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Sam Tate Mystery #2
Bird in Hand
In the sequel to the award-winning THE WEDDING CRASHER, Sam Tate faces off against a vengeful killer, a mistrustful boss, a shadowy nemesis, and a 300-year-old pirate.When Arley Fitchett's body washes up onto Maryland's Eastern Shore, Lieutenant Sam Tate, just two months into her new job, is charged with finding out who murdered the popular guide and treasure hunter. Fitchett, she discovers, was hunting a rare carving he believed had been stolen by Chesapeake Bay pirates in 1718 and hidden nearby. No one knows if the story is true, but several locals seem to share Fitchett's interest in the wooden bird with the sapphire eye. Any one of them could be the next victim. One of them is definitely the killer.
- GenresProcedural
326 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
About the author
Nikki Stern
18 books469 followersAuthor of both non-fiction and fiction, including five books in the Sam Tate Mystery Series (available in three formats). The newest of these is NATURAL CAUSES, out now.
I love book clubs, Pilates, and dogs. I dislike the passage of time, but it happens anyway.
I love book clubs, Pilates, and dogs. I dislike the passage of time, but it happens anyway.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 25, 2020
Another fine read from Niki Stern. Sam Tate, in Bird in Hand, is full of surprises. Which makes for a quick, enticing, edge-of-the-seat read. Sam has moved to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and the author has done a great job of making me feel like I am back in a favorite place. She’s got a great cast of characters, and as always, a well researched book. I can’t wait for Sam Tate’s next adventure.
November 10, 2020
In Bird In Hand, the second book in the Sam Tate Mystery series, author Nikki Stern transports the reader to Maryland's Eastern Shore, to catch up with Samantha Tate's latest investigative adventure.
After 3 years as the Sheriff of Pickett County, Tennessee, Sam takes a new job as a Lieutenant and Commander of the Criminal Investigative Bureau in the Talbot County Sheriff's Department, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, in order to be near her invalid mother who resides in a private institution. You'd think that it would be a slow pace on the picturesque small Chesapeake Bay town, but ten weeks into her new job, Sam finds herself investigating the suspicious murder of local tour guide and treasure hunter, Arley Fitchett. The murder has the characteristics of a hit by the Sinaloa Mexican Drug Cartel who has taken control of the East Coast drug trade, but Sam thinks Arley's murder may have something to do with his passion for treasure hunting. And just when you think Sam has enough on her plate, her traumatic past from twenty-six years ago keeps haunting her dreams, and suddenly she finds herself having to balance her own private demons, along with finding the killer before more murders are committed.
Author Nikki Stern provides a multi-layered storyline that has enough mystery, suspense, drama, treachery, secrets, dark traumatic pasts, and intriguing twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing, while weaving an intricate and complicated web of what the motive of the treasure hunter murder could have been, along with finding the killer among a growing list of possible suspects. And if that isn't enough to captivate the reader, the author adds a wonderful touch of humor, wit, grit, and a complicated long-distance romance between Sam and FBI Special Agent Terry Sloan, into the mix to keep them entertained.
Bird In Hand is an exciting mystery story intertwined with enough police procedural aspects and realistic characters; witty dialogue and interactions; and a rich description of the setting that transports the reader to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This fascinating multi-layered storyline draws the reader into the murder investigation that has Sam and the Sheriff Department with the assistance of the Maryland State Police CSI department engage in a frustrating cat-n-mouse game with the treasure hunter killer, until the pieces of the investigation puzzle comes together and is dramatically solved. But alas, just when you think Sam's investigative adventure is over, the author leaves the reader with a cliffhanger ending that will keep them in limbo when Sam comes face-to-face with her traumatic past, leaving a suggestion that perhaps there will be a third book in the Sam Tate Mystery Series.
Bird In Hand is the kind of mystery that easily keeps the reader captivated, guessing, on their toes, and wanting more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
After 3 years as the Sheriff of Pickett County, Tennessee, Sam takes a new job as a Lieutenant and Commander of the Criminal Investigative Bureau in the Talbot County Sheriff's Department, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, in order to be near her invalid mother who resides in a private institution. You'd think that it would be a slow pace on the picturesque small Chesapeake Bay town, but ten weeks into her new job, Sam finds herself investigating the suspicious murder of local tour guide and treasure hunter, Arley Fitchett. The murder has the characteristics of a hit by the Sinaloa Mexican Drug Cartel who has taken control of the East Coast drug trade, but Sam thinks Arley's murder may have something to do with his passion for treasure hunting. And just when you think Sam has enough on her plate, her traumatic past from twenty-six years ago keeps haunting her dreams, and suddenly she finds herself having to balance her own private demons, along with finding the killer before more murders are committed.
Author Nikki Stern provides a multi-layered storyline that has enough mystery, suspense, drama, treachery, secrets, dark traumatic pasts, and intriguing twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing, while weaving an intricate and complicated web of what the motive of the treasure hunter murder could have been, along with finding the killer among a growing list of possible suspects. And if that isn't enough to captivate the reader, the author adds a wonderful touch of humor, wit, grit, and a complicated long-distance romance between Sam and FBI Special Agent Terry Sloan, into the mix to keep them entertained.
Bird In Hand is an exciting mystery story intertwined with enough police procedural aspects and realistic characters; witty dialogue and interactions; and a rich description of the setting that transports the reader to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This fascinating multi-layered storyline draws the reader into the murder investigation that has Sam and the Sheriff Department with the assistance of the Maryland State Police CSI department engage in a frustrating cat-n-mouse game with the treasure hunter killer, until the pieces of the investigation puzzle comes together and is dramatically solved. But alas, just when you think Sam's investigative adventure is over, the author leaves the reader with a cliffhanger ending that will keep them in limbo when Sam comes face-to-face with her traumatic past, leaving a suggestion that perhaps there will be a third book in the Sam Tate Mystery Series.
Bird In Hand is the kind of mystery that easily keeps the reader captivated, guessing, on their toes, and wanting more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
November 14, 2020
When a body is found near a protected sea-life sanctuary, garroted and with burned hands, a notorious drug cartel is suspected of carrying out its ultimate punishment.
But even law enforcement can jump to the wrong conclusions.
After the death of her aunt—and solving the Wedding Crasher case—Samantha Tate gave up her position as sheriff in Tennessee and now resides in a small Maryland community on the eastern shore. A lieutenant in the local sheriff’s department, she tries not to consider the position a step down but knows it was necessary to be near her mother, who’s still a resident in a long-term care facility.
Still new to the area, Sam doesn’t know the murder victim, Arley Fitchett, but everyone else seems well-acquainted with the local treasure hunter. While drugs and cash are found in Fitchett’s home, Sam finds things not connected to drug-dealing, including sketches of a bird in a human hand. Working with a boss caught in political crosshairs and a high-handed state police detective, she has her work cut out for her to convince them their case might be connected to the infamous pirate, Blackbeard himself if she is to solve the case and catch a serial killer.
A great follow-up to The Wedding Crasher, Sam Tate is still on her game as a top-notch investigator. However, she’s still plagued with nightmares from the childhood tragedy that took her father and brother and left her mom disabled. She also mourns the lives lost of people she knew in the Wedding Crasher case. With the support of former-partner-now-boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Terry Sloan, Sam returns to counseling to work through her trauma. It doesn’t help that even though the gunman is now dead, someone is looking into the twenty-six-year-old case. Is Sam in danger?
With a slam-bang ending, Bird in Hand delivers a well-layered plot that successfully masks a killer right up to the reveal. Nikki Stern has me on the hook though, anxious for the next book!
Though a continuation, Bird in Hand does stand on its own as a complete story, but I recommend reading The Wedding Crasher first. Why settle for one five-star read when you can have two?
Enjoy!
But even law enforcement can jump to the wrong conclusions.
After the death of her aunt—and solving the Wedding Crasher case—Samantha Tate gave up her position as sheriff in Tennessee and now resides in a small Maryland community on the eastern shore. A lieutenant in the local sheriff’s department, she tries not to consider the position a step down but knows it was necessary to be near her mother, who’s still a resident in a long-term care facility.
Still new to the area, Sam doesn’t know the murder victim, Arley Fitchett, but everyone else seems well-acquainted with the local treasure hunter. While drugs and cash are found in Fitchett’s home, Sam finds things not connected to drug-dealing, including sketches of a bird in a human hand. Working with a boss caught in political crosshairs and a high-handed state police detective, she has her work cut out for her to convince them their case might be connected to the infamous pirate, Blackbeard himself if she is to solve the case and catch a serial killer.
A great follow-up to The Wedding Crasher, Sam Tate is still on her game as a top-notch investigator. However, she’s still plagued with nightmares from the childhood tragedy that took her father and brother and left her mom disabled. She also mourns the lives lost of people she knew in the Wedding Crasher case. With the support of former-partner-now-boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Terry Sloan, Sam returns to counseling to work through her trauma. It doesn’t help that even though the gunman is now dead, someone is looking into the twenty-six-year-old case. Is Sam in danger?
With a slam-bang ending, Bird in Hand delivers a well-layered plot that successfully masks a killer right up to the reveal. Nikki Stern has me on the hook though, anxious for the next book!
Though a continuation, Bird in Hand does stand on its own as a complete story, but I recommend reading The Wedding Crasher first. Why settle for one five-star read when you can have two?
Enjoy!
August 25, 2020
There’s a new Lieutenant in Talbot County, Maryland, and Sam (Sophia) Tate has arrived just in time to investigate the mysterious and gruesome death of the Eastern Shore’s local guide and treasure hunter, Arlie Fitchett.
But who would want to torture and kill Arlie? And why? Too many would like to jump to conclusions, but making assumptions is not Sam Tate’s M.O.
Sam is under pressure from the sheriff and Maryland State Police (MSP) to solve the murder as soon as possible. With increased drug trafficking along the Eastern Shore, no one wants a known cartel, Sinaloa, to get away with murder, but Tate is no pushover and her instincts, clues, and a cigar-smoking bird tell her that Arlie’s death has nothing to do with drugs or the cartel. His death is because of something much more dangerous: Arlie’s belief in a long lost, infamous carving of a bird with a sapphire eye.
Stern’s second novel in A Sam Tate Mystery series is even better than the first, The Wedding Crasher, which is an award-winning mystery. The richly developed characters are convincing. In this second book, Sam must not only prove herself to a new team and community, she’s dealing with her mother’s mental health, and her own grief, loss, and trauma after stopping a serial killer in the first book—much as a real daughter and police officer would face. And while Sam Tate once again catches the killer, this book ends with a hook, leaving this reader eager for a third.
But who would want to torture and kill Arlie? And why? Too many would like to jump to conclusions, but making assumptions is not Sam Tate’s M.O.
Sam is under pressure from the sheriff and Maryland State Police (MSP) to solve the murder as soon as possible. With increased drug trafficking along the Eastern Shore, no one wants a known cartel, Sinaloa, to get away with murder, but Tate is no pushover and her instincts, clues, and a cigar-smoking bird tell her that Arlie’s death has nothing to do with drugs or the cartel. His death is because of something much more dangerous: Arlie’s belief in a long lost, infamous carving of a bird with a sapphire eye.
Stern’s second novel in A Sam Tate Mystery series is even better than the first, The Wedding Crasher, which is an award-winning mystery. The richly developed characters are convincing. In this second book, Sam must not only prove herself to a new team and community, she’s dealing with her mother’s mental health, and her own grief, loss, and trauma after stopping a serial killer in the first book—much as a real daughter and police officer would face. And while Sam Tate once again catches the killer, this book ends with a hook, leaving this reader eager for a third.
October 11, 2020
History and Intrigue
It was a pleasant surprise to find detective Sam Tate on Maryland's historic eastern shore embroiled in colonial history, buried treasure and of course murder.
This story was fast-paced with just the right amount of twists. The characters were very believable and easy to visualize based on the author's skillful descriptions.
You will want to know more and be impatient for the next book in this series.
It was a pleasant surprise to find detective Sam Tate on Maryland's historic eastern shore embroiled in colonial history, buried treasure and of course murder.
This story was fast-paced with just the right amount of twists. The characters were very believable and easy to visualize based on the author's skillful descriptions.
You will want to know more and be impatient for the next book in this series.
November 18, 2020
I truly enjoyed the juxtaposition of the current world with the 18th century sea-faring one in this page-turner. The dual time periods made for a fresh who-done-it, with a complex cast of bumblers and pros, villains and heroes. Stern's writing is tight, never overdone. You'll enjoy both the story's journey and getting to know Sam Tate (from the Wedding Crasher) in a deeper way. She's a character worth following.
September 5, 2020
Well, I did guess a few things,
but I wasn’t really certain until the end. I am a little bit familiar with the Eastern Shore & was pleased that the descriptions were of something I recognized, could smell, taste & nearly touch as I read along. Sam Tate is well worth following. Brava!
but I wasn’t really certain until the end. I am a little bit familiar with the Eastern Shore & was pleased that the descriptions were of something I recognized, could smell, taste & nearly touch as I read along. Sam Tate is well worth following. Brava!
November 5, 2020
I enjoyed this mystery centered on police procedure and a female heroine. Sam Tate is a woman dedicated to her detective responsibilities, even while she deals with her childhood tragedy. I felt there was a good balance of character development and police procedure.
The plot was interesting, incorporating a combination of dealing in art objects and hunting for treasure. I really liked liked one of the final scenes with the teens. That was an enjoyable twist to the historical part of the novel. And I liked the setting. I think I got a good feel for the Chesapeake Bay and the various levels of society owning homes there.
Stern ends this novel with a certain indication there is more to Sam Tate's story. I'll be looking for the next in the series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The plot was interesting, incorporating a combination of dealing in art objects and hunting for treasure. I really liked liked one of the final scenes with the teens. That was an enjoyable twist to the historical part of the novel. And I liked the setting. I think I got a good feel for the Chesapeake Bay and the various levels of society owning homes there.
Stern ends this novel with a certain indication there is more to Sam Tate's story. I'll be looking for the next in the series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 17, 2020
Needed some light, entertaining reading during this time. A friend recommended The Wedding Crasher (same author). While I was at it, I also picked up this book.
The review of both is basically the same. I like the strong, smart protagonist female lieutenant. The mystery is interesting and not what you expect. I like the process of solving the crime. But then it all just comes together neatly in half a chapter. It is like the author got to a certain point, and then said "Oh, got to tie up all the loose ends now and end the book."
Also, had a hard time keeping all the characters straight. All the "cops" that is. Not sure if it is my older age, or I am reading at night and not processing quite so well. But it seemed like they were all introduced as somewhat important, but then all seemed to munge together. There was a brother/sister/girlfriend, and for the life of me, I couldn't keep them straight, but turns out, it didn't much matter.
The review of both is basically the same. I like the strong, smart protagonist female lieutenant. The mystery is interesting and not what you expect. I like the process of solving the crime. But then it all just comes together neatly in half a chapter. It is like the author got to a certain point, and then said "Oh, got to tie up all the loose ends now and end the book."
Also, had a hard time keeping all the characters straight. All the "cops" that is. Not sure if it is my older age, or I am reading at night and not processing quite so well. But it seemed like they were all introduced as somewhat important, but then all seemed to munge together. There was a brother/sister/girlfriend, and for the life of me, I couldn't keep them straight, but turns out, it didn't much matter.
September 19, 2020
What a book I will not give any spoilers
Things I liked were the finding of the man in the brown suit and why he was at the wedding I kind of saw that coming (I am looking forward to book 3 to see where this goes)
Things I didn’t like sorry but I am not a history buff kind of person so those parts in the book got a little tedious
Things I liked were the finding of the man in the brown suit and why he was at the wedding I kind of saw that coming (I am looking forward to book 3 to see where this goes)
Things I didn’t like sorry but I am not a history buff kind of person so those parts in the book got a little tedious
October 20, 2020
I’m so glad to see another Sam Tate mystery! Like the first (The Wedding Crasher) the plot has plenty of surprises, a great cast of characters, and nails the region in which it’s set. Ms. Stern is a great story teller, teasing the reader with clues and occasional red herrings. There is plenty of suspense, and an ending that hints at the next book (sure hope so!).
July 26, 2026
This is such an intriguing series - great plots with a wonderful cast of characters. Sam's search for the "man in the brown suit" while trying to solve multiple murders in her new position.
November 2, 2020
Just finished “Bird in Hand”...wow! What a great read....love the characters and the twists and surprises around every corner. I love Louise Penny and have read all of the Gamache books...the last was my favorite. In my opinion, Stern’s writing style is right up there with Penny and Baldacci among others. I look forward to the next Sam Tate saga!
October 14, 2020
After a thrilling introduction into the Sam Tate series in the first book, The Wedding Crasher, I was eager to begin on this one. Murder, pirate treasure, and mystery - What more could I want?!
I enjoyed this one about the same as the first one, and thought it was nice to see Tate settling in to her new role on the force. The original murder victim reminded me of an Indiana Jones type, and the murderer is chilling. As was true with the first one, the intensity and pace picks up as the book moves along.
Well worth the read, but definitely check out the first book in the series, as well.
Thank you to PICT for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this one about the same as the first one, and thought it was nice to see Tate settling in to her new role on the force. The original murder victim reminded me of an Indiana Jones type, and the murderer is chilling. As was true with the first one, the intensity and pace picks up as the book moves along.
Well worth the read, but definitely check out the first book in the series, as well.
Thank you to PICT for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews