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Sam Mason Mysteries #8
Breaking Rules
"There's a body under the ice..."
Sam Mason faces a chilling discovery that plunges him and his team into a whirlwind of mystery and danger. The victim, found beneath the frozen surface a local lake, holds a key in his pocket � a clue that unlocks a tangled web of secrets stretching back decades.
But it gets complicated, especially when one of the last people to see the victim was mayoral candidate Marnie Wilson. Rumor has it the victim knew something that could jeopardize her outcome in the race for mayor.
Now, more than ever, they have to rely on K-9 Lucy to unearth the chilling truths that will solve the case.
Not everyone at the station is focused on this case, though, Kevin’s big secret is gnawing at him and it’s got him a bit distracted.
Jo continues to try to convince her landlord to sell, Bridget makes a career move and deals with a secret from her past and the FBI starts digging up bodies buried behind the Webster house... except the outcome is something no one expected.
Sam Mason faces a chilling discovery that plunges him and his team into a whirlwind of mystery and danger. The victim, found beneath the frozen surface a local lake, holds a key in his pocket � a clue that unlocks a tangled web of secrets stretching back decades.
But it gets complicated, especially when one of the last people to see the victim was mayoral candidate Marnie Wilson. Rumor has it the victim knew something that could jeopardize her outcome in the race for mayor.
Now, more than ever, they have to rely on K-9 Lucy to unearth the chilling truths that will solve the case.
Not everyone at the station is focused on this case, though, Kevin’s big secret is gnawing at him and it’s got him a bit distracted.
Jo continues to try to convince her landlord to sell, Bridget makes a career move and deals with a secret from her past and the FBI starts digging up bodies buried behind the Webster house... except the outcome is something no one expected.
- GenresMystery
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
1,488 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Dobbs
22Ìýbooks250ÌýfollowersL.A. Dobbs is the not-so-cozy pen name of USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Leighann Dobbs. Under the name L.A. Dobbs, she writes engaging mysteries that have twisty plots filled with secrets and lies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 25, 2024
This series about Sam Mason is so much more than a small town mystery series and there are many stories happening parallel to each other. Almost every character has there story and it's very well thought out. I like the slow pace in these books and the depth in the characters backgrounds which we get a little information in every book. L.A. Dobbs has grown on me as a great writer and Breaking Rules is the 8th in this great series.
January 29, 2025
Rating: ★★☆☆� (2/5)
If I could have DNF I would have, but I’m 8 books in and I have to keep going. These last two books have been a stark departure from the previous 6, as if the author is different. Jo can’t read people anymore, lots of “eyes widening,� the overarching mysteries made no progress and the mystery in this one was a little far-fetched with how it ended. Over all, do not recommend, but like I said, I’m 8 books in and will read what I hope to God is the last book when it comes out.
If I could have DNF I would have, but I’m 8 books in and I have to keep going. These last two books have been a stark departure from the previous 6, as if the author is different. Jo can’t read people anymore, lots of “eyes widening,� the overarching mysteries made no progress and the mystery in this one was a little far-fetched with how it ended. Over all, do not recommend, but like I said, I’m 8 books in and will read what I hope to God is the last book when it comes out.
September 1, 2024
Breaking Rules by L.A. Dobbs is Book 9 in the Sam Mason K-9 Dog Mystery Series.
I absolutely LOVE this series and was so excited for a new book in the series.
There is a lot going on in this book and I could not put it down, I read it in one night.
There is a body found under the ice, and there is no shortage of suspects, as the victim is the campaign manager for one of the candidates running for Mayor.
Meanwhile, Kevin is still trying to put the pieces together of his fractured memory and Jo is trying to convince her landlord to sell her cottage to her.
Jo's sister has some secrets she is trying to run from.
The characters in this story are so well written, complex and full of character.
Lucy, Chief Sam Mason's K-9 Dog is a fantastic character that adds so much to the mystery and the story.
I highly recommend this well written mystery series that will leave you wanting more.
I absolutely LOVE this series and was so excited for a new book in the series.
There is a lot going on in this book and I could not put it down, I read it in one night.
There is a body found under the ice, and there is no shortage of suspects, as the victim is the campaign manager for one of the candidates running for Mayor.
Meanwhile, Kevin is still trying to put the pieces together of his fractured memory and Jo is trying to convince her landlord to sell her cottage to her.
Jo's sister has some secrets she is trying to run from.
The characters in this story are so well written, complex and full of character.
Lucy, Chief Sam Mason's K-9 Dog is a fantastic character that adds so much to the mystery and the story.
I highly recommend this well written mystery series that will leave you wanting more.
September 14, 2024
This is the eighth book in the Sam Mason K-9 Dog Mystery series. A local ice fisherman hooks the body of a campaign manager under the ice. The sheriff and company begin investigating. Could it be tied to a 50-year old heist and if so, how?
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns this story took. It is amazing at how heartless and grizzled the killer.
Jo and Bridget team up to soften the landlord into selling the property to Jo. Only time will tell if befriending the older gentleman works to their advantage. It would be wonderful if they could look out for each other. I enjoy the landlord’s softening towards Pickles, the feral cat.
Ms. Dobbs has done a tremendous job with the series. I have read them all and can’t wait for the next episode.
I was given an advanced readers copy and am not required to leave a positive review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns this story took. It is amazing at how heartless and grizzled the killer.
Jo and Bridget team up to soften the landlord into selling the property to Jo. Only time will tell if befriending the older gentleman works to their advantage. It would be wonderful if they could look out for each other. I enjoy the landlord’s softening towards Pickles, the feral cat.
Ms. Dobbs has done a tremendous job with the series. I have read them all and can’t wait for the next episode.
I was given an advanced readers copy and am not required to leave a positive review.
September 18, 2024
Breaking Rules, book 8 in the Sam Mason series, brings back Sam, Jo, and the other members of the small White Rock police force to solve the latest mystery. A member of the community turns up dead and foul play is quickly determined. With Lucy, Sam’s trusted German Shepherd, sniffing out clues, the team follows the twists and turns to find the answers. With a possible tie to a much older crime, the team works to solve the case. There are a couple of on-going stories from previous books in the series - these make more sense if a person reads the books in order, but a person could jump in here and find a satisfying mystery. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series.
September 7, 2024
In this book of the series, an ice fisherman hooks more than he bargained for--a dead body!
Sam and Jo head out to the frozen lake, and discover the death appears suspicious.
As they begin investigating, they have to unravel whether Alex's death has anything to do with him being a campaign manager for Marnie Wilson, or something personal.
How does a 30 year old bank robbery tie into it, if at all.
As with all the books in this series, each can be a stand alone, but I find better to read in order.
Great characters, and in-depth story lines.
It will keep you guessing, and 2nd-guessing all the clues until the very end!!
Sam and Jo head out to the frozen lake, and discover the death appears suspicious.
As they begin investigating, they have to unravel whether Alex's death has anything to do with him being a campaign manager for Marnie Wilson, or something personal.
How does a 30 year old bank robbery tie into it, if at all.
As with all the books in this series, each can be a stand alone, but I find better to read in order.
Great characters, and in-depth story lines.
It will keep you guessing, and 2nd-guessing all the clues until the very end!!
September 22, 2024
Good read!
The Sam Mason K-9 Dog Mystery series is by far my favorite of all of L. A. Dobbs series. The small N. E. Village with their small Police Department is well depicted. The interplay between the police K-9 and the station's residential cat is humorous and will draw a few lol moments. The interactions between the Police staff and locals is very accurate and relatable. Well done! I definitely recommend this book. If you are new to this series you need to start with book one.
The Sam Mason K-9 Dog Mystery series is by far my favorite of all of L. A. Dobbs series. The small N. E. Village with their small Police Department is well depicted. The interplay between the police K-9 and the station's residential cat is humorous and will draw a few lol moments. The interactions between the Police staff and locals is very accurate and relatable. Well done! I definitely recommend this book. If you are new to this series you need to start with book one.
September 18, 2024
After an intense boil, slow read for me
I remembered the characters quickly; but then remembered the slow pace of getting into the investigative parts. The story line was good and I enjoy watching the teams relationship grow. If I talk about my biggest problem it could ruin the book for others. Just feel this could have been a few chapters with a faster tempo book. However, this not a thriller.
I remembered the characters quickly; but then remembered the slow pace of getting into the investigative parts. The story line was good and I enjoy watching the teams relationship grow. If I talk about my biggest problem it could ruin the book for others. Just feel this could have been a few chapters with a faster tempo book. However, this not a thriller.
October 23, 2024
Sam Mason sheriff in a small town in NH experiences an unusual mystery of a man found under the ice in a local lake. Story involves a key in the victims pocket that unlocks a web of secrets stretching back decades. The whole team plus Lucy the sheriff's dog experience events and find clues that involve many people present in the victims life with people from decades ago regarding a bank robbery.
December 21, 2024
Lucy’s still this reader’s favorite and brings her skills to the story much earlier than the two-leggers after the body of a not as nice as he seemed campaign manage for the upcoming mayoral election and so many two-leggers jump in the suspect pool. Kevin’s making progress with his memory and with Jo’s sister, Bridget. Jo and Sam still shine but they’re both a little duller than when the series began.
Rating: 4stars
Rating: 4stars
March 4, 2025
Good entertainment
These books are consistently a solid 7/10. The story is interesting and I like all of the characters. The writing quality is decent but not great, and sometimes the dialogue and descriptions seem forced and repetitive. This is definitely not for anyone looking for a true police procedural, but it’s good entertainment if you’re able to look past the errors and inconsistencies.
These books are consistently a solid 7/10. The story is interesting and I like all of the characters. The writing quality is decent but not great, and sometimes the dialogue and descriptions seem forced and repetitive. This is definitely not for anyone looking for a true police procedural, but it’s good entertainment if you’re able to look past the errors and inconsistencies.
September 8, 2024
Kevin is recovering and has found a friend in Jo’s sister, Bridget. Jo and Sam are investigating a murder that has a connection to a 50-year old robbery case. It’s an interesting series and I look forward to the next one to see where Kevin and Bridget’s friendship might lead and also if Jo finally gets to purchase her home.
September 27, 2024
I adore K9 novels!
Having read the seven books of this series, the eighth one is a plus.
If some people stories are still in mystery, the resolution of others get my head above the water!
Now, I have to wait for the ninth to see if the disappearing of Jo's little sister comes to be solved.
Thank you L.A. Dobbs!
Having read the seven books of this series, the eighth one is a plus.
If some people stories are still in mystery, the resolution of others get my head above the water!
Now, I have to wait for the ninth to see if the disappearing of Jo's little sister comes to be solved.
Thank you L.A. Dobbs!
September 8, 2024
When the death of one of the Mayoral candidate's campaign manager.
There is a connection to a 50 year old bank heist.
Breaking rules is the 8th book in the Sam Mason series.
There are developed characters and a solid plotline.
There is a connection to a 50 year old bank heist.
Breaking rules is the 8th book in the Sam Mason series.
There are developed characters and a solid plotline.
September 15, 2024
Love the Dog!
The mysteries are great and interesting. Characters are fun and very personable., likeable but like most people they have their own personal trials. The dog and cat are some of the best part of the book. I have really enjoyed this series of books.
The mysteries are great and interesting. Characters are fun and very personable., likeable but like most people they have their own personal trials. The dog and cat are some of the best part of the book. I have really enjoyed this series of books.
September 22, 2024
Entertaining
I love this series. Storyline always keeps me interested in what will happen next.Will Finding Answers reveal the fate of Jo and Bridget’s sister? Guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
I love this series. Storyline always keeps me interested in what will happen next.Will Finding Answers reveal the fate of Jo and Bridget’s sister? Guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
October 1, 2024
I so love this book and the characters in it.
I so love Sam, Jo, Kevin, Bridget and the others in the series especially Lucy! ☺☺� It was a great book and I can't wait for the next story.
I so love Sam, Jo, Kevin, Bridget and the others in the series especially Lucy! ☺☺� It was a great book and I can't wait for the next story.
October 19, 2024
Lucy is apparently magic
Did not realize how much mysticism is utilized by Lucy…but since I read for entertainment, it’s fine.
Looking forward to more memories returning, and more mysteries being solved.
Did not realize how much mysticism is utilized by Lucy…but since I read for entertainment, it’s fine.
Looking forward to more memories returning, and more mysteries being solved.
December 7, 2024
Lucy to the rescue
A mystery that most people should enjoy. I definitely did. The team works together to find out who the killer was and dipped into an old case from years ago. The story kept came reading and I'm looking forward to the next book.
A mystery that most people should enjoy. I definitely did. The team works together to find out who the killer was and dipped into an old case from years ago. The story kept came reading and I'm looking forward to the next book.
September 15, 2024
Really like this series -- the characters are great. I love Lucy (yep) and Major. The mysteries are interesting, and the books are well written.
September 16, 2024
This is a great series. Love all the characters and this great town. The team is working.
September 17, 2024
Good read
Fast paced, kept springing new twists and turns, great characters and relationships all woven into a thrilling story.
Looking forward to more.
Fast paced, kept springing new twists and turns, great characters and relationships all woven into a thrilling story.
Looking forward to more.
September 19, 2024
Love this series !!
I can’t get enough of Sam,Jo and Lucy this series keeps you guessing. With all the twist and turns. Look forward to the next book.
I can’t get enough of Sam,Jo and Lucy this series keeps you guessing. With all the twist and turns. Look forward to the next book.
September 21, 2024
enjoyed the book, looking forward to the next...
September 22, 2024
Great read.
A man is killed. How many suspects do we have. Sam and Lucy are great at investigating with the rest of the office. How long will it take yo fond the killer or killers.
A man is killed. How many suspects do we have. Sam and Lucy are great at investigating with the rest of the office. How long will it take yo fond the killer or killers.
September 22, 2024
love this series
I love this series . They are great on character development and the stories are very good .
Looking forward to book 9!
I love this series . They are great on character development and the stories are very good .
Looking forward to book 9!
September 23, 2024
Great series. Love the characters and especially Lucy.
September 24, 2024
Breaking Rules
Sam and Jo are once again on the trail of a killer and this recent case leads back to an unsolved bank robbery from 50 Yeats ago. Great story. Love this author.
Sam and Jo are once again on the trail of a killer and this recent case leads back to an unsolved bank robbery from 50 Yeats ago. Great story. Love this author.
September 24, 2024
New Death ties to old case. can they find any fifty year old leads.
Sam has a new murder and the more he looks all he can do is follow the clues. Great read.
Sam has a new murder and the more he looks all he can do is follow the clues. Great read.
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