Lavender and Lies

Heywood Herbalist #2

by Carly Winter

Hiding her true identity is difficult… but not as hard as catching a killer. As Samantha Jones, a former daytime television star, tries to assimilate into the small community of Heywood, her life is upended when her friend, Gina, is arrested for murdering her abusive ex-husband. Even though every shred of evidence points at Gina being the true killer, Sam can’t believe her friend would murder one of the most hated men in town. As her search for the real killer eventually peters out and Sam’s ready to declare Gina guilty, a turn of events leads her down an unexpected path. But will this path lead Sam to the real killer, or will an innocent person rot in prison for the rest of her life?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Ebooks, Murder Mystery

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.

Reviews

[Readaholic Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly great mystery. Sam is determined to save her friend, Gina, who was arrest for murder. To do that, she must find the correct killer.
Overall it's an enjoyable book and an enjoyable series.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam Jones, the owner of the local herbalist shop in small town Heywood, receives a call. Her best friend is accused of murdering her ex-husband, and the evidence seems stacked against her. But Sam knows her friend and is convinced of her innocence. She decides to find the true murderer.

I found it odd that Sam is so determined to keep her past life as a soap opera star a secret from her new friends. It started to get a little annoying, how scared she was of anyone finding out. Is there another book in the series that explains how Sam came to Heywood? Goodreads only has this one in the series. This was a pleasant book and fun to read. I did enjoy that Sam is an older protagonist in her 50's.

I received a free copy from Book Sirens in exchange for my honest review.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea of a "cozy mystery" audiobook seemed appealing at the moment. This is not the first book in the series, but it's the first I've listened.

Sam, the FMC, is a former soap opera star in her 50s, that is retreated (incognito) into a small town, where she opened a herbal shop. One day, a guy is found dead and her best friend is accused with the murder, so she (obviously) needs to find the criminal.

For such a short book, there are a lot of repetitions! Yes, I got it that you are 53 years old, but stop blaming everything on that "menopausal brain" of yours. 10 times is enough!
Also, when you encounter that cop you fancies, stop reminding us you have a hot flush... everytime! We remember! You're at Menopause and Menopause sucks!

The audiobook wasn't that bad, but the voice seemed too young. I didn't believe for one second, that the narrator is close to 50s.

And the last straw... the ending! Such a letdown. Not even a bit of tension or mystery. Very underwelming.

The only good part? My bathroom is now very clean, as I didn't have to concentrate a lot while listening to this novel.

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes yes! I loved the second in this series. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite new series. Sam Jones has inherited her late bosses business. As an added bonus she has also inherited her 80s loving employee. Together they make tinctures and teas to provide to the citizens of Heywood , AZ.

Sam is a recent transplant from Hollywood and is still reeling from the downfall of her career and marriage. She has sworn of dating, even though a certain detective has his eye on her. In this installment, Sam’s friend, Gina calls her in a panic because her no good scum of an ex has ended up dead in one of her pedicure bowls. The police are dead set that Gina killed him and Sam and her side kick hand to prove her innocence.

received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

We get it, you don’t “date” 🙄🙄🙄🙄 and the keeping her identity a secret is getting old.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I figured out the how the killer got into the crime scene at the first few pages of the book, and how they did it, the motive, the moment the character appears for the first time, which is probably like half way through the book. Yet it took nearly 200 pages for the protagonist AND the deputy to find out??? AND they are actually supposed to be the smarter ones in the town??? Sigh. The mystery is so terribly crafted compared to the first book, and I don't even hold a high standard when regarding cozy mysteries.
Sam and Jordan are cute though.

[Kymm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Lavender and Lies" the 2nd book in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mystery series by Carly Winter, although I believe I enjoyed the 1st book more. With that said, this one still had the same great cast of characters and small-town setting of Heywood, AZ where Sam Jones is still coveting her secret past life as a famous soap star and now runs an herbal remedy store.

When Sam's friend, Gina gets arrested for killing her ex-husband Sam knows she's innocent, even though all the evidence points right at her. Always one to help out a friend, especially one of the few true friends she's made in Heywood, she begins investigating. Gina's ex is not a nice guy, and the list of suspects is long, but Gina was the only one to have keys to her nail shop where the murder took place. Sam is stumped and will need to dig deep to figure out the who, what, how and why on this one!

This was a quick read for me and took less than a day. It flows very nicely and as in the 1st book the dialogue was perfect in a cozy kind of way. I'm anxious to continue the series to see how Ms. Winter develops Sam and eventually discloses her true identity, or not. Also, something in this series that I only see rarely is a great cliffhanger at the end of each one for the next book. As the reader, it's a tease that entices you to grab the next one right away. Happy Reading!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Fantastic storyline and small town characters. I especially like Samantha the main character….she’s in her 50’s going through menopause but it doesn’t stop her! I cannot wait to read book #3. I’m hooked!

Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam is back at it - trying to run Sage Advice, along with trying to find a killer. Her friend looks like the obvious culprit and the sheriff sees it as an open and shut case. So does most of the town. But Sam trusts her instincts and she pays attention to detail. While she definitely stepped into some gray areas while looking for the truth, she kept going and even risked upsetting the sheriff to get to the truth. Sam finds out the how and the why - but did she get the killer? You’ll have to read to find out!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The clues were all there for the reader to follow. They were placed well enough that the reader could solve the case, but not reach the conclusion miles before the protagonist. Winters created a set of fun characters in Herbs and Homicide and I am enjoying following them through the series. The method of entry was clever. The means and opportunity were solid even if the motive was a bit of a stretch.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries series and the main character is ex-Hollywood daytime TV star Samantha Rathbone, who moved out of Hollywood after the scandal of her husband’s brutal killing and her fall from grace. In Heywood, Arizona she goes by the name Sam Jones and runs an herbalist shop called Sage Advice, which she took over after her boss Bonnie was killed. She managed to solve her husband’s death and also find Bonnie’s killer, and now her friend Gina has called her, accused of killing her ex-husband Ralph in her nail shop, File It Away! Heywood is a small town and the death of Ralph, who was abusive to all of his wives, current and former, was no surprise. Sam’s own colleague and friend Annabelle, the herbalist for the shop, was once married to Ralph and is close to Gina. The useless sheriff, Mallory Richard, straight away arrests Gina for her ex’s death, since it happened in her nail shop and she is the only one with a key. But also because she had left a phone message to him just days prior, threatening to kill him if he didn’t pay her all the child support she was due for her now seventeen year old son Jacob! Never mind looking for any real evidence of who killed Ralph or ascertaining exactly how a small woman like Gina could have managed to kill a big man like her ex.
Other possible suspects are being ignored by the sheriff and it is only Sam’s persistence that allows a few other names to be looked into, by passing her suspicions on to Deputy Sheriff Jordan Branson. He seems to quite like Sam, but Sam is adamant that she isn’t looking to date anyone! Even if she does end up running into him quite frequently and seems to know his routine very well. Sam is positive that her friend Gina couldn’t have possibly killed her husband until it seems all paths lead to Gina and other suspects all seem to have alibis for the time of the murder. Heywood manages to keep its charm by enforcing very strict regulations about the buildings in town, especially on the main streets and businesses are not allowed to be sold without the local council’s approval. Things like the windows and roofs are all exactly the same and a cryptic comment form the homeless man under the bridge, will give Sam a vital clue that will throw the case wide open! The history of the town will provide a clue, as Sam continues to try and keep her real identity under wraps, even from Gina. The only person who knows the truth about her is Annabelle and even as she gets pushed to go out with Jordan, her desire to keep her past hidden wins out overall. Sam’s sideline as an amateur sleuth is certainly gaining momentum and after a bumpy start, it seems her relationship with Deputy Jordan is moving on a pace, even if it is supposedly just as friends. I look forward to reading the next book, where Jordan himself is in need of Sam’s special skills. A small town murder mystery, with more behind the tale than expected and a reluctant sleuth who is hiding their own secrets. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did She Kill Her Abusive Ex?

Audiobook Review:
I enjoyed this second book of the Heywood Herbalist cozy mystery series as much as the first. Instead of our amateur female sleuth being the target of a murder investigation, her good friend is. This friend certainly has motive enough to make everyone in town think she is guilty of the murder. I agree with the heroine: whatever happened to “innocent before proven guilty”? As always with cozy mysteries, for such a small town, there is a surprising number of potential suspects, even if at first, only the female protagonist considers them, not the police. I love how the female amateur sleuth pulls together various clues and figures out “whodunit” before the police do. She's a great character, a former soap opera star on “As the Years Turn,” a fun play on several soap opera names, including one I used to watch in the 1980s with my parents “As the World Turns.” She's lying low in Heywood--not having disclosed much to anyone—after both her career and marriage disintegrated after his dastardly deeds. I love how this story features multiple 50-something characters, including the amateur sleuth, her 80s-obsessed employee, and the police officer. I also love all the references to the '80s, as the employee does have quite a thing for her favorite decade, including clothing and music. This series has a slow-burn ��will they, won't they” romance between the female protagonist and a former Chicago police officer who is now on the force in Heywood. She has absolutely no interest in romance—or so she says—yet these two seem to meet regularly for coffee non-dates! I certainly enjoyed this story, and the epilogue sets up what looks to be an excellent next book, where the police officer himself will be investigated for murder! The seeds of the circumstances around it are sown in this book. If you love well-written cozies as I do, check out this series. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

[Voracious Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her former life, Samantha (Sam) Jones was a daytime soap opera star. After the murder of her husband and the fallout of the resulting scandal, Sam changes her name and and moves to the small charming town of Heywood.

In this second book in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries series, Gina receives a call from her friend Gina. Gina entered her shop, File It Away, and discovered her abusive ex-husband lying on the floor with his head in a pedicure basin. Despite all the evidence pointing to Gina, Sam does not believe she is guilty so she sets out to prove Gina's innocence.

I like Sam. She doesn't let her misfortunes keep her down but tries to make the best of things.She has a quirky way of thinking that enables her to solve murder cases. Not wanting people connecting her to her Hollywood ties causes her to maintain a distance from people. Gina and her business associate, Annabelle, are her closest friends. Only Annabelle has realized who she is. Anyone else who thinks they recognize her has easily been led away from that idea.

Heywood has some interesting characters. Deputy Jordan Branson helps Sam with getting information she has no other way of getting. Aiding her puts him on the bad side of Sheriff Mallory Richards who does not appreciate the way Sam keeps inserting herself in police investigations. For reasons no one seems to know, Doug chooses to live under the bridge. He is a big embarrassment to his cousin the Mayor. Somehow Doug usually manages to say something that sets Sam on the right path to solving the case.

The charm of Heywood, its inhabitants, and the mystery combine to make Lavender and Lies a pleasant afternoon read. The book can be read as a stand alone.

I received an ARC of this book. My review is given voluntarily.

[Caley Gredig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lavender and Lies is the second book in the Heywood Herbalist by Carly Winter. Set in Heywood, Arizona, this series continues as Sam is starting to settle into her role as owner of Sage Advice, a shop that features natural healing remedies. In this installment, Sam's friend Gina arrives at her neighboring shop and discovers the body of her ex-husband. When it becomes obvious that the sheriff is focusing the investigation solely on finding evidence to be used in convicting Gina, Sam and Annabelle decide to do whatever they can to find the real killer.

Within this series, the author has created a unique set of characters that epitomize small town life where all of the residents' lives are inherently intertwined and events, both good and bad, cause a ripple effect that involves multiple people in many different ways. By building this story around real-life everyday issues affecting many towns today, the author draws the reader into the lives of these characters and, although the victim is discovered to be an unsavory individual, the point is brought home that no one is allowed to be the sole judge, jury and executioner for someone else. Another intriguing element in this author's books is her inclusion of a sneak peek cliff hanger for the next installment of the series.

I received a free copy of this book at Booksirens from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heywood really needs a competent sheriff...not a spiteful lazy nincompoop..

Sam's friend Gina is arrested for murdering her ex husband. The sheriff is convinced she has the right person (not a surprise right) so case closed. It's a good thing Sam, Annabelle and Jordan are on the case. Gina's ex husband was a drug dealer and not a nice person, not only didn't he pay child support to Gina but he made quite a few enemies along the way, including his current wife. When Sam goes to talk to her, she mentions that he has a lot of money hidden in his house, that now belongs to her and even though she knows he owed Gina back child support, and could really use the money, it's not her problem, so Annabelle breaks into his house and steals money to give to Gina to cover the back child support with interest. Annabelle' isn't worried about the wife going to the cops because it's drug money. Thankfully they find the guilty person and Gina is released, but did they really do it or are they just taking the blame for the person who did? I'm not surprised by what Annabelle did for Gina, she's really there for people she cares about.. We could all use a friend like her. On to book number three, so who will be the not guilty person the sheriff will arrest this time? Good thing there's a competent team to clear their name and find the guilty party. Maybe its time for a new sheriff in town!!! What do you think Jordan?

[Jody - Wicked Dark Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Jones, formerly a celebrated television star who has fled her past, sees quiet life in Heywood destroyed when her friend Gina is charged with the murder of her sadistic ex-husband. While everything about Gina suggests her guilt, Samantha is loyal to her friend and believes she is innocent, so she decides to find the real murderer.

Carly is adept at maintaining the book’s suspense with plot twists and red herrings that will puzzle any armchair detective. The characters are not simplistic; they are layered, too, each character smartly hiding motives and connections to the victim that are painfully uncovered one by one. The background is set in a small town and brings the picture alive, and each odd supporting character adds a new dimension to the character-driven mystery.

However, just as you’re ready to resign from your investigations, Carly delivers a stunning final revelation that she has pulled the rug from under your feet. The conclusion leaves a few hanging threads while maintaining the vibes of the lead characters for possible sequels. This cozy mystery reveals that the adage of not judging a book by its cover also applies to the people of the book. If you are looking for a clever, character-driven, heartwarming, and cozy novel, this book should be on your shelf.

Carly Winter has an immense talent for storytelling. So far, I have read three of her books and enjoyed every single one. I recommend it to all cozy lovers!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha aka Sam Jones is a former soap star and now herbalist shop owner in small town Heywood. She’s adjusting to her new life, making a few friends while trying to keep her past and the ugliness that lies therein from her present. One morning she gets a call from Gina saying the cops are at her nail shop and her deadbeat ex husband is dead. When she’s arrested neither Sam nor Annabelle(friend and employee) can believe it’s true. Evidence is piling up against Gina but Sam is determined and won’t stop til the truth is revealed. Calling on her years of acting and her prior brush with the law when she was wrongfully accused Sam gets to work unraveling this mystery.
This was an edge of you seat mystery. I wasn’t sure Sam and Annabelle would be able to crack it but persistence pays off, or maybe stubbornness. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Sam and Jordan. Hopefully she’ll be able to get past her trust issues from her former life and let good things in now. Great small town murder mystery!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Jones is slowly acclimatising to life in smalltown Heywood. Not only does she now own the apothecary, but she's also making friends amongst the townspeople. When Gina asks for her help in a clandestine telephone call, Sam springs into action. Gina has been accused of murder and looking for the true killer may send Sam down some dicey paths.

A Sam Jones mystery feels like a fabulous frolic. While Sam's life has been full of experiences that will be the envy of the average person, you can't fault her sense of justice and her determination to see wrongs righted. I do so love Sam's sense of humour and outright laughed at some of the things she said/thought.

Lavender and Lies builds on the first-rate quality of the first book (Herbs and Homicide adding a further dimension to the Heywood world. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

Thank you to BookSirens and Carly Winter for the chance to view this e-Arc. My opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of those cozey mystery with murder that is better than just well written, yes the array of characters are vibrant, colorful and quirky that will first draw you in wanting to get to know them better but the mystery that's the real draw it's like one of those locked room murder mysterys with so few clues, but the heroine tries the elimination of who disliked the victim enough to kill so you will find yourself doing the same enticing you further into the mysteryI couldn't put this cozey down because then the plot had me so enraptured turning page after page waiting for that one clue and following along with the rest of the drama but this is one of the few mysterys I didn't have figured out by the third chapter I was impressed and so intrigued. Acquire " Lavender and Lies " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have.and try to figure out the who done it before the big reveal at the unexpected conclusion. 😉🤔😀 Kat

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[Kathy Tozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We find ourselves back in Heywood, Arizona again. Back with Sam and her little circle of friends. Once again she finds herself in the middle of another murder/mystery, this time it is her friend Gina who is in trouble.
Why are she and her friends always in the middle of trouble and why can't the sheriff do her job so she didn't have to do it for her. Sherlock Holmes don't have nothin on Samantha Jones!
This is such a wonderful series of cozy mysteries, and the Author, as always does an amazing job.
Each book just keeps you coming back for more, I am so looking forward to the next one in this series.
Kudos to Carly Winter on yet another great one!Lavender and Lies: A Small Town Cozy Mystery

[Dianne Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can an aging Soap Opera star hide in plain sight in the little town of Heywood? It would probably be easier if she wasn't always getting involved with MURDER!

Sam Jones (aka Samantha Rathbone) is once again pulled into investigating the mysterious death of one of village's not-so-upstanding citizens in this, the second in the Heywood Herbalist series. With plenty of suspects and what amounts to almost a 'locked room' mystery Sam will have to delve into the history of the town to solve this one. We continue to get glimpses of Sam and Jordan's pasts --proving that we all have something we would rather keep hidden.

There is a lot going on underneath the surface of the little town of Heywood, Arizona.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Jones, known as Sam, relocated from Hollywood, and is now living in Heywood, AZ and owns the herbalist shop called Sage Advice. She get a panicked call one morning from her friend Gina, who owns the nail salon, File It Away. It seems she had come to work and found her no-good ex husband dead with his head in her pedicure basin, and was being questioned by Sheriff Mallory. When Gina is arrested, Sam starts investigating, as the incompetent Sheriff has already closed the case in her mind! The characters are so well-developed and the small town described in such detail, that you feel as if you are there! A very enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam has two close friends who both dated a nasty man who turns up dead.

Gina might be out on bail, but can they keep her free from suspicions or prosecution?

Brittany is a very young and inappropriate behaving front desk worker at the Sheriffs Department. She makes passes at the staff and spreads lies about suspects like Gina. is she guilty or darker deeds?

So many folks have motive to harm woman beater Ralph. A drug dealer and violent man, which shady business connections, family member or current or ex wife might have gotten to him ?

twisted connections, with more dangers and destruction ahead as Brittany spreads her poison in new and different ways.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sam Jones left the cut-throat world of Hollywood, she thought she would be through with drugs and death. Instead, when her best friend is accused of murdering her ex-husband, Sam knows that Gina can't be the culprit, so she starts to investigate.

Sam is such a fun character-- I loved the snippets of her former life and how she kept trying to channel her inner soap opera diva. The author has filled this town with hilarious characters, like Sam's 80's loving partner and the ex-Chicago police officer who keeps having to clean up after the incompetent sheriff. The story was well-paced and enjoyable and I can't wait until the next installment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam is living in the small town of Haywood in the Arizona high country. Only her friend, Annabelle, knows that she was the famous star of a soap opera. Now in her 50’s, she’s enjoying just being herself…and solving mysteries.
Another friend, Gina, is accused of murdering her ex-husband. His body was found in her beauty shop and she had said she could kill him many times, to many people. Sam realizes that the dead man had many enemies, from his abused ex-wives to the many people he owed money to, and the lives he helped ruin with his drug dealing.
The how of the crime is rather obvious, but it was a fun cozy mystery. I liked the setting, as well. Nice to see a story set in Arizona that wasn’t in the desert!

[Jeanette H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Heywood Herbalist series. I had the audiobook version and enjoyed the narration. Nicole Scott did a great job narrating the various characters.

Sam Jones is amazing and is settling into the small-town life and being a business owner. She's developed friendships and those are tested in this book. Annabelle cracks me up. She seems like a great friend, down for anything, and will have your back. I am so glad Sam is around to solve these mysteries because the sheriff is the worst! I hope she gets booted out in the future.


I recommend this series and author to anyone looking for cozy mysteries! It was a good palate cleanser between romance and thriller books. I am hooked and already started book 3!

[Ingrid Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in this series and I liked returning to the characters I had gotten to know in the first book.
I didn't really get why it still was such a big deal that nobody knew her former circumstances, but maybe the writer is going somewhere with it.

The story was cute and the murderer wasn't immediately clear to me, which is a plus to me.
The solving of the mystery did feel a bit too 'easy' for me, with very little time spent on it, which I thought was a shame.

Ending the book with the start of the next book is clever from the viewpoint of the author, but I would have liked that to be saved for the next book itself, as it somehow feels a bit like a spoiler to me.

Still a very nice cozy mystery to read and I will read the next one as well!

[Ambika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers an engaging cozy mystery with “Lavender and Lies.” Former TV star Samantha Jones makes a compelling protagonist as she investigates her friend Gina’s arrest for murdering her abusive ex-husband. Winter skillfully balances Sam’s Hollywood past with her new small-town life in Heywood, creating authentic character development. The murder mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with enough red herrings to keep readers guessing. The friendship between Sam and Gina feels genuine, driving the emotional stakes of the investigation. While some plot elements are predictable for the genre, Winter’s engaging writing style and well-crafted dialogue keep the pages turning. A solid entry in the cozy mystery world.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second book in the Herbalist Cozy Mystery series. The characters are enjoyable. Sam is down to earth and I love that she goes after what she wants. In this story, her friend is charged with murdering her ex. Sam decides to search for the real killer because she is a take charge woman and cares deeply. Carly is a writer who grabs your attention at the beginning of the book and you don't want to stop until you are done. I have enjoyed everything I have read of hers and look forward to the next. I definitely recommend this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam's on the Case . . .

Samantha Jones (“Sam”) goes into action when her friend, Gina, is taken into custody by Sheriff Mallory for the murder of her abusive ex-husband. It looks bad for her, but Sam knows she wouldn’t do that. She also knows the lazy Sheriff won’t put further effort into finding the truth.

I enjoyed reading this cozy with plenty of interaction among the characters. The story line is intriguing, entertaining, and filled with suspense to keep the reader excited and involved in tracking the killer. Grab your copy and follow along as Sam struggles to find the clues for this one.