Published: July 23, 2021

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. When she’s not writing, Melinda can be found reading, gardening, chauffeuring her children around town, and updating her vegetarian lifestyle website. Melinda is a native Floridian and the proud mother of five children. She lives with her family in Orlando.

“We used that to follow you here.”

Nessa is struggling to work under her Captain. He is gruff and abrasive, and he hinders her ability to be a good detective. When a body is found in the woods, Nessa and her partner, Theo, are eager to take the case. Unfortunately, it might be their last.

I am loving spending time with Nessa before Willow Bay. It is so refreshing getting to know young Nessa, detective Nessa, more intimately.

It is excellent watching Nessa develop her skills and showcasing her in action, and also seeing her as a young mother to a toddler. Her work/life balance is complicated, and the weight isn’t even.

This was a twisted tale, filled with dangerous ideas and deadly intent. Something I love about Melinda is she has such strong female characters in a male-dominated field. It is beautiful watching strong women thrive under less than charming circumstances.

This novella series is absolutely fantastic. The build-up is exciting, and the action is swift. The characters are detailed, and the cases are terrifying.