigation but also the cultural and emotional layers behind it. The interplay between Sam, her boss Charlie Falken, and the Cheyenne tracker Will Little Bear adds depth, tension, and even sparks of romance.
The pacing is fast, the suspense is gripping, and Janson handles sensitive topics with care and nuance. I’m already invested in seeing how Sam navigates this dangerous case and the personal challenges along the way. Definitely a must-read for crime thriller fans who enjoy a mix of action, mystery, and cultural insight.
November 15, 2025
I started Reservations after Maestro Laycon recommended it, and it’s proving to be an unputdownable read. Theresa Janson’s storytelling is immersive blending a gripping serial killer investigation with moments of wit, romance, and cultural exploration. Special Agent Samantha Wright is an extraordinary character, gifted with uncanny psychological insight and a sense of humor that offsets the dark subject matter.
The narrative takes you deep into the American West, as Sam tackles a series of horrific crimes against Native American boys, navigating federal law, reservation sovereignty, and cultural trauma. The supporting characters Charlie Falken and Will Little Bear add emotional depth and dynamic tension, making the story feel both thrilling and grounded.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the balance of suspense, action, and character-driven moments. Janson’s ability to handle sensitive issues thoughtfully while keeping the plot electrifying makes this book a standout in modern crime thrillers. Excited to see how the investigation unfolds!
The narrative takes you deep into the American West, as Sam tackles a series of horrific crimes against Native American boys, navigating federal law, reservation sovereignty, and cultural trauma. The supporting characters Charlie Falken and Will Little Bear add emotional depth and dynamic tension, making the story feel both thrilling and grounded.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the balance of suspense, action, and character-driven moments. Janson’s ability to handle sensitive issues thoughtfully while keeping the plot electrifying makes this book a standout in modern crime thrillers. Excited to see how the investigation unfolds!
October 26, 2025
This book reminds me of a quote I read once from a Jane Austin book, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
In this book, Will Little Bear, knew he needed love in his life, but did not know what deep, unconditional love could be until he met FBI Profiler, Samantha Wright. She came to the Cheyenne reservation to solve the serial murders that were happening there, and that began their incredible love journey. She brought him connecting "dreams", twin flames, and the real meaning of what true soulmates mean. Sam's uncanny intellect and unwavering search for the truth are incredible!
Truly a fabulous read about two people's love journey who find a profound, enduring, and emotional connection that is built on mutual acceptance, respect, and unwavering support! Be ready for a twist at the end, just when you think the characters are who they say they are, think again!
In this book, Will Little Bear, knew he needed love in his life, but did not know what deep, unconditional love could be until he met FBI Profiler, Samantha Wright. She came to the Cheyenne reservation to solve the serial murders that were happening there, and that began their incredible love journey. She brought him connecting "dreams", twin flames, and the real meaning of what true soulmates mean. Sam's uncanny intellect and unwavering search for the truth are incredible!
Truly a fabulous read about two people's love journey who find a profound, enduring, and emotional connection that is built on mutual acceptance, respect, and unwavering support! Be ready for a twist at the end, just when you think the characters are who they say they are, think again!
October 14, 2025
I first heard about Reservations from Maestro Laycon’s literary circle, and I’m glad I picked it up. The novel captures a dark and emotional investigation that merges federal law enforcement with Native American culture and trauma.
Theresa Janson’s writing is vivid and cinematic. The protagonist, Samantha Wright, isn’t your typical agent her intuition, empathy, and sarcasm make her incredibly real. The pacing occasionally slows for introspection, but that’s what gives the story weight.
For readers who enjoy crime fiction with intelligence, heart, and cultural depth, Reservations is an outstanding read.
Theresa Janson’s writing is vivid and cinematic. The protagonist, Samantha Wright, isn’t your typical agent her intuition, empathy, and sarcasm make her incredibly real. The pacing occasionally slows for introspection, but that’s what gives the story weight.
For readers who enjoy crime fiction with intelligence, heart, and cultural depth, Reservations is an outstanding read.
March 14, 2026
"In my view, a truly exceptional book must possess a compelling storyline and high-calibre prose. Reservations by Theresa Janson delivers these qualities in abundance, capturing my attention from the very first page. Janson demonstrates a remarkable talent for weaving intricate suspense with intense, well-balanced romantic elements, ensuring the narrative remains fluid and engaging throughout. While I am always saddened to reach the conclusion of a story this captivating, I am delighted that this is only the beginning of the Samantha Wright series. Having already enjoyed the follow-up, The Last Profile, I am eagerly anticipating the next instalment in this stellar series."
October 14, 2025
Our book club heard about Reservations through word of mouth and immediately knew it would make for great discussion and it did! Everyone was hooked from the first chapter.
The mix of murder, mystery, romance, and cultural reflection makes this book stand out in the crime genre. Samantha Wright is one of the most memorable female protagonists we’ve read in a while flawed, fierce, and deeply intuitive.
Theresa Janson doesn’t just write about crime; she writes about conscience. The story lingers, and we’ll definitely be adding the next Samantha Wright book to our reading list.
The mix of murder, mystery, romance, and cultural reflection makes this book stand out in the crime genre. Samantha Wright is one of the most memorable female protagonists we’ve read in a while flawed, fierce, and deeply intuitive.
Theresa Janson doesn’t just write about crime; she writes about conscience. The story lingers, and we’ll definitely be adding the next Samantha Wright book to our reading list.
December 25, 2025
Great story line; too much sex
I’m not a prude but at times this is a ‘bodice ripper’ when it definitely does not need to be. I skipped over the graphic sex parts. Would like to read the next book and probably will. Hope there’s less sex.
I’m not a prude but at times this is a ‘bodice ripper’ when it definitely does not need to be. I skipped over the graphic sex parts. Would like to read the next book and probably will. Hope there’s less sex.
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