| Title | : | You Can Run (Laurel Snow #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 142015432X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781420154320 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 |
| Publication | : | First published January 25, 2022 |
Laurel Snow wouldn’t call hunting a serial killer a vacation, but with a pile of dead bodies unearthed near her Genesis Valley, WA, hometown, she’ll take what she can get. Yet something about this case stirs her in unexpected ways. Like the startling connection she feels to Dr. Abigail Caine, a fiercely intelligent witness with a disturbing knack for making Laurel feel like she has something on her. Then there’s Laurel’s attraction to Huck Rivers, the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene—and into the wilderness…
A former soldier and a trained sniper, Huck’s thirst for blood is rivaled only by his fierce pursuit of Laurel. He’s been burned by love, wounded by the government, and betrayed before, and to say he has trust issues is the ultimate understatement. Plus, he might be closer to this killer than anybody knows…
Once in the heart of darkness with Huck, Laurel must negotiate her distracting desire for him, her complex rapport with Abigail—and her mission to find a serial killer among a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home. So close in fact, Laurel fears she will never find her way back to the woman she once was…
You Can Run (Laurel Snow #1) Reviews
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Thank you Kensington Reads for my finished copy in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
One sentence review: Honda Civic Reliable romantic suspense for my middle-aged/senior kweens
SYNOPSIS
FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow is back her hometown when a big ole pile of bodies is found. This case is anything but ordinary as Snow confronts her past, her family, and her feelings for the very hunky Captain Huck Rivers.
MY OPINION
Look at me starting a series with #1... because it's the only one available LOL. This was my first introduction to Rebecca Zanetti who has published a whopping SEVENTY books. Wowza. At first this kinda scared me because if she's churning 'em out... what will the quality be like? But I found that this book was thoughtfully constructed and didn't appear to be slapped together under duress like so many other novels I've endured this year.
Laurel Snow is a very unique character. She's like a female version of Spencer Reid, plus she's got amazing auburn hair (Huck will let a hoe know about 140904 times in this book) and cool different coloured eyes. Tbh I didn't really see how someone would get bullied over heterochromia? If I had two different colored eyes you would never hear the end of it. I would make unwavering eye contact with anyone who dared to glance my way. Ya'll gonna recognize this beauty!!!
Anyways, let me get my ass back on track. I really enjoyed being in Laura's head. She had a unique, black-and-white, logical-to-a-fault way of looking at the world. AND the most important character trait is how down-to-earth she is. Unlike DD Warren who has the world's largest, roughest stick up her a$$, Laura is a literal genius but treats everyone with respect and kindness. FINALLY, a strong female lead without a bad attitude and a big ass chip on their shoulder.
The writing was quite enjoyable and you could tell this isn't Zanetti's first time around the block. Everything flowed naturally and she did a fabulouso job of showing not telling. I especially loved the povs of the trapped victims (yes I'm a sicko). There was a great balance of serious shit and jokey jokes.
Now, let's talk about the seggsual tensions between Huck and Laurel. The romance storyline was sweet but also so... hilarious. I say that my middle-aged/senior queens will love this because it's very much "old school." No shade. There's nothing disrespectful happening here but some eye rolls may occur. Huck is the big manly man and little Laurel is so petite and delicate like a hummingbird. Huck is fascinated by her hair colour in a way that makes you wonder if he missed his true calling as a hair stylist. He also cannot believe how attracted he is to teeny tiny Laurel because he usually likes them thiccer than a snicker. There is one SPICYYYY scene so beware. I do support Team Luck though and look forward to more hilarious cutesy scenes in the future.
I did enjoy the case as well. Yes, yeetage of disbelief is required (there was an 11 yr old performing background checks at one point LOL), and yes, it was predictable, and yes the ending was a bit Scooby Doo, but it works for the target audience and genre. I liked how twisted Abigail's character is (love me a whacked out professor or psychologist) and it'll be cool to see their future tete-a-tetes. Their rivalry reminds me of DI Kim Stone and Dr. Alex from Angela Marsons series.
All in all, if you're looking for a lil cozy mystery with some old skool romance on a snowy afternoon, I invite you to pick this one up. If the thought of big man + lil lady old skool romance makes you wanna scratch your eyes out, definitely skip it. I shall be picking up book #2 though so mind yo business.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, entertaining, mindless fun, unique and strong female lead, juicy j case, funny
Cons: very stereotypical big hands manly man / delicate frail female relationship (this didn't really bother me given the genre, but I can see other – younger and more woke – people getting annoyed), some math did not quite mathulate -
You Can Run is a crime murder mystery thriller with a bit of romance by Rebecca Zanetti. FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow is on her way back to Washington D. C. when she is diverted to her home town of Genesis Valley, Washington. Several bodies have been found on Snowblood Peak. Since she specializes in serial killer cases and the Seattle FBI office is tied up with a big case, she is drawn into the investigation.
As the protagonist, Laurel is reasonably strong, but has some vulnerabilities. She has an eidetic memory and started college when she was 11. With multiple degrees, she has been successful in her career, but doesn’t work with a partner and sometimes misses underlying signals from others in social situations. Captain Huck Rivers is the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene. He likes rules and routines and doesn’t like anything disrupting his schedule. Their attraction to each other is only a small part of the story. He seems to have secrets that may or may not have anything to do with the crimes. He also prefers to work alone.
While most of the story is from Laurel’s point of view (POV), there are a few sections with POVs from other individuals. From her unusual background, to her sometimes atypical reflections as she tries to figure out what game the killer is playing with them, to her relentless pursuit of justice for the victims, readers will root for her success. I enjoyed the interplay between Laurel and Huck.
A clever plot with enough twists and red herrings to keep a reader guessing is one of several positives in this novel. The pacing and dialogue are great and the writing style is smooth. As they evolved, the plot facts were intriguing and occasionally unexpected. The suspense builds steadily throughout the story. While the ending was not unexpected, the journey was full of chills and trills that kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page until the end.
The physical world-building was vivid and I could feel the cold, ice, and snow pelting the characters. The author weaved various agencies into the story line without detracting from the flow and action. She also did this with factors affecting Laurel’s personal life. There is one steamy scene about 60 percent into the novel.
Overall, this was a riveting story with compelling and complex characters that kept me fully engaged. It’s skillfully written and chilling and will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and police procedurals involving serial killers. The intricacy of the plot plus attention to detail in the world-building made this a definite winner for me. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. There are relationships to be explored with family, friends, and colleagues as well as whatever the thriller story will be.
Kensington Books - Zebra and Rebecca Zanetti provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 25, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. -
This is a Romantic Suspense/Thriller, and this is the first book in the Laurel Snow series. I loved this book so much, and this book kept me guessing. I was so worried for the characters so many times in this book, and I also did not guess who was the murderer in this book. I loved getting to know all the characters in this book, and Yes...I will be reading the second book in this series. The ending was just everything you want in a thriller/suspense. The romance was good, but the big show in this book is the suspense/mystery. I won a Paperback copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
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You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti
Contemporary thriller / suspense. 1st in the series.
Laurel Snow heads home to profile and track a serial killer.
A suspenseful novel following a young but experienced FBI agent investigating a serial killer that gets too close to home. Plenty of twists at the end that kept this a page-turner.
Laurel is led by intellect rather than emotion and her responses to several situations were amusing and unexpected. I loved the intensity of the story and while some of the events were expected, the best were those that came as a surprise. The characters have depth and I’m excited to see where this series goes in the future.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. -
Laurel Snow is a FBI agent in Washington DC she is called to a murder scene at Snow Blood Peak near Washington state a pile of bodies are there it’s like a burial ground for a serial killer.
She gets in touch with Huck Rivers & both team up to investigate what’s going on…. In her private life thee two are set for romance, which I enjoyed.
Was this a hit for me the answer is no… you ask why? Well it started off at a cracking pace then there was a lull in the proceeding which at times I was bored with… then it picked up again, I enjoyed Laurels character was good to get inside her mind, but you can see this was a debut it flowed well & was just okay for me. -
'You Can Run' is the exceptional first book in Rebecca Zanetti's Laurel Snow series. Intellectually, Laurel is a super genius - she started college when she was 11-years-old - which meant she spent her formidable years learning alongside students (at least) twice her age - all while accumulating multiple post-grad degrees. She is socially awkward and quirky - sticking out like an apple among oranges when interacting in group settings.
Laurel is also an esteemed and highly respected FBI agent who thrives on hunting down and capturing serial killers. In this book her superior has sent her to Genesis Valley, Washington (near her hometown and where her mother still resides) to hunt down a serial killer who has been accumulating numerous bodies. There she meets and teams up with traumatized war veteran - Huck Rivers, who currently works as a Fish/Wildlife consultant - summoned only when he and his beloved tracking dog's well honed resilience and supreme outdoor skills are the best (last) hope to rectifying a dire situation.
Over the course of the high-intensity search for the elusive and relentless serial killer, Laurel also unveils more about her origins and self than she ever could have imagined. The ending is fantastic and an excellent prelude into book number two - which I cannot wait to be released. -
BOOK: You Can Run
SERIES: Laurel Snow #1
GENRE: thriller
TROPES & THEMES: serial killer, mystery-solving, psychological thriller, light romance side plot, small town, badass heroine, twists and turns
CLIFFHANGER: no
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
RELEASE DATE: January 25th, 2022
engaging
fascinating
page turner
LOVED IT!!
Laurel Snow is an FBI profiler. In her late 20's, and she is highly intelligent. One day she gets a phone call from her mother. She request Laurel comes to their small town because the local sheriff thinks her uncle is a serial killer and she needs Laurel's help to prove her uncle is innocent. The small town of Genesis Valley brings Laurel an intense work environment with local authorities, an intriguing eye witness, an unexpected friendship with a single mother, connection with handsome fish and wildlife officer, confrontation of buried family secrets, and catching the serial killer.
I like to read romantic suspense stories. This one is definitely more thriller and I would say psychological thriller but with the dash of romance and let me tell you that is my preference.
While I tried to figure out who is the killer I wasn't overly focused on it. Laurel alone is a fascinating character and I love the glimpses of the romance. There is also a blossoming friendships storyline and the mother-daughter relationship dynamic. Red herrings and unexpected twists made this a book I couldn't stop reading. I trusted that the puzzles will make sense in the end. And they did.
I would recommend this book to all readers of the genre and all romance readers who would like to try the genre out.
* I revived the arc of this book and all opinions are my own
Thanks to teh NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book -
I’m in a minority here, but I guess a romantic thriller isn’t the genre for me.
Maybe it is because I have recently read a number of excellent books, but I had a difficult time with this one. I had to force myself to keep reading, hoping that it would improve.
I thought the writing a bit lightweight. If I am reading a mystery/thriller/police procedural, I enjoy the personal aspects of the characters, but like the mystery to be the main focus. I thought that the author tried too much to also make it a romance. There was too much attention to all the nuances of that. ..what one was wearing, how one felt, what strange feelings, what a woman looked liked. And do we really think that the character of Huck would be obsessed so much about women’s clothes or that they were wearing French perfume or matching jewelry? That with pages of lovemaking were all a bit much for me; I also thought the case was a bit over the top. And, what ethical FBI agent would work a case where a close relative might be a suspect? Sorry, but it just was not the book for me. -
4.5 stars
If you’re a fan of the TV show Criminal Minds, I think this one is for you. It’s about a child prodigy turned FBI Profiler, Laurel Snow. She returns home to find a serial killer and the main suspect hits to close to Laurel. She starts a team to help, and the hunt is on.
Lots of twists and turns that kept me up a wee bit too late. There wasn’t a lot of “smexy” times, it’s more of a hint or a beginning of a romance.
Of course, I was completely wrong who the serial killer was. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can’t wait for book 2 -
This was a very intriguing read. The main character, Laurel Snow, is an FBI agent recently returned to her hometown to work the case of a serial killer. She is young, beautiful and extremely smart. The plot is good if a bit predictable. The characters are likeable and the romance is not heavy handed. I would recommend this book to everyone.
My thanks to the author, Rebecca Zanetti, and the publisher, Kensington Publishing Corp. for my copy of this novel which I received through a Goodreads Giveaway. -
What a great read! It's a thriller/suspense that looks like it will be a continued series. The case is solved, but the relations of the main characters are not.
The heroine is my absolute favorite. She was fascinating and I loved how she reacted to a lot of the situations in this, especially her reactions to the hero. She's a child prodigy that has become an FBI agent profiler. You could say her personality is unique. Some would say she was strange but what makes her strange in others eyes is that she doesn't let her emotions dictate her reactions. She thinks very logically and sees more into people's words instead of taking personal insult. She's also very upfront with people, no game playing or hinting. She was just a refreshing character to read about.
The hero is a bit harder to connect too. He's big, gruff and closed off. He really doesn't want to be around people to the point of being rude, and yet he is basically a hero. His work is saving people and you can tell he truly cares, he just wants to be left alone. He is also upfront with people but like I sad in more of a rude way. I can already see that the heroine is softening him just because she reacts so differently to people than others. I think that's going to make him open up more.
I think that because of the way the hero/heroine are, the romance in this series is going to be more of a slow burn. Now usually I want more with a couple, but the suspenseful plot was pretty exciting to read on its own that any romance we got felt like a bonus. There is also some pretty interesting side characters that I'm really looking forward to what's going to come next. Great read!! -
A very good start to the new series.
Laurel Snow, the main character, is a brilliant FBI agent who returns to her hometown to clear her uncle of multiple murder charges after many bodies of young blondes have been found in the surrounding mountains. To solve the case, Laurel has to work with the gruff and mysterious Huck Rivers.
Laurel is a very interesting main character who is easy to like. And so is Huck. I like that he understands and appreciates Laurel's strength and independence and doesn't try to look after her at all costs, even if he instinctively wants to. We also meet a whole group of interesting supporting characters. It’s going to be nice to observe the development of the relationship between them in the next books.
I also like that we discover not only the answers to the discovered bodies of young women, but also Laurel's family secrets. This is a very interesting subplot, and I am curious how it will affect the rest of the series. In many ways, I find this mystery even more exciting than the case that Laurel and Huck are working on.
This is the first book in this series, therefore some subplots remain unresolved and will continue in the next books. But the main plot of the murders is solved and we find out who the murderer is.
Although the crimes against young women are cruel, there are relatively few descriptions of torture or violence against them in this book. So you can safely read it even if you don't like the descriptions of violence against women. Also, one of the characters has experienced rape in the past, but there are no detailed descriptions. However, if you are particularly sensitive about such a subject, be aware.
I recommend this story to everyone who likes extraordinary main characters, complicated family relationships and brutal crimes in a small town. I also recommend it to those looking for a story set in a frosty climate as mountains and snow play a big role in this story.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Zebra for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. -
4-4.5 stars - Romantic Suspense/Thriller
This book hooked me from the start, and it was a 5 star read for about the first 65/70% or so. Then some of the twists and turns seemed a bit far-fetched. The ending was too rushed, and I was left wanting more answers, details, and conversations that didn't happen. There are still things that weren't fully explained or resolved.
***Spoiler warning/plot points mentioned.***
***End spoiler***
I hope we get more answers and more of Laurel and Huck together in the next book,
You Can't Hide, which I'm eagerly awaiting. So even though I didn't rate this 5 stars, it's an engrossing thriller with unique, intriguing characters that I couldn't put down. I'm looking forward to more from this series. -
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
"You Can Run" is awesome and you can really see how Rebecca Zanetti has matured as an author. No paranormal, no cute romance, this is a really great Romantic-Suspense with flawed characters and a baddie that you would never suspect and isn't revealed until the very end - my favorite kind. As the first in a series, I can see where this series is going to get very interesting, and I can't wait.
FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow is a child prodigy. She attended college at age 11 and has been hunting serial killers for years. She is very, very good at it too. When a pile of dead bodies pointing to a serial killer is found in her hometown of Genesis Valley, WA she volunteers to head the investigation which leads to all sorts of interesting characters. Huck Rivers, her Fish and Wildlife partner on this case stirs an attraction that has no place in a murder investigation. Dr. Abigail Caine might have had contact with the killer, but her interview sets off all sorts of warning bells for Laurel and Huck.
Huck Rivers is a solitary kind of guy. He is more comfortable working with his canine partner than with the human variety. In other words: he doesn't play nice with others. His instant desire for Laurel is more than an annoyance as she just keeps showing him what a phenomenal person she is. His protective instincts for her are on high alert, especially when the killer targets her.
This killer is smart, connected to the community and knows his way around the rugged terrain of the area. Finding him will take everything both Laurel and Huck can bring to the job and neither of them will be the same after this is over. -
OMG the thrill ride! Rebecca Zanetti kick-starts a new series with the perfect wintry read, scorching and chilling in equal measure with its riveting suspense and the sparks flying between the genius FBI profiler and the gruff Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers.
When Laurel gets a phone call from her frantic mother asking her to help clear her uncle’s name in a murder investigation, Laurel doesn’t hesitate to head to her home town near Seattle. The good news is that getting help from the local authorities won’t be a problem to help her find the serial killer.
But navigating her attraction to the handsome Huck, while trying to understand the strange fascination Dr. Abigail Caine (a witness in the investigation) has with her, while dealing with some family drama isn’t as easy even for a genius.
Rebecca is skilled at writing gripping suspense. You Can Run is a hooking read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Drawing me in with its tale of mystery and the developing attraction between Laurel and Huck.
It’s a tense thriller with a splash of romance unfolding with ominous elements which Zanetti balances with skill, including various points of view that left me no other choice but to flip through the pages, desperate to know who done it while yearning to witness Laurel and Huck’s relationship unfold. They’re two lost souls who work well together as they’re pushed to their limits. I can’t wait to read what comes next for them.
You Can Run is book #1 of the Laurel Snow romantic thriller series by Rebecca Zanetti. It is told from various POV with a resolved ending. Tropes: women sleuths | romantic suspense
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Character development: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕
★ Suspense: 🎢🎢🎢🎢🎢
★ Overall Rating: 4.6
Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3oAm2fu
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★
Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
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Between 3 and 4 stars ...
A good start to the series. It does sort of leave you hanging as to the "outcome" of the relationship between Huck and Laurel. A bit of a "twist" towards the end which, for me was a bit "eye-rolling" - c'mon - really? But other than that little gripe, a solid read and I will check out book 2 - don't think it is out yet ...
Huck is a bit of a dickhead - but don't we love that in our fictional characters?"This was a once-off ... Just thought I'd make that clear."
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This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, steamy romantic suspense thriller. It has a strong, capable, and brilliant female protagonist, a hot hero, sizzling chemistry, murder, mystery, intrigue, action, a touch of romance, a loving and supportive family, and twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the surprise ending. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Zanetti's next entry in her Laurel Snow series with great anticipation.
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3/29/22
Now available in audio!! 🎧
Audible link:
https://www.audible.com/pd/You-Can-Ru...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Suspenseful Stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was excited to get this ARC, I’m a huge fan of
Rebecca Zanetti’s Sin Brothers Series and I couldn’t wait to read this!!! This was a great romantic suspense and thriller.
Laurel Snow is a child prodigy. She attended college at age 11 and is now a Special Agent for the FBI. Laurel has been hunting and profiling serial killers for years and she very good at her job. When several bodies (and body parts) of women are discovered in her hometown of Genesis Valley, WA Laurel volunteers to head the investigation and we’re introduced to several interesting characters…..and a long list of suspects.
Huck Rivers is the State Wildlife Officer tasked to assist in the investigation. Huck is a loner who prefers to work alone with his canine partner. He’s complex and has secrets. His instant desire for Laurel annoys him yet he can’t help but admire her. She’s scary smart, beautiful, doesn’t put on airs, or play games…..the fact that his protective instincts for her are on high alert annoys him even more, especially when the killer targets her.
The killer Laurel & Huck are hunting is smart, seems to be integrated into the community and knows his way around the rugged terrain of the area….which means they have several hometown suspects. Finding him will take every skill both Laura & Huck possess.
I really liked the secondary characters which I’m hoping we’ll get in the rest of the series we also get some conniving secondary characters that as much as I didn’t like them I’m hopeful we’ll get more of them to resolve their storylines…..I’m 99% sure we haven’t seen the last of them.
I can’t wait for more!!!
*ARC provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review. -
Laurel has just finished a case when she gets the call — a serial killer is hunting in her hometown and her uncle is a suspect. So of course she hurries home to find out what's going on and possibly solve the case. With little resources, she relies heavily on Huck and his 'team' and some new friends. And through their investigation, one name keeps popping up... Dr. Abigail Caine. Is she friend? Is she foe? And is she their best lead to catch the killer?
I really enjoyed the way this story twisted and turned. It was thrilling and scary and horrifying, but there were also elements of friendship, camaradie, humor, and warmth. I loved seeing Laurel's connection with her family. Her mom gave me such joy. And don't even get me started on what was happening between Laurel and Huck. Gimme more of that please!
The killer gave me chills, not gonna lie and I can always count on Zanetti to keep me guessing. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series!
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Whoa! This was one intense ride!
From the first few pages Laurel captured my attention. She’s so unique compared to the average heroine. I loved the little “parlor tricks” she did for her boss and was a bit disappointed that we didn’t see more of that ability come into play as the story continued. That’s not to say the story was lacking, just hoping that we see this talent shine in the future. Even after finishing this, I know that thoughts of Laurel will be running through my mind for a long while.
This is predominantly written from the heroine’s point of view. However, we did get Huck’s insights a few times. I’m curious to see exactly what all he’s been through. Despite Laurel being trained to protect herself, Huck tends to take steps to protect her. And well, considering what all she goes through, perhaps he has every reason to do so. I’m hoping we get much more of him.
There is a constant ebb and flow of danger and suspense interlaced with the dark, heavy weight of secondary characters that kept me turning pages. I never knew which way to look. Where was the threat coming from and who was behind it? This was totally mind boggling. Along the way was the slow burn between Huck and Laurel making me antsy for more of them as I needed them to get to a safe place so they could have more. I literally read this book feeling as if I were sitting on pins and needles the whole time.
While this does end without a huge cliffhanger, it leaves us with unanswered questions as well as unresolved issues regarding certain characters. I can’t wait to see what this author has planned in future books.
Multi POV - primarily heroine
Safe
Triggers -
What a fantastic start to the Laurel Snow series. It begins when FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow is on her way back to Washington D. C. when her plans are diverted. She heads instead to her hometown of Genesis Valley, Washington. Remains have been found on Snowblood Peak and the local Sheriff is questioning her uncle.
Not dressed for the conditions but determined to view the scene, she shows up on the doorstep of Huck Rivers, a fish and wildlife officer who is skilled at navigating the surrounding wilderness. Their first encounter hooked me. He mistakes her for a city girl, and I love the grumpy hero trope. Huck is sexy, grumpy, skilled and a proud dog owner. Yep, I liked the surly officer.
Laurel Snow is quite the FBI profiler. We learn she isn’t assigned to any one office; she hunts serial killers, and she has made a name for herself.
This is her hometown, which introduced her mom and uncles into the mix. Her mom is this free spirit, tea drinking entrepreneur who pulls you into her kitchen and makes you feel at home. But she keeps her secrets close. She has some baggage that Laurel we need to uncover as we dig into this case.
The case is creeptastic with multiple bodies as we unearth the serial killer’s burial ground. Small-town dynamics make working the case difficult for Laurel, but she handles it well. She and Huck take point, and with each interview, we move closer to finding the killer. It was suspenseful with some unique characters, including a witness who shows a little too much interest in Laurel.
The romance was served on the side with sizzling chemistry and denial. The build up was well done and the characters’ actions felt genuine, even if someone needed a kick in the pants. I loved seeing them interact. From their first kiss to their first sexual encounter; the heat was off the charts.
Danger increased the closer we got to the truth, and we had some pulse-pounding moments. The case wraps up successfully as Zanetti sets up the series. I cannot wait to return to Genesis Valley and work another case with Laurel Snow. The next novel, You Can’t Hide, releases November 22, 2022.
Fans of romantic suspense, crime thrillers and strong detectives will want to start this series today. From her characters to her well-drawn tales, Zanetti is an auto-buy for me.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer -
**4.5 Stars**
A new romantic thriller series by one of my all-time favorite authors? Yes, please! Rebecca Zanetti is back again with another winner. This time, the series will follow Laurel Snow, a young FBI Special Agent. Laurel, a genius who graduated college as a teen, is socially awkward but passionate and competent. She is called back home after her uncle is named as a suspect in a murder investigation. Her specialty is hunting down serial killers, and what does she find when she comes back home to Washington state? A serial killer on the loose in her hometown.
This book is fun and fast-paced. Zanetti does a great job of introducing an exciting and eclectic cast of characters and setting the stage for a more extended series without weighing down the plot with too many details. The whodunnit murder case has lots of twists and red herrings that kept me guessing until the very end. As with all Zanetti books, there are many wild surprises for the reader, even outside the heart-pounding action scenes. Secrets, lies, romance, and murder in a small town… so fun!
I am really, really excited about the love interest in this series. These books will follow Laurel, so the romance was just in its beginning stages, but Huck Rivers, her Fish and Wildlife partner in WA, is the gruff mountain man with secrets you will fall for along with Laurel. He takes no bureaucracy bull but has a soft spot for a certain new-in-town fed.
As I mentioned, the supporting characters are equally as fun. Zanetti writes great alpha heroes, but her female characters shine! In this book, Laurel’s secretary and three girls along with Laurel’s mother stole the show. And we’re just getting started??
Selfishly, I did want a little more time on the romance, especially the signature Zanetti steam, but I can tell that’s coming! I also didn’t love a few morally grey characters; one, in particular, made me really uncomfortable. I think that was the point of her character, but it dampened my reading enjoyment. She skeeved me out!
Overall, I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series. I love romantic suspense, and this book hit all my “love” buttons! The winter setting is perfect for the season, too. Highly recommend.
**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review** -
You Can Run is certainly an intriguing start for a series.
This is exactly what I wanted a suspenseful thriller to be and it delivered a lot more than I expected. It's a slow burn but definetly not a boring one.
We get little glimpses of every character's back story all throughout the book and the twists and turns are enough to keep us guessing untill the big reveal as everyone seems suspicious.
The romance sub plot seemed kinda complicated here but I guess it will be part of the bigger plotline in the series.
I would really like to read the rest of the books when they come out, some issues were left open as they were mentioned here by the end and I'd like to see how they'll unfold.
Thank you NetGalley & Kensington Books for the digital ARC. -
4 1/2 "Twists and Turns" Stars!
This was so good! Full to the top with intriguing characters. Go in blind and enjoy the twists and turns. They will have you guessing and your heart racing until the very end. Happy reading! -
4.5 ☆
„You’re a perfect mix of colors. Green and blue, red and copper. Such a contrast- it’s beautiful”
And so we have a new series by the wonderful Ms. Zanetti. Laurel Snow, child prodigy and a FBI Profiler is called home by her Mum because her Uncle Carl is a suspect in several murders. Laurel will do anything for her family so she comes to investigate and they find that a serial killer is on the hunt.
The more Laurel investigates the more confusing everything gets to put all the puzzle pieces together. I felt this to be somewhat darker than RZ other romantic suspense and for once an author has balanced it out well with the romance and the suspense being equal.
I adore Laurel and her idiocrasies although they were somewhat heaped upon her. I mean how lucky can you get right? The author kept me interested and guessing who it could be and well I had my suspicions but I didn’t guess that. Great twists and turns. One thing about Abigail Caine is true she is bat shite crazy.
And last but not least let us talk about the broody, grumpy, extremely hot Hero of the book. Huck Rivers is the best although he needs to work on his bedside manner. I personally much prefer Laurel/Huck to Anna/Aiden. Yes I know different genres rom com vs. romantic suspense. I just like these characters and their development more.
The next book will be interesting will they or won’t they?
“A beautiful friendship? Something told her that wasn’t going to be their story, if they had a story” -
This was my first Zanetti book, and I will be seeking out more to read. This books start the new Laurel Snow series, and I thought Laurel was an interesting, compelling lead. I look forward to the next installments.
Laurel is an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial killers. She was a child prodigy and finished college at a young and is therefore in her FBI role at a young age. I liked how her personality was shown through her quirks and particularities but also was given a warmth of character that it made her easy to root for and understand. That was well done of the author.
When Laurel gets a call that there is a serial killer in her home town, she gets on the first plane to her remote Idaho city and begins an investigation. The story is full of meddling locals and personal connections for Laurel that ultimately dig up some uncomfortable secrets. I don't want to give away any surprises, but it was a messy investigation.
The story telling was fast-paced and exciting. I thought it was clear early on what some connections were but others were surprising. By the end of the book, there is a quasi nemsis for Laurel that I am sure will play a big role in future books, and I am intrigued and interested for that dynamic to continue. There was a bit of romance that comes into play as well that I look forward to seeing how it progresses. There were a few times where I wasn't sure that the time it took to do things made sense, but it worked for the story and it did not detract from my enjoyment.
I would recommend this book if looking for a fast-paced thriller. I enjoyed the book and will be looking to read more by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own. -
Mystery. Suspense. Danger.
FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow makes an unscheduled detour to her hometown of Genesis Valley, Washington when she receives a frantic call from her mother that there is a serial killer on the loose and her dear Uncle Carl is a prime suspect! Agent Snow is a cool, calculating, deadly agent, child prodigy, and master profiler.
One of the first contacts that Laurel makes when she lands in Tacoma is to find the best tracker to take her to the crime scene on the cliff edge of Snowblood Peak, where a dozen frozen bodies have been found. That turns out to be rugged and reclusive Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, and his search and rescue dog Aeneas. Captain Rivers is grumpy, haunted, protective and really hot.
Rebecca Zanetti does such a fantastic job with the hook, the reeling in, and the layered misdirections and suspense. This is first and foremost an absolutely superb mystery thriller. But, in true Zanetti fashion, there is an undercurrent of romance that spices up the deal. Laurel Snow and Huck Rivers are each such fascinating personalities that I would follow them into the next books for certain, but even the secondary characters are amazingly crafted. Zanetti has created another reading treasure to add to her impressive repertoire!
This is a sincere review of an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. -
Wow, this was intense! I loved it, especially the heroine. Laurel was smart, practical, honest, and kickass. And the story itself wasn't bad either. I did kinda guess who the bad guy was, but it didn't matter because the roller coaster ride to get to that point kept me going until the end of the book. I was up all night finishing this one, and it was worth every minute of struggling to stay awake at work the next day!
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4.5 stars
This is the vibe I was looking for when I read
The Girl in the Mist yesterday. While that book failed, this one kicked it out of the park.
I love every part of this book. I'd already fallen in love with the heroine by the end of the first chapter. She's practical, purest of heart, smart and charming in her own way. I'm very excited to read more books with her as the main character.
The hero, on the other hand, is your grumpy, guarded, dog-loving and commitment-phobic guy. Something that I have to note here, this book is a slow burn romance. Things barely developed between these two people. So, you can say that we barely know anything about him at the end of the book.
And the plot? Unputdownable. Somehow, it kind reminded me of the In Death series (with the serial killers, interesting cast of characters, mysterious parents, and maybe a secret society).
All I can say is I'm super excited for the future prospect of this series. -
DNF
I always hate leaving reviews like this but i want my review to be honest. Suspenseful thrillers are not typically my go to and this one did not do it for me. The romance was non existent, the plot seemed pretty cliche, and i could barely get through the first quarter of the book because i was so bored. I really tried to give this my best shot but it just wasn’t it.
