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Sam Tate Mystery #3
Freeze Before Burning
What do a bartender, a priest, and a librarian have in common? They all work in New York City. They’re all true crime fans. And they’re all dead, iced by a predator with a chilling need for respect. Lieutenant Sam Tate is in the Big Apple to investigate her own tragic past and reconnect with remaining family. She’s pulled onto the case of the Dry Ice Killer, as the malicious murderer is known, by an old friend, now an NYPD homicide detective. She’s also drawn to the more than professional interest of his handsome counterpart from Queens. As the body count increases, public unease also rises. Sam’s penchant for privacy is tested by unwanted media attention. Worse, she may be the target of an exceptionally cold-hearted killer.
- GenresMystery
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2021
6 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Stern
17 books453 followersAuthor of both non-fiction and fiction, including the four-book Sam Tate Mystery Series (available in three formats) and perennial favorite, HOPE IN SMALL DOSES: Reasonable Happiness in Unreasonable Times
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 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 15, 2021
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
FREEZE BEFORE BURNING (Sam Tate Mystery Book #3) by Nikki Stern is an exciting, fast-paced police procedural/crime mystery featuring Lieutenant Sam Tate who manages even on vacation to become involved in the chase for a serial killer. This book can be read as a standalone with a new location and fully solved crime, but there are a backstories from the previous books regarding Sam’s personal life and previous cases that you miss out on. This series should be read in order.
Lieutenant Sam Tate is in NYC to reconnect with family and investigate lingering questions from her own tragic past. When she runs into the brother of a former partner, she is pulled into an investigation as a consultant which quickly turns into the search for a serial killer who seems to be targeting members of a true crime podcast.
As the body count increases, so does the threat to Sam’s own life.
This is a page turner with a great balance between the protagonist’s past story investigation intertwined with the present-day police procedural chasing The Dry Ice Killer. Sam is a strong, intelligent investigator who you can empathize with. The author does a good job of portraying how her past has influenced her current life and relationships. The ending leaves Sam moving to a new position again and a new type of personal intrigue surrounding her extended family. The crime mystery plot in this book in the series was well paced and continued to ratchet up the tension right up to the climax.
I can recommend this edge-of-your-seat police procedural crime mystery and I am looking forward to following Sam on more adventures in the future.
FREEZE BEFORE BURNING (Sam Tate Mystery Book #3) by Nikki Stern is an exciting, fast-paced police procedural/crime mystery featuring Lieutenant Sam Tate who manages even on vacation to become involved in the chase for a serial killer. This book can be read as a standalone with a new location and fully solved crime, but there are a backstories from the previous books regarding Sam’s personal life and previous cases that you miss out on. This series should be read in order.
Lieutenant Sam Tate is in NYC to reconnect with family and investigate lingering questions from her own tragic past. When she runs into the brother of a former partner, she is pulled into an investigation as a consultant which quickly turns into the search for a serial killer who seems to be targeting members of a true crime podcast.
As the body count increases, so does the threat to Sam’s own life.
This is a page turner with a great balance between the protagonist’s past story investigation intertwined with the present-day police procedural chasing The Dry Ice Killer. Sam is a strong, intelligent investigator who you can empathize with. The author does a good job of portraying how her past has influenced her current life and relationships. The ending leaves Sam moving to a new position again and a new type of personal intrigue surrounding her extended family. The crime mystery plot in this book in the series was well paced and continued to ratchet up the tension right up to the climax.
I can recommend this edge-of-your-seat police procedural crime mystery and I am looking forward to following Sam on more adventures in the future.
January 11, 2022
A Police Procedural That Grabs You at The Start & Drags You Through The Muck!!
My first read by this author from a GoodReads win and what an enthralling story! I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced police procedural with some fascinating characters and interesting scenes and I intend to read the others in this series. Lieutenant Sam Tate is in NYC on a little vacation, with an underlying need to investigate a part of her life spent here. While doing so she meets with friends from her past and comes upon a homicide that may be a serial killer. It seems this Lieutenant has some well-known work with such killers, and her past may actually be of aide to the NYPD. What a start to vacation!
I was able to enjoy this as a stand alone book, but I am so interested in learning more about Sam Tate!!
My first read by this author from a GoodReads win and what an enthralling story! I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced police procedural with some fascinating characters and interesting scenes and I intend to read the others in this series. Lieutenant Sam Tate is in NYC on a little vacation, with an underlying need to investigate a part of her life spent here. While doing so she meets with friends from her past and comes upon a homicide that may be a serial killer. It seems this Lieutenant has some well-known work with such killers, and her past may actually be of aide to the NYPD. What a start to vacation!
I was able to enjoy this as a stand alone book, but I am so interested in learning more about Sam Tate!!
December 17, 2021
In Freeze Before Burning, the third book in the Sam Tate Mystery series, author Nikki Stern transports the reader to New York City, to catch up with Samantha Tate's latest investigative adventure.
While on vacation in New York City visting her Aunt Rosa and to find answers to her traumatic past, Sam gets drawn into a serial killer case that becomes dubbed The Dry Ice Killer. The sadistic killer is targeting the fans of Deep Freeze, a popular true crime podcast. As a consultant to the NYPD, Sam and task force members investigate the case hoping to bring the serial killer to justice before another member of the Deep Freeze Detectives online chat room becomes the next victim. 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 and spotty memories, along with helping the NYPD find the serial 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 figuring out who the serial killer is, and why he would use a gruesome technique to torture the victims. And if that isn't enough to captivate the reader, the author adds a wonderful touch of humor, wit, grit, and a persistence to pursue the trauma of Sam's past, while also having a complicated long-distance romance with FBI Special Agent Terry Sloan.
Freeze Before Burning is an intriguing mystery story intertwined with enough police procedural aspects and realistic characters; witty dialogue and interactions; and a rich description of the post-pandemic setting that transports the reader to the legendary Big Apple. This fascinating multi-layered storyline draws the reader into the serial killer murder case investigation as Sam assists the detectives of the NYPD engage in a frustrating cat-n-mouse game with the serial 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's traumatic past continues to surface with new clues, leaving a suggestion that perhaps there will be a fourth book in the Sam Tate Mystery Series.
Freeze Before Buring 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...
While on vacation in New York City visting her Aunt Rosa and to find answers to her traumatic past, Sam gets drawn into a serial killer case that becomes dubbed The Dry Ice Killer. The sadistic killer is targeting the fans of Deep Freeze, a popular true crime podcast. As a consultant to the NYPD, Sam and task force members investigate the case hoping to bring the serial killer to justice before another member of the Deep Freeze Detectives online chat room becomes the next victim. 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 and spotty memories, along with helping the NYPD find the serial 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 figuring out who the serial killer is, and why he would use a gruesome technique to torture the victims. And if that isn't enough to captivate the reader, the author adds a wonderful touch of humor, wit, grit, and a persistence to pursue the trauma of Sam's past, while also having a complicated long-distance romance with FBI Special Agent Terry Sloan.
Freeze Before Burning is an intriguing mystery story intertwined with enough police procedural aspects and realistic characters; witty dialogue and interactions; and a rich description of the post-pandemic setting that transports the reader to the legendary Big Apple. This fascinating multi-layered storyline draws the reader into the serial killer murder case investigation as Sam assists the detectives of the NYPD engage in a frustrating cat-n-mouse game with the serial 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's traumatic past continues to surface with new clues, leaving a suggestion that perhaps there will be a fourth book in the Sam Tate Mystery Series.
Freeze Before Buring 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...
February 5, 2022
Great read! A real page turner!
December 29, 2021
Another thrilling entry into the Sam Tate series, which has been shown to have thrills and action in spades. In this one, Sam is just trying to cool off with a relaxing vacation, but a dastardly killer wants to ice out some of his enemies. To find this cold-blooded murderer, Sam must enter the world of true crime fanatics... All while just trying to chill out.
The continued backstory of Sam appears in this book, with just enough of a tease to know that there is more where that came from.
Definitely a good read - check out the whole series for the full effect.
ARC from PICT. All opinions my own.
The continued backstory of Sam appears in this book, with just enough of a tease to know that there is more where that came from.
Definitely a good read - check out the whole series for the full effect.
ARC from PICT. All opinions my own.
December 19, 2021
A serial killer is at work in New York City. The three seemingly unrelated victims – a priest, a librarian and a bartender – have been forced to swallow dry ice. And we’re not talking about a trace amount. Somehow, investigators believe, the victims may have somehow ingested several pounds of it.
Lieutenant Sam Tate is way out of her jurisdiction when a chance meeting with an old acquaintance draws her into the investigation. As news of the case goes mainstream, one of her colleagues back in Maryland quips, “What I don’t get is how you got yourself in the middle of a possible serial killing spree while on vacation.” One of the enduring rules of crime fiction, going back as far as the great Agatha Christie, is that detectives can never truly take a vacation. In Sam’s case, whether she realizes it or not, her “vacation” is actually a mission to solve a tragedy that she’s carried with her all her life.
As a little girl in New York, Sam attended a wedding with her family where a mass murderer killed or critically injured all but two guests, including her entire family. While author Nikki Stern has rendered Sam a “famous serial-killer-catching” pro, she’s also a human being attempting to make sense of the most tragic event of her life. Before she discovers the case that will soon make headlines, she visits the house she lived in as a child. She eats dinner alone in her “dilapidated rental cottage on a dead-end road.” For all her talent as an investigator, Sam’s vulnerability is what makes her so compelling. That’s why it’s so satisfying when, eventually, she begins making connections missed by investigators decades earlier.
At a time when most writers simply ignore the COVID pandemic, Stern uses it as an opportunity to illustrate the awkwardness (a handshake being replaced by a “cross between Star Trek and Wakanda Forever”) and obstacles (the difficulty in recognizing suspects in a library when all wore masks) the pandemic brought into society. Stern’s insights into this era complete a wholly tactile world that adds tension and suspense to an already riveting whodunnit.
Freeze Before Burning is a perfect introduction to first-time Nikki Stern readers. The novel works both as part of a series and as a stand alone mystery. Highly recommended.
Lieutenant Sam Tate is way out of her jurisdiction when a chance meeting with an old acquaintance draws her into the investigation. As news of the case goes mainstream, one of her colleagues back in Maryland quips, “What I don’t get is how you got yourself in the middle of a possible serial killing spree while on vacation.” One of the enduring rules of crime fiction, going back as far as the great Agatha Christie, is that detectives can never truly take a vacation. In Sam’s case, whether she realizes it or not, her “vacation” is actually a mission to solve a tragedy that she’s carried with her all her life.
As a little girl in New York, Sam attended a wedding with her family where a mass murderer killed or critically injured all but two guests, including her entire family. While author Nikki Stern has rendered Sam a “famous serial-killer-catching” pro, she’s also a human being attempting to make sense of the most tragic event of her life. Before she discovers the case that will soon make headlines, she visits the house she lived in as a child. She eats dinner alone in her “dilapidated rental cottage on a dead-end road.” For all her talent as an investigator, Sam’s vulnerability is what makes her so compelling. That’s why it’s so satisfying when, eventually, she begins making connections missed by investigators decades earlier.
At a time when most writers simply ignore the COVID pandemic, Stern uses it as an opportunity to illustrate the awkwardness (a handshake being replaced by a “cross between Star Trek and Wakanda Forever”) and obstacles (the difficulty in recognizing suspects in a library when all wore masks) the pandemic brought into society. Stern’s insights into this era complete a wholly tactile world that adds tension and suspense to an already riveting whodunnit.
Freeze Before Burning is a perfect introduction to first-time Nikki Stern readers. The novel works both as part of a series and as a stand alone mystery. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2021
The third book in the Sam Tate Mystery Series will keep you on the edge of your seat! When Sam travels to New York City to visit her Aunt Rosa, and to try to find the missing pieces of her past, she finds more than what she's looking for. Coming upon a crime scene, Sam is reaquainted with her former partners brother and soon learns the details of the grisly murder scene where the serial killer, The Dry Ice killer, has once again struck. Three victims, who were true crime fans, have all lost their lives in a similar fashion but will Sam be able to solve this big case without paying the ultimate price?
Author Nikki Stern continues to keep me engrossed in these magnificent suspense mysteries! Each one is better than the last and will keep you on your toes. The brilliant writing style of Author Nikki Stern keeps the reader in suspense throughout the book, dropping mild hints throughout, but never revealing the murderer until the climactic end! I always look forward to reading more of my favorite mystery writers thrilling books!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are truly my own!
Author Nikki Stern continues to keep me engrossed in these magnificent suspense mysteries! Each one is better than the last and will keep you on your toes. The brilliant writing style of Author Nikki Stern keeps the reader in suspense throughout the book, dropping mild hints throughout, but never revealing the murderer until the climactic end! I always look forward to reading more of my favorite mystery writers thrilling books!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are truly my own!
December 28, 2021
I LOVED this book that was a combination of detective and police procedural mysteries.
Sam Tate, is a lieutenant in a small town police force BUT has previously solved some very high profile series killer cases, has gone on “vacation” to New York to visit her Aunt Rosa
and to try to dust off childhood memories of a family massacre.
Sam ends up becoming a temporary consultant for a string of homicides in the city where the killer uses dry ice to kill and the victims are all connected by a true crime podcast.
I’m a huge true crime fan so I loved the element of the podcast and chat rooms that become associated with them.
I also enjoyed the plot of Sam being part of current crimes as well as the inclusion of her journey into a very complicated family past.
I thought Sam as a character is fantastically written and I will absolutely go back and read the two backlist books in the series.
This one has a great balance of twists, police procedures, character development, and a hint of drama. It also has an epilogue that builds anticipation for the next book in the series.
Sam Tate, is a lieutenant in a small town police force BUT has previously solved some very high profile series killer cases, has gone on “vacation” to New York to visit her Aunt Rosa
and to try to dust off childhood memories of a family massacre.
Sam ends up becoming a temporary consultant for a string of homicides in the city where the killer uses dry ice to kill and the victims are all connected by a true crime podcast.
I’m a huge true crime fan so I loved the element of the podcast and chat rooms that become associated with them.
I also enjoyed the plot of Sam being part of current crimes as well as the inclusion of her journey into a very complicated family past.
I thought Sam as a character is fantastically written and I will absolutely go back and read the two backlist books in the series.
This one has a great balance of twists, police procedures, character development, and a hint of drama. It also has an epilogue that builds anticipation for the next book in the series.
December 27, 2021
Captivating from start to finish! I have not read the first two books in the series, but this was easy to read as a standalone. We're quick to meet Sam, a go-getter woman who faces some tragedy from her past driving her forward. I've always had a draw toward true crime and loved the aspect of a group being a hideout/source of inspiration for a killer. Add in the quarantine aspect and you have the base of a modern day crime that keeps you twisted up. The ending clearly leaves us open to another book in the series and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I will definitely be going back to read the first two of the series as I thoroughly enjoyed this from cover to cover. I picked the killer out fairly early, however, the twist was more than expected.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
December 22, 2021
Sam is on a break visiting her family trying to figure out things from her past when she finds her self in the middle of an investigation involving somebody who has been penned as the dry ice killer.
This is a gripping story from the start definitely has you thinking who the perpetrator could be. A completely different way to murder people from the usual shootings stabbings etc. It's amazing how well the teams pull together and how close they all become. It does get you on the edge of your seat but it's a cope-able one. I am definitely interested in reading all the other stories in this series as Sam certainly has a knack for solving crimes.
Fantastic writing
This is a gripping story from the start definitely has you thinking who the perpetrator could be. A completely different way to murder people from the usual shootings stabbings etc. It's amazing how well the teams pull together and how close they all become. It does get you on the edge of your seat but it's a cope-able one. I am definitely interested in reading all the other stories in this series as Sam certainly has a knack for solving crimes.
Fantastic writing
December 23, 2021
Best so far!
I have now read all 3 Sam Tate books, and they just keep getting better. Sam is more sure of herself, as reflected in the writing. I wasn’t sure after reading the first two if Sam would come back. But with this, there is a promise for more and I can’t wait. The characters were well developed, the plot line held perfectly together, the suspense was real. I couldn’t put the book down.
I have now read all 3 Sam Tate books, and they just keep getting better. Sam is more sure of herself, as reflected in the writing. I wasn’t sure after reading the first two if Sam would come back. But with this, there is a promise for more and I can’t wait. The characters were well developed, the plot line held perfectly together, the suspense was real. I couldn’t put the book down.
May 30, 2022
I have read all three of the books "The Wedding Crasher" "Bird in Hand" and "Freeze Before Burning" wow what a series. I love the author and the series. It is a book you cannot put down. I have read each of the books in the series within days they are cannot put down books so watch out when you start reading them. I am so hoping for a forth Sam Tate book.
January 2, 2022
Sam Tate does NYC like a pro
Great plot and smooth continuation of the series heroine, Sam Tate, story.
Great details on suspects and leaves you wanting more.
Can't wait for next installment.
Great plot and smooth continuation of the series heroine, Sam Tate, story.
Great details on suspects and leaves you wanting more.
Can't wait for next installment.
March 1, 2022
I won this book through a goodreads giveway.
This is the first book I have read from this author. It was a fast-paced police drama. The characters were engrossing. The descriptions of the settings were excellent. I enjoyed this book and plan to read others by this author.
This is the first book I have read from this author. It was a fast-paced police drama. The characters were engrossing. The descriptions of the settings were excellent. I enjoyed this book and plan to read others by this author.
January 2, 2022
My only regret is that I didn’t read the first two books before reading this one! I will definitely be reading those next! Awesome read!
January 9, 2022
Wow
I really enjoyed this book. Hard to put down. The story flowed right off the pages. I need to her previous books. I am sure I will enjoy them also
I really enjoyed this book. Hard to put down. The story flowed right off the pages. I need to her previous books. I am sure I will enjoy them also
December 14, 2021
I like the ongoing story of Sam Tate. Even when she is on a restorative vacation she gets involved in solving a murder mystery. Serial killers seem to be her area of expertise and she rises to the occasion again.
This novel is a good exploration of police procedure in a big city. It was interesting to see how the detectives from different precincts worked together. Sam has an interesting role in the investigation, somewhat involved but somewhat independent too. Sam does do something that is a pet peeve of mine, going off to a dangerous situation without telling anyone her plans. Of course, without support or backup, suspense ensues. She even criticizes another detective for going into a potentially dangerous situation without backup yet goes to his aid by herself. (3408/3815) I don't like it when suspense is created that way.
This novel contains a good balance of police investigative procedure and personal relationship development. I like that Sam's investigation of her personal history is ongoing but is a side issue, not detracting from the current murder investigation. I like how this murder investigation is wrapped up well but we are left with a tantalizing hint as to Sam's next adventure. Bring on the sequel!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This novel is a good exploration of police procedure in a big city. It was interesting to see how the detectives from different precincts worked together. Sam has an interesting role in the investigation, somewhat involved but somewhat independent too. Sam does do something that is a pet peeve of mine, going off to a dangerous situation without telling anyone her plans. Of course, without support or backup, suspense ensues. She even criticizes another detective for going into a potentially dangerous situation without backup yet goes to his aid by herself. (3408/3815) I don't like it when suspense is created that way.
This novel contains a good balance of police investigative procedure and personal relationship development. I like that Sam's investigation of her personal history is ongoing but is a side issue, not detracting from the current murder investigation. I like how this murder investigation is wrapped up well but we are left with a tantalizing hint as to Sam's next adventure. Bring on the sequel!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews