Footprints in snow leading to a crime scene mysteriously begin in the middle of the woods

[Lynda]

by Brian Freeman?

[Gienna]

You said male author, but could it be one of the Insp. Armand Gamache books by Louise Penny? It rings a bell but not seeing that particular plot point in any of the descriptions.

Louise Penny

I'm positive I've read a book that fits but I can't quite put my finger on it yet... Will keep thinking.

(Edit)

After searching for a while I see there are really a lot of "footprints in the snow" mysteries...