The book is described as a "blood-freezing thriller of murder, rage, and revenge". Yes...it does cover those categories.... some much more than others. Sheriff Bree Taggert is called to a shooting in a campground that is shut down for the winter. When she arrives, she finds that the crime is not as simple as it should have been. Actually, there is no evidence of any crime being carried out at all...no shooter, no victim, and no blood. No one believes the witness, Alyssa, no one but Bree that is. What would this young woman gain by lying about what happened to her friend? Alyssa is a homeless teen who continually insists that she saw her friend shot. Bree asks the help of former deputy Matt Flynn and his dog to track the killer and search for the victim, who may have just been injured in spite of Alyssa insistence that she saw the shooting happen. They discover the beaten corpse of a missing university student under the ice in Grey Lake, but even though it is a body, and it is indeed dead, it's not the victim they're looking for. Then two more students go missing and additional bodies are found, and Bree knows that she must find what ties these victims together. The one thing that is obvious is that these murders were fueled by intense rage. Her first witness Alyssa, then disappears. The question now is now will the witness herself become a victim? I liked the characters...especially the dog. The only "down" thing I can say about it was that it was a tad slow. It could have used a bit more in the action department. ( )

Fast-paced, exciting read with interesting characters.

Enjoyable.

Takes place two months after first book. Bree is trying to settle into her new role as sheriff when an odd 911 call is taken. A girl sees her friend shot but upon investigation there is no body or blood. Bree is puzzled and she and her deputies find a body, but not the victim they were looking for. Enlisting Matt's help as a consultant they immerse themselves into a murder that expands to more victims, burglaries, missing college students, a plethora of suspects, and loads of dead ends. Working together brings Bree and Matt closer as he continues to help her with her fear of dogs. Not knowing who to trust on her staff has her at odds with the old guard and pursuing a suspect puts Bree, Matt, and her deputies in the crosshairs of a killer who will stop at nothing to continue his hobby. Fast paced thriller that keeps you on your toes. Looking forward to the next in the series. ( )

See Her Die
3.5 Stars

Now the newly minted Sheriff of Randolph County, Bree Taggert attends a 911 report of a shooting. Upon arriving at the deserted campground, she finds no caller, no body, and no evidence. Bree requests assistance from former K9 cop, Matt Flynn and his dog, Brody, who leads them to the body of a missing student. Then another student is reported missing, and Bree is concerned that the only witness, a terrified teenage girl, is in the killer's sights.

Series note: While there are cameo appearances by Stella Dane and her sister, Morgan, from the Scarlet Falls and Morgan Dane series, the mystery itself is unrelated.

Although this is a solid police procedural with a compelling premise, it cannot be classified as romantic suspense as the romance elements are more of an afterthought than a central component.

The investigation into the shooting at the campground and the missing students tie into one another well, and the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying. That said, it is easy to guess the culprit and the motive at a certain point.

Bree is a strong and relatable heroine finding her way in a male-dominated arena. That said, her character is not as well developed as other female detectives in the genre, such as D.D. Warren (Lisa Gardner), Kim Stone (Angela Marsons), and Jane Rizzoli (Tess Gerritsen). It is still early in the series, so this may still be forthcoming.

In terms of her relationship with Matt, readers are informed of their attraction to one another, but the actual physical chemistry and emotion are lacking. Once again, their connection may be better fleshed out in the future.

Overall, Leigh is an engaging writer, and the series has a great deal of potential. ( )

Second story in the “Bree Taggert” series with Sheriff Taggert investigating multiple murders and stolen jewelry. Good story with an interesting cast of characters. I especially liked Matt Flynn, who was also in the previous book, and his K9 partner Brody. I was curious to find out who the killer was.

Another great read by Melinda Leigh. ( )