Death in the End Zone
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Published by: Melange Books
Release Date: May 18, 2026
Pages: 268
ISBN13: 979-8886534856
Synopsis
Homicide detective Caitlin O’Connor is once again faced with a puzzling case: the murder of two star football players whose bodies are discovered in a compromising position in the end zone of their high school’s football field. While Caitlin identifies several suspects who might have had reasons to want to harm the boys, no clearcut evidence points to the culprit. She’s worried that she may get pulled off the case if she can’t figure out who killed the boys.
Meantime, her personal life is on the upswing. Her new romance is going almost too well—it triggers Caitlin’s long-standing fear of commitment.
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Praise
"Fast-paced and compelling, Death in the End Zone draws readers into a shocking double murder investigation led by Caitlin O’Connor, a compassionate detective whose sharp instincts are tested as much by the case as by the complexities of her personal life."
—Lis Angus, author of That Other Family and Not Your Child
"Death in the End Zone is another superb mystery from accomplished writer, Lynn Slaughter. With an intriguing plot of two school athletes found murdered, the reactions of characters, from diverse topics ranging from homosexuality to sibling squabbling to religious views, the scenes sparkle with life. Clues that might seem insignificant are strategically developed and delight the reader as the tale moves along. With six possible suspects, the detectives handling the case have their own personal crises in the making; the reader is privy to their emotions, questions, and anxiety along with the case they must solve. Supporting characters are tantalizing: the intrigue that one of the moms and her priest may have something going on; the female detective is developing a love interest in a man with a young son; and the male detective has an alcohol problem. Compelling dialogue is used to perfection to reveal relationships in enchanting detail throughout this phycological romp. From football coaches to parents of gay teens, to sibling difficulties, this mystery serves up life in all its shame, glory, and majesty. A must-read!"
—Mary Popham, Author of the Landing Run Series, fiction from the early 1900s
"Homicide Detective Caitlin O’Connor is back in Death in the End Zone! Lynn Slaughter offers a compelling blend of mystery, drama, and personal growth, as Caitlin seeks justice while navigating her demanding career and a burgeoning love life. The shocking murder of two high school football stars, Elijah Williams and Joey Mateo, whose bodies are found in the end zone of Franklin High’s football field kicks off this page turning story of teenage attraction, deceit and murder. With insight and sensitivity, Slaughter explores the dark side of the hidden dangers that can lurk just around the corner."
—Ellen Birkett Morris, author of Beware the Tall Grass: A Novel, Lost Girls: Short Stories, Abide, and Surrender, poetry chapbooks, and the forthcoming short story collection, Love Thy Neighbor
"Lynn Slaughter has brought back her engaging, flawed, and lovable character, Detective Caitlin O'Conner, to investigate the murder of two star athletes whose bodies are found on a high school football field. This is a difficult, heart-wrenching case, and I was hooked from the first page. Ms. Slaughter builds the suspense nicely throughout the story. I highly recommend this wonderful book!"
—Connie Bergstein Dow, Award-winning Author of Tap and Rap, Move and Groove
"Caitlin O’Connor, homicide detective, is a not-to-be-missed protagonist! Introduced in MISSED CUE, she shines in DEATH IN THE END ZONE. I can’t wait to read more of her further adventures.”
—K.L. Borges, author of Murder in the Crazy Mountains
"Lynn Slaughter’s Death in the End Zone is a taut mystery that reads as a literary novel. The main character, Caitlyn O’ Connor, is a distinguished detective who upon receiving an early morning call summoning her to a high school football field, must put together a murder with an ever-increasing list of suspects. Amidst the clues, her life bustles in bursting with psychological detail. Slaughter handles it all with a keen eye for visual detail, and a keen ear for dialogue. Filled with heartache for the victims and their families, Death in the End Zone is a fine novel that also satisfies the mystery lover’s quest for the perfect who-done-it."
—Whitney Vale, memoirist and poet, author of Sermon of Swallows: memoir in fragments (forthcoming)
"Lynn Slaughter scores a blowout win with her latest novel, Death in the Endzone. From the double homicide in the opening pages to the resolution that closes the case, this book is a must-read for fans of fair-play detective novels.
Lieutenant Caitlin O’Connor, the third generation of her family to “bleed blue,” guides us through the investigation, in which the deaths of two high school football players mirror larger rivalries. She finds herself battling a host of challenges, including reluctant witnesses whose secrets may hide the key to identifying the killer. For this reader, Caitlin’s solution to the puzzle of her own heart turned out to be the most satisfying of all."
—Lori Robbins, bestselling author of the On Pointe and Master Class mystery series