Rita Herron

The Sleeping Girls by Rita Herron is a highly recommended police procedural and the ninth book in the Ellie Reeves series. Ellie is again working with FBI Agent Derrick Fox and SAR Cord McCain.

Detective Ellie Reeves from the small town of Crooked Creek in the Appalachian Mountains investigates the case of missing fifteen-year-old Kelsey Tiller in nearby Red Clay Mountain. It seems she disappeared from her bedroom, but evidence shows she went outside via her window. Neighbors say they saw her with a secret boyfriend even though she is not allowed to date. Even though Kelsey is well-liked, evidence is found of teenage cyber-bullying toward her and her two friends. Before Ellie finds Kelsey, a heartbreaking picture is sent to her mother and another girl is missing.

During this same time "Digger" Darnell Woodruff is released from prison due to the work of the Innocence Project and true crime podcaster Caitlin O'Connor. He was convicted of killing his sister ten years earlier while sleepwalking. There may be similarities between Kelsey's case and what happened years ago, but Darnell has an alibi. Could he still be the perpetrator or is something else going on in Red Clay Mountain?

The writing is very good and the drama will hold your attention throughout. Readers will know from the first chapter that someone who does not have good intentions is watching Kelsey and her two friends. The narrative switches between the perspective of different characters, including the unnamed killer, creating tension and suspense while propelling the action forward. Short chapters with the different points-of-view help keep the pace fast and interest high. The ending is very satisfying.

The ongoing attraction and the tension it creates between Ellie and Cord is a plot thread for those following the whole series. This is only my second book from the series so, to be honest, I didn't really care. I was reading for the procedural and mystery rather than any romance. Readers can jump into the series and, as I did, read The Sleeping Girls as a standalone novel for the procedural, however, if you want a more complete picture of the characters personalities and the ongoing interaction between them you might want to start at the beginning.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader's copy. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/01/the-sleeping-girls.html… (mehr)

this is my first read by this author. I enjoy a good romantic suspense novel and this was everything I look for. I liked the book, but in my opinion it was really dark. Very well written with a lot of attention to detail. It all turns out right in the end, with a lot of twists and turns. You can tell by the end of the story that there is more to come in the next book, however the writer does tie up all the ends concerning this story. I, however, will read the next story. If you decide on this book, be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat.… (mehr)

Welcome back to Graveyard Falls! Josie Dukane has returned as the author of the book that is being made into a movie - the book about the Bride Killer. She wants to insure that the people of the town and the victims and their families are represented properly and carefully. What she doesn't expect is to be in the middle of another murder investigation - one that the killer has singled her out as someone to show his acts to. She and FBI Special Agent Dane Hamrick race to beat a killer from killing more girls - or Josie!! And maybe find love along the way. Keep the lights on!!… (mehr)