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Sarah Armstrong #2
Blood Lines
The second in the Sarah Armstrong Mystery Series. Sarah is the Texas Rangers' only woman lieutenant and the agency's only criminal profiler.
302 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2009
314 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Casey
33 books642 followersAn award-winning journalist and a critically acclaimed bestselling author, Kathryn Casey has written eleven true crime books and is the creator of the Sarah Armstrong and Clara Jefferies mystery series. ANGEL FALLS, her first historical fiction, was inspired by the life of Ruth Robertson, who in 1949 measured the world’s tallest waterfall.
Casey’s books have been Literary and Mystery Guild selections, and DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS was made into a Lifetime movie. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was named a Best Crime Novel Debut by Booklist, and Library Journal chose THE KILLING STORM for its annual list of Best Mysteries. Elle Magazine picked DIE, MY LOVE as one of the ten best thrillers and crime books written by a woman. True crime matriarch Ann Rule praised Casey as "one of the best," and #1 NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has called Casey "a true crime great."
In addition, Casey has written more than a hundred national magazine articles and pieces for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Houston Chronicle. In 2022, Casey was featured on the top ten Netflix limited documentary series “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.” She’s appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, Investigation Discovery, the Travel Channel, A&E, and other venues.
Casey’s books have been Literary and Mystery Guild selections, and DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS was made into a Lifetime movie. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was named a Best Crime Novel Debut by Booklist, and Library Journal chose THE KILLING STORM for its annual list of Best Mysteries. Elle Magazine picked DIE, MY LOVE as one of the ten best thrillers and crime books written by a woman. True crime matriarch Ann Rule praised Casey as "one of the best," and #1 NY Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has called Casey "a true crime great."
In addition, Casey has written more than a hundred national magazine articles and pieces for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Houston Chronicle. In 2022, Casey was featured on the top ten Netflix limited documentary series “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.” She’s appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, Oprah, Investigation Discovery, the Travel Channel, A&E, and other venues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 22, 2018
I found this highly entertaining. Can I pinpoint one thing that made it that way for me? No, it was a combination of things like author's writing style, snappy dialogue, and I just plain like the main character. Sarah Armstrong is a Texas Ranger, a profiler, a mom, a daughter, and a rancher, all rolled into one. She lives on the ranch with her mother and daughter, Maggie. Sarah's husband, Bill, was killed in a car accident.
Sarah is currently working on a couple of cases. Pop mega-star, teenager, Cassie Collins, has a stalker whose threats keep escalating. When he somehow finds a way to talk to her through her headset, onstage, Cassie is freaked out to the point she demands Sarah be the one to find him and stop him. Sarah figures the best thing, for now, is to hide Cassie away on her ranch where no one will look for her, including her own manager and crew. Cassie, being a typical cocky, bratty, little teenager balks at the idea - until Sarah turns and walks away. Cassie's fear overpowering all other emotions, makes it easy to give in to Sarah's demands. It actually turns out to be a good thing for all involved.
While Cassie is well guarded at the ranch, Sarah is free to work her other case as well. Billie Cox, an oil company exec and wealthy Texas businesswoman, is found dead in what appears to be a suicide. Sarah isn't buying it. The crime scene is too neatly staged. The gun isn't where it should be if Billie pulled the trigger and the point of entry doesn't jive, again if Billie pulled the trigger. Now Sarah has to find out who murdered her and why.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this. I didn't want to put it down and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
Sarah is currently working on a couple of cases. Pop mega-star, teenager, Cassie Collins, has a stalker whose threats keep escalating. When he somehow finds a way to talk to her through her headset, onstage, Cassie is freaked out to the point she demands Sarah be the one to find him and stop him. Sarah figures the best thing, for now, is to hide Cassie away on her ranch where no one will look for her, including her own manager and crew. Cassie, being a typical cocky, bratty, little teenager balks at the idea - until Sarah turns and walks away. Cassie's fear overpowering all other emotions, makes it easy to give in to Sarah's demands. It actually turns out to be a good thing for all involved.
While Cassie is well guarded at the ranch, Sarah is free to work her other case as well. Billie Cox, an oil company exec and wealthy Texas businesswoman, is found dead in what appears to be a suicide. Sarah isn't buying it. The crime scene is too neatly staged. The gun isn't where it should be if Billie pulled the trigger and the point of entry doesn't jive, again if Billie pulled the trigger. Now Sarah has to find out who murdered her and why.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this. I didn't want to put it down and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
July 15, 2018
The author managed to bring back her winning character Sarah Armstrong, a profiler for the Texas Rangers, without doing another serial killer story. I appreciate that. I also appreciate that she introduces characters I think are just there to be colorful and they turn out to be integral to the plot. The mysteries she solves are not all that puzzling, however.
I’d like to see more of Sarah’s mother in this series.
I’d like to see more of Sarah’s mother in this series.
November 15, 2017
An excellent thriller. Sarah Armstrong, Texas Ranger, is a very likeable character. She is also smart, courageous and savvy. In this story, after an over extended break, she handles 2 jobs at the same time. Both keep the reader guessing and make the book hard to put down.
October 5, 2022
Sarah Armstrong, a Texas Ranger, has two new high risk cases; finding the threatening stalker of a young pop star and uncovering the truth about a suspicious suicide. There’s a horse and a premature foal, a loving daughter, a baking grandmother, and a former love interest thrown into the mix as well. Though it held my interest, I just thought it was okay. The dialogue wasn’t consistently good, sometimes a little too forced. Too many sentences that didn’t really add anything though it was actually a fast read…some implausibility off and on, but definitely at the end. However, others clearly liked it much better as the ratings show.
July 5, 2021
A teen singing sensation is pursued by an increasingly threatening stalker. Cassidy Collins is close to losing the plot as she fears for her life.
Elizabeth (aka Billie) Cox, oil company CEO, has just committed suicide ... or has she
It means two cases at the same time for Sarah Armstrong, Texas Rangers profiler. She's coming back to work after the events of "Singularity" and, while she wants to spend more time at home with her family, the work is demanding.
Solving Billie Cox's murder turns out to be relatively straightforward, just a lot of investigating and a soupcon of luck. There's a hint of the paranormal, but no more than that - some odd events may have had an influence, but Sarah is diligent enough to have discovered the information anyway.
Keeping Cassidy Collins safe turns out to be far from easy as the stalker stays one step ahead at every stage.
As in "Singularity" the plot is deliberately engineered to ensure a highly unbelievable denouement.
Some of the best parts of the book concern Sarah's family life and the fraught birth of the stallion 'Warrior' on her ranch.
And it looks as if Sarah may have finally gotten her chance of a second chance at love.
Elizabeth (aka Billie) Cox, oil company CEO, has just committed suicide ... or has she
It means two cases at the same time for Sarah Armstrong, Texas Rangers profiler. She's coming back to work after the events of "Singularity" and, while she wants to spend more time at home with her family, the work is demanding.
Solving Billie Cox's murder turns out to be relatively straightforward, just a lot of investigating and a soupcon of luck. There's a hint of the paranormal, but no more than that - some odd events may have had an influence, but Sarah is diligent enough to have discovered the information anyway.
Keeping Cassidy Collins safe turns out to be far from easy as the stalker stays one step ahead at every stage.
As in "Singularity" the plot is deliberately engineered to ensure a highly unbelievable denouement.
Some of the best parts of the book concern Sarah's family life and the fraught birth of the stallion 'Warrior' on her ranch.
And it looks as if Sarah may have finally gotten her chance of a second chance at love.
April 10, 2020
20/2020📚
Blood Lines (Sarah Armstrong #2) - Kathryn Casey
Texan Ranger Sarah Armstrong has her hands full with not one but two high profile cases. One seemingly high risk and lethal stalker is after a young pop megastar - and it seemed like he would stop at nothing to pursue his prey.
A seemingly beautiful, had it all successful businesswoman was found dead. The police said it was suicide, but then things doesn’t seem that way. Something’s not right..and Sarah’s determined to find out what it is.
Between being a criminal profiler, a widow and a devoted mother, Sarah really had her plate full. Not to mention that she will again cooperate with the handsome David Garrity, who also has some background story with her. 🤭
I really enjoyed reading this one. Planning to look for the others in the series 😁
My personal rating : 4⭐️/5⭐️
Blood Lines (Sarah Armstrong #2) - Kathryn Casey
Texan Ranger Sarah Armstrong has her hands full with not one but two high profile cases. One seemingly high risk and lethal stalker is after a young pop megastar - and it seemed like he would stop at nothing to pursue his prey.
A seemingly beautiful, had it all successful businesswoman was found dead. The police said it was suicide, but then things doesn’t seem that way. Something’s not right..and Sarah’s determined to find out what it is.
Between being a criminal profiler, a widow and a devoted mother, Sarah really had her plate full. Not to mention that she will again cooperate with the handsome David Garrity, who also has some background story with her. 🤭
I really enjoyed reading this one. Planning to look for the others in the series 😁
My personal rating : 4⭐️/5⭐️
October 25, 2020
Sarah Armstrong is back again in the 2nd of this series. She is a Texas Ranger and has been home only working part-time of cases. But, her boss wants her back. Sarah is a profiler and one of the best and now she is assigned two different cases.
The first one is the case of a well known business woman, had everything to live for, but they found her body in her bedroom and ruled it suicide. At first, Sarah thinks so, but when the woman's sister comes to her and begs for help, Sarah takes the case on.
Her other case, well a well known teenage rock star is being pursued by a stalker and his messages get more threatening at every concert she performs at.
Great 2nd in the series, this also brings back Det David Winlett, whom Sarah was trying not to fall in love with, but he hasn't contacted her for months and now she thinks she might have lost her chance to love again.
The first one is the case of a well known business woman, had everything to live for, but they found her body in her bedroom and ruled it suicide. At first, Sarah thinks so, but when the woman's sister comes to her and begs for help, Sarah takes the case on.
Her other case, well a well known teenage rock star is being pursued by a stalker and his messages get more threatening at every concert she performs at.
Great 2nd in the series, this also brings back Det David Winlett, whom Sarah was trying not to fall in love with, but he hasn't contacted her for months and now she thinks she might have lost her chance to love again.
June 4, 2021
On the fence with this one
I know people don’t like it when a reviewer says they are on the fence but it is what it is. This was an ok story but there were a lot of inconsistencies. Braces do not cost the same amount as a year in collage. Sarah would have been putting her gas used in the performance of her job on an expense report and being reimbursed for it. Cassidy was too all over the place with her emotions and wasn’t believable (explosive disorder not withstanding). Justins anger wasn’t justified, not even a little and if he were truly on meds for his psychiatric problems (which would take more than 3 weeks in a hospital) then he wouldn’t have been capable of spinning out like that unless he stopped taking them. The computer stuff was cool and I’m not going to go into that bc I don’t want to ruin it for others.
I know people don’t like it when a reviewer says they are on the fence but it is what it is. This was an ok story but there were a lot of inconsistencies. Braces do not cost the same amount as a year in collage. Sarah would have been putting her gas used in the performance of her job on an expense report and being reimbursed for it. Cassidy was too all over the place with her emotions and wasn’t believable (explosive disorder not withstanding). Justins anger wasn’t justified, not even a little and if he were truly on meds for his psychiatric problems (which would take more than 3 weeks in a hospital) then he wouldn’t have been capable of spinning out like that unless he stopped taking them. The computer stuff was cool and I’m not going to go into that bc I don’t want to ruin it for others.
August 30, 2020
Sarah Armstrong is a Texas Ranger who has hunches that lead to trouble that almost get her killed.
Sarah solves two cases in this book. One is a suicide which she proves is a homicide. This was a great story but the wrap up didn't gel. If the killer was paid 500,000, he would have had enough money to pay for a good attorney in the final scene. That one detail didn't gel which is the reason for the four rating. The book is an excellent read even if one of the details doesn't jive.
The other story, woven in perfectly, is about a pop star who is being stalked. Neither of these cases are typical which is why this was a fun read. I will definitely pass this book to a friend who likes mysteries and thrillers.
Sarah solves two cases in this book. One is a suicide which she proves is a homicide. This was a great story but the wrap up didn't gel. If the killer was paid 500,000, he would have had enough money to pay for a good attorney in the final scene. That one detail didn't gel which is the reason for the four rating. The book is an excellent read even if one of the details doesn't jive.
The other story, woven in perfectly, is about a pop star who is being stalked. Neither of these cases are typical which is why this was a fun read. I will definitely pass this book to a friend who likes mysteries and thrillers.
February 18, 2021
Another Great One!
I love this series. This time Ranger Sarah Armstrong is puzzling through two cases, one the seeming suicide of a wealthy Texas oil executive and the second, a serial stalker who is pursuing a popular teen star. The latter storyline is better developed and I’m not sure the case of the missing exec is as good, mostly because I easily figured out The Who done it. I am enjoying this series, watching Sarah develop a new love interest after the death of her husband as she figures out life without him.
I love this series. This time Ranger Sarah Armstrong is puzzling through two cases, one the seeming suicide of a wealthy Texas oil executive and the second, a serial stalker who is pursuing a popular teen star. The latter storyline is better developed and I’m not sure the case of the missing exec is as good, mostly because I easily figured out The Who done it. I am enjoying this series, watching Sarah develop a new love interest after the death of her husband as she figures out life without him.
June 11, 2018
Another enjoyable whodunit.
Texas Ranger Sarah Armstrong takes on two cases: a suicide (or not) and a celebrity being stalked. A good page turner with action and some suspense. I liked working out details of both cases following along with Sarah. Not so hot on the heroine always getting hurt or her family in danger. Not necessary to the story, really. Seems a bit over the top. Still enjoyed the read, however.
Texas Ranger Sarah Armstrong takes on two cases: a suicide (or not) and a celebrity being stalked. A good page turner with action and some suspense. I liked working out details of both cases following along with Sarah. Not so hot on the heroine always getting hurt or her family in danger. Not necessary to the story, really. Seems a bit over the top. Still enjoyed the read, however.
April 26, 2020
I like this series
This is book two in a series featuring a female Texas Ranger. I like the action, the family interaction and the continuity of the characters. Although each book is a stand alone novel, I recommend that you read them in order because of the character development. I recommend this series because it’s interesting without a lot of gory details and very little foul language. A refreshing read.
This is book two in a series featuring a female Texas Ranger. I like the action, the family interaction and the continuity of the characters. Although each book is a stand alone novel, I recommend that you read them in order because of the character development. I recommend this series because it’s interesting without a lot of gory details and very little foul language. A refreshing read.
June 3, 2024
I'm between 3 & 4 stars for this one! It was a nice mystery - enjoyable, but nothing too extreme (a bit fluffy). I'd be open to reading another from Kathryn Casey. I did roll my eyes at the last few pages, though - there was no need to throw in all the love-making at the end, especially when there was nothing like that in the rest of the book. It was cool that Sarah solved two mysteries within one book, and I enjoyed the foal storyline. Enjoyable read at the end of the day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 17, 2025I did not finish this book and I did not put a date of start or any stars. The reason is is that this is an in a series by Catherine Casey and it’s in a Y a series fortunately or unfortunately, the first book was fast moving and very good after that some of the books are too slow and I’m not going to read any more of her why books or try I try not to read YYA booksso that’s why I didn’t finish it and we’re not counting it. Thank you.
August 21, 2019
I enjoyed the main characters. I thought the suicide case was unsuspenceful and had an anti-climatic resolution. The stalker case was more interesting but the teenage character was annoying (although that is probably realistic of actual teenage pop stars). Overall a fine book but I wouldn't recommmend over other things I've read in the genre.
December 8, 2021
Love the characters
Sarah has 2 cases, to find out who killed the strong oil business women and who is stalking the teenage superstar set to perform in Houston. Lots of time at their ranch which was good. Story gets a little out there towards the end. And no need for the fbi guy to stick around….
Sarah has 2 cases, to find out who killed the strong oil business women and who is stalking the teenage superstar set to perform in Houston. Lots of time at their ranch which was good. Story gets a little out there towards the end. And no need for the fbi guy to stick around….
March 6, 2023
Thank You For The Great Ending
I'll admit I jumped on this book to make sure Sarah got to be with David but sheesh dealing with the likes of Cassidy was a tough sell. If there's anything I can't stand its a disrespectful, selfish, arrogant teenager. I would have dropped her off at the nearest homeless shelter with no phone, not one form of ID and not one red cent in her pocket.
I'll admit I jumped on this book to make sure Sarah got to be with David but sheesh dealing with the likes of Cassidy was a tough sell. If there's anything I can't stand its a disrespectful, selfish, arrogant teenager. I would have dropped her off at the nearest homeless shelter with no phone, not one form of ID and not one red cent in her pocket.
March 13, 2024
This is Book 2 in the Sarah Armstrong series. Sarah dealt with two cases in this book. First, she overruled a young woman found dead did not die by suicide but instead was murdered. She must then find the murder. Second, young singer Cassidy Collins has been targeted by a stalker and Sarah fears that it could lead to Cassidy’s murder. Well written and definitely held my interest.
July 27, 2018
Worth the read...
Not quite as fast paced as the last book but still keeps you guessing. The two story lines crossing is sometimes difficult to keep straight but the characters are still interesting and engaging.
Not quite as fast paced as the last book but still keeps you guessing. The two story lines crossing is sometimes difficult to keep straight but the characters are still interesting and engaging.
April 25, 2020
Exciting book.
This is the second book in this series I have read. I especially like the way the story developes and the main emphasis is on the chase rather than so much of the crime. Good job Ms. Casey.
This is the second book in this series I have read. I especially like the way the story developes and the main emphasis is on the chase rather than so much of the crime. Good job Ms. Casey.
September 29, 2021
Texas Ranger is a good, single mom who lives on a horse ranch in Tomball, TX. She profiles for the Rangers while living with her mom and daughter Maggie. I’d like to read another book by Kathryn Casey.
July 21, 2022
Fast paced and intriguing
I wasn’t into reading this at first, and then after the second page I couldn’t put it down. Character description and world building are all there. This could stand by itself, but reading the one before is helpful. Looking forward to the next.
I wasn’t into reading this at first, and then after the second page I couldn’t put it down. Character description and world building are all there. This could stand by itself, but reading the one before is helpful. Looking forward to the next.
December 26, 2024
Family Affair
Too busy to hold the reader’s attention. Lead character needed a more singular foe to foil. In other words too many villains that required little investigation to conquer. Had to force myself through the last pages.
Too busy to hold the reader’s attention. Lead character needed a more singular foe to foil. In other words too many villains that required little investigation to conquer. Had to force myself through the last pages.
May 15, 2017
An entertaining book, second in series of lady Texas Ranger. I would recommend.
June 1, 2018
Great 2nd book!
I love how it kept us on edge all thru the book.
Could hardly put it down. Yay! Will read again
I love how it kept us on edge all thru the book.
Could hardly put it down. Yay! Will read again
May 6, 2019
Blood Lines
The Sarah Armstrong mysteries are really good. The stories and characters are well thought out and easy to follow and understand. Good book.
The Sarah Armstrong mysteries are really good. The stories and characters are well thought out and easy to follow and understand. Good book.
September 29, 2019
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series. I enjoy the author's writing. The main character is likeable.
February 8, 2021
Someone good needs to make a series out of these characters. On to “The Killing Storm”...
August 23, 2021
Two interesting cases in one!
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November 9, 2021This author is keeping me awake all night reading this series.
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