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Crystal Creek Mysteries #1
Goode Over Evil
She left town to save a life. Now she’s back to avenge a death.
Years ago, Samantha Goode was driven away from love, her family, and her past. Now the Texas Ranger is back in Crystal Creek for her estranged grandmother’s funeral, even though it means coming face to face with everything, and everyone, she’d left behind. When a brutal murder shatters her world, Sam is determined to stay until she solves it. Soon she’s knee-deep in suspects, including the family of the man she once loved but was forced to betray.
Rancher Clayton Barnett will do anything to keep his autistic younger brother out of an institution, including sidelining his life to work for their powerful, manipulative father. When tragedy brings Sam back into his life, instead of rekindling their romance, Clay finds himself embroiled in a dangerous murder investigation.
Will old secrets pull Sam and Clay apart once more, or can they rise above their past? And with a ruthless killer on the loose, will Sam’s hard-earned Ranger skills be enough to ensure that Goode triumphs over evil?
Years ago, Samantha Goode was driven away from love, her family, and her past. Now the Texas Ranger is back in Crystal Creek for her estranged grandmother’s funeral, even though it means coming face to face with everything, and everyone, she’d left behind. When a brutal murder shatters her world, Sam is determined to stay until she solves it. Soon she’s knee-deep in suspects, including the family of the man she once loved but was forced to betray.
Rancher Clayton Barnett will do anything to keep his autistic younger brother out of an institution, including sidelining his life to work for their powerful, manipulative father. When tragedy brings Sam back into his life, instead of rekindling their romance, Clay finds himself embroiled in a dangerous murder investigation.
Will old secrets pull Sam and Clay apart once more, or can they rise above their past? And with a ruthless killer on the loose, will Sam’s hard-earned Ranger skills be enough to ensure that Goode triumphs over evil?
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2019
108 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Marshman
35 books614 followersDanger. Deception. Desire.
Award-winning suspense author Leslie Marshman is (finally) putting her psychology degree to good use, getting inside the heads of her characters and figuring out what makes them tick. She writes novels that feature kick-ass heroines, the heroes who love them, and the bad guys who fear them.
Leslie called Denver home until she married a Texan without reading the fine print. Now she lives halfway between Houston and Galveston and has learned to embrace the humidity. Her household includes two miniature poodles named Harley and Davidson, and a three-legged box turtle named Stumpy.
If she’s not at her computer making things up, you’ll probably find her camping at a lake, a fishing pole in one hand and a book in the other.
Award-winning suspense author Leslie Marshman is (finally) putting her psychology degree to good use, getting inside the heads of her characters and figuring out what makes them tick. She writes novels that feature kick-ass heroines, the heroes who love them, and the bad guys who fear them.
Leslie called Denver home until she married a Texan without reading the fine print. Now she lives halfway between Houston and Galveston and has learned to embrace the humidity. Her household includes two miniature poodles named Harley and Davidson, and a three-legged box turtle named Stumpy.
If she’s not at her computer making things up, you’ll probably find her camping at a lake, a fishing pole in one hand and a book in the other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 12, 2019
Goode Over Evil by Leslie Marshman is the first book of the Crystal Creek Mystery series. With this book being the first of the series I’m not sure if it will continue with the same characters or change since the genre bends a bit from straight mystery to almost a romantic suspense. The main characters do have a back ground do it’s not a case of insta love but they do have some steamier moments for those that may not enjoy.
Samantha Goode fled her hometown years ago without telling anyone, including Clayton Barnett whom she had been in a relationship with. The time away had been good for Samantha though having become a Texas Ranger. When she gets a call asking her back for a funeral she almost resistes but the decides to go.
After returning to Crystal Creek Samantha soon finds herself back on the job where she is most comfortable when a murder shakes the small town. Working to solve the murder Sam finds herself also being drawn back into Clayton’s life.
Goode Over Evil was a solid, quick read with one of those tough as nails female leads. The romantic side of the story is one that I don’t mind since there was a huge history however combining the romance into a mystery as the short length made everything a bit rushed and could have perhaps gone deeper. In the end I’d give this first book of the series 3 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Samantha Goode fled her hometown years ago without telling anyone, including Clayton Barnett whom she had been in a relationship with. The time away had been good for Samantha though having become a Texas Ranger. When she gets a call asking her back for a funeral she almost resistes but the decides to go.
After returning to Crystal Creek Samantha soon finds herself back on the job where she is most comfortable when a murder shakes the small town. Working to solve the murder Sam finds herself also being drawn back into Clayton’s life.
Goode Over Evil was a solid, quick read with one of those tough as nails female leads. The romantic side of the story is one that I don’t mind since there was a huge history however combining the romance into a mystery as the short length made everything a bit rushed and could have perhaps gone deeper. In the end I’d give this first book of the series 3 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 14, 2020
A THRILLING BLEND OF SUSPENSE AND SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE. FIVE PERFECT STARS!
WOW! WHAT A TERRIFIC DEBUT NOVEL! Just when I'd almost given up hope of ever finding a flawless book, I discovered this amazing gem. I'm a very picky reader and reviewer, and I couldn't find a single thing to complain about. Not even one! No long plot summary from me this time, because nothing should spoil your enjoyment of this exciting story. But here's a "spoiler free" taste of the plot.
Samantha Goode is a Texas Ranger who left her small hometown and the man she loved (Clay Barnett) twelve years earlier. Returning for her grandmother's funeral, she discovers the body of her beloved uncle in a lake, clearly the victim of a homicide. Who would kill Uncle Joe? And why? Evidence first points to Jordan, Clay's autistic brother. But evil is afoot in Crystal Creek, and Ranger Sam is determined to uncover the killers. Stunning reveals and unexpected twists gripped me from the very first page to the last.
There's plenty of romance in the mix as Sam and Clay rekindle their long-denied passion. I especially loved Clay's selfless devotion to his autistic brother, and Sam's growing bond with her grandfather. Clay's father . . . well, enough said about him. Just read this remarkable book and discover likable characters (except the bad guys) in a compelling plot that will leave you smiling and craving more. Samantha Goode is SO GOOD!
This story isn't a cliffhanger, but Sam's adventures continue in The Goode Fight, Book 2 in the series. I'm starting it tonight. Kudos for flawless editing and proofreading, so rare in books these days. Thanks also for "closed door" sex and limited use of the f-word. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
WOW! WHAT A TERRIFIC DEBUT NOVEL! Just when I'd almost given up hope of ever finding a flawless book, I discovered this amazing gem. I'm a very picky reader and reviewer, and I couldn't find a single thing to complain about. Not even one! No long plot summary from me this time, because nothing should spoil your enjoyment of this exciting story. But here's a "spoiler free" taste of the plot.
Samantha Goode is a Texas Ranger who left her small hometown and the man she loved (Clay Barnett) twelve years earlier. Returning for her grandmother's funeral, she discovers the body of her beloved uncle in a lake, clearly the victim of a homicide. Who would kill Uncle Joe? And why? Evidence first points to Jordan, Clay's autistic brother. But evil is afoot in Crystal Creek, and Ranger Sam is determined to uncover the killers. Stunning reveals and unexpected twists gripped me from the very first page to the last.
There's plenty of romance in the mix as Sam and Clay rekindle their long-denied passion. I especially loved Clay's selfless devotion to his autistic brother, and Sam's growing bond with her grandfather. Clay's father . . . well, enough said about him. Just read this remarkable book and discover likable characters (except the bad guys) in a compelling plot that will leave you smiling and craving more. Samantha Goode is SO GOOD!
This story isn't a cliffhanger, but Sam's adventures continue in The Goode Fight, Book 2 in the series. I'm starting it tonight. Kudos for flawless editing and proofreading, so rare in books these days. Thanks also for "closed door" sex and limited use of the f-word. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
July 30, 2019
Goode Over Evil has everything a reader could want: a tough-as-nails, thoroughly believable female Texas Ranger who refuses to be defined by the the opinion of the small town that once shunned her, the son of her worst enemy, who's never gotten over the poor girl who left him cold, and a murder mystery with a twist that left me gasping. With her fast pacing and characters who'll make you laugh, cry, and fall in love, Leslie Marshman's debut marks her as an author to watch!
