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Samantha True Mysteries #2
All Bets Are Off
Some days, no matter how awful, are not worth a do-over.
One wild weekend in Vegas Samantha True and her boyfriend impulsively marry. Six months later she learns three things about her new husband.
1. He’s been killed in a freak accident.
2. She’s inherited his secret PI business.
3. He had another wife.
Broke and devastated, she dives into learning the PI business—how hard can it be? Following a binge-watching How To session on Youtube, Samantha’s ready to take her first case.
When mysterious strangers show up at her doorstep demanding information about her dead husband, she realizes she's in over her head.
Samantha must discover who he really was. But what if the truth puts her in danger, too?
One wild weekend in Vegas Samantha True and her boyfriend impulsively marry. Six months later she learns three things about her new husband.
1. He’s been killed in a freak accident.
2. She’s inherited his secret PI business.
3. He had another wife.
Broke and devastated, she dives into learning the PI business—how hard can it be? Following a binge-watching How To session on Youtube, Samantha’s ready to take her first case.
When mysterious strangers show up at her doorstep demanding information about her dead husband, she realizes she's in over her head.
Samantha must discover who he really was. But what if the truth puts her in danger, too?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2019
About the author
Kristi Rose
60 books264 followersHey! I’m Kristi. I write romances that will tug your heartstrings and laugh out loud mysteries. In all my stories you’ll fall in love with the cast of characters, they’ll become old, fun friends. My one hope is that I create stories that satisfy any of your book cravings and take you away from the rut of everyday life (sometimes it's a good rut).
When I’m not writing I’m spinning (riding a stationary bike, repurposing Happy Planners, or drinking a London Fog (hot tea with frothy milk).
I’m the mom of 2 and a milspouse (retired). We live in the Pacific Northwest and are under-prepared if one of the volcanoes erupts.
Here are 3 things about me:
• I lived on the outskirts of an active volcano (Mt.Etna)
• A spider bit me and it laid eggs in my arm (my kids don’t know that story yet)
• I grew up in Central Florida and have skied in lakes with gators.
I’d love to get to know you better. Join my Read & Relax community and then fire off an email and tell me 3 things about you!
Not ready to join? Email me or follow me here. Thanks for popping by!
You can connect with Kristi at any of the following:
www.kristirose.net
kristi@kristirose.net
When I’m not writing I’m spinning (riding a stationary bike, repurposing Happy Planners, or drinking a London Fog (hot tea with frothy milk).
I’m the mom of 2 and a milspouse (retired). We live in the Pacific Northwest and are under-prepared if one of the volcanoes erupts.
Here are 3 things about me:
• I lived on the outskirts of an active volcano (Mt.Etna)
• A spider bit me and it laid eggs in my arm (my kids don’t know that story yet)
• I grew up in Central Florida and have skied in lakes with gators.
I’d love to get to know you better. Join my Read & Relax community and then fire off an email and tell me 3 things about you!
Not ready to join? Email me or follow me here. Thanks for popping by!
You can connect with Kristi at any of the following:
www.kristirose.net
kristi@kristirose.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 22, 2020
I read this book because of the reference to being like the Janet Evanovich ‘Stephanie Plum’ series.
I used to love those books.
I freaking LOVED this book and it’s cast of characters. You have to read the first book to understand the rest of the series. The first book I was like ok, it’s ok. But now the second book?!! Awesome. Just stick with it and you’ll see.
Super fun and action packed. I just wish that Sam would have been way more pissed off at the end at Carson. I have so many questions that I need answered. Like how Carson new that Sam would follow all of those clues to see the result he ultimately wanted? Why did he pick Sam? And Did he ever really love her?
I have read the rest of this series that is out and I can’t wait for 2021 for the next one!!
I used to love those books.
I freaking LOVED this book and it’s cast of characters. You have to read the first book to understand the rest of the series. The first book I was like ok, it’s ok. But now the second book?!! Awesome. Just stick with it and you’ll see.
Super fun and action packed. I just wish that Sam would have been way more pissed off at the end at Carson. I have so many questions that I need answered. Like how Carson new that Sam would follow all of those clues to see the result he ultimately wanted? Why did he pick Sam? And Did he ever really love her?
