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A Sadie Gray FBI Mystery #1
The 34 in the Floor
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND AMAZON ALL-STAR AWARD WINNER
“Ryan knows how to write action and suspense. But where he truly shines is the flawed, complex, and broken but resolute heroes and heroines he creates.” – Kyla Stone, USA Today Bestselling Author
When the past and present collide, murder becomes as easy as breathing…
Deep in the majestic Northern California woods, hidden in a remote hunting cabin, lies a secret too shocking for a mystery that could derail FBI Special Agent Sadie Gray’s career before it even starts.
Grass Valley, California, is home to all sorts of people, their darkest secrets, and the shadows where they hide them. It was also the location of a series of abductions, including Sadie's abduction, spanning back nearly twenty years.
But when a terrifying discovery sparks a murder investigation unlike anything this quiet community has ever seen, Sadie will be dragged back into the nightmare she fought her entire adult life to escape.
The national media and true crime enthusiasts dubbed this case “The 34 in the Floor”, but the FBI hasn’t faced a serial killer this prolific in decades. For Sadie, this chilling investigation marks her first case and a return to a home she vowed never to revisit.
While no one should have to crawl this deep into a murderer’s head to stop him from killing, Sadie and her partner will be pushed to the brink, but there’s no quit in either one, and no lengths they won’t go to solve the case and catch this cold, enigmatic killer.
AUDIOBOOK now available! Narrated by the talented actress and narrator, Brittany Goodwin.
USA Today Bestselling Author R.B. Schow and lifelong true crime enthusiast Bailey James present a brand new mystery series that will put you on the edge of your seat and have you flipping pages so fast your Kindle might catch fire.
With nearly a million copies sold, hundreds of millions of pages read, and two series being shopped in Hollywood, Schow’s work has captivated readers worldwide. So sit back, get comfortable, and prepare for an unexpected, unforgettable journey!
Fans of Mary Stone, A.J. Rivers, Elle Gray, Lisa Regan, and Alex Sigmore are going to love Sadie Gray and this wild, thrilling ride—a crazy, addictive new mystery series with fresh books dropping every month.
___________________________________________
WHAT READERS ARE
"I loved everything about this book. The character development was great and the story line kept me glued to the pages. Can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released!" - Amazon Reviewer
"Sadie isn't your typical heroine. Life has kicked her hard, and she's struggling to be better, do better, make a difference. It's an amazing story well worth reading. Trust me, you'll be hooked and anxious for the next book!" - Amazon Reviewer
"Wow, just wow. I couldn't put it down. Loved the characters as much as the story line." - Amazon Reviewer
"A captivating, non-stop action packed mystery with complex, interesting characters.
“Ryan knows how to write action and suspense. But where he truly shines is the flawed, complex, and broken but resolute heroes and heroines he creates.” – Kyla Stone, USA Today Bestselling Author
When the past and present collide, murder becomes as easy as breathing…
Deep in the majestic Northern California woods, hidden in a remote hunting cabin, lies a secret too shocking for a mystery that could derail FBI Special Agent Sadie Gray’s career before it even starts.
Grass Valley, California, is home to all sorts of people, their darkest secrets, and the shadows where they hide them. It was also the location of a series of abductions, including Sadie's abduction, spanning back nearly twenty years.
But when a terrifying discovery sparks a murder investigation unlike anything this quiet community has ever seen, Sadie will be dragged back into the nightmare she fought her entire adult life to escape.
The national media and true crime enthusiasts dubbed this case “The 34 in the Floor”, but the FBI hasn’t faced a serial killer this prolific in decades. For Sadie, this chilling investigation marks her first case and a return to a home she vowed never to revisit.
While no one should have to crawl this deep into a murderer’s head to stop him from killing, Sadie and her partner will be pushed to the brink, but there’s no quit in either one, and no lengths they won’t go to solve the case and catch this cold, enigmatic killer.
AUDIOBOOK now available! Narrated by the talented actress and narrator, Brittany Goodwin.
USA Today Bestselling Author R.B. Schow and lifelong true crime enthusiast Bailey James present a brand new mystery series that will put you on the edge of your seat and have you flipping pages so fast your Kindle might catch fire.
With nearly a million copies sold, hundreds of millions of pages read, and two series being shopped in Hollywood, Schow’s work has captivated readers worldwide. So sit back, get comfortable, and prepare for an unexpected, unforgettable journey!
Fans of Mary Stone, A.J. Rivers, Elle Gray, Lisa Regan, and Alex Sigmore are going to love Sadie Gray and this wild, thrilling ride—a crazy, addictive new mystery series with fresh books dropping every month.
___________________________________________
WHAT READERS ARE
"I loved everything about this book. The character development was great and the story line kept me glued to the pages. Can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released!" - Amazon Reviewer
"Sadie isn't your typical heroine. Life has kicked her hard, and she's struggling to be better, do better, make a difference. It's an amazing story well worth reading. Trust me, you'll be hooked and anxious for the next book!" - Amazon Reviewer
"Wow, just wow. I couldn't put it down. Loved the characters as much as the story line." - Amazon Reviewer
"A captivating, non-stop action packed mystery with complex, interesting characters.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2024
5018 people are currently reading
1471 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 27, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, but “in other words “, I didn’t.
Reading this was a struggle for many reasons - the least of which was the repeated use of “in other words” to restate a detail or thought process that already seemed clear enough - but largely due to the absence of style or substance throughout.
That issue alone became a major hurdle for me, slowing my reading up on so many occasions that the book was difficult to finish. In other words, I found myself distracted by the writer's severe lack of prose.
In the meat of the story, the dialogue between the characters was extremely hard to digest. Most of the conversational deliveries read like AI generated mash ups of cheesy detective dramas made for TV - late-night-over-65-medical-device-commercial-riddled bad TV. In other words, the people in the book didn’t speak or sound like human beings having natural human conversations which made each character almost entirely unrelatable. Even the character’s disjointed thoughts seemed to interrupt plot lines unceremoniously - pivoting the reader into what felt like a moment or afterthought that belonged somewhere else in the story entirely. In other words, the story failed to flow or come together long enough to feel invested in what was happening.
While the details surrounding the gore and deaths of the victims were likely medically accurate and intentionally graphic, it was difficult to feel horrified. In other words, it felt like reading a description of a dissection in medical school or a coroner's report rather than the aftermath of a terrifying act of violence.
Add to this the unnecessary and boring descriptions of landmarks - or in other words, Google map directions of streets sometimes spanning entire paragraphs - and painfully obsessive scene building using technical details of gun anotomy, bureau speak, parking spaces (really?), and vehicles down to the carbon fiber and step-by-step mechanical operations, I found myself starving for some emotional connection to anything in the story at all. In spite of what feels like a well researched (too well researched?) concept, nothing in this book springs to life on an organic level once you pass the cover; not the themes, atmosphere, characters, or storytelling. In other words: you did your homework, but where's the heart and soul?
Lastly, jumping from character to character from chapter to chapter didn't really lend itself to many mysteries when you get to the end. There are no surprises when you know what everyone is doing BEFORE the next chapter. I eventually stopped liking the characters altogether because they seemed unable to put obvious pieces of the puzzle together, and then when they did, I resented them while they caught up - there were no earth shattering revelations. In other words: DUH.
How did I find this on Goodreads with a 4.4 rating? In other words: what am I missing?
Reading this was a struggle for many reasons - the least of which was the repeated use of “in other words” to restate a detail or thought process that already seemed clear enough - but largely due to the absence of style or substance throughout.
That issue alone became a major hurdle for me, slowing my reading up on so many occasions that the book was difficult to finish. In other words, I found myself distracted by the writer's severe lack of prose.
In the meat of the story, the dialogue between the characters was extremely hard to digest. Most of the conversational deliveries read like AI generated mash ups of cheesy detective dramas made for TV - late-night-over-65-medical-device-commercial-riddled bad TV. In other words, the people in the book didn’t speak or sound like human beings having natural human conversations which made each character almost entirely unrelatable. Even the character’s disjointed thoughts seemed to interrupt plot lines unceremoniously - pivoting the reader into what felt like a moment or afterthought that belonged somewhere else in the story entirely. In other words, the story failed to flow or come together long enough to feel invested in what was happening.
While the details surrounding the gore and deaths of the victims were likely medically accurate and intentionally graphic, it was difficult to feel horrified. In other words, it felt like reading a description of a dissection in medical school or a coroner's report rather than the aftermath of a terrifying act of violence.
Add to this the unnecessary and boring descriptions of landmarks - or in other words, Google map directions of streets sometimes spanning entire paragraphs - and painfully obsessive scene building using technical details of gun anotomy, bureau speak, parking spaces (really?), and vehicles down to the carbon fiber and step-by-step mechanical operations, I found myself starving for some emotional connection to anything in the story at all. In spite of what feels like a well researched (too well researched?) concept, nothing in this book springs to life on an organic level once you pass the cover; not the themes, atmosphere, characters, or storytelling. In other words: you did your homework, but where's the heart and soul?
Lastly, jumping from character to character from chapter to chapter didn't really lend itself to many mysteries when you get to the end. There are no surprises when you know what everyone is doing BEFORE the next chapter. I eventually stopped liking the characters altogether because they seemed unable to put obvious pieces of the puzzle together, and then when they did, I resented them while they caught up - there were no earth shattering revelations. In other words: DUH.
How did I find this on Goodreads with a 4.4 rating? In other words: what am I missing?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
I read it the whole way through. It wasn't unenjoyable... but the characters lacked something. I did not find Sadie Gray a believable FBI agent. She was very immature and unprofessional. This felt as though the author had no idea how investigations would actually run.
September 22, 2025
3☆
Good storyline primus, but just too slow paced for me. The ending picked up and rolled quick and in a hurry. Good little detective story.
Good storyline primus, but just too slow paced for me. The ending picked up and rolled quick and in a hurry. Good little detective story.
January 16, 2025
Highly recommended reading!
I can honestly say this is an excellent read! I love FBI and mystery and psychological thrillers and this for the bill. The characters were entertaining,the criminals made you hate them while feeling sorry for them too. It kept me intrigued and guessing. Just when I thought it was one way I was wrong…. A chilling story, a heartbreaking past and unbelievable history of abuse. There could be triggers for some but if you can handle that I highly recommend this book! Can’t wait to delve into FBI agents story in the next book!
I can honestly say this is an excellent read! I love FBI and mystery and psychological thrillers and this for the bill. The characters were entertaining,the criminals made you hate them while feeling sorry for them too. It kept me intrigued and guessing. Just when I thought it was one way I was wrong…. A chilling story, a heartbreaking past and unbelievable history of abuse. There could be triggers for some but if you can handle that I highly recommend this book! Can’t wait to delve into FBI agents story in the next book!
March 29, 2025
Childish
This book was very childish. The author tried to hard to make the main character clever. It did not work. The story was too much. The situation would never had advanced as far as it did. Don't waste your time reading this.
This book was very childish. The author tried to hard to make the main character clever. It did not work. The story was too much. The situation would never had advanced as far as it did. Don't waste your time reading this.
November 17, 2025
Great plot, terrible execution. The dialogue was amateur and the main character was unlikable. I did not buy Sadie as an FBI agent with her immaturity and severe lack of respect for chain of command.
August 29, 2025
This book was an interesting idea, a lot of dead bodies and the killers have a relationship to the FBI agent investigating the case. Often found myself questioning the filler content and conversations between characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
I can’t believe the ratings on this book. I read crime stories for the crime and the drama, not terrible banter between shallow characters. The crime was an afterthought, the writing is very repetitive. No thanks to the rest of the series.
January 17, 2026
Terrible writing mostly with a few decent parts. The plot showed promise but got bogged down with agents, police officers, and sheriffs trading really stupid insults almost continuously! And the character of Sadie? She’s a tough conundrum. The author apparently is turning these out quickly through Amazon but that doesn’t mean she’s a good writer. I will not be wasting my time on anymore Sadie Gray FBI stories!
October 25, 2025
Blech. The characters were completely one dimensional and unrealistic. Honestly, it felt like reading how a misogynist thinks a "female FBI agent" would act, and they chose to write her character as immature, impulsive, unprofessional, and reactive. Can we do better than the old "sweat ran in rivulets between her small firm breasts" trope, please? No one's writing how "the night air gently brushed his moist pendulous balls" to describe men, are they?
The storyline deserved far better characters backing it up. There's also no surprise, no twist. The author chose to base each chapter on one of the various (completely stereotypical) character's POV, and it doesn't bode well for the novel's suspense. It makes what's happening/about to happen very transparent: no mystery here.
It's a no for me. On the other hand, super-proud of myself for summoning the motivation and exercising the discipline required to read it all the way through! Yeah!
The storyline deserved far better characters backing it up. There's also no surprise, no twist. The author chose to base each chapter on one of the various (completely stereotypical) character's POV, and it doesn't bode well for the novel's suspense. It makes what's happening/about to happen very transparent: no mystery here.
It's a no for me. On the other hand, super-proud of myself for summoning the motivation and exercising the discipline required to read it all the way through! Yeah!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
Language
Story line was good. I liked the fast paced reading.
I did not like the trash words the LEOs used in talking to one another. Turd, butthole, nutsack,pussy, etc. These people are professionals. Trash talk is uncalled for.
Story line was good. I liked the fast paced reading.
I did not like the trash words the LEOs used in talking to one another. Turd, butthole, nutsack,pussy, etc. These people are professionals. Trash talk is uncalled for.
February 15, 2025
Great details - read on KU
Before I give a review, let me warn you the killers in this series are not tidy killers. There are a few scenes that are pretty graphic, even for an FBI thriller series. This is not a con or pro, just a warning.
I've read all the books that have been released in the series. There is a lot of meat to the stories. I like the multiple points of view, including the killers'. I like that the case doesn't get solved by the female agent getting kidnapped by the bad guy. These books have a lot going for them.
Having said all that, all the books are short on the investigation side of things. It doesn't take many steps to find the killer. The books are stretched out by providing so many details from multiple viewpoints. The whodunit isn't terribly complex. That is especially true in this first book. To be clear, the multiple viewpoints don't provide redundant information, or not much anyway.
I don't love the aspects of the main character's live life. I like the two outside characters she is interested in romantically, but her wishy-washy inner dialogue about it gets old by the 3rd book.
I am following the R. B. Schow and hope future books are more complex and have twists that aren't so obvious. I read about a book a day, almost exclusively kindle unlimited books, and these are more robust than most KU books I have found.
Before I give a review, let me warn you the killers in this series are not tidy killers. There are a few scenes that are pretty graphic, even for an FBI thriller series. This is not a con or pro, just a warning.
I've read all the books that have been released in the series. There is a lot of meat to the stories. I like the multiple points of view, including the killers'. I like that the case doesn't get solved by the female agent getting kidnapped by the bad guy. These books have a lot going for them.
Having said all that, all the books are short on the investigation side of things. It doesn't take many steps to find the killer. The books are stretched out by providing so many details from multiple viewpoints. The whodunit isn't terribly complex. That is especially true in this first book. To be clear, the multiple viewpoints don't provide redundant information, or not much anyway.
I don't love the aspects of the main character's live life. I like the two outside characters she is interested in romantically, but her wishy-washy inner dialogue about it gets old by the 3rd book.
I am following the R. B. Schow and hope future books are more complex and have twists that aren't so obvious. I read about a book a day, almost exclusively kindle unlimited books, and these are more robust than most KU books I have found.
January 2, 2026
Good enough to try the second one but not a favorite. Primary reason is that I don’t like the FMC. Two dimensional at best, either a bitch or was crying and way too entitled.
She made impulsive decisions contrary to her supposed training. She allowed her emotions to override both training, common sense and procedures that keep cases from successful prosecution. Add the overall unbelievability of assigning a newbie to a case like this with her history and the story started with a shaky foundation, at best.
The best part was the dog.
I’ll read the second to see if there is any character development for the two MCs. If that doesn’t happen, I’m done with this series.
She made impulsive decisions contrary to her supposed training. She allowed her emotions to override both training, common sense and procedures that keep cases from successful prosecution. Add the overall unbelievability of assigning a newbie to a case like this with her history and the story started with a shaky foundation, at best.
The best part was the dog.
I’ll read the second to see if there is any character development for the two MCs. If that doesn’t happen, I’m done with this series.
