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Messages of Murder #4
Message in the snow
Murder and mystery do not take a holiday. After a lovely Christmas Eve dinner at Grandma Dot’s, Gabby and Lucas are heading home to have a quiet night with his daughter and wait for Santa. Gabby senses something’s not right on the ride home. A wrecked car and missing children change the quiet Christmas Eve into a wild chase to find the kids.
As usual, Gabby gets herself into some interesting messes. Thankfully she has Grandma Dot, and now her mom Emily too, to help her out. A fun romp of psychic mystery and suspense.
As usual, Gabby gets herself into some interesting messes. Thankfully she has Grandma Dot, and now her mom Emily too, to help her out. A fun romp of psychic mystery and suspense.
247 pages, Paperback
Published January 2, 2021
904 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Merriman
51 books224 followersDawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 3, 2024
Gabby really needs to listen to Dustin and Lucas about just as some would call it "into the fire" and just wait on them to show up. Yes, the universe is giving her signals, but gosh darn, it's going to get her killed. And it would be her own damn fault.
July 3, 2024
These characters keep going in the same circles
*Character flaw revealed
*Character states the lesson they should learn
*Character behaves the same way
I get that characters should be flawed but I liked absolutely none of these characters. The multiple POV is interesting and yet I empathise with none of them
*Character flaw revealed
*Character states the lesson they should learn
*Character behaves the same way
I get that characters should be flawed but I liked absolutely none of these characters. The multiple POV is interesting and yet I empathise with none of them
December 6, 2024
Really liking this series, and excited to see the character development in the next couple of books. Still cannot predict ANYTHING so I love that aspect, but I wish the writing was a little deeper.
July 5, 2024
honestly so good
I was sceptical reading a holiday thriller but I am SO happy I did. Wonderful read. Some minor typos and errors throughout but otherwise so good!
I was sceptical reading a holiday thriller but I am SO happy I did. Wonderful read. Some minor typos and errors throughout but otherwise so good!
July 25, 2025
A drive home on Christmas eve leads to Gabby and Lucas discovering a car that has been run off the road. But who picked the kids up off the side of the road when they are told to run away?
Dustin and Lucas work fast to try find the missing children before Christmas morning comes around. Gabby finds herself getting into a situation with a dog and a tree 😂. It's really nice to see her mum joining her grandmother to help Gabby out of situations. And nice to see the mum so happy after being falsely imprisoned for 15 years. Also found it funny both mum and daughter say crap on a cracker 😂.
I wonder in the next book if Gabby talks to Alexis as it seems she understands some stress after Dustin being shot in the previous book.
I don't really read many Christmas themed books however this one was short and full of mystery. I was thankful Lucas and Dustin kids got to spend Christmas with them too 🥰
Dustin and Lucas work fast to try find the missing children before Christmas morning comes around. Gabby finds herself getting into a situation with a dog and a tree 😂. It's really nice to see her mum joining her grandmother to help Gabby out of situations. And nice to see the mum so happy after being falsely imprisoned for 15 years. Also found it funny both mum and daughter say crap on a cracker 😂.
I wonder in the next book if Gabby talks to Alexis as it seems she understands some stress after Dustin being shot in the previous book.
I don't really read many Christmas themed books however this one was short and full of mystery. I was thankful Lucas and Dustin kids got to spend Christmas with them too 🥰
March 20, 2024
This is a novella about a "day in the life" of Gabby. Unfortunately, for a psychic who would love to spend the holiday without drama, that day happens to be Christmas Eve. When she and Lucas pass a car that has been driven off the road, they discover murder and the mysterious disappearance of three children. Following the instructions from her tingling tattoo, Gabby is determined to locate the kids and ensure their safety ASAP—despite her brother and boyfriend's constant reminders to wait for them and the rest of the town's police force. More light-hearted than the other novels in the series (it's great seeing Gabby getting the respect and love she deserves), Message in the Snow by Dawn Merriman is a solid addition to the Messages of Murder collection.