September 15, 2019
Goode Over Evil by Leslie Marshman
A Crystal Creek Mystery #1
Excellent! I was hooked from page one and engaged till the very end. Samantha “Sam” Goode, Texas Ranger, was resilient, tough and smart. She was someone I could admire and would like to have as a friend. When her uncle calls her to ask for help and tell her to come back to bury her grandmother she is tempted to decline but back she goes anyway. I was easily able to get a feel for Crystal Creek and understand why she had stayed away for twelve years.
When Sam left she did so without telling anyone. She had her reasons and they were good ones but even though she achieved an education and landed a good job she still regrets leaving Clay Barnett behind. It soon becomes evident that there might be a second chance for the couple...maybe. When Sam’s uncle is murdered she opts to assist in the investigation. Then she finds out that someone has it in for her. Surviving what happens won’t be easy and the second chance romance couple has to work to make it happen.
What I liked:
* Samantha: she is a great character and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
* Clay: Great book boyfriend and wonderful brother to his autistic brother, Jordan
* Sheriff Eddie Marshall: He is intriguing and truly deserves to find a woman of his own – do hope he gets a book in the series
* Nicolette: Sam’s friend is a sniper but home temporarily to help her widowed mother.
* Supporting characters...there were more than one that I found interesting and hope to see in future books in this series
What I did not like:
* Quinn Barnett: what a dirt bag he was….his treatment of family and others was despicable
* The men that I was meant not to like...the bad guys that killed and tortured and were evil incarnate.
Did I like this book? Definitely!
Would I like to read more by this author? Without a doubt!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A Crystal Creek Mystery #1
Excellent! I was hooked from page one and engaged till the very end. Samantha “Sam” Goode, Texas Ranger, was resilient, tough and smart. She was someone I could admire and would like to have as a friend. When her uncle calls her to ask for help and tell her to come back to bury her grandmother she is tempted to decline but back she goes anyway. I was easily able to get a feel for Crystal Creek and understand why she had stayed away for twelve years.
When Sam left she did so without telling anyone. She had her reasons and they were good ones but even though she achieved an education and landed a good job she still regrets leaving Clay Barnett behind. It soon becomes evident that there might be a second chance for the couple...maybe. When Sam’s uncle is murdered she opts to assist in the investigation. Then she finds out that someone has it in for her. Surviving what happens won’t be easy and the second chance romance couple has to work to make it happen.
What I liked:
* Samantha: she is a great character and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
* Clay: Great book boyfriend and wonderful brother to his autistic brother, Jordan
* Sheriff Eddie Marshall: He is intriguing and truly deserves to find a woman of his own – do hope he gets a book in the series
* Nicolette: Sam’s friend is a sniper but home temporarily to help her widowed mother.
* Supporting characters...there were more than one that I found interesting and hope to see in future books in this series
What I did not like:
* Quinn Barnett: what a dirt bag he was….his treatment of family and others was despicable
* The men that I was meant not to like...the bad guys that killed and tortured and were evil incarnate.
Did I like this book? Definitely!
Would I like to read more by this author? Without a doubt!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
September 16, 2019
Texas Ranger Samantha Goode is no stranger to the dark sides of life. Drug busts and danger are just part of her job, and she knows she can handle anything...except going back to her small hometown where the ghosts from her past are much more dangerous than the criminals she meets at work. When her grandmother dies, she has no choice but to go back to Crystal Creek and face her demons, and the man she left behind.
Clay Barnett wants a simple life on the ranch, where he can take care of his little brother and be free from his father's control. But his life is nothing but simple and things only get worse when the woman who walked out on him more than a decade ago comes back to town and a body is found floating in the water.
For a debut novel, this book was beautifully done. Marshman created a realistic world where relatable characters struggle to solve a murder while figuring out their feelings. Everything was fleshed out really well without taking away from the fast paced storyline.
Sam was a killer leading lady. Sarcastic, strong, and focused, she gives us a fantastic heroine to root for. And although this book has romance and steam, Sam doesn't need a man to save her, or propel the book. She's enough all by herself.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Goode Over Evil and look forward to seeing what's next for my new favorite crime fighter.
Clay Barnett wants a simple life on the ranch, where he can take care of his little brother and be free from his father's control. But his life is nothing but simple and things only get worse when the woman who walked out on him more than a decade ago comes back to town and a body is found floating in the water.
For a debut novel, this book was beautifully done. Marshman created a realistic world where relatable characters struggle to solve a murder while figuring out their feelings. Everything was fleshed out really well without taking away from the fast paced storyline.
Sam was a killer leading lady. Sarcastic, strong, and focused, she gives us a fantastic heroine to root for. And although this book has romance and steam, Sam doesn't need a man to save her, or propel the book. She's enough all by herself.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Goode Over Evil and look forward to seeing what's next for my new favorite crime fighter.
August 12, 2019
Sam Goode left twelve years ago to keep the man she loved safe. Now she’s a Texas Ranger and is going home to her estranged grandmothers funeral. While there, a murder occurs and Sam will do anything to find the killer. Clay Barnett works for his daddy until he can save the money for his own ranch and able to get custody of his brother. Clay and Sam were in love until his daddy gave her money and sent her away. Clay still loves her but is hurt because she left him without a goodbye. As they search for a killer, can they put the past behind and move together into the future?
First time reading this author and I couldn’t put it down. Action, suspense, and steamy sex ( not a lot ). You have a Sheriff who’s funny and serious, a Chief that is worthless, and two people who find each other again.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
First time reading this author and I couldn’t put it down. Action, suspense, and steamy sex ( not a lot ). You have a Sheriff who’s funny and serious, a Chief that is worthless, and two people who find each other again.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
September 29, 2019
"Life ain't fair, it's like poker. You don't always get the cards you want, but you play the hand you're dealt."
Firstly I would like to thank net galley for this ARC. in return for an honest review.
this novel is a brilliant introduction to Samantha Goode, Texas ranger and troubled heroine. Returning to her hometown after an absence of 12 years in what she hopes is a flying visit but she is soon forced to confront the feelings she has tried to bury.
i'm torn on wether to give a 5 star for this book however its nearer a 4.5 ]. it's a well written story with a good balance of action and romance, the romance is not over the top corny, the action is a page turner and the violence not over stated and needlessly graphic.
Firstly I would like to thank net galley for this ARC. in return for an honest review.
this novel is a brilliant introduction to Samantha Goode, Texas ranger and troubled heroine. Returning to her hometown after an absence of 12 years in what she hopes is a flying visit but she is soon forced to confront the feelings she has tried to bury.
i'm torn on wether to give a 5 star for this book however its nearer a 4.5 ]. it's a well written story with a good balance of action and romance, the romance is not over the top corny, the action is a page turner and the violence not over stated and needlessly graphic.
September 14, 2019
The formula isn't a new one, but with a tough as nails Texas Ranger for the heroine and the baffling murder of her uncle in a small Texas town, the tension stays high as the story unfolds.
Along with the investigation of the murder there is also the emotional conflict between the heroine and the hero whose childhood romance ended in heartbreak.
This is the debut novel from the author and the action of the story, the search for the killer, the hero and heroine working on the obstacles that tore them apart and the secondary characters you are kept engaged in the story. I look forward to what's next from this author.
Along with the investigation of the murder there is also the emotional conflict between the heroine and the hero whose childhood romance ended in heartbreak.
This is the debut novel from the author and the action of the story, the search for the killer, the hero and heroine working on the obstacles that tore them apart and the secondary characters you are kept engaged in the story. I look forward to what's next from this author.
August 4, 2019
Samantha Goode is a Texas Ranger. She came home to Crystal Creek for a funeral and ended up in the middle of a huge mystery. Clay never stopped loving Samantha but can they find there way back to each other with all the obstetrical in there way. Goode Over Evil is the debut book by Leslie Marshman I'm positive there will be many more to come. Fast paced suspense that keeps you turning the pages. Murder,drama and a great second chance love story. Hopefully we will get to know some of the secondary characters in future books.
August 5, 2019
Loved this debut about a female Texas Ranger returning to her small town for her grandmother's funeral and quickly getting mired in murder, betrayal, an international smuggling operation all while trying to ignore the pull of her heart for her childhood sweetheart, who's at the center of it all. Lots of intrigue and the twists came early and often. STELLAR read!!
August 15, 2019
This is an excellent start to a new series. The characters are complex and interesting. The mystery is full of action and twists. There is just the right amount of romance. Sam's character develops at just the right pace. And while I want more of her and Clay, I really look forward to seeing more of the rest of the characters.
June 1, 2020
Loved this book from debut author Leslie Marshman. I tried to take my time, but the fast pace and gripping story kept me hooked the entire day/night. I read it in one sitting and wound up with a major book hangover. LOL No complaints, though, because the story was fantastic!!! I can not wait for the next installment. Definitely recommend.
March 14, 2020
Goode Over Evil is the first book in the new series. Starting with the cover. This has a lovely cover depicting a female ranger on the outskirts of the Wild West looking out at the water.
This book was amazing. You get everything you want in a book. First you have Samantha who is the badass wild wild west ranger that doesn't take any crap from anyone. She would be considered the perfect heroine in a book. Then you have murder. Any great book in this genre has murder, and this book had murder. Next you need a book that can hit you in different ways and mess with your emotions. This book displayed that perfectly.
Leslie's writing was fantastic. I was hooked from the start, and was actually intimidated by Samantha. This book had everything I wanted, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!!!
I highly recommend this book to all of my friends who haven't heard of this author.
My rating: 📕📕📕📕📕(5 stars)
This book was amazing. You get everything you want in a book. First you have Samantha who is the badass wild wild west ranger that doesn't take any crap from anyone. She would be considered the perfect heroine in a book. Then you have murder. Any great book in this genre has murder, and this book had murder. Next you need a book that can hit you in different ways and mess with your emotions. This book displayed that perfectly.
Leslie's writing was fantastic. I was hooked from the start, and was actually intimidated by Samantha. This book had everything I wanted, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!!!
I highly recommend this book to all of my friends who haven't heard of this author.
My rating: 📕📕📕📕📕(5 stars)
March 4, 2020
It can feel like a crapshoot to try out a debut author, but gamble paid off big time! Author Leslie Marshman marries plot and character with such richness and intrigue that I couldn't help but keep turning pages to see what happened next. I can't wait for the next on in the series (and noticed you can preorder book 2!). With one fabulous novel, Marshman is already on my must-read-this-author list.
June 1, 2020
Sam is a Texas Ranger. When her beloved Uncle Joe is murdered she does to track down the killer. She stays with her grandfather, who is in bad health, and comes face to face with her former love, Clay.
This was a very entertaining story. I know I'm going to enjoy all future books in the series. Definitely recommend.
This was a very entertaining story. I know I'm going to enjoy all future books in the series. Definitely recommend.
July 24, 2020
Cool women and suspenseful mystery.
This was an exciting story with great characters that I wish could be me in real life. The mystery didn't unravel until the end, so it kept me reading ling past bedtime.
This was an exciting story with great characters that I wish could be me in real life. The mystery didn't unravel until the end, so it kept me reading ling past bedtime.
December 27, 2020
"SHE LEFT TOWN TO SAVE A LIFE. NOW SHES BACK TO AVENGE A DEATH."
Samantha Goode was driven away from Crystal Creek years ago. She left behind love, her family, and her past. She has returned to the Texas town to attend the funeral of her grandmother. She will come face to face with everything and everyone she left behind. A brutal murder shatters her world, and Sam is determined to stay until she solves it. Before long, she is knee-deep in suspects, including the family of the one man she loved but was forced to betray.
Clayton Barnett is a rancher who will do anything to keep his autistic younger brother out of an institution. He has even sidelined his life to work for their powerful and manipulative father. Clay finds himself embroiled in a dangerous murder investigation when tragedy brings Sam back into his life. He would have rather rekindled their romance.
Old secrets may pull Sam and Clay apart once again. Can they rise above their shared past? There is a ruthless killer on the loose, and Sam will use her hard-earned Ranger skills to have Goode winning over evil.
June 12, 2020
Great reading!
This was a great story. Lots of action, blackmail, murder and drugs. Long held hatred coupled with long held family secrets are just some of the things that you will encounter in this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and entertained to the last page. I just ordered the next book!
This was a great story. Lots of action, blackmail, murder and drugs. Long held hatred coupled with long held family secrets are just some of the things that you will encounter in this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and entertained to the last page. I just ordered the next book!
June 29, 2020
A strong, female character that just happens to be a Texas Ranger. The story started out strong and kept it up. Near the end the language seemed to intensify, but it mostly fit the situations. This story has so much with drug smuggling, autism, strong family love and values, sacrifice, second-chance romance, great friendships, great partnerships, rogue agents, heartache, and is gripping. And did I mention Texas Rangers. One scene with the grandfather was written so poignantly that I started crying, and had to temporarily stop reading. I hardly knew mine, one because it was his choice and one because of being on a different continent, and have minimal experience with grandparents, but the scene was written so well that I could fully empathize. I kept trying to figure out who did it while cheering for Sam and Clay to work out their problems. I’ve started the second one in the series and can’t wait to see what happens.
Repost of my original review at Amazon.com.
Repost of my original review at Amazon.com.
June 26, 2020
Loved it. Thrilled to see it is the first of a series. I am eager to read the next one. This book captured my attention from beginning to end. I tried so hard to stay awake to finish, but couldn't make it. Great way to start my morning anyway. Some happy tears, some sad ones. I won the book in a contest. Grateful to have discovered this author.
October 10, 2020
Great book
I absolutely loved this book and the heroine, Samantha Goode. Not only is Samantha my daughter's name, but she also loves in El Paso which I consider my home.
This book had great action, suspense and an amazing love story. Everything a great book should have.
I absolutely loved this book and the heroine, Samantha Goode. Not only is Samantha my daughter's name, but she also loves in El Paso which I consider my home.
This book had great action, suspense and an amazing love story. Everything a great book should have.
December 8, 2020
Well written mystery, familiar but fun romance. Looking forward to the next book!
September 9, 2019
Samantha Goode has had a lifetime of hard knocks and disappointments, but she’s proud of what she’s accomplished. After being forced out of her hometown when barely out of high school, she’s managed to educate herself, and has won a hard-earned position as a female Texas Ranger. When she gets word of her estranged grandmother’s death, she returns to Crystal Creek for the funeral, even though returning home brings back childhood insecurities and feelings of worthlessness. But her grandfather and uncle deserve her support, so she faces her checkered past, including strained family ties, the lover she betrayed for his own good, and the hateful man who forced her out of town.
Clayton Barnett never got over Sam walking out on him. She left town twelve years ago, and never even bothered to tell him why. Clay’s life now revolves around taking care of his autistic younger brother, and Clay will do anything to make sure the kid’s life is stable and secure, including running their family ranch for his domineering, unpleasant father. As soon as he’s able, Clay plans to gain custody of his brother and fulfill his dream of his own environmentally sound working ranch.
When a murder is discovered, Sam stays in town to investigate. Sam and Clay must put their differences aside and work together to protect their loved ones and deal with plot twists that bring old danger and new together in this intriguing suspense. There’s family drama, murder, drug trafficking and distribution, and plenty of action. With everything going on, you wonder if they’ll ever have a chance to deal with their own emotional issues.
In her debut novel, this author’s given us a kick-ass heroine, great characters, and an involved mystery. I’m looking forward to more from her, and hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
Clayton Barnett never got over Sam walking out on him. She left town twelve years ago, and never even bothered to tell him why. Clay’s life now revolves around taking care of his autistic younger brother, and Clay will do anything to make sure the kid’s life is stable and secure, including running their family ranch for his domineering, unpleasant father. As soon as he’s able, Clay plans to gain custody of his brother and fulfill his dream of his own environmentally sound working ranch.
When a murder is discovered, Sam stays in town to investigate. Sam and Clay must put their differences aside and work together to protect their loved ones and deal with plot twists that bring old danger and new together in this intriguing suspense. There’s family drama, murder, drug trafficking and distribution, and plenty of action. With everything going on, you wonder if they’ll ever have a chance to deal with their own emotional issues.
In her debut novel, this author’s given us a kick-ass heroine, great characters, and an involved mystery. I’m looking forward to more from her, and hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
January 8, 2023
A lovable cast of characters in a fast-paced mystery that is predictable but still highly entertaining.
August 28, 2019
When Texas Ranger Samantha Goode, the heroine of Leslie Marshman's Goode Over Evil, returns to her home town of Crystal Creek, she's only expecting to stay a day or two for her grandmother's funeral. She's shed no tears for the old woman who made her childhood miserable, but her grandfather and her Uncle Joe deserve her support.
She knows there's a risk of running into her old love, rancher Clayton Barnett—it’s a small town, after all. But she can deal with that. Clay doesn't know why Sam left town without a word to him years ago, and she doesn't intend to tell him now. Events around them make it hard to avoid one another, but will what they once had together ever return?
Sam's plans to head back to El Paso as quickly as possibly change when there's a death at her uncle's marina. The local police chief calls it suicide, but Sam and the county sheriff know better. Whatever happened, Clay's autistic brother, Jordan, may have witnessed it. When Sam realizes that dangers from the drug cartel she's been fighting have followed her from El Paso to the Gulf Coast, her fears for the people she loves mount.
Goode Over Evil is a fast-paced roller coaster ride through small town secrets, drug smuggling, and murder, and well worth reading for fans of mystery and suspense.
She knows there's a risk of running into her old love, rancher Clayton Barnett—it’s a small town, after all. But she can deal with that. Clay doesn't know why Sam left town without a word to him years ago, and she doesn't intend to tell him now. Events around them make it hard to avoid one another, but will what they once had together ever return?
Sam's plans to head back to El Paso as quickly as possibly change when there's a death at her uncle's marina. The local police chief calls it suicide, but Sam and the county sheriff know better. Whatever happened, Clay's autistic brother, Jordan, may have witnessed it. When Sam realizes that dangers from the drug cartel she's been fighting have followed her from El Paso to the Gulf Coast, her fears for the people she loves mount.
Goode Over Evil is a fast-paced roller coaster ride through small town secrets, drug smuggling, and murder, and well worth reading for fans of mystery and suspense.
October 6, 2019
The best romantic suspense I’ve read this year. Debut writer Leslie Marshman has a way with words and Texas characters that few could beat.
As one of the few female Texas Rangers, Samantha Goode has learned to hold her own against deadly drug dealers, her dysfunctional family, even the condescension and sneers of her male law enforcement co-workers. But when a family funeral brings her back to Crystal Creek and the man she once loved—the man she was forced to betray—that control is tested. The most important person in Clay Barnett’s life right now is his autistic brother, Jordan. When Sam’s Uncle Joe is murdered and circumstances point to Jordan’s involvement, Clay has to find a way to prove his brother’s innocence. But that means every day he’ll be seeing and talking to the woman who once broke his heart… the woman he still loves. I love the way Marshman finds a way for the two to overcome their past missteps and find a new path together while making sure Goode triumphs over Evil.
As one of the few female Texas Rangers, Samantha Goode has learned to hold her own against deadly drug dealers, her dysfunctional family, even the condescension and sneers of her male law enforcement co-workers. But when a family funeral brings her back to Crystal Creek and the man she once loved—the man she was forced to betray—that control is tested. The most important person in Clay Barnett’s life right now is his autistic brother, Jordan. When Sam’s Uncle Joe is murdered and circumstances point to Jordan’s involvement, Clay has to find a way to prove his brother’s innocence. But that means every day he’ll be seeing and talking to the woman who once broke his heart… the woman he still loves. I love the way Marshman finds a way for the two to overcome their past missteps and find a new path together while making sure Goode triumphs over Evil.
September 19, 2019
Goode Over Evil is the first book I have read by Leslie Marshman. It is an impressive first read for me. The suspense and danger are up front from the very beginning. I really liked seeing Samantha Goode in Texas Ranger mode right at the start. One tough resilient woman, can I please, be her when I grow up.
Coming home to attend a funeral does not diminish Sam’s presence or air of authority that is so much a part of her character. It only shows how much she outshines the small town that she left many years ago. She ends up staying to find answers, solve a murder close to home for her along with an ex-love reunion.
What a gripping captivating read. A second chance romance in the mist of a fast pace, challenging mystery that has more than one twist. A powerfully well-written story with characters that are flawed, complex, human and admirable. I want to read more of Sam by this rising author of romantic suspense.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Coming home to attend a funeral does not diminish Sam’s presence or air of authority that is so much a part of her character. It only shows how much she outshines the small town that she left many years ago. She ends up staying to find answers, solve a murder close to home for her along with an ex-love reunion.
What a gripping captivating read. A second chance romance in the mist of a fast pace, challenging mystery that has more than one twist. A powerfully well-written story with characters that are flawed, complex, human and admirable. I want to read more of Sam by this rising author of romantic suspense.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2019
Goode Over Evil is the first Leslie Marshman book I’ve read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. This romantic suspense nicely switches traditional roles and introduces heroine Sam Goode as Texas ranger.
Sam is tough and exceptionally good at her job, but she’s got a soft side too — she really doesn’t do well in small, dark places. She’s also not great at relationships and aside from her Uncle Joe she’s had no contact with family or the town she left as a teenager.
Clay Barnett is the man she left behind and he still loves her, despite her leaving with no explanation all those years ago. He’s another character to admire - he’s taken over the care of his autistic brother Jordan and he has a plan to get them both out from under the thumb of his controlling and overbearing father.
This story is a page-turner. There’s a murder to investigate, the drug smuggling case that Sam was working on still bubbling in the background and plenty of relationship building. I was engrossed from the first page to the last.
Sam is tough and exceptionally good at her job, but she’s got a soft side too — she really doesn’t do well in small, dark places. She’s also not great at relationships and aside from her Uncle Joe she’s had no contact with family or the town she left as a teenager.
Clay Barnett is the man she left behind and he still loves her, despite her leaving with no explanation all those years ago. He’s another character to admire - he’s taken over the care of his autistic brother Jordan and he has a plan to get them both out from under the thumb of his controlling and overbearing father.
This story is a page-turner. There’s a murder to investigate, the drug smuggling case that Sam was working on still bubbling in the background and plenty of relationship building. I was engrossed from the first page to the last.
September 18, 2019
A kick ass female Texas Ranger, a man doing the best he can to support his autistic brother and a story with danger, suspense and romance. Samantha “Sam” Goode left Crystal Creek years ago…she had her reasons, but now she returns for her grandmother’s funeral. When someone close to Sam is murdered, but made to look like an accident, Sam will not leave until the killer is caught or killed. Clayton Barnett has done what his father demanded in order to keep his autistic brother home, but never counted on losing Sam, the woman he loved. Now that she is back, is there a chance for them? As Sam faces danger on all fronts, her enemies will soon learn that to underestimate her may shorten their lives. A wonderful first book in the Crystal Creek series and I can’t wait for the second book by this author. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
September 15, 2019
Goode Over Evil is about a tough as nails Texas Ranger, Samantha Goode, who returns home to Crystal Creek, Texas, for her grandmother’s funeral only to discover her uncle has been murdered.
There are a lot of factors that kept Sam from returning home and one in particular will do anything to make her to leave again. Returning home means Sam will have to face her high school love, Clayton Burnett, who she left without a word. While solving her uncle’s murder, Sam finds herself falling in love with Clay all over again. But, will it be enough to keep her from returning to the job she loves on the other side of the state?
This book had me hooked right away. It was packed full of excitement. The writer did a fantastic job with the characters and the storyline. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.
There are a lot of factors that kept Sam from returning home and one in particular will do anything to make her to leave again. Returning home means Sam will have to face her high school love, Clayton Burnett, who she left without a word. While solving her uncle’s murder, Sam finds herself falling in love with Clay all over again. But, will it be enough to keep her from returning to the job she loves on the other side of the state?
This book had me hooked right away. It was packed full of excitement. The writer did a fantastic job with the characters and the storyline. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.
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