May 18, 2025
Sadie seems like an entitled brat except for the part that she was kidnapped as a child and then rotated through foster homes. I probably would have liked this more, even though I pretty much devoured the book, if the main character had just got her first job and acted as if she were the only one capable to solve the case. Did I mention that this was another serial killer(s) story. What the hell. I guess that the universe thinks I need a bit of blood and guts so that the insanity called our government seems rather mundane.....
Good luck Sadie with your future endeavors.
Good luck Sadie with your future endeavors.
October 14, 2025
WOW! this was my first book by this author and I will definately be reading more. Special Agent Sadie Gray gets her first assignment multiple bodies found in a pit under a cabin. Who could be doing such a thing and how will her team close this case? Not to mention how close to home it is for her.
Very intriguing and suspenseful story that kept me compelled to find out more from chapter to chapter. Excellent writing without the need for foul language that adds nothing to a story in my opinion.
I highly recommend this series if you like serial killer crime drama.
Very intriguing and suspenseful story that kept me compelled to find out more from chapter to chapter. Excellent writing without the need for foul language that adds nothing to a story in my opinion.
I highly recommend this series if you like serial killer crime drama.
December 2, 2025
Maaaaybe 2.5 ⭐️
I’m conflicted with the book. 70% of the time I hated the writing. It felt forced and cringey, like Disney characters trying to be smart asses and tough guys. 85% of the time I hated the FMC. She was immature and a know it all- but was that what the author was going for? But I did enjoy the action of it. I was drawn in and somewhat emotionally attached to Brad and what went down with him. But like … I think I disliked this book. I don’t know if I’ll read the next one… but I kind of want to so I can see if Sadie matures and if the writing improves?
I’m conflicted with the book. 70% of the time I hated the writing. It felt forced and cringey, like Disney characters trying to be smart asses and tough guys. 85% of the time I hated the FMC. She was immature and a know it all- but was that what the author was going for? But I did enjoy the action of it. I was drawn in and somewhat emotionally attached to Brad and what went down with him. But like … I think I disliked this book. I don’t know if I’ll read the next one… but I kind of want to so I can see if Sadie matures and if the writing improves?
January 25, 2025
Loved it!!
Oh my gosh! Edge of your seat, sweaty palms and no sleep is what you'll likely encounter with this read. This is my first experience with this writing team and I can tell you it was great!
Very descriptive detailing puts you right there, hence the sweaty palms. Fast paced with light humor, it's one of the best books I've read. Looking forward to more Sadie and Brad adventures.
So good!!
Oh my gosh! Edge of your seat, sweaty palms and no sleep is what you'll likely encounter with this read. This is my first experience with this writing team and I can tell you it was great!
Very descriptive detailing puts you right there, hence the sweaty palms. Fast paced with light humor, it's one of the best books I've read. Looking forward to more Sadie and Brad adventures.
So good!!
June 3, 2025
I liked the story line of this book. It kept my attention and seemed to flow nicely. It didn’t feel long and drawn out. Unfortunately I didn’t really care for the main character. I didn’t like her attitude or the way she behaved. I get being one of the good ole boys but I felt the author made her seem very immature and not very respectable. I would have expected more from an fbi agent, even a FNG.
October 7, 2025
This book was easy and fast paced. I felt like something was missing around the middle of it where i got bred, but then the end was nice to pick up! It was a good story overall though. I liked seeing how the killers got caught, but wish we would’ve gotten a little more information about it-like right now i couldn’t really tell you the reason the FBI caught them… no idea. Doesn’t stick out to me. It was a fun read for spooky season though!!
October 10, 2025
While I enjoyed the character of Sadie Gray, and her motive for joining the FBI, I cringed at the killers in this book. It was a little too graphic for me and my stomach turned. I read for escape but a part of me always feels that writers write about something they are familiar with, having experienced or read about this. Too much for me, but I did enjoy the youth and motivation of the main character, Sadie Gray. If the author has more novels, I will read more.
January 29, 2026
The overall plot wasn’t bad but the dialogue was insufferable. The characters were so immature. Sadie falls into the trope of “the best kind of woman is a man”. No one respects her until she starts acting like a “bro”. The dialogue felt very juvenile and focused on sex, calling people “turds” as a flirting style, and Sadie “being one of the guys” to gain respect. As a woman, I found it very frustrating to read.
April 2, 2025
I like this book and its style, but I was dismayed by how much time was spent by the author hammering home the message that females in traditionally male-dominated occupations are treated abusively. Yes, by now, we get it! Move on and concentrate on the plot, which was a strong point here. The protagonist is incredible; her neighbor is cool. Touch on the past, sure, but enough whining about the misogynists in the workplace. It's 2025, and the media has saturated us with this aspect ad nauseam. Otherwise, it was a good outing
April 17, 2025
Too procedural
The good writing could have been dramatic, but the procedural details and advertisements were roadblocks. That's why I won't. be reading more of the series. Perhaps the authors' future series will be more thrilling or suspenseful. The authors certainly have the talent for that.
The good writing could have been dramatic, but the procedural details and advertisements were roadblocks. That's why I won't. be reading more of the series. Perhaps the authors' future series will be more thrilling or suspenseful. The authors certainly have the talent for that.
May 22, 2025
It's hard to be the new Special Agent on the block.
Great story, filled with suspense and light comedy making it very interesting to read. Characters were well placed through the story. Background information was well absorbed and helpful for the story !ine. Really hard book to put down
Great story, filled with suspense and light comedy making it very interesting to read. Characters were well placed through the story. Background information was well absorbed and helpful for the story !ine. Really hard book to put down
July 6, 2025
First time I have read this author and found this to be gripping from start to finish. The plot was disturbing subject matter but the suspense kept the reader engaged. The development of the characters continued throughout the book, going from hate and distrust to a working team. I will definately be reading more in this series.
August 27, 2025
I liked this book and am already starting the second in the series but I rated this a 3 for one main reason.
The main character was herself a victim of a terrible crime. I found it hard to believe that the current cops would treat a former14 year year old kidnapping victim turned FBI agent as terribly as they did. It just didn't make sense. We were never given a real reason for their disdain
The main character was herself a victim of a terrible crime. I found it hard to believe that the current cops would treat a former14 year year old kidnapping victim turned FBI agent as terribly as they did. It just didn't make sense. We were never given a real reason for their disdain
September 14, 2025
The FBI agents in this book didn't seem to take their jobs seriously. The banter between them as well as with the local law enforcement officers seemed juvenile and unrealistic. The case they were investigating was an interesting one, but that didn't save the book from rating only 1* from me because their main characters were so unbelievable.
October 20, 2025
couldn’t stomach
The author did a spectacular job of depicting evil, fear and gruesome imagery. I barely got through the first half of chapter 3 and had to stop. I am sure that as the story evolves into a great series but I could not stomach the initial blunt force trauma. What I did read felt more like a horror and terror novel than a “mystery”. Just not my genre.
The author did a spectacular job of depicting evil, fear and gruesome imagery. I barely got through the first half of chapter 3 and had to stop. I am sure that as the story evolves into a great series but I could not stomach the initial blunt force trauma. What I did read felt more like a horror and terror novel than a “mystery”. Just not my genre.
November 25, 2025
Into the Fire
Sadie starts on a losing streak, being assigned to a California field office instead of the east coast assignment she wanted, assigned a partner she didn't think she wanted and then a first case in the area where her young life almost ended. On top of that she was the FNG. So what can she do? Worth the read to find out.
Sadie starts on a losing streak, being assigned to a California field office instead of the east coast assignment she wanted, assigned a partner she didn't think she wanted and then a first case in the area where her young life almost ended. On top of that she was the FNG. So what can she do? Worth the read to find out.
December 7, 2025
I'm following Sadie
This book was one of the best I've ever read. Now I'm on to book 2. Personally I think this series should be tv series. It keeps you so involved and holding your breath. I loved it. My husband wants me to buy the series in paperback so he can red them too.
Thank you, Melanie Vallee
mvcreations11@gmail.com
This book was one of the best I've ever read. Now I'm on to book 2. Personally I think this series should be tv series. It keeps you so involved and holding your breath. I loved it. My husband wants me to buy the series in paperback so he can red them too.
Thank you, Melanie Vallee
mvcreations11@gmail.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews