Sealed in Blood: A twisty small town murder mystery

by Dawn Merriman

Stalked by a serial killer—her own father.
Private Investigator Izzy Carter has spent her life running from the shadows of her past. Her father, the infamous serial killer Isaac Keyes, vanished two decades ago, but now he’s back. Watching her. Hunting her.
When Izzy’s best friend is accused of a brutal murder, the past and present collide. The police are convinced they’ve caught their killer, but Izzy knows better. To save her friend, she must find the real murderer before it’s too late.
And then there’s him—the enigmatic Mr. X. Dangerous. Magnetic. Impossible to trust… and even harder to resist.
With her father closing in and a killer still at large, Izzy must race to uncover the truth before she becomes the next name on his list.
If you like small town murder mysteries with crazy twists, you’ll love “Sealed in Blood,” Book 2 in the Izzy Carter Mysteries series.
Download now and escape into this heart pounding mystery.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2025

About the author

Dawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.

Reviews

[Donna Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery & Suspense at it's Best

I've read many mystery series, but this won takes the prize as best all round. Love the characters Izzy is phenomenal and funny. Great from beginning to end and leaves you wanting the next case.

[Thompson615 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

This book was excellent! When Izzy’s best friend is arrested for murder, Izzy gets straight to work on the case. Adding to the case, the FBI have told her that her father is near. This book was impossible to put down! I can’t wait for more!

[Jennifer A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story!!

This is an amazing book! I never guessed “whodunnit” until the characters were revealed. It was hard to put down & I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out about the cliffhanger at the end of this book. Highly recommend!!!

[Wendell Zetterberg jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a page turner!

I am loving Izzy Carter and already looking forward to book 3! Lots of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great new series

I loved this book. So many great characters and a storyline that keeps you reading long after you should have stopped for the day. So good!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

Really enjoyed book 2. Kept me in suspense until the end. Loved how it ended. Can’t wait for book 3!!

[Cindy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

Loved this book and can't wait for the next one!! Thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat!

[Bob Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable series. Twists and good pacing keep you engaged through the entire book.
Looking forward to the next instalment.

[Mrs Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

No!

I need to know what happens next! There are far too many unanswered questions! Good grief this author is amazing! I’m addicted to these books.

[Shirley Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic read

I really enjoyed this 2nd book in the series, can’t wait for the next instalment, don’t keep us waiting too long please!