One of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions, so let’s get to know Samantha Aarons.

What is your full name?
Samantha Elizabeth Aarons. Yes, I know my initials are SEA. And if I marry Drew, my initials won’t change. Maybe I should start dating someone else. Someone with a last name that doesn’t start with A. It could be worse, I could find someone with Taylor as his last name. Then I’d be SET. Or SEAT if I hyphenated my name.

How old are you?
Are you asking what it says on my driver’s license or what age I claim? I’m going to be thirty.

What is your profession?
I own the crystal shop on Main street in Sedona, AZ.

If you have a significant other, what is their name and profession?
I have a boyfriend. Most of the time. Drew Anderson can be infuriating and stubborn and sweet, all at the same time. He’s one of the detectives in the local police department and he’s good friends with my best friend. Which sometimes never happens. Drew’s just a good guy – unless I’m mad at him.

Do you have any children?
No. Not sure I’m the three kids and a white picket fence kind. But never say never, right?

Who is your best friend?
Rarity Cole. We went to college together and just bonded. When she went through breast cancer, her fiancé was a jerk and didn’t go to chemo treatments with her, so I’d fly up for the week and we’d have a blast. After he dumped her and she finished treatments, she left St. Louis and came here to open a bookstore, her lifelong dream. It’s right by my shop so we have a lot of time together.

Do you have cats, dogs, or other pets?
No. I’m good friends with Killer though. And maybe my lack of a pet is part of my not settling down thing.

What town do you live in?
Sedona, Arizona – a new age tourist town with more red rocks, vortexes, spiritual energy, and hiking trails than anywhere on earth. My crystal shop fits right in.

What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
I own my little house. Or I do in conjunction with the bank. Twenty more years and it will be mine and in need of a major remodel. It’s a few streets over from Rarity’s house.

Do you have any hobbies?
Besides watching the Real Housewives? I like to read, especially biographies or tell alls.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
My Life in Rocks and Power. Or maybe Red Rocks, Real Power.

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Am I a sleuth? I help out my friend, Rarity, and of course, there’s the sleuthing club. We’re a frustrated book club who gets involved in local murders. Which of course, drives Drew crazy. I have to admit, I kind of like keeping him on his toes.

SLEUTHING WITH THE STARS
Series Name: A Survivors’ Book Club Mystery, Book 6
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: February 2026
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

Sedona, Arizona’s Next Chapter bookstore is a haven for Rarity Cole, who’s survived cancer and started an exciting second act in her life. With a film festival about to open in town, she has two big author events lined up—but after a live appearance, one of them winds up very unalive . . .

Business is booming as an Olympic cyclist and a famous filmmaker come to town for a film festival and schedule signings at Rarity’s bookshop. Luckily, her former employee Darby is back from Scotland and ready to help out. But just as the filmmaker’s cult classic starts to roll, Rarity finds him dead . . .

Rarity is naturally an introvert who prefers escaping into a good book with her affectionate Yorkie by her side. But her bout with serious illness has taught her that life is precious. With help from her friends, her coworkers, and her sweetheart, Archer, she’s determined to untangle the web of secrets and lies surrounding the director’s death, and find out who wanted him out of the picture . . .

About the author
Anthony nominated, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Lynn Cahoon, pens several cozy mystery series set in the mountains, on the beach, and usually in a small town with relatable amateur sleuths who get the careers Lynn always wanted, including bookseller, chef, and writing retreat owner. Readers can expect a fun ride no matter where the mystery is set. She lives in Eastern Tennessee with her husband and three spoiled Keeshonds. She loves cooking, hiking, and exploring new and historic sites.