A Probation Case Files Mystery: Book 3
Publication Date: February 24, 2026
Phoenix probation officer Casey Carson could use a change of scenery to clear her head and make some major life decisions. When the opportunity arises to take on a side job wrangling juvenile delinquents on a wilderness adventure for a diversion program, she’s skeptical. But she wants to support her cousin, who was hired as a counselor. The extra cash in her pocket sweetens the deal.
Unfortunately, one of Casey’s clients—an escaped murderer after one of her charges—threatens to upend her plans. Facing wildfire, flash floods and an angry mountain lion are nothing compared to the murderous intentions in store for one of the kids.
On a crash course with the killer and with her faithful pup Felony by her side, Casey desperately tries to lead the group to safety. She doesn’t realize that her two love interests, ex-husband Betz, and hunky ex-neighbor, Marcus, are frantically looking for the group. Casey must utilize every negotiating skill she possesses to not fail, or she’ll lose all she holds dear.
A wilderness trek delivers unexpected challenges from both nature and predators.
Probation officer Casey Carson returns for another adventure in the third installment of the Probation Case Files Mystery series by Cindy Goyette.
In Diversion, Casey joins her cousin as a chaperone in a teen diversion program. However, a series of events throws things off kilter. Not only does Casey face a mountain lion and dangerous weather conditions, but she is the only thing standing between a murderer and one of her teen charges.
Casey is full of attitude with her dog, Felony, at her side. While she may be dealing with confusion regarding the two men in her life, there’s no doubt that she has good survival instincts. I’m interested to see how Casey moves forward given an interesting plot twist.
The author creates each installment as a standalone, so there is good context for readers jumping in out of sequence.
Diversion takes a routine wilderness event and delivers an action-packed adventure.
Cindy Goyette is a former probation officer who had a front row seat to the criminal justice system. She kept her sanity by finding humor in most situations. A mix of these things helped her create The Probation Case Files Mystery Series, Book 1, OBEY ALL LAWS won a PSWA Award for best suspense, and was published in January of 2024. Book 2, EARLY TERMINATION, released January of 2025. Her first cozy mystery, DIAMOND IN THE RUFF, will release in May of 2025. After spending over twenty years in Arizona, Cindy lives in Washington state with her husband and two Cocker Spaniels.
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