Sam Tate returns to face a vengeful killer, a shadowy nemesis, and a dead pirate.

When Arley Fitchett’s body washes up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Lieutenant Sam Tate is charged with finding out who killed the popular guide and treasure hunter. Fitchett, she discovers, was obsessed with finding a rare carving stolen by Chesapeake Bay pirates in 1718 and hidden nearby. No one knows if the story is true, but several locals seem to share Fitchett’s interest in the wooden bird with the sapphire eye. Any one of them could be the next victim. One of them is definitely a murderer.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

“BIRD IN HAND is the kind of mystery that easily keeps the reader captivated, guessing, on their toes, and wanting more!” ~ Jersey Girl Book Reviews

“With a slam-bang ending, Bird in Hand delivers a well-layered plot that successfully masks a killer right up to the reveal.” ~ Nesie’s Place Book Review

“Stern excels at creating a satisfyingly complex, emotional undercurrent that runs through the greater murder mystery.” ~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“Shades of The Maltese Falcon; the stuff that dreams are made of for mystery buffs.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

“Even better than the first…leaving this reader eager for a third.” ~ Teri Case, author of the award-winning Tiger Drive
“An intricately spun spider’s web. Awesome writing.” ~ Reedsy Discovery

“The dual time periods make for a fresh whodunit.” ~ Reader Review

“Bird in Hand will have prior Sam fans and newcomers thoroughly engrossed, all the way to the unexpected end.” ~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“Make room for a new addition to the list of tier-one mystery writers.” ~ Reader Review