Framed

Carson Crime Files #2

by Amethyst Drake

The police have arrested James Vanderlin’s murderer.

Or have they?

Eight years after walking away from her career as an elite intelligence operative, Katherine Carson has built a new life as a private detective in Baltimore. When her best friend begs her to prove Misty Vanderlin's innocence, Katherine can't refuse. Still haunted by her own loss, she won't let another widow become a victim of someone else's lies.

In Baltimore's fine art world, million-dollar paintings hide deadly secrets. Someone orchestrated the perfect frame job, and they wanted Misty to take the fall.

As Katherine and her team dig deeper, they discover old rivalries, secret affairs, and corporate espionage. With the FBI breathing down their necks and her client's life in the balance, Katherine navigates a tangle of jealousy and greed. But her investigation has made her a target, and someone will kill to keep their secrets buried.

In a case where everyone has something to hide, the truth may be the most dangerous weapon of all. Solve along and see if you can unmask the killer before Katherine does.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2026

Reviews

[Paula Minydzak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mystery about a man killed beneath a curious piece of artwork. With suspects like his wife and the lover who’s having his child, Katherine Carson goes on a quest to clear the wife. To do that, she must uncover the real killer with her team of investigators. Carson herself is a complex character as she deals with the loss of her husband and mentors a new sleuth. However, the others on her team are equally involved, each uncovering puzzle pieces. The author keeps the pages turning with this one.

[Amelia.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Framed by Amethyst Drake is a razor sharp blend of psychological suspense, noir intrigue, and emotional depth. When former intelligence operative turned private detective Katherine Carson takes on a case to prove her friend’s innocence, she finds herself entangled in a web of art, money, and murder that threatens to destroy everything she’s rebuilt.

Drake masterfully crafts a mystery that moves with precision and heart. The glamorous façade of Baltimore’s art world conceals jealousy, greed, and betrayal, while Katherine’s own haunted past lends the story emotional weight. Every twist feels earned, every revelation charged with human complexity.

What makes Framed so compelling is its balance of intellect and vulnerability. Katherine is both cunning and compassionate a heroine driven by justice but shadowed by grief. The result is a gripping, elegantly written thriller that asks how far we’ll go to protect the truth when the truth itself can destroy us.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Carson Crime Files by Amethyst Drake (a new author to me-but not for very long). Katherine Carson (former intelligence operative/private detective) was asked by her best friend Misty Vanderlin to prove her innocence, what evolves next is a remarkable story. So sit back and enjoy all the twist and turns that are created in this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We proudly announce that FRAMED (Carson Crime Files, Book 2) by Amethyst Drake has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers’ Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG. This award is a testament to this book's quality and its impact on readers.

[Susan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twist and turns throughout

Totally enjoyed this read!! Loved the details related to actual art works!! Great characterization!! So real to life!! I suggest this book to anyone that appreciates a good mystery!!

[Lori Elbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn’t put it down

I loved this book! It had quite the twists and turns with a zinger of an ending. Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next one!

[Kendra Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book in a giveaway*

I enjoyed these characters, the story, and how the author wrote.

I would absolutely read more of this series!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick PI investigative read. Loved the characters and how the investigation developed with some twists.

[Melissa Devore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amethyst Drake’s Framed is a page turning mystery with the Carson Investigators. Katherine Carson returns using her past years of experience as an Intelligence Operative along with her team to untangle a web of deception involving the art world. The Carson Agency is to help prove Misty Vanderlin’s innocence in her husband’s death.

Drake masterfully develops the characters and balances the development of mystery with the emotions of the people behind the good and bad of the mystery.

I highly recommend this book and anxiously awaiting the third book in this sequel.