Wordhunter: A Novel BY Stella Sands

An utterly original and compulsively readable detective story unfolds as Maggie Moore, a forensic linguistics savant, uses her extraordinary talent to solve crimes.

Tattooed, pierced, and a bit of a mess, Maggie Moore stands out in the world of forensic linguistics for her uncanny ability to analyze words and speech patterns. Her skill is so profound that she becomes the top student in her class and is quickly recruited by local police to crack the case of a stalker-turned-rapist, deciphering harrowing notes with brilliant accuracy.

When the daughter of a local mayor is abducted, Maggie is initially reluctant to assist. The trauma of her best childhood friend’s abduction makes her question whether she’s the right person for this case. Despite her reservations, Maggie recognizes that the small-town police in rural south-Central Florida are at a loss without her unique expertise.

Partnering with Detective Jackson, Maggie dives into the analysis of texts, emails, and verbal tics from various suspects. Her investigation leads her to a chilling revelation that threatens to upheave the tight-knit community. As Maggie connects the linguistic dots, she uncovers disturbing truths that challenge everything she thought she knew about her own past and the people around her.

In this gripping tale, Maggie Moore’s linguistic prowess becomes the key to unraveling a sinister mystery, revealing secrets that could forever change the town and herself.