Samantha Rialto Series by Evan Katy

USA Today Bestseller Samantha Rialto, a recently divorced, defensively snarky middle school music teacher, has taken up surveillance photography as a way to fill the gaps in her educator’s salary. As the daughter of the former Chief of Police it seemed like a reasonable choice for a side job. That is until a particularly cold week in January when Sam finds herself entangled in a mystery involving dead people, copious amounts of cash and a nutty Tai Chi enthusiast... moreUSA Today Bestseller Samantha Rialto, a recently divorced, defensively snarky middle school music teacher, has taken up surveillance photography as a way to fill the gaps in her educator’s salary. As the daughter of the former Chief of Police it seemed like a reasonable choice for a side job. That is until a particularly cold week in January when Sam finds herself entangled in a mystery involving dead people, copious amounts of cash and a nutty Tai Chi enthusiast. In a deserted alley two people are murdered and Sam is the only witness. Ben Parker, the detective assigned to the case, is not happy to see her again. A year ago his former partner, Harry Rialto – Sam’s ex-husband – killed a fellow cop in a bar brawl, single handedly tarnishing the local police reputation. Sam never spoke about how Harry treated her while they were married and she isn’t going to start now, even though Ben’s questions about the alley crime scene and her inability to answer them bring up old frustrations and ignite a surprising (and inconvenient) attraction. Before long, Sam finds herself outfitted with a wire at dinner, nearly run over by a car, and shot at by a trained sniper. Her carefully constructed existence, post-divorce, begins to crumble as the widow of one of the victims refuses to leave her alone, her ex-husband begins stalking her and Ben’s sexy crime fighting skills cause a mild anxiety attack. When key evidence shows up linking Samantha to the murders, things become much more sinister. With the help of her best friend Maxie, Sam will tap into reserves of inner strength left scarce after her wrenching divorce and will have to use more than her considerable wit to stay alive. less

Samantha Rialto learned everything she knows about surveillance photography from Skipper Turnbuckle, a private eye with a bum reputation. Since last month’s job they haven’t spoken. But a bomb, a shooting and a voice-mail have her seeking the old investigator out…and wishing she hadn't. Samantha is on leave from her job as a music teacher and trying very hard not to let motivating, positive suggestions from her mother and best friend, Maxie, cheer her up... moreSamantha Rialto learned everything she knows about surveillance photography from Skipper Turnbuckle, a private eye with a bum reputation. Since last month’s job they haven’t spoken. But a bomb, a shooting and a voice-mail have her seeking the old investigator out…and wishing she hadn't. Samantha is on leave from her job as a music teacher and trying very hard not to let motivating, positive suggestions from her mother and best friend, Maxie, cheer her up. She hasn’t spoken to her almost boyfriend, Detective Ben Parker, in two weeks and the only good news she’s had is that January is finally over. But when her neighbor’s house is blown to bits, Sam is forced to bunk with Maxie. And when, later that night, a man is shot in Maxie’s front yard, and a disturbing voice-mail implicates Sam’s old mentor, the past dances its way into Sam’s present again. Ben and Sam, once again, find themselves in a race against time, facing off against a suspicious FBI agent and tracking down a host of possible suspects, including a high profile senator, an angry giant, and a scientist who may or may not be dead. less

Samantha Rialto and her best friend, Maxie Peters are looking for a place to live, determined to put the traumatic events of the last two months behind them. But things start to go horribly awry when they find a dead body soaking in the bathtub of a potential rental. On that same afternoon, Violet Arnold, one of Samantha’s favorite students, asks for help finding her missing father. Once again, Samantha is embroiled in another mystery... moreSamantha Rialto and her best friend, Maxie Peters are looking for a place to live, determined to put the traumatic events of the last two months behind them. But things start to go horribly awry when they find a dead body soaking in the bathtub of a potential rental. On that same afternoon, Violet Arnold, one of Samantha’s favorite students, asks for help finding her missing father. Once again, Samantha is embroiled in another mystery.She enlists the help of Skipper Turnbuckle, a crotchety private eye, and meets several colorful characters, including a bait shop worker with shockingly orange hair, members of a Russian mob, and a menopausal bakery owner. To complicate matters further, Samantha has a letter from her ex-husband she has yet to open, AND she accidentally agrees to go out on a date with Doug, a fellow teacher, on the same day that her almost-boyfriend, Ben Parker, returns from training with the FBI.To get through the week, Samantha will have to lean on her friends, face up to her ex-husband, and try not to get electrocuted by her own stun gun. Everything she holds dear will once again be threatened, and just when she thinks it’s all over, her world will be changed forever. less