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Kate Fox #12
Scorched Line: Kate Fox, Book 12
When her estranged mother becomes the target of a killer, Kate must decide whether blood truly outweighs betrayal.
Marguerite Fox is back.
Three years after vanishing without a word, the woman who shattered Kate's family has returned to the Sandhills—and this time, someone wants her dead.
A shot fired. A chase through open country. Suddenly, Kate is forced to do the face a past she thought was buried. With her siblings on edge, threats circling closer, and trust wearing thin, protecting her family might mean protecting the one person she can't forgive.
But Marguerite has secrets buried deeper than prairie roots—and she's not done making deals. As loyalties shift and old wounds rip open, Kate must choose between justice and family… before someone else makes the choice for her.
Marguerite Fox is back.
Three years after vanishing without a word, the woman who shattered Kate's family has returned to the Sandhills—and this time, someone wants her dead.
A shot fired. A chase through open country. Suddenly, Kate is forced to do the face a past she thought was buried. With her siblings on edge, threats circling closer, and trust wearing thin, protecting her family might mean protecting the one person she can't forgive.
But Marguerite has secrets buried deeper than prairie roots—and she's not done making deals. As loyalties shift and old wounds rip open, Kate must choose between justice and family… before someone else makes the choice for her.
Audible Audio
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Shannon Baker
45 books294 followersShannon Baker writes mysteries about strong women in dangerous situations. Her books are set in the iconic landscapes of the American West, from the Colorado Rockies to the Nebraska prairies, to the deserts of southern Arizona. Baker spent 20 years in the Nebraska Sandhills, where cattle outnumber people by more than 50:1, and too few years living on Colorado’s front range. Her dark suspense, The Desert Behind Me, is a 2019 Winner of the New Mexico/Arizona Book Award.
Seconds before quitting writing forever and taking up competitive drinking, Shannon was voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2014 Writer of the Year and, buoyed with that confidence, continued to write, earning another RMFW Writer of the Year nod in 2017-18. Shannon makes her home in Tucson where she enjoys cocktails by the pool, breathtaking sunsets, a crazy Weimaraner, and killing people (in the pages of her books).
A lover of the outdoors, she can be found backpacking in the Rockies, traipsing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, skiing mountains and plains, kayaking lakes, river running, hiking, cycling, and scuba diving whenever she gets the chance. Arizona sunsets notwithstanding, Baker is, and always will be, a Nebraska Husker, heartbreaking as the last two decades have been. Go Big Red.
Seconds before quitting writing forever and taking up competitive drinking, Shannon was voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2014 Writer of the Year and, buoyed with that confidence, continued to write, earning another RMFW Writer of the Year nod in 2017-18. Shannon makes her home in Tucson where she enjoys cocktails by the pool, breathtaking sunsets, a crazy Weimaraner, and killing people (in the pages of her books).
A lover of the outdoors, she can be found backpacking in the Rockies, traipsing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, skiing mountains and plains, kayaking lakes, river running, hiking, cycling, and scuba diving whenever she gets the chance. Arizona sunsets notwithstanding, Baker is, and always will be, a Nebraska Husker, heartbreaking as the last two decades have been. Go Big Red.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 4, 2026
Family drama takes center stage in this 12th installment in the Kate Fox series. Kate’s mother has come out of hiding and returned to town bringing chaos with her. Loyalties are tested and relationships are strained as Kate’s family grapples with Marguerite’s reappearance. She’s not only being hunted by the FBI. Someone wants her dead.
Due to the ongoing family story arc woven through this series, this book in particular doesn’t function well as a standalone. Series fans will appreciate a bit of closure to Marguerite’s story. This is a solid addition to this entertaining series and the foreshadowing for the next book heightens anticipation for what’s coming next.
Due to the ongoing family story arc woven through this series, this book in particular doesn’t function well as a standalone. Series fans will appreciate a bit of closure to Marguerite’s story. This is a solid addition to this entertaining series and the foreshadowing for the next book heightens anticipation for what’s coming next.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Scorched Line by Shannon Baker is a highly recommended mystery and the twelfth book in the Kate Fox series set in the Sandhills of Nebraska. This time out all the action is focused on family drama.
All of the Fox family is rallying after their sister Louisa was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She is heading to the hospital for a lumpectomy and has instructions for everyone to keep things running smoothly. At the same time, Kate has picked up several clues that point to their estranged mother Marguerite being back in the area. Complicating matters are Louisa having to stay in the hospital longer than expected, a stranger in town making friends with Kate's siblings, and the FBI is back looking for Marguerite.
The novel moves at a fast-pace following Kate Fox and the on-going family drama, although this time the plot wasn't as complicated or intricate as past novels in the series. The final denouement is predictable, but the drama leading up to it will hold your interest as deceptions and lies are exposed. The question of choosing between legal justice and family, is well played, and Kate's determination to protect her family while struggling with betrayal is a poignant plot element, but honestly, it would be nice to have the whole Marguerite story line done. At the same time Kate's employer, and friend, are still missing in Chile and the novel ends with a hint at the direction the next novel will head.
This is really a series that is best enjoyed by fans who have been following it because of all the backstory I've read several books in it, but still lose track of how some of the characters are connected. Each novel does have an investigation of some kind as the focus, but along with that is the importance of Kate's role in and relationship with her family and other series regulars. Thanks to Severn River Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
All of the Fox family is rallying after their sister Louisa was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She is heading to the hospital for a lumpectomy and has instructions for everyone to keep things running smoothly. At the same time, Kate has picked up several clues that point to their estranged mother Marguerite being back in the area. Complicating matters are Louisa having to stay in the hospital longer than expected, a stranger in town making friends with Kate's siblings, and the FBI is back looking for Marguerite.
The novel moves at a fast-pace following Kate Fox and the on-going family drama, although this time the plot wasn't as complicated or intricate as past novels in the series. The final denouement is predictable, but the drama leading up to it will hold your interest as deceptions and lies are exposed. The question of choosing between legal justice and family, is well played, and Kate's determination to protect her family while struggling with betrayal is a poignant plot element, but honestly, it would be nice to have the whole Marguerite story line done. At the same time Kate's employer, and friend, are still missing in Chile and the novel ends with a hint at the direction the next novel will head.
This is really a series that is best enjoyed by fans who have been following it because of all the backstory I've read several books in it, but still lose track of how some of the characters are connected. Each novel does have an investigation of some kind as the focus, but along with that is the importance of Kate's role in and relationship with her family and other series regulars. Thanks to Severn River Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with the Fox clan at Louise's prior to her go in to have surgery for cancer. Kate has agreed to stay with the younger kids until Louise gets back. While there, she winds up going downstairs and discovers a hole in the wall believing it was caused by a mouse. When she went to her house to get material to repair the wall, she found Deena there who asked if she could stay since her new place was being remodeled. Things changed quite a bit with the discovery that Kate's mom was back. Kate's mom had been on the run and had gone to Canada to escape the law. Kate's mom when questioned wound up lying. Kate made a decision to take her mother to Omaha so she could turn herself in. Someone else had other ideas since the two were shot at. Things finally came to a head and a firefight happened.
To learn why Kate's mom came back, who was trying to shoot Kate's mom and why and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. It is well worth it and you won't be disappointed!
The story begins with the Fox clan at Louise's prior to her go in to have surgery for cancer. Kate has agreed to stay with the younger kids until Louise gets back. While there, she winds up going downstairs and discovers a hole in the wall believing it was caused by a mouse. When she went to her house to get material to repair the wall, she found Deena there who asked if she could stay since her new place was being remodeled. Things changed quite a bit with the discovery that Kate's mom was back. Kate's mom had been on the run and had gone to Canada to escape the law. Kate's mom when questioned wound up lying. Kate made a decision to take her mother to Omaha so she could turn herself in. Someone else had other ideas since the two were shot at. Things finally came to a head and a firefight happened.
To learn why Kate's mom came back, who was trying to shoot Kate's mom and why and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. It is well worth it and you won't be disappointed!
April 2, 2026
All members of the Fox family, except Marguerite, are at Lousie's house the day she is set to go to the hospital to have her surgery. Everyone is concerned because she has cancer and they have put their small disputes aside to help their older sister. But Kate is also concerned about their mother, she has found in her home traces that she used to leave around the house when she still was in Nebraska and the FBI agent involved with her case is back in town. He tells Kate that her mother's partner had been murdered in Canada and that she has vanished which confirms that she is back in town. Its a haunting moment for Kate as she meets her mother again and the feelings of love and anger gets mixed up and she wants her mother, who claims she is innocent, to present herself to the FBI. The story will have a heartbreaking turn when the members of the Fox family will learn that the mother they thought they had is a cover for the bad person who is back in town. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Kate Fox is back and firmly entrenched in her family’s dramas – sister recovering from cancer surgery, favorite brother not speaking to her. . . and her fugitive mother has secretly returned. Kate is torn in different directions as she deals with her mother’s issues. The last 25% of the book flies by as Kate uses her sheriff training to apprehend her mother and the mysterious person shooting at them all. I love Kate and her messy family but I love her best when she’s doing police work. (Am I the only one still mad at Louise for spearheading the recall vote, causing Kate to lose the job she loved? I don’t care how qualified the new sheriff is, or how much Kate loves looking after cattle – Kate didn’t deserve that treatment and I can’t believe she has forgiven her sister for it. You still haven’t sold me on that one, Shannon Baker!) Kate’s passport arriving at the end of the book signals a trip to South America and more detective work in the next book – can’t wait!
April 2, 2026
Scorched Line offers a mix of family drama and mystery, with more focus on emotions than investigation. The story centres on Kate’s family as they deal with Louisa’s illness while also facing the return of their estranged mother.
The book is easy to read and moves at a steady pace. The author handles the emotional elements well, making Kate's inner conflict clear. However, the mystery itself is fairly simple and may feel predictable at times.
Readers who have followed the series will likely enjoy the ongoing storylines and character connections. New readers, however, may find it harder to keep track of relationships and past events.
Overall, it is a solid but not standout entry in the series. It works best as part of the larger story rather than as a standalone novel.
Thank you, EdelWeiss, for sharing an advanced review copy for review.
The book is easy to read and moves at a steady pace. The author handles the emotional elements well, making Kate's inner conflict clear. However, the mystery itself is fairly simple and may feel predictable at times.
Readers who have followed the series will likely enjoy the ongoing storylines and character connections. New readers, however, may find it harder to keep track of relationships and past events.
Overall, it is a solid but not standout entry in the series. It works best as part of the larger story rather than as a standalone novel.
Thank you, EdelWeiss, for sharing an advanced review copy for review.
April 2, 2026
After a few odd occurrences it is revealed that Marguerite Fox, on the run after shooting a man in her basement tied to her deadly past, and the FBI is on her trial. Kate ends up torn between her distrust of her mother and loyalty to her family and Marguerite is on the run from the FBI, and an agent who may be working on his own to try and kill her. I enjoyed this book overall, though Kate took a while to figure out the early clues, and the action kept me engages in the story . I enjoy Kate Fox and the residents of the fictional Grand County setting in the Nebraska Sandhills. I received a free digital ARC of this novel from the publisher.
Review of advance copy
Mom is back!
Kate Fox is torn between anger, tears, love, hate – just like the rest of her siblings. And now, after three years, the woman who created this soup of emotional dysfunction is back, and someone wants her dead. When Marguerite Fox disappeared, it almost destroyed their family. Kate is not going to let it happen again, but when someone starts shooting at them, she has a hard choice to make.
I love this series! Excellent mystery with a dash of emotional trauma. The Fox family is an amazing combination of love, support, and dysfunction. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Kate Fox is torn between anger, tears, love, hate – just like the rest of her siblings. And now, after three years, the woman who created this soup of emotional dysfunction is back, and someone wants her dead. When Marguerite Fox disappeared, it almost destroyed their family. Kate is not going to let it happen again, but when someone starts shooting at them, she has a hard choice to make.
I love this series! Excellent mystery with a dash of emotional trauma. The Fox family is an amazing combination of love, support, and dysfunction. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another great addition to the Kate Fox series! Kate’s mother has returned after having abandoned the family to avoid a murder charge. Marguerite is not very likable and does not have the family’s best interests at heart. This was a fun read, full of twists, turns, and much family drama, though I did spot the villain as soon as the character was introduced. Highly recommended! 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.
March 5, 2026
This is book 12 in the Kate Fox series. This book continues the story of the Fox family. Kate must be the glue that holds the family together, but also has to make the hard calls when trouble strikes the family. For those that have been following this series you will enjoy this next installment. Also, this story sets up the storyline for the next book in this series.
Thanks to Severn River Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
Thanks to Severn River Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The Fox family seems like a great, large family of 9 grown children and their families. I'm sure this a good story for someone vested in the series. This is #12 and probably not a good place to start although the author did a good job in explanations. I still felt like I had missed a lot. Kate used to be sheriff and I think I would have liked one of those stories better. The writing was good.
April 1, 2026
Another well written thriller in the Kate Fox series. Kate takes her duties towards her family and small town community very seriously. She has to deal with family drama and heart break in addition to solving crimes. This time she has to deal with her mother's return and someone is out to kill her mother. It is a big moral dilemma as her mother is a fugitive and is wanted for major crimes. A suspense filled thriller which had me absolutely absorbed.
April 6, 2026
Love this series. Shannon Baker develops her characters throughout the series and the reader comes to love the characters. In this book the author spent a good deal of time reminding the reader of the family’s history but if she hadn’t, there would have been readers who complained they couldn’t follow the story. Baker’s “down home” Nebraska Sandhills setting is delightful, especially for those of us who grew up in similar rural areas. Can’t wait for 5he next one in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Kate Fox at her absolute best. This addition to the series is fast paced and intriguing!
Is Marguerite who she claims, or is it all a facade?
Can the FBI agent obsessed with finding her really be trusted?
What is happening with Baxter?
Each installment in this series gets better and better!
Is Marguerite who she claims, or is it all a facade?
Can the FBI agent obsessed with finding her really be trusted?
What is happening with Baxter?
Each installment in this series gets better and better!
April 9, 2026
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Katie Fox Series! I read about Katie’s mother who had breast cancer. Her mom committed acts of terror back in 1970. She killed three people and blew up a building during the anti-Vietnam protests of that year. Katie did whatever she could to bring her mom to justice. This episode about her mom was shocking to me!
April 27, 2026
I’ve read the entire Kate Fox series and loved them all. What started out as Kate becoming sheriff in a small Nebraska town has evolved into a tapestry of great characters and unique stories. Shannon Baker is a talented writer who avoids stereotypical characters and predictable plots. At the end of each novel, I’m anxiously awaiting the next one.
April 1, 2026
Couldn’t put it down
Omg. What a roller coaster ride. But a great one. This was a typical Kate book which means it was brilliant. Fast paced. Unexpected twists and turns. Shannon’s writing style is easy and fluid. And hard to put down. Now eagerly waiting for the next one.
Omg. What a roller coaster ride. But a great one. This was a typical Kate book which means it was brilliant. Fast paced. Unexpected twists and turns. Shannon’s writing style is easy and fluid. And hard to put down. Now eagerly waiting for the next one.
April 3, 2026
This series keeps getting better and better, I love the Sandhills of Nebraska setting and the tumultuous Fox family. Kate continues to become wiser and better able to stand her ground. So glad the mom situation is resolved. Can't wait for the next book!
May 8, 2026
Fantastic series
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that she never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that she never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
giveaways
March 31, 2026I won this in a giveaway and was unaware it was book 12 of a series so I haven’t made it that far. I am planning to eventually explore this world so I can enjoy this one as well. 🙂
April 3, 2026
Another excellent story about the Foxx family! I can't wait to read the next story in this series from Ms. Baker!
April 10, 2026
great story, love the series...
April 14, 2026
Good read
Read
May 16, 2026I'm so glad this book brought the Fox family back together since we have to wait until January 2027 for the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2026
great read
June 26, 2026
This is an awesome series with wonderful characters. Very hard to put down.
July 11, 2026
This was my least favorite of the series. Although it did end better than I expected. I just can't stand Kate's mother. So glad she's off to jail.
July 27, 2026
One of my favorite books in this series and a series I really enjoy and look forward to the next book
August 7, 2026
This is an incredible series. Great characters. Hard to put down. Have enjoyed each and every one of this series. Can't wait for #13!!!
April 29, 2026
Absolutely love the whole Kate Fox series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews