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Kate Fox #1
Stripped Bare
Stripped Bare by Shannon Baker is "A must read" (Alex Kava, New York Times bestselling author) mystery 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. . . .
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. . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2016
About the author
Shannon Baker
31 books199 followersShannon Baker writes mysteries about strong women in dangerous situations. Her books are set in the iconic landscapes of the American West, from the Colorado Rockies to the Nebraska prairies, to the deserts of southern Arizona. Baker spent 20 years in the Nebraska Sandhills, where cattle outnumber people by more than 50:1, and too few years living on Colorado’s front range. Her dark suspense, The Desert Behind Me, is a 2019 Winner of the New Mexico/Arizona Book Award.
Seconds before quitting writing forever and taking up competitive drinking, Shannon was voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2014 Writer of the Year and, buoyed with that confidence, continued to write, earning another RMFW Writer of the Year nod in 2017-18. Shannon makes her home in Tucson where she enjoys cocktails by the pool, breathtaking sunsets, a crazy Weimaraner, and killing people (in the pages of her books).
A lover of the outdoors, she can be found backpacking in the Rockies, traipsing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, skiing mountains and plains, kayaking lakes, river running, hiking, cycling, and scuba diving whenever she gets the chance. Arizona sunsets notwithstanding, Baker is, and always will be, a Nebraska Husker, heartbreaking as the last two decades have been. Go Big Red.
Seconds before quitting writing forever and taking up competitive drinking, Shannon was voted Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2014 Writer of the Year and, buoyed with that confidence, continued to write, earning another RMFW Writer of the Year nod in 2017-18. Shannon makes her home in Tucson where she enjoys cocktails by the pool, breathtaking sunsets, a crazy Weimaraner, and killing people (in the pages of her books).
A lover of the outdoors, she can be found backpacking in the Rockies, traipsing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, skiing mountains and plains, kayaking lakes, river running, hiking, cycling, and scuba diving whenever she gets the chance. Arizona sunsets notwithstanding, Baker is, and always will be, a Nebraska Husker, heartbreaking as the last two decades have been. Go Big Red.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
December 31, 2021
I've tried this book twice and it's just not for me. I was hoping to get through the series as I have an arc for book three but I'm going to have to say "not reviewing this book" which I hate doing. The writing isn't bad but the story itself didn't appeal to me in the slightest. I managed the first three chapters and I'm calling it. My apologies to the author. Bit this just isn't for me.
January 28, 2023
Where do I start with this one? First of all, I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the setting immensely. Ironically I was reading this and another book at the same time that both talked about ranching and calf season. I didn’t know much about it before but it seems like an all consuming passion for those that choose ranching as a way to make a living. I loved the huge Fox family in all their uniqueness. And the ending….well it stunned me. Kate is amazing and I am going to follow her right along to the next in the series to see where life takes her.
August 28, 2018
Surprise! I liked the ending, which is actually unusual for me.
The story of Kate Fox, married to the Sheriff in Grand County, Nebraska, is an interesting one, and moves right along in the mystery of a murder and shooting. The problem for me was that I couldn't keep track of all of the folks and their various alibis and their relationships and their motives for or against having been involved. Even towards the end, where it looked like there might be some unveiling of what had 'really' happened, things got downright confusing!
Nevertheless, there was an explanation of sorts, and that was that! As noted, however, there was a 'bit' more, and I liked the ending.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The story of Kate Fox, married to the Sheriff in Grand County, Nebraska, is an interesting one, and moves right along in the mystery of a murder and shooting. The problem for me was that I couldn't keep track of all of the folks and their various alibis and their relationships and their motives for or against having been involved. Even towards the end, where it looked like there might be some unveiling of what had 'really' happened, things got downright confusing!
Nevertheless, there was an explanation of sorts, and that was that! As noted, however, there was a 'bit' more, and I liked the ending.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
September 9, 2016
STRIPPED BARE
(Kate Fox: #1)
Written by Shannon Baker
September 6, 2016; 288 Pages
Forge Books
Genre: romantic suspense, mystery
(I received an ARC from the EDELWEISS in exchange for an honest review.)
★★1/2
Kate Fox, call me Kate Connors, loves working and living on Nebraska Sandhills cattle ranch. The heir, who is also her husband and the Sheriff, is the love of her life. To complete their family is her orphaned teenage niece. Things are going well...till her husband is shot and may also be the one who killed her niece's grandfather. With the election for Sheriff coming up she also has to step up for at the debates. With everything on her plate can she solve the murder too?
This novel tries to be a "western" Stephanie Plum series. Right from the beginning you kind of know things are not what they seem to Kate. You want to feel sorry for her but she just doesn't evoke sympathy from readers. I also found this book a bit confusing at times...she mentions the name "Elvis" but don't know who that is right off...and people in the town also gets a bit muddled as everyone seems to be "tied" to everyone at some point. It caused me to reread many passages and get a bit frustrated with the book. I found some things to be a bit unrealistic as things do not get explained. The ending of the book does set up the book but unfortunately, I am going to pass on rest of the series. I was able to finish the book and did feel better that I figured out the killer. I see there are quite a few positive reviews so this may just be my opinion. You may want to give it a two chapter test as it stays the same throughout the book.
(Kate Fox: #1)
Written by Shannon Baker
September 6, 2016; 288 Pages
Forge Books
Genre: romantic suspense, mystery
(I received an ARC from the EDELWEISS in exchange for an honest review.)
★★1/2
Kate Fox, call me Kate Connors, loves working and living on Nebraska Sandhills cattle ranch. The heir, who is also her husband and the Sheriff, is the love of her life. To complete their family is her orphaned teenage niece. Things are going well...till her husband is shot and may also be the one who killed her niece's grandfather. With the election for Sheriff coming up she also has to step up for at the debates. With everything on her plate can she solve the murder too?
This novel tries to be a "western" Stephanie Plum series. Right from the beginning you kind of know things are not what they seem to Kate. You want to feel sorry for her but she just doesn't evoke sympathy from readers. I also found this book a bit confusing at times...she mentions the name "Elvis" but don't know who that is right off...and people in the town also gets a bit muddled as everyone seems to be "tied" to everyone at some point. It caused me to reread many passages and get a bit frustrated with the book. I found some things to be a bit unrealistic as things do not get explained. The ending of the book does set up the book but unfortunately, I am going to pass on rest of the series. I was able to finish the book and did feel better that I figured out the killer. I see there are quite a few positive reviews so this may just be my opinion. You may want to give it a two chapter test as it stays the same throughout the book.
January 30, 2017
I think I went into this book with the wrong expectation. I read somewhere that this was like the Craig Johnson Walt Longmire series but set in Nebraska. It is not anything like Walt Longmire! It reads more like a cozy mystery with an amateur sleuth. I wish I would have known that going in, as I think it may have changed my impression of the book. I really liked the setting, which is the Sandhills of Nebraska. The population is sparse and most are related to the protagonist Kate Fox. She is married to the county sheriff, and works his cattle farm and helps him with an investigation if one happens. The book starts with Kate's husband being shot at the Bar J ranch, along with the owner of the Bar J. Kate sets out to find out who shot her husband and Eldon.
August 15, 2022
This book is a fantastic start to a series and showcases an excellent main character. Kate Fox runs the ranch that belongs to her sheriff husband and his parents. When her husband is injured after a shooting that involves a murder, suspicion falls on him and it is up to Kate to find out the truth. Kate has an interesting and quirky family, and there are a multitude of other eccentric secondary characters in the rural small town setting. The plot moves along rapidly, and kept me completely engrossed and entertained. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy mysteries with strong female leads. I enjoyed this one enough that I had to pick it back up and read it again almost five years after the first time. I enjoyed it every bit as much this go round.
February 25, 2020
Excellent mystery! Set in the Nebraska Sandhills, an area probably quite unfamiliar to many, this accurately describes the vast open territory, the ranches, and most importantly the culture within this remote rural part of the country. It is my own mother's birthplace which definitely drew me to this title, but it is clearly a fine mystery no matter what draws a reader to it.
When a sheriff is shot in the line of duty, and then is accused of actually committing the murder of a powerful ranch owner, his wife Kate Fox decides to investigate even as she learns of his infidelity and her teen niece disappears. A lot is on the line and the whole community is nervous. Kate is a fantastic character: she gets it done, whatever the need is. One reviewer calls her a 'ballsy heroine.' Works hard, is feisty, loyal to family, and smart.
There is a close-knit family, some genuine cowboys, hardworking women, and lots of info about calves in this authentic feeling tale. Lots of red herrings, too. The ending was a surprise. What most delighted me though was the last page (no spoilers) when I realized the author had included a lot of clues throughout that led to a development that sweetly leads to the next book. Nicely done.
When a sheriff is shot in the line of duty, and then is accused of actually committing the murder of a powerful ranch owner, his wife Kate Fox decides to investigate even as she learns of his infidelity and her teen niece disappears. A lot is on the line and the whole community is nervous. Kate is a fantastic character: she gets it done, whatever the need is. One reviewer calls her a 'ballsy heroine.' Works hard, is feisty, loyal to family, and smart.
There is a close-knit family, some genuine cowboys, hardworking women, and lots of info about calves in this authentic feeling tale. Lots of red herrings, too. The ending was a surprise. What most delighted me though was the last page (no spoilers) when I realized the author had included a lot of clues throughout that led to a development that sweetly leads to the next book. Nicely done.
February 14, 2017
Well, the author has promise and I DID finish this book. The milieu (Nebraska's Sandhills) is beautifully described; the characters pretty good; the plot OK. But there are too many hyperbolic verbs and too many sentences like this (not a direct quote but you get the idea):
I put on my old leather gloves, walked across the faded linoleum floor, grasped the doorknob, pulled open the door and walked onto the wooden back porch.
A lot of unnecessary simplistic wordiness, but I will try at least one more Kate Fox novel as I liked her character.
I put on my old leather gloves, walked across the faded linoleum floor, grasped the doorknob, pulled open the door and walked onto the wooden back porch.
A lot of unnecessary simplistic wordiness, but I will try at least one more Kate Fox novel as I liked her character.
September 26, 2016
An intelligent mystery driven by unique relationships, colorful/relatable characters, and small town charm. Pieces of the novel may be hard to swallow, however a relevant plot pushed reader to a satisfying climax. Superior gem incorporated for book two. Three and ½ stars for Baker’s Stripped Bare.
July 6, 2022
Meh. I grew up in Nebraska. My parents still live there. My mother shares my love of reading. I told her I’d started this series, and the main character lived in Nebraska - raised cows and was married to the county sheriff.
Mom said it sounded boring.
Yeah, kind of was. 3 stars.
Mom said it sounded boring.
Yeah, kind of was. 3 stars.
February 17, 2024
If this book used one more cliché or personification I would have thrown my whole kindle away
December 3, 2017
The biggest problem with this book for me was that I read 'Dark Signals' first. This series needs to be read in the correct order otherwise you read along feeling like you know all the surprises. I enjoy reading about Nebraska so much! It is so refreshing to hear about a place I've never been to. The big family background is interesting and the artistic mother with bipolar adds a bit of fun.
One thing I like about the main character is how she contrasts with Roxy the woman her husband is sleeping with. It is easier for me to respect someone who gets up at all hours of the night to check on her birthing cows than someone who uses a portable curling iron when her hair gets a bit mussed up. Often when I think about my appearance being less than stellar I ask myself, 'would I care if I was out on a ranch?'
I felt a bit uncomfortable about the situation with the niece--Kate always talks about her but I would have liked to get to know her as a character. The plot wasn't that interesting and I didn't think the ending was satisfying because there were too many characters that are brought into the story without the reader getting to know much about them.
The 4 star rating is because I like the gutsiness of the main character and the feeling of living in the Sandhills that the book portrays including insightful sayings by Kate's mother and father.
I look forward to reading more about Kate Fox. Like that gal!
One thing I like about the main character is how she contrasts with Roxy the woman her husband is sleeping with. It is easier for me to respect someone who gets up at all hours of the night to check on her birthing cows than someone who uses a portable curling iron when her hair gets a bit mussed up. Often when I think about my appearance being less than stellar I ask myself, 'would I care if I was out on a ranch?'
I felt a bit uncomfortable about the situation with the niece--Kate always talks about her but I would have liked to get to know her as a character. The plot wasn't that interesting and I didn't think the ending was satisfying because there were too many characters that are brought into the story without the reader getting to know much about them.
The 4 star rating is because I like the gutsiness of the main character and the feeling of living in the Sandhills that the book portrays including insightful sayings by Kate's mother and father.
I look forward to reading more about Kate Fox. Like that gal!
July 8, 2016
Kate Fox believed she was living the dream, her marriage to Sheriff Ted Conner was wonderful and running the cattle ranch kept her invigorated. When Kate is called to a shooting and murder that involved her husband, she is immediately by his side. Finding out Ted has survived she can breathe again, but she is worried about Carly who is missing. Carly is under her care and close to moving out in the world, but with a murder and Ted becoming a suspect Kate is reeling. As the dominoes fall, secrets are revealed and Kate is not sure she will ever be the same again.
Fast paced action packed suspense story. There are moments in this book that you feel for Kate and just want to give her a hug. I like how the story unfolded had me guessing who done it until the very end. I am not sure if this will lead to to more books with Kate Fox as the star, but I could definitely see more books in the future.
Fast paced action packed suspense story. There are moments in this book that you feel for Kate and just want to give her a hug. I like how the story unfolded had me guessing who done it until the very end. I am not sure if this will lead to to more books with Kate Fox as the star, but I could definitely see more books in the future.
March 16, 2021
The start of the book was very frantic and it was difficult to workout who all the characters were and the relationships with each other. Also very early in the book I couldn’t decide if the author was trying to imply Sheriff Milo was incompetent or was it just poor writing. How can he decide to arrest an unconscious man for murder after a few minutes at the crime scene without any witness statements or any forensic evidence? This wasn’t particularly important, but it set the tone for the book and coupled with a tendency to over describe things, I never became comfortable with the author’s style.
I quite liked Kate at the start of the book, but in the main the rest of the cast of characters were either irritating or obnoxious and by a quarter of the way through I was fed up of Carly and we hadn’t met her yet. By the end of the book I disliked all of them.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
I quite liked Kate at the start of the book, but in the main the rest of the cast of characters were either irritating or obnoxious and by a quarter of the way through I was fed up of Carly and we hadn’t met her yet. By the end of the book I disliked all of them.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
December 12, 2023
"Like a worn guitar string, I vibrated ready to snap"
"I fidgeted like a horse in a starting gate"
"Sid's head hung low as a hound on a hot august afternoon"
"Her face closed like a window in a storm"
"...as limp as a pile of dirty laundry"
And with that I rest my case.
"I fidgeted like a horse in a starting gate"
"Sid's head hung low as a hound on a hot august afternoon"
"Her face closed like a window in a storm"
"...as limp as a pile of dirty laundry"
And with that I rest my case.
November 15, 2016
A well-done murder mystery set in the rural west.
September 1, 2022
WoW! I was captivated by the opening!
The action keeps a steady pace but it is the descriptions and dialogue that keep the reader riveted from chapter to chapter. There is a large cast of secondary characters fitting for life in a small rural town in the Midwest where not only does everyone know everyone else’s business but some have that inside track because they are all related.
It is the authenticity in capturing the setting and the descriptive writing that moved this novel from 4 to 5 Stars for me. In signing up for the author’s newsletter, I received a link to download the short story “Close Enough” which takes place between Book 1 and Book 2. As the story gives additional insight into Kate Fox's next steps after Book 1 and insight into her character's choices and feelings for the path ahead, I highly recommend the novella. I hope you enjoy Shannon Baker’s writing as much as I did. I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s writing.
“I’ve never trusted happiness. Just when you think you’ve corralled that mustang, she busts through the fence and leaves you with splinters. I should have seen it coming.”I loved the author’s descriptive writing! Another top favorite was...
“Afternoon was punching its time card while evening waited to take the next shift.”I truly saved one of the best selections until last as I traveled from sea-to-shining-sea for my 50 States Fiction Challenge! Looking over a list of novels set in Nebraska, the title caught my attention, and then the description reeled me in
“A Nebraska county sheriff’s wife investigates a murder—and her husband is the prime suspect.”The sheriff’s wife, Kate Fox came into her family home expecting to see her niece Carly working on a term paper, and perhaps her husband Ted might already be home. But the house is dark and minutes later a phone call turns her world spiraling out of control.
The action keeps a steady pace but it is the descriptions and dialogue that keep the reader riveted from chapter to chapter. There is a large cast of secondary characters fitting for life in a small rural town in the Midwest where not only does everyone know everyone else’s business but some have that inside track because they are all related.
It is the authenticity in capturing the setting and the descriptive writing that moved this novel from 4 to 5 Stars for me. In signing up for the author’s newsletter, I received a link to download the short story “Close Enough” which takes place between Book 1 and Book 2. As the story gives additional insight into Kate Fox's next steps after Book 1 and insight into her character's choices and feelings for the path ahead, I highly recommend the novella. I hope you enjoy Shannon Baker’s writing as much as I did. I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s writing.
November 3, 2023
Shannon Baker did a great job in describing the location in the story. The characters were hard for me to like or to associate with on an emotional level. I liked the strength of the h on many levels but got really frustrated at how she allowed the in-laws and some of the community to judge and criticize her. I do not like the 'f' word but the mother-in-law certainly deserved a few. The H was loser. He got caught, shot and showed very little remorse for his behaviors. The only emotional reactions was when he realized his wife was his opponent in an upcoming election.
The overall tone was flat. The H seemed to care very little about anything but himself. His family only cared about themselves. Roxy was a plastic Barbie with no soul. The h's only support was her brother and family and that seemed limited. Her niece was a question mark that was never fully developed.
The overall tone was flat. The H seemed to care very little about anything but himself. His family only cared about themselves. Roxy was a plastic Barbie with no soul. The h's only support was her brother and family and that seemed limited. Her niece was a question mark that was never fully developed.
October 9, 2021
Good story
This book has a good story line. Full of mystery, twist, and turns. It could use less information about every single subject. Every thing mentioned in the book has a full description. I skipped over a lot of those.
This book has a good story line. Full of mystery, twist, and turns. It could use less information about every single subject. Every thing mentioned in the book has a full description. I skipped over a lot of those.
July 12, 2017
I really liked the characters in this series outing! Looking forward to the second that comes out in October!
August 16, 2023
Another cheating husband, but luckily the wife didn't just forgive him an move on. There was actual discussion 😮
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
Promising start to the series.
September 23, 2023
I like reading books set in different regions. This was the first story I've read set in Nebraska. The opening setup was simple, and as the story progresses a number of sordid details were revealed. Almost seemed like it could be a plot from the TV Series Dallas. The big reveal was well telegraphed. I'm not sure I would read another book in this series (this was #1).
September 27, 2016
In Stripped Bare, the first book in the Kate Fox Mystery series, author Shannon Baker weaves an intriguing mystery tale that follows the amateur sleuth adventures of cattle rancher Kate Fox Conner, as she tries to prove the innocence of her husband, Sheriff Ted Conner, and niece Carly Edwards, who have become person of interests in the murder of Carly's grandfather, cattle rancher Eldon Edwards.
Kate Fox Conner's life revolves around working on the Frog Creek cattle ranch and supporting her husband of eight years, Grand Country Sheriff Ted Conner. Kate's life is turned upside down when Ted is shot at the murder scene of local cattle rancher Eldon Edwards. Kate finds out that Ted is having an affair with Roxy Edwards, his ex-girlfriend and Eldon's daughter-in-law. And if that isn't enough, Eldon's granddaughter and Kate's niece Carly is also missing, leaving authorities to list both Ted and Carly as person of interests in Eldon's murder. Concern for her husband and niece leads Kate to embark on an amateur investigative adventure to clear their name and find the real killer, even when danger lurks in their Nebraska Sandhills community.
Stripped Bare is an intriguing whodunit tale that easily peaked my interest. This riveting tale has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, secrets, betrayals, a growing list of suspects, and surprising twists and turns, that will easily keep you guessing the identity of the murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as Kate tries to solve the murder and prove Ted and Carly's innocence. Kate's amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense, that easily left me wanting more. I loved the surprise ending, and I can't wait to read the next installment of this sassy lady's adventures!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I really enjoyed the author's rich description of the midwestern setting. The author transports the reader to the rustic Nebraska Sandhills small town of Hodgekiss surrounded by cattle ranches, railroad tracks, the large Fox clan and memorable townsfolk.
Stripped Bare is a fast-paced suspenseful tale that mystery fans will enjoy reading.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book review promotion by Roger Charlie Publicity.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Kate Fox Conner's life revolves around working on the Frog Creek cattle ranch and supporting her husband of eight years, Grand Country Sheriff Ted Conner. Kate's life is turned upside down when Ted is shot at the murder scene of local cattle rancher Eldon Edwards. Kate finds out that Ted is having an affair with Roxy Edwards, his ex-girlfriend and Eldon's daughter-in-law. And if that isn't enough, Eldon's granddaughter and Kate's niece Carly is also missing, leaving authorities to list both Ted and Carly as person of interests in Eldon's murder. Concern for her husband and niece leads Kate to embark on an amateur investigative adventure to clear their name and find the real killer, even when danger lurks in their Nebraska Sandhills community.
Stripped Bare is an intriguing whodunit tale that easily peaked my interest. This riveting tale has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, secrets, betrayals, a growing list of suspects, and surprising twists and turns, that will easily keep you guessing the identity of the murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as Kate tries to solve the murder and prove Ted and Carly's innocence. Kate's amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense, that easily left me wanting more. I loved the surprise ending, and I can't wait to read the next installment of this sassy lady's adventures!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I really enjoyed the author's rich description of the midwestern setting. The author transports the reader to the rustic Nebraska Sandhills small town of Hodgekiss surrounded by cattle ranches, railroad tracks, the large Fox clan and memorable townsfolk.
Stripped Bare is a fast-paced suspenseful tale that mystery fans will enjoy reading.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book review promotion by Roger Charlie Publicity.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
September 14, 2023
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on December 2, 2022 (currently $3.99 and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I was excited to start this story with a strong woman and police procedural type story. I didn't quite get that. Kate is certainly hard-working, kind, and smart enough. That's why the things she did made no sense to me.
There's a murder and her husband, the sheriff, has been shot. Kate finds out he has been having an affair with his childhood sweetheart who is a widow. Then she basically takes over his sheriff work without backup or support or training, just driving all over the huge countryside, talking to people who might be killers. She does everything with little food or sleep.
The murdered man's grand-daughter, Carly, lives with her and is missing. She drives 3 hours each way to talk to her, where she thinks she is staying, only to find out she's not there. It's a stupid use of her time. She just seems to blunder around and some things are resolved too easily.
Another police officer is tasked with actually investigating but Kate just goes all over talking to people, even when there are attempts on her life. She isn't armed with any weapons. She's more of a pacifist. She leaves her cattle to her brother's care. She does end up solving the crime.
I was interested as I read, even though I got bored with some of the characters, like Carly and Roxy, who are sort of one-dimensional. Even Ted the husband isn't well-developed, and I can't say I really like his easy way of cheating and taking the easy way on everything. I might read another in the Kate Fox series to see if things get more realistic in the next one but otherwise it's too unreal for me.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on December 2, 2022 (currently $3.99 and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I was excited to start this story with a strong woman and police procedural type story. I didn't quite get that. Kate is certainly hard-working, kind, and smart enough. That's why the things she did made no sense to me.
There's a murder and her husband, the sheriff, has been shot. Kate finds out he has been having an affair with his childhood sweetheart who is a widow. Then she basically takes over his sheriff work without backup or support or training, just driving all over the huge countryside, talking to people who might be killers. She does everything with little food or sleep.
The murdered man's grand-daughter, Carly, lives with her and is missing. She drives 3 hours each way to talk to her, where she thinks she is staying, only to find out she's not there. It's a stupid use of her time. She just seems to blunder around and some things are resolved too easily.
Another police officer is tasked with actually investigating but Kate just goes all over talking to people, even when there are attempts on her life. She isn't armed with any weapons. She's more of a pacifist. She leaves her cattle to her brother's care. She does end up solving the crime.
I was interested as I read, even though I got bored with some of the characters, like Carly and Roxy, who are sort of one-dimensional. Even Ted the husband isn't well-developed, and I can't say I really like his easy way of cheating and taking the easy way on everything. I might read another in the Kate Fox series to see if things get more realistic in the next one but otherwise it's too unreal for me.
May 2, 2023
I kept wavering between 2 and 3 stars for this one. It's really more of a 2.5 for me. There were some things I enjoyed but the downsides outweighed them.
Positives:
- absolutely loved the small town setting and depiction of ranching life
- highly amused by the fact that Kate and her siblings were all named after the Best Actor/Actress winner the year they were born. The fact that she was named after Katharine Hepburn made me smile.
Negatives:
- way too many characters and most of them were annoying
- Kate really isn't that great of a detective. Yes, she asks questions but gets everything wrong until the end when confronted with the actual killer.
- Carly - I never understood this character or why Kate was so protective; she was basically a brat
- There's a big reveal that seems important and then absolutely nothing is mentioned about it again. Maybe it's going to be part of the next book.
Positives:
- absolutely loved the small town setting and depiction of ranching life
- highly amused by the fact that Kate and her siblings were all named after the Best Actor/Actress winner the year they were born. The fact that she was named after Katharine Hepburn made me smile.
Negatives:
- way too many characters and most of them were annoying
- Kate really isn't that great of a detective. Yes, she asks questions but gets everything wrong until the end when confronted with the actual killer.
- Carly - I never understood this character or why Kate was so protective; she was basically a brat
- There's a big reveal that seems important and then absolutely nothing is mentioned about it again. Maybe it's going to be part of the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2017
Quite a captivating first book of a new mystery series. Heroine, Kate Fox, leads a cast of compelling characters and there are enough capable villains to consider, which makes STRIPPED BARE a very satisfying journey.
I’ve never personally visited Nebraska, so I appreciated descriptions of the featured locations, so rich and layered I felt like I slipped into the boots of each character and walked comfortably in their world. Looking forward to following more wild rides Ms. Baker will come up with.
I’ve never personally visited Nebraska, so I appreciated descriptions of the featured locations, so rich and layered I felt like I slipped into the boots of each character and walked comfortably in their world. Looking forward to following more wild rides Ms. Baker will come up with.
September 1, 2016
Think you know whodunit? You don't.
At least I didn't, and I'm usually at the top of the mystery solving game.
I've read some of the reviews, saying Kate, the main character is unlikable. To me, she was not so much likable as smart which beats likability anytime. I wanted a ball-buster heroine, and I got one.
The story is well paced, action packed, and entertaining to the last page. I highly suggest reading it.
At least I didn't, and I'm usually at the top of the mystery solving game.
I've read some of the reviews, saying Kate, the main character is unlikable. To me, she was not so much likable as smart which beats likability anytime. I wanted a ball-buster heroine, and I got one.
The story is well paced, action packed, and entertaining to the last page. I highly suggest reading it.
August 15, 2016
Thanks to Goodreads for selecting my name to receive a free copy of Stripped Bare, by Shannon Baker.
This is an great book, with lots of interesting characters and plenty of action to keep you reading.
I always try and guess how a book will end, but I missed on this one. Absolutely loved the ending – very fitting. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to read any books written by Shannon Baker, but after reading this book, I plan on purchasing other books written by her.
This is an great book, with lots of interesting characters and plenty of action to keep you reading.
I always try and guess how a book will end, but I missed on this one. Absolutely loved the ending – very fitting. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to read any books written by Shannon Baker, but after reading this book, I plan on purchasing other books written by her.
August 30, 2019
I just couldn't get into this book, skimmed through it and guessed the murderer. It seemed like a novel I should have liked, but there were too many of the obnoxious characters that seem to be a feature of so many US "cosy"* mysteries - I'm always puzzled as to why the other characters put up with them. Kate had promise and the ending sets things up for more in the series, but I'll probably not bother.
* This isn't marketed as a cosy, but it has many of the hallmarks.
* This isn't marketed as a cosy, but it has many of the hallmarks.
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