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Shana Merchant #2
The Dead Season
Senior Investigator Shana Merchant has spent years running from her past. But she never imagined a murder case would drive her to the most dangerous place of all—home.
After leaving the NYPD following her abduction by serial killer Blake Bram, Shana Merchant hoped for a fresh start in the Thousand Islands of Upstate New York. Her former tormentor has other plans. Shana and Bram share more than just a hometown, and he won’t let her forget it. When the decades-old skeleton of Shana's estranged uncle is uncovered, Bram issues a Return home to Vermont and solve the cold case, or the blood he spills next will be on her hands.
As Shana interviews members of her family and the community, mining for secrets that could help her solve her uncle's murder, she begins to realize how little she remembers of her childhood. And when Bram grows impatient and kidnaps again, leaving a trail of clues Shana alone can understand, she knows his new victim will only survive if she wins the psychopath’s twisted game. In order to solve one mystery, Shana must wade into her murky past to unravel another.
After leaving the NYPD following her abduction by serial killer Blake Bram, Shana Merchant hoped for a fresh start in the Thousand Islands of Upstate New York. Her former tormentor has other plans. Shana and Bram share more than just a hometown, and he won’t let her forget it. When the decades-old skeleton of Shana's estranged uncle is uncovered, Bram issues a Return home to Vermont and solve the cold case, or the blood he spills next will be on her hands.
As Shana interviews members of her family and the community, mining for secrets that could help her solve her uncle's murder, she begins to realize how little she remembers of her childhood. And when Bram grows impatient and kidnaps again, leaving a trail of clues Shana alone can understand, she knows his new victim will only survive if she wins the psychopath’s twisted game. In order to solve one mystery, Shana must wade into her murky past to unravel another.
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2020
98 people are currently reading
6100 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Wegert
7 books658 followersTessa Wegert is the critically acclaimed author of the Shana Merchant mysteries, as well as the North Country series. Her books have received numerous starred reviews and have been featured on PBS and NPR Radio. A former journalist and copywriter, Tessa grew up in Quebec and now lives with her husband and children in Connecticut, where she co-founded Sisters in Crime CT and serves on the board of International Thriller Writers (ITW).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
July 30, 2021
Happy book birthday! 🌈🥳💕📚Finally this amazing gripping thriller is out!
Did you also become addicted to the adventures of Shana Merchant after reading the first, gripping, getting trapped in gothic mansion theme with Agatha Christian vibes novel of the brand new series? If your answer is yes, let’s celebrate to take another mysterious, unputdownable, breathtaking journey! Not only Shana, but her smart, loyal partner Tim and her badass, supportive best friend Mac are back!
If you don’t remember the cliffhanger of the first book, let me remind you. Shana was suffering from PTSD which made her threatened the life of a victim because she experienced a serious trauma recently: she was abducted by a serial killer named Bram Blake who took three women’s lives, trapped in a basement. And Bram let her go after shooting the police officer who came to rescue her.
Shana keeps a big secret which may reveal the real identity of Bram but it also means she has to confess she knows him too well from her past which may put her into a troubled position.
They have been raised in the same town, sharing childhood memories but she is determined to keep those informations to herself. She doesn’t say a word to her partner Tim.
And in this book, we will take a trip at memory lane of Shana to learn the real identity of Bram who just returned back! Don’t worry we will get all the answers which kept us in the dark before.
Shana finds herself to be involved in two different cases. One of them is related with her family which will bring out the secrets had buried for nearly two decades. The officers found human bones In Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge locates at her hometown Vermont and those bones belong to her uncle Brett.
In the meantime a kid is kidnapped and the perpetrator may be highly Bram who wants starting a new game with her.
And interestingly two cases are connected which may force her to dig more about family secrets, facing her own past traumatic experiences.
I have to admit I loved the first book more but this one still kept me on my toes, captivated my attention and I enjoyed to know about more Shana’s past, understanding the motives behind her actions, looking through the events from her perceptions.
I’m giving four thrilling, action packed,full of mind games stars!
I cannot wait to read the upcoming book and see more mouse and cat chasing game between Bram and Shana. She’s getting closer to catch him. Fingers crossed.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this incredible Arc with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Did you also become addicted to the adventures of Shana Merchant after reading the first, gripping, getting trapped in gothic mansion theme with Agatha Christian vibes novel of the brand new series? If your answer is yes, let’s celebrate to take another mysterious, unputdownable, breathtaking journey! Not only Shana, but her smart, loyal partner Tim and her badass, supportive best friend Mac are back!
If you don’t remember the cliffhanger of the first book, let me remind you. Shana was suffering from PTSD which made her threatened the life of a victim because she experienced a serious trauma recently: she was abducted by a serial killer named Bram Blake who took three women’s lives, trapped in a basement. And Bram let her go after shooting the police officer who came to rescue her.
Shana keeps a big secret which may reveal the real identity of Bram but it also means she has to confess she knows him too well from her past which may put her into a troubled position.
They have been raised in the same town, sharing childhood memories but she is determined to keep those informations to herself. She doesn’t say a word to her partner Tim.
And in this book, we will take a trip at memory lane of Shana to learn the real identity of Bram who just returned back! Don’t worry we will get all the answers which kept us in the dark before.
Shana finds herself to be involved in two different cases. One of them is related with her family which will bring out the secrets had buried for nearly two decades. The officers found human bones In Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge locates at her hometown Vermont and those bones belong to her uncle Brett.
In the meantime a kid is kidnapped and the perpetrator may be highly Bram who wants starting a new game with her.
And interestingly two cases are connected which may force her to dig more about family secrets, facing her own past traumatic experiences.
I have to admit I loved the first book more but this one still kept me on my toes, captivated my attention and I enjoyed to know about more Shana’s past, understanding the motives behind her actions, looking through the events from her perceptions.
I’m giving four thrilling, action packed,full of mind games stars!
I cannot wait to read the upcoming book and see more mouse and cat chasing game between Bram and Shana. She’s getting closer to catch him. Fingers crossed.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this incredible Arc with me in exchange my honest opinions.
November 18, 2024
Following the events of Death in the Family, Senior Investigator, Shana Merchant, finds herself on administrative leave.
Her PTSD was triggered on the Sinclair family's private island and it caused her to display poor judgement. Now Shana is left spinning her wheels as her Department urges her to take some time off.
Pending a psychological evaluation, Shana may be reinstated to her position. In the meantime however, she is suppose to focus on getting well, not on work.
Like many professionals, Shana has a hard time with that. When the remains of her long missing Uncle are found in the woods of her hometown, she heads there to help solve the mystery.
At the same time, a young boy, Trey, goes missing on a school field trip in Alexandria Bay. Shana's partner, Tim, is assigned the case.
