"A sloppy but talented student of forensic linguistics is summoned to help solve the abduction of a Florida mayor in this thriller that will appeal to fans of mysteries and wordplay alike. Think Wordle meets CSI: Miami and you're on the right track." -- Seattle Times
"True crime author Sands makes an auspicious fiction debut with this crackling mystery centered on a Lisbeth Salanderesque savant . . . . Sands nails the genius investigator formula on her first try, spinning Maggie into a memorable heroine and handing her an enthralling first case. This transfixes from the first page." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Tattooed and pierced, diagramming sentences from famous novels and movies as a coping mechanism, Maggie is a refreshingly original heroine with literary sensibilities, a potty mouth, and no patience for the patriarchy. Despite the thriller construct, there is not a lot of action in the story, but unusual investigation tactics--and a brash new protagonist--lend the book energy and interest, and Sands leaves the door open for a sequel. Grammar nerds rejoice!" -- Kirkus Reviews
"Sands is at once a playful writer and a serious one deeply engaged with the nuance(s) of language. Her breadth of knowledge of her clearly beloved subject--the power of words--is impressive. -- Crime Reads
"For readers who enjoy chilling mysteries and thrillers. Fans of strong character-building will delight in watching Maggie and Jackson's partnership bring out their individual strengths." -- Library Journal
"Clearly Sands has a way with words, which may explain her protagonist." -- Parade
"For fans of stories about cleverly using language." -- Book Riot
"This was just a great, suspenseful thriller that drew me in and kept me truly guessing as to what would happen next. There's definitely room left for sequels (though we do get a satisfying ending!), and I think this could prove to be a series with real legs. Move over, Lisbeth Salander; Maggie Moore and Florida's muggy heat have an all-new story to tell." -- Mystery & Suspense Magazine
"Wordhunter shines as a psychological thriller based on an unusual yet incredibly compelling concept." -- Novels Alive
"Maggie Moore is tattooed and pierced and drinks beer for breakfast, but she's also a linguistic savant with a lightning quick mind. In short, she's a winning protagonist for a smart, original, and entirely entertaining mystery. If you love words, puzzles, or just a well crafted story, you will love Wordhunter." -- Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author of Find Me
"Wordhunter is a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase with a genius wordsmith at its center. Don't be surprised to find quotes from your favorite books and movies littered throughout." -- Barnes & Noble Reads Blog
"Wordsmiths will find much to chew over as they follow Maggie's methods for identifying the criminals. The plot is fast moving and there are surprises galore along the way." -- Woman Around Town
