Up Close

Badlands Thriller #3

by Danielle Girard

It's every parent's worst nightmare.
In only a few months, the small town of Hagen has lost two high school seniors, both under strange circumstances. When a third senior, the mayor's son, drives through the plate glass window of the town's diner and ends up in a coma, the deaths no longer seem unrelated accidents. The town is paralyzed with fear. The police can find no good explanation. Other students deny any knowledge of what's happening, but Detective Kylie Milliard is certain at least some are lying.
Hagen's sole investigator, Kylie Milliard fears that something sinister is at play, but she can't convince the town's powers that be to take her concerns seriously. Mounting discord between herself and Hagen's sheriff have her thinking that it may be time to leave Hagen for a bigger city and a new job, but she's not going anywhere until she determines the connection between the self-destructive act of the mayor's son and the two untimely deaths.
Whoever is behind the dangerous stunts doesn't want to be discovered. To keep their secret, they're willing to take out anyone who gets too close. With time running out before the next stunt, Kylie is in a race to solve the puzzle. She is all too clear that, until she does, no one-not the students, nor the town-is safe from danger.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Amazon, Audiobook

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2023

About the author

Danielle Girard is the USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author of sixteen novels, including the Annabelle Schwartzman Series, Chasing Darkness, and The Rookie Club series.

Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.


Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.

Reviews

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you had an author that you keep meaning to read but just haven’t yet? This is that author!! This book was 5 stars⭐️ the entire time. I was gripped from the very first page! 😍 This is the 3rd in the Badland series… and trust me… you can TOTALLY read it as a stand-alone. I did!! I am 100% ordering the first two books asap!! It’s just that good. Why did I LOVE it? Let me tell you…

There is something weird going down in the small town of Hagan… 🤔… Suddenly teenagers are behaving weirdly… okay more so than normal..😉… they are rumored to have a “GAME “ going on… one linked to the dark web… one lead by a mysterious person called Wolf 🐺… one where… they are dying…😳… Dectective Kylie Millard is hell bent on finding out what is going on…

The writing was incredible. I was glued to this book. I loved the POV from Kylie as she struggled to piece it together. Yet I loved even more the POV of our … let’s just say.. stalker… 😳…Stalking Audrey ‘s every move… recounting their “relationship,” It both freaked me out and mesmerized me! I never saw it coming!! We will leave it at that! 🤐

I can’t recommend this enough. Seriously I jumped into this series and felt like I didn’t miss a beat… I can’t wait to read the other two!! 😍 Have you read this series??

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

UP CLOSE is the third book in the Badlands series.

As a mom of two teens in high school, this story really piqued my interest. I liked Detective Kylie Milliard's character and her determination to solve the case in the small town of Hagen. This story had my head spinning! From the start, I knew this was my type of book and I had a hard time putting it down. The ending, of course, I didn't see coming! This was my first book by Danielle Girard and I plan to go back and read the first two books in this series. I recommend adding UP CLOSE to your TBR list if you are a thriller fan. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Many thanks to Danielle Girard and @suzyapprovedbooktours for my gifted copy!

This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

[Doris Beberniss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent 3rd book in the Badland Series!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I read the book in 2 days!
Several sneaky plot twists that I didn't see coming.
If you haven't read the first 2 books in the series, it's not a big deal. The author does such a good job of letting you know that past without it being boring to those who already read the earlier books.
Very likely one of my favorite books by Danielle!!

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: UP CLOSE
SERIES: Badlands Thriller Book 3
AUTHOR: Danielle Girard
PUB DATE: 05.23.2023 Now Available

I just love a thriller that is engrossing, addicting, and hard to put down. UP CLOSE is part of the Badlands Thriller Series and can all be read as a stand alone. It’s a complex thriller, fantastic investigator - Kylie Milliard, fast paced, with an amazing twist of an ending you will never guess.

I enjoyed it!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Girard, Author of "Up Close," has written an intense and suspenseful novel. The Genres for this book are Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, and Fiction. The story takes place in the present in the small town of Hagen. The author vividly describes the characters and the events that take place. The author's characters are described as complex and complicated. Some characters seem suspect and flawed. In this small town, there are a few disappearances of high school students, and the mayor's son drives through a diner.

The only people hurt in this accident are Connor, the mayor's son, and Detective Kylie Milliard, one of the town's investigators. Connor is seriously hurt and in the hospital, fighting for his life, and Kylie can continue with her activities.

Tension, adventure, suspense, betrayals, danger, and deaths exist. Kylie starts investigating the town and school and meets resistance from the principal, the sheriff, some local adults, and students who are keeping secrets. This novel has twists and turns and is very edgy. I was quite surprised to find out who was responsible. I highly recommend this thriller.

[Kate Vocke (bookapotamus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you good at solving mysteries in books before they are revealed?⁣
⁣
I always thought I was … until I started reading Danielle Girard’s books!⁣
⁣
I think my mystery solving spidey senses are officially broken after reading this third installment in the Badlands Thriller series! These books just keep getting better as we return to small town Hagen and catch up with Kylie, Carl, Lily and Iver … and holy smokes does this town have some bad luck and seriously dark secrets.⁣
⁣
Two members of the senior class have died under mysterious circumstances and a third is in coma. Kylie Milliard, the town’s only detective, won’t stop until she’s figured out what is happening. Are they accidents or murder? And could they be connected? What she does know - is that someone is lying. ⁣
⁣
Either way, you know Kylie is going break the case like the totally badass that she is, in this riveting and page-turning thriller of shockingly twisted layers, with a seriously tense and satisfying conclusion.⁣

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big (personality) girl in a small town just doin' her job.

In this, the third book in the Badlands Series, we find Kylie up to her neck in small town politics while trying to solve a murder or two. When an experienced high school swimmer drowns then another high schooler goes missing from a campout only to be found in the river, Kylie suspects that something is up. When a third high schooler drives through the plate glass windows of the local dinner, just missing her, Kylie sets out to connect the dots and figure out what's happening. Along the way she encounters parents and students that seem to be lying and the towns leaders that don't want to listen thus creating one road block after another. When Kylie sinks her teeth into a case she's like a dog with a bone and she won't back down, come what may, even if it means losing her boyfriend.

Will she be able to do things her way, keep her job and keep her boyfriend or will she stumble and let the possible murderer get away with it?

This is another winner by an author who has become one of my go-to favorites. Kylie and the rest of the characters are richly drawn and real. The multiple POV's are handled nicely creating a story that flows and gains momentum from start to finish. The red herrings and the twists and turns kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, it's revealed just how wrong I was. But what I'm not wrong about is that if you enjoy stories with a strong female protagonist, stories that have a small town feel and keep you guessing throughout then I can't recommend this one highly enough!

Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Melanie | addictedtobooks86]

Thank you to @suzyapprovedtours for having me on this tour and for the #gifted book in exchange for an honest review!🤗


✨𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?

This is the 3rd book in the Badland series but it can be read as a standalone! This is my first book by Gerard and it definitely will not be my last! I pan on going back and reading the first two books in the series. This is full of suspense and twists that I did not see coming. I really enjoyed Girard’s writing, the plot, and the characters (who are rather complex, complicated, and suspicious.) I loved how the author included just the right amount of tension and built up suspense throughout. I really enjoyed the small town setting and the multiple points of view. Girard had me on the edge of my seat while I was reading this one, just when I thought I had things figured out another twist was thrown at me to make me think otherwise. I loved that this one kept me guessing and by the time I was done turning the last page I found myself feeling many different emotions ranging from anger, shock, and satisfaction. If this one is not on your radar I highly recommend you add it to your TBR!

✨𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?

This can be read as a stand-alone but I definitely wish I had read the first two books in the series first to get to know the characters and their background.

✨𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?

If you enjoy police procedurals and suspenseful thrillers then definitely add this one to your TBR!



𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kylie is the only investigator in the small town of Hagen. She knows something is terribly wrong in her town when two high school seniors have died under weird circumstances and a third pulls a terrible stunt that nearly kills everyone in a diner. But, none of the higher ups in her town believe her. Kylie is not to be deterred. She digs in her heels and becomes unstoppable.

This is book three in the series. I have not read the others and I did not miss a beat. It can definitely be a stand alone book. Kylie is a sharp character. She is smart and a bit insensitive which is appealing in many ways. But, she cares and this comes out in how she does her job. She is like a dog with a bone in this book. Nothing is going to stop her from finding out who is behind these horrible stunts.

This story is full of intensity and mystery. I enjoy a book which has me on a few wild goose chases. And this one threw me off the scent. This just made me read faster and faster 😂! I had to know who did what!!