I have read the rest of this series that is out and I can’t wait for 2021 for the next one!!
June 7, 2026
This book was just as refreshing as book one. While romance was a theme throughout, in this case it was failed romance. Samantha discovers her husband of six months, who has died in an accident, was living under a false identity...and already had a wife. And that's just the beginning of the secrets she starts to uncover as she investigates that man she thought she knew. Samantha is quirky and seriously doubts herself as she investigates but she wasn't doing it out of assinine curiously. (I love cozy mysteries, but we all know it's true of most protagonists in the genre.) She's doing it because she's now the target for some seriously bad guys AND she's trying to figure out what the hell her life even is. The cast of characters is diverse and fun. The writer is really good and the banter is witty and clever. I'm Really enjoying this series.
August 11, 2019
Move over Stephanie Plum, Samantha True will be giving you a run for the money! A crazy good plot and wonderful zany characters make this book a must for anyone who enjoys Janet Evanovich’s books. This is definitely my favorite in the series so far, and I can’t wait for the next one.
March 2, 2022
What to do when you find out your husband of six months is not only dead but may not have been your husband, or who is he really?? How do you cope when bad guys are crawling out of the woodwork and every corners because of said dead not husband 😑😑
Gather your family around, a best friend named Precious who is a Life Coach and will force you to do life 😁, that annoying cop who always there when you need him, and Toby. Samantha takes over the private investigator business that her scum of a not so husband put in her name and proceeds to investigate his death and his misdeeds. This was a pretty good book, fast paced for the most part, fun characters, laugh out loud moments, and a good second follow up to book one. I definitely liked it better than book 1.
Gather your family around, a best friend named Precious who is a Life Coach and will force you to do life 😁, that annoying cop who always there when you need him, and Toby. Samantha takes over the private investigator business that her scum of a not so husband put in her name and proceeds to investigate his death and his misdeeds. This was a pretty good book, fast paced for the most part, fun characters, laugh out loud moments, and a good second follow up to book one. I definitely liked it better than book 1.
April 22, 2024
The mystery that this story revolves around is a doozie ... confusing from the "get go" ... and I like the honesty of the characters and the courage and determination of our heroine to get to the bottom of it - even if she dies trying!
August 14, 2022
Enjoyed This One
Humour, a good plot, interesting characters— this book has it all. I definitely recommend reading it. Plan to read more in the series.
Humour, a good plot, interesting characters— this book has it all. I definitely recommend reading it. Plan to read more in the series.
February 16, 2023
Really starting to get into this now. The time jump from book one to book two is brilliant.
March 16, 2023
I enjoyed book 2 way more than book 1. This is a fun mystery if you want some chuckles and a good plot.
February 25, 2021
Okay. Ten years have passed since Samantha's first adventure and BOY did it take a turn she wasn't expecting back then. Instead of forensic photography she's talking family portraits. Or, well, she was. She's also married. Or so she thinks.
Yeah, things are complicated. As it turns out, her husband is actually married to another woman. He's also dead, which is how all these secrets are coming to light. On the plus side, he left her his PI business and now Samantha has to deal with both her grief and her anger at his lies and figure out what to do with said business.
With her crew of friends and family (I'm counting Leo as a friend despite their slightly adversarial relationship because he always seems to be in the right place at the right time to help her out of her various jams), Samantha works on figuring out why someone is gunning for her now that her fake-husband (fusband? HA!) is gone. Things get dicey at times and Samantha is in way over her head (at first, at least), but she's not the type to walk away.
A little danger, a lot of mystery, a heaping dose of anger at her fusband's lies, and friends who show up when she needs them the most. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about a ten year time jump (I liked bebe Samantha bumbling through her first adventure), but I ended up REALLY liking it. And by that I mean I wasted no time grabbing book 3.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Yeah, things are complicated. As it turns out, her husband is actually married to another woman. He's also dead, which is how all these secrets are coming to light. On the plus side, he left her his PI business and now Samantha has to deal with both her grief and her anger at his lies and figure out what to do with said business.
