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Sam Mason Mysteries #5
Killing Dreams
A grim discovery in the woods of a small northern New Hampshire town uncovers a disturbing truth that might finally be what Chief of Police Sam Mason needs to put elusive drug dealer Lucas Thorne away for good. But for Sam's second in command, Jody Harris, the discovery dredges up disturbing secrets from the past. Secrets that could damage her friendship with Sam. Thorne is one step ahead of them until a surprising ally comes through with one final piece of evidence that will solve an old mystery and nail Thorne. Is the evidence too good to be true? Sam doesn't dare question it and kill his dreams of ridding the town of Thorne. Meanwhile, K-9 Lucy has her own battle to fight as it seems the unwanted feline guest at the police station may become a permanent fixture.
344 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2018
4314 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Dobbs
23 books265 followersL.A. Dobbs is the not-so-cozy pen name of USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Leighann Dobbs. Under the name L.A. Dobbs, she writes engaging mysteries that have twisty plots filled with secrets and lies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 10, 2018
This is Book #5 in the Sam Mason Mystery Series by L. A. Dobbs. This is by far my favorite one. When Frank Buckner's dog, Ranger, finds a large bone, Frank believes could be a dinosaur bone, he phones Chief Sam Mason to take a look. The bone turns out to be human and the White Rock Police Department uncovers the grave(s) of three young unidentified women. Sam's hopes are raised that Lucas Thorne could be involved in murder as well as his known drug activities. Agent Holden Joyce from the FBI steps in to assist with this case along with Bev Harch from the Sheriff's Department.
Lucy, their K9, does an excellent job of finding clues at the gravesite and a cabin at another location. Sam has an unlikely ally that you won't see coming.
Lucy now has a foe in the Police Department, Major Payne, a feisty cat.
This case brings back memories for Sgt. Jody Harris, whose sister disappeared more than 30 years ago. Jody has spent much of her free time attempting to find her sister's killer.
Along with the murders the ongoing mayoral political race is still abloom in White Rock. Leighann Dobbs has done an excellent job with the characters and story in this series. There are still a lot of unanswered questions to be revealed in the future.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I have also pre-ordered this book.
Lucy, their K9, does an excellent job of finding clues at the gravesite and a cabin at another location. Sam has an unlikely ally that you won't see coming.
Lucy now has a foe in the Police Department, Major Payne, a feisty cat.
This case brings back memories for Sgt. Jody Harris, whose sister disappeared more than 30 years ago. Jody has spent much of her free time attempting to find her sister's killer.
Along with the murders the ongoing mayoral political race is still abloom in White Rock. Leighann Dobbs has done an excellent job with the characters and story in this series. There are still a lot of unanswered questions to be revealed in the future.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I have also pre-ordered this book.
May 4, 2019
Identifying dinosaur bones is not how Sam saw this day beginning!
Identifying dinosaur bones is not how Sam saw this day beginning but wait...are they something more?! An innocent call from a friend with finder's fee dreams quickly leads to a crime scene. While White Rock police force is quickly consumed with an investigation where every answer brings more questions. A deeply moving personal story with a timeline spanning the past, present and possible future. L A Dobbs masterful hand through words transport the reader into the heat of moment and heart of moving personal agendas. Layered with thought provoking emotions all coming together to create the best Sam Mason adventure yet. Hang on for a great mystery crime sleuthing ride!
Identifying dinosaur bones is not how Sam saw this day beginning but wait...are they something more?! An innocent call from a friend with finder's fee dreams quickly leads to a crime scene. While White Rock police force is quickly consumed with an investigation where every answer brings more questions. A deeply moving personal story with a timeline spanning the past, present and possible future. L A Dobbs masterful hand through words transport the reader into the heat of moment and heart of moving personal agendas. Layered with thought provoking emotions all coming together to create the best Sam Mason adventure yet. Hang on for a great mystery crime sleuthing ride!
September 29, 2018
Sam gets a call from someone about a bone his dog found. The man believes it is the bone of a dinosaur. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a human bone. There are so many ups and downs in this book and lots of excitement, especially at the end. Though this series tends to be continued in each book, I really enjoy it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 5, 2020
When Chief of Police Sam Mason goes to check out the claim of a dinosaur bone being found by a dog, he isn't prepared for it to lead to several graves of what turns out to be missing young women. They also find what appears to be an old abandoned meth lab. Somehow these two discoveries are related. The cases of the missing young women brings up the secret Jody Harris still hasn't told Sam--what really brought her to White Rock five years ago.
This book really held my interest as Sam, his officers, and the other agencies worked to figure out how the bodies discovered connected with the abandoned drug lab. It seemed everytime they got a lead and I'd get excited that it was going to lead to the guilty party something would happen and it didn't pan out. I was surprised where the lead came from that finally lead to Lucas Thorne's arrest. I'm glad he was finaly arrested for drugs, but I have my doubts that he's the killer of those young women. I like the addition of Major Payne the cat. Lucy needed a little competition for attention.
This installment still left a lot of unanswered questions for me. We still don't know if Officer Kevin Deckard will awaken from the coma; if he does I'd love to hear what he has to say. When (if ever) is Jody going to tell Sam about her missing sister and that's why she came to town? You know the longer you wait to tell someone something the worse it is. Hopefully the next book will answer some of my questions.
This book really held my interest as Sam, his officers, and the other agencies worked to figure out how the bodies discovered connected with the abandoned drug lab. It seemed everytime they got a lead and I'd get excited that it was going to lead to the guilty party something would happen and it didn't pan out. I was surprised where the lead came from that finally lead to Lucas Thorne's arrest. I'm glad he was finaly arrested for drugs, but I have my doubts that he's the killer of those young women. I like the addition of Major Payne the cat. Lucy needed a little competition for attention.
This installment still left a lot of unanswered questions for me. We still don't know if Officer Kevin Deckard will awaken from the coma; if he does I'd love to hear what he has to say. When (if ever) is Jody going to tell Sam about her missing sister and that's why she came to town? You know the longer you wait to tell someone something the worse it is. Hopefully the next book will answer some of my questions.
September 26, 2023
Wow great book!
September 7, 2018
This one is the most intense story to date in the Sam Mason series.
When a friend of Sam's grandfather call him about a bone his dog brought home. Frank had no idea that it was a human bone, and that they would find not one, but multiple graves behind his home in the forest.
Clues from the graves lead Sam, Jo, and the disliked FBI agent Joyce to a cabin in another county which gives them evidence against Thorne as not only a drug dealer, but a possible serial killer.
This one is a very good story with well developed characters, a solid plot line, and lots of twist. This one is a little different than the others in with the way it ended, it has the feel of a side story within the main one as there are still a lot of questions left to be answered.
When a friend of Sam's grandfather call him about a bone his dog brought home. Frank had no idea that it was a human bone, and that they would find not one, but multiple graves behind his home in the forest.
Clues from the graves lead Sam, Jo, and the disliked FBI agent Joyce to a cabin in another county which gives them evidence against Thorne as not only a drug dealer, but a possible serial killer.
This one is a very good story with well developed characters, a solid plot line, and lots of twist. This one is a little different than the others in with the way it ended, it has the feel of a side story within the main one as there are still a lot of questions left to be answered.
September 7, 2018
Killing Dreams is Book 5 in the Sam Mason Mystery Book Series and this is by far my favorite book in the series!
Police Chief Sam Mason discovers a shallow grave with remains from three girls. Sam Mason is hoping this case is the one that will finally put drug dealer Lucas Thorne away for good.
Meanwhile, the case is opening up old wounds for Seargeant Jody Harris who has some secrets of her own.
Thorne, as usual, seems to be one step ahead of the police until a very unlikely source comes forward with a key piece of evidence.
Lucy the K9 dog has problems of her own as the police station has a new cat Major Payne (appropriately named) that's causing havoc for Lucy who is used to all the attention.
This story is fantastic, filled with well developed characters that I have come to enjoy reading more about. The plot is well developed with multiple intertwined story lines. I was very happy to read the ending , without giving anything away, it appears we will be seeing more of Sam Mason and his crew in the future.
I highly recommend this series, it is one of my favorites and this latest installment did not disappoint.
Police Chief Sam Mason discovers a shallow grave with remains from three girls. Sam Mason is hoping this case is the one that will finally put drug dealer Lucas Thorne away for good.
Meanwhile, the case is opening up old wounds for Seargeant Jody Harris who has some secrets of her own.
Thorne, as usual, seems to be one step ahead of the police until a very unlikely source comes forward with a key piece of evidence.
Lucy the K9 dog has problems of her own as the police station has a new cat Major Payne (appropriately named) that's causing havoc for Lucy who is used to all the attention.
This story is fantastic, filled with well developed characters that I have come to enjoy reading more about. The plot is well developed with multiple intertwined story lines. I was very happy to read the ending , without giving anything away, it appears we will be seeing more of Sam Mason and his crew in the future.
I highly recommend this series, it is one of my favorites and this latest installment did not disappoint.
June 16, 2024
Not quite as riveting as the last one, but progress nonetheless. We find out what Holden knows about Jo, and a little closer to closing up some of the overarching mysteries. Some things are drawn out a little too much, like when is Jo going to let Sam in on her secret - I don’t even understand why it’s a secret at this point.
September 28, 2018
This book just stopped. It seems obvious what the next one will be. I have enjoyed the series but this one was disappointing. Oh well, all of the characters in the next book have been introduced so that's out of the way. Did the brother do it?
September 17, 2018
good
A dog finds a bone. Nothing spectacular, you say. Well, this was a human bone. A gruesome discovery follows. Sam and Jo have their work cut out for them! Aside from the murder investigation they have to deal with the tension between Lucy the K9 dog and Major the office cat, who is not very companionable. That was a bit of fun :)
If you haven’t read books 1 to 4 you can easily step in here. There are some references to earlier books, but they are well enough explained.
I must say, this was really good. I absolutely loved it. Riveting. Compelling. Likeable characters, beautiful scenery, an interesting case. Good character development. You know, real people with flaws and insecurities.
Only reason why I didn’t give 5 stars is because the end wasn’t very surprising or conclusive. I was left feeling ever so slightly disappointed. But overall a good, solid score. It was good enough that I am definitely going to read the next book too!
A dog finds a bone. Nothing spectacular, you say. Well, this was a human bone. A gruesome discovery follows. Sam and Jo have their work cut out for them! Aside from the murder investigation they have to deal with the tension between Lucy the K9 dog and Major the office cat, who is not very companionable. That was a bit of fun :)
If you haven’t read books 1 to 4 you can easily step in here. There are some references to earlier books, but they are well enough explained.
I must say, this was really good. I absolutely loved it. Riveting. Compelling. Likeable characters, beautiful scenery, an interesting case. Good character development. You know, real people with flaws and insecurities.
Only reason why I didn’t give 5 stars is because the end wasn’t very surprising or conclusive. I was left feeling ever so slightly disappointed. But overall a good, solid score. It was good enough that I am definitely going to read the next book too!
February 27, 2019
This is the fifth in the Sam Mason Mystery Series. I was disappointed in this book. We don’t resolve the killing found in the woods by the end of the book nor do we really know much more about Kevin.
We do learn more about Jody and the FBI agent. The ending is a cliff hanger. Not sure If I am going to continue but I do want to know what happens to Kevin.
There are still secrets in the closets, a desire to rid the town of Thorne, and possibly have the town settle in to a quite existence for a while.
We do learn more about Jody and the FBI agent. The ending is a cliff hanger. Not sure If I am going to continue but I do want to know what happens to Kevin.
There are still secrets in the closets, a desire to rid the town of Thorne, and possibly have the town settle in to a quite existence for a while.
November 30, 2020
I have read all of the Sam Mason mysteries up to this point. I do like them, but end up feeling that something "more" is needed with the characters. They are growing together through the series, but for people who work so closely together in the circumstances they do, I feel there are some "holes," I guess. No one seems to really have a private life. Or even a lot of depth. That said, I have read five books now, so that says a lot. I do like the story line.
March 4, 2020
Boring. A rehash of the previous books with almost no new content. I’m tired of Sam’s obsession with pinning everything on Thorne. How many times do we have to read phrases such as “it’s just not the right moment to tell him/her”, “nothing more than friends/partners”, etc. If you only have enough new material for a short story, don’t draw it out into a book, please.
