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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
SYNOPSIS
Federal agent, Laurel Snow and Washington Fish and Wildlife captain, Huck Rivers team up yet again to navigate a series of gruesome and increasingly bizarre killings. During the investigation they must also keep a safe distance from Laurel’s half-sister, Abigail, a dangerously clever sociopath. Ever since their father reappeared in town, Abigail has been convinced she must protect Laurel from his malignant narcissism—a scourge she’s sure they’ve both inherited. Huck is not spared either as a shocking development in the case touches his own life.
With the murders, and the suspects, multiplying around them, and the lives of everyone in their orbit at stake, only Laurel’s sharp analytical skills, Huck’s deep gut instincts, and their growing bond will enable them to face the demons within and the threats without—before they’re next on an elusive killer’s hit list . . .
THOUGHTS
The fourth book in the Laurel Snow series, YOU CAN KILL, delivers another intriguing story but highlights some recurring strengths and weaknesses in the series as a whole. Each book features a standalone mystery while building on an overarching narrative involving Laurel’s estranged family: her manipulative half-sister, Abigail, and their toxic biological father, Pastor Zeke.
Individually, each book is engaging, thanks to its solid plotting and unique characters. Laurel and Huck stand out as multidimensional romantic leads, rather than interchangeable cut-outs too common in romance. However, the series struggles with its broader narrative arc. Abigail and Zeke are underdeveloped, leaving gaps in their motivations and behaviors that weaken the story’s overall logic. This lack of depth makes it harder for readers to connect with the stakes tied to these characters.
What sets YOU CAN KILL apart is the development of Laurel and Huck’s relationship. Their romance, which had previously felt like “will they/won’t they" cliche, has evolved into a stable partnership. Both characters, once doubtful of their ability to commit, now openly acknowledge their desire for a future together. This shift adds depth to their dynamic and balances the story’s darker elements without veering into melodrama.
Additionally, the central case once again hits close to home, raising personal stakes for both Laurel and Huck. This installment feels like it’s moving the series toward some ultimate resolution, which begs the question as to how many more books Zanetti has planned.
While the first book, YOU CAN RUN, remains the strongest due to its tightly woven plot and memorable antagonist, YOU CAN KILL holds its own with its strong pacing, compelling mystery, and strong character development. Despite its flaws, the series continues to be an intriguing mix of psychological tension and romance, and I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds.
Recommendation: 4 Stars
YOU CAN KILL is another strong installment in the series. Engaging and well-paced, it’s a satisfying read for both longtime fans and newcomers to Rebecca Zanetti’s work. I’m excited to see where Laurel, Huck, and the overarching story will go from here.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Zebra for providing this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Pub Date: Oct 22 2024
Federal agent, Laurel Snow and Washington Fish and Wildlife captain, Huck Rivers team up yet again to navigate a series of gruesome and increasingly bizarre killings. During the investigation they must also keep a safe distance from Laurel’s half-sister, Abigail, a dangerously clever sociopath. Ever since their father reappeared in town, Abigail has been convinced she must protect Laurel from his malignant narcissism—a scourge she’s sure they’ve both inherited. Huck is not spared either as a shocking development in the case touches his own life.
With the murders, and the suspects, multiplying around them, and the lives of everyone in their orbit at stake, only Laurel’s sharp analytical skills, Huck’s deep gut instincts, and their growing bond will enable them to face the demons within and the threats without—before they’re next on an elusive killer’s hit list . . .
THOUGHTS
The fourth book in the Laurel Snow series, YOU CAN KILL, delivers another intriguing story but highlights some recurring strengths and weaknesses in the series as a whole. Each book features a standalone mystery while building on an overarching narrative involving Laurel’s estranged family: her manipulative half-sister, Abigail, and their toxic biological father, Pastor Zeke.
Individually, each book is engaging, thanks to its solid plotting and unique characters. Laurel and Huck stand out as multidimensional romantic leads, rather than interchangeable cut-outs too common in romance. However, the series struggles with its broader narrative arc. Abigail and Zeke are underdeveloped, leaving gaps in their motivations and behaviors that weaken the story’s overall logic. This lack of depth makes it harder for readers to connect with the stakes tied to these characters.
What sets YOU CAN KILL apart is the development of Laurel and Huck’s relationship. Their romance, which had previously felt like “will they/won’t they" cliche, has evolved into a stable partnership. Both characters, once doubtful of their ability to commit, now openly acknowledge their desire for a future together. This shift adds depth to their dynamic and balances the story’s darker elements without veering into melodrama.
Additionally, the central case once again hits close to home, raising personal stakes for both Laurel and Huck. This installment feels like it’s moving the series toward some ultimate resolution, which begs the question as to how many more books Zanetti has planned.
While the first book, YOU CAN RUN, remains the strongest due to its tightly woven plot and memorable antagonist, YOU CAN KILL holds its own with its strong pacing, compelling mystery, and strong character development. Despite its flaws, the series continues to be an intriguing mix of psychological tension and romance, and I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds.
Recommendation: 4 Stars
YOU CAN KILL is another strong installment in the series. Engaging and well-paced, it’s a satisfying read for both longtime fans and newcomers to Rebecca Zanetti’s work. I’m excited to see where Laurel, Huck, and the overarching story will go from here.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Zebra for providing this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Pub Date: Oct 22 2024
This is book 4 of the Laurel Snow series and honestly, I think I could read another 4 books in the series and not be disappointed. Even though it’s a bit far fetched that so many grisly murders keep happening in such a small town, I still find the books very entertaining and an enjoyable read.
In this instalment, FBI agent Laurel Snow and her team, including her boyfriend Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, are investigating a number of gruesome and disturbing murders that are eerily similar to past cases they have already solved. Add in the prison escape of Jason Abbott, the sudden reappearance of Laurel’s father Pastor Zeke Cain and the continued antics and mind games of her half sister Abigail Cain, poor Laurel is up to her eyeballs with distractions. It will take both her and Huck to not only deal with their personal problems but stay on top of everything in order to figure out who the killer is before more people are hurt.
I really enjoyed this book. It hits all the right notes. It had just the right blend of mystery, suspense and romance for me. Rebecca Zanetti has done it again. A great 4 star read. Bring on the next book in the series.
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher**
In this instalment, FBI agent Laurel Snow and her team, including her boyfriend Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, are investigating a number of gruesome and disturbing murders that are eerily similar to past cases they have already solved. Add in the prison escape of Jason Abbott, the sudden reappearance of Laurel’s father Pastor Zeke Cain and the continued antics and mind games of her half sister Abigail Cain, poor Laurel is up to her eyeballs with distractions. It will take both her and Huck to not only deal with their personal problems but stay on top of everything in order to figure out who the killer is before more people are hurt.
I really enjoyed this book. It hits all the right notes. It had just the right blend of mystery, suspense and romance for me. Rebecca Zanetti has done it again. A great 4 star read. Bring on the next book in the series.
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher**
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this fourth installment of Laurel Snow. Our brainiac agent was left to solve a string of murders without her beloved team. It was endearing to see her flounder a bit and realize how much she trusted and relied on them. There were lots of psychological twist in this book and it will be interesting to watch how the fallout unfolds in the next one.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Gaslighting
Minor: Rape