Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti Narrator: Amy Landon
Series: Laurel Snow #3
Published by Tantor Audio, Zebra on July 25, 2023
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 400
Length: hours, minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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Men are dying in the Pacific Northwest, their bodies found near churches, charities, and counseling centers--each with valentine candy hearts shoved down their throats. They're good men with families and community ties--or so they seem until Laurel Snow and her team begin to investigate. Then the case takes a shockingly personal turn when the father she's never met, a former pastor, turns up among the dead.
Now, besides solving her father's murder, Laurel is on the hunt to discover the truth of his past. Complicating things is Laurel's troubled half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant sociopath determined to prove that they've both inherited their father's malignant narcissism.
Assisting Laurel is Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, a dangerous loner whose reliance on gut instinct puts him at odds with Laurel's coolly analytic approach. But the choice may be moot when the killer hones in on Huck's own dark secrets--putting him and Laurel squarely in the crosshairs.
The Laurel Snow series has the FBI cases in the individual books and the overall story ARC of Laurel’s personal life. She is back seeing her mother, and developing a relationship with Huck, as well as friends like Kate.  The series is best read in order because of the career and personal developments.
Laurel is very smart and works hard. She continues on things day and night. She takes a few too many risks. Not only is there a serial killer who might take an interest in her (although this one seems to be after men) and her batshit crazy half sister Abigail is always after her, trying to manipulate her.
In You Can Die, the serial killers seems to be unhappy with men. The killings are stabbings with Valentine’s candy stuffed in their mouths. The victims all seem to have some kind of connection with a law firm, where Kate’s ex-husband works.  There is also the wrapping up from her previous case where the killer, Jason Abbot, was a research subject of Abigail’s and he keeps trying to have Laurel visit him.
Laurel has decided to set up her FBI office in this town. Her mother is here and she likes her team. Since she is managing people, she tries to make sure Walter is recovering from his injuries in the last case. Kate has some threats because of her ex-husband so Laurel wants to make sure she and her daughters have security. Nester, the computer whiz and new agent, is mostly in the office, so he is less of a worry. New space has come available in their building but sadly, Huck’s ex-fiance, the reporter has also taken space in the building. It won’t be good having her in their business all the time.
Laurel is very busy trying to solve this case and avoid Abigail. She is furthering her relationship with Huck. It’s a new thing for her and I’m happy to say he is working hard to make it easier for her.  I look forward to see where things happen next with her big changes personally.
Narration:
Amy Landon has narrated the series and I hear Laurel in her voice. Most of the story is from Laurel’s point of view and her thoughts. The character’s voices are distinct and work well.  I was able to listen comfortably at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Amy Landon
Amy Landon is a classically trained actress with numerous off-Broadway, film, and television credits. Her voice can also be heard on many television and radio commercials. She has an easy facility with dialects, which she also coaches and teaches, and she is happy to find her lifelong obsession with books is matching up with her acting and vocal work.
About Rebecca Zanetti
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I’ve been waiting for this one…I really enjoyed the first two!
These are really enjoyable.
I loved this one. My review is coming soon, as soon as I get my act together here.
yes romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres.
This one sounds so good! I really need to get busy and read the other books in this series.
These are romantic suspense. While the crimes are grisly, they tend not to be graphic or detailed descriptions.
Sounds like a fun series. I wouldn’t like having my fiancé’s ex in the office next door!
The ex is even worse because she is a reporter focused on true crime and leaking case details!
Well I’m definitely going to have to read this one, I’d like the other books and I’m looking forward to reading this one because it sounds pretty good.
Thanks Mary. I liked it.
I’m waiting for this to show up at my library. Great review, Anne💜 Glad you’re continuing to enjoy the series.
yes I’m enjoying it. Perhaps because of the romance or style it doesn’t feel as heavy as some mystery thrillers though.
This looks great! I’m getting the first one in this series soon and am looking forward to trying out this author’s books.
I think this might be a good choice for you. It’s more romantic suspense in some ways than mystery thriller. It doesn’t feel as gritty as some of those, although there are gruesome deaths.
I hope to one day read this author’s work.
I hope you do. I have enjoyed her work. It feels lighter than some romantic suspense or mystery thriller even with the police procedural aspects.
This is a series that I really do want to read after catching up with some of Zanetti’s other books last year. It sounds like this was a great installment.
yes I’ve been enjoying this series. It feels more like romantic suspense although there are police procedures and deaths.
This sounds like a great series. Laurel sounds like a character I would enjoy reading about.
I enjoy Rebecca Zanetti. Laurel is crazy smart, has a strong educational and work ethic, takes a few too many risks and has a seriously bizarre family.
Amy Landon is excellent!
yes I really enjoy her narration.