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The San Francisco Mystery #5
Sativa Strain: A Legal Crime Thriller with a Slow-Burn Romance
The San Francisco Mystery Series: A legal thriller/crime drama that tests the bonds of love and loyalty among District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne, Dr. Jen Dawson and Detective Tommy Vietti.
In Sativa Strain, Amanda carries with her the quiet confidence of a yogi, the unrelenting burden of a prosecutor, and the demons that torture the corners of her soul.
Newly re-elected as San Francisco’s DA, Amanda faces her biggest internal and external foes yet when she and Detective Tommy Vietti investigate a high-profile murder implicating Kara Montiago, the CEO of a Silicon Valley tech company and candidate for President of the United States.
Sleep evades Amanda as she obsesses over the specter of a respected colleague’s involvement in the toxic murder scheme. Navigating the shoals of SFPD corruption, Tommy and Amanda learn that Kara Montiago is a philandering, Sativa-smoking dominatrix who preys on male subordinates at her company.
Amanda is especially vulnerable during her outpatient drug rehab therapy, fighting urges that tempt her day and night. Battling her desire to control everything around her, Amanda rekindles her relationship with Dr. Jen Dawson, the love of her life, testing the boundaries of Jen’s patience.
In Sativa Strain, Amanda carries with her the quiet confidence of a yogi, the unrelenting burden of a prosecutor, and the demons that torture the corners of her soul.
Newly re-elected as San Francisco’s DA, Amanda faces her biggest internal and external foes yet when she and Detective Tommy Vietti investigate a high-profile murder implicating Kara Montiago, the CEO of a Silicon Valley tech company and candidate for President of the United States.
Sleep evades Amanda as she obsesses over the specter of a respected colleague’s involvement in the toxic murder scheme. Navigating the shoals of SFPD corruption, Tommy and Amanda learn that Kara Montiago is a philandering, Sativa-smoking dominatrix who preys on male subordinates at her company.
Amanda is especially vulnerable during her outpatient drug rehab therapy, fighting urges that tempt her day and night. Battling her desire to control everything around her, Amanda rekindles her relationship with Dr. Jen Dawson, the love of her life, testing the boundaries of Jen’s patience.
- GenresCrimeMysteryContemporary
505 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2018
About the author
Alexi Venice
29 books400 followersAlexi Venice writes award-winning medical, legal, and crime thrillers with smart and gritty female leads. Her stories blend high-stakes investigations, courtroom shenanigans, emotional depth, and character-driven romance in the relentless pursuit of justice.
Both The San Francisco Mystery Series and The Monica Spade Trilogy are Lesfic Bard Award winners. Standby Counsel was named Best Legal Thriller of 2021 by BestThrillers.com, and Baking Ice Cubes was a BestThrillers.com Legal Thriller finalist in 2025.
With thirty-four years of legal practice informing her storylines, Venice brings authenticity to the page. Her heart and imagination fuel the slow-burn, and sometimes forbidden, romance.
When Venice isn’t writing, she’s wrangling grandsons and playing on the lake.
*Author certification: Venice certifies that no AI is used used in the creation or writing of her books. She imagines, creates, and writes all of her books. Other humans edit and proofread them.
Both The San Francisco Mystery Series and The Monica Spade Trilogy are Lesfic Bard Award winners. Standby Counsel was named Best Legal Thriller of 2021 by BestThrillers.com, and Baking Ice Cubes was a BestThrillers.com Legal Thriller finalist in 2025.
With thirty-four years of legal practice informing her storylines, Venice brings authenticity to the page. Her heart and imagination fuel the slow-burn, and sometimes forbidden, romance.
When Venice isn’t writing, she’s wrangling grandsons and playing on the lake.
*Author certification: Venice certifies that no AI is used used in the creation or writing of her books. She imagines, creates, and writes all of her books. Other humans edit and proofread them.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 23, 2018
'ARC Generously provided by Author for an unbiased review'
**'Don't try to visualize the great mass of readers.There is no such thing--every reader is a different person..Don't try to be different.Just be good.To be good is different enough..'
Okay series!
SATIVA STRAIN involved an ordinary case which then turns out to be not so ordinary for all our detectives as the storyline and investigation proceeds. Some readers will even glimpse a few modern day headliners in the plot and twist of this fifth installment but from my own personal judgement its not as good as the last four series. Still had good storytelling with both leading character (Amanda & Jen) being stronger and communicating more plus finally proposing to each other. Recommended series to everyone!
**'Don't try to visualize the great mass of readers.There is no such thing--every reader is a different person..Don't try to be different.Just be good.To be good is different enough..'
Okay series!
SATIVA STRAIN involved an ordinary case which then turns out to be not so ordinary for all our detectives as the storyline and investigation proceeds. Some readers will even glimpse a few modern day headliners in the plot and twist of this fifth installment but from my own personal judgement its not as good as the last four series. Still had good storytelling with both leading character (Amanda & Jen) being stronger and communicating more plus finally proposing to each other. Recommended series to everyone!
December 11, 2021
Mystery solved… though I’m not entirely certain that they caught the right guy given the ending. Wedding vows to be exchanged next… Maybe yes or not, with this on again and off again relationship between Amanda and Jen 🤔
July 12, 2019
Kara Montiago, is planning to run for President of the United States. The trouble is, Kara has been accused of sexually harassing one of her male employees, Jared Carlisle, who is found bludgeoned to death shortly after he went to the police with his claims of sexual harassment. Kara is the powerful CEO of Tyche, a huge software company and a woman who has had many extramarital affairs over the years. Is somone trying to frame her so she'll fail in her bid to become President? Or is there a more sinister plot afoot?
As the story unfolds, all the characters we've come to love are here: Amanda, Jen, Tommy, Cy, Kristin, Jack, Chloe, Frank, Ryan and there are a few new faces included because of necessity. You'll like most of them.
Kara Montiago isn't a very nice person, but that hasn't stopped other not nice people from running for office. She simply figures that she can cover the tracks of her affairs, and then cover the crimes she feels she needs to commit to cover those tracks. It sounds complicated, but Alexi Venice draws it all in a linear fashion that makes it all clear. With her attorney mind and her flawless writing style, this book will keep you awake far longer into the night than you intended, and you will thank her for it.
Also, I learned the meaning of some new words: plashless and badious and chignon du cou. This learning thrills me to no end! Oh, and there is someone who wears a drab olive jacket that says: “I really don’t care, do u?” Gee, I wonder who that could be?
This is such a great addition to The San Francisco Mystery Series! Go read it, please.
As the story unfolds, all the characters we've come to love are here: Amanda, Jen, Tommy, Cy, Kristin, Jack, Chloe, Frank, Ryan and there are a few new faces included because of necessity. You'll like most of them.
Kara Montiago isn't a very nice person, but that hasn't stopped other not nice people from running for office. She simply figures that she can cover the tracks of her affairs, and then cover the crimes she feels she needs to commit to cover those tracks. It sounds complicated, but Alexi Venice draws it all in a linear fashion that makes it all clear. With her attorney mind and her flawless writing style, this book will keep you awake far longer into the night than you intended, and you will thank her for it.
Also, I learned the meaning of some new words: plashless and badious and chignon du cou. This learning thrills me to no end! Oh, and there is someone who wears a drab olive jacket that says: “I really don’t care, do u?” Gee, I wonder who that could be?
This is such a great addition to The San Francisco Mystery Series! Go read it, please.
February 14, 2025
Sativa Strain by Alexi Venice is the 5th installment in The San Francisco Mystery Series.
I was a bit fuzzy on the details, but it didn't take me long to catch up with District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne and Dr. Jen Dawson.
Newly re-elected, Amanda partners with Detective Tommy Vietti to solve a case implicating Kara Montiago, a Silicon Valley tech CEO and presidential candidate. Amid the professional pressure, Amanda struggles to balance her demanding career with rekindling her relationship with Jen.
Venice keeps me entertained as she blends crime-solving with intimate character development. Love this series.
f/f explicit
4.3 Stars
I was a bit fuzzy on the details, but it didn't take me long to catch up with District Attorney Amanda Hawthorne and Dr. Jen Dawson.
Newly re-elected, Amanda partners with Detective Tommy Vietti to solve a case implicating Kara Montiago, a Silicon Valley tech CEO and presidential candidate. Amid the professional pressure, Amanda struggles to balance her demanding career with rekindling her relationship with Jen.
Venice keeps me entertained as she blends crime-solving with intimate character development. Love this series.
f/f explicit
4.3 Stars
September 17, 2020
Another good one
Not my favorite so far. If I a! Being honest DA Hawthorne is about to push me away from the series. I thought she had a break through in the end of the last book... Don't won't to spoil it for others so I'll just say I'm going to give the next book a go but if it's more of the same I might have to call it quits. The homicide cases are good over all and I like the other characters. The author develops them all well so even if I don't continue with this series I would look in to her other work.
Not my favorite so far. If I a! Being honest DA Hawthorne is about to push me away from the series. I thought she had a break through in the end of the last book... Don't won't to spoil it for others so I'll just say I'm going to give the next book a go but if it's more of the same I might have to call it quits. The homicide cases are good over all and I like the other characters. The author develops them all well so even if I don't continue with this series I would look in to her other work.
March 3, 2019
Just finished Sativa Strain in 2 days!!! Great book... I couldn't put it down.... Love the mystery and interaction of Jen, Tommy and Amanda.... This one had many twists and turns.... had to read the last chapter over.. Wow... Surprise at the end.... Waiting for the next in the series!!!
February 16, 2023
Alexi Venice continues to weave a storyline filled with crime and suspense balanced with the human side of those who work in law enforcement. Sativa Strain builds nicely on the shoulders of book 4 of the series and dips back to story lines in earlier books. A quick, can't put it down read!
October 29, 2018
Loved it
Love all the books in this series, at some point I hope Tommy gets Amanda pregnant. Looking forward to book 6 .
Love all the books in this series, at some point I hope Tommy gets Amanda pregnant. Looking forward to book 6 .
January 7, 2019
Fantastic job again by Alexi Venice! I’ve so enjoyed getting to know these characters and the murder mysteries keep getting better!
May 9, 2019
Wow
I loved all these books. They were great. I wonder if another is in the works. I am all in. Great book and author
I loved all these books. They were great. I wonder if another is in the works. I am all in. Great book and author
January 30, 2021
Excellent crime legal thriller - I was up all night unable to put it down and kept onto Book 6 afte The End!
March 5, 2021
I love these characters. They are interesting, multi-faceted & charismatic. The story line keeps me interested and wanting more.
May 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and this series. I can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this book and this author.
August 27, 2023
Great story
I have enjoyed this installment of the adventure of Jen and Amanda as they continue to keep San Francisco safe.
I have enjoyed this installment of the adventure of Jen and Amanda as they continue to keep San Francisco safe.
December 10, 2025
she is my favorite author.
June 24, 2026
I reallyliked this one. It was interesting and heartwarming. The characters crack me up.
May 4, 2022
Love the San Francisco Mystery Series
Jen, Amanda and Tommy are back for the fifth book in the San Francisco Mystery Series. I enjoy reading the series. The characters seem more like they are friends of mine. The ending surprised me.
Jen, Amanda and Tommy are back for the fifth book in the San Francisco Mystery Series. I enjoy reading the series. The characters seem more like they are friends of mine. The ending surprised me.
October 27, 2019
Good but not on par with the rest of the series
📍 “All this chaos in her personal life, however, undermined her sense of order, heightening her need to escape, then control, then escape if she couldn’t control.”
+ • + • + • +
A decent book, though noticeably unspectacular & unremarkable, lacking the intensity, energy & intrigue that has made the series so captivating & compelling
📍
Although not as amazing as the first book was, this book was still enjoyable— even if its due to the familiar & beloved characters & enjoyable style rather than the actual storyline & plot.
Irregardless, I'm glad there's another book & still excited to follow up with this SF crew.
📍 “All this chaos in her personal life, however, undermined her sense of order, heightening her need to escape, then control, then escape if she couldn’t control.”
+ • + • + • +
A decent book, though noticeably unspectacular & unremarkable, lacking the intensity, energy & intrigue that has made the series so captivating & compelling
📍
Although not as amazing as the first book was, this book was still enjoyable— even if its due to the familiar & beloved characters & enjoyable style rather than the actual storyline & plot.
Irregardless, I'm glad there's another book & still excited to follow up with this SF crew.
September 19, 2019
Another Hit
This series is such a great read and Sativa Strain was another fantastic installment. The author kept me engaged with the characters and plot twists throughout. Intrigue and romance abounds in each novel. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
This series is such a great read and Sativa Strain was another fantastic installment. The author kept me engaged with the characters and plot twists throughout. Intrigue and romance abounds in each novel. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
June 29, 2020
Another home run for Alexi. I loved all the books in this series. Jen, Amanda and Tommy feel like real people to me. It is great to read their stories unfold in this series. I look forward to reading #SandyBottom.
I received a copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I received a copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.
February 7, 2023
Dr Jen is being overly cautious, the plot for the detectives wasn't the best, more of a 3.75
September 29, 2018
Another addictive installment from Alexi Venice!
This book really gets you to wonder how many addictions DA Amanda has and which ones are going to finally be her true undoing or will the love of Dr. Jen help her overcome her demons. I love how the plot twists around the driven Kara Montiago and her past with Detective Tommy Vietti’s cousin. It kept me guessing until the end!
The layers of relationships in the San Francisco Mystery Series’ main and supporting cast really brings a depth that most other series never seem to try to capture. I also love how Alexi brings alive the SF neighborhoods that are core to Dr. Jen, Amanda and Tommy’s personalities.
P.S. I think Amanda and Dr. Jen are loving their reunion!!
This book really gets you to wonder how many addictions DA Amanda has and which ones are going to finally be her true undoing or will the love of Dr. Jen help her overcome her demons. I love how the plot twists around the driven Kara Montiago and her past with Detective Tommy Vietti’s cousin. It kept me guessing until the end!
The layers of relationships in the San Francisco Mystery Series’ main and supporting cast really brings a depth that most other series never seem to try to capture. I also love how Alexi brings alive the SF neighborhoods that are core to Dr. Jen, Amanda and Tommy’s personalities.
P.S. I think Amanda and Dr. Jen are loving their reunion!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews