The Shana Merchant series is everything I love, a strong female protagonist, specifically a police detective. Shana is smart, strong, and feisty, and Dead Season is definitely an amazing sophomore novel for Tessa Wegert. This series is rapidly becoming a must-buy for me!

I loved Death In The Family and couldn’t wait to continue on with Shana’s story. The second book was another great murder mystery with a lot of focus on the history between Shana and Bram. Great plot, characters, writing and that ending?!?! I need book 3!!! I’m a huge fan of the Agatha vibes and if you love a well developed slow burn mystery, you should read this series.
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I will admit that I found the first book much more compelling. In The Dead Season, it was easy to forget that there was a child who'd been kidnapped, that those were the immediate stakes - instead there's so much focus on the cold case that the threat almost doesn't feel real.

I will say that I really like how Shana's PTSD was handled. She's both aggressively trying to combat it (by taking crazy personal risks, taking self defense classes, and attending counseling) but she's also, not controlled by it, but certainly very affected by it. Her paranoia adds a lot to the rather, dare I say, bland and unthreatening scenes.

I think part of my lack of enthusiasm stems from my own ambivalence to family drama. Death in the Family had the tension of a classic locked room mystery where pretty much anyone could be the killer. But The Dead Season was so spread out geographically and we got the real clues in such tiny bites that I had a hard time bringing myself to guess along. Plus, I hate when a big conflict in the plot is "I can't tell [trusted person] this important info because it would make me look bad" - and since that secret-sharing was the catalyst for a rapid increase in the pacing, I could have used it much earlier in the book.

This makes it sound like I didn't remotely enjoy the book, but that's not true. Wegert's writing is compulsively readable and I was able to devour the book in two halves (plus a little bit leftover) and I definitely plan on revisiting the series when the next installment comes out.

Let me start by saying that this follow up to Tessa Wegert’s Death In The Family (Shana Merchant series) did not disappoint.

In The Dead Season we have Shana confronting and dealing with her PTSD after being held hostage by a serial killer in the first book and is on leave waiting to be reinstated.
She begins to unofficially investigate the death of her uncle as his body is found twenty years after he supposedly left town abandoning his wife and children in her hometown while at the same time a child goes missing in her district. The circumstances of these two cases give Shana some familiar and uncomfortable vibes. She thinks it’s her kidnapper who is sending her a message/clue. Somehow these two cases are connected and as she tries to investigates deeper into her uncles death and keep secrets of her own to protect her family she also uncovers family drama and some twists along the way that will have you glued to this book.

There’s a lot going on as clues are dropped here and there and you just can’t help but go with the flow as everything falls into place. I loved this subtle uncomplicated yet gripping police procedural psychological thriller.

Tessa Wegert came onto the scene last year with her debut novel Death in the Family, which was an immersive and atmospheric locked room mystery featuring senior investigator Shana Merchant that I thoroughly enjoyed.

In book one, we got a snapshot of Shana surviving an abduction by the infamous serial killer Blake Bram.

The Dead Season is part psychological thriller and police procedural as Shana confronts her PTSD while also unofficially investigating the murder of her uncle back in her hometown. And take make matters worse, Blake Bram is still playing some dangerous and heady games.

If you love small town mysteries packed with secrets and betrayal, you’ll definitely love this story. There were so many twists and turns throughout the book that kept me guessing right alongside Shana.

The author did an incredible job of tackling really important mental health issues in this book such as PTSD, anxiety disorder, and drug addiction.

This was a solid follow up to the Shana Merchant series, and I can’t wait to see what else in next!

Thank you to Berkley Pub for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever read a book and then realized it was part of a series?
I read The Dead Season by @tessawegert without reading the prior Shana Merchant book and now I am hooked and want to go back and read the first book. It is the story of Shana, a detective on leave with PTSD after a traumatic case ended with her abduction, who returns to her hometown when her uncle’s remains are discovered 20 years after he disappeared. As Shana embarks on solving the cold case surrounding her uncle, her tormentor from her abduction returns with another kidnapping and Shana has to figure out how everything is linked together. As Shana is investigating both cases so much of her past is revealed which in turn, reveals so much about Shana. This book was a gripping and intense wild ride with so many twists. Every character introduced added to the mystery and the secrets in a perfect way to add to the suspense. I loved how strong willed and determined Shana was and I loved watching her put together the pieces to solve the crimes. I definitely want to go back and read the first book in the series and now I am hooked and I need to see what happens to Shana.

The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert is an edge of your seat thriller. I went into reading this book not knowing that this was the second book in the series. I think I would of understood the main character, Shana Merchant a little bit more if I had. I really liked this book and I will go back and read the first book in the series. Shana is on medical leave after something that happened in the first book so traumatic that she is waiting to be reinstated to go back to work. The story line alternates between the past and the present as it relates to events and secrets and this is very well done. Shana’s uncles body turns up after being missing for 20 years. This was a great page turning thriller. I highly recommend it!

Tessa Wegert, the author of “The Dead Season” has written an intense, intriguing, captivating, and edgy novel. The genres for this novel are Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, and Fiction. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex, complicated, flawed, have psychological issues and problems. The author discusses the topics of drugs, torture, violence, threats, danger, and murders. This is the second book in this series and can be read alone.

Shana Merchant, an investigator is on leave after trauma from her last case, and it will be determined when she can be reinstated for work. Shana has deep secrets and has tried to protect her family. The current crimes seem to literally be close to Shana’s home and family. The last case where Shana had been abducted by a serial killer Blake Bram, is not really closed. Shana knows that Blake is stalking and following her and trying to get her attention again. Both criminal and law enforcer come from the same town but have much more in common.

When the body of Shana’s uncle is found after he was missing for 20 years, there are many suspects, and some are from Shana’s family. Blake is a psychopath and wants something from Shana, or there will be more blood shed. I highly recommend this chilling thriller.

The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert is the 2nd book in her Shana Merchant series. I read the first book in this series, and enjoyed it very much; especially the heroine, Shana Merchant. The Dead Season is another exciting mystery thriller with emphasis on Shana, as she becomes embroiled in a cold case that is totally centered on her family. Shana suffered with PSTD (she had been kidnapped two years ago, but escaped after 8 days, witnessing three innocent deaths), which caused her move to a quieter small town Thousand Islands in upstate N.Y. She is currently on suspension to pass a psych exam to be able to return to work.

Shana is called by her family to return home, since the body of her uncle, missing for twenty plus years, has been found, and evidence proves it was murder. She begins her own investigation to find out the truth about her uncle’s disappearance, meeting with members of her family (cousins, aunts, friends).

When her partner Tim, calls for some help with a missing young boy, Shana quickly returns and discovers a shocking revelation. Seems her former kidnapper has dropped clues for Shana, which involves the missing boy, as well as her receiving a challenge to find the murderer of the Uncle, or the boy may die. Shana does have a secret, which she has told no one. Her kidnapper, Bram, is someone she cousin she played clue like games, but when she got older, she stopped playing them and now her kidnapper is baiting her. Because Tim and her boss, Mac are deeply involved in this case, with their own personal lives becoming too close to home, Shana must reveal the truth about who her kidnapper was.

What follows is an exciting story line with our heroine deep into trying to solve two different cases, though partially tied together. Shana is a wonderful, strong, savvy detective, who uses her expertise to find the secrets of the past; as well as stop Bram from killing the boy. To tell too much more would be spoilers.

The Dead Season was very well written by Tessa Wegert, with an exciting, gripping thriller all the way, as well as the many twists and turns that kept throwing us off. If you have not read the first book, this does read very well as a stand alone; but I do suggest to read the first book to learn more about Shana, and her new teammates. If you enjoy an old fashion mystery thriller, look no further than the The Dead Season.

A thank you to NetGalley for sharing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A sure sign that it's a good book? You can't wait for the author to hurry up and write the next one. I so loved the first and was so won over by Shana, A Death in the Family is one of my favorite mysteries in the year. I dove into the second in the series with excitement - and trepidation. I've been let down before. I need not have worried because this book is just as good and just as engrossing, so much so that I didn't want to put it down and that is a most satisfying thing. Can't wait to see what the author has in store for book three - I just hope that it doesn't take too long.

Wow. Wow. Wow. Another great murder mystery! I loved Death In The Family so much and was absolutely thrilled to read the second book of the Shana Merchant series! It is gripping, unputdownable and did not disappoint!

***Thank you Berkley Publishing Group, author Tessa Wegert and NetGalley for this gifted review copy in exchange for an honest review. Pub. Date: Dec 8, 2020***

This is a great follow up from the first book. I liked how we get to know more about Shana in this book since the mystery centers around her own family. Shana returns to Vermont after the discovery of her uncle's remains who everyone believes had abandoned his family twenty years ago. At the same time, nine year-old Trey Hayes is reported missing during a school field trip to Boldt Castle. Soon, Shana realised that her former tormentor, Bram, is playing a game of cat and mouse with her, and she must solve her uncle's cold case to save Trey.

Once again, the plot is BRILLIANT and twisty. Shana needs to dig deep into her past in order to solve the present mystery, and to do this means she has to reconnect with her cousin and best friend. As the mystery gets complicated, so does the suspect list keeps growing. Nope, I was not able to solve this mystery, and it's a great thing!

This book can be read as a standalone but I'd recommend to read the first book first. You would definitely feel a stronger connection with Shana. It brought me so much joy to see how her character grows in this story.

In a nutshell: solid and convoluted plot, great characters, suspenseful writing, and perfect ending. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I want my book three now!

I LOVE this series! Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing, Suzy Approved Book Tours, and Tessa Wegert for the second book in this amazing detective series. I loved the first book and I have to say I loved this one just as much. I get major Agatha Christie vibes from these books and I love that they each have a story in the book as well as part of an overarching story.

This book was about Detective Shana Merchant and her journey to learn more about her past. She was abducted years ago and now her kidnapper is playing with her. She is called back to her hometown when her uncle’s remains are found, and though she’s suffering from PTSD, she still wants to investigate. At the same time, a child has been abducted from a field trip and she realizes they are connected. If she can find out what happened to her uncle years ago, she can find the child as well. The story goes deep into her past while helping her solve a mystery in the present.

Thoughts: I love the main character in these books, Shana. Her violent past and strong willed attitude makes her the perfect choice for the leading detective. This story focused more on her past and her connection with her abductor. It also had her hunting down her uncle’s killer while slowly learning more about her childhood. I loved that this book really reads like an action movie. I could picture the whole thing and felt immersed in the plot. I have to say I love a good cliffhanger, and this book leaves you eager for more and more of this series. I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait for another one! 5-stars!

I really enjoyed this one!! After being abducted and traumatized by a serial killer Bram, she leaves the NYPD and hopes for a fresh start in the Thousand Islands NY. But Bram has different plans for her. After her estranged uncle's skeletal remains are found, Bram challenges Shanna to return to her hometown in Vermont to solve the case, or he will spill blood, on her hands! As she is trying to solve this mystery, Bram kidnaps again leaving clues only she can figure out. She knows it's up to her to save his next victim. She must dig into her past to solve the cases, while keeping up with Brand mind games!

I loved this book!! I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't read fast enough! Plenty of action and twists! I also liked learning more about Shanna's past! I definitely think thriller fans will really enjoy this series! 4⭐!!

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the copy to review.

Did you also become addicted to the adventures of Shana Merchant after reading the first, gripping, getting trapped in gothic mansion theme with Agatha Christian vibes novel of the brand new series? If your answer is yes, let’s celebrate to take another mysterious, unputdownable, breathtaking journey! Not only Shana, but her smart, loyal partner Tim and her badass, supportive best friend Mac are back!

If you don’t remember the cliffhanger of the first book, let me remind you. Shana was suffering from PTSD which made her threatened the life of a victim because she experienced a serious trauma recently: she was abducted by a serial killer named Bram Blake who took three women’s lives, trapped in a basement. And Bram let her go after shooting the police officer who came to rescue her.

Shana keeps a big secret which may reveal the real identity of Bram but it also means she has to confess she knows him too well from her past which may put her into a troubled position.

They have been raised in the same town, sharing childhood memories but she is determined to keep those informations to herself. She doesn’t say a word to her partner Tim.

And in this book, we will take a trip at memory lane of Shana to learn the real identity of Bram who just returned back! Don’t worry we will get all the answers which kept us in the dark before.

Shana finds herself to be involved in two different cases. One of them is related with her family which will bring out the secrets had buried for nearly two decades. The officers found human bones In Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge locates at her hometown Vermont and those bones belong to her uncle Brett.
In the meantime a kid is kidnapped and the perpetrator may be highly Bram who wants starting a new game with her.

And interestingly two cases are connected which may force her to dig more about family secrets, facing her own past traumatic experiences.

I have to admit I loved the first book more but this one still kept me on my toes, captivated my attention and I enjoyed to know about more Shana’s past, understanding the motives behind her actions, looking through the events from her perceptions.

I’m giving four thrilling, action packed,full of mind games stars!

I cannot wait to read the upcoming book and see more mouse and cat chasing game between Bram and Shana. She’s getting closer to catch him. Fingers crossed.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this incredible Arc with me in exchange my honest opinions.

A woman running confronts her past. She returns home to the place where she’s from and a murderer remains. I highly recommend this book it’s an excellent psychological thriller and mystery which leaves the audience spellbound

I enjoyed this continuation of the Shana Merchant series, even if I found the main abduction storyline to be poorly handled. I loved the expansion of Shana's backstory, her history with Bram, and the cold case centered in her hometown. The present day mystery is, in my opinion, a bit of an also ran with minimal tension - it's such a bizarre addition, when Shana's motivation/personality makes it pretty clear that she would've investigated without this manufactured ticking clock.
I look forward to the next book in the series and the continuation of Bram's game with Shana.
Thank you to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with an arc for review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great continuation of the series and I cannot wait for the next one! I love that suspense and the building tension between Bram and Shay. It is a clever and steady paced mystery series.

Shana Merchant survived her abduction by serial killer Blake Bram and vowed to leave her life in the NYPD behind. She’s had enough of violence and crime, but Bram isn’t finished with her yet. She may have move to a quiet town in upstate New York, but Bram challenges her to come home to Vermont to solve the cold case murder of her uncle. If she won’t play the game, he’ll retaliate by going on a killing spree. With no choice, Shana returns to Vermont to start interviewing the people involved with her uncle’s disappearance, including her own family. But when she doesn’t make progress quickly enough, Bram begins to follow through on his threat. Will Shana be able to solve her own uncle’s murder and stop a sadistic killer?