Exposing Truths (Sam Mason Mysteries, #3) (2024)

Claudia

2,967 reviews40 followers

September 10, 2022

Okay, I'm done. The level of verbatim repetition went beyond endurable, the characters are not evolving (and no, adding a supposedly new love interest is not funny nor adds intrigue) and... I'm just tired of chasing after a resolution that doesn't arouse my interest nor do I care anymore.

All these three novellas could have easily been just one book, and I bet the next two will be the same: lots of repetition, lots of telling and lots of frustration on my part. So I'll just stop here and avoid the pain :P

    audiobook mystery

Mara

1,264 reviews90 followers

January 3, 2018

As usual in this series there's a murder that gets solved while Sam and Jo are still looking for clues to solve Tyler's murder. Ray Ingalls, a photographer is found dead in the owl-protected zone that borders developer Lucas Thorne's property. There are many suspects that all have secrets they want to protect.

The mystery surrounding Officer Tyler Richardson's death continues to remain unsolved. In addition there's another shocking death without any clue as to who may have done it, but Sam and Jo already know the why.

I like that Kevin, the part time officer, may finally be getting wise about whoever's been paying him for information. It's about dang time. I also like that Sam is finally giving him more responsibility rather than only sending him out to take care of nuisance calls. I also like that Jo finally knows what crooked developer Lucas Thorne is threatening Sam and his best friend Mick with. Of course Lucy the police dog is very helpful and makes me wonder who owned her before Sam found her.

I'm disappointed that these people who work together and depend on each other--they're cops and even in small towns being a cop has risk--don't speak what's on their mind. Why hasn't Kevin ever gone to Sam and asked to work some of the bigger cases? Why doesn't Sam ever tell Kevin he's doing a good job; everyone likes to be complimented on a job well done. Sam reminds me of Agent Gibbs on NCIS when the show first started--the strong, silent type without much to say.

I thought the mystery surrounding Tyler's death would be solved by now, or at least be closer to being solved. There's too much reviewing done in each of the books--recapping what's happened and reminding us what each of the characters is like. It's a series that needs to be read in order, but so much is repeated a smart person could probably pick up this book and be caught up without reading the first two. I hope the author is able to wrap up Tyler's murder and the latest one in the next book, because I buy them to find out what happened to Tyler and why, not to read about another "murder of the week" so to speak.

Beth

2,600 reviews21 followers

June 3, 2023

Things are getting too drawn out

This is the third book in the series and like the previous two there is a self-contained murder and an ongoing conspiracy story arc. But the dynamic is getting old. The murder in this book is dull and there’s very little to hold the reader’s interest. Therefore the reader turns to the ongoing story arc for entertainment but there’s little to be had here. It’s just mostly regurgitation of the same old stuff we already know. And these people not just speaking to each other like adults is frustrating.

Kevin is getting super irritating with his “who are the bad guys” ruminations and he’s coming off more and more like a moronic dupe. Also his whining about not being included is getting tired. You want more job responsibility then say so! And hello, you turned down the full time job so why should they include you in the bigger jobs?

Jo not telling Sam about her sister is just dumb. Why hide it? And why wouldn’t a background check when she was hired have turned up the info?

Sam and Mick’s secret may be more serious but it doesn’t seem like something he’d have hid from Jo this long and Mick’s argument against telling her doesn’t make sense.

The new crumbs dropped aren’t all that interesting and it’s starting to feel like the author is stringing us along to pluck another five bucks from our pockets. Not sure if I care enough about these characters anymore to fork over the money.

Sharon

149 reviews

October 27, 2017

This entire series could have been one book if the sections that repeated over and over again were eliminated. The ending of this book was very disappointing and I am not sure I will be looking for #4 to (hopefully) find that the bad guy is finally exposed. Some series can play a plot throughout and make you want to keep reading more but not this one.

Vanessa Powell

88 reviews

April 18, 2021

Book 3 of 5. Each book has a crime that needs to be Investigated but in the background are some very dodgey dealings so although you can read each book on their own, it’s probably best to start at the beginning of this series

Kathleen

1,672 reviews10 followers

February 11, 2019

I listened to the audiobook version which is narrated by Rudy Sanda. This is the third in the Sam Mason Mystery Series. This is not a cozy but more of a police procedural with characters hiding secrets.

There is an ongoing mystery that has run through the first three books - who killer Tyler Richardson and why.

In this novel, the current story revolves around Ray Ingalls. He was an environmentalist taking photos of a certain owl in a local sanctuary. He has been murdered and now Sam & Jo want to find out why. The mystery for this novel had lots of clues and twists.

I enjoyed this book, but I wish we would get to the resolution of the Tyler Richardson death.
There still is a lot of repeating of previous information from the other books. Is this filler?
Another issue I’m anxious to see resolved is Kevin and who has hired him and why. Kevin is wising up. I feel he needs to come clean with Sam & Jo. There needs to more open communication with the law enforcement department.

We learn a little more about Sam’s and Jo’s separate secrets and something about Kevin.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series if only to see if the Tyler Richardson death and Kevin’s other employers are resolved.

The first three books could have easily been in one book and when removing the verbatim rehash in the following books it would be one normal length novel.

    2019 library
October 7, 2017

I love this series. Hate that now I have to wait months until the next one. Sam Mason has a murder to solve. Ray Ingalls was supposedly an environmentalist taking photos of a certain owl in a local sanctuary. With help from his fellow officer, Jo, they discover that wasn't all the victim was doing in their little neck of the woods.

I like Sam's character. He's been married twice and has twin daughters who are in college. Jo is single but she's been keeping a secret from Sam. Although so far nothing has happened between the two of them, you get the feeling it might in the future. Then there's also the mystery of their murdered co-worker which carries over from book to book. Several reasons to reach for that next book when it comes out.

Karen Henry

75 reviews6 followers

October 16, 2017

Great

Well, I had to read the third book. I just couldn’t put it down! Now! I have to wait for the fourth book. WHEN?!

Bob

1,984 reviews19 followers

July 6, 2018

Quick and easy read this mystery is set in northern New Hampshire. We have all four of he series , bu the first 2 were out but 3 was available, so I grabbed it. The local small town police chief is looking into the death of a photographer in an owl sanctuary but the motive is unclear. The sanctuary has drawn wildlife activists due to the slowly encroaching development of a big tourist hotel and amenities. The developer seems to be in bed with the local mayor and has no problem getting zoning over the objection of the towns people. The chief, Sam Mason, has the death of a member of his force that wants investigating but was bumped up to the State level and he has to work unofficially to find the cause. The book is some where between a cozy and a hard boiled mystery. Now working on # 2 in of this self published series.

Cindy O

128 reviews1 follower

May 28, 2018

I am stunned by all the 5* reviews!!!! Did anyone actually read this book? Perhaps the author requested her book clubs or Facebook friends to review her book and they did her a solid.
The writing in this series is the LAZIEST writing I have ever read. Much cut and paste and repeating from the other books in this series.

(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian

1,882 reviews1 follower

August 8, 2023

I Recommend the Book, NOT the Audio.
This is now the third book in the series, and I've listened to them all on audiobook. But I'm pretty sure this is the last one I'll listen to. I don't know what happened to the narration on this one, but there were times it honestly sounded like a cartoon. I've never been crazy about the upper NE accents, but this time it was terrible. The mayor sounded exactly like Mr. Howell from Gilligan's Island-- affectations and all. He wasn't the only one that sounded like a cartoon, just the most memorable.

As for the story, it was in the same vein as the others, so if you enjoyed the first two, you'll like this one. Maybe it was because I was fed up with the voicings, but I felt a little frustrated that by the end of book three, we still know so little about the characters. They're pretty much all still strangers at this point. What I know of them I enjoy. I like the stories okay. But there isn't much depth. I'm hoping Book 4 perks up a bit, or it may be the end of this series for me.

    audio-book

Thomas

1,584 reviews35 followers

August 22, 2017

Sam and Jo are called to the scene where the body of a conservation activist is. There has been a rare owl found to be breeding in the area and they are trying to get the area classified as a natural habitat.
The Mayor sets up a clandestine meeting with Sam to reveal some information that Sam may find useful. The only problem is Sam suspects he may be walking into a trap, even having Jo for backup may not be enough for everyone to come out unharmed.
Sam finally shares his secret with Jo, and Jo really wants to share her secret also. But just doesn't seem to be able to find the right time.
Once again, Lee Dobbins, writing under the pseudonym of L. A. Dobbs puts out a book that you really don't want to put down. The characters are exceptionally well created. Descriptions of the territory and setting give a vivid portrayal of the surroundings. And she leaves just enough information at the end to make you really want the next book released. TOMORROW.

Dennis Plante

317 reviews

May 23, 2023

Generic Read

First and foremost, I totally agree with other people, enough already with the K-cups, the jelly doughnuts, the spot of jelly on Jo's shirt, the wobbly chair, that the police station used to be a post office, Sam's desk, dog treats, and for goodness sakes hire someone! All this stuff is covered in other books, why not have a chapter at the beginning of the book that catches everyone up, and they can read it if they have not been reading the series, that is what many other authors do. The constant back story takes away from the current story. This book could be condensed down to under two hundred pages, there is a LOT of skippable pages.
The actual story is OK, and the reading is easy, not a book you just can't put down. It's good enough that I am on to the next one...

Linda Pennington

147 reviews1 follower

August 22, 2017

This is the third book in the series. Sam Mason and Jo Harris are investigating the death of the environmentalist Ray Ingalls. He is found in the owl preserve dead, with egg on his face. Is this a clue and where are the egg shells? They find the murder weapon nearby but do not find his camera or his laptop.
The environmentalists are in town protesting the building of a resort next to the preserve. They are camped out by the river. Sam and Jo interview them and become suspicious of some of them. After interviewing the suspects they are still at a loss for a motive. But finding the man in the hoodie with orange spiked hair is a clue that leads them on.
I could not put the book down. Like all of her books this is a good series. I can not wait for the next book.

Patricia Taylor

49 reviews

October 10, 2017

Exposing Truths is the third book in the Sam Mason Mystery series by L.A.. Dobbs. Another murder has occurred in White Rock, NH. This time it is an environmentalist taking pictures of endangered owls. The owls nesting area is very close to the new hotel that is being constructed so of course Thorne is a prime suspect. As the investigation of this new murder progresses they also uncover some new information about Tyler Richardson. Will this new information help them catch his murderer or just create more questions. One murderer caught, another case still not solved and the story ends with a very unexpected twist. This is one of the best mystery series I have read. What secrets will come to light in the next book.

Meghan

2,801 reviews6 followers

August 8, 2020

One clue at a time

Sam and Jo are back and still working on their colleagues death and now a new crime. While solving the new crime they make an uneasy alliance with a frequent foe and then face another unsolved crime.

The writing is interesting and the overarching questions from book one are still unanswered, though we do have more clues. I did struggle a bit with the writing pace in this book, but once It started moving the last Half flew by.

Kevin’s uncertainty seems to be dragging so I hope he figured something out soon as it seems very naive for an officer at this point. The hint of a romance was awkward in this story because of their individual secrets, so I have hope for the next book to take some relationship and overarching question steps!

Greg Whaley

59 reviews

April 14, 2021

This is the 3rd book in the series and the third time I have ranked them at 4 starts. I really enjoy them but I do have one issue with all 3 of these books. The character Kevin, the part time cop, has got to be the dumbest person on the face of the earth or at least Miss Dobbs would have us think so. No person that has become a police officer can be stupid enough to believe the scenario created in these stories. He takes payoffs from some unknown person in exchange for information and accepts on blind faith that his boss and fellow officers are both corrupt and this "contact" is the "good" guy. I'm sorry, I'm just not buying it. Other than that the books are pretty well written and entertaining.

Vicky

470 reviews

May 6, 2022

I have read all three of the books in this series. I enjoy the main character, Sam and his k9 Lucy. The supporting characters are enjoyable too. I don’t trust Kevin and I am curious about Tyler, how he died and any secrets he may have been hiding. The bad guys are bad guys! The developer, Thorne and the mayor, Dupont.
In this book an environmentalist is killed and Sam and his crew must find the murderer. There are many suspects but who. The the mayor, Dupont is about to tell Sam some inside secrets when he is killed. Sam and Jo suspect a murder or was it suicide?
The ending seems to be abrupt, but of course there is book #4.I really don’t like that……This book is very easy reading and will keep your interest to the end.

Linda Cooper

6 reviews

February 15, 2018

I wanted to give this book (all the San Mason novels) 4 stars, but had to go with 3 stars because of the short length. It has likable characters, a small-town ambiance, and numerous deaths to solve. I liked the inclusion of the dog, Lucy, going out with Sam and Jo on investigations. I hope the continuation of mysterious circumstances about past deputy Tyler and current part time deputy Kevin and real estate developer Thorne will not be left pending for too many more books or I might lose interest in them. I have already bought the next book, so will wait until after reading that one to decide if I will read any more.

Tara

339 reviews

August 19, 2023

I went into this book blind, just like the others. If it wouldn't be for the little bits and pieces that you get about Tyler's death in the other two books, these could all be read as stand alones. They all repeat details that are in each book that gets kind of annoying. I would understand it if they weren't listed as a series, but a series means you read them in order. That makes the repetitive information unnecessary. I know this is a six book series but I am going to stop with this book. It's not answering enough questions for me with each book. It also seems like it would have been better if it were two different books because it's basically filler with another subject.

Meg

229 reviews1 follower

September 26, 2017

I received this book as an ARC and it will not show up as a verified purchase. Don’t let that detour you though! L. A. Dobbs is an amazing author that keeps you thinking and guessing as you read. Sam Mason is one of my favorite series and I urge you to purchase the first two books. Although, Exposing Truths can be a standalone story, I personally like to get to know the characters from the first book onward. Leighann Dobbs (L.A. Dobbs) has created another mystery I did not want to put down and has an ending that has left me in suspense! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

Cinda Inman

323 reviews3 followers

October 12, 2017

Exposing Truths

Another great book by Leighann Dobbs. When one of the environmentalists is found murdered in an area protected for owls, Sam and Jo start investigating the case. It becomes more entangled when the mayor begins demanding quick results so it won't reflect badly on his upcoming bid for the mayoral seat again.
There are a lot of twists, turns and secrets in the book. I was a little disappointed that Tyler's murder from the first book or the mayor's murder in this book were not solved.

Scott aka Curmudgeon

526 reviews10 followers

May 28, 2020

Continue to enjoy series

A
gain an applause for the series being a clean series (no sex, profanity or extreme violence). Some people enjoy that, to each his own, but they may find the Sam Mason series a yeah, but I’m enjoying it.

It suffers in that a lot of mysteries remain just that a mystery and a new reader to the series would be lost if they don’t start at book one. I’m not saying one can’t enjoy the primary plot but there are a few sub plots that make it an overall better series read.

Ready to read number 4 ‘Betraying Trusts’

    author-l-a-dobbs format-kindle-unlimited genre-mystery-murder

Susan K. Graham

13 reviews

February 6, 2023

Only a 3 stars review

I enjoy these books. The mysteries are intriguing, the characters fairly well delayed out. And of course, the ends of each book leave you wanting to continue.
That being said, the repetitions are getting tedious. While I realize not everyone is reading these books in order, the repetitions within the same book are really getting annoying. Most of the time, they are word for word the same as all the previous books. It is almost getting to the point I don't want to continue.

Chris Tyrrell

1 review

March 14, 2023

Never-ending

I have read series before but this one just drags on. Title exposing truths, absolutely doesn't reveal any truths whatsoever. In fact just asks a lot more questions leaving you hanging at the end. I am done, wished I wouldn't have read any of it. Also I feel like it was written for possibly Jr high or young adult reading levels. Please don't waste your time like I did. I only read the second book to answer the questions you left up in the air from the first book. Ill be damned if you get me again. You've been warned !!!

Ann Britany

6 reviews

August 7, 2023

I didn’t find this mystery as interesting as the others up to this point. It does finally give some hint as to the what’s been going on in Tyler’s murder case (finally!) I really am only reading this series through to finish what I started, and to be able to say that I completed a book series this year. I wouldn’t encourage anyone else to go through this series. The amount of repetition of previous profiles and stories is beyond agonizing. If you cut out the repeat bulk, half of the book volume is gone.

Callee

237 reviews

October 11, 2023

This is the third book in the series and I would say the series so far is ‘mid’ as the kids would say. Some intriguing mystery and the characters are ok. An easy series to cruise through. The thing that kinda drives you nuts is all the repetition and extensive descriptions. We don’t need to know the exact brand of coffee machine every single time they get a cup of coffee. Does is matter that a suspect was wearing Birkenstocks? Couldn’t it just be sandals? Do we need to know the exact layout and where the furniture was purchased at the main characters home? No.

PepperP0t

4,766 reviews82 followers

February 15, 2024

Sgt Jo since Jo’s chillier toward Chief Sam since his conversation with Thorne last month. When an owl-photographer is found dead in the protected zone, the environmentalist protestors are natural suspects, as well as the trash obsessed local who complains about them. DuPont seems to be turning on Thorn but turns up dead. Mike and Sam agree to let Jo in on their secret, a link between Thorne and their recently killed deputy, Tyler plus, Kevin feels guilty about still weighing his options but happy to feel part of the team.
Rating: 3.75stars

    2024-reads adult contemporary

Tracy Marrs

102 reviews

September 19, 2017

This is the third book in the Sam Mason series and Sam and his partner Jo are called to the scene of a murder. It is a wildlife photographer and he is in the natural habitat breeding area of a rare type of owl. All clues point to a huge land developer in the area but Sam and Jo seem to think that is not the case. This story hooks you from the beginning. Plenty of twists to keep you turning pages. I received an advanced readers copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Pamela

392 reviews9 followers

October 4, 2017

The mystery deepens

I enjoyed this book but, as expected, it left me wanting more. Ms Dobbs has promised resolutions in Book 4 and I look forward to reading it. Book 3 had its own murder to solve but the most satisfying thing for me was the 3 deputies are beginning to trust each other and work as a team. I like how the author gives us a point of view from each officer. I like the grittier Sam Mason series and recommend it.

Exposing Truths (Sam Mason Mysteries, #3) (2024)
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