Red Barn: The addictive new small town mystery thriller (Ruth Baker Thrillers Book 1)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi there. This is Sam. Thanks to all you lovely readers for writing in and pointing out all the things that were wrong with the January 2026 edition. I re-edited and proofed the book again and checked it personally to make sure everything was fixed and ALL your points were incorporated. If you enjoyed this book, do leave a rating. 5 Stars are not required but are always appreciated! Happy Reading! - Sam, July 20, 2026.

Some secrets refuse to stay buried...

In this explosive new Baker & Tate mystery, Texas Ranger Ruth Baker faces her darkest case yet—one that strikes at the heart of her own family. When twenty-three children vanish from a school bus in Caldwell, Texas, the case becomes personal for Ruth Baker—her daughter Ava should have been on that bus. Partnered with fellow Ranger Aaron Tate, Ruth uncovers a haunting connection to the infamous "Red Barn Killings" from twenty years ago. But as they dig deeper, they discover that Caldwell's most powerful figures may have been protecting a terrible secret all along.

With the FBI closing in and dangerous revelations about her late husband's death coming to light, Ruth must decide how far she'll go to expose the truth—even if it means destroying everything she thought she knew about her hometown.

Red Barn is an unrelenting, high-stakes mystery thriller packed with explosive action, psychological warfare, and the trademark emotional punch Baker & Tate fans have come to love. Each book in the Baker & Tate series is a complete story that can be read on its own. Readers love Sam Baron's unputdownable mystery thrillers “The very epitome of page-turner with a chilling storyline that grips from the first and kept me guessing right up to the heart-racing denouement… STUNNER.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I devoured this book in 1 day! A suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Captivating and nail-biting… literally gave me the chills… full of twist and turns… you are always left guessing… story was gripping and gut wrenching. An amazing protagonist! … I am hooked and can't wait for the next one! Must read!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Consumed me, transporting me to a realm of pulse-pounding suspense that lingered long after I finished reading… be prepared to sleep with the lights on...” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Kept me guessing to the end.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Fast and intense.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I couldn't put it down… read this in one sitting... Highly recommended for anyone in search of a pulse-pounding read that will keep them up late into the night.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat… Fans of Robert Dugoni, Gregg Olsen, and Lisa Regan will be riveted by this electrifying novel that delivers twists, turns, and heart-stopping suspense at every corner.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Loved it! ... Great characters, a story full of twists, and a surprising ending.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was on the edge of my seat… I even held my breath at one point. There is a ton of mystery, suspense and action. It was a thrilling roller coaster ride.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I couldn't put it down and read during every free second I could spare... Wow! I loved this!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I loved this book and the twists were fabulous and unpredictable.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Oh wow! This was a page-turner! The twists and secrets we uncover in this book had me constantly turning the page!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An excellent who-dun-it murder mystery!!... kept me entertained and on my toes the whole time. great ending!!!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow!! I think this might be the most terrifying and delicious serial murder story I have read.” WendiReviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Suspenseful amazing gripping and twisty…a page turner.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