I have thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca Zanetti’s Laurel Snow series, and this third installment, You Can Die, is another stellar hit. It’s a thrilling procedural filled with well-developed characters and a plausible, engaging plot.

Laurel’s field office in Genesis Valley is now operational, and she’s chugging along at a good groove. It’s a little worrisome to learn there’s another serial killer in her neck of the woods, (pretty much cementing my decision to continue residing elsewhere in the lower 48!) Her community is lucky to have her because Laurel proves time and again that her analytical intelligence will save the day.

With each book in the series, we’ve learned new details about Laurel. Her family features prominently in this one and shines a light on what makes Laurel tick. She’s been trying to find her father, Zeke Caine, for years. He’s a rape-y former pastor who looms over her like a dark shadow, and kin or not, Laurel intends to make him pay for his crimes. Her half-sister Abigail is a brilliant, manipulative sociopath who likes to play mind games with Laurel to test her mettle. And while Laurel’s brilliance is a good, pure counter to her sister’s, Abigail is still incredibly dangerous. It’s not one-hundred-percent clear whether Abigail intends to kill Laurel, but it is one-hundred-percent clear that Laurel intends to hold Abigail accountable for her crimes. So, when murdered men in their corner of rural Washington state begin turning up in front of churches and counseling centers, Laurel’s radar is pinged… particularly since Zeke Caine is one of the victims.

Laurel’s boyfriend, Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, appears in more of a supportive role this go-round, but even though he isn’t a prominent figure in solving the crimes, he’s prominent in developing our knowledge of Laurel. That being said, Huck is a richly developed character who greatly affects the trajectory of Laurel’s life, proving a sounding board for her thought process and reflecting it back in steadfast support. She is a cool, no-nonsense, critical thinker who falls back on analytics and data; Huck is a demonstrative, tactile operator who relies on his gut instinct, and reminds Laurel to connect with people on an emotional level. Independently, they are effective in their jobs, and can cope with ‘peopling’; together, they are a formidable force. Opposites definitely attract in Laurel Snow’s world.

You Can Die is a cautionary tale of living in the moment and not letting opportunity pass you by. For instance, even though Laurel got to meet Zeke before he died, their conversations were brief and fueled by suspicion and machination. Abigail’s presence and obvious relationship with Zeke helped neither, and only amplified the tension in Laurel’s life. I wish Zeke’s reunion with Laurel had occurred sooner in the book so we would’ve had more time with him – psychopath or not.

Zanetti is a prolific author with a broad scope of titles under her belt. Whether she’s writing about serial killers, vampires, demons, shapeshifters, enhanced soldiers, charming attorneys, or post-apocalyptic scenarios, she really can do no wrong. She’s an expert world builder with a keen eye for detail and most importantly, simply a great storyteller.

You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti is the third book in the Laurel Snow series. It's unclear how many books will be in the series, but I'm guessing at least one or two more.

We return to Washington with another serial killer, with deaths spread out across the area. All men, all stabbed and left with unusual gifts. There are so many suspects your head is going to spin. Not to mention the random shootings that keep you in your toes. We're still revisiting the last case, and it sounds like Jason may carry into the next book as well. Abigail is her normal creepy AF self, and I really hope she ends up as a victim at some point, or Huck takes her out. Regardless, Laurel shouldn't have to kill her crazy sister.
Bonus Laurel and Huck, so have that slow burn, and it's so cute how he takes care of her in all her awkward glory.

This book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the chilling and atmospheric snowy landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Rebecca Zanetti, a master of the thriller genre, weaves an edgy and gripping tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

At the center of the story is FBI profiler Laurel Snow, a rising star in her field, known for her sharp analytical skills in hunting down serial killers. But as she delves into her latest case, she finds herself confronting not only a terrifying murderer but also the haunting secrets of her own family. Men are being murdered in a grotesque fashion, with valentine candy hearts shoved down their throats, and the investigation leads Laurel to a shocking discovery—her long-lost father, a former pastor, among the victims.

Suddenly, the case becomes intensely personal for Laurel as she sets out not only to catch the killer but also to unearth the truth about her father's past. Amidst the intensity of the investigation, Laurel must grapple with the presence of her half-sister Abigail, a brilliant sociopath who is determined to prove they have both inherited their father's dark traits.

Zanetti crafts an engrossing narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is a tantalizing blend of crime thriller and family drama, with layers of suspense and unexpected twists. The author's skillful writing creates a palpable sense of tension and foreboding that permeates the entire story, drawing readers into the heart of the mystery.

The character development in the story is equally impressive. Laurel Snow emerges as a complex and multi-faceted protagonist, torn between her duty as an FBI profiler and the emotional burden of her family's history. As she teams up with the enigmatic Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain, Huck Rivers, sparks fly both professionally and personally, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.

Speaking of the supporting characters, Abigail, Laurel's half-sister, is a brilliantly crafted antagonist. Her chilling brilliance and determination to prove the darkness of their shared bloodline make her a formidable foe. Huck Rivers, with his gut instinct and loner demeanor, provides a perfect counterbalance to Laurel's analytical approach, creating an intriguing dynamic between the two investigators.

This is a captivating and atmospheric thriller that showcases Rebecca Zanetti's prowess in the genre. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and unpredictable twists, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heart-pounding and suspenseful journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche.

FBI agent Laurel Snow refuses to give up on putting her half-sister in prison (see Lauren Snow books #1 & #2), but when her office administrator's ex-husband is found brutally murdered, Laurel is determined to figure out what happened and clear her friend's name. As bodies begin piling up, Laurel will need the help of her team and her Fish and Wildlife officer boyfriend, Huck, to close this case. Laurel knows her half-sister Abigail is up to something and may be connected to the work of a recent serial killer, but there may be too many twists knocking Laurel off-track. Who is killing these men, and how is Abigail involved?

Thoughts: Let me tell you, Zanetti knows how to do romantic suspense. Laurel and Huck didn't light up the sheets as much as I expected, but it was actually refreshing because their dynamic realistically made sense. Nothing annoys me more than spicy scenes awkwardly sandwiched between a bunch of death and danger. I also couldn't help picturing Laurel as Temperance Brennan from the Bones TV show -- lots of brains, not a lot of people skills, but heart in the right place. Fans of the Laurel Snow series will appreciate the forward movement of the overarching plot, but don't worry, newbies -- you can still follow along without having read the previous two books. I liked Laurel, Huck, and her team, and I just wanted Laurel to light Abigail on fire and be done with it. My only issue with the story is all of the blatant conflicts of interest with pretty much everyone during the entire investigation. None of them would've been allowed to stay on the case. But the plot moved fast, the character dynamics were on-point, and the romance was sweet. The kind of romantic serial killer suspense book you'll want to read while curled up in front of a fire during a snowstorm.

**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.**

This was a good story which kept me turning the pages throughout the night. Great mystery, writing and plotting will recommend to all my friends who love this genre.

Just a amazing end to the 3 part series . I have loved how both the relationships and mystery have progressed. I like to have an HEA at end of each book but I am becoming a convert of these 3 part series where the suspense/mystery is intriguing.

I absolutely love this series! Laurel is a unique heroine, a little on the spectrum I would guess. Her mind retains information beyond the norm. This makes for a very good agent and a great read.

Huck really shined as he fully steps in as the alpha type hero I love. He was protective without running roughshod over Laurel. Not that she would ever let him. I adore the way he is keyed in to her idiosyncrasies and understands how to communicate with her. Together they make a fascinating couple.

This had so many twists. I was fiercely trying to figure out who the killer was and I loved that it kept me guessing. Laurel's suspicions of Abigail grows as does my own and it just feels like things are getting close to some type of showdown between them. Abigail definitely has me skeeved out.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington/Zebra for the eARC. I am voluntarily revieiwng this book. This is the third in the series. I have read the others so not sure how it reads as a stand alone. You might want to read them in order. Laurel is an interesting person an FBI special agent. This is a mystery with a side of romance. I feel so bad for Laurel to have a sister like Abigal-she is just pure evil. Yikes I didn't enjoy this one as much as the other two, but it is still a great read. 4 stars I think most people will enjoy this book.

BOOK: You Can Die
SERIES: Laurel Snow #3
GENRE: thriller
TROPES & THEMES: serial killer, mystery-solving, psychological thriller, romance side plot, small town, badass heroine, twists and turns, ongoing side plot from previous books
CLIFFHANGER: no
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥🔥
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
RELEASE DATE: July 25th, 2023

Even though this is third book if you like you can read it as standalone. But I would suggest you read the entire series because there is ongoing side plot with Laurel's sister and growing romance that is happening. While the mystery part is interesting, my favorite thing about this series are the characters.

I would recommend this book to all the fans of the genre and this author's writing.

One of the things that I love about this series is that all of the characters evolve. Their main traits remain but their environment and other circumstances push changes onto them.
In this, the third book in the Laurel Snow series we find Laurel seeking information about both her psychotic sister and attempting to solve the murders of men found with valentine hearts shoved down their throats post-mortem. All of the men appear to be from good families and some are associated with a member of Laurel's team's law practice.
I love when a series has a couple who strive to be better at communication and trust. Huck Rivers and Laurel have intensified their relationship but with a gentle ease.
We are introduced to a couple of new characters and older ones are reappearing..
This is a tremendous series with great mysteries and even better investigations. Zanetti has a winning series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Rebecca Zanetti is a very talented multi-faceted author. She has successfully written Paranormal Romantic-Suspense, Cowboy Romantic-Suspense, FBI Romantic-Suspense, just plain Romance and other sub genres. The Laurel Snow Series is a dark Romantic-Suspense with unique characters and a baddie that isn't reveled till the end. My favorite kind. I loved the romance between Huck and Lauren and how he gets her, when her brainiac would turn off most men, Huck just gets her. I don't know where this series is going, but I'm definitely along for the ride.

The Broken Hearts Killer is murdering men in the Seattle area, most with connections to a certain law firm and a defunct summer camp. The signature killer uses are stabbing the victim multiple times then leaving them in a purple tent neat a church with their mouths stuffed with Valentine's Day hard candy.

FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow has this difficult case to solve in addition to dealing with her half-sister, Abigail Crane, who Laurel is certain is a sociopath and her deepening attraction to hunky Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers. When her father, Zeke Crane, turns up after a five-year absence, he throws a spammer in the case by being attacked in the same manner. Laurel is fighting against time and a serial killer on a mission and needs all the help she can get, and Huck Rivers is more than willing to help and protect the woman he has come to care a great deal for.

My thanks the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

I’ve really been enjoying the Laurel Snow series but this one was a miss for me. Laurel is setting up a little more permanently in town - knowing she will be staying for at least a year. She immediately gets drawn into a case with another serial killer.

It’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly what didn’t work for me but I think it was the pacing. There were a lot of suspects and a lot of spinning around trying to get answers - and then suddenly it was 95% through the book. I felt like the ending was very rushed and left more answers than I hoped for - I guess setting up for the next in the series. I’ll probably continue to read them but this one definitely wasn’t a favorite.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy.

You Can Die is the latest installment of Rebecca Zanetti’s FBI profiler Laurel Snow series. This action-pack, fast-paced story didn’t disappoint! Drawing heavily on the events from the prior two books, Laurel is hunting yet another serial killer in Genesis Valley, a rural Pacific Northwest town. This time, the target is men who seem like upstanding citizens. Laurel’s complicated family dynamics, a half-sister (Abigail) who is equally brilliant and sinister, along with a father who is all evil, add to this story’s twists and turns. Abigail is such a great villain, and the back-and-forth between the two sisters is everything!

I like where this series is going, and I’m looking forward to what’s next. There are many unanswered questions still to resolve, but I'm in no hurry for this series to end.

You Can Die is the next excellent book in the FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow Series by Rebecca Zanetti. As usual in this series the plot is tightly wound with many suspects and several deaths. It hits close to home for Laurel and her crew. Until the last clue is found the guilty party flies under the radar.

Laurel is just as an intriguing character as any you could meet, part Monk, part Gibbs, part Cagney and Lacey she is a character worth following. Huck Rivers is a favorite character too. These two characters have personal surprises too. Perhaps the character to loath is half-sister to Laurel, Abigail, but now it seems that a new villain has emerged. Honestly I am ready for Abigail to be taken down. With unique serial killer with original Mos this is a thrilling suspenseful series with You Can Die being an awesome read.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Laurel is amazing! She’s a no BS sort of person, genius level intelligence and growing on me. At first she seemed hard to read but now I crave this series and can appreciate her personality. Her unit is investigating another serial killer, one victim is close to someone in her unit and the team is determined to solve it. Her half sister, Abigail, is definitely a psycho and possible of committing murder, but she’s too smart to leave evidence. The twists and turns, numerous suspects, and her sister’s distractions make this a highly entertaining and thrilling book. You could probably read this one without the previous books but you’d miss the back story and dynamics between sisters. I was able to read an early copy and leave this review voluntarily.

Great book! Agent Snow is trying to find answers for the FBI and is challenged and tested at every turn. Entertaining and fast paced for an enjoyable read! I highly recommend!

Zanetti’s suspenseful timing keeps me engaged from beginning to end. Coming into this story, I thought it might be wrapping up a trilogy, but it is clear the story will carry as the over arching story has more story before resolution. This story follows the case of another serial killer with Laurel Snow chasing down the leads. The mystery portion kept me guessing. It was not obvious to me who the killer was. I enjoy Laurel as a character, so I am glad the series will continue. The romance between Laurel and Huck further developed in this story, including some swoony moments.

I would recommend this book if you like a thriller with a touch of romance, but it’s probably best to read the first two first.

<I>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.

Another amazing book from the series! I loved it. From all the unexpected twists and suspense with the question who did it this time? And of course, the beautiful relationship that keeps developing between Laurel and Huck. Looved it.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

3.5 stars

Oh, Huck. How do I love thee? The stories in this series would not be classified as romance, but definitely have romantic elements. These are all interconnected with one main character running through them. Laurel Snow is an FBI agent and these stories are all about her solving cases. That doesn’t mean the hottie from the Fish and Wildlife Department who is always there to lead a hand to her team isn’t a love interest, it just means the Laurel/Huck story is not the central theme of these books. But you know me, I’m a sucker for the romantic elements and Huck is quite the hero.

While the murder investigations are interesting and always tie into Laurel’s personal life, more and more we’re seeing how her half-sister is orchestrating everything. Abigail and Laurel didn’t know of each other until recently. They are both geniuses in every sense of the word. Yet Laurel is kind, moral, and loving while Abigail is cold, vindictive, and narcissistic. The author does such a great job with Abigail because I cannot stand her and she legitimately gives me the creeps. Now that we’re into the third book I second guess every single move Abigail makes, from the words she’s saying to the subtle brush of her hand on someone’s arm. I don’t trust her at all and always look for some angle she must be playing.

But let’s get back to Huck and the way he is with Laurel. Because Laurel is a genius and went to college early, she doesn’t have great social skills and doesn’t read people well. Huck understands this and, even better, understands her. When he realizes she is insecure about her “skills” at dating because she imagines she is supposed to act a certain way (insecurities Abigail put in her head, of course), he tells her, “You don’t have to be anything or anybody but you.” And he means what he says. He has no expectations of a traditional relationship. It’s touching to see him help her navigate these emotional situations she has never been confronted with before.

The stories in this series don’t grab me the way this author’s other paranormal romance books do, but they are still interesting and have me looking forward to the next every time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 You Can Die is the third installment in the Laurel Snow series and I was waiting with bated breath for my ARC. There is a killer on the lose (yep, again) and this time the victims are all men who have a connection to a law firm, that also happens to be tied to Lauren in a personal and professional way (talk about a tangled web). The men are found with a large amount of stab wounds and Valentine’s Day candy shoved down their throat. Laurel, short handed now that she has officially started the PNW unit, will lean Huck and his team for help as she has to solve this case, manage her half-sister, and deal with the serial killer from the second book. At the same time Huck and Lauren have an unexpected surprise that propels their relationship forward.

This had a ton of twists and turns in the mystery and also in Laurel's life. I felt the ending was rushed when we figured out who the killer was and I’m still hazy on his motivation (maybe it’s because a certain Dr. was experimenting with him too). I was hoping that this book would wrap up the series but instead we added another character who will continue in the next book. Maybe because of that, I wasn’t as captivated by this installment as the others (5 star ratings). I’m waiting for Abigail to get what’s due to her, now have to figure out her father and his role, and then there’s an addition to the family that I’m surprised was introduced.

Super grateful for Zebra granting me the arc in exchange for my honest review. While this one didn’t knock it out of the park for me, I can’t wait for the next one in the series!