Due to some of the evidence, Shana suspects this kidnapping is connected to Blake Bram, the serial killer continuing to haunt her.
What's even more intriguing is that Shana feels like the kidnapping is also connected to the case of her Uncle; like Bram is holding Trey hostage, forcing Shana to solve her hometown cold case.
If she can solve it, perhaps Trey will live, but why?
I really enjoyed getting to know Shana Merchant, as a character, in the first novel. This second book fills in more of her past and the events that haunt her, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
We learn more about Blake Bram and Shana's original connection to him.
Wegert won me over in the first novel by utilizing my favorite mystery trope, the locked room mystery.
In this second installment, again, she gave me another one of my favorites: when a protagonist returns to their hometown to solve an old mystery.
Shana feels like she has forgotten a lot of her childhood.
As she interviews friends, relatives and other community members, it begins to jog her memory and what she finds there isn't pretty.
I really enjoyed the pacing of this and the reveals.
Shana is a great character, as is Tim, her partner. I have no idea how many mysteries this series will ultimately be, but you better believe, I will be reading them all.
If you are looking for a new mystery series with a classic mystery feel, you should definitely give the Shana Merchant series a try.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I really appreciate it!
Her PTSD was triggered on the Sinclair family's private island and it caused her to display poor judgement. Now Shana is left spinning her wheels as her Department urges her to take some time off.
Pending a psychological evaluation, Shana may be reinstated to her position. In the meantime however, she is suppose to focus on getting well, not on work.
Like many professionals, Shana has a hard time with that. When the remains of her long missing Uncle are found in the woods of her hometown, she heads there to help solve the mystery.
At the same time, a young boy, Trey, goes missing on a school field trip in Alexandria Bay. Shana's partner, Tim, is assigned the case.
Due to some of the evidence, Shana suspects this kidnapping is connected to Blake Bram, the serial killer continuing to haunt her.
What's even more intriguing is that Shana feels like the kidnapping is also connected to the case of her Uncle; like Bram is holding Trey hostage, forcing Shana to solve her hometown cold case.
If she can solve it, perhaps Trey will live, but why?
I really enjoyed getting to know Shana Merchant, as a character, in the first novel. This second book fills in more of her past and the events that haunt her, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
We learn more about Blake Bram and Shana's original connection to him.
Wegert won me over in the first novel by utilizing my favorite mystery trope, the locked room mystery.
In this second installment, again, she gave me another one of my favorites: when a protagonist returns to their hometown to solve an old mystery.
Shana feels like she has forgotten a lot of her childhood.
As she interviews friends, relatives and other community members, it begins to jog her memory and what she finds there isn't pretty.
I really enjoyed the pacing of this and the reveals.
Shana is a great character, as is Tim, her partner. I have no idea how many mysteries this series will ultimately be, but you better believe, I will be reading them all.
If you are looking for a new mystery series with a classic mystery feel, you should definitely give the Shana Merchant series a try.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I really appreciate it!
September 21, 2022
I was really hoping for another 5 star Shana Merchant read, but for me this one just wasn't as enjoyable as the first. I'll be the first to admit that my rating is completely subjective, and mostly due to personal preference. The writing is once again excellent, but I think I was more drawn to the locked room, Agatha Christie-esque nature of Death in the Family than the family drama presented in book two. The pacing in the first half of the book was on the slow side, but once we were able to break the half way point, things sped up and I found the mysteries at hand to be both engaging and enjoyable. Also, for those who enjoy listening, the narrator was wonderful and really added a level of commitment from me as a reader. While this wasn't my favorite in the series so far, I love what Wegert has done with these characters and I will definitely be in for the third installment.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
December 27, 2020
I know I’m not the most regular series reader (even though I want to be!), but Tessa Wegert’s Shana Merchant series blew me away with the first book. Shana is back with The Dead Season, and I loved it just as much, if not more, than Death in the Family. Also, the first book ended on a cliffhanger, and I needed to know what happened!
Shana is a detective who was abducted and later released by a serial killer. As one can imagine, the events were traumatic and left Shana with PTSD. On top of it, the serial killer is still out there somewhere.
Shana’s story is entertaining, twisty, tense, and full of action. It all feels very real and kept me on edge the entire time. This series gets my highest recommendation. It’s top notch in this genre!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Shana is a detective who was abducted and later released by a serial killer. As one can imagine, the events were traumatic and left Shana with PTSD. On top of it, the serial killer is still out there somewhere.
Shana’s story is entertaining, twisty, tense, and full of action. It all feels very real and kept me on edge the entire time. This series gets my highest recommendation. It’s top notch in this genre!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
December 15, 2020
The Dead Season is the second book in the Shana Merchant series. I loved the first book, Death in The Family, which left me with some lingering questions surrounding Shana's past and tormentor, who held her captive.
The Dead Season picks up three weeks after the events from Death in the Family. Shana is suspended from duty and is in therapy for PTSD. She is now drawn into two crimes that she has a personal connection to and is forced to play a cat and mouse game with her tormentor.
The Dead Season combines a small-town mystery with an upstate New York kidnapping of a child and a family drama. What's a small-town mystery without some family secrets and drama involved. The family drama to this one is shocking and not what I expected, and the tension in the story rises, the more we get to know about Shana's family secrets. While the kidnapping of a child is always disturbing Tessa Wegert keeps it lighter and focuses on Shana and her abductor Bram and those lingering questions I had are answered.
The pacing is slow at first as Tessa Wegert sets up the mysteries for us and then the action picks ups and I was turning the pages as fast as I could. While this one is not a thrilling and chilling dark read it's a suspenseful and tension-filled satisfying read and Tessa Wegert sure knows how to set us up for the next one and I look forward to reading it.
I received a copy from the publisher through NG
The Dead Season picks up three weeks after the events from Death in the Family. Shana is suspended from duty and is in therapy for PTSD. She is now drawn into two crimes that she has a personal connection to and is forced to play a cat and mouse game with her tormentor.
The Dead Season combines a small-town mystery with an upstate New York kidnapping of a child and a family drama. What's a small-town mystery without some family secrets and drama involved. The family drama to this one is shocking and not what I expected, and the tension in the story rises, the more we get to know about Shana's family secrets. While the kidnapping of a child is always disturbing Tessa Wegert keeps it lighter and focuses on Shana and her abductor Bram and those lingering questions I had are answered.
The pacing is slow at first as Tessa Wegert sets up the mysteries for us and then the action picks ups and I was turning the pages as fast as I could. While this one is not a thrilling and chilling dark read it's a suspenseful and tension-filled satisfying read and Tessa Wegert sure knows how to set us up for the next one and I look forward to reading it.
I received a copy from the publisher through NG
May 20, 2023
After leaving the NYPD fourteen months ago following her abduction by serial killer Blake Bram, Shana thought she’d found peace and quiet in the Thousands Islands region of upstate New York. Sure that the small town of Alexandria Bay will keep her far from any truly horrifying cases, she was alarmed when she was called in on a suspicious death on one of the swanky privately owned islands.
While trapped with a family full of suspects, the case rapidly flew out of hand and Shana now finds herself on suspension as she works through her long avoided PTSD in therapy. So when she gets an unnerving phone call from her parents letting her know that the uncle who they’d all thought had taken off years ago was really dead the entire time, Shana wonders what could have possibly happened. Was it an accident? Or murder?
Then the gauntlet is thrown down. For it seems that Blake Bram and Shana have more in common than just their small Vermont town. No, he gives her a challenge. Return home and discover who was behind her uncle’s death or the blame for the next person who dies will be laid squarely at her feet.
Finding herself back in town, Shana begins interviewing anyone and everyone who could know something that may help. From her own family members to the community members at large, she digs through secrets that have been hidden for decades. And as she investigates, Shana is horrified to realize just how few memories she can depend upon from her childhood. But before she has uncovered any great revelations, Bram kidnaps yet again. This time, Shana prays that the trail of clues he’s leaving will be enough for her to figure out his game of cat-and-mouse, piecing together the puzzle before time runs out for his innocent victim. Will it all be too little too late? Or will Shana’s dark past help to reveal the truth just in time?
Phew. I wasn’t sure how Tessa Wegert was going to be able to follow up Death in the Family with another utterly stupendous police procedural novel, but The Dead Season certainly delivered in spades. One thing I truly love about book series is the deep character growth and palpable relationships and, after getting to know Investigator Shana Merchant in the first book, Wegert managed to double down on the gripping emotional trauma surrounding her leading lady. With her history laid bare one puzzle piece at a time, I found myself wrapped up by Shana‘s past, which is unusual for a thriller, let alone crime fiction. A big round of applause on that one, Ms. Wegert!
What else drew me into this one like honey to a fly? Well, the author’s magical ability to make an old unsolved cold case come alive definitely came in a close second to the Shana’s characterization. A well known mystery trope, it just so happens to also be one of my favorites, only just falling behind the one that took center stage in book one of the series: the locked room mystery. So we’re two for two there! Now I just can’t wait to find out what book three has in store for me!
There was only one minor imperfection in my opinion. With an even and steady pace that dealt ever increasing suspense and foreboding, I was hoping for a slightly different end to the story. You could say there’s a bit of a cliffhanger, and, while it was done beautifully, I much prefer my conclusion completed with pretty, little bows. Sigh. I guess I’ll just have to force myself to dive into the next book in the series, Dead Wind ASAP. Wink wink.
By the time I reached the last page, I was thoroughly blown away by how well-crafted and perfectly honed this storyline was. From the meandering start that revealed some deeply hidden secrets (including one that actually made me gasp) to the ripped from the silver screen feeling, it left me marveling at the addictive mind games throughout. I don’t know if I’ve made myself clear yet, but just in case I haven’t, you simply must try this series for yourself. I can’t imagine that you could ever regret it. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: animal abuse, child abduction, cold abuse, gambling addiction, drug and alcohol abuse, mention of: sexual assault
**Just a bit of a warning. There is some implied animal abuse in this book. It is barely explained, but if the mere idea of this kind of thing bothers you, you might want to give this one a miss.
While trapped with a family full of suspects, the case rapidly flew out of hand and Shana now finds herself on suspension as she works through her long avoided PTSD in therapy. So when she gets an unnerving phone call from her parents letting her know that the uncle who they’d all thought had taken off years ago was really dead the entire time, Shana wonders what could have possibly happened. Was it an accident? Or murder?
Then the gauntlet is thrown down. For it seems that Blake Bram and Shana have more in common than just their small Vermont town. No, he gives her a challenge. Return home and discover who was behind her uncle’s death or the blame for the next person who dies will be laid squarely at her feet.
Finding herself back in town, Shana begins interviewing anyone and everyone who could know something that may help. From her own family members to the community members at large, she digs through secrets that have been hidden for decades. And as she investigates, Shana is horrified to realize just how few memories she can depend upon from her childhood. But before she has uncovered any great revelations, Bram kidnaps yet again. This time, Shana prays that the trail of clues he’s leaving will be enough for her to figure out his game of cat-and-mouse, piecing together the puzzle before time runs out for his innocent victim. Will it all be too little too late? Or will Shana’s dark past help to reveal the truth just in time?
Phew. I wasn’t sure how Tessa Wegert was going to be able to follow up Death in the Family with another utterly stupendous police procedural novel, but The Dead Season certainly delivered in spades. One thing I truly love about book series is the deep character growth and palpable relationships and, after getting to know Investigator Shana Merchant in the first book, Wegert managed to double down on the gripping emotional trauma surrounding her leading lady. With her history laid bare one puzzle piece at a time, I found myself wrapped up by Shana‘s past, which is unusual for a thriller, let alone crime fiction. A big round of applause on that one, Ms. Wegert!
What else drew me into this one like honey to a fly? Well, the author’s magical ability to make an old unsolved cold case come alive definitely came in a close second to the Shana’s characterization. A well known mystery trope, it just so happens to also be one of my favorites, only just falling behind the one that took center stage in book one of the series: the locked room mystery. So we’re two for two there! Now I just can’t wait to find out what book three has in store for me!
There was only one minor imperfection in my opinion. With an even and steady pace that dealt ever increasing suspense and foreboding, I was hoping for a slightly different end to the story. You could say there’s a bit of a cliffhanger, and, while it was done beautifully, I much prefer my conclusion completed with pretty, little bows. Sigh. I guess I’ll just have to force myself to dive into the next book in the series, Dead Wind ASAP. Wink wink.
By the time I reached the last page, I was thoroughly blown away by how well-crafted and perfectly honed this storyline was. From the meandering start that revealed some deeply hidden secrets (including one that actually made me gasp) to the ripped from the silver screen feeling, it left me marveling at the addictive mind games throughout. I don’t know if I’ve made myself clear yet, but just in case I haven’t, you simply must try this series for yourself. I can’t imagine that you could ever regret it. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: animal abuse, child abduction, cold abuse, gambling addiction, drug and alcohol abuse, mention of: sexual assault
**Just a bit of a warning. There is some implied animal abuse in this book. It is barely explained, but if the mere idea of this kind of thing bothers you, you might want to give this one a miss.
December 26, 2020
4.5 rounded up
While I enjoyed Death In the Family more, I still found the second installment to the Shana Merchant series a fantastic read. The writing was again exemplary and character development very well done. I was hoping to learn more about Shana in this book and while I was hoping for more, I definitely respect the direction that Ms. Wegert is taking things. (I was expecting more of a backstory dump in this book, but when it wasn't there I deduced that she is going to be more deliberate in sprinkling more information as each book progresses.)
There were plenty of twists and turns that I found engaging and believeable. Believe-ability is my biggest pet peeve in thrillers and I have nothing but praise for this series when it comes to that. So many thrillers are filled with crazy twists that are so out of nowhere that it ruins an otherwise good book. There is no such problem here and I am thankful for that!
As for the plot, Shana is involved in solving not one, but two cases at once and reading about her attempt to solve both while under enormous emotional stress was highly engaging. I am so excited for the next book and I hope that we are awarded another one in 2021.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Berkeley Books and Tessa Wegert for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
Publication Date: 12/08/2020
Review Date: 12/26/2020
While I enjoyed Death In the Family more, I still found the second installment to the Shana Merchant series a fantastic read. The writing was again exemplary and character development very well done. I was hoping to learn more about Shana in this book and while I was hoping for more, I definitely respect the direction that Ms. Wegert is taking things. (I was expecting more of a backstory dump in this book, but when it wasn't there I deduced that she is going to be more deliberate in sprinkling more information as each book progresses.)
There were plenty of twists and turns that I found engaging and believeable. Believe-ability is my biggest pet peeve in thrillers and I have nothing but praise for this series when it comes to that. So many thrillers are filled with crazy twists that are so out of nowhere that it ruins an otherwise good book. There is no such problem here and I am thankful for that!
As for the plot, Shana is involved in solving not one, but two cases at once and reading about her attempt to solve both while under enormous emotional stress was highly engaging. I am so excited for the next book and I hope that we are awarded another one in 2021.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Berkeley Books and Tessa Wegert for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
Publication Date: 12/08/2020
Review Date: 12/26/2020
January 17, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Can you ever outrun your past? That's a question raised in Tessa Wegert's The Dead Season .
Shana Merchant was abducted by serial killer Blake Bram, but he let her live, and she’s never forgotten that. Leaving the NYPD after her abduction and becoming a senior investigator in the Thousand Islands of upstate New York, she thought life would be easier but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
When the decades-old remains of her estranged uncle are found, it drives Shana back to her Vermont hometown to try and help figure out what happened to the man they all thought left for greener pastures. That’s exactly where Bram wants her—back in the hometown they share, and he’s watching her every move, letting her know if she doesn’t solve this mystery, she’ll be responsible for more death.
But as she interviews family members and old friends and acquaintances, she confronts old traumas and is struck by how far apart our memories can be from the actual truth. And as Bram kidnaps again, taunting Shana with the connections they share, she knows it’s up to her to unravel it all before it’s too late.
I loved Death in the Family , Wegert’s first thriller in this series, and I thought this was terrific, too. Her books are so atmospheric, and they often surprise where you least expect them to. It’s a little bit of a slow burn at the start, but that didn’t bother me.
Shana is a complex, fascinating, flawed character, and I like the interpersonal dynamics with her colleagues and family. I’m looking forward to Dead Wind , the third book in this series, due out in March 2022!
Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Tessa Wegert, and Penguin Random House for inviting me on the tour and providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Can you ever outrun your past? That's a question raised in Tessa Wegert's The Dead Season .
Shana Merchant was abducted by serial killer Blake Bram, but he let her live, and she’s never forgotten that. Leaving the NYPD after her abduction and becoming a senior investigator in the Thousand Islands of upstate New York, she thought life would be easier but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
When the decades-old remains of her estranged uncle are found, it drives Shana back to her Vermont hometown to try and help figure out what happened to the man they all thought left for greener pastures. That’s exactly where Bram wants her—back in the hometown they share, and he’s watching her every move, letting her know if she doesn’t solve this mystery, she’ll be responsible for more death.
But as she interviews family members and old friends and acquaintances, she confronts old traumas and is struck by how far apart our memories can be from the actual truth. And as Bram kidnaps again, taunting Shana with the connections they share, she knows it’s up to her to unravel it all before it’s too late.
I loved Death in the Family , Wegert’s first thriller in this series, and I thought this was terrific, too. Her books are so atmospheric, and they often surprise where you least expect them to. It’s a little bit of a slow burn at the start, but that didn’t bother me.
Shana is a complex, fascinating, flawed character, and I like the interpersonal dynamics with her colleagues and family. I’m looking forward to Dead Wind , the third book in this series, due out in March 2022!
Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Tessa Wegert, and Penguin Random House for inviting me on the tour and providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
October 30, 2020
I LOVE this series! Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing, Suzy Approved Book Tours, and Tessa Wegert for the second book in this amazing detective series. I loved the first book and I have to say I loved this one just as much. I get major Agatha Christie vibes from these books and I love that they each have a story in the book as well as part of an overarching story.
This book was about Detective Shana Merchant and her journey to learn more about her past. She was abducted years ago and now her kidnapper is playing with her. She is called back to her hometown when her uncle’s remains are found, and though she’s suffering from PTSD, she still wants to investigate. At the same time, a child has been abducted from a field trip and she realizes they are connected. If she can find out what happened to her uncle years ago, she can find the child as well. The story goes deep into her past while helping her solve a mystery in the present.
Thoughts: I love the main character in these books, Shana. Her violent past and strong willed attitude makes her the perfect choice for the leading detective. This story focused more on her past and her connection with her abductor. It also had her hunting down her uncle’s killer while slowly learning more about her childhood. I loved that this book really reads like an action movie. I could picture the whole thing and felt immersed in the plot. I have to say I love a good cliffhanger, and this book leaves you eager for more and more of this series. I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait for another one! 5-stars!
This book was about Detective Shana Merchant and her journey to learn more about her past. She was abducted years ago and now her kidnapper is playing with her. She is called back to her hometown when her uncle’s remains are found, and though she’s suffering from PTSD, she still wants to investigate. At the same time, a child has been abducted from a field trip and she realizes they are connected. If she can find out what happened to her uncle years ago, she can find the child as well. The story goes deep into her past while helping her solve a mystery in the present.
Thoughts: I love the main character in these books, Shana. Her violent past and strong willed attitude makes her the perfect choice for the leading detective. This story focused more on her past and her connection with her abductor. It also had her hunting down her uncle’s killer while slowly learning more about her childhood. I loved that this book really reads like an action movie. I could picture the whole thing and felt immersed in the plot. I have to say I love a good cliffhanger, and this book leaves you eager for more and more of this series. I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait for another one! 5-stars!
March 31, 2023
3.5⭐️ rounded up.
Such a fan of Shana and her partner Tim. This book took us (partially) out of town as a case in Shana's hometown in Vermont calls her home. Her estranged uncle's body has been found - despite the fact that everyone believed he moved away 20 years ago.
We continue to see how the effects of Shana's past impact her present. I appreciate the reality of Shana's world and that she's a character who continues to push forward and work through her issues.
I'm excited to dive into the 3rd book and to continue into this series.
I did a mix of reading the book + audiobook. I really enjoyed Callie Beaulieu's reading.
Such a fan of Shana and her partner Tim. This book took us (partially) out of town as a case in Shana's hometown in Vermont calls her home. Her estranged uncle's body has been found - despite the fact that everyone believed he moved away 20 years ago.
We continue to see how the effects of Shana's past impact her present. I appreciate the reality of Shana's world and that she's a character who continues to push forward and work through her issues.
I'm excited to dive into the 3rd book and to continue into this series.
I did a mix of reading the book + audiobook. I really enjoyed Callie Beaulieu's reading.
January 25, 2021
The Dead Season was my highly anticipated sequel to the locked room mystery, Death in the Family, and put the focus on our detective's family origins and the secrets her past history holds.
This was so close to being a four stars, but the ending didn't do it for me this time around. While I think Wegert does an excellent job creating characters and this dark atmosphere, I could pick out a familiar format to the first novel that did spur my suspicions. The last hundred pages or so we get are an amazing unravelling of all of this new information and secrets and I felt as though the motive for the murder wasn't as interesting as I expected. We have so many interesting relationships to the victim and I think nearly any of those could've had a more hard-hitting conclusion. If you were to combine the emotional endings from Jane Harper 's books and add that with the gripping edge of your seat investigation from Wegert's books, it would be an easy five stars.
The Dead Season was definitely more for the readers to get to know the backstory of Merchant and Brams, but I'm already eagerly anticipating another entry into the series!
This was so close to being a four stars, but the ending didn't do it for me this time around. While I think Wegert does an excellent job creating characters and this dark atmosphere, I could pick out a familiar format to the first novel that did spur my suspicions. The last hundred pages or so we get are an amazing unravelling of all of this new information and secrets and I felt as though the motive for the murder wasn't as interesting as I expected. We have so many interesting relationships to the victim and I think nearly any of those could've had a more hard-hitting conclusion. If you were to combine the emotional endings from Jane Harper 's books and add that with the gripping edge of your seat investigation from Wegert's books, it would be an easy five stars.
The Dead Season was definitely more for the readers to get to know the backstory of Merchant and Brams, but I'm already eagerly anticipating another entry into the series!
June 15, 2021
Shana Merchant is days away from being reinstated in her lead investigator job. Before the day of the evaluation, Shana will have family drama mixed up with a missing child case -- and Blake Bram. As Bram feeds clues to Shana, he remains just out of reach. Shana lives with a sense of impending doom as the clock ticks and collateral damage builds up. Much like Death in the Family, Shana holds her cards close to her chest -- maybe too close. Are her instincts to protect her family hindering the investigation? As Shana boomerangs between Swanton, Vermont (home) and Thousand Islands in upstate New York I found myself getting whiplash. It was a bit confusing to me to keep track of where she was. After all that, there is a satisfying conclusion and a cliffhanger. Wanna play?
June 13, 2021
4.5! Oh man, I can't wait till the next 1!! (This is the 2nd in the series, please make sure you read the 1st one first- it really matters with this series!)
December 12, 2020
After reading Death in the Family, I was so excited to dive into The Dead Season. I loved all the twists and turns. I really loved the ending it lets me know that there is another book in this series and i can't wait to get my hands on it. This is a mystery worth reading, I highly recommend this book.
4 stars and recommend this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
4 stars and recommend this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
December 1, 2020
This is the second book in the Shana Merchant series! The first book "Death in the Family" was excellent, and I think this one was even better! I loved this book!! I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't read fast enough! Plenty of action and twists! I also liked learning more about Shanna's past! I definitely think thriller fans will really enjoy this series!
After being abducted and traumatized by a serial killer Bram, she leaves the NYPD and hopes for a fresh start in the Thousand Islands NY. But Bram has different plans for her. After her estranged uncle's skeletal remains are found, Bram challenges Shanna to return to her hometown in Vermont to solve the case, or he will spill blood, on her hands! As she is trying to solve this mystery, Bram kidnaps again leaving clues only she can figure out. She knows it's up to her to save his next victim. She must dig into her past to solve the cases, while keeping up with Brams mind games!
Thank you to the publisher, author, and suzy approved book tours for the review copy! All opinions are my own!
After being abducted and traumatized by a serial killer Bram, she leaves the NYPD and hopes for a fresh start in the Thousand Islands NY. But Bram has different plans for her. After her estranged uncle's skeletal remains are found, Bram challenges Shanna to return to her hometown in Vermont to solve the case, or he will spill blood, on her hands! As she is trying to solve this mystery, Bram kidnaps again leaving clues only she can figure out. She knows it's up to her to save his next victim. She must dig into her past to solve the cases, while keeping up with Brams mind games!
Thank you to the publisher, author, and suzy approved book tours for the review copy! All opinions are my own!
January 3, 2021
Shana dealing with her PTSD after her abduction by a serial killer, searching for her uncles killer, coming to terms with her mentally ill aunt and what that did to her two cousins, and learning the identity of her kidnapper.
This was a well done psychological thriller. Talk about family secrets.
This book ends in a major cliffhanger. Read book one Death in the Family to better understand Shana Merchant.
This was a well done psychological thriller. Talk about family secrets.
This book ends in a major cliffhanger. Read book one Death in the Family to better understand Shana Merchant.
December 14, 2020
I need the next one ASAP!!!
March 25, 2023
Book Blog | Bookstagram
This is kind of a bummer because I really like the first novel in this series – it was so compelling and darkly fun – but this one just didn’t hit the same. Like, Shana did so much driving around from one place to the next, it was starting to feel like I should chip in for gas money. The pacing is way off in the first half and it really drags as Shana’s personal life is established. The urgency picks up eventually and I became moderately engaged with the mystery, but considering the high bar of the first novel, this one is a bit of a letdown.
What didn’t work for me was threefold and it all comes down to my personal preferences, so take this review for what it’s worth. One, boring family drama and scandal. So someone sold drugs and someone else was a bit of a slut? Oh, no, we must alert the church elders! Won’t someone please think of the children! Two, cold cases. Past crimes with no present-day stakes are hard to pull off and in this novel, Shana’s 20-years dead uncle plotline was only saved by the present-day serial killer who would apparently risk arrest in order to find out what really happened to Shana’s uncle.
But three is the worst part - the logical inconsistency that the notorious Bran (the serial killer who murdered a bunch of women and tortured Shana, the cause of all her mental health issues) has been known to Shana this whole time and she hasn’t told anyone. Like, if you were a cop who was hunting a serial killer and was still taunted by him regularly and you knew his identity, would you just keep that very important information to yourself because revealing the identity might hurt some feelings? That’s so fucking ridiculous. That aspect just totally threw me off.
The first novel set up the recurring serial killer thread so perfectly and this novel really whiffed on it in a lot of ways.
I know it might seem as if I didn’t like this novel, but I did… ish. It’s meh. It’s kind of a bummer, but I’m not giving up on Shana’s story just yet. But still, sorry, Tessa.
The vibe of this one:
⭐⭐⭐ | 3 stars
This is kind of a bummer because I really like the first novel in this series – it was so compelling and darkly fun – but this one just didn’t hit the same. Like, Shana did so much driving around from one place to the next, it was starting to feel like I should chip in for gas money. The pacing is way off in the first half and it really drags as Shana’s personal life is established. The urgency picks up eventually and I became moderately engaged with the mystery, but considering the high bar of the first novel, this one is a bit of a letdown.
What didn’t work for me was threefold and it all comes down to my personal preferences, so take this review for what it’s worth. One, boring family drama and scandal. So someone sold drugs and someone else was a bit of a slut? Oh, no, we must alert the church elders! Won’t someone please think of the children! Two, cold cases. Past crimes with no present-day stakes are hard to pull off and in this novel, Shana’s 20-years dead uncle plotline was only saved by the present-day serial killer who would apparently risk arrest in order to find out what really happened to Shana’s uncle.
But three is the worst part - the logical inconsistency that the notorious Bran (the serial killer who murdered a bunch of women and tortured Shana, the cause of all her mental health issues) has been known to Shana this whole time and she hasn’t told anyone. Like, if you were a cop who was hunting a serial killer and was still taunted by him regularly and you knew his identity, would you just keep that very important information to yourself because revealing the identity might hurt some feelings? That’s so fucking ridiculous. That aspect just totally threw me off.
The first novel set up the recurring serial killer thread so perfectly and this novel really whiffed on it in a lot of ways.
I know it might seem as if I didn’t like this novel, but I did… ish. It’s meh. It’s kind of a bummer, but I’m not giving up on Shana’s story just yet. But still, sorry, Tessa.
The vibe of this one:
⭐⭐⭐ | 3 stars
November 6, 2020
Wow. Wow. Wow. Another great murder mystery! I loved Death In The Family so much and was absolutely thrilled to read the second book of the Shana Merchant series! It is gripping, unputdownable and did not disappoint!
***Thank you Berkley Publishing Group, author Tessa Wegert and NetGalley for this gifted review copy in exchange for an honest review. Pub. Date: Dec 8, 2020***
This is a great follow up from the first book. I liked how we get to know more about Shana in this book since the mystery centers around her own family. Shana returns to Vermont after the discovery of her uncle's remains who everyone believes had abandoned his family twenty years ago. At the same time, nine year-old Trey Hayes is reported missing during a school field trip to Boldt Castle. Soon, Shana realised that her former tormentor, Bram, is playing a game of cat and mouse with her, and she must solve her uncle's cold case to save Trey.
Once again, the plot is BRILLIANT and twisty. Shana needs to dig deep into her past in order to solve the present mystery, and to do this means she has to reconnect with her cousin and best friend. As the mystery gets complicated, so does the suspect list keeps growing. Nope, I was not able to solve this mystery, and it's a great thing!
This book can be read as a standalone but I'd recommend to read the first book first. You would definitely feel a stronger connection with Shana. It brought me so much joy to see how her character grows in this story.
In a nutshell: solid and convoluted plot, great characters, suspenseful writing, and perfect ending. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I want my book three now!
***Thank you Berkley Publishing Group, author Tessa Wegert and NetGalley for this gifted review copy in exchange for an honest review. Pub. Date: Dec 8, 2020***
This is a great follow up from the first book. I liked how we get to know more about Shana in this book since the mystery centers around her own family. Shana returns to Vermont after the discovery of her uncle's remains who everyone believes had abandoned his family twenty years ago. At the same time, nine year-old Trey Hayes is reported missing during a school field trip to Boldt Castle. Soon, Shana realised that her former tormentor, Bram, is playing a game of cat and mouse with her, and she must solve her uncle's cold case to save Trey.
Once again, the plot is BRILLIANT and twisty. Shana needs to dig deep into her past in order to solve the present mystery, and to do this means she has to reconnect with her cousin and best friend. As the mystery gets complicated, so does the suspect list keeps growing. Nope, I was not able to solve this mystery, and it's a great thing!
This book can be read as a standalone but I'd recommend to read the first book first. You would definitely feel a stronger connection with Shana. It brought me so much joy to see how her character grows in this story.
In a nutshell: solid and convoluted plot, great characters, suspenseful writing, and perfect ending. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I want my book three now!
December 15, 2020
Officially obsessed with Tessa Wegert's books!
A Death in the Family was fantastic, and in THE DEAD SEASON, Shana Merchant is back… and this time the murder hits close to home.
As in - miles from her home.
As in - her own family.
After being abducted by a serial killer and then that crazy murder island investigation … she’s now trying to solve the murder of her own uncle. And that serial killer?? Is he somehow involved? Does her past have something to do with this all?
Shana Merchant is such a fantastic character. These books grab your attention, hook you right in, leave you breathless and wanting more. The Dead Season kept me guessing just like Death in the Family did.. and I again, didn’t figure anything out! Foiled again - in the best way!
A must read. 👏🏻
A Death in the Family was fantastic, and in THE DEAD SEASON, Shana Merchant is back… and this time the murder hits close to home.
As in - miles from her home.
As in - her own family.
After being abducted by a serial killer and then that crazy murder island investigation … she’s now trying to solve the murder of her own uncle. And that serial killer?? Is he somehow involved? Does her past have something to do with this all?
Shana Merchant is such a fantastic character. These books grab your attention, hook you right in, leave you breathless and wanting more. The Dead Season kept me guessing just like Death in the Family did.. and I again, didn’t figure anything out! Foiled again - in the best way!
A must read. 👏🏻
February 1, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book.
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I absolutely loved this follow up to A Death in the Family. I loved how Shana's past played a much bigger role in this book. Loved how we finally found out more about Bram. And I sure did love how this book ended.
The writing was well done, as in book 1. The other characters were not as annoying and pretentious as in book 1. The pace for me felt better than book 1 too.
Overall this book was fantastic and I will be looking forward to the future installments of this series.
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I absolutely loved this follow up to A Death in the Family. I loved how Shana's past played a much bigger role in this book. Loved how we finally found out more about Bram. And I sure did love how this book ended.
The writing was well done, as in book 1. The other characters were not as annoying and pretentious as in book 1. The pace for me felt better than book 1 too.
Overall this book was fantastic and I will be looking forward to the future installments of this series.
April 30, 2022
Wow I thought this was so so good. Really I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen, I love how the author had so many people who could have been the murderer and I kept guessing and changing my mind, I also love Shana and Tim so much!!
I seriously can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me this for review.
I seriously can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me this for review.
April 27, 2021
Check out my full review and link to spoiler discussion here: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/dea...
I absolutely loved Death in the Family, so I was very excited for the second book in the Shana Merchant series! I actually binged them back to back after signing up to buddy read this with Let's Talk Books.
I was happy I read Death in the Family first, but The Dead Season can definitely work as a standalone. The second book has a lot more about Shana’s character and backstory, whereas Death in the Family was more focused on her case. I loved getting to learn more about her!
Shana is a badass, but is also struggling with PTSD from being kidnapped by a serial killer before the series begins. Her character could be frustrating at times, as she withheld some information from her coworkers that could have made a big difference in the case she was working! I loved listening to Let's Talk Books' Instagram Live with Tessa to get some more insight on some of Shana’s decisions. I think I understand her character better after listening to Tessa’s thoughts on it.
I enjoyed Shana’s working relationship with her partner Tim, as well as with her boss Mac. All of the characters in this series are very likable. I love Tim and how kind and patient he is with Shana--they’re opposites but seem to balance each other out really well.
Minor spoiler alert: this one ends on a huge cliffhanger! I personally hate cliffhangers, but it certainly has drawn me in and made me want to read the next book. Luckily the third book in this series is in the works already. I’m hoping I won’t have to wait too long to figure out what happens!
I’m a big fan of this series, and can’t wait for it to continue.
I absolutely loved Death in the Family, so I was very excited for the second book in the Shana Merchant series! I actually binged them back to back after signing up to buddy read this with Let's Talk Books.
I was happy I read Death in the Family first, but The Dead Season can definitely work as a standalone. The second book has a lot more about Shana’s character and backstory, whereas Death in the Family was more focused on her case. I loved getting to learn more about her!
Shana is a badass, but is also struggling with PTSD from being kidnapped by a serial killer before the series begins. Her character could be frustrating at times, as she withheld some information from her coworkers that could have made a big difference in the case she was working! I loved listening to Let's Talk Books' Instagram Live with Tessa to get some more insight on some of Shana’s decisions. I think I understand her character better after listening to Tessa’s thoughts on it.
I enjoyed Shana’s working relationship with her partner Tim, as well as with her boss Mac. All of the characters in this series are very likable. I love Tim and how kind and patient he is with Shana--they’re opposites but seem to balance each other out really well.
Minor spoiler alert: this one ends on a huge cliffhanger! I personally hate cliffhangers, but it certainly has drawn me in and made me want to read the next book. Luckily the third book in this series is in the works already. I’m hoping I won’t have to wait too long to figure out what happens!
I’m a big fan of this series, and can’t wait for it to continue.
June 3, 2021
4.5 stars. This is book two in the Shana Merchant series. I enjoyed “Death in the Family” in 2020, and I have to say, this one is EVEN better than the last! Oh my gosh y’all.
After being abducted by serial killer Blake Bram, former NYPD detective Shana Merchant is on leave waiting to be reinstated due to PTSD, which she’s in therapy for. A requirement to end her suspension. In this book, Shana’s uncle’s bones have been uncovered twenty years after he ran out on his wife and two children, Abe and Chrissy.
Bram sends Shana a message challenging her to return home and work the cold case, or add another victim to his list. Of course she will. Unofficially.
She’s drawn into solving two investigations; the death of her uncle and finding the missing child.
She’s sure the serial killer has the child. But is he also responsible for her uncle’s death??
Returning home to Vermont stirs up, not just Shana’s extended family’s skeletons, but specific things that happened to her as a child. With her past intertwining with the current.. Shana is hiding a shocking secret from her fellow teammates working the case.. the serial killers real identity. You heard that right. She knows who he is. The story slowly unravels as Shana delves into her past for clues to find where the boy is being held, and to flush out the killer.
A fantastic crime mystery that’s oh so chilling!
Great series!
After being abducted by serial killer Blake Bram, former NYPD detective Shana Merchant is on leave waiting to be reinstated due to PTSD, which she’s in therapy for. A requirement to end her suspension. In this book, Shana’s uncle’s bones have been uncovered twenty years after he ran out on his wife and two children, Abe and Chrissy.
Bram sends Shana a message challenging her to return home and work the cold case, or add another victim to his list. Of course she will. Unofficially.
She’s drawn into solving two investigations; the death of her uncle and finding the missing child.
She’s sure the serial killer has the child. But is he also responsible for her uncle’s death??
Returning home to Vermont stirs up, not just Shana’s extended family’s skeletons, but specific things that happened to her as a child. With her past intertwining with the current.. Shana is hiding a shocking secret from her fellow teammates working the case.. the serial killers real identity. You heard that right. She knows who he is. The story slowly unravels as Shana delves into her past for clues to find where the boy is being held, and to flush out the killer.
A fantastic crime mystery that’s oh so chilling!
Great series!
August 20, 2021
Better than the first book in the series imo! Beautiful cover too.
Shana Merchant is awaiting psychological evaluation. Until then, she’s supposed to take time off work — but that's much easier said than done, especially when the man who kidnapped her decides to throw her in the middle of two cases.
This book is gripping and pretty twisty! It’s easy to breeze through it and I didn’t want to put it down until I finished. I suppose it could be read as a stand-alone, but you’ll probably want to read the first book to get some background on the characters and their situation!
Small warning: The Dead Season starts off with kids looking at a previously-tortured dead cat, and that isn’t the last we hear of animal torture. Then we move on to people harming children. There’s nothing extremely graphic on page or anything, but if you can’t stomach hearing about it, here’s your warning!
Shana Merchant is awaiting psychological evaluation. Until then, she’s supposed to take time off work — but that's much easier said than done, especially when the man who kidnapped her decides to throw her in the middle of two cases.
This book is gripping and pretty twisty! It’s easy to breeze through it and I didn’t want to put it down until I finished. I suppose it could be read as a stand-alone, but you’ll probably want to read the first book to get some background on the characters and their situation!
Small warning: The Dead Season starts off with kids looking at a previously-tortured dead cat, and that isn’t the last we hear of animal torture. Then we move on to people harming children. There’s nothing extremely graphic on page or anything, but if you can’t stomach hearing about it, here’s your warning!
December 6, 2020
I was so excited about this book that I had to reread the first in the series, Death in the Family, as I loved the first one so much that I just had to prepare and refresh for this second book in the series.
When a book offers all the twists and turns and loads up on the mystery, I am there for it. I definitely recommend reading the first in the series in order to grasp the perspective and make it more enjoyable.
I thought I loved the first one so much but then this one got even better and gave me so many Agatha vibes which made me love it even more and did not disappoint. It added more layers on the main character from the first book and just wrapped it all up making the plot pretty much Genius! The author does not let you down with the ending and her writing is remarkable. Cant wait to read the next in the series!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Tessa Wegert and Suzy Approved book tours for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
When a book offers all the twists and turns and loads up on the mystery, I am there for it. I definitely recommend reading the first in the series in order to grasp the perspective and make it more enjoyable.
I thought I loved the first one so much but then this one got even better and gave me so many Agatha vibes which made me love it even more and did not disappoint. It added more layers on the main character from the first book and just wrapped it all up making the plot pretty much Genius! The author does not let you down with the ending and her writing is remarkable. Cant wait to read the next in the series!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Tessa Wegert and Suzy Approved book tours for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2024
The Dead Season is a suspenseful mystery with interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. No sophomore slump here! I appreciated getting to know, not only Shana, but also Tim and Mac better. Shana's family dynamics, especially with her aunt and cousin, were interesting to read and added to the suspense when Shana's uncle's bones were found. This book expanded on Shana’s background and explained the mystery of her scar. (It drove me a little crazy when the first book left so much unexplained.)
Shana's abductor from the past is not letting go and is intent on playing games with her. We find that she knows his true identity, which is quite a revelation. When he kidnaps again, he challenges her to play a game with him: Solve her uncle's murder or the blood of the missing child will be on her hands.
Shana's abductor from the past is not letting go and is intent on playing games with her. We find that she knows his true identity, which is quite a revelation. When he kidnaps again, he challenges her to play a game with him: Solve her uncle's murder or the blood of the missing child will be on her hands.
December 30, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
4,5 ⭐️
Second book in the Shana Merchant series and I’m officially hooked!
I read the first one in the series a couple of weeks back and liked it a lot. I don’t usually read books in a series very close together but when my friend Kim proposed a buddy read of The Dead Season this week I had to say yes cause the ending of Death In The Family left me pretty intrigued.
I gotta say I liked this second installment much more than the first one. One of the issues I found in the first book was that Shana’s backstory and the case she was investigating felt like two complete different books, but this time it’s all about Shana’s past and her encounter with the serial killer who abducted her for a week.
I loved to learn more about Shana and her family. I think it was really interesting to read about some of her childhood experiences that helped me to understand her current persona. I also found her a much more sympathetic character this time around.
I like her relationship with her colleagues, Tim and Mac, and how they support her unconditionally despite her many issues. Also, a door has been left open for some interesting developments in the next book.
Even though she’s on suspension, pending a psych evaluation to asses if she’s fit to go back to work, Shana finds herself front and center of not one, but two investigations, one hitting too close to home, and that could give her some answers about her encounter with Bram, the serial killer.
I must confess I squealed a little bit when she revealed who Bram was, but I was left with some questions I hope will get answered in the next book.
Although both cases were closed the last chapter ends with a line that is a HUMONGOUS cliffhanger, so I’m guessing I will be reading Dead Wind sooner than expected.
Another fun buddy read with my friend Kim! Ms. Wegert, you have now two huge fans!
4,5 ⭐️
Second book in the Shana Merchant series and I’m officially hooked!
I read the first one in the series a couple of weeks back and liked it a lot. I don’t usually read books in a series very close together but when my friend Kim proposed a buddy read of The Dead Season this week I had to say yes cause the ending of Death In The Family left me pretty intrigued.
I gotta say I liked this second installment much more than the first one. One of the issues I found in the first book was that Shana’s backstory and the case she was investigating felt like two complete different books, but this time it’s all about Shana’s past and her encounter with the serial killer who abducted her for a week.
I loved to learn more about Shana and her family. I think it was really interesting to read about some of her childhood experiences that helped me to understand her current persona. I also found her a much more sympathetic character this time around.
I like her relationship with her colleagues, Tim and Mac, and how they support her unconditionally despite her many issues. Also, a door has been left open for some interesting developments in the next book.
Even though she’s on suspension, pending a psych evaluation to asses if she’s fit to go back to work, Shana finds herself front and center of not one, but two investigations, one hitting too close to home, and that could give her some answers about her encounter with Bram, the serial killer.
I must confess I squealed a little bit when she revealed who Bram was, but I was left with some questions I hope will get answered in the next book.
Although both cases were closed the last chapter ends with a line that is a HUMONGOUS cliffhanger, so I’m guessing I will be reading Dead Wind sooner than expected.
Another fun buddy read with my friend Kim! Ms. Wegert, you have now two huge fans!
March 10, 2021
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This was really great! I loved how it develops some of the aspects I was curious about in the first book in a really satisfying way. In particular, we get to learn more about the serial killer and Shana's past! There are some tense moments throughout with this dual investigation of the cold case and this missing child. I really enjoyed both of these mysteries! There were some unexpected things that came up, so that was fun. This is definitely fast paced, and I couldn't put it down.
Shana is definitely dealing with PTSD (which felt realistic). She's trying to cope with things and prove to herself and others that she can handle investigations. I really liked seeing how she does karate/self-defense lessons. I can certainly appreciate how she's wanting to protect herself and not get caught in the same situation again. I also liked learning about her family as well! There's also a start to a potential romance that I am definitely here for.
This was really great! I loved how it develops some of the aspects I was curious about in the first book in a really satisfying way. In particular, we get to learn more about the serial killer and Shana's past! There are some tense moments throughout with this dual investigation of the cold case and this missing child. I really enjoyed both of these mysteries! There were some unexpected things that came up, so that was fun. This is definitely fast paced, and I couldn't put it down.
Shana is definitely dealing with PTSD (which felt realistic). She's trying to cope with things and prove to herself and others that she can handle investigations. I really liked seeing how she does karate/self-defense lessons. I can certainly appreciate how she's wanting to protect herself and not get caught in the same situation again. I also liked learning about her family as well! There's also a start to a potential romance that I am definitely here for.
February 13, 2021
This is the first novel I have read by Tessa Wegert, and it's a winner! I was drawn into the story from the very first page--the very first sentence! I knew immediately that I was in the hands of a masterful storyteller. The tension ratcheted up even as the author took her time to draw us into her physical world--the descriptions rooted us firmly in the sense of place that tells you that you are in literary territory. Each locale was beautifully and hauntingly evoked. As for character and "voice," Shana Merchant has it in spades. All the characters are vividly drawn, including the one character who is talked about so much--whose psyche pervades and shapes the story--but who doesn't spend a lot of physical time on the page. The suspense developed organically, with the author layering plot twists into the narrative that were seamless and felt inevitable--as they should! The Dead Season is also a story about family and the ties that bind...and can blind us to truths we would rather not face. Shana Merchant is a complex character we are always rooting for. She is on the side of the angels and we want her to find the answers that will save innocent lives and give her some measure of peace. Brava, Tessa! On my next visit to the bookstore, I know what I will be buying: A Death in the Family!
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