With her crew of friends and family (I'm counting Leo as a friend despite their slightly adversarial relationship because he always seems to be in the right place at the right time to help her out of her various jams), Samantha works on figuring out why someone is gunning for her now that her fake-husband (fusband? HA!) is gone. Things get dicey at times and Samantha is in way over her head (at first, at least), but she's not the type to walk away.
A little danger, a lot of mystery, a heaping dose of anger at her fusband's lies, and friends who show up when she needs them the most. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about a ten year time jump (I liked bebe Samantha bumbling through her first adventure), but I ended up REALLY liking it. And by that I mean I wasted no time grabbing book 3.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
February 14, 2023
"All Bets Are Off" is one of those books you need to be in good humour to read. I obviously wasn't a year ago because I gave up after a few chapters.
This time around I made it to the end and it was not a wasted journey.
It's genuinely funny and curiously interesting, even the fact that the main plot is completely ridiculous and full of contradictions, doesn't really detract from it. Another oddity is Samantha's dyslexia, she's upfront about it but it doesn't seem to impact on her life at all (her time at school excepted).
One day Samantha True is happily married, the next she's a widow, finds out that she wasn't legally married and doesn't even know what Carson's real name was, her savings are taken and ... she's now a card carrying, fully-qualified, P.I. and has inherited a security firm.
Don't take it too seriously and you'll enjoy reading it.
It could have been a 4 Star book but the sheer silliness of the central plot let it down.
3 Stars.
This time around I made it to the end and it was not a wasted journey.
It's genuinely funny and curiously interesting, even the fact that the main plot is completely ridiculous and full of contradictions, doesn't really detract from it. Another oddity is Samantha's dyslexia, she's upfront about it but it doesn't seem to impact on her life at all (her time at school excepted).
One day Samantha True is happily married, the next she's a widow, finds out that she wasn't legally married and doesn't even know what Carson's real name was, her savings are taken and ... she's now a card carrying, fully-qualified, P.I. and has inherited a security firm.
Don't take it too seriously and you'll enjoy reading it.
It could have been a 4 Star book but the sheer silliness of the central plot let it down.
3 Stars.
May 30, 2021
You know how the protagonist overcomea all odds and rises to the occassion, gets their reaction and timing perfect to tackly any danger that's thrown at them?
Well, Sam is different. She struggles to make sense of the disastrous turn of events in her life, questioning everything and everyone. From learning that her husband of half a year wasnt who she believed he was, and that infact he was a married man, a PI business behind the front office of a security solution buisness, and that its all in her name.. Guess what.. She is the PI!!!
The roll over of characters from the first book helps,as the plot is a turmoil as it starts and the known characters and their changed weightage over the years , keep the boat steady.
A fun read! Love the sense of humor and the snappy chats between Leo and Sam.
Well, Sam is different. She struggles to make sense of the disastrous turn of events in her life, questioning everything and everyone. From learning that her husband of half a year wasnt who she believed he was, and that infact he was a married man, a PI business behind the front office of a security solution buisness, and that its all in her name.. Guess what.. She is the PI!!!
The roll over of characters from the first book helps,as the plot is a turmoil as it starts and the known characters and their changed weightage over the years , keep the boat steady.
A fun read! Love the sense of humor and the snappy chats between Leo and Sam.
July 13, 2020
Samantha’s life has gone from bad to worse.
I really enjoyed this. The first book was fun, but I didn’t realize that this book was set 10 years after that. I mean, I loved the premise of this book, but I do feel a little gypped that I missed out on what was some great chemistry between Sam and Leo.
But this was a great story, and Leo was involved so I’m happy about that. Samantha’s arc throughout this book was very much appreciated. She has to deal with a myriad of blows in such a short space of time that she wises up to her reality without becoming completely jaded.
The next book sounds like it might throw a spanner in the works thanks to Lockett’s parting words so I need to read it now.
4 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this. The first book was fun, but I didn’t realize that this book was set 10 years after that. I mean, I loved the premise of this book, but I do feel a little gypped that I missed out on what was some great chemistry between Sam and Leo.
