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Sam Lawson #2
Beneath the Surface
Sam Lawson returns in a gripping mystery you won’t be able to put down.
When Detective Sam Lawson arrives in a sleepy East Texas town to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman, he soon discovers everyone has something to hide. And the more he digs, the more questions he uncovers.
Are the scratch marks on the face of the woman’s arrogant husband really from a construction accident? Why is the rich investor suddenly so interested in the investigation? Who had been hiding in the woods behind the woman’s house? Why did one of the woman’s friends leave town the same day she went missing, and what was their real relationship?
With the help of a tough-as-nails sheriff’s sergeant, Liz Garcia, and his estranged girlfriend, medical examiner Carla Davenport, Sam must navigate the tangled relationships of this small community to find the truth before it’s too late.
Beneath the Surface is an exciting new addition to the Sam Lawson Mystery series. If you like colorful dialogue, surprising plot twists and page-turning suspense, then you’ll love this fast-paced whodunnit from David K. Wilson.
When Detective Sam Lawson arrives in a sleepy East Texas town to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman, he soon discovers everyone has something to hide. And the more he digs, the more questions he uncovers.
Are the scratch marks on the face of the woman’s arrogant husband really from a construction accident? Why is the rich investor suddenly so interested in the investigation? Who had been hiding in the woods behind the woman’s house? Why did one of the woman’s friends leave town the same day she went missing, and what was their real relationship?
With the help of a tough-as-nails sheriff’s sergeant, Liz Garcia, and his estranged girlfriend, medical examiner Carla Davenport, Sam must navigate the tangled relationships of this small community to find the truth before it’s too late.
Beneath the Surface is an exciting new addition to the Sam Lawson Mystery series. If you like colorful dialogue, surprising plot twists and page-turning suspense, then you’ll love this fast-paced whodunnit from David K. Wilson.
- GenresMystery
292 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2020
270 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
David K. Wilson
9 books57 followersDavid K. Wilson grew up in East Texas, surrounded by enough colorful characters to fill the pages of hundreds of books. He has been an advertising copywriter and creative director, and is probably responsible for some of the junk mail you've received over the years.
He is also a seasoned ghostwriter and screenwriter. Currently, he lives in upstate New York, where he still complains about the cold every single winter.
He is also a seasoned ghostwriter and screenwriter. Currently, he lives in upstate New York, where he still complains about the cold every single winter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Want to read
July 24, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/24/2020)! 🎁
September 2, 2020
Enjoyed reading!
November 22, 2023
I did not want Beneath the Surface to end !! Beneath the Surface is the second book in the Sam Lawson Mystery series by David K. Wilson and it is so good that as much as you love reading it, you will hate when you finish it and there is no more to read ... if that makes sense.
In Beneath the Surface Detective Sam Lawson is sent to Big Creek in Hawkins County to assist on a missing person's case. Unfortunately the missing woman is the daughter of his old police chief who was forced into early retirement when he was involved in a case that Lawson uncovered and solved. Neither Lawson or Ed Kaster are happy about this but they put personal feelings aside in order to work together to look for Jamie.
Nothing is adding up on the case and everyone is very frustrated. Jamie's husband, Gary, being the spouse, is on the top of the suspect list but his alibi's for the day that Jamie went missing are tight. However the list of suspects starts to grow as Lawson and his partner on the case, Deputy Garcia, start talking to friends and business associates of Gary.
Once there is a BIG chance in the case, Sheriff Monroe tells Lawson he is no longer needed on the case and that he can return home. But when Jamie's father asks Lawson to stay on the case, there no way that he can say no. Unfortunately he is only allowed to work on it for a very short time period and the clock is ticking.....
Readers will fall in love with Lawson and this series. You are instantly pulled into the story as soon as you open the book and will not want to stop until you get to the end. It feels like Wilson puts a magicla spell on you and you are powerless ..... all in a very good way !!!!
In Beneath the Surface Detective Sam Lawson is sent to Big Creek in Hawkins County to assist on a missing person's case. Unfortunately the missing woman is the daughter of his old police chief who was forced into early retirement when he was involved in a case that Lawson uncovered and solved. Neither Lawson or Ed Kaster are happy about this but they put personal feelings aside in order to work together to look for Jamie.
Nothing is adding up on the case and everyone is very frustrated. Jamie's husband, Gary, being the spouse, is on the top of the suspect list but his alibi's for the day that Jamie went missing are tight. However the list of suspects starts to grow as Lawson and his partner on the case, Deputy Garcia, start talking to friends and business associates of Gary.
Once there is a BIG chance in the case, Sheriff Monroe tells Lawson he is no longer needed on the case and that he can return home. But when Jamie's father asks Lawson to stay on the case, there no way that he can say no. Unfortunately he is only allowed to work on it for a very short time period and the clock is ticking.....
Readers will fall in love with Lawson and this series. You are instantly pulled into the story as soon as you open the book and will not want to stop until you get to the end. It feels like Wilson puts a magicla spell on you and you are powerless ..... all in a very good way !!!!
October 24, 2020
Beneath the Surface is a gut - wrenching adrenaline filled ride!
Beneath the Surface is the best book I have read in a long time. I have read some pretty good books but this one is a wild ride worth loosing some sleep over. I started the book just yesterday and now I am done and want to read more of David Wilson's books and I am so happy that I read a new, for me, author. The mystery is not your average everyday mystery and I absolutely love that. This book will definitely make you think about your friends and acquaintances differently. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to try to solve the mystery before the end of the book.
Beneath the Surface is the best book I have read in a long time. I have read some pretty good books but this one is a wild ride worth loosing some sleep over. I started the book just yesterday and now I am done and want to read more of David Wilson's books and I am so happy that I read a new, for me, author. The mystery is not your average everyday mystery and I absolutely love that. This book will definitely make you think about your friends and acquaintances differently. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to try to solve the mystery before the end of the book.
June 2, 2020
This second novel in the Sam Lawson series is another extremely well-crafted thriller. It starts off right away with a twist, this time Lawson being summoned to aide in an investigation that turns out to be on behalf of his arch nemesis, then the trail for the murderer winds from there.
Lawson’s sleuthing skills are needed in a neighboring small town with big secrets and he reveals one more nefarious than the next, keeping the reader guessing to the very end. Author David Wilson also provides plenty of romantic tension with a strong female character as Lawson’s love interest.
I for one am grateful Mr. Wilson keeps cranking out these riveting mysteries as quickly as Patterson and just as entertaining!
Lawson’s sleuthing skills are needed in a neighboring small town with big secrets and he reveals one more nefarious than the next, keeping the reader guessing to the very end. Author David Wilson also provides plenty of romantic tension with a strong female character as Lawson’s love interest.
I for one am grateful Mr. Wilson keeps cranking out these riveting mysteries as quickly as Patterson and just as entertaining!
June 23, 2020
Hard to put down! Awesome book once I started reading I couldn’t stop. This thriller had me turning pages with such excitement to see what would happen next. I can’t wait for the next book👏
October 24, 2020
Beneath the surface
I liked this book very much. Good plot and suspenseful. The ending was a surprise and well thought out. I will definitely read more of his books.
I liked this book very much. Good plot and suspenseful. The ending was a surprise and well thought out. I will definitely read more of his books.
May 31, 2020
Keeps you guessing
Having read the 1st book in this series, I was anxiously awaiting the follow-up & it did not disappointment. Well written & fast paced, this book keeps you guessing until the end. No unbelievable twists - they well we'll laid out & there for you to notice. It was great to see some character growth. I highly recommend this book.
Having read the 1st book in this series, I was anxiously awaiting the follow-up & it did not disappointment. Well written & fast paced, this book keeps you guessing until the end. No unbelievable twists - they well we'll laid out & there for you to notice. It was great to see some character growth. I highly recommend this book.
June 15, 2020
Loving this series!
This is the second book I've read in this new series, I loved it! It kept me guessing up to the end! I hope we have lots more in the series, because I can't help but root for Sam to buck the system and solve the mystery.
This is the second book I've read in this new series, I loved it! It kept me guessing up to the end! I hope we have lots more in the series, because I can't help but root for Sam to buck the system and solve the mystery.
September 16, 2020
Listened in one day
This book was not too slow getting out of the gate. I enjoy a good paced story. The antagonist was not who I suspected which added to the plot. I would read more of Mr. Wilson's books.
This book was not too slow getting out of the gate. I enjoy a good paced story. The antagonist was not who I suspected which added to the plot. I would read more of Mr. Wilson's books.
August 31, 2020
This book was a very nice surprise from an author I had never heard of. The characters were a high point, being believable with humor and depth. The story itself grew out of these interesting characters, rather than the other way around, and the setting was just a background. The way these folks were all connected was a huge part of the story, and well done at that. I would expect the Sam Lawson series to be a hit. 4.5 stars rounded down.
July 26, 2020
Wonderful mystery
This who-dun-it kept me on the edge of my seat. Well written and I very much enjoyed reading this book. I look forward to reading more of this author.
This who-dun-it kept me on the edge of my seat. Well written and I very much enjoyed reading this book. I look forward to reading more of this author.
July 26, 2020
Not a bad book but not a great book .
Quite readable
Quite readable
June 26, 2020
I received this book pre printed, to give my review. It did not disappoint! This is the second Sam Lawson book and I could not put it down. Easy read and kept you wanting more until the end! Can not wait for the next book!
June 1, 2022
Great police thriller
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Never would have guessed who the killer was. Loved the main character Sam . Would definitely read more in the series.
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Never would have guessed who the killer was. Loved the main character Sam . Would definitely read more in the series.
July 19, 2020
Great summer read by David Wilson
January 18, 2021
Better than the first
I enjoyed this book much more than I did the first one. It was quite suspenseful with an interesting twist.
I enjoyed this book much more than I did the first one. It was quite suspenseful with an interesting twist.
March 15, 2023
Fast paced mystery
The second in a series. Well thought out, good plot lines and a not obvious plot twist. Kept me turning pages again!
The second in a series. Well thought out, good plot lines and a not obvious plot twist. Kept me turning pages again!
September 1, 2020
Called in to solve a murder mystery
Sam was called in to help solve a muder mystery. I liked the clear story-telling, taking readers along for the whole case, step-by-step. So many other authors try to get clever, leaving confused readers trying to figure out what happened. I liked Sam and his humanity, his strengths and vulnerabilities. I liked his girlfriend, Carla, who conducted autopsies, but was quite capable of defending herself in the end. I liked the character sketch of the murdered woman's scumbag husband, Gary, who kept us guessing right to the end about the role he played in her murder. The end was slightly vague as he prattled on to the media about his innocence and the Police's incompetence, while the sherrif suppressed a smile, knowing what the next day would bring, while Sam eventually woke up and realised what Carla really wanted. I would have likes David Wilson to flesh that part of the story out a little more. Did he tire towards the end and end a bit too soon because of a deadline or boredom? Either way, its a good entertaining story, based on a very sad murder of a much loved young woman. The final means of murder was not clarified either. Why?
Sam was called in to help solve a muder mystery. I liked the clear story-telling, taking readers along for the whole case, step-by-step. So many other authors try to get clever, leaving confused readers trying to figure out what happened. I liked Sam and his humanity, his strengths and vulnerabilities. I liked his girlfriend, Carla, who conducted autopsies, but was quite capable of defending herself in the end. I liked the character sketch of the murdered woman's scumbag husband, Gary, who kept us guessing right to the end about the role he played in her murder. The end was slightly vague as he prattled on to the media about his innocence and the Police's incompetence, while the sherrif suppressed a smile, knowing what the next day would bring, while Sam eventually woke up and realised what Carla really wanted. I would have likes David Wilson to flesh that part of the story out a little more. Did he tire towards the end and end a bit too soon because of a deadline or boredom? Either way, its a good entertaining story, based on a very sad murder of a much loved young woman. The final means of murder was not clarified either. Why?
January 7, 2021
I had never read a book by David K. Wilson
But you better believe, I intend to read all his books, in the series! I had a hard time putting the book down, for only a few minutes. It's not a Christian book but it is clean of bad language and no sexual scenes. I went back and forth, on who I thought, was the killer. None of who I thought was it. I was so surprised, at the end, to find out. David gives all the characters, a lot of story time. He didn't favor one over another. It was an equal opportunity, to be the killer! I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone. I also want to thank David K. Wilson for having his books, in Kindle Unlimited.
But you better believe, I intend to read all his books, in the series! I had a hard time putting the book down, for only a few minutes. It's not a Christian book but it is clean of bad language and no sexual scenes. I went back and forth, on who I thought, was the killer. None of who I thought was it. I was so surprised, at the end, to find out. David gives all the characters, a lot of story time. He didn't favor one over another. It was an equal opportunity, to be the killer! I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone. I also want to thank David K. Wilson for having his books, in Kindle Unlimited.
February 12, 2024
Sam Lawson is on the move again in this second installment of the Sam Lawson Mystery series. Sam is called to another town not far from his hometown of Quinton to help solve a missing persons case. I love Sam's character in this story. He is a likable character yet definitely flawed person, but there is one thing he is not flawed in—Solving a mystery. This story keeps you guessing right up until the very end. And just when you thought you figured out the mystery, you would be wrong. But not Detective Sam Lawson because Sam is the best in the business.
If you’re up for a good, who done it?
Read—> Beneath The Surface by David K. Wilson—a well-deserved five-star rating.
If you’re up for a good, who done it?
Read—> Beneath The Surface by David K. Wilson—a well-deserved five-star rating.
September 22, 2020
Well Done
I need to stop finishing books in the middle of the night. Maybe that'll help me write more substantial reviews. This book didn't stand out to me in any good ways but did in a bad way: there are several glaring editing errors. Two are instances of words spell check wouldn't catch -- wench instead of winch and Jaime instead of Jamie -- but pollenate is spelled with an I. I won't read it again since I know I can find better thrillers.
I need to stop finishing books in the middle of the night. Maybe that'll help me write more substantial reviews. This book didn't stand out to me in any good ways but did in a bad way: there are several glaring editing errors. Two are instances of words spell check wouldn't catch -- wench instead of winch and Jaime instead of Jamie -- but pollenate is spelled with an I. I won't read it again since I know I can find better thrillers.
February 7, 2021
His former chief of police, daughter was missing, Sam felt the Chief took early retirement probably because of him. Sam always had an unkempt look with stains on shirt, didn’t look good for a cop.
The husband yelling about them dripping on his tile floors, while they were out in the down pouring rain looking and with fresh scratches on face.
A plot with false work records, an affair, to a wedding in two months. Not wanting this to come out, murder happened. Good page turning story.
The husband yelling about them dripping on his tile floors, while they were out in the down pouring rain looking and with fresh scratches on face.
A plot with false work records, an affair, to a wedding in two months. Not wanting this to come out, murder happened. Good page turning story.
October 26, 2021
Sam Lawson
Great read. I love a good murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Even better when the author doesn't drone on and on, using "filler" that is unnecessary. Sam is a hard nosed cop when he trusts his 'gut,' but vulnerable and a bit insecure, like most, when it comes to personal relationships. David Wilson has a way of making the characters real and down to earth. Definitely an author I'm going to enjoy reading again.
Great read. I love a good murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Even better when the author doesn't drone on and on, using "filler" that is unnecessary. Sam is a hard nosed cop when he trusts his 'gut,' but vulnerable and a bit insecure, like most, when it comes to personal relationships. David Wilson has a way of making the characters real and down to earth. Definitely an author I'm going to enjoy reading again.
December 28, 2020
A detective from another county is used on a missing persons case because the county is a little short handed. A woman disappears from a small towm, and her big-mouthed husbamd is the prime suspect. Or, did she run off with an old high school friend?
I enjoyed this story, and I think you will to.
I enjoyed this story, and I think you will to.
January 1, 2021
Good
Full of suspense. A well written thriller that had just enough characters that were well developed. There were a few interesting surprises that kept your attention and definitely added greater interest and intrigue. It was hard to set the book down. The ending was a total surprise.
Full of suspense. A well written thriller that had just enough characters that were well developed. There were a few interesting surprises that kept your attention and definitely added greater interest and intrigue. It was hard to set the book down. The ending was a total surprise.
March 28, 2024
This was a good cozy police-mystery read! I found this author through my local bookstore advertising a future book signing. I’m not usually a big fan of crime stories, as they typically fall quite short; but the story took place in East TX so I wanted to give it a shot.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested throughout the entire book, and I loved all the characters!
Plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested throughout the entire book, and I loved all the characters!
April 12, 2022
Another good book by David Wilson. I really like the Sam Lawson Mystery series and can't wait to start the next one. In this book Jamie is missing and later is found dead. There are a lot of secrets in the town and I enjoyed reading what happened and trying to guess the guilty party.
September 3, 2020
Pretty good and I didn't guess who did it.
December 14, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this book and read it without putting it down. Enjoyed the characters and the story. Did not see the end coming. Recommend this arthur.
I enjoyed this book and read it without putting it down. Enjoyed the characters and the story. Did not see the end coming. Recommend this arthur.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews