Stripped Bare by Shannon Baker

◊ STRIPPED BARE by Shannon Baker

◊ Series: A Kate Fox Mystery, Book 1

◊ Hardcover: 288 pages

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Publisher: Forge Books (September 6, 2016)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 0765385449

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0765385444

SYNOPSIS:

Stripped Bare by Shannon Baker is "A must read" (Alex Kava, New York Times bestselling author) that stars a female Longmire in the atmospheric Nebraska Sandhills.

          Kate Fox is living the dream. She’s married to Grand County Sheriff Ted Conner, the heir to her beloved Nebraska Sandhills cattle ranch, where they live with Kate’s orphaned teenage niece, Carly. With the support of the well-connected Fox Clan, which includes Kate’s eight boisterous and interfering siblings, Ted’s reelection as Grand County Sheriff is virtually assured. That leaves Kate to the solitude and satisfaction of Frog Creek, her own slice of heaven.

          One night Kate answers a shattering phone call from Roxy at the Bar J. Carly’s granddad Eldon, owner of the ranch, is dead and Ted has been shot and may never walk again. Kate vows to find the killer. She soon discovers Ted responded so quickly to the scene because he was already at the Bar J . . . in Roxy’s bed. And to add to her woes, Carly has gone missing.

          Kate finds out that Eldon was considering selling his ranch to an obscenely rich environmentalist. Some in town hate the idea of an outsider buying up land, others are desperate to sell . . . and some might kill to get their way. As she becomes the victim of several “accidents,” Kate knows she must find the killer before it’s too late. . ..

Author Shannon Baker makes it easy to relate to the torrent of emotions her protagonist, Kate Fox, feels in STRIPPED BARE.

Through vivid descriptions, the author shares Kate’s happiness and heartache. Her rich details place you alongside Kate as she struggles with issues of ranch life, deals with her eclectic family, and processes her husband’s deception.

The Nebraska Sandhills landscape is as much a character in this book as is Kate. The beauty, but sometimes the harsh reality, of the countryside comes alive throughout the story. Readers get a feel for the way of life on a working ranch and all that it demands.

The story is filled with mystery and suspense as it moves at a fast pace. Numerous surprises along the way will keep you guessing as it what happens next and who is really the bad guy (or gal).

The characters are well-developed, realistic and very likable. The family bond among the Fox family, along with Kate’s attitude, makes this a feel-good story with a murder mystery twist. The protagonist is someone you’ll enjoy pulling for as she tackles life’s issues with her style of grit and tenacity.

STRIPPED BARE will leave you wanting more of Kate and her antics. This is an edgy thriller with a feisty protagonist who takes a stand for what she believes in.

Stripped Bare by Shannon Baker, A Kate Fox Mystery (Book #1), Forge Books, @2016, ISBN: 978-0765385444, Hardcover, 288 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. You may recall Shannon joined us recently here at Thoughts in Progress to talk about her book. If you didn’t get a chance to visit with her that day, be sure to check it out now. What are your thoughts on a woman being sheriff or filled in as the sheriff?