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A Samantha Bell Thriller #1
Dead and Gone to Bell
A gripping crime mystery that will make your jaw drop.
Investigative reporter, Samantha Bell, knows the end is near. But when young women are suddenly being targeted by a mysterious serial killer who leaves little clues behind, Samantha pushes her way into the biggest murder investigation of her life.
Four crime-solving women set out on an exhilarating adventure to stop a serial killer before tragedy strikes again.
On a mission to tell the story to save her career, nothing is as it seems. Met by terrifying roadblocks, Samantha needs a win. Willing to do whatever it takes, she and her friends risk their lives to work together and sift through the lies and deception that seem to be waiting for them around every turn.
Shocking twists and page-turning suspense from beginning to end.
It’s a race against the clock to catch the killer and just when it seems another victim’s life will be claimed, Samantha receives an anonymous message saying she will be the one to solve the case. Suddenly, the game has changed. When someone close to Samantha appears to be the next target, all rules are off the table and anything goes.
Investigative reporter, Samantha Bell, knows the end is near. But when young women are suddenly being targeted by a mysterious serial killer who leaves little clues behind, Samantha pushes her way into the biggest murder investigation of her life.
Four crime-solving women set out on an exhilarating adventure to stop a serial killer before tragedy strikes again.
On a mission to tell the story to save her career, nothing is as it seems. Met by terrifying roadblocks, Samantha needs a win. Willing to do whatever it takes, she and her friends risk their lives to work together and sift through the lies and deception that seem to be waiting for them around every turn.
Shocking twists and page-turning suspense from beginning to end.
It’s a race against the clock to catch the killer and just when it seems another victim’s life will be claimed, Samantha receives an anonymous message saying she will be the one to solve the case. Suddenly, the game has changed. When someone close to Samantha appears to be the next target, all rules are off the table and anything goes.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2019
4040 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Waldron
35 books40 followersAuthor of Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense.
Fast. Exciting. Thoroughly Entertaining.
Follow Waldron on Amazon and never miss a new book release.
Fast. Exciting. Thoroughly Entertaining.
Follow Waldron on Amazon and never miss a new book release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 8, 2019
I assume (based on the poor editing) that this book is self-published. The novel itself is very interesting, but the writing style is very rough. There were a number of misused words (smirk implies disdain or disapproval, for example. It’s not a synonym for “smile.”) There was also the immature use of the simple past tense verb when the past perfect was needed to make the sequence of actions clear. There were even multiple examples of helping verbs with simple past tense verbs (“had drank” for example) and object pronouns where nominative pronouns were needed. Other glaring structural errors include misplaced participles, non-standard past tense verbs, and incomplete sentences. In spite of the unprofessional writing, this was an interesting read, and I intend to read the next book in the series. BTW, this one DOES end with a lead into the next book in the series (I know that ticks off a lot of readers), but it was obviously just tacked on - it didn’t make this novel seem incomplete and without a resolution.
January 8, 2020
A well-written thriller with believable characters and a strong plot. It was fairly obvious who the killer was, but that did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but, on the whole, this is a good book. I may well read more in the series.
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December 29, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/29/2019)! 🎁
July 26, 2020
Even two stars is generous of me.
The underlining story was actually pretty good, but the book was written very poorly.
Several errors and missing words were bad enough but the writer's constantly using cute, corny sentences was distracting and annoying!
It was as if he went to a creative writing class and was told not to use the same word twice and he had his thesaurus open and used words that made me, after a while, angry!
Stuff like: Alex fisted his phone inside his hand. - Erin lowered her tailbone on the edge of mu desk. - Hey, I heard my voice chirp up. - I set resting my sharp elbows on the points of my knees.
I mean really?? Geeeez!! if sentences like that didn't annoy you, you were not paying attention!
The underlining story was actually pretty good, but the book was written very poorly.
Several errors and missing words were bad enough but the writer's constantly using cute, corny sentences was distracting and annoying!
It was as if he went to a creative writing class and was told not to use the same word twice and he had his thesaurus open and used words that made me, after a while, angry!
Stuff like: Alex fisted his phone inside his hand. - Erin lowered her tailbone on the edge of mu desk. - Hey, I heard my voice chirp up. - I set resting my sharp elbows on the points of my knees.
I mean really?? Geeeez!! if sentences like that didn't annoy you, you were not paying attention!
February 29, 2020
Predicable and unlovable characters
There are so many flaws in this book. The detective tells his girlfriend his cases first before telling his partner. The detective takes civilian to chase murder without requesting backup. The reporter for her career would publish things without checking fact. She will not turn over lead to police. Detective gave evidence to his girlfriend. Boy’s fantasy.
There are so many flaws in this book. The detective tells his girlfriend his cases first before telling his partner. The detective takes civilian to chase murder without requesting backup. The reporter for her career would publish things without checking fact. She will not turn over lead to police. Detective gave evidence to his girlfriend. Boy’s fantasy.
February 23, 2020
Too similar to James Patterson's Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club books
Instead of Alex Cross we have Alex King and a new group of Women's Murder Club ladies. Too similar in my opinion to the books of James Patterson, and I worked out who the killer was well before the end. Sorry but I won't be reading any further books in this series.
Instead of Alex Cross we have Alex King and a new group of Women's Murder Club ladies. Too similar in my opinion to the books of James Patterson, and I worked out who the killer was well before the end. Sorry but I won't be reading any further books in this series.
December 2, 2019
DNF
## DNF, made it to 61% and gave up. The idea of the story was good, but the execution was lacking. Everything just ran together in this book. I had a hard time figuring out who said what and who was who. There were far too many characters. And two main characters named Eric and Erin was not good. I love a good whodunit and I generally love following along with the clues, but this book just wasn't written well. I lost interest and didn't care enough about the characters to continue. Especially Sam's love interest Alex. What a big dull dud. Sorry, I can't recommend.
## DNF, made it to 61% and gave up. The idea of the story was good, but the execution was lacking. Everything just ran together in this book. I had a hard time figuring out who said what and who was who. There were far too many characters. And two main characters named Eric and Erin was not good. I love a good whodunit and I generally love following along with the clues, but this book just wasn't written well. I lost interest and didn't care enough about the characters to continue. Especially Sam's love interest Alex. What a big dull dud. Sorry, I can't recommend.
April 15, 2020
Eh
Not too bad, but the grammatical errors took me out of the story too often. The twist was not much of a surprise. And I am really tired of female protagonists putting themselves stupidly in danger.
Not too bad, but the grammatical errors took me out of the story too often. The twist was not much of a surprise. And I am really tired of female protagonists putting themselves stupidly in danger.
October 7, 2020
"A curate's egg"
This took a long time to say not much, which for the first in a series isn't what I look for. However, yet again I bow to the superior knowledge of the massive number of positive reviews this book receives. No two people read the same book. This was good in parts, but not enough to make this old jaw drop, I'm afraid.
This took a long time to say not much, which for the first in a series isn't what I look for. However, yet again I bow to the superior knowledge of the massive number of positive reviews this book receives. No two people read the same book. This was good in parts, but not enough to make this old jaw drop, I'm afraid.
July 20, 2019
It Rings the Bell!
I loved it. It twists and turns, providing many suspects. The mystery was interesting, scary, and satisfying. I loved the heroine. She was one smart cookie. She worried a lot about being a good mother. I think all good mothers do that. It's only after they grow up, that you can relax and pat yourself on the back. Well, not entirely true. You never stop worrying. I was saddened by the words of Sam's boss about the future of newspapers. But it rang true. I used to get two newspapers a day delivered to my house. Now, I get none.
Anyway, I loved the book. It is the first in a series but can be read as a standalone. At the very end, just a few lines point to the next book. I already have the sequel in my library and will read it soon. If you like a smart heroine, a twisty mystery, and lots of excitement, get the book. You will love it, too.
I loved it. It twists and turns, providing many suspects. The mystery was interesting, scary, and satisfying. I loved the heroine. She was one smart cookie. She worried a lot about being a good mother. I think all good mothers do that. It's only after they grow up, that you can relax and pat yourself on the back. Well, not entirely true. You never stop worrying. I was saddened by the words of Sam's boss about the future of newspapers. But it rang true. I used to get two newspapers a day delivered to my house. Now, I get none.
Anyway, I loved the book. It is the first in a series but can be read as a standalone. At the very end, just a few lines point to the next book. I already have the sequel in my library and will read it soon. If you like a smart heroine, a twisty mystery, and lots of excitement, get the book. You will love it, too.
October 4, 2023
A serial killer is on the loose in Denver. Reporter Samantha "Sam" Bell is determined to break the story. A high-stakes game involving a political candidate and a power couple ups the ante.
The story begins with a salacious scene and ends on a cliffhanger. Those readers who dislike those sorts of things - be warned.
The plotting was decent, but there were instances where the main character did not act in her own best interests - to the point of recklessness in one particular moment. I found the language made me cringe - for example, instead of "drinking from a cup", the characters would "wrap their lips around the rim."
As for the main character, I liked her, but I wasn't invested in her outcome. She talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk.
I'll probably be giving the rest of this series a miss.
The story begins with a salacious scene and ends on a cliffhanger. Those readers who dislike those sorts of things - be warned.
The plotting was decent, but there were instances where the main character did not act in her own best interests - to the point of recklessness in one particular moment. I found the language made me cringe - for example, instead of "drinking from a cup", the characters would "wrap their lips around the rim."
As for the main character, I liked her, but I wasn't invested in her outcome. She talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk.
I'll probably be giving the rest of this series a miss.
April 5, 2020
I gave up on this at 22%......it doesn't really flow in a normal way and some sentences just left me baffled. Even a line in the synopsis puzzled me, "Investigative reporter, Samantha Bell, knows the end is near." Not really sure what he meant here. Same as, "When I blinked, I felt my toes curl"or when she was having a drink with pals, she is fiddling around with her wedding ring yet "my heart was heavy with guilt for what happened to Mallory and Darcy" (two victims of the killer)......guilt over what ? Why was she feeling guilty ?? It's a nonsensical thing to be thinking.
This sentence reads horribly, "There was simply no replacing a father, no matter how close he could become with King." She meets with a potential witness in a bar and suggests he help her catch whoever killed one of the girls......she's a reporter !! As a complete stranger, said witness probably thinks she's a nutcase !!
There were no spelling mistakes or punctuation issues which was impressive but it just needs some sort of titivating !
This sentence reads horribly, "There was simply no replacing a father, no matter how close he could become with King." She meets with a potential witness in a bar and suggests he help her catch whoever killed one of the girls......she's a reporter !! As a complete stranger, said witness probably thinks she's a nutcase !!
There were no spelling mistakes or punctuation issues which was impressive but it just needs some sort of titivating !
December 3, 2021
It seems the author was trying too hard with his descriptors, which made the wording really awkward at times. (i.e. “Curling my lips over the rim of my gas station to-go coffee.” “Dawson leaned his tailbone against the edge of the desk…” “I twisted my spine towards them…” I rolled my neck to Erin.” “I slowed the tires to a crawl.” Et. Al). Also, at one point “disguised as a reporter, I left…” (disguised as??? I thought she was a reporter).
The story itself was just so so. Not interesting enough to work through the awkward sentences which made it almost painful to read at times. I finally skipped several chapters to see how the story ended. The action towards the end was good despite Samantha being terminally stupid in her actions. I did have trouble with her ‘friend’ Alex, the cop, sharing information with her prior to informing his team/superior (or just sharing info period). After the conclusion of the story there was a teaser for the next book. As interesting as it sounds, I doubt I will get it as I just wasn’t impressed with the writing style.
The story itself was just so so. Not interesting enough to work through the awkward sentences which made it almost painful to read at times. I finally skipped several chapters to see how the story ended. The action towards the end was good despite Samantha being terminally stupid in her actions. I did have trouble with her ‘friend’ Alex, the cop, sharing information with her prior to informing his team/superior (or just sharing info period). After the conclusion of the story there was a teaser for the next book. As interesting as it sounds, I doubt I will get it as I just wasn’t impressed with the writing style.
March 9, 2019
Couldn't connect
I started the book and I finished the book. I did get the whole gist of the plot but for some reason I found myself skimming over the pages rather than absorbing the actual words.
I started the book and I finished the book. I did get the whole gist of the plot but for some reason I found myself skimming over the pages rather than absorbing the actual words.
May 6, 2020
Dull characters, boring plot could only read to chapter 12.. just went in circles.
August 9, 2020
When the writing gets your attention (not the plot) you have either bad editing or bad writing—or both. Jarring turns of phrase, overly wordy. I may not bother to finish it.
September 3, 2024
I am always looking for new thriller series to dive into, desperate for another addiction that will leave me devouring the books. Jeremy Waldron’s Samantha Bell series has appeared many times as a suggestion, with plenty having great things to say, which meant I was curious about Dead and Gone to Bell. In fact, I was hopeful it would be my new addiction.
Sadly, from the start, I struggled with Dead and Gone to Bell. There was no sense of time with the story, with everything running together. I would be confused about why something that should have happened hours later was suddenly happening, and I realised it was because there was never an indicator of time passing – the reader was just dumped immediately into the next thing. Add in the fact that I could not stand the characters (they existed to do things that made no sense) and I spent most of the book annoyed. In fact, it was a struggle to pick this up after putting it down.
While many clearly enjoyed this, I could not get into it at all. Despite my wish for a new series to follow, I will not be continuing the Samantha Bell series.
Sadly, from the start, I struggled with Dead and Gone to Bell. There was no sense of time with the story, with everything running together. I would be confused about why something that should have happened hours later was suddenly happening, and I realised it was because there was never an indicator of time passing – the reader was just dumped immediately into the next thing. Add in the fact that I could not stand the characters (they existed to do things that made no sense) and I spent most of the book annoyed. In fact, it was a struggle to pick this up after putting it down.
While many clearly enjoyed this, I could not get into it at all. Despite my wish for a new series to follow, I will not be continuing the Samantha Bell series.
June 16, 2019
This is the first of the series about news reporter - Samantha Bell. Sam, as she is known by, is investigating a news story where a young woman was kidnapped, taken to a room, handcuffed to a bed and was killed. She gets to the scene and after police leave, she is allowed access to the room and gathers the clues for her story.
Now, another murder has been committed and Sam ties these together. She knows that there is a serial killer on the prowl. With her friends, she links the case to a powerful man, who is running for the office of Governor.
The story has been twists and turns and as more women are being abducted and killed, Sam is being led into the middle of everything..But, will it cost her too much. Her best friend, Alex King, who is a Detective, helps her with clues to the case and she is falling in love with him. Now are they both in danger..
Now, another murder has been committed and Sam ties these together. She knows that there is a serial killer on the prowl. With her friends, she links the case to a powerful man, who is running for the office of Governor.
The story has been twists and turns and as more women are being abducted and killed, Sam is being led into the middle of everything..But, will it cost her too much. Her best friend, Alex King, who is a Detective, helps her with clues to the case and she is falling in love with him. Now are they both in danger..
October 19, 2020
Another "Women's Murder Club"
Very reminiscent of James Patterson's "Women's Murder Club" series, but not as well written. As the first book in a series, it's not bad but hopefully the kinks will work out as the series progresses. The grammar and flow of writing need to improve, but the general storyline was good. I did get frustrated with the main character Bell at times with putting herself in danger and spending every spare minute trying to solve the murders, with little regard for the effect her actions have on her son.
The last chapter leads into the next book, which is a good way for the writer to hopefully encourage the readership to continue. I hope that future "episodes" of this series improve by eliminating some of the disjointed chapters and allowing the writing to flow more freely. The basics are there but a little polish in writing won't go astray.
Very reminiscent of James Patterson's "Women's Murder Club" series, but not as well written. As the first book in a series, it's not bad but hopefully the kinks will work out as the series progresses. The grammar and flow of writing need to improve, but the general storyline was good. I did get frustrated with the main character Bell at times with putting herself in danger and spending every spare minute trying to solve the murders, with little regard for the effect her actions have on her son.
The last chapter leads into the next book, which is a good way for the writer to hopefully encourage the readership to continue. I hope that future "episodes" of this series improve by eliminating some of the disjointed chapters and allowing the writing to flow more freely. The basics are there but a little polish in writing won't go astray.
August 16, 2024
Book 1 DEAD AND GONE TO BELL by Jeremy Waldron begins a series of mysteries with an investigative journalist as the protagonist. Samantha Bell works for the local paper in Denver, Colorado when a series of murders of blonde women occur. She is the point of contact and is front and center. She works closely with the police and her group of friends using every means available to find out who the murderer is. There are lots of clues and the internet plays a role. It is a fascinating storyline and there are already 9 books in this series so you can enjoy these well written mysteries for some time. Probably not a long time if the others are as riveting as the first one. I finished it at 1 a.m. I think you’ll like it. The author is excellent and he knows how to tell a story.
January 10, 2020
Samantha Bell is a crime reporter that likes to listen to the police scanner to get ahead of her competitors. The book opens on a murder scene in a hotel, seemingly a sex crime gone wrong. Later that same day a second victim is found. Samantha and her friends try to work out who the killer is and in fact get a little too close so one of them looks set to become a victim themselves.
I enjoyed the book and would definitely read the follow on books in the series. It is easy reading, lots of red herrings but I had figured out the killer before the big reveal even if the killers identity did come as a surprise to Samantha
I enjoyed the book and would definitely read the follow on books in the series. It is easy reading, lots of red herrings but I had figured out the killer before the big reveal even if the killers identity did come as a surprise to Samantha
May 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. There have been a few comments about it being obviously self published, but I have no issue with that as people need to get their name out there and a few grammatical errors are to be expected. I thought the plot was interesting, and while I had identified the killer about halfway through the book, it didn’t detract from the enjoyment and I was keen to keep reading to confirm my suspicions.
The story concludes and then leads into the next book which is a slight irritation, but understanding because who doesn’t want to get readers interested in the next book?
All in all, a good one.
The story concludes and then leads into the next book which is a slight irritation, but understanding because who doesn’t want to get readers interested in the next book?
All in all, a good one.
July 25, 2023
I really don't like reviewing books because what doesn't work for me may work for others. With that being said...I don't know how to feel about this book. It was okay. The plot was okay. I kinda saw the twist coming... But at the time, I didn't. I didn't like the fact that it would jump from third person POV to first person POV. I felt like the main character was all over the place. She wasn't relatable and her friends weren't either. I was happy that I finished it because it was many times that I didn't want to.
There wasn't any disgusting or disturbing events in the book so my D&D rating is 0.
There wasn't any disgusting or disturbing events in the book so my D&D rating is 0.
November 13, 2021
I enjoyed this more than I expected. I'd describe it as a typical mystery/thriller but even though this isn't my "go to" genre, I'd mark this as one of the more entertaining books I've read in this category. Mr. Waldron deserves credit for writing a solid fast paced, never boring, book that I'd recommend to anyone looking for an easily accessible fun read - especially one that showcases a strong female protagonist (single mom) teaming up with her independent successful girlfriends. I also liked that Samantha Bell is a journalist as opposed to a detective or private investigator.
May 12, 2020
Dead and Gone to Bell
Not for me but others liked it. Sam was a Widow raising a teenage son on her own. She was a Journalist who thought it was her job to play Detective to solve the murder of 3 women. She assumed it was one guy then another. Each time she was wrong. Why they said she was a Hero in the end is beyond me. She knew how her son was struggling with the loss of his father so she risks putting her life in jeopardy and possibly making her son an orphan.
Not for me but others liked it. Sam was a Widow raising a teenage son on her own. She was a Journalist who thought it was her job to play Detective to solve the murder of 3 women. She assumed it was one guy then another. Each time she was wrong. Why they said she was a Hero in the end is beyond me. She knew how her son was struggling with the loss of his father so she risks putting her life in jeopardy and possibly making her son an orphan.
August 21, 2021
This seemed like your typical who dunnit with all clues leading to the "killer," but you're not near the end of the book so you know it can't be that person and it was too easy to figure out the real killer....same ole' song and dance in my opinion and nothing original. The author copied James Patterson's Women's Murder Club with 4 women meeting at a restaurant talking about the case, but it just didn't compare and was weak.
April 18, 2022
The plot was interesting enough although predictable & the characters were fine although the reliance on dumb decisions and not disclosing information just for the sake of progressing the plot is frustrating to read. As some other reviewers have pointed out, the overuse of movements was jarring… so many times I had to read about ‘brows arching’, ‘lips curling over glass rims’, and rather than just saying ‘I turned to x’, it was always ‘I twisted my spine to face x’
February 21, 2023
Finally unearthed from the depths of my TBR . . .
. . . and all I can say is, "Why did I wait so long?"
Waldron's narrative is an inexorable force that pulls you along, never letting go till it's divulged everything it has.
Relatable characters.
Riveting narrative.
Twists guaranteed to give you pause.
You'll love Samantha and her drive to getting the real story. I promise you, this is one book you'll read from cover to cover, non-stop.
. . . and all I can say is, "Why did I wait so long?"
Waldron's narrative is an inexorable force that pulls you along, never letting go till it's divulged everything it has.
Relatable characters.
Riveting narrative.
Twists guaranteed to give you pause.
You'll love Samantha and her drive to getting the real story. I promise you, this is one book you'll read from cover to cover, non-stop.
November 9, 2023
Jeremy Waldron provided me with an electronic version of his first Samantha Bell thriller, which was an interesting, if not riveting, read. Samantha Bell is a Denver reporter who sees connections between several murders of young women in the area, and she works with her friends (a podcaster, an event planner, and an ad exec) and a local police detective to uncover who is committing the murders. Wealthy people and politicians fit into her list of suspects with surprising results.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews