Melinda WoodhallBesprekingen

A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book #2

The story in a few words:

When an anthropologist goes missing and members of the excavation crew turns up dead during a dig at an abandoned burial ground, FBI Agent Bailey Flynn once again face off against a prolific serial killer.....

My thoughts:

This story is well thought of and is exciting to read. The suspense is continuously high and never lets go. The drama flows so well and is so fast paced that I was eager to see where it was going. Will Bailey get her man and find the missing anthropologist before it is too late or will she find her lifeless buried amongst the bones in the graveyard. Bailey is a great character not only is she smart she also has a heart of gold. She is one Agent very determined to close a case with good results. But the author always add twits to her stories to keep us on our toes and guessing who the killer might be, of course most of the time I am off base....hum. Maybe I should stop guessing and go with the flow ,,,naw.

This is another heart-pounding and emotional thriller I enjoyed quite a bit.

Since I am a huge fan of this author and Ms. Woodhall stories never disappointed I will be looking forward to the next installment.

Well-said and well-done

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntary

Book#1, in Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series

Melinda no doubt has found her perfect formulae and is sticking to it when it comes to giving us suspenseful and intriguing stories. In this new series we find the same beat her other series have given us. A heroine with a painful past who may or may not be an officer of the law, gruesome murders to pick interest, a vicious predator to hate, exciting plot full of action to please us and she never forgets to set the stage in a small town and always ads icing on the cake by introducing a smart dog and why not an handsome man to boot.....oh yes, not forgetting a plot that holds attention from start to finish and characters to die for....awe another winner.

In a few words:

FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn is hoping that she and her search and rescue dog Ludwig can make a fresh start and start a new life in Belle Harbor. It was not meant to be: a vicious predator is stalking the coastal town. The life of someone dear to Bailey was taken..... Bailey needs to put the past behind and track down this killer before he strikes again.....

I was pinned to this story and I zipped through it in no time. Well-said, Well-done

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

The first book in a new series by Melinda Woodhall, using a character from her other series. Following a marriage breakdown Frankie Dawson is a Private Investigator who goes home for the first time in 15 years after finding his close school friend, who he fell out with 15 years ago, is dying from cancer and has asked to see him.

This quickly develops into a hunt for a serial killer who has been operating in the area for a number of years and appears to have connections with Frankie’s past. Frankie is a good honest character who you can feel yourself rooting for. At times you are not sure who he can really trust in the local police department that seems riddled with corruption.

A lot in this is revealed about Frankie’s past which is good to know. The action moves along at a good pace and there are a few surprises along the way, the biggest of all at the end of the book. A good few characters are developed in this book and things. have been set up well for future books in this series.

I really enjoyed this fast moving book, as I have other books written by this author. I look forward to catching up on more of her past books and the next book in this series. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good mysteries and / or good crime fiction.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Frankie Dawson, P.I Mystery book #2

Has Frankie begins his new life in Memphis, he takes a cold case of a young reporter who had vanished decades earlier and soon finds himself at the heart of a serial murder and he needs to take him into custody before he strikes again.

This prolific writer knows how to spins a tale that keeps her reader riveting to the plot. Her stories are well-written, exciting and hard to put down. In this latest we have Frankie discovered a link between his present investigation and past crimes and the disappearance his father many years ago. While he investigates he jumps through hoops to get his answers and while he does that we are kept entertained. Along the way, Frankie crosses paths with FBI task force and the local police and soon rekindles with Peyton, his estranged wife. Josie, his biological daughter plays a good part in this mystery and adds a touch only a teenager can do. The pacing is steady and more intense than some of her books but this only had to the excitement the story provides. I also like the characterization: the players are well defined and have good roles.

In a few words: the plot is solid and entertaining. The action packed and filled with drama, twists and turns...

Well-done as usual.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Book 3 in this series once again finds Eden trying to come to the rescue of a young woman, who rather than going missing, on this occasion turns up at Eden’s refuge. Whilst this is going on Barker is trying to find his daughter who has been missing for some time. Could there possibly be a connection?

I have found all the books so far in this series to be very addictive, but they all do take a while to get going; this book is no different. Once you get into it though, you do not want to put it down as you need to know what is going to happen next. The other key strength of this book is the central characters, who do such a good job of supporting Eden as the main character. You find yourself totally engaged with the characters and they do play with your emotions. Their storylines are as important as the main storyline.

As well as a good group of characters, there is great plotting of the story, with so many different layers to it. The author does a good job of bringing this altogether before the end of the book. Great pacing and tension is evident within the book, and the complex events are brought to a great conclusion; although not without the central characters being at risk as events come to a head.

I strongly recommend this book and series, and wait with baited breath to get to the fourth book in the series. I look forward to read ing many more books by this author, who has become a personal favourite.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.½

In book 2 in this series Eden seeks to find a girl who has gone missing but it looks as though a serial killer is preying on her and others. Can Eden with the assistance of her friends come to her rescue before it is too late?

Like with book 1 in the series I felt this book took a while to get going but once it had I was totally hooked and didn’t want to put this book down. Eden is a strong central character, who you buy totally into, and in this book she is supported by a strong secondary group of characters. I feel it is these people that make this series. It has quickly become a favourite of mine.

As the story progresses good tension is built up in the story, and there are a good few surprises and twists that occur as the story unfolds. Melinda does a good job of building this tension and the closing scenes of the book leads to a number of people finding themselves at great risk, none more so than Eden. The question is can she save Girl Eight and stop the killer, and will she survive her attempt to do so.

I would strongly recommend this book, the series and based on this, the author. I can’t wait to get to book 3 in this series. A five star series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.½

Bridget Bishop FBI, book #8

This final episode is oozing with suspense and excitement and brings us in a world rarely understood of witchcraft and its coven.

Returning home after a long absence Tempest Grove is determined to find the truth behind her twin sister’s disappearance decades earlier. Unfortunately digging into the past brought the wrong people out and it didn’t take long before she fell into a deadly trap and found murdered. Bridget Bishop is called in to join in the investigation of the woman’s brutal murder. At first suspicion falls on a local coven but who was really behind....

I love this series and I hate seeing it end but for sure Ms. Woodhall will spin another one that may include this wonderful character...future will let us know.

As usual the plot is solid and entertaining. Action packed and of course filled with drama, twists and turns. I found it hard to guess who the “Raven” was and what was behind all the killings “offerings” but drip by drip the clues are revealed during that time I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails, the suspense was at its high. Added is a dash of magic to pique interest wasn’t a bad idea. Yes this book brings us in the world of make believe as most books will.....so let yourself be bewitched with “Betrayed by Evil” and enjoy the thrills and surprises it brings....

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Bridget Bishop FBI book # 7

When a book by Melinda Woodhall comes my ways, I simply have to read it. This latest is as captivating as all the previous installments. The plot played by well-rounded characters is vividly said and with many twists along the way hard to see coming makes for a very exciting read. This plot moves along at a steady pace and provides much drama and suspense to grab the attention from the get-go and hold us captive till the very end. I particularly like that her narration and dialogue are clear, concise and clean most of all active, not a boring moments. Ms. Woodhall mysteries have entertained me for a long time and still do to this day.

“Save Her from Evil “, is an excellent addition to a great series

Now a tid-bit of what to expect:

After a suspected wife-killer and wanted fugitive is arrested for a brutal attack on a young woman. He refuses to talk to anyone but FBI Behavioral Analyst Bridget Bishop. When a blood-stained tarot card found at the scene reveals a disturbing link to a series of unsolved murders Bridget suspects the man in custody may be a pawn in a deadly game ......

Another winner for Ms. Woodhall

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Bridget Bishop Mystery book # 6

The story in a few words:

Behavioral analyst and profiler Bridget Bishop investigates the disappearance of barn manager at Wilde Valley Stables. This should be a simple missing person case but after threatening letters are received at the police station and the local press from a vindictive killer and the discovery of the hidden graveyard is discovered it soon becomes a race against time before other victims succumb at the killers hands.

My thoughts:

This is a fast paced mystery that not only gives twists and turns to derailed us and keeps us guessing till the very end but it also engages us to be one step ahead of the characters whether you follow the good guys or the bad ones. Ms. Woodhall knows how to tease us without losing us along the way. The language is clean and simple, the plot line suspenseful and exciting and the characters even the evil ones are well define. After 5 books those who have been following this series are well acquainted with the recurring cast: Bridget, Santino, Charlie, Gage but no fear if you are not you fit right in and of course we also being introduced to new set of players to follow.

This book as with the all previous is a great read of course if you like mysteries involving serial killers.....

Very engaging mystery: well-done, well-said

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

This is a police procedural in which the local police, private detectives and the FBI all join forces to try to identify a serial killer piling up bodies in a small town. So there are lots of characters. They came across as quite flat and poorly developed, and I didn’t connect with them. But this may be because I read the book as a stand-alone, (presumably they were fleshed out in the prior books in the series). Story-wise, the book worked fine as a stand-alone; I was never lost. There is enough action to keep the story moving at a good pace, but it jumps a little at times. And I was frequently distracted with wondering why the author chose to so often describe the driving details (getting into (and later out of) the vehicle, setting the GPS and taking whichever turn-off etc.). There were a few minor editing issues. Overall, it was ‘ok’, an easy read but forgettable.
I was provided with an ARC (thanks to the author & publisher!) and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.

Bridget Bishop FBI mystery book #5

Having left her private practice, Bridget is back with the FBI to her role as a profiler. She is determined to help U.S Marshall Vic Santino identify and capture a serial killer who murdered his wife eight years ago. Reviving this cold case as also drawn out of hiding the unknown killer....more killings and the search is on...

Following in the footsteps of Vic and Bridget is entertaining and an enjoyable page-turner filled with red-herrings. The plot is captivating and moves at a steady pace keeping the attention well till the very end. We have some intertwining situations bringing in the present moments of the past, most were essential to understand the situation at hand. As more girls get murdered, a link ties them to Our Lady of Sparrows Academy where Vic’s wife was once a student.....why? Who can it be?

This is an emotional story placing both Bridget and Santino at the heart of a deadly saga. Ms. Woodhall pens their dilemma with great care while placing them in a race against time no one can predict how it will turn out.

Ms. Woodhall stories usually flawlessly written but this time I was distracted by minor errors such as mixing up names. I may be picky but that is the way it is, nevertheless I enjoyed the story quite a bit. After all this author is on my watch list and I wouldn’t want to miss any mystery she puts out.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Troubled PI Frankie Dawson returns to his hometown which is being plagued by a serial killer, cover-ups, and corrupt cops. It was a good story and was somewhat entertaining. I am not sure why I didn’t like it more… There is certainly some solid backstory to the characters so that they should have felt lifelike, but I didn’t connect with or feel any empathy for them at all. This is despite the fact that they go through some very difficult circumstances. It was only during a few of the hairy bits, that I felt anything for them, and this was fear. And when we finally discover the identity of the serial killer, I didn’t have a big “Aha!” moment. It fell a little flat for me. Finally, I could have done without the dog’s perspective and the comment about communication from the grave via a dream, as I don’t believe in that sort of thing and find it lowers the sophistication of the book. But there were no other hokey elements, so all is forgiven.
I was provided with an ARC (thanks to the author & publisher!) and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.

Frankie Dawson Mystery Book #1

Melinda in her new series has given center stage to Frankie Dawson, a beloved P.I. character we have seen multiple times helping solving cases in other series.

This fast-paced and twisted story brings Frankie back home to Memphis to see his dying friend, only to find himself entangled in the investigation of the gruesome double murder of his friend and wife. Things begin to unravel when it is suspected the murders may be linked to a trail of human bones discovered along the banks of Wolf River. It didn’t take long for Frankie to realize a serial killer is roaming the streets and he needs to found out who is this sadistic murderer and put an end to his activities. Easier said than done but Frankie doesn’t fail to give us a thrilling ride from start to finish.

No doubt Melinda Woodhall writes exciting and very captivating stories. The style is simple and easy to follow. The story is vividly written to capture our attention and hold us captive till we reach the conclusion. I was happy Frankie has now a leading role I always loved how he acted in the other series and now he is the star...and a loveable one at that. Ok, I am a huge fan.

Another winner that gives us a story with all the necessary elements to keep us engrossed and captive...

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

A Bridget Bishop FBI Thriller Book #4

Working with FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit criminal psychologist Bridget Bishop tracks down her old nemesis the Backroads Butcher but discover this depraved serial killer is not the only killer terrorizing the small town of Mount Destiny, Virginia. Will she come face to face with the remorseless killer and will she unravel the truth behind the murders? “Road to Evil” will leave us intrigued from start to finish.

Although this book may be the fourth, it stands well by itself. The story is fresh even if all the books centers on serial killers.

This is another winner for Ms. Woodhall. She once again penned an exciting and very captivating story that moves along clear- free never bogs down with unnecessary side bars. The plot stays focus on the tasks Bridget set forth and never wavers. Along the way much excitement awaits us and guessing who may be the real Backroads Butcher is the fun that awaits us. Bridget is a solid character that is helped to achieve her goal by a cast of secondary players who are also well defined, even the evil ones. This book is a real page turner.

“Road to Evil”, gives us all the necessary elements to keeps us engrossed and captive... Well done.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery book #3

I often wonder where authors get their subject and spin a tale that is unique, exciting and captivating each time the story is published. Well, fertile imagination may be it, an asset that Ms. Woodhall definitely has she does spin a wicket tale hard to put down.

In this latest, Bridget is drawn into the hunt for a suspected serial killer and joins forces with a profiler. This come after the estranged wife of a high-powered CEO witness the brutal slaying of her husband’s latest squeeze. A savage murder linked to two similar homicides.

What an exciting story filled with twists and turns, tension and suspense galore. No doubts “Where Evil Hides” is action-packed and yes a winner in my books. I like how the author draws us into the world of crime and how her players solve the mystery. The character development in Bridget is progressing nicely both professionally as well as personally not forgetting the supporting cast adds smarts to the experience. There is a lot going on, not a dull moment from the opening page till you hate seeing the ending. Trying to guess the whodunit is futile.....the she or he will surprise you....

Kudos to you Melinda another excellent read

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery book #2

This is another exciting page-turner. “Taken by Evil” is a story that grabs from the outset and doesn’t let you go till you flipped the last page. Ms. Woodhall is an excellent storyteller that loves to plunge her players into hot water and give her readers a race against time before another gruesome murder is committed. Criminal psychologist and ex-profiler Bridget Bishop is one again asked to assist the Bureau’s behavioral Analysis to unravel the motive behind a series of brutal murders linked to a charismatic guru.

After reading 18 books, I earn the right to be called a faithful fan and I assure you I plan to stay so for a long time. The story in this latest is very engaging and is played out by well-defined characters. Of course Melinda Woodhall added a second nail-biting drama to give us a buzz. No fear keeping track of the two, they are distinct and well-penned. The narrative is lively and the engaging pacing keeps the entertainment active. I was fulling absorbed from the moment I open the book. Well-done, well-said.

Thank you Melinda.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

A Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery book #1

This is a riveting start to a new series Ms. Woodhall has penned for us. In her first book she introduces a charismatic group of players especially a strong lead character in Bridget Bishop. The plot line is exciting filled with suspense and tension. “Lessons in Evil” is a fast-paced story that only can keep the reader glued from the opening page till the last page is reached. We have so many twists and turns to keep us guessing and intrigued. What is not to love from this stellar read? Well-done, well-said, well-executed and well played out.

“Lesson in Evil” brings Bridget back to her dark beginning as a FBI profiler in a case involving a serial killer who eventually was convicted and executed. Bridget was his psychologist at the prison and required her to be a witness in his execution. When a copycat surfaced, the FBI set their eyes on Bridget’s experiences. While grappling with her past Bridget sets off on a mission to stop the evil man plans before he sends another victim to the grave. And the drama begins....

Of course, the story is by far more intense than the above summary and covers much more. IMO spoilers do not make great reviews.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

A Veronica Lee Thriller book #8

From Sin City to Willow Bay a brutal bikers embarks on a mission of death and destruction. Veronica Lee is his next target and all forces are out to protect her. The FBI and Willow Bay Police Chief Nessa Ainsley pledge to not only protect her but also the town from an evil predator with ties to a powerful enemy.

This is another exciting fast paced story that ticks all the right boxes. Dynamic and loveable characters, a page turner from start to finish, a plot that is smoothly written and vividly said, suspense galore to keep us on our toes and a picturesque small town as a setting. What is not to like. Who might be this vicious killer on the loose that scares half the town and leaves us biting our nails from the get-go? Chasing him and saving Veronica is the thrill in this mystery and it is well-done.

It seems this is the last episode with Veronica Lee as the major player but I am sure we will see her reappear sometime in the future has a supporting character in Ms. Woodhall other series.

Another winner I enjoyed passing time with.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

This novella ends a thrilling series although Nessa has been quite active in Ms. Woodhall other series I just plain hate to see her go. She was the star player investigating numerous gruesome cases and following her solving the cases was a joy to read.

In “Break Her Heart” Nessa partners with the Atlanta police to hunt down a violent predator known as the Eastside Ripper. In her investigation Nessa uncovers links between the Ripper and a young woman fighting for her life at Rosewood General Hospital and the body of another woman discovered in Rosewood. How many more will they find?....and the hunt is on.

This is a fast-paced and exciting read. In a short period of time Nessa accomplishes miracles. In a novella you need to get to the point fast and not pussy-foot around. This story gives it all: an exciting story, with lots of suspense, plenty of twists and turns and great characters playing roles to a tee and most of all a plotline that has us glued to every word from the opening pages till we reach a very satisfying conclusion. Ms. Woodhall knows how to pen a wonderful story without embellishing it with decorative details.

But as in any novella, the thrill is too short and leaves you wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Book # 7 in Veronica Lee thriller series

This latest is definitely Melinda Woodhall at her best.

No worries, you can read each book separately without any problems although I highly recommend reading each book in sequence in order to get the outmost of the exiting stories they provide. Reading, you will notice that this series overlaps with the other series in Ms. Woodhall’s library.

What is in store for you, here is a snippet:

A Young woman meets a violent death after attending a party at an exclusive resort. Veronica Lee is the link between the victim and a prominent billionaire. A friend of the victim on the run wants to expose the ugly truth behind the circle of powerful men and Veronica will get to the truth at any cost....

My thoughts:

With the opening lines Jeffrey Epstein came to mind and I couldn’t stop seeing some resemblance between the facts in Epstein saga and Ms. Woodhall’s fiction. ”Her Fatal Hours” takes us on a journey where sex trafficking of minors and murder are at the forefront and where the rich and famous have no fear. We are immersed right from the start in conspiracies and criminal activities. Along the way we have interesting twists and turns to keep us on our toes and flipping the pages for another exciting outcome. Veronica is once more on top of her trade, as a journalist see goes for the truth first and a story second, digs deep to get what she wants and not shy to asked help from her friends.

I wondered all through who could be the mysterious “Tin Man” that kept popping in and out and killing young women, only in the last pages did his true identity revealed. We also have familiar characters working alongside Veronica to engage us in the drama as well as adding a touch into their personal live for us to discover..

What an exciting story played out by wonderful characters.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Detective Nessa Ainsley Novella #3

Short and sweet this 3rd story is captivating as we push on to another case Nessa is involved with. A private investigator disappears after meeting an anonymous source launching an investigation that uncovers more than one suspect could have been behind this incident. Nessa will risk everything to find her and along the way we are plunged into a very suspenseful mystery hard to put down....

I love most novellas even with the short lived suspense they give us. Ms. Woodhall knows how to keep us on our toes and flipping pages with intriguing plots and by giving us thrills galore. Within 80 pages, “Make Her Pay” provides all the excitements we can wish for. The story is definitely not hard to follow nor to gruesome even with a killer on the loose. Smoothly written and engaging #3 is a good addition to the Nessa Ainsley sagas...

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

A Detective Nessa Ainsley

Novella #2

This is another quick read revealing more about the earlier life of Nessa Ainsley, one favourite character we often see investigating gruesome cases in the Mercy Harbor and Veronica Lee series.

Nessa lives in Rosewood, Georgia with her husband and new born son when this second chilling novella opens. The body of a young woman in found in the woods and Nessa upon investigating soon discovers a serial killer has been stalking working girls in the town’s red-lights district.....Nessa is determined to get to the bottom and catch the killer before he strikes again.

This little mystery is a twisted tale filled with deadly moves, provides an exciting build-up and within its 80 pages some short lived action. It is not hard not to say that “Take Her Life” is a page-turner but as in any novella the conclusion comes way too fast and leaves you wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

A Detective Nessa Ainsley Novella

A Mercy Harbor Thriller

This novella is a prequel to the Mercy Harbor series where we met Nessa. For those who have enjoyed the Mercy Harbor books as well as the Veronica Lee ones you will remember that Nessa Ainsley plays a significant role in both. This short story brings us back in time to the beginning of Nessa’s career when she was promoted to detective in the major crimes division of Rosewood police department.

The story follows Nessa and her partner, Theo, on a case involving the murder of two young college students strangled to death. In its 70 pages or so, this little gem covers a lot. With the investigation, it is so easy to be caught up in the intrigue and be lead into the mind of a twisted killer....There’s plenty of action and the suspense is tense but being a novella things is cut short and the conclusion comes way to soon.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

A Veronica Lee Thriller book #6

I must have said this before...I am a huge fan of this author...This is my 10th book I read and all of them have kept me on my toes so captivated to see how the drama would develop and how the intensity in the action would totally immerse me that I would hate to put it aside and so far none were a disappointment. “Her Darkest Night” is on top of the list not only for its exciting build-up and the many twists we find but also for the dynamic and well-drawn characters that populate the pages some are recurring characters which play predominant roles and some new players to add to the thrill. Of course, each thriller has a fresh story and all are set in Willow Bay. Ms. Woodhall’s books are really addictive so be warned

A little bit of the story

When a vulnerable girl goes missing from Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, reporter Veronica Lee uncovers a serial killer is behind the disappearance and chief of police is called to investigate the link between the disappearance and a violent fugitive on the run....I will not reveal more I hate when too much is given it tends to spoil the enjoyment (IMO).

Well-written, exciting story and a wonderful cast of good and evil characters what more can we ask...Another winner.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Published: September 8, 2020
Creative Magnolia
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Melinda Woodhall is the author of the new Veronica Lee Thriller series, as well as the page-turning Mercy Harbor Thriller series. In addition to writing romantic thrillers and police procedurals, Melinda also writes women’s contemporary fiction as M.M. Arvin.

“The death penalty is his only punishment for a woman who betrays him.”

We are back with Veronica as she navigates her new relationship and blossoming career. Her mother is running for mayor, and as always, secrets are lurking around every corner.

The cast of characters we’ve met previously are back, and there is a new case waiting to be solved. And, of course, Veronica finds herself in the middle of the chaos. This book focuses a lot on Nessa, which was nice.

I love the female characters in these books. They are such strong, smart, savvy women. And it is so lovely seeing women supporting women. We got to know Tenley more in this book as well. And there is more to her story than we realized.

There were several twists and shocking plot points throughout this book, and they were so well done. The build-up was fantastic, and the drama was subtle enough to be believable. The way the story unfolds slowly sucks you in until you can’t put the book down.

This was another novel filled with secrets and exploitation, and our cast of bad-ass individuals must once again come together to stop a human trafficking ring taking place right in their own backyard.

I am enjoying this series. It is so well written. The characters are so well developed, and you get a strong sense that they are very loved by Melinda. I cannot wait to dive into the next book!