3.5 stars

The third book in the Laurel Snow series, this is another twisty and intriguing mystery/suspense story, with wonderfully developed characters, sharp, witty writing, fun moments, shocks and surprises, and of course, just a bit of romance.

There’s a new serial killer in the Pacific Northwest, targeting middle aged men, and FBI Special Agent Lauren Snow is on the case with her fabulous team by her side. Things are complicated by her calculating, sociopathic half-sister who delights in butting into the investigation and antagonizing Laurel at every opportunity, and the unexpected arrival of Laurel’s father just to add to the drama. There are some very twisted family dynamics at play here - not just in the way that the family all links together, but who they are, and how they interact.

Helping Laurel along the way is her quietly stoic now-boyfriend, Huck Rivers, the local Fish and Wildlife Captain. He has Laurel’s back as always, and at the same time the two of them are navigating their new relationship, and their moments together were the definite highlight for me (romance junkie, right here).

It’s an intriguing read, very cleverly put together, and it had me guessing right up until the big reveal as to who the bad guy was going to be

There are some fun twists in Laurel’s journey, and I’m excited for the next book to see more of that explored.

I enjoyed this one – 3.5 stars.

This book was a most excellent read! Surprise twist at the end when the killer was revealed! This is another book that will grab you from the first page and hold on to you until you finish it! I am really enjoying this series.

Laurel Snow is back and there’s another serial killer out there killing men by stabbing them multiple times and shoving Valentine’s Day heart candy in their throats and all around them on the ground, all in a purple tent, near a church. Laurel’s team is pretty slim and her office manager is the ex-wife of the first victim. This gets personal for Laurel. And of course she has Huck to help her out and be there for her when she needs him.

Another surprise about halfway through the book…this one was a shocker to me! You’re going to want to read this book to find out what that surprise is, but it’s a good one! And of course dear sister Abigail has to be involved in some way, if only Laurel could figure out what she’s doing. And then the man who helped create her shows up, and Laurel really wants to give him what for but he’s pretty cagey. He becomes one of the killer’s targets, only Laurel saves him from death. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book and that makes it one you aren’t going to want to put down.

Each book in this series gets better and I have to say this one is my favorite…so far! Intrigue, romance, surprises…what more could you ask for in a romantic suspense book by the incomparable Rebecca Zanetti?!!

2.5/5 stars

thank you netgalley for the arc!

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here's the thing, rebecca zanetti is an eminently well-versed writer and she delivers consistently. Her literary sentences are fluent, clean and balance that tightrope over purple prose and juvenile sentences bereft of any sophistication. She's churned out a seriously substantive repertoire for herself and it shows; there's an immutable self-assured tenor woven throughout You Can Die which I appreciated immensely. After reading the forebears of this selfsame book, I'm more confident than ever of this assessment.

The Laurel Snow series still retains its easily digestible and fun status in my eyes in its third instalment but at a price. Around a quarter of the way into this book it became apparent to me that the series has developed a recipe and for a mystery series? This is a mortal wound. We seem to have arrived at an unfortunate point wherein the plot has cultivated a predictable contour and the plot twists (as well as any minor complications) are all but forecasted quite early on. I'm unable to provide empirical evidence for this observation of mine without running the risk of spoiling for any future readers so I'll have to abstain for now. All I can really say to this end is that perhaps the Laurel Snow series is on the verge of wearing out its material and should be put to pasture (not that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed it but sometimes there is an end in sight). Another issue I have to take up with this book is over convincing character motivations in particular the final one revealed which frankly made zero sense and was perilously half-baked.

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laurel :
oh laurel, you remain the apple of my eye irrespective of any complaints I lodge. Laurel is unfailingly, unflinchingly consistent as a character, with loveable idiosyncrasies at times inextricable from her genius iq and inability to read a room (despite her adroitness at profiling). She is a walking oxymoron and we love her for it! So charmingly uncharming and wanting in social skills she'll still insist on stubbornly endearing herself to you. She makes for a seriously singular main character in a romantic suspense novel and she consistently pulls her weight. The degree to which her forthrightness manifests is sometimes uncomfortable to witness but always laudable. I always hold a candle for a female lead with conviction in her own strengths and weaknesses. Laurel knows exactly who she is and won't rise to any animosity, facing it instead with a detached intellect which fascinates and enthrals. If you called her a pejorative she'd take a moment to consider any data pointing in the affirmative or negative - what more could one want from a main character? Her blindness to insults affords great comedic timing too which Zanetti ruthlessly and humorously exploits

huck :
in the first book, I was decidedly undecided re: Huck. He was kind of a douche and a bit of a blackguard. By You Can Hide, he had grown on me like a nettle; we were getting there but he was not without his slap-worthy moments. My man has foot in mouth syndrome, someone check him for athlete's foot. FINALLY, he redeemed himself in You Can Die and proved to be emotionally available. Which is all wonderful as my patience was wearing thin. His protective urges and gruff yet gentle disposition conjure ultra teddy-bear comparisons. The manner in which he goes out of his way to take care of Laurel is so so sweet without cosseting her or stifling her in her inherently dangerous capacity as an FBI agent. Their dynamic comes off so naturally and really rings of genuine real life relationships. It's refreshing and a realistic take on two very strong personalities who bear shortcomings which when placed side by side, in effect, seamlessly meld themselves together.

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conclusion :
a predictable instalment with a questionable wrap-up to the mystery portion of the book - yet still a throughly diverting and well-written read

I love this series. This mystery is about a serial killer targeting men. They are also people you would not normally pick to be victims.

Laurel Snow and Huck Rivers are two of the main characters. She is a genius, a member of the FBI, and an expert on serial killers. She has just been appointed to lead the new FBI Pacific Northwest Violent Crimes Unit (PNVCN). Huck Rivers is a Fish and Wildlife officer and Laurel's significant other.

Laurel is called to investigate the murders, and hopefully identify the killer before there is another victim. Huck is assigned to be her partner. She and Huck had investigated another serial killer, just a few months before. It is not lost on either of them that it is unusual to have two serial killers operating in the same area so close together.

When Laurel's malignant half sister shows up, their suspicions are intensified. Abigail is also a genius, a forensic psychologist who is an expert in psychopathy for good reasons - she is one. She was present in the first case that Laurel and Huck had worked together.

It's fascinating to watch Laurel put the puzzle pieces together to solve the numerous mysteries and identify the perps, all the while watching out for signs that her sister may be pulling the strings. I enjoy this series immensely, both for the intricate mystery and for watching Laurel and Huck grow closer.

I received an e-arc from publisher Kensington Books/Zebra via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Laurel Snow, FBI Special Agent Profiler is back in book three to solve the mystery of the Broken Heart serial killer. The story takes place in her small hometown in rural Oregon where she now has an office and her own team of investigators. Once again, handsome Fish and Wildlife Officer Huck Rivers is on the scene as her boyfriend and protector. Laurel and Huck both have issues, Laurel being extremely analytical and Huck much more reactive due to PTSD. They have an immediate attraction which carries over to the second book.

While investigating the complex murders, Laurel must also deal with her complicated relationship with her sociopathic half-sister, Abigail. Both women are highly intelligent, genius-level with many degrees, and Abigail likes to taunt Lauren with her intellect in a constant play of one-upmanship. Lauren is convinced that Abigail is guilty of several crimes including murder but needs her for information on her current case.

To make matters worse, their father she has never met has reappeared after missing for five years and Laurel is not sure what to make of this. She knows she needs to keep him away from her mother as Lauren was the product of rape, and her mother has never forgotten or forgiven.

Now the murders victims are piling up and Laurel needs to find the killer quickly. The suspense soon reaches a boiling point, and I was left gape-jawed and stunned at the conclusion!

I really enjoyed this addition to the series, especially the character growth in Laurel as she began to show more human emotions. Huck's character also grew as he learned how to deal with Laurel’s particularities and show her what she meant to him.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I cannot wait to read book #4! I gave this book four stars!

Another great read from Rebecca Zanetti! I love this series and am having so much fun with Laurel, Huck and the gang! This series feels like Criminal Minds and Bones put together and I can tell there was most likely inspiration for Laurel from Brennan in Bones. It's definitely a plus for this series though!

Zanetti is a master at character building and making these characters feel like real people.

From page 1, this story is engaging and keeps you turning the page at the end of every chapter!

Overall, I loved this book and my only complaint is more a question really: Is this the end for Laurel Snow? Or is this story just beginning? There is a lot of opportunity to keep growing here and I'd love to read more in this series!

Men are being murdered and valentines candy stuffed down their throats. Laurel and Huck are working to try to solve the cases before there is another murder. Laurels sociopath sister is in town with an agenda. This is a story that will keep you guessing and there is a twist I didn’t see coming. The book is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

This book drops us right back into Special Agent Laurel Snow's complicated world in Genesis Valley. She’s now Head of the Violent Crimes Unit with a brand new field office. Some of her recent cases are still causing her problems while new bodies keep showing up. But the biggest problem of all seems to be her possibly psychopathic and narcissistic sister, Abigail Caine, who seems to be a bit obsessed with her and seems to have a hand in everything.

And Laurel is also now officially dating Huck Rivers, an officer from Fish and Wildlife. Even though they both have trust and emotional issues, they seem to be doing better at attempting to communicate and understand each other. And also have each other's backs in the field.

But everywhere they turn, it seems like there’s another body, another mystery, another threat, a new connection, a new event, or bullets flying at them. And this time the threats really do seem too close to home.

The body count is high in this one, as well as the threats and drama. There are many pieces of the puzzle, multiple antagonists and motives, and plenty of plot twists and surprises. I admit I did not figure this one out.

I have become attached to this group of characters throughout the series. I love Laurel and Huck together. They both have personality and emotional issues, but they manage to see each other for who they are, adapt, and make it work. They are kind of adorably awkward with relationships, but also are both very intelligent, protective, and deadly in their own right. I actually enjoy all of her team members in their rag-tag crew. They’ve become a found family and they really do try to support each other.

Laurel's family dynamics are twisted so deeply and are disturbing. There’s still so much more to delve into with her sister and her father, and I imagine that there will be another book coming.

I have mixed feelings about this book because in my opinion the story with Abigail should have ended here and instead it goes on without any systematic breakthrough and here then Laurel again has to deal with a serial killer whom she can't discover until it's too late even though in my opinion the clues were all pretty clear from the behavior, but maybe that's me reading things in hindsight and being wrong. Anyway, other family characters arrive and it tends to get more complicated now for other reasons as well that I don't want to spoil, but in my opinion it would have been better to end the series here than to keep adding "irons in the fire."

Ho dei sentimenti contrastanti per quanto riguarda questo libro, perché secondo me la storia con Abigail avrebbe dovuto concludersi qui e invece si prosegue senza nessun sistematico passo in avanti e qui poi Laurel ha di nuovo a che fare con un serial killer che non riesce a scoprire fino a quando non é troppo tardi anche se secondo me gli indizi erano tutti piuttosto chiari dal comportamento, ma magari sono io che leggendo le cose con il senno di poi mi sbaglio. Comunque arrivano altri personaggi di famiglia e tendenzialmente ora le cose si complicano anche per altre ragioni che non voglio spoilerare, ma secondo me sarebbe stato meglio chiudere la serie qui, piuttosto che continuare ad aggiungere "carne al fuoco".

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I really love Rebecca Zanetti's books and have read every one to date.

This is book 3 in the Laurel Snow series and she finds herself tracking the “Broken Heart Murderer”, named by the press. I really enjoyed this book but at the same time I found parts of is slow going. I love the relationship between Laurel and Huck and how he just seems to get her in a way that I don't even think she gets herself. Laurels relationship or lack there of between her and her sister is very weird and really needs to come to head or something. As for the Broken Heart Murderer? I really didn't see that coming. I can't wait to find out what's in store for the main characters in the next book..

This is book 3 of the series and I definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series to fully understand the main characters, their backgrounds and all the interconnecting relationships. Also there is a continuation of the main murder/killer storyline of book 2, ‘You Can Hide’ so you definitely need to at least read that one.
In ‘You Can Die’ there is a new serial killer stalking the Pacific Northwest. Dubbed ‘The Broke Heart Killer’ by the press thanks to the heart shaped candy left at the murder scenes, the cases fall to FBI profiler and head of the Violent Crimes Unit Laurel Snow and her team to figure out what’s going on. Each murder victim is found near a place of worship in a bright purple camping tent. Each victim is viewed as an upstanding member of the community, until Laurel and her team, including her boyfriend Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, start to dig a bit deeper and find out all the dead men are far from perfect. And adding even more to Laurel’s plate, the killer from book 2 keeps contacting Laurel with information about her sociopath half sister Abigail. Information that Laurel believes could help her prove her sister is a killer as well.
I’m really enjoying this series. Each book is getting better and better. Laurel is a different heroine. She’s neurodivergent. Which isn’t a problem for anybody in the books. All the supporting characters and even her love interest Huck Rivers are completely accepting of her. Which is nice. And the relationship between Laurel and Abigail continues to be intriguing. It’s hard to figure out what exactly Abigail wants with Laurel. Is it a sisterly relationship or does she want to best Laurel in their cat and mouse game in a more sinister way? I was surprised at the reveal of the killer, it was honestly someone I didn’t even consider at all.
I had thought that maybe ‘You Can Hide’ might be the last book, as Rebecca Zanetti usually does trilogy series but I’m pleasantly surprised that isn’t the case, there definitely has to be another book in order to tie up loose ends. I really enjoyed this book. It had the right blend of romantic suspense for me. 4 stars.

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy through Net Galley of You can Die . This story took me on a Suspenseful and action packed journey . FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow finds herself called to a crime scene surprised to find her office Manager's ex-husband is the victim and his daughter and her friend tracked him to a homeless encampment . As the investigation unfolds Laura with help from her team and her boyfriend Captain Huck Rivers of Fish and Wildlife find they have another serial killer on the loose . Things soon get crazy with interference from her evil half sister . Her biological father appears in town after missing for five years . Things get intense . I really enjoyed reading this story . The characters are unique and interesting the story is all out sensational . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

Book three of the Laurel Snow Thriller Series opens with the naked, mutilated body of Laurel’s receptionist’s (and friend, Kate Vuittron) ex-husband found in a purple tent under an overpass. His mouth is stuffed with Valentine’s Day sweetheart candies, and Kate’s daughter is under suspicion of murder. Laurel knows the teen would never do such a thing, though the animosity between her and her father is no secret.

Complicating matters is a developing relationship between Laurel’s conniving sister, Abigail, and the Special Agent in Charge, Norrs. He’s ready to fast-track the investigation and move on to another case but a second victim with the same M.O. turns up and sends the agents on a cat-and-mouse hunt with the suspects piling up almost as fast as the fatalities.

I’m enjoying this series but feel the author shoves Laurel and her sister’s monochromatic eyes down readers’ throats a bit much and it pulls me out of the storyline. Also, Laurel and Huck went from friends with benefits to a full-fledged couple with a baby on the way rather fast for two people with relationship issues. None of that detracts from the murder/mystery though, and the twist at the end of You Can Die is worth the read!

When I initially requested an ARC copy of this book, I had not realized that it was the third novel in a series; I just loved the plot outline, and Laurel and Huck sounded interesting. So of course I then had to go read the previous two books - and to my utter delight, I loved them both!

'You Can Die' continues to follow the lives of Laurel Snow, FBI agent extraordinaire, and Huck Rivers, Wildlife Captain. While these two could not be more different from each other, their worlds have somehow melded, and their relationship is ever-evolving, personally and professionally. As if this wasn't enough, Laurel is continuously faced with the knowledge that she has a half-sister who is as intelligent as she is deranged and the emergence of the father she never knew. A new killer and worry for the first real friend she ever had all join the rest for a suspenseful novel from Rebecca Zanetti.

I really like Laurel as a main protagonist; her high IQ and social awkwardness make her different from the average FBI agent I usually read about. She reminds me of Temperance Brennan from 'Bones', one of my favorite television shows - smart and savvy, but not always the best in social situations. As a colleague and love interest, Huck was the perfect counterbalance to Laurel, and his interactions with his dog were always funny! Additionally, the plot of the book was pretty great. Zanetti did an excellent job of building its suspense and thriller aspects, and I was pleasantly surprised by the 'whodunit' in the end.

*A great many thanks to Netgalley, Rebecca Zanetti, and Kensington Books for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*

To say that I love this series would be an understatement. Special Agent Laurel Snow is one of my favorite literary characters. She is so different from any other special agent I’ve ever read. I flew through this book, and now I have to wait for the next one.

This time around, Special Agent Snow is investigating a series of murders of men who have died by what seems the same method - they were stabbed and Valentine’s Day candy was left at the scene. Laurel and her team search and investigate relentlessly to find the person responsible.

Of course, if you read this series, you know all about Laurel’s half sister Abigail Caine. She is without a doubt my favorite villain. She angers me, fascinates me, and makes my head spin. My favorite scenes are between Laurel and Abigail. Their dynamic is electric. Their father, Zeke Caine, is also a part of this story this time around.

I also love all of the supporting characters in this series. Captain Huck Rivers and his dog Aeneas are true gems. I love Huck and Laurel’s relationship. It was really great to see it progress even more in this book. I also love Laurel’s assistant Kate.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advanced reader copy of this book - it releases in July. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series. If you love romantic suspense, start this series immediately - you won’t be disappointed!

This book has one of my biggest pet peeves. The blurb is not accurate for the book. Maybe it supposed to be for the next one, because the first part was right, but after that wasn't.

I go into this series knowing I'm going to be a bit frustrated. This author has written some really well balanced romance suspense books before. However, this series is only weighted for suspense. The romance is non-existent. This book tries to show us Laurel and Huck have progressed in their 'relationship' but it feels so awkward and stilted. Any future plans don't feel right.

I do like the building comradery with Huck and Laurel's respective teams. This book must be read after the previous one, it is not a standalone. Most characters reappear and have new grievances, which are now carrying on to the next book.

I really dislike the Abigail sub-plot. She's soooo amazingly cunning, conniving, can get away with murder and she knows it! She has no triggers or flaws that we have really found. I hope this wraps up in the next book. Otherwise its too slow for me and I'll be calling it quits.

Book 3 in the Laurel Snow series finds her tracking the “Broken Heart Murderer” whose victims appear to be good men with families and community ties until the investigation reveals otherwise. She is assisted by wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, who believes in relying on gut instinct, which clashes with Laurel’s logical and systematic approach. Their growth as a couple continues to entertain. Laurel’s personal life is complicated by the continued interactions with her sociopath half-sister and the appearance of the father. This book is well-plotted and is a fantastic read. Thank you to Net Galley, Kensington Books, Zebra and author Rebecca Zanetti for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Zanetti is one of my favorite authors and I'm enjoying this series. The character development is coming along at a nice pace and I love the relationship direction taken by Laurel and Huck in this book. Huck has some surprisingly humorous moments this time around.
The killer's identity wasn't much of a surprise and it's a bit frustrating that Abigail continues to get away with....all that she gets away with. Not sure why Laurel even speaks to her half the time. Abigail is definitely that evil character you love to hate.
Deducting one star mainly for the repetitiveness throughout the book. I get that this is an ARC and maybe some editing will improve that before publication, but it was rampant this time. Once you've described physical characteristics, who is related to whom, etc, to the reader, you don't need to repeat them all the way to the end. That said, enjoy this series!

I absolutely love Laurel Snow, 3 books in, and she still keeps me riveted to my seat. One little gripe regarding the synopsis. It gave away too much of the plot, I would have liked to have been more surprised and less forewarned, but hey ho. There are still a whole host of surprises and plot twists and turns. Laurel Snow’s personal and work life become intermingled when recent murders involve her friends and family. Of course her gorgeous hunk of a boyfriend, Captain Huck Rivers gets in on the action. I love their interactions, they work so well together on a professional and a personal level. We also have Laurel’s psychotic sister playing mind games throughout. Suspense, action (lots of it), and suspects galore. Great writing and a wonderful story. I loved it. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Stab wounds, a purple tent and Valentine candy. How could five murders in remote Washington state be related? Only one person is smart enough to find out, FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow. I really enjoy this series. Agent Snow is very intelligent. In this third book of the series we see more of her personal life and how that is affecting her thought process.