The Samaritan by Mason Cross

Last Updated on August 6, 2023 by ellen

The Samaritan by Mason Cross was my weekend reading choice so I wanted to share my review with you today.  We had a winter storm warning all weekend so I just loaded up the wood stove and called it the perfect weekend for reading. 

The Samaritan by Mason Cross

When the mutilated body of a young woman is discovered in the Santa Monica Mountains, LAPD Detective Jessica Allen knows she’s seen this before―two and a half years ago on the other side of the country.

A sadistic serial killer has been operating undetected for a decade, preying on lone female drivers whose cars have broken down. The press dub the killer ‘the Samaritan,’ but with no leads―and a killer who leaves no traces―the police investigation quickly grinds to a halt.

That’s when Carter Blake shows up to volunteer his services. He’s a skilled manhunter with an uncanny ability to predict the Samaritan’s next moves. At first, Allen and her colleagues are suspicious. After all, their new ally shares some uncomfortable similarities to the man they’re tracking. But as the Samaritan takes his slaughter to the next level, Blake must find a way to stop him . . . even if it means bringing his own past crashing down on top of him.

My thoughts:

There are a series of killings in Los Angeles that Detective Jessica Allen and her partner are working on. The killer is focusing on single women who break down in remote areas. Detective Allen knows she’s seen this distinctive wound before in another case. As she and her partner investigate,  a professional manhunter shows up to help them solve the case. They are suspicious and wonder if he’s the serial killer himself, but he starts to get results. They need to work together to solve the crime before they become victims themselves.

I have always been fascinated by serial killers so I couldn’t wait to read this book. I love that the detective in this story was a woman. It’s so much easier for me to relate to stories where there are strong female leads. Introducing the mysterious Carter Blake was a great touch because I kept trying to figure out whether or not he really was the serial killer. Once I started the book, I honestly could not put it down. When the ending came, it completely shocked me because it wasn’t what I expected at all.

I highly recommend The Samaritan by Mason Cross. Buy your copy today and start reading!

Love thrillers? Check out my thriller book reviews for more.

ellen

Ellen is a mom of a 25-year-old son and 30-year-old daughter. She is Grandma to one adorable toddler. In what little spare time she has, she loves to read, watch movies, and check out the latest toys and games.