August 8, 2024
I loved this story. The author knows how to combine an exciting murder mystery with humor that’s appropriate to the character and situation. And she expertly writes unapologetically about someone who has the psychometry ability who also hears and obeys God. (This is a personal preference: I like stories to have situations that would be true; a police officer wouldn’t leave his 7 year old daughter in the car alone in winter to go into an unknown situation. And Gabby fed her cat a whole can of tuna, then let it lick the can! That would make a cat sick and cut their tongue). But I still highly recommend this book.
April 25, 2025
Good
Holiday themed novella in the series, set shortly after book three. This time, Gabby and Lucas’ Christmas plans are interrupted when Gabby finds a car that’s been driven off of the road.
With three missing children, it’s a race against time to try and find them before it’s too late.
This one’s a fairly quick read, and has a rapid solution to it. Of course Gabby gets herself into trouble a few times, much to Lucas and Dustin’s dismay!
No need to solve the mystery in this one because it pretty much plays out on page as they discover everything.
A fun, paranormal mystery tale.
Holiday themed novella in the series, set shortly after book three. This time, Gabby and Lucas’ Christmas plans are interrupted when Gabby finds a car that’s been driven off of the road.
With three missing children, it’s a race against time to try and find them before it’s too late.
This one’s a fairly quick read, and has a rapid solution to it. Of course Gabby gets herself into trouble a few times, much to Lucas and Dustin’s dismay!
No need to solve the mystery in this one because it pretty much plays out on page as they discover everything.
A fun, paranormal mystery tale.
August 25, 2021
It was ok.
This was a bonus book for this series. Loved the fact that Gabby met Olivia and that Emily is back with the family. I’m gonna be honest, I did skip a lot of the descriptive parts about the town square or the architecture of the houses.
I feel like the author has left the series open for future books since there are some unresolved issues, especially about Dustin’s family.
For now I think I’ve had enough of Gabby’s adventures but if the author releases another book in this series, I’d read it.
This was a bonus book for this series. Loved the fact that Gabby met Olivia and that Emily is back with the family. I’m gonna be honest, I did skip a lot of the descriptive parts about the town square or the architecture of the houses.
I feel like the author has left the series open for future books since there are some unresolved issues, especially about Dustin’s family.
For now I think I’ve had enough of Gabby’s adventures but if the author releases another book in this series, I’d read it.
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December 17, 2022A Perfect Christmas Thriller
Picking up immediately after book 3, we dive straight into a new mystery that takes place over the course of mere hours. I couldn't have put the book down if a herd of rampaging elephants had wreaked havoc on my front porch while a hippopotamus ate my Christmas tree. This book had Gabby in more shenanigans than ever with an ever expanding group of loved ones and the blessings and curses of having fame she never asked for.
Picking up immediately after book 3, we dive straight into a new mystery that takes place over the course of mere hours. I couldn't have put the book down if a herd of rampaging elephants had wreaked havoc on my front porch while a hippopotamus ate my Christmas tree. This book had Gabby in more shenanigans than ever with an ever expanding group of loved ones and the blessings and curses of having fame she never asked for.
January 28, 2024
Gabby is at it again, that is helping others with a strong psychic push from God (to the point she frequently puts herself in danger). On the way home from Christmas Eve dinner (and in a snowstorm) she and Lucas find a crashed car off the road. Of course Gabby throws herself into trouble and I am along for the ride. I am still liking the use of psychic sensing and God to aid people in difficult circumstances and often with a nice touch of suspense.
August 11, 2025
This is another really good story, where Gabby and Lucas on their way home, when she gets an alert from her tattoo that she is needed, they arrive a little to late and it starts a tale about a pair of children who are taken after a car crash and who did it and why. Gabby ends up having to be rescued by Dustin.
The tale is a good one, but there is something wrong with Alexis, something is hinted at but doesn't get resolved.
It's a great tale.
The tale is a good one, but there is something wrong with Alexis, something is hinted at but doesn't get resolved.
It's a great tale.
August 21, 2025
Unforgettable Christmas
When you have psychic abilities like Gabby you never know when your talents will be activated. Gabby has a feeling something is wrong on a ride with her boyfriend, Lucius, also a detective. They find a car that has been run off the road and discover the 3 children are missing. It becomes the quest of Gabby and the police to find the children. Engaging read! Gabby has a way of drawing you into her stories and making you a believer of her abilities.
When you have psychic abilities like Gabby you never know when your talents will be activated. Gabby has a feeling something is wrong on a ride with her boyfriend, Lucius, also a detective. They find a car that has been run off the road and discover the 3 children are missing. It becomes the quest of Gabby and the police to find the children. Engaging read! Gabby has a way of drawing you into her stories and making you a believer of her abilities.
April 1, 2021
Another brilliant book by Dawn Merriman, I have really enjoyed this series and hope that there will be more books about Gabby who's my favourite character out of all the books I have ever read, she's vulnerable yet strong and since a head injury in her childhood she now has a physic gift, I read this four book series in eight days, I couldn't put them down.
June 21, 2022
so glad there’s more books to the series!
In the previous book I read that that was the finale so I was highly disappointed when there wouldn’t be anymore books for me to enjoy. After all I love all of Gabby’s adventures and I love how the story went now that Dustin is more accepting of her abilities and to see the relationship between gabby and her boyfriend!
In the previous book I read that that was the finale so I was highly disappointed when there wouldn’t be anymore books for me to enjoy. After all I love all of Gabby’s adventures and I love how the story went now that Dustin is more accepting of her abilities and to see the relationship between gabby and her boyfriend!
October 6, 2022
Psychic chills in this thriller...
Not all psychics are fake, some are actually receiving messages from the universe of God. Maybe its just a gift of stronger intuition that Gabby has, but whatever you want to call it, the troubles she gets into trying to help are sometimes hilarious, sometimes dangerous, but make this story fascinating!
Not all psychics are fake, some are actually receiving messages from the universe of God. Maybe its just a gift of stronger intuition that Gabby has, but whatever you want to call it, the troubles she gets into trying to help are sometimes hilarious, sometimes dangerous, but make this story fascinating!
February 26, 2023
I have read these books one after the other from the start. I think that helps, as you know what's going on.
I thought this was a great story that had me hooked all the way through and didn't seem to drop off.
Love the series as a whole, so far. The author writes in a way that keeps you engaged and doesn't go over the top with details. I find there is just the right amount.
I thought this was a great story that had me hooked all the way through and didn't seem to drop off.
Love the series as a whole, so far. The author writes in a way that keeps you engaged and doesn't go over the top with details. I find there is just the right amount.
May 13, 2023
A solid 3.5. Message in the Snow felt incredibly short for me. I’m not sure if it was because the last two books have been so intensive with the mystery. This one just flew by though. Looking back I’d say it felt more of a novella.
It wasn’t bad at all and as always Gabby kept me entertained. It was good seeing her mum in the action and where Gabby gets some of her spunk from!
It wasn’t bad at all and as always Gabby kept me entertained. It was good seeing her mum in the action and where Gabby gets some of her spunk from!
December 29, 2023
Another Good Read
Enjoyed the story. Getting a little annoyed at the continued conflict between Gabby and her brother. Either they’ve reconciled and moving forward or not. Also she has proven her gift to him so no reason for his continued negative attitude. Otherwise a nice story.
Enjoyed the story. Getting a little annoyed at the continued conflict between Gabby and her brother. Either they’ve reconciled and moving forward or not. Also she has proven her gift to him so no reason for his continued negative attitude. Otherwise a nice story.
June 10, 2025
darn it
I had SUCH high hopes for this series! The first two were great, the third was eh (the ending was way too rushed & annoyed me & now this one…… Darn it… The story was way too short… It’s 116-ish pages of nothing… I can’t continue with the series after these past two disappointments 😔 I was so hopeful.
I had SUCH high hopes for this series! The first two were great, the third was eh (the ending was way too rushed & annoyed me & now this one…… Darn it… The story was way too short… It’s 116-ish pages of nothing… I can’t continue with the series after these past two disappointments 😔 I was so hopeful.
February 20, 2021
Fast paced
This was a wonderful bonus story if a bit overpriced for a relatively short story. I sincerely hope any more stories are full fledged books. Would like to see these series of characters and their lives grow.
This was a wonderful bonus story if a bit overpriced for a relatively short story. I sincerely hope any more stories are full fledged books. Would like to see these series of characters and their lives grow.
March 18, 2021
Action Packed
Man can Gabby get herself in trouble! A murder mom, her children missing, a grandmother’s grief, a father’s uncertainties and his crazy mother. Gabby in the middle with her powers directing her.
Man can Gabby get herself in trouble! A murder mom, her children missing, a grandmother’s grief, a father’s uncertainties and his crazy mother. Gabby in the middle with her powers directing her.
March 26, 2021
Awesome
This was a fabulous addition. Glad that it was only a night of crazy that poor Gabby had to go through and that it ended on a good night. I really hope in the future more books are added into this series!
This was a fabulous addition. Glad that it was only a night of crazy that poor Gabby had to go through and that it ended on a good night. I really hope in the future more books are added into this series!
April 7, 2021
Fantastic
Dawn Merriman has done it again, written a brilliant read that pulls you in from the first chapter and holds you right to the end. Absolutely loving Gabby and seeing how much she has grown in confidence of her skills.
Dawn Merriman has done it again, written a brilliant read that pulls you in from the first chapter and holds you right to the end. Absolutely loving Gabby and seeing how much she has grown in confidence of her skills.
October 12, 2021
Murder Messages 4
This is another great reading experience. I love Christmas and having the story wrapped around Christmas time is wonderful. I also enjoy the psychic opportunity for the main character. She is GREAT!
This is another great reading experience. I love Christmas and having the story wrapped around Christmas time is wonderful. I also enjoy the psychic opportunity for the main character. She is GREAT!
November 4, 2022
A brilliant writer!
Proof of the adage: "write what you know about".
Dawn Merriman is a very good writer with a terrific imagination. There was great twists to the McAllister story that caught me unawares.
Proof of the adage: "write what you know about".
Dawn Merriman is a very good writer with a terrific imagination. There was great twists to the McAllister story that caught me unawares.
November 19, 2022
Excellent story with aChristmas theme
The fourth book in the Message series did not disappoint!!! The characters are growing and developing, a crazy mystery drops into Gabby’s lap and an interesting twist in the whodunnit ending all come together to make this a great read!🎄
The fourth book in the Message series did not disappoint!!! The characters are growing and developing, a crazy mystery drops into Gabby’s lap and an interesting twist in the whodunnit ending all come together to make this a great read!🎄
March 18, 2023
Love this series!
Haven’t read it in a while! Love the characters and all the messes that Gabby gets in to. She kinda reminds me of Lucille aBall in her sitcom. Lol Only Gabby has her psychic abilities on her side. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Haven’t read it in a while! Love the characters and all the messes that Gabby gets in to. She kinda reminds me of Lucille aBall in her sitcom. Lol Only Gabby has her psychic abilities on her side. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 22, 2023
Christmas with a twist
Frustrating Gabby is at it again. Not as surprising as the others, but still a little twist to keep you turning the page. I can't wait to see where the future takes Gabby, and hope to read her happily ever after.
Frustrating Gabby is at it again. Not as surprising as the others, but still a little twist to keep you turning the page. I can't wait to see where the future takes Gabby, and hope to read her happily ever after.
September 19, 2023
Great Story!!!
Absolutely enjoyed this book. Dawn Merriman, this series is pretty fantastic. Really get a kick out of Gabby and Dustin's relationship. Love Lucas and Gabby's romance.
Absolutely enjoyed this book. Dawn Merriman, this series is pretty fantastic. Really get a kick out of Gabby and Dustin's relationship. Love Lucas and Gabby's romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews