Lethal Design: A Crime Thriller

by S.F. Baumgartner

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 4, 2026

About the author

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson's style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

Reviews

[Kimberly J Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 following Fatal Invitation which is book1. KC our favorite Detective is pulled into a rash of suicides that appear to have some evidence leading to a possible serial killer! Commander Frank wants answers about his wife's murder over a year ago.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story about greed and the lengths people go to for greed. Killing innocent people who know too much!!! It was a vile lesson of winner take all and the loser dies!!

It was done so callously and without regret, second thought, or remorse. It seems to me. No conscience. I wasn't happy with the ending.

I wanted him to pay for his crimes, and like all cowards he took the easy way out ( or did the author give him an easy out?). But it seems he's not the head of the snake, only another piece up the ladder to pure evil!!!

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The varied characters in Lethal Design kept me turning the pages. I was hooked from the beginning. The many clues, theories, and investigative procedures in the book made everything seem real. I hadn't figured out who the Architect was until almost the end.

The story was suspenseful with non-stop action, and one suicide after another. I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good but incredibly complex. The cast is large and the cases many. Though everything overlaps, I had to go back over and over to keep details straight. These aspects were enough to deduct a half star from my rating. However, the plot sucked me in and kept me reading in spite of any frustration. I look forward to more in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Design is Book 2 in the KC & Orlando Prime Series by S F Baumgartner. In my opinion, this is a thrilling murder mystery. A clean murder scene just doesn't add up. People are dead across the city. The characters are interesting and working the murders and I found myself putting on my sleuthing cap and trying to solve the case before the Task Force… did you? I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deaths are mounting. Are they suicide, accidents or murder? OPD and Prime team up to solve the mystery around these deaths. They are staged to look like suicide but something seems off. They have a suspect in mind but can't find any concrete evidence to back up their theory. Are they wrong in suspecting murder? The suspense builds with each path they follow. You won't want to put this book down. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my honest voluntary review.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serial killer with an intriguing story. Many characters that kept me alert as to who was who. Sometimes being referred to by first name or last name. Not a quick read. Potential for more of the mystery to be solved. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.