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Kate Fox #2
Dark Signal
Dark Signal by Shannon Baker is the second installment in the Kate Fox mystery series, called "A must read" by New York Times bestselling author Alex Kava, starring a female Longmire in the atmospheric Nebraska Sandhills.
Reeling from her recent divorce, Kate Fox has just been sworn in as Grand County, Nebraska Sheriff when tragedy strikes. A railroad accident has left engineer Chad Mills dead, his conductor Bobby Jenkins in shock. Kate soon realizes that the accident was likely murder.
Who would want to kill Chad Mills? Kate finds that he made a few enemies as president of the railroad workers union. Meanwhile his widow is behaving oddly. And why was his neighbor Josh Stevens at the Mills house on the night of the accident?
While her loud and meddling family conspires to help Kate past her divorce, State Patrol Officer Trey closes in on Josh Stevens as the suspect. Kate doesn’t believe it. She may not have the experience, but she’s lived in the Sandhills her whole life, and knows the land and the people. Something doesn’t add up―and Kate must find the real killer before he can strike again.
Reeling from her recent divorce, Kate Fox has just been sworn in as Grand County, Nebraska Sheriff when tragedy strikes. A railroad accident has left engineer Chad Mills dead, his conductor Bobby Jenkins in shock. Kate soon realizes that the accident was likely murder.
Who would want to kill Chad Mills? Kate finds that he made a few enemies as president of the railroad workers union. Meanwhile his widow is behaving oddly. And why was his neighbor Josh Stevens at the Mills house on the night of the accident?
While her loud and meddling family conspires to help Kate past her divorce, State Patrol Officer Trey closes in on Josh Stevens as the suspect. Kate doesn’t believe it. She may not have the experience, but she’s lived in the Sandhills her whole life, and knows the land and the people. Something doesn’t add up―and Kate must find the real killer before he can strike again.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
3015 people are currently reading
937 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Baker
36 books262 followersShannon Baker writes mysteries about strong women in dangerous situations. Her books are set in the iconic landscapes of the American West, from the Colorado Rockies to the Nebraska prairies, to the deserts of southern Arizona. Baker spent 20 years in the Nebraska Sandhills, where cattle outnumber people by more than 50:1, and too few years living on Colorado’s front range. Her dark suspense, The Desert Behind Me, is a 2019 Winner of the New Mexico/Arizona Book Award.
Seconds before quitting writing forever and taking up competitive drinking, Shannon was voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2014 Writer of the Year and, buoyed with that confidence, continued to write, earning another RMFW Writer of the Year nod in 2017-18. Shannon makes her home in Tucson where she enjoys cocktails by the pool, breathtaking sunsets, a crazy Weimaraner, and killing people (in the pages of her books).
A lover of the outdoors, she can be found backpacking in the Rockies, traipsing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, skiing mountains and plains, kayaking lakes, river running, hiking, cycling, and scuba diving whenever she gets the chance. Arizona sunsets notwithstanding, Baker is, and always will be, a Nebraska Husker, heartbreaking as the last two decades have been. Go Big Red.
Seconds before quitting writing forever and taking up competitive drinking, Shannon was voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2014 Writer of the Year and, buoyed with that confidence, continued to write, earning another RMFW Writer of the Year nod in 2017-18. Shannon makes her home in Tucson where she enjoys cocktails by the pool, breathtaking sunsets, a crazy Weimaraner, and killing people (in the pages of her books).
A lover of the outdoors, she can be found backpacking in the Rockies, traipsing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, skiing mountains and plains, kayaking lakes, river running, hiking, cycling, and scuba diving whenever she gets the chance. Arizona sunsets notwithstanding, Baker is, and always will be, a Nebraska Husker, heartbreaking as the last two decades have been. Go Big Red.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 18, 2021
This was a decent story and I was beginning to understand Kate a little more, but then I wasn’t so sure when the author began to make her stupid and incompetent. I find her ‘home life’ and family quite interesting, although I still don’t really understand the ‘Carly’ storyline.
The investigation wasn’t what I would have expected from a ‘police dept’, it was more like what you would get from an amateur investigator. I presume because there are no ‘real’ detectives and very limited resources they just stumble across things.
Unfortunately towards the end of the book it turned into a bit of a farce and then the author concludes the story as if it was a triumph for Kate, but really all she succeeded in doing was making a convincing argument for why she shouldn’t be a sheriff.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
The investigation wasn’t what I would have expected from a ‘police dept’, it was more like what you would get from an amateur investigator. I presume because there are no ‘real’ detectives and very limited resources they just stumble across things.
Unfortunately towards the end of the book it turned into a bit of a farce and then the author concludes the story as if it was a triumph for Kate, but really all she succeeded in doing was making a convincing argument for why she shouldn’t be a sheriff.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
October 30, 2021
I'm hooked on this series. Kate Fox is a wonderful character. I love it that she is now sheriff and despite all the patronizing help offered, she solves the crime.
December 22, 2024
I really like Kate Fox and I can relate to the cold winter weather as it was 9 degrees where I live this morning. Kate is trying to get her life back together as she starts her job as Sheriff. And boy does she start rough. It’s a great story that includes the mystery as well as family life, the good and the bad, and small town living. I like this series and will definitely read more.
October 22, 2017
Well paced murder mystery.
There's a new sheriff in town. Kate Fox catches a trying case on the first day of the job. Death by train is not a common murder method but it looks like in this case it just might be so. Mind you she has to convince the railway authorities and the state police that this is more than a railway accident.
This is the second in the series but it doesn't lose too much by starting here. Although there are family happenings that I am sure would be clearer if I'd read the first novel.
The setting in the Nebraska hills adds to the sense of isolation and small community life.
Don't be fooled by small town atmosphere, the 'shucks ma'am' images stepping right up against the 'school of hard knocks older women' are gems.
Kate Fox might be new by but she sure isn't going to be fobbed off by the good ol' boys who can't quite get their heads around the fact that Kate is no longer the previous sheriff's wife but The Sheriff! And when ex hubby Ted keeps being given information about a case he no longer has a right to know about, Kate needs to bring those recalcitrant officers into line.
Oh, and there's three interesting males who have come into Kate's sphere. Ok at least one might be a suspect, but still!
I loved Kate's internal dialogues, funny and insightful.
The title is at once subtle and yet a comment on things to come.
Slick and intriguing, this was an excellent read.
A NetGalley ARC
There's a new sheriff in town. Kate Fox catches a trying case on the first day of the job. Death by train is not a common murder method but it looks like in this case it just might be so. Mind you she has to convince the railway authorities and the state police that this is more than a railway accident.
This is the second in the series but it doesn't lose too much by starting here. Although there are family happenings that I am sure would be clearer if I'd read the first novel.
The setting in the Nebraska hills adds to the sense of isolation and small community life.
Don't be fooled by small town atmosphere, the 'shucks ma'am' images stepping right up against the 'school of hard knocks older women' are gems.
Kate Fox might be new by but she sure isn't going to be fobbed off by the good ol' boys who can't quite get their heads around the fact that Kate is no longer the previous sheriff's wife but The Sheriff! And when ex hubby Ted keeps being given information about a case he no longer has a right to know about, Kate needs to bring those recalcitrant officers into line.
Oh, and there's three interesting males who have come into Kate's sphere. Ok at least one might be a suspect, but still!
I loved Kate's internal dialogues, funny and insightful.
The title is at once subtle and yet a comment on things to come.
Slick and intriguing, this was an excellent read.
A NetGalley ARC
October 10, 2024
I was disappointed with book 1 because she was exhibiting all the signs of being a complete doormat when it came to her husband and her inability to put it all together until the very end. I was hoping she’d pull herself together in this one and although less of a doormat I was again frustrated by her inability to put it together or even seem to have any focus. I also don’t think the Meredith/Chad/Josh connections and actual relationships were clearly defined in the end. Did Meredith’s sister tell the truth or was it all just to stir the pot? I desperately want a strong female lead in Kate but I’m not sure I’m going to get it. So thankful these are a part of Kindle Unlimited.
July 26, 2018
This was better than book #1. We didn't have to suffer through all the stupid stuff with Roxy and the ex mother-in-law for the most part. There were still a lot of things that bothered me but shows definite improvement. I like Kate's character but she does some really stupid things. I hope Ted fades into sunset. It is just a distraction. I also hope the new Lakota deputy plays a prominent role in the next installment.
April 29, 2024
I wasn’t huge on the first book in this series. It took me a while to get through and felt stagnant. This second book was much better! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. They seem to be pretty stand alone books, where you could likely just pick up any book in the series and have a general understanding of what is going on. Excited to continue reading the remainder of the series
November 23, 2017
Received in exchange for a honest review.
This is the second book in the Kate Fox series and although the book does explain some things and you could get by without having read the first-more would make sense if you do read the first.
Kate is a strong and wonderful character. She loves her ranch and her town. when the scandal of her ex began and she kept him from jail her would did change and now she is the sheriff. Many are not cool with this and they let her know. But she soldiers on and when a death occurs she is there to do her job. It is here she meets Trey and sees how much influence her ex still has in the law enforcement world. We have a murder and everyone in narrowing the focus on Josh except Kate. So she goes digging to find out what really happened.
While digging, she is put in more danger and so many secrets are revealed. We also see her have attraction to a few of the men in the book. Trey being one of them. I love how Kate sees beyond the obvious and looks for answers before accusing someone of murder. She goes beyond and investigates even though it would be easy to believe what is obvious. And boy does she uncover alot. I also love how she is open to things and looks at someone’s qualifications when it comes to jobs and not what you see.
He ex is a real jerk. He inserts himself into the investigation and is really just not nice towards her. And that moment in the bar wow just wow. So glad she had someone there to help her stay strong and hold her head up high as she left.
Trey at first seems very cocky and is a jerk towards kate. Over time he does change and even puts his life in danger for her. We see them have some serious attraction and you wonder if they will end up together.
The story has twists and turns, secrets and reveals galore. It’s fast paced and entertaining. We see Kate begin to move on but also show herself that she can be sheriff and do a good job at it. she is honest and real. Trey even learns to respect her investigating skills and her. The ending is action packed and toe curling.
Look forward to seeing where Kate goes next and what happens between her and Trey. Or maybe someone else???? Her millionaire friend??? Josh??? the new officer??? Never know, I am rooting for trey though.
This is the second book in the Kate Fox series and although the book does explain some things and you could get by without having read the first-more would make sense if you do read the first.
Kate is a strong and wonderful character. She loves her ranch and her town. when the scandal of her ex began and she kept him from jail her would did change and now she is the sheriff. Many are not cool with this and they let her know. But she soldiers on and when a death occurs she is there to do her job. It is here she meets Trey and sees how much influence her ex still has in the law enforcement world. We have a murder and everyone in narrowing the focus on Josh except Kate. So she goes digging to find out what really happened.
While digging, she is put in more danger and so many secrets are revealed. We also see her have attraction to a few of the men in the book. Trey being one of them. I love how Kate sees beyond the obvious and looks for answers before accusing someone of murder. She goes beyond and investigates even though it would be easy to believe what is obvious. And boy does she uncover alot. I also love how she is open to things and looks at someone’s qualifications when it comes to jobs and not what you see.
He ex is a real jerk. He inserts himself into the investigation and is really just not nice towards her. And that moment in the bar wow just wow. So glad she had someone there to help her stay strong and hold her head up high as she left.
Trey at first seems very cocky and is a jerk towards kate. Over time he does change and even puts his life in danger for her. We see them have some serious attraction and you wonder if they will end up together.
The story has twists and turns, secrets and reveals galore. It’s fast paced and entertaining. We see Kate begin to move on but also show herself that she can be sheriff and do a good job at it. she is honest and real. Trey even learns to respect her investigating skills and her. The ending is action packed and toe curling.
Look forward to seeing where Kate goes next and what happens between her and Trey. Or maybe someone else???? Her millionaire friend??? Josh??? the new officer??? Never know, I am rooting for trey though.
September 29, 2017
Kate Fox has just been sworn in as sheriff of Grand County, Nebraska. But a railroad accident is going to throw her head first into a job that some feel she can’t do since it’s a man’s job. Kate is not going to let that stop her from investigating. The death is questionable since it seem Chris Mills has made some enemies at work, his wife is acting strange, and his neighbor Josh Stevens was at Chris’ house the night of the murder. This is starting to look like a murder.
Kate has recently gone through a divorce so it seems everyone is trying to coddle her which is irritating the heck out of her. She may be a woman but she is not one of those floo floo girls. She has a job and is determined to prove she is more than competent to handle it. And when it is looking like an obvious suspect she listens to her gut and keeps digging.
I admit that I have not read the first book in this series, Stripped Bare but I had no problem jumping into this story. I loved Kate, she was so strong and determined to not let people tell her she can’t do something. It was a great mystery and I didn’t know who the killer was until the end. I will definitely be going back and catching up on what I have missed so far.
I received Dark Signal from Sami at Roger Charlie and Netgalley for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Kate has recently gone through a divorce so it seems everyone is trying to coddle her which is irritating the heck out of her. She may be a woman but she is not one of those floo floo girls. She has a job and is determined to prove she is more than competent to handle it. And when it is looking like an obvious suspect she listens to her gut and keeps digging.
I admit that I have not read the first book in this series, Stripped Bare but I had no problem jumping into this story. I loved Kate, she was so strong and determined to not let people tell her she can’t do something. It was a great mystery and I didn’t know who the killer was until the end. I will definitely be going back and catching up on what I have missed so far.
I received Dark Signal from Sami at Roger Charlie and Netgalley for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
November 20, 2017
We love Kate Fox and Shannon Baker! We always laugh so much when Shannon comes on the show. Listen to the full interview here:
http://www.thenotboringbookshow.com/2...
http://www.thenotboringbookshow.com/2...
October 29, 2017
DARK SIGNAL is an engrossing mystery. Everything about this book is refreshingly original, from the Nebraska Sandhills setting, to the focus on railway and ranch life, to Baker's wonderful humor that graces every page. The heroine is relatable, the secondary characters are distinctly quirky, and the mystery was terrifically plotted and kept me guessing until the final, thrilling end. Kate Fox is a heroine whose adventures I look forward to following in future books.
Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
July 29, 2024
After reading the first book in the Kate Fox series, Stripped Bare, I immediately downloaded the second book of the series. In Dark Signal Kate is now divorced and has just been sworn into office as Sheriff of Grant County in Nebraska's Sandhills.
Kate takes her first call when the train engineer is dead and the conductor is in shock. Because this is a freight only train, Kate knows there are no passengers aboard. She walks the train line and discovers evidence that this is much more than just a horrific accident.
She teams up with State Patrol Officer Trey Ridnour to investigate who would want to kill the enginerr, Chad Mills. When they go to notify his wife of her husband's death, she behaves strangely. There's another man at her house and the neighbor’s story doesn’t add up. The victim had recently made several enemies and every one of them seems to have motive for murder.
Kate has a huge and interesting family. They figure prominently in this book because Kate's father is also a train engineer. Her mother is a sculptress who locks herself in the basement and sculpts naked, rarely emerging until her project is done. Kate also has nine siblings who are constantly meddling in her life.
I liked this better than the the first book and have already downloaded Book #3, Bitter Rain. The characters and setting make this a readable series. It's a great mystery beach read, currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
Kate takes her first call when the train engineer is dead and the conductor is in shock. Because this is a freight only train, Kate knows there are no passengers aboard. She walks the train line and discovers evidence that this is much more than just a horrific accident.
She teams up with State Patrol Officer Trey Ridnour to investigate who would want to kill the enginerr, Chad Mills. When they go to notify his wife of her husband's death, she behaves strangely. There's another man at her house and the neighbor’s story doesn’t add up. The victim had recently made several enemies and every one of them seems to have motive for murder.
Kate has a huge and interesting family. They figure prominently in this book because Kate's father is also a train engineer. Her mother is a sculptress who locks herself in the basement and sculpts naked, rarely emerging until her project is done. Kate also has nine siblings who are constantly meddling in her life.
I liked this better than the the first book and have already downloaded Book #3, Bitter Rain. The characters and setting make this a readable series. It's a great mystery beach read, currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
October 3, 2017
I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.
Dark Signal gripped me from the opening paragraph, dragged me to the Nebraska Sandhills and wouldn't let me go. As a mystery, this book hit all the points for me: intriguing mystery with numerous suspects, a law officer with just the right amount of confidence and vulnerability and a cast of supporting characters that draw in like one of the group and add a sense of real-life to the story.
I finished the book deeply satisfied and yet.....yearning for more Kate Fox and the rural Nebraska community she calls home. This book is so strong in both it's setting descriptions and character developments.
This is actually the second book in the series and while I haven't read the first book, that did not hinder me from connecting to Kate right away. Baker did an excellent job of making sure the reader knew bits of Kate's past and how that drives her now while not providing an overabundance of details or retelling the first book in a few pages. As a reader, I loved that; I was able to read and enjoy this book all the time knowing I'll go back and read the first book.
Another element that I enjoyed was the secondary mystery Baker wove throughout the book involving Kate's niece and her whereabouts and another mystery. It seems like this is a mystery that will unfold slowly, over several books and it's always fun to try to unravel the clues along with the protagonist. Finally, I loved how Baker was able to off-set tense moments with just the right amount of humor or sarcasm.
Dark Signal gripped me from the opening paragraph, dragged me to the Nebraska Sandhills and wouldn't let me go. As a mystery, this book hit all the points for me: intriguing mystery with numerous suspects, a law officer with just the right amount of confidence and vulnerability and a cast of supporting characters that draw in like one of the group and add a sense of real-life to the story.
I finished the book deeply satisfied and yet.....yearning for more Kate Fox and the rural Nebraska community she calls home. This book is so strong in both it's setting descriptions and character developments.
This is actually the second book in the series and while I haven't read the first book, that did not hinder me from connecting to Kate right away. Baker did an excellent job of making sure the reader knew bits of Kate's past and how that drives her now while not providing an overabundance of details or retelling the first book in a few pages. As a reader, I loved that; I was able to read and enjoy this book all the time knowing I'll go back and read the first book.
Another element that I enjoyed was the secondary mystery Baker wove throughout the book involving Kate's niece and her whereabouts and another mystery. It seems like this is a mystery that will unfold slowly, over several books and it's always fun to try to unravel the clues along with the protagonist. Finally, I loved how Baker was able to off-set tense moments with just the right amount of humor or sarcasm.
January 3, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A mysterious phone call from a panicked woman. An abandoned vehicle crashed on the side of the road. A small town in the American Midwest where the cattle outnumber the people. Baker certainly set the scene and stuck to it. Kate Fox, newly minted sheriff, is still getting used to the boy’s club of the nearby sheriffs and navigating the relationship with Lakota reservation when she gets pulled out of bed by a call from a woman who is clearly terrified, but gives no real details. Haunted by the call, Fox goes out trying to find her and instead stumbles across an abandoned car accident which sets off an investigation that will uncover long buried secrets.
The mystery of what all is going on and who is hiding what in the interconnected small-town atmosphere certainly worked in this book. But, something about the constant family drama of the main character and the overly folksy language didn’t appeal to me. Perhaps it was simply that I hadn’t read the previous books and so wasn’t invested enough in the character. It was still well-worth reading and entertaining, it just didn’t tick quite all of the boxes for me.
A mysterious phone call from a panicked woman. An abandoned vehicle crashed on the side of the road. A small town in the American Midwest where the cattle outnumber the people. Baker certainly set the scene and stuck to it. Kate Fox, newly minted sheriff, is still getting used to the boy’s club of the nearby sheriffs and navigating the relationship with Lakota reservation when she gets pulled out of bed by a call from a woman who is clearly terrified, but gives no real details. Haunted by the call, Fox goes out trying to find her and instead stumbles across an abandoned car accident which sets off an investigation that will uncover long buried secrets.
The mystery of what all is going on and who is hiding what in the interconnected small-town atmosphere certainly worked in this book. But, something about the constant family drama of the main character and the overly folksy language didn’t appeal to me. Perhaps it was simply that I hadn’t read the previous books and so wasn’t invested enough in the character. It was still well-worth reading and entertaining, it just didn’t tick quite all of the boxes for me.
June 7, 2021
Shambolic!
This is one of the worst I have read lately. I got tired of reading about Nebraska in January and how cold Kate was all the time. Irrelevant details all the way through, especially the family gatherings. Then confusion about who might be the killer went back and forward page after page. Just way too much detail, and utter confusion at the end.
This is one of the worst I have read lately. I got tired of reading about Nebraska in January and how cold Kate was all the time. Irrelevant details all the way through, especially the family gatherings. Then confusion about who might be the killer went back and forward page after page. Just way too much detail, and utter confusion at the end.
May 13, 2018
Gosh, I really wanted to like this book, with its Sandhills setting and a Nebraska author, but the characters were simply not interesting to me. I suspect my disinterest in the book is more me than the book itself but, alas, am not interested in reading more in the series. Sigh
July 1, 2023
I got lost so many times with this book it was hard to keep up. I finished it because I don’t like to leave books half read. Wouldn’t read it again
August 18, 2017
I was so pleased to receive an advance review copy of Dark Signal by Shannon Baker, the second novel in her Kate Fox series, because I enjoyed the first book so much. I featured Shannon and Jess Lourey on my blog in August 2016 when they hit the ground running with their Double-Booked Tour. The first novel, Stripped Bare, pulled me in to Kate’s life in the Nebraska Sandhills and by the end of the book, I was cheering Kate on to run for sheriff. Here’s what Shannon said back then:
"Kate Fox is a total insider in her small Sandhills community. She’s one of nine brothers and sisters and is connected to everyone in the county by one degree of separation, or less…Kate has an inner fortitude. She does what needs to be done, takes care of business, and doesn’t whine about anything."
In Dark Signal, Kate has made her decision and is doing her best to solve a murder while fending off over-protective co-workers and supervisors, some of whom believe she’s an upstart in what should be a man’s job. Even her cheating ex-husband tries to help her out when she doesn’t need or want his help. All that pushy testosterone makes Kate a bit edgy, maybe even defensive and grouchy at times, but it doesn’t stop her from doing the job she was elected to do and solving the brutal murder of train engineer Chad Mills.
When a major temptation comes Kate’s way–the chance to take over running a ranch which was always her first love–Kate is faced with another big decision.
I highly recommend Shannon’s Kate Fox series. You’ll love her, her whole family, and even some of those pushy males who just want to help. Dark Signal is available for pre-order and will be released October 17th. Stripped Bare is available now.
"Kate Fox is a total insider in her small Sandhills community. She’s one of nine brothers and sisters and is connected to everyone in the county by one degree of separation, or less…Kate has an inner fortitude. She does what needs to be done, takes care of business, and doesn’t whine about anything."
In Dark Signal, Kate has made her decision and is doing her best to solve a murder while fending off over-protective co-workers and supervisors, some of whom believe she’s an upstart in what should be a man’s job. Even her cheating ex-husband tries to help her out when she doesn’t need or want his help. All that pushy testosterone makes Kate a bit edgy, maybe even defensive and grouchy at times, but it doesn’t stop her from doing the job she was elected to do and solving the brutal murder of train engineer Chad Mills.
When a major temptation comes Kate’s way–the chance to take over running a ranch which was always her first love–Kate is faced with another big decision.
I highly recommend Shannon’s Kate Fox series. You’ll love her, her whole family, and even some of those pushy males who just want to help. Dark Signal is available for pre-order and will be released October 17th. Stripped Bare is available now.
October 26, 2017
Dark Signal - Kate Fox Returns in Death by Train
Barely is she sworn into office, when Sheriff Kate faces her first big case - a train engineer is killed in what at first seems to be a horrific accident.
But Kate soon finds evidence that human intervention, not fate, is at fault.
The new sheriff must overcome many obstacles on her way to solving the mystery. For one thing, her ex, also the ex-sheriff, shows up everywhere in the investigation, disconcertingly with his new, very pregnant wife.
Also, Kate and the Nebraska State Patrolman, Trey Ridnoir, constantly jostle for control of the investigation. And as time goes on, Trey seems to have more than a professional interest in our Kate.
The victim’s wife, Meredith, seems suspiciously over-dramatic. And what’s with the widow’s not-so-secret admirer, her dead husband’s best friend, Josh?
Finally, the curmudgeonly good-ole-boys want to thwart Sheriff Kate at every turn. But never fear, Kate is woman enough for the job.
I read and loved Shannon Baker’s first book, Stripped Bare. So as I read this book, I enjoyed knowing a little more of the backstory regarding Kate’s missing niece, and more of the details about the multitudinous Fox clan, but ‘Dark Signal’ does stand on its own. As an Arizona gal, I also enjoyed immersing myself in the freezing cold weather of the Nebraska Sandhills while carrying on a train-crime investigation, and only vicariously wading through snow and sleet while pursuing gun-toting criminals, from my chaise lounge in the sun. Maybe you will, too. :)
Barely is she sworn into office, when Sheriff Kate faces her first big case - a train engineer is killed in what at first seems to be a horrific accident.
But Kate soon finds evidence that human intervention, not fate, is at fault.
The new sheriff must overcome many obstacles on her way to solving the mystery. For one thing, her ex, also the ex-sheriff, shows up everywhere in the investigation, disconcertingly with his new, very pregnant wife.
Also, Kate and the Nebraska State Patrolman, Trey Ridnoir, constantly jostle for control of the investigation. And as time goes on, Trey seems to have more than a professional interest in our Kate.
The victim’s wife, Meredith, seems suspiciously over-dramatic. And what’s with the widow’s not-so-secret admirer, her dead husband’s best friend, Josh?
Finally, the curmudgeonly good-ole-boys want to thwart Sheriff Kate at every turn. But never fear, Kate is woman enough for the job.
I read and loved Shannon Baker’s first book, Stripped Bare. So as I read this book, I enjoyed knowing a little more of the backstory regarding Kate’s missing niece, and more of the details about the multitudinous Fox clan, but ‘Dark Signal’ does stand on its own. As an Arizona gal, I also enjoyed immersing myself in the freezing cold weather of the Nebraska Sandhills while carrying on a train-crime investigation, and only vicariously wading through snow and sleet while pursuing gun-toting criminals, from my chaise lounge in the sun. Maybe you will, too. :)
January 12, 2022
This is my second Kate Fox book and I liked both the first and the second; Dark Signal.
Kate is a recently divorced woman who, because her ex-husband was a cheating jerk, among other things, decided to run against him for county sheriff. On her first day, she's called upon to look into a presumed accident involving a train, a falling railroad tie, and a dead train engineer. While her unwanted help wanted to call it an accident, she decided that since she walked around and inspected the scene, it was murder.
The story gets very involved with too many characters for me to keep track of. I won't suggest the way it ends, but there's a lot of action.
I think Ms. Baker creates an excellent set of characters and I try to absolutely love Kate, but I find that Kate stumbles around more than I would expect from a top-notch protagonist. I suppose this could be partially explained by her novice police status, but I would like to have Kate show more insight.
I've just started the third book. She's more experienced here, perhaps she will show a little more of the Longmiresk insight I'd like to see.
Kate is a recently divorced woman who, because her ex-husband was a cheating jerk, among other things, decided to run against him for county sheriff. On her first day, she's called upon to look into a presumed accident involving a train, a falling railroad tie, and a dead train engineer. While her unwanted help wanted to call it an accident, she decided that since she walked around and inspected the scene, it was murder.
The story gets very involved with too many characters for me to keep track of. I won't suggest the way it ends, but there's a lot of action.
I think Ms. Baker creates an excellent set of characters and I try to absolutely love Kate, but I find that Kate stumbles around more than I would expect from a top-notch protagonist. I suppose this could be partially explained by her novice police status, but I would like to have Kate show more insight.
I've just started the third book. She's more experienced here, perhaps she will show a little more of the Longmiresk insight I'd like to see.
February 6, 2025
4.0/5.0 Stars
In this latest installment of the Kate Fox series, the author returns us to her realized rural Nebraska setting. The sense of place is woven into the narrative, primarily through the interactions between characters, with just a touch of exposition to provide deeper context. Readers of previous works will be pleased to reconnect with familiar faces, each further developed, while the introduction of several new characters adds a freshness to the mix. I particularly appreciate the author's knack for crafting an eccentric and memorable supporting cast.
As with any good murder mystery, the plot unfolds with a series of believable red herrings, keeping the reader guessing. However, the author skillfully provides subtle clues along the way, ensuring that the eventual reveal of the culprit feels both surprising and satisfyingly logical. The twist, when it comes, clicks perfectly into place, illuminating the significance of earlier details.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time immersed in the world of Kate Fox, and I intend to continue with the next installment in this compelling series.
In this latest installment of the Kate Fox series, the author returns us to her realized rural Nebraska setting. The sense of place is woven into the narrative, primarily through the interactions between characters, with just a touch of exposition to provide deeper context. Readers of previous works will be pleased to reconnect with familiar faces, each further developed, while the introduction of several new characters adds a freshness to the mix. I particularly appreciate the author's knack for crafting an eccentric and memorable supporting cast.
As with any good murder mystery, the plot unfolds with a series of believable red herrings, keeping the reader guessing. However, the author skillfully provides subtle clues along the way, ensuring that the eventual reveal of the culprit feels both surprising and satisfyingly logical. The twist, when it comes, clicks perfectly into place, illuminating the significance of earlier details.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time immersed in the world of Kate Fox, and I intend to continue with the next installment in this compelling series.
October 12, 2017
received an e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest opinion, for which my thanks.
This is the second book in the Kate Fox series and the first that I have read.
I really enjoyed this book it is well written, has a terrific story-line which is well plotted and carries you along at a good pace while Kate works out what has happened with, or should I say despite, the help of the state police and has a gripping conclusion.
We also learn something of Kate which is helpful having not read the first in this series. I like to know something of the characters. The characters are well drawn and Kate is engaging as she forges her own way through the investigation.
This is the second book in the Kate Fox series and the first that I have read.
I really enjoyed this book it is well written, has a terrific story-line which is well plotted and carries you along at a good pace while Kate works out what has happened with, or should I say despite, the help of the state police and has a gripping conclusion.
We also learn something of Kate which is helpful having not read the first in this series. I like to know something of the characters. The characters are well drawn and Kate is engaging as she forges her own way through the investigation.
March 14, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.
This is part of a series, which I didn't know when I started it. Still I was able to follow it well enough to review it.
This book just didn't impress me. I didn't flind the characters particularly compelling or even interesting. In fact, the main character, despite breaking boundaries of being a small town female sheriff, is fairly whiny and weak. I wanted her to own her power, but she neer really did.
I also felt that the descriptions of the reservation and life there were stereotypical and unsurprising.
This is part of a series, which I didn't know when I started it. Still I was able to follow it well enough to review it.
This book just didn't impress me. I didn't flind the characters particularly compelling or even interesting. In fact, the main character, despite breaking boundaries of being a small town female sheriff, is fairly whiny and weak. I wanted her to own her power, but she neer really did.
I also felt that the descriptions of the reservation and life there were stereotypical and unsurprising.
February 20, 2022
These books remind me of the Stephanie Plum series or even the Grant County series without the gore. This series reads slower, not nearly as fast paced. This is the second book in the series. I liked it better than the first.
Kate becomes the sheriff. While her loud and meddling family conspires to help Kate past her divorce, State Patrol Officer Trey closes in on Josh Stevens as the suspect for the crime. Kate doesn’t believe it. She may not have the experience, but she’s lived in the Sandhills her whole life, and knows the land and the people. Something doesn’t add up. Kate must find the real killer before he can strike again.
Definitely recommend this series for a quick easy read.
Kate becomes the sheriff. While her loud and meddling family conspires to help Kate past her divorce, State Patrol Officer Trey closes in on Josh Stevens as the suspect for the crime. Kate doesn’t believe it. She may not have the experience, but she’s lived in the Sandhills her whole life, and knows the land and the people. Something doesn’t add up. Kate must find the real killer before he can strike again.
Definitely recommend this series for a quick easy read.
January 1, 2024
This is the second book in the series. They are easy reads, and somewhat predictable, but do add enough twists and turns to sometimes keep you guessing. The series is about Kate Fox, who has become the county sheriff after she had to deal with her husband's cheating, in the first book of the series. Where she often helped him (prior to their divorce) solve cases, but mostly took care of their cattle farm. This book follows Kate after the divorce, on her own, and the new county sheriff. She is presented with a large case involving murder, and theft, and with her meddling families thoughts about her need to move on from the divorce and get her life in order.
March 11, 2018
This is a captivating mystery set in an unusual locale. Baker weaves knowledge of the Nebraska Sandhills and its ferocious winter climate, ranching, the railroad, and small town personalities that results in a rich tapestry of characters and images. I admit that I didn't solve the mystery until it was revealed, either.
This is an entertaining read that I would highly recommend. Grab a soft blanket and hot chocolate, then curl up and prepare a fun adventure.
I look forward to more of Baker's tales!
This is an entertaining read that I would highly recommend. Grab a soft blanket and hot chocolate, then curl up and prepare a fun adventure.
I look forward to more of Baker's tales!
December 1, 2020
This second Kate Fox story follows Kate in hire role as the newly elected Sheriff as she investigates the possible murder of a BNSF engineer while he was driving a train. Once again, this action-packed story is filled with Kate’s quirky family, Roxy and Dahlia make a number of appearances and the reader gets to know more of the interesting characters living in Grand County. If you enjoyed the first Kate Fox story – Stripped Bare - Dark Signal is a must read. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
May 26, 2022
The sheriff kept me wondering
Kate Fox is a good character. But, she needs to be more sure of herself. This is the second one in this series I have read. She is constantly belittling herself and as she works to solve her mystery she has a difficult time deciding what to do. She appears to be a strong willed woman but shrinks the first time someone doesn't agree with her. I like the stories, the descriptions of the land and the colorful characters. Maybe I'll try another story of hers later.
Kate Fox is a good character. But, she needs to be more sure of herself. This is the second one in this series I have read. She is constantly belittling herself and as she works to solve her mystery she has a difficult time deciding what to do. She appears to be a strong willed woman but shrinks the first time someone doesn't agree with her. I like the stories, the descriptions of the land and the colorful characters. Maybe I'll try another story of hers later.
September 19, 2023
the new sheriff is tested
New Sheriff Kate Fox is like a fish out of water in her new job. Kate doesn’t have a law enforcement background so that has everyone doubting her abilities. Her first day on the job leads to a gruesome case in which a train engineer is murdered. Kate teams up with a state police to solve the case but her ideas are constantly ignored. Kate certainly has an uphill battle to prove that she’s more than a pretty face. Good story with hilarious supporting characters.
New Sheriff Kate Fox is like a fish out of water in her new job. Kate doesn’t have a law enforcement background so that has everyone doubting her abilities. Her first day on the job leads to a gruesome case in which a train engineer is murdered. Kate teams up with a state police to solve the case but her ideas are constantly ignored. Kate certainly has an uphill battle to prove that she’s more than a pretty face. Good story with hilarious supporting characters.
January 29, 2024
Kate may not know a lot about being a sheriff, but since she was always helping Ted solve crimes, now her gut instincts and reasoning are being put to work. The only things that miffs me more than anything in this particular book is that even when she says it doesn't feel right everyone else wants to tell her she is wrong and it nearly cost two three people her life. Although Josh should have been honest with her and brought the facts to her. Trust is a hard thing to earn once you lose it for some people.
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