July 9, 2021
Not yet wrapped up
The repetitive thoughts and concerns each character had were really laid on thick or I am getting tired of them. Same format for every story, I was able to skip pages because I know them almost by heart. It was ok and I am going to finish the last one because I've come this far. Pretty sure I know the end though.
The repetitive thoughts and concerns each character had were really laid on thick or I am getting tired of them. Same format for every story, I was able to skip pages because I know them almost by heart. It was ok and I am going to finish the last one because I've come this far. Pretty sure I know the end though.
May 5, 2020
I only read this book hoping for an end of the on-going mystery, book-to-book. Sadly, not wholly resolved... I won’t read the next one. Way too much redundancy book-to-book. I kept wanting to say “get on with it already!” So I guess I just got bored. The writing and editing are decent.
June 30, 2023
Questions
I'm five books into this series, so obviously it's decent. But this Some things are just silly at this point, though.
How old is this writer that 40 is basically over the hill? Sam and Mick look good for "pushing 40" (which means they're in their 30s). Mick stays in shape even though he's "pushing 40." And a female character described as "well preserved...in her 40s.". Give me a break. That is NOT old to the average reader
Throughout all books, Sam has been so insistent that Thorne is this huge drug lord, but there hasn't been one inkling to explain to the reader why he's so sure. Obviously Thorne is a corrupt businessman, bribing and blackmailing anyone to get what he wants. But that doesn't scream "drug lord" to me. And the jump to him being a serial killer is just borderline ludicrous.
Jo and her "secret," that she fears will alienate Sam when she tells him. My gosh, her sister was kidnapped when both were kids. Jo has tried investigating to find out who took her. I don't understand the secrecy, why this is such a big deal. If Sam is such a great guy, he'll sympathize and offer assistance.
I had to laugh at Sam's astonishment when they were discussing serial killers, and having a "copycat" was mentioned. Even if he never read a crime novel or saw one episode of Criminal Minds, copycat killers are in the news all the time. A lifelong cop had no idea!
Jo and her obsession with jelly donuts is getting old, especially her dropping a blob of jelly on her shirt multiple times in each book. Get a bib.
I'm five books into this series, so obviously it's decent. But this Some things are just silly at this point, though.
How old is this writer that 40 is basically over the hill? Sam and Mick look good for "pushing 40" (which means they're in their 30s). Mick stays in shape even though he's "pushing 40." And a female character described as "well preserved...in her 40s.". Give me a break. That is NOT old to the average reader
Throughout all books, Sam has been so insistent that Thorne is this huge drug lord, but there hasn't been one inkling to explain to the reader why he's so sure. Obviously Thorne is a corrupt businessman, bribing and blackmailing anyone to get what he wants. But that doesn't scream "drug lord" to me. And the jump to him being a serial killer is just borderline ludicrous.
Jo and her "secret," that she fears will alienate Sam when she tells him. My gosh, her sister was kidnapped when both were kids. Jo has tried investigating to find out who took her. I don't understand the secrecy, why this is such a big deal. If Sam is such a great guy, he'll sympathize and offer assistance.
I had to laugh at Sam's astonishment when they were discussing serial killers, and having a "copycat" was mentioned. Even if he never read a crime novel or saw one episode of Criminal Minds, copycat killers are in the news all the time. A lifelong cop had no idea!
Jo and her obsession with jelly donuts is getting old, especially her dropping a blob of jelly on her shirt multiple times in each book. Get a bib.
March 8, 2024
There’s a flurry of activity around the time a frequent caller reports human bones near his home. While Sam’s at the scene, both sheriff Hatch and FBI Holden Joyce show up; Jo’s back at the office receiving hospitalized deputy Kevin’s items his brother was certain belonged to the police (like a drive and his badge) but Jo’s distracted the bones could belong to her sister and full of guilt she hadn’t shared with Sam. Also, Holden seems to be flitting a little closely to Jo, maybe even flirting.
Wyatt is proving himself to be an asset to the team; Lucy, the dog, is over Major, the cat, who only seems to like Jamieson while Harry is doing his best to introduce the woman running for mayor to Sam while he’s fixated on proving Thorne’s guilt in their current cases and he’s getting ‘help’ from an unexpected source while Thorne has begun again with the threats.
Rating: 4stars
Wyatt is proving himself to be an asset to the team; Lucy, the dog, is over Major, the cat, who only seems to like Jamieson while Harry is doing his best to introduce the woman running for mayor to Sam while he’s fixated on proving Thorne’s guilt in their current cases and he’s getting ‘help’ from an unexpected source while Thorne has begun again with the threats.
Rating: 4stars
April 14, 2025
loved this one! loved the plot line, less hostile than the last book and finally no more "this is happening" then one or two issues never being concluded. Time to move on. I love the characters, and this could be a really great series and I am hopeful for the rest of the series!
Yeah Lucy!
Even though the main character is male there are a good amount of women (including Lucy) as the main characters which I really appreciate in a book.
I am always looking for a new book series that has dogs as main characters in a realistic way. I have gone through most of the intense 'thriller', 'suspense' and intense mystery books that have K9 or search and rescue books so it's great to find another that isn't too cozy. Just cozy enough.
Yeah Lucy!
Even though the main character is male there are a good amount of women (including Lucy) as the main characters which I really appreciate in a book.
I am always looking for a new book series that has dogs as main characters in a realistic way. I have gone through most of the intense 'thriller', 'suspense' and intense mystery books that have K9 or search and rescue books so it's great to find another that isn't too cozy. Just cozy enough.
January 29, 2023
Very Interesting
So many more questions! Did Thorne kill those girls? Or was he trying to protect someone else? Jo finally hears from her sister and she knew one the victims from 10 years ago. Kevin is still in a coma and the bloody glove and thumb drive haven't been found. Holder believes the cold case from his rookie days and Jo's sister are one in the same and has asked Jo to join with him to find the serial killer. Will Jo finally tell Sam? Great story. Thank you. Can't wait to read Book 5.
So many more questions! Did Thorne kill those girls? Or was he trying to protect someone else? Jo finally hears from her sister and she knew one the victims from 10 years ago. Kevin is still in a coma and the bloody glove and thumb drive haven't been found. Holder believes the cold case from his rookie days and Jo's sister are one in the same and has asked Jo to join with him to find the serial killer. Will Jo finally tell Sam? Great story. Thank you. Can't wait to read Book 5.
August 29, 2023
On the fence
This wasn't a good plot line. It seemed more of a contrived vehicle to give Sam the chance to arrest thorne. I will lay money that the next in the series will show Thorne as innocent and Beryl's brother as the killer. and then there is the dynamic between Sam and jo. Its flat. However Lucy and major, that will be a good one to watch. Hmmm just not sure if I will read on as the lack of other suspects, the flat plotline, the dull characters aren't giving any enticement.
This wasn't a good plot line. It seemed more of a contrived vehicle to give Sam the chance to arrest thorne. I will lay money that the next in the series will show Thorne as innocent and Beryl's brother as the killer. and then there is the dynamic between Sam and jo. Its flat. However Lucy and major, that will be a good one to watch. Hmmm just not sure if I will read on as the lack of other suspects, the flat plotline, the dull characters aren't giving any enticement.
August 6, 2024
Grim discovery of bodies of young women in shallow graves in New Hampshire. Chief Mason and his second in command Jody Harris try to tie these murders to the real estate developer Lucas Thorne. Thorne is developing a resort in this small town & also is suspected of running drugs in the area. The K-9 Lucy is a great source to help with the investigation. This story also involves secrets Mason and Jody have individually from their past that adds to the suspense.
January 18, 2025
Fizzled Out
The series has potential but Dobbs needs to evolve and expand the characters versus falling back on the same back stories. It's like reading the same book 5 times with a slight variation due to a new murder mystery. Also an opportunity was missed as this story had real potential to have a lot of twist and turns, but it just kind of fizzled out. Th ending was abrupt, short and not very satisfying.
The series has potential but Dobbs needs to evolve and expand the characters versus falling back on the same back stories. It's like reading the same book 5 times with a slight variation due to a new murder mystery. Also an opportunity was missed as this story had real potential to have a lot of twist and turns, but it just kind of fizzled out. Th ending was abrupt, short and not very satisfying.
January 30, 2025
I like how everyone is coming together as a group, considering they all work together for justice!
I hope Kevin gets better soon. I still have a hard time reading with all the background information on each character in every story. Shame on Jo for putting off telling Sam about her older sister, Tammy , being taken at a young age. They talk about trust, but Jo doesn't seem to trust Sam. ENJOY?
I hope Kevin gets better soon. I still have a hard time reading with all the background information on each character in every story. Shame on Jo for putting off telling Sam about her older sister, Tammy , being taken at a young age. They talk about trust, but Jo doesn't seem to trust Sam. ENJOY?
October 3, 2018
This series just gets better and better. I am getting really fond of the characters and invested in what happens to them. I can't wait for the next book. I have a suspicion the end chapter is NOT the end of the story. If I were to guess - I think Beryl's brother is the true serial killer. I will be imagining all sorts of scenarios until the next book. Hurry please Ms. Dobbs.
April 12, 2020
Great Series!
It would appear that the underlying mysteries running through each of the 5 books are not solved. I am very disappointed! The primary mystery for this book was not even finished. Author is an excellent writer, develops great plots, creates wonderful main characters and nasty villains, but leaves mainstream cliffhanger in each one-----not my type of series.
It would appear that the underlying mysteries running through each of the 5 books are not solved. I am very disappointed! The primary mystery for this book was not even finished. Author is an excellent writer, develops great plots, creates wonderful main characters and nasty villains, but leaves mainstream cliffhanger in each one-----not my type of series.
June 24, 2020
What is better than an L.A.DOBBS MYSTERY ?
Many of her mysteries. !
I anxiously await each new book in
ALL OF HER SERIES.. Sam Mason being my favorite.
If you love EXCITING , suspenseful thrillers with characters you come to believe in you will love this series too.
CAROL VANATTA
Justcva46@gmail.com
Many of her mysteries. !
I anxiously await each new book in
ALL OF HER SERIES.. Sam Mason being my favorite.
If you love EXCITING , suspenseful thrillers with characters you come to believe in you will love this series too.
CAROL VANATTA
Justcva46@gmail.com
December 29, 2022
Another great read in the Sam Mason saga
Another great read in the Sam Mason saga! Excitement from start to finish. Sam got his man, but will he keep him? No is still looking for a new lead to find her sister's killer. Will her new alliance with the FBI agent help her in her search. Well, buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Another great read in the Sam Mason saga! Excitement from start to finish. Sam got his man, but will he keep him? No is still looking for a new lead to find her sister's killer. Will her new alliance with the FBI agent help her in her search. Well, buckle up and enjoy the ride.
February 28, 2023
The Mystery Deepens
The little clues are inserted into the story so well that they can be missed. L. A. Dobbs continues to write drawing you into all the small clues. The characters are believable and strong. The book just leads you on finding the clues and maybe surprising you too.
The little clues are inserted into the story so well that they can be missed. L. A. Dobbs continues to write drawing you into all the small clues. The characters are believable and strong. The book just leads you on finding the clues and maybe surprising you too.
April 10, 2023
Killing Dreams (5)
This is book 5 in the Sam Mason mystery series. I was once again astounded at how much work goes into trying to put a killer behind bars. Then when you look back there is always a few things that don't fit well together. I can't wait to begin reading the next in the series!
This is book 5 in the Sam Mason mystery series. I was once again astounded at how much work goes into trying to put a killer behind bars. Then when you look back there is always a few things that don't fit well together. I can't wait to begin reading the next in the series!
August 13, 2023
Hooked on this series
I love the setting, the characters and the story is always entertaining. I'm hooked on these books! I appreciate the camaraderie between the characters and the decency in which it's portrayed. Lots of side mysteries hanging there for development as well. Keep them coming!
I love the setting, the characters and the story is always entertaining. I'm hooked on these books! I appreciate the camaraderie between the characters and the decency in which it's portrayed. Lots of side mysteries hanging there for development as well. Keep them coming!
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