Uncovered by S.X. Bradley

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SKU 978-1-77130-955-4
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An Autumn Covarrubias Mystery, 2

Last year sixteen-year-old Autumn solved her sister’s murder. This year, she is part 
of a high school forensic dream team that assists the police when teens are
kidnapped. When it’s discovered the kidnappings are part of a secret online survivor game, the police and team focus on the game maker—the man behind the game.

The focus of the investigation shifts when Autumn is singled out and 
becomes the target of the Game Maker’s sick game. Through 
encrypted messages hidden in steganographs, Autumn must discover who the last 
kidnapping victim is if she hopes to save him in time.

14+ due to violence and adult situations

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Excerpt:

There was minimal blood spatter on the black and white checkered floor. Mainly small, spherical droplets. My hands trembled as I removed the ruler from my new black case. The numbered evidence markers outlined a crimson polka dot path. Squatting down, I held out the ruler, and it landed with a loud ping as the steel hit the tile. All eyes darted toward me. I shrugged an I’m sorry.

Everyone resumed their tasks, except for Minerva. She rolled her eyes at me, which was miraculous considering the spider-leg eyelashes she wore. I gave her a country-club smile, then refocused on the blood spatter.

I picked up my ruler and measured the diameter of several drops. Average was 6 mm. Low velocity. She could still be alive.

“Clear.” Shock , silence. “Sorry for your loss, miss.”

I shook my head, trying to clear the memory. This was different. Low velocity meant small force of impact. These types of droplets were caused by someone dripping blood, not by a blow or gunshot. Or by knife wounds. They could belong to the missing ice cream girl, or if we were lucky, the kidnapper. The Texas state crime lab would have to sort that out, and it could take forever.

I documented the results in my evidence log. My handwriting was shaky, but legible enough for my team.

It’s not her. This is different. This girl may still be alive. There’s hope.

I blew out the fear in one big breath and got back to work. I examined the pattern on the floor. The low blood volume found at the scene was a positive sign, but it wouldn’t matter to her family. They were being tormented every second she was gone. Right now, the tricks their minds were playing on them, the things their imaginations were conjuring, were sadistic. Panic loved to be a bitch like that.

I had to help her and her family. After all, it was why I’d accepted the offer to participate in the Science and Technology Associates in Forensics Foundation’s—or STAFFF’s—forensic training camp.

I stepped back and looked at the ice cream parlor from all angles the way I’d been taught this past summer.

Even though the parlor had a 1950s décor, it was a new addition to the city of Nogales. The overhead fans kept the space cool, and the clack, clack, clack rhythm echoed in the empty shop. The checkered floor was a nice contrast to the deep red booths and bar stools. The walls were adorned with vintage signage and photos of Nogales landmarks. A Wurlitzer jukebox stood proudly by the front entrance. On any other day, it would be a place I’d like to visit with my boyfriend, Caedon.

My four other STAFF teammates were walking around performing the various tasks assigned to them. It was our first case, and I prayed we’d do a kick-ass job, because there was still hope and a chance to impact her fate.

Today, we were at the ice cream shop to act as free consultants for the Nogales PD and to learn about forensics firsthand. Our first team objective was to form no judgments or conclusions before all the facts were in. We would then create a crime scene analysis and summary to forward on to the detective in charge of the investigation. He’d give us his feedback, and that would factor into our grade.

Objectivity was key. Quick-draw conclusions could lead you down the wrong path and to the home of…oh, I don’t know, let’s say…my high school principal. Principal Tamez still hadn’t forgiven me and never would. Ponzi Scheme Boy knew I was onto him, except there was this little thing called evidence that the police liked to have before arresting anyone for embezzling.

He reeked of dishonesty and was definitely hiding something underneath that greasy comb-over. One day, I’d find out exactly what he was up to and find the evidence I needed to put him away.

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Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 2 ratings)
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5/5
Uncovered did not disappoint.
Written by Patricia on 12th Jan 2017

I enjoyed Unraveled and could not wait for book # 2. Uncovered did not disappoint. I was caught up in the book and story right away and cannot wait for the next book. Keep them coming S.X. Bradley:)

5/5
A Great Sequel to Unraveled
Written by John Perryman on 12th Jan 2017

After reading Unraveled I was ready for the next book. Once again I was drawn in from the beginning of the book. Just like in Unraveled there were several twists in the book that keep me guessing on who was behind the kidnappings. As I read I built my own list of suspects and as soon as I thought I had it figured out there would be another angle to analyze. Great references to forensics and the crime investigation process. Overall a great mystery novel. Highly recommend. Looking forward to the next book.