I have only read one book by this author but it made a big impression on me. You can see my review of Far Gone here! I need to get to this author’s other books because I am hooked!

Need a small town murder mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book with Detective Kylie Milliard as the main character. Even through I’ve read the previous books in the series, what I like about this book is that not only do you NOT have to read the other books first, this book also has its own plot and gives nothing about the other two books away. I really appreciate the no series spoilers for those that want to enjoy the mysteries in the first two books.

This is told in mostly two points of view, Kylie and Iver (the high school guidance counselor), with a setting of small town Hagen, North Dakota.

Teenagers are dying. The book starts out full of action with at least one death involving teenagers. Then Kylie saves a diner full of customers as one teen drives full speed into the diner. Right after that a camper goes missing from a church retreat. There are other victims too, but I’m not giving any more of the story away.

The twists keep coming with this one as I enjoyed how each piece knitted together to form a very disturbing puzzle.

This is definitely a book where small towns are not all sweet and there are some pretty dark secrets.

Kylie has been thinking about moving on to Fargo PD for awhile. There is finally a detective position open which causes some trouble for Kylie with her coworkers so we get a little of that drama integrated into the story.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Danielle Girard knows how to write a book that will keep you in your favorite reading spot until you reach the very end. I read this book in one day and had a very hard time putting it down. This is the third book in a series but I read it as a standalone. While I enjoyed it as a standalone I want to read the rest of the series to get more of the characters backstory. This is the first book I’ve read of Girard’s and it won’t be my last. I felt as though I was watching the story happen instead of reading it. I loved the twists in the story. The story is told in multiple POV with each chapter titled with the character’s name but one. One POV is a mystery and it was so fun trying to figure out who that was. If you enjoy crime thrillers that keep you turning the pages you will want to read this book!

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and the third book in the Badlands series of books. I wouldn’t worry if you’ve not read the first two as I read this as a stand-alone and it was wonderful!

Set in small town North Dakota this book starts out with Connor, a high school student and son of the mayor drives full speed through a diners window. They cannot figure out why he would have done so with no medical conditions and no other impairments.

Two other students in recent months are also dead from isolated incidents however as the story unfolds, Detective Kylie Milliard isn’t so sure that the deaths and the car accident aren’t related. She puts pressure on the students to find out what is going on and is certain they aren’t all telling the truth. What a nightmare for all! Detective Milliard will not give into the pressure to let things go and she senses someone doesn’t want her to know what’s really happening. Talk about an edge of a seat thriller that kept me guessing until the end! I didn’t have the ending figured out and was quite surprised by some of the twists! I also loved the strong, don’t take no for an answer Detective. She was smart, independent and kicked some booty!

Well done Ms. Girard, I can’t wait to work my way backwards and start at the beginning of this series!

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think I was going to like this book that much but woke up thinking about it after reading only the first couple of chapters. The character of Kylie is harsh and driven so not one to easily empathize with. The other main characters, Carl and Iver were much easier to root for but it’s the storyline that grabs you and compels you to hurry up and find out what was really happening to the kids. Sad to say but the storyline is very realistic and very scary to anyone with school age children.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When teenagers start dying in a small North Dakota town, Detective Kylie Millard is determined to find out why and catch the murderer. Fast paced and an excellent plot.
Great thriller with lots of surprises, and while part of The Badlands series, it can be read alone. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of these books.

[Meghan McClendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I made my way down the sidewalks we had walked, hand-in-hand, as children on our way to her house after school. The voice in my head said we'd never actually held hands, but the voice was wrong."

This is one of those books that's not only super smartly written, but also timely in a timeless way. The challenges of being a teenager on the brink of becoming an adult will always have a great impact on the outcomes of their future. However, for the kids in the small town Hagen, these challenges have become much more. After the death of a senior star swimmer and then witnessing another senior intentionally drive into a local diner, Detective Kylie Millard begins to think these deaths are somehow related.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding, suspenseful story that will have you gripped. Deaths that seem to be related, but how. A peaceful town that suddenly has more to handle than it can. Will this be solved. Don’t miss out once it’s released

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good detective story and Up Close was an incredible read. There were so many twists and turns that kept me guessing until almost the end. Unique characters and great character development were the icing on the cake! Although this is book 3 in the Badlands Series I read it as a stand alone with no problems. I enjoyed it so much though that I want to go back and read the previous two books.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

They should of called the police, questions they couldn’t answer..They all had been friends now it was a power play to say nothing.. Then another senior, then the mayor’s on. There is a connection , Detective Willard is certain,of, yet the power in the city doesn’t. A gripping plot of young teens, making a wrong choice.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

[Dallas Shattuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, you all know how much I love a good crime fiction read, and this one didn’t disappoint. I was hooked from the very first chapter and once the story got going, it was a quick, easy read. I also liked that the story was told through multiple points-of-view, which kept things interesting 👏🏻

In addition to the crime aspect of this book, there were also a few love plot lines that held my interest - I was rooting for the characters the entire book.

If you’re looking for a crime fiction read, give Up Close a try!

Thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours, @daniellegirardbooks for the #gifted copy!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every one of Danielle Girard’s books. She is a phenomenal author. I read the first two books in the Badland Series when they were first published. It had been a while so I thought I should re-read them before I started this story. After just a few words into White Out I remembered it all. It and Far Gone were that good, so my expectations for Up Close were high. The details from the first two books were neatly woven in to this. Though I read the first two, it wasn’t necessary to enjoy this one. It had so many twists and surprises I was compelled to read for hours to find out just what was going on in Hagen, North Dakota. Teenagers were dying. Other teens are keeping secrets that could endanger more lives. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I was left in the dust by another twist to the story. I was fully engaged. Danielle’s writing draws out your emotions. I felt anger, shock, empathy, and so much more while I read this book. There were times I wanted to mentally smack Kylie and cheer Iver and Carl. I shook my head at Sheriff Davis. In the end Girard brought all the pieces together in a spectacular finale I never saw coming. There is so much more I could say about this book, but instead I encourage anyone that loves a good suspense to read it. You will be very satisfied when you turn that final page.

I was honored to be given an ARC of this book for an honest review. I am privileged to have the opportunity to do so.

[Melissa McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing storyline. Small town, students keep ending up dead and the "Wolf" was responsible but who was the the "Wolf". Kylie was relentless in finding answers no matter what it would cost her. Danielle always keeps you on the edge of your seat. Suspenseful, so many twists. Definitely A must read series.

[Jaci Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book! Danielle has a way of really connecting the reader to the characters! One moment it’s Detective Milliard’s POV, the next chapter it’s a high school kid’s - and in both chapters you’re equally invested and empathetic! As I’ve come to expect and LOVE from Danielle’s books there were teasers and twists throughout. Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out you realized you were wrong.

I was about 30% through the story when I realized I had been reading “they/them” pronouns for a specific character that I had assumed was male, when I went back and re-read a few passages. “Ohhhhh. Yep. She got me,” I thought. But Danielle’s craft is so well honed that I did NOT see it coming until it was happening when she did it again with another character. Mind blown!!!

I highly recommend all of the Badlands books - and I can’t wait for more!!

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great story. It is a police procedural with multiple murder mysteries. It is set in a small town where the one detective, Kylie, is working hard to find all the culprits. The author builds the suspense by using multiple points of view from which the story is told. The reader will be surprised and delighted by the twists and turns in the plot. There are no unanswered questions as the story ends.

[Ray Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Intriguing Complex Novel With An Equally Interesting Ending

The novel begins five months before the timeline of the novel. Tash Kohl, a high school swimmer, can hold his breath for more than three minutes in a pool. He received a challenge from someone who goes by the moniker, Wolf. He is to hold his breath for two minutes in a North Dakota lake in November while chained to a cement block. His best friend, Connor, is in a dry suit to record the challenge. They enter the lake. After taking his last breath to top off his lungs, he dives to where Connor is waiting to attach him to the cement block and record the event. From this start, the challenges continue and more deaths occur or are discovered.

The main storyline consists of three threads. The strict police procedural is narrated primarily by Detective Kylie Milliard. Since teenagers tend not to be very open the authorities, the second thread is narrated by Iver Lawson, the school guidance counselor, who is working hard to make his job permanent. The third thread is narrated by an anonymous student that provides a unique insight in the events happening with the students of the high school and the events that are occurring. If all the tragic happenings to the teenagers in a very small town is not enough, the tension is cranked up by the interference by the old-boys network that includes the major, sheriff, and the high school principal. The sheriff and principal appear to be tying the hands of Det. Milliard and Iver Lawson. The Major’s son is one of the victims and seems to be more obstructing than helping. For me, there were some outstanding twists and turns to keep the suspense high. I was hooked quite quickly.

The B-storylines for Det. Milliard and Iver Lawson are quite extensive. Much is provided for both, their history, and their goals in life. Milliard’s interactions with the Sheriff and her Partner Carl Gilbert and with Lawson’s interaction with his girlfriend, the principal, and the students are very consistent and reinforce their characters. I really enjoyed these B-storylines and how well the author wove them into the main storyline.

As for the aspects of a novel that can stop some readers, first is that there are not any intimate scenes. As for vulgar, rude, and impious language, there is some but not to an extent that caused me any concerns. There is some violence of which some is described as it occurs. Again, it is not to a level that caused me any issues. Therefore, I do not believe that this novel will be objectionable to most readers. While this book is part of a series, it is a standalone novel. There will not be any obstacles to reading this novel and missing something from a previous novel.

For my opinion of this novel, I do not have any aspects that caused me any issues. I did very much enjoy the three-prong approach to telling the story, the conflict between the major characters an excellent red herring that mislead me for some time. Add that I was quickly hooked and did not want this author’s four previous novels and purchased two others. She had reaffirmed my status as a Must-Read author. I recommend reading this novel and am looking forward to reading this author’s next novel. I rate this novel with five stars.

I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel directly from the author, Danielle Girard. My review is based only on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank her for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

[Vickie Sarmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kylie Milliard is a Detective with the small town of Hagan. She has been there for a few years and is still not accepted by the locals there. She has been emailing and requesting a position with the Fargo Police Department for a while, but nothing has been available to her.

Suddenly, there seems to be teenage deaths creeping up in the little town. These deaths are are linked in some perverse way, but no one has been able to find out why these teenagers are dying. Who could possibly be doing this in this small town and getting away with it? Is this attributable to a cult or something that the high school students don’t want anyone to know about? Who would intentionally drive their car through a diner window?

Kylie and her partner Carl Gilbert are stumped by 4 deaths in a matter of weeks. Just when they think they have a lead, it turns out that it is just a diversion. There are so many questions and not enough answers to complete these cases.

The Hagan High School principal doesn’t want to shed a bad light on his school, and isn’t really helping with the investigation.

Who could possibly be causing these deaths? What’s the motive? How are they linked?

The author has the reader captivated with the ever changing plot and the various characters that are introduced throughout the book. It was extremely difficult to put this book down, because the reader was held hostage to who the murderer actually is.

I loved the character development and the way each character was portrayed. The mystery of this book kept the reader enthralled until the very end. As usual Girard really did extensive research in the law enforcement arena. The reader felt as if they were actually living the story through the characters and the plot.

I can’t wait to read the next book. All of her books are so well written and never leaves the reader disappointed. @daniellegirard

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🏫 have teenagers
🕵🏻‍♀️ love detective stories
📚 want to binge a new series
🌪️ enjoy lots of twists

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

In only a few months, the small town of Hagen has lost two high school seniors, both under strange circumstances. When a third senior, the mayor's son, drives through the plate glass window of the town's diner and ends up in a coma, the deaths no longer seem unrelated accidents. The town is paralyzed with fear. The police can find no good explanation. Other students deny any knowledge of what's happening, but Detective Kylie Milliard is certain at least some are lying.

Hagen's sole investigator, Kylie Milliard fears that something sinister is at play, but she can't convince the town's powers that be to take her concerns seriously. Mounting discord between herself and Hagen's sheriff have her thinking that it may be time to leave Hagen for a bigger city and a new job, but she's not going anywhere until she determines the connection between the self-destructive act of the mayor's son and the two untimely deaths.
 
Whoever is behind the dangerous stunts doesn't want to be discovered. To keep their secret, they're willing to take out anyone who gets too close. With time running out before the next stunt, Kylie is in a race to solve the puzzle. She is all too clear that, until she does, no one-not the students, nor the town-is safe from danger.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was my first book by Danielle but certainly won’t be my last! I loved every twist and turn and need to go back and binge read the first two books in this series. I always love a good twist and this one had several! I also appreciate the fact that it was easy to read as a standalone and that any pertinent details were included from her previous two books! I can’t wait to read more!

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it did NOT let me down! This book was everything I wanted it to be and more! Thank you again, @daniellegirardbooks, for sending me this ARC.

Danielle Girard is one of my favorite authors, and she is an amazing writer! This is the 3rd book in her Badland series, but it can be read as a standalone. I would definitely recommend reading the whole series. All three books are incredible!

Hagen, ND, where the population is very low, and everyone knows everyone else's business. In the span of a few months, the town has lost two teens under rather strange circumstances. When a third teen who happens to be the mayor's son drives into the town's diner, Detective Kylie Milliard starts to think there is something sinister going on. No one is talking, and Kylie feels like the town's "old boys club," which includes the sheriff, is making getting the answers more difficult. Can she solve the case before the town loses more of its teens?

Detective Kylie Milliard is definitely one of my favorite book characters. She's a strong, independent female who will do whatever it takes to solve a case. I also loved that Iver Larson & Lily Baker are back and still together. I have definitely grown an attachment to these characters that have me invested in this series.

The plot twists and the suspense of this book will have you turning pages, unable to put it down. I was completely shocked by the ending! This was a great thriller that everyone should add to their TBR for May 23rd. If you haven't read 1 & 2, add those to your TBR, too. I can't recommend this book/series enough! It's definitely one of my very favorites!❤️

[Jody Blanchette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up Close is book 3 in The Badlands series, by Danielle Girard. Book 1 is White Out, Book 2 is Far Gone. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but I suggest reading them in order as a series. It gives some backstory, and helps you bond more to Kylie, Lily and Iver. If you do read them in order, the ending of this book will hit your heart a little harder.
This book may be my favorite of the series, so far. I’m not sure how many books are lined up for this series, but I’m pretty sure the next one might even be better. So prepare yourself for my repeating this comment, lol. The books just keep getting better. At this point, I need to know what’s going to happen with Lily, and I’m definitely watching Kylie.
Beyond my attachment to the characters, the storyline hooked me with the teens of Hagen. Small towns can not handle losing so many teens in the course of a year, and Hagen has seen some questionable deaths. They’re all connected, by a game the kids are playing. As a parent of teens, this scared the crap out of me. This could happen, and it’s far worse then the Cinnamon Challenge. But Danielle takes the games to the next level, by throwing in a few unexpected twists. By the last few chapters, I was surprised, angry and satisfied. Lol good emotions for a thriller reader.
Another solid book, in a solid series by Danielle Girard. I really recommend starting from book 1, but this book is worth reading by itself.

[Cricket · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I was honored to receive an ARC of this book. Never having read any of Ms. Girard’s books before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the book was recommended by another author that I enjoy and admire. Am I glad I took the step? I was not familiar with the characters that had appeared in other books, so it took a few pages to get into the story, but then I could not put it down. When I discovered that it was a mystery that deals with the violence that our teenagers are exposed to today, I was even more intrigued. I love books that deal with today’s social issues as well as tell a story. Up Close definitely delivers.

And, be prepared for a very twisted ending. I did not have a clue that it would end the way it did. This book will hold you right up until the end. And, there is just a small bit of romance included to keep us romantics enthralled a little longer, also.

I will be looking now to read more of Ms. Girard’s books. Even though this is one of a series, it is a completely stand-alone book, so don’t let that put you off reading it. Ms. Girard has a way of twisting a mystery and keeping you guessing that ranks up there with the best-known mystery writers. Thank you, Danielle Girard, for trusting me with the ARC, and thank you for an extra bit of mystery. Please keep writing as your books are well worth it.

[Melissa Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is book three in the Badlands series, book one being White Out, book two being Far Gone. In Up Close, Detective Kylie Milliard finds herself dealing with a few different things: The case she is currently working on involving local high school students; the job in Fargo; her feelings for a certain deputy and what she’s going to do about them.

While Kylie and Carl are trying to figure out what happened to Audrey, they go down a road that makes them question their own judgment - were they on the right track or not?

There are a couple of different story lines involved in the telling of this tale: The crime at hand,
which leads to more clues and another, entirely separate crime, and the emotional rollercoaster that Kylie and Carl find themselves riding. Then, boom! PLOT TWIST. Didn’t see the first one happening … at all. Going along another chapter or two … then, boom! PLOT TWIST. That one I sure didn’t see coming. Twisted? A bit, sure. Totally unexpected? Absolutely.

If you like a series that has consistent characters, the Badlands Thriller Series is one to try. While this is a series, each book can be read as a standalone. Give ‘em a read, let me know what you think. If you like the Badlands series, give Ms. Girard’s Schwarzman series a read as well.