But this was a great story, and Leo was involved so I’m happy about that. Samantha’s arc throughout this book was very much appreciated. She has to deal with a myriad of blows in such a short space of time that she wises up to her reality without becoming completely jaded.
The next book sounds like it might throw a spanner in the works thanks to Lockett’s parting words so I need to read it now.
4 stars ⭐️
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July 18, 2022Grab this book in Audio!
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Narrated by Jennifer Stoneking
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April 5, 2021
Kristi rose/Samantha true mystery
This is a different kind of mystery, involving the character Samantha whom went to college to be a forensic photographer with my on the side, but, ends up in all type of scenarios in the death of her questionable husband . Have to learn survivor skills in a hurry with help of cop, best friend, a computer whiz kid, her newspaper father, her quirky family as a whole. It is completely different and refreshing style of writing, loved the series, on to the next one well paid plans. Do need to read the first series to understand the dynamic of the character and story. Will not be disappointed in my opinion.
This is a different kind of mystery, involving the character Samantha whom went to college to be a forensic photographer with my on the side, but, ends up in all type of scenarios in the death of her questionable husband . Have to learn survivor skills in a hurry with help of cop, best friend, a computer whiz kid, her newspaper father, her quirky family as a whole. It is completely different and refreshing style of writing, loved the series, on to the next one well paid plans. Do need to read the first series to understand the dynamic of the character and story. Will not be disappointed in my opinion.
July 8, 2023
"All Bets Are Off" the second book in the Samantha True Mysteries by Kristi Rose was better than the first one, I thought. Seemed like there was more excitement and twists. Samantha this time gets caught up in it when her husband dies and leaves her with quite a mess on her hands. Once she finds out he was married to someone else, Samantha is hot and ready to get down to business to discover who her husband really is and why he did the things he did! Entertaining and a great cast of characters was the final analysis for me. Happy Reading!
April 21, 2024
BLUF: Fun, funny but serious, fast action, good plot
Well written and full of humorous bits but serious enough that I wasn't LoLing, the book achieved a good balance between humor, plot, action, and mystery. Characters were well done...those of Precious and Sam were focused on, but the high computer geek, the law enforcement officer (suitably named Leo), and Sam's parents were all given enough face time that their characters were developed well enough for the roles they filled.
Looking forward to more in the series.
Well written and full of humorous bits but serious enough that I wasn't LoLing, the book achieved a good balance between humor, plot, action, and mystery. Characters were well done...those of Precious and Sam were focused on, but the high computer geek, the law enforcement officer (suitably named Leo), and Sam's parents were all given enough face time that their characters were developed well enough for the roles they filled.
Looking forward to more in the series.
July 3, 2020
Addictive
Wow! The mystery gets better and better. I did feel a bit lost in the beginning since the last book was set ten years before.. I felt as if I was missing a hunk of the story. But I have today the danger levels made up for it. This was definitely better than the first. It was full of a tense action and confusing feelings. I’m team Leo! I really hope something brews between him and Sam.
Wow! The mystery gets better and better. I did feel a bit lost in the beginning since the last book was set ten years before.. I felt as if I was missing a hunk of the story. But I have today the danger levels made up for it. This was definitely better than the first. It was full of a tense action and confusing feelings. I’m team Leo! I really hope something brews between him and Sam.
April 23, 2025
This book was so good. I wasn't able to find the first book at my library nor ILL so I went with this book to give the series and author a shot. It was a pleasant surprise! So Kristi writes like Janet Evanovich with the mystery and humor; tone is like a 50's noir detective narrating some of the background/feelings. I liked it and I read it pretty fast. I am eagerly picking up the next in the series and add it to my TBR pile. Fingers crossed I can find it. Enjoy.
July 16, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series. All Bets Are Off was such a fun read! The story felt realistic and grounded, especially with the setting. If you’re from the Pacific Northwest, you’ll instantly recognize the places she mentions, which makes it even more engaging. The plot kept me hooked from the start. It was easy to read, fast-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. I’m already looking forward to more adventures with Samantha True!
May 1, 2020
A good plot with some surprising unique ideas
I liked the way this story developed throughout. You really feel for Samantha and you root for her despite the unfortunate scenarios. The writing pace was good, though there were a few mistakes that jumped out at me as I was reading. Still, a good novel with some nice action.
I liked the way this story developed throughout. You really feel for Samantha and you root for her despite the unfortunate scenarios. The writing pace was good, though there were a few mistakes that jumped out at me as I was reading. Still, a good novel with some nice action.
July 14, 2020
Fast paced and full of actit
Samantha True discovers her life is filled with lies after her husband died in a freak accident. But she gets mad and goes after answers in spite of danger all around.
So many subplots, twists, and turns! Love the determination of Samantha and her friends. Excellent story and quite different from the first book.
Samantha True discovers her life is filled with lies after her husband died in a freak accident. But she gets mad and goes after answers in spite of danger all around.
So many subplots, twists, and turns! Love the determination of Samantha and her friends. Excellent story and quite different from the first book.
May 27, 2021
What a wonderful follow up to Ms. Rose's first book in this series! I already have book 3!!! I surely hope this series continues for a long time. The creative twists and turns kept me reading long after I should have been sleeping! Please, please, please continue with these wonderful characters. I've truly fallen in love with all of them.
January 1, 2023
Loved it
I purchased the prequel to this on Chirp a year ago. I recently listened again. Found this on KU and jumped in. So glad I did. Its well written 'who done it' with a glimpse of a romance. That's my jam. It reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series. A little funny. A little quirky. I'm definitely getting the next in the series. Highly recommend.
I purchased the prequel to this on Chirp a year ago. I recently listened again. Found this on KU and jumped in. So glad I did. Its well written 'who done it' with a glimpse of a romance. That's my jam. It reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series. A little funny. A little quirky. I'm definitely getting the next in the series. Highly recommend.
August 28, 2023
Allow two days for this amusing, contemporary PG mystery procedural set mainly in Wind River, Washington where 30-year-old Samantha Jane True has just quit her job working with that scuzzy photographer when she is told her husband is dead. I've had an autographed paperback on my TBR stack for a while and this is my voluntary review.
April 20, 2020
Another hit!
I really enjoyed this book. It’s so entertaining and hilarious. Everyone needs a Precious in their life. I would like to see some romance in the next one, fingers crossed!
I really enjoyed this book. It’s so entertaining and hilarious. Everyone needs a Precious in their life. I would like to see some romance in the next one, fingers crossed!
September 12, 2020
Liked this book
I enjoyed this book...it's a light read and not too gory or scary...no romance in it though...I'll read the next book in the series to see how she develops in her life.
I enjoyed this book...it's a light read and not too gory or scary...no romance in it though...I'll read the next book in the series to see how she develops in her life.
August 4, 2021
Read like Veronica Mars
This was so much fun to read with the twists and turns ...I love the characters and it feels kind of like Veronica Mars ...so far I'm loving this series. It's awesome how it jumps to 10 years ahead instead of staying in the same timeline
This was so much fun to read with the twists and turns ...I love the characters and it feels kind of like Veronica Mars ...so far I'm loving this series. It's awesome how it jumps to 10 years ahead instead of staying in the same timeline
February 23, 2023
The second book in the series, Samantha True is now 10 years older and recently widowed or is she? Samantha's husband leaves her with lots of clues and people are after her but she doesn't know why. Thankfully, Samantha has some good friends and tools to help her solve this quandry.
August 6, 2023
Love these easy, fun, full of adventure books
Book two, just as good if not better than the first one. Everything I like in this type of book, action,adventure and lots of humor. Excited to see how the next one turns out.
Book two, just as good if not better than the first one. Everything I like in this type of book, action,adventure and lots of humor. Excited to see how the next one turns out.
June 4, 2024
I jumped into book two, not realizing this was a series. It was entertaining, end of story. In a world where everyone seems to think foul language is awesome and necessary, it was kind of refreshing to read “nail his hiney to the wall” and “what the duck”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews