What do you think?
Rate this book
Bridget Bishop FBI #6
Valley of Evil: A Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller Book 6
A Moonlit Ride Ends in Murder, Betrayal, and a Secret Grave
When the new barn manager at Wilde Valley Stables goes on a late-night horseback ride and never returns, behavioral analyst and profiler Bridget Bishop investigates the young woman’s disappearance and discovers the hidden graveyard of a killer set on revenge.
After the missing person case escalates into a serial murder investigation, a threatening letter is delivered to the local police and press from a vindictive killer identified only as the Wilde Reaper.
Terror settles over the small town of Wilde Valley as another grave is discovered, and a prominent couple go missing, spurring on Bridget and the FBI task force as they race to catch the Reaper before he buries his next victim.
Book Six in the chilling FBI mystery thriller series by Melinda Woodhall, author of the Mercy Harbor Thriller Series, the Veronica Lee Thriller Series, and the Frankie Dawson, P.I. Thriller Series.
When the new barn manager at Wilde Valley Stables goes on a late-night horseback ride and never returns, behavioral analyst and profiler Bridget Bishop investigates the young woman’s disappearance and discovers the hidden graveyard of a killer set on revenge.
After the missing person case escalates into a serial murder investigation, a threatening letter is delivered to the local police and press from a vindictive killer identified only as the Wilde Reaper.
Terror settles over the small town of Wilde Valley as another grave is discovered, and a prominent couple go missing, spurring on Bridget and the FBI task force as they race to catch the Reaper before he buries his next victim.
Book Six in the chilling FBI mystery thriller series by Melinda Woodhall, author of the Mercy Harbor Thriller Series, the Veronica Lee Thriller Series, and the Frankie Dawson, P.I. Thriller Series.
331 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2023
359 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and it was a definite afternoon read for me as it kept my attention throughout . It is really interesting watching the characters grie, on that note I would read the series in order.
The story itself is interesting and kept me guessing.
I received an advance copy but the review is entirely my own.
The story itself is interesting and kept me guessing.
I received an advance copy but the review is entirely my own.
June 9, 2023
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.
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.
August 7, 2024
3.75 I just wasn’t as impressed with this book as I was with the others.
June 12, 2023
Valley of Evil is the sixth book in the Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller series and released on May 15, 2023. This mystery thriller like all the others kept me on my toes and second guessing who the killer might be with all the twists and turns that occurred. In addition to mystery, thrills, and law enforcement, this book is set in a small town where nepotism, power, and money are the basis on how it has thrived for the past 200 years. What could be the cause of the evil that is lurking in Wilde Valley?
Even though all the books in the series are standalone, there are crossover characters and references to previous book’s events and crimes so I always recommend that if you have time to start at the beginning of the series you should. But time isn’t always on our side so if you only have time to read one, then I suggest you read book 5, When Evil Calls.
Months after the Sparrow Slayer case, Bridget Bishop finds herself in the office of Wisteria Fall’s new private investigator’s office listening to their new client’s plea for help and updates on the case. While meeting with local authorities, she’s thrown into an investigation of a missing woman. While they are searching for her, she discovers a hidden graveyard on the outskirts of two of the town’s most prominent families’ farms. Bridget calls in Special Agent Charlie Day and Tristan Hale to come help investigate and open up an official case with the FBI turning a missing person’s case into a serial murder case. After the killer sends a letter out to the public, things start to escalate and it’s a race against time to find out who the killer is and how to stop them from claiming another victim. Will Bridget and the team be able to find out who the killer is in time or will they be too late? It’s all hands on deck with this case and you will see many familiar and new faces in this book.
It’s no secret that I am a fan of Melinda Woodhall’s and this series. I’m pretty sure that I have read every book in her backlist. Fingers crossed that there will be more books in this series because this one is my favorite and I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet. I feel like there is more left in their stories to be told and so many more of my questions to be answered. LOL.
Reading this series makes me think about the other series by the author (Frankie Dawson PI series and Veronica Lee series) and I am hoping that there will be more updates and/or books in both of those series as well. If you haven’t read either one of those series, you should definitely check them out. I recommend them all!
Even though all the books in the series are standalone, there are crossover characters and references to previous book’s events and crimes so I always recommend that if you have time to start at the beginning of the series you should. But time isn’t always on our side so if you only have time to read one, then I suggest you read book 5, When Evil Calls.
Months after the Sparrow Slayer case, Bridget Bishop finds herself in the office of Wisteria Fall’s new private investigator’s office listening to their new client’s plea for help and updates on the case. While meeting with local authorities, she’s thrown into an investigation of a missing woman. While they are searching for her, she discovers a hidden graveyard on the outskirts of two of the town’s most prominent families’ farms. Bridget calls in Special Agent Charlie Day and Tristan Hale to come help investigate and open up an official case with the FBI turning a missing person’s case into a serial murder case. After the killer sends a letter out to the public, things start to escalate and it’s a race against time to find out who the killer is and how to stop them from claiming another victim. Will Bridget and the team be able to find out who the killer is in time or will they be too late? It’s all hands on deck with this case and you will see many familiar and new faces in this book.
It’s no secret that I am a fan of Melinda Woodhall’s and this series. I’m pretty sure that I have read every book in her backlist. Fingers crossed that there will be more books in this series because this one is my favorite and I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet. I feel like there is more left in their stories to be told and so many more of my questions to be answered. LOL.
Reading this series makes me think about the other series by the author (Frankie Dawson PI series and Veronica Lee series) and I am hoping that there will be more updates and/or books in both of those series as well. If you haven’t read either one of those series, you should definitely check them out. I recommend them all!
June 10, 2023
Valley of Evil is the sixth entry in the Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller series and is the best of them. Each book is a standalone read but it is much more interesting to read the series from the beginning as you become better acquainted with Bridget as well as the other characters who regularly appear in the series. Character development occurs through each book.
In this book Bridget's father is approached at his Private Investigation Company by a young woman very concerned that her parents have not been heard from in a month. It seems they sold their house and then just disappeared without a word to her. She thought they may have taken that trip on the Appalachian Trail they had always discussed doing when they retired but they would never do so without periodically contacting her. The police believe they left on a hiking trip of their own free will so will not investigate without proof of foul play. He agrees to take on the case but calls in his FBI Profiler daughter when his client receives word from a friend that another young woman is missing. Local police do not seem to find any of the disappearances to be of any concern. It wasn't FBI policy to interfere unless requested by local police but Bridget agrees to look into the matter as it seems an unusual number of missing people for the area.
This thrilling mystery held me enthralled to the very end. The story was very well written. I found it to be unpredictable. The core characters are likable. Melinda Woodhall has become an author whose books I look forward to reading.
I received an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own and are voluntarily given.
In this book Bridget's father is approached at his Private Investigation Company by a young woman very concerned that her parents have not been heard from in a month. It seems they sold their house and then just disappeared without a word to her. She thought they may have taken that trip on the Appalachian Trail they had always discussed doing when they retired but they would never do so without periodically contacting her. The police believe they left on a hiking trip of their own free will so will not investigate without proof of foul play. He agrees to take on the case but calls in his FBI Profiler daughter when his client receives word from a friend that another young woman is missing. Local police do not seem to find any of the disappearances to be of any concern. It wasn't FBI policy to interfere unless requested by local police but Bridget agrees to look into the matter as it seems an unusual number of missing people for the area.
This thrilling mystery held me enthralled to the very end. The story was very well written. I found it to be unpredictable. The core characters are likable. Melinda Woodhall has become an author whose books I look forward to reading.
I received an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own and are voluntarily given.
June 29, 2023
The seemingly bucolic peace of Wilde Valley is about to be shattered. When a young woman goes for a horseback ride, her horse eventually returns without her. Bridget, her father Bob and the FBI are soon drawn into an investigation, in a desperate attempt to catch the killer stalking the small town. Small towns have big secrets, even deadly ones as drama, deception and danger come to the forefront in this story. I have read this series from the start, enjoying each new addition.
June 15, 2023
This series is amazing. There is no endless supply of scumbags in the world for Bridget and Vic and the team to try to bring to justice, and that is perfect as that will give us endless stories to read. If you like fast paced and endless twists, then this book and series is definitely for you. Bridget is headed into work and is asked to take a quick look at something. That leads to finding several graves and a new case that is piling up missing persons and bodies in a small town faster than they can handle. Her dad is involved with the case which started out as a missing persons case and quickly evolved into a small-town revenge killing of many of the town's elite. For a while the FBI and local law enforcement are buried in bodies and few leads. But as with all small towns that have secrets some people like to tell them, and the case starts to gather steam. This is a very fast paced read and the pages fly by and before long you’re at the end with a gun to Bridget's head and Vic making sure the bad guy pays for that. This book was a 2-day read I just could not put it down. Highly recommend the book and the series and looking forward to the next one.
May 27, 2023
Valley of Evil is book six in an extraordinary series and by far one of best yet! Just when you think it can’t get any more exciting or intense Melinda Woodhall manages to exceed my expectations! I love how this book started as a quick favor to her father and became a tense taut thriller with hrs of being at the scene.
I was able to see all my favorite characters do what they do best as time runs out and the body count rises dramatically.
Can Bridget and here team catch an unhinged killer in a small town with a revenge vendetta when no victim seems related to each other in any way? This was awesome as all the little tidbits would pull you just a bit closer only to push you three steps back. The plot was so well woven and I was surprised at the end which is exactly how I like it. I highly recommend this series it’s awesome and definitely Keri’s me turning pages till the very end.
I was able to see all my favorite characters do what they do best as time runs out and the body count rises dramatically.
Can Bridget and here team catch an unhinged killer in a small town with a revenge vendetta when no victim seems related to each other in any way? This was awesome as all the little tidbits would pull you just a bit closer only to push you three steps back. The plot was so well woven and I was surprised at the end which is exactly how I like it. I highly recommend this series it’s awesome and definitely Keri’s me turning pages till the very end.
June 19, 2023
This is the 6th book in this series; I’ve also read and enjoyed the 5th book, but I still intend to go back and read the series from the beginning. However, this book stands alone very well. I really like Bridget, the main character; she also has a good variety of people surrounding her with whom she works, both law enforcement professionals and also others, including her father, boyfriend and best friend, working at a private investigator firm. The mystery is quite involved and very interesting, but the title is apt—there’s definitely a lot of evil going on. It was exciting and suspenseful and I enjoyed solving the mystery along with the characters. I can definitely recommend this book; I was provided a copy, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
May 20, 2023
This was the first book I’ve read by Melinda Woodhall and the although this was the book 6 in the Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller series it read absolutely fine as a standalone. I have added both the author and the series onto my TBR list, as I really enjoyed the characters and it would be great to read the earlier books so I can see how the characters have grown. I do love a good mystery/thriller without gore and this didn’t disappoint. A page turner that I really enjoyed reading, and would totally recommend. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2023
Valley of Evil A Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller, Book Six by Melinda Woodhall is another example of her writing skills. Valley of Evil explores the depth of a small town’s secrets and how the revenge of one individual shakes the foundation of its history.
Melinda’s characters are always multidimensional. The readers sees each character’s flaws, emotional, professional and social involvements and interactions between local law enforcement and the FBI. It is a thrilling and intense journey while attempting to solve the horrifying disappearances of town members.
This is a strong series and an enjoyable read.
Melinda’s characters are always multidimensional. The readers sees each character’s flaws, emotional, professional and social involvements and interactions between local law enforcement and the FBI. It is a thrilling and intense journey while attempting to solve the horrifying disappearances of town members.
This is a strong series and an enjoyable read.
May 26, 2023
Excellent book!! Love this series. Full of suspense, you won't want to put it down, an edge of your seat thriller. Kept saying, I'll just finish this chapter but had to read on. What is the connection of the victims, being they range from young to old? What is the motivation of the killer? Secrets and betrayals will be revealed. Love the cast of characters. The twist as to who the "Wilde Reaper" is, will totally surprise you. Never saw it coming. Melinda never disappoints with her stories. Highly recommend. Received an ARC and this is my honest voluntary review.
June 20, 2023
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 13, 2023
A great addition of the Bridget Bishop series. This installment is well-written and flowed very well, engaging the reader page by page. Some background is provided allowing for a build up to the discovery of the serial killer and the reasons behind the numerous deaths. All in all, a great read. I love this series and recommend not only this book but the others, as well. I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 3, 2023
I received an ARC through Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Teagan taking care of horses. Shortly she meets up with the son of the owner. They get into a discussion and later make plans for going for a ride the next day. Jonathan, the son, is asked by his father to go in the house because he needs to speak with him. Teagan decides to take a ride to see the flowers at the location Jonathan told her about. Teagan's horse returns, but Teagan did not.
Bridget the next day was talking with her father and a client regarding a missing person case. The clieny's parents had disappeared and she hired Bob, Bridget's father, to find them. Santino, on leave because of a shooting was working with Bob and was currently searching on the Appalachian Trail for the parents. Bob had made arrangements for Bridget to speak with the police chief of Wilde Valley, where the clients parents had lived. Bob and Bridget then discovered that another person, Teagan, was missing and a search was being made. Later a discovery of a body was discovered. Bridget on arrival checked the area and advised the police chief that there were probably more bodies to be found in this area. At the time she notified her boss and a team was sent.
Once the FBI arrived and 3 more bodies were located, a task force was formed to look into the killings. As it now stood, there was still one more person who had gone missing and the thought was dead as well. The task force began their search and began following what information they had available. By this time, Santino had been notified, and working with Bob they did their own search. Later in the week they were notified that another person had gone missing. Later it is discovered that Jonathan's are now missing as well. The task force is still looking and doesn't know much more than they did earlier who the Wilde Valley Reaper. Argus on a Saturday requests Bridget to do a favor for him. Bridget agrees and travels to the bank in Wilde Valley.
To find out what happened as a result of Bridget's visit, who the Wilde Reaper was and what finally was the last stand, then you need to read this book. Once you read the ending then it will all fall in place.
The story begins with Teagan taking care of horses. Shortly she meets up with the son of the owner. They get into a discussion and later make plans for going for a ride the next day. Jonathan, the son, is asked by his father to go in the house because he needs to speak with him. Teagan decides to take a ride to see the flowers at the location Jonathan told her about. Teagan's horse returns, but Teagan did not.
Bridget the next day was talking with her father and a client regarding a missing person case. The clieny's parents had disappeared and she hired Bob, Bridget's father, to find them. Santino, on leave because of a shooting was working with Bob and was currently searching on the Appalachian Trail for the parents. Bob had made arrangements for Bridget to speak with the police chief of Wilde Valley, where the clients parents had lived. Bob and Bridget then discovered that another person, Teagan, was missing and a search was being made. Later a discovery of a body was discovered. Bridget on arrival checked the area and advised the police chief that there were probably more bodies to be found in this area. At the time she notified her boss and a team was sent.
Once the FBI arrived and 3 more bodies were located, a task force was formed to look into the killings. As it now stood, there was still one more person who had gone missing and the thought was dead as well. The task force began their search and began following what information they had available. By this time, Santino had been notified, and working with Bob they did their own search. Later in the week they were notified that another person had gone missing. Later it is discovered that Jonathan's are now missing as well. The task force is still looking and doesn't know much more than they did earlier who the Wilde Valley Reaper. Argus on a Saturday requests Bridget to do a favor for him. Bridget agrees and travels to the bank in Wilde Valley.
To find out what happened as a result of Bridget's visit, who the Wilde Reaper was and what finally was the last stand, then you need to read this book. Once you read the ending then it will all fall in place.
June 4, 2023
Melinda Woodhall's stories are ones that draw you like a magnet and make you stay from the first to the last page, this one is no exception and although it is a standalone I would seriously urge reading the entire series in sequence to obtain the most enjoyment.
People were disappearing in Wilde Valley, the latest were the town doctor and his wife who had retired, sold up and headed out for adventure…….but had they ? their worried daughter had received no communication from them, they had disappeared without trace, the police weren't interested so she hired ex policeman, now PI, Bob Bishop, to find them. US Marshal, Vic Santino was working with Bob whilst waiting for the results of an enquiry into a shooting that put him on enforced leave. Vic's girlfriend was Bob's daughter Bridget who worked in the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit.
Things at Wilde Valley escalated quickly as more people disappeared and bodies were being uncovered, Chief Wheeler didn't want to involve the FBI, he was up for re election soon and he didn't want to look as though he wasn't up to the job but he had no choice..
This story follows Wilde Valley PD, the FBI and Bob Bishops PI agency working together, often unharmoniously, to find a serial killer, a serial killer whose victims appear random, the terror of the citizens of Wild Valley was palpable, who would be next ? what was the common denominator ?
This author always throws in loads of suspects, red herrings galore as her stories twist and turn, I love all the wonderful characters, the nail biting suspense, the gentle romance that weaves through but doesn't distract from the devious plot. I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
People were disappearing in Wilde Valley, the latest were the town doctor and his wife who had retired, sold up and headed out for adventure…….but had they ? their worried daughter had received no communication from them, they had disappeared without trace, the police weren't interested so she hired ex policeman, now PI, Bob Bishop, to find them. US Marshal, Vic Santino was working with Bob whilst waiting for the results of an enquiry into a shooting that put him on enforced leave. Vic's girlfriend was Bob's daughter Bridget who worked in the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit.
Things at Wilde Valley escalated quickly as more people disappeared and bodies were being uncovered, Chief Wheeler didn't want to involve the FBI, he was up for re election soon and he didn't want to look as though he wasn't up to the job but he had no choice..
This story follows Wilde Valley PD, the FBI and Bob Bishops PI agency working together, often unharmoniously, to find a serial killer, a serial killer whose victims appear random, the terror of the citizens of Wild Valley was palpable, who would be next ? what was the common denominator ?
This author always throws in loads of suspects, red herrings galore as her stories twist and turn, I love all the wonderful characters, the nail biting suspense, the gentle romance that weaves through but doesn't distract from the devious plot. I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
August 26, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I've read books 1-6 so far in the Bridget Bishop series and I have to say - they are brilliant! I really enjoy Melinda Woodhall's writing. I feel I've come to know the characters well, and the individual private lives of the FBI agents, who are interesting in their own right. As incidental side stories, lead agent Charlie Day and agent Tristan Hale, having finally admitted their love for each other, have a crisis but Bridget and Vic Santino (who appeals to me as much as any Hollywood star) are finally content. Bridget's father has started his own detective agency with the displaced Santino working with him. These and other domestic matters provide light relief from the horrific murders, that started as revenge for a family's past deeds, revealed by a journalist researching the family history of the Wilde family whose founder may not have been at all as he portrayed himself. But as seems to happen with serial killers, once he develops the taste, no one is safe. The character of Chase Grafton, podcast broadcaster is truly despicable. This author always has me not wanting to stop turning the pages until I've finished the book. This book, like the previous five, is a thriller indeed, with enough twists and surprises that guessing who the killer is, is difficult, If not impossible until the next to last chapter. It isn't necessary from the point of the crime investigations, to read the previous books, or read them in order. It's just the personal issues that progress. I Thoroughly recommend this, and the other books in this series.
June 10, 2023
Melinda Woodhall's books are adrenaline laced with twists and turns around every corner/page. This one was no exception as the bodies start piling up.
FBI Agent and profiler Bridget Bishop goes to Wilde Valley as a favor for her father who now owns a private investigation firm. Several people in this small town are missing and now a stable manager is missing. She worked for one of the most prestigious families in Wilde Valley. Her horse returned, but she is nowhere to be found. During the search they make a grisly, bone chilling discovery.
Melinda Woodhall knows how to capture the reader with her gritty and deceptive writing. She is a masterful storyteller who knows how to write a mystery about serial killers that will give you goosebumps.
As the bodies pile up, it becomes very evident that a deranged killer is on the loose in this small town, but there are also secrets that are being kept as well. Melinda Woodhall always provides a plethora of suspects and many red herrings. You will be peeled to the pages and your chair as well as you try to solve the mystery. It was a twisty road of deception and betrayal that started with a bang and ended with an explosion.
This is another jaw dropping thriller that will scare you senseless and give you the shivers, but you will not want to put it down. I love the characters in this series. I can say that I am officially addicted to the Bridget Bishop series.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
FBI Agent and profiler Bridget Bishop goes to Wilde Valley as a favor for her father who now owns a private investigation firm. Several people in this small town are missing and now a stable manager is missing. She worked for one of the most prestigious families in Wilde Valley. Her horse returned, but she is nowhere to be found. During the search they make a grisly, bone chilling discovery.
Melinda Woodhall knows how to capture the reader with her gritty and deceptive writing. She is a masterful storyteller who knows how to write a mystery about serial killers that will give you goosebumps.
As the bodies pile up, it becomes very evident that a deranged killer is on the loose in this small town, but there are also secrets that are being kept as well. Melinda Woodhall always provides a plethora of suspects and many red herrings. You will be peeled to the pages and your chair as well as you try to solve the mystery. It was a twisty road of deception and betrayal that started with a bang and ended with an explosion.
This is another jaw dropping thriller that will scare you senseless and give you the shivers, but you will not want to put it down. I love the characters in this series. I can say that I am officially addicted to the Bridget Bishop series.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2023
Valley Of Evil is my second read of the Bridget Bishop series and WOW! what a great mystery thriller! The story begins when the new barn manager at Wild Valley Stables decides to take a late night horseback ride and never shows up, so profiler Bridget Bishop is called in on the case. She discovered a grave that turns out to be a murderer's kill burial ground.
It gets so much worse when the killer threatens that many more people would die which sends the whole town into a panic, helped along by an ambisus podcaster who drives a silver Tesla. (that made me laugh, nice touch Ms Woodhall)
The thing I really liked about the novel is that it was so well passed with a obvious set up of a new victim and we knew it too, yet it still made you wonder if you were right. I also liked that Ms Woodhall didn't make the ending right away, thus the suspense continued to the very end.
One personal thing I like to do in all the books I read is Cat Sightings and note them on my Goodreads shelf for that purpose. I love cats and it is interests me how often they show up in books. The barn cats stealing the scene going back and forth while there was an investigation going on delighted me! I also.love Hank the Dog. Great character.
I would say that this book/series is good for anyone who likes an exciting, chilling and satisfying mystery.
Thank you to Book Sirens and author Melinda Woodhall for providing me with a copy of this book and I enthusiastically give my own opinion.
It gets so much worse when the killer threatens that many more people would die which sends the whole town into a panic, helped along by an ambisus podcaster who drives a silver Tesla. (that made me laugh, nice touch Ms Woodhall)
The thing I really liked about the novel is that it was so well passed with a obvious set up of a new victim and we knew it too, yet it still made you wonder if you were right. I also liked that Ms Woodhall didn't make the ending right away, thus the suspense continued to the very end.
One personal thing I like to do in all the books I read is Cat Sightings and note them on my Goodreads shelf for that purpose. I love cats and it is interests me how often they show up in books. The barn cats stealing the scene going back and forth while there was an investigation going on delighted me! I also.love Hank the Dog. Great character.
I would say that this book/series is good for anyone who likes an exciting, chilling and satisfying mystery.
Thank you to Book Sirens and author Melinda Woodhall for providing me with a copy of this book and I enthusiastically give my own opinion.
April 13, 2025
When all else fails for books, I find that going to read thrillers keeps my attention, and what better author to do that than one of my favorites Melinda Woodhall? Bridget Bishop is back with Book #6 in her series and it takes her to Wilde Valley when her father Bob's Private Investigation business is hired to find Kendra's missing parents. While in Wilde Valley, a dead body is found - a girl who went missing the night before. Soon Bridget realizes that they are standing over a sunflower meadow of graves and that the missing parents might be here among the four bodies buried. During this time, a letter is sent to the press and police from someone called The Wilde Reaper who is determined to rid Wilde Valley of those who have sinned and it's time to reap what they have sown or in this case stolen. It looks like it stems back to the Wilde family and dark family secrets that were swept under the rug and people brought off. Can Bridget help the town solve the case along with her FBI and PI pals? Also of course, where Bridget is - Chase Grafton of the Chasing Killers podcast is never far behind and now he is working double time to fight back up the ranks of true crime podcasting as the last book caused his podcast to take a hit. If you love serial killer novels and shows like Criminal Minds and Veronica Mars, then you will love Melinda Woodhall's various series. I look forward to continuing her series and trying the two new ones Frankie Dawson and Bailey Flynn.
June 15, 2023
Valley of Evil is the sixth book in the Bridget Bishop series. Melinda Woodhall's books are always interesting with wonderful characters and keep you guessing. They never disappoint. This is a stand-alone book, but in my opinion, it is always best to start with the first book of the series.
This begins with Teagan and Jonathan talking in the horse stable. After he leaves, she decides to take a ride and look for the sunflowers Jonathan mentioned. When Teagan finds them, she dismounts and is struck from behind from a man with a shovel.
It looks like people are disappearing in Wilde Valley. The retired town doctor, and his wife are missing, their daughter has received no word from them and is worried that something has gone wrong. The police think she is overreacting and have not looked into it.
PI, Bob Bishop, is hired to find them. Bob's daughter Bridget who worked in the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit is quickly involved into the missing couple when she uncovers what appears to be a burial ground. The team will quickly reassemble to solve the mystery.
Wonderful story that held my attention while guessing who done it.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for an unbiased review.
This begins with Teagan and Jonathan talking in the horse stable. After he leaves, she decides to take a ride and look for the sunflowers Jonathan mentioned. When Teagan finds them, she dismounts and is struck from behind from a man with a shovel.
It looks like people are disappearing in Wilde Valley. The retired town doctor, and his wife are missing, their daughter has received no word from them and is worried that something has gone wrong. The police think she is overreacting and have not looked into it.
PI, Bob Bishop, is hired to find them. Bob's daughter Bridget who worked in the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit is quickly involved into the missing couple when she uncovers what appears to be a burial ground. The team will quickly reassemble to solve the mystery.
Wonderful story that held my attention while guessing who done it.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for an unbiased review.
June 8, 2023
This was absolutely brilliant. I really like this series and I'm not sure why but this one really stands out for me. A small location with several missing people is the initial focus of the story . 2 of these are
the parents of a client of Bridget's father who has contracted Santino ito assist him n a private investigator role. When suddenly a young girl disappears and graves are discovered, the FBI are called in, bringing Bridget into the loop.
Wilde Valley is a small area under the thumb of the Wilde family. Everyone seems to be scared of Harrison Wilde and convinced it has to be an outsider who is at work here. A letter from the perpetrator indicates that he is not finished yet. This was a real fast-moving story and with the initial opening and quick discovery of the graves, I was hooked and eager to see where the investigation led especially as more people are disappearing and killed. I definitely read quicker towards the end as the story came to a climax as I was engrossed in the tale. Can't wait to see how the author follows this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
the parents of a client of Bridget's father who has contracted Santino ito assist him n a private investigator role. When suddenly a young girl disappears and graves are discovered, the FBI are called in, bringing Bridget into the loop.
Wilde Valley is a small area under the thumb of the Wilde family. Everyone seems to be scared of Harrison Wilde and convinced it has to be an outsider who is at work here. A letter from the perpetrator indicates that he is not finished yet. This was a real fast-moving story and with the initial opening and quick discovery of the graves, I was hooked and eager to see where the investigation led especially as more people are disappearing and killed. I definitely read quicker towards the end as the story came to a climax as I was engrossed in the tale. Can't wait to see how the author follows this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 15, 2023
This book I found to be one of the most enjoyable book in
the Series. It will keep you guessing who did all of these murders. Bridge, her Team & local police officials do get frustrated because people continue to go missing & died while they are in the town of Wilde Valley.
It's not a big town and everyone knows everyone so one would think a killer should be able to be caught easily, but this is not the case. Local people keep disappearing, then found dead.
Wilde Valley was built on money, nepotism & power. The Wild Reaper has used this to his/her advantage to get revenge and to keep the town and Bridget & her team thrown off his/her tracks. One is not sure who the next victim will be, and as to who is friend and who is foe. You don't want to miss this one! I'm looking forward to next book in the Series!
I recommend this book for those who loves mystery thrillers and wants an entertaining book. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review and am voluntarily leaving a review.
the Series. It will keep you guessing who did all of these murders. Bridge, her Team & local police officials do get frustrated because people continue to go missing & died while they are in the town of Wilde Valley.
It's not a big town and everyone knows everyone so one would think a killer should be able to be caught easily, but this is not the case. Local people keep disappearing, then found dead.
Wilde Valley was built on money, nepotism & power. The Wild Reaper has used this to his/her advantage to get revenge and to keep the town and Bridget & her team thrown off his/her tracks. One is not sure who the next victim will be, and as to who is friend and who is foe. You don't want to miss this one! I'm looking forward to next book in the Series!
I recommend this book for those who loves mystery thrillers and wants an entertaining book. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2023
I think one of the highest compliments I can pay Ms. Woodhall is to say that in all the time I have been reading her books I have managed to figure out who the "bad guy" was before she revealed it only one time- but it wasn't this time. She kept me guessing almost to the end and that's one of my favorite things about her writing. No matter how much I read her books, she still manages to either completely fool me or throw out enough red herrings that I'm not sure I'm right. Whatever it is, it keeps me turning the pages, anxious to get to the end to find out if my guesses were on the money.
Once again Ms. Woodhall uses the multi-agency approach to the solution of the murders. I think it is cool to see members of the FBI, BAU, USMS, and local police work together. There's plenty of psychological, physical, and investigative action, so whatever your preference, you will find it here.
I highly recommend all of Ms. Woodhall's books for police procedural, crime, and serial killer fans.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
Once again Ms. Woodhall uses the multi-agency approach to the solution of the murders. I think it is cool to see members of the FBI, BAU, USMS, and local police work together. There's plenty of psychological, physical, and investigative action, so whatever your preference, you will find it here.
I highly recommend all of Ms. Woodhall's books for police procedural, crime, and serial killer fans.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
June 4, 2023
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.
I was provided with an ARC (thanks to the author & publisher!) and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.
May 21, 2023
Valley of Evil: A Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller Book 6 by Melinda Woodhall is the first book I've read by this author. I didn't feel I missed too much by not reading the other books in the series.
When the new barn manager at Wilde Valley Stables goes on a late-night horseback ride and never returns, behavioral analyst and profiler Bridget Bishop investigates the young woman’s disappearance and discovers the hidden graveyard of a killer set on revenge.
Overall, the story was okay. A few things were a bit implausible to me, such as one of the characters sending his intern to do his dirty work. There were some twists to the story that held my interest. The characters were developed well, and I enjoyed getting to know the series' regulars. I would likely read the next in the series.
I enjoyed the storyline and would likely recommend this book and this author.
When the new barn manager at Wilde Valley Stables goes on a late-night horseback ride and never returns, behavioral analyst and profiler Bridget Bishop investigates the young woman’s disappearance and discovers the hidden graveyard of a killer set on revenge.
Overall, the story was okay. A few things were a bit implausible to me, such as one of the characters sending his intern to do his dirty work. There were some twists to the story that held my interest. The characters were developed well, and I enjoyed getting to know the series' regulars. I would likely read the next in the series.
I enjoyed the storyline and would likely recommend this book and this author.
May 22, 2023
Bridget Bishop is back, along with her family, friends and colleagues, hoping to have a bit of down time after some exhausting cases recently. But when her father asks her to speak to one of his first clients as a PI, she can’t refuse.
I love any book by this author, as I know I’ll get a solid read, great pacing and a plot with lots of lovely twists and red herrings. My only quibble is that I read the books too fast, as I can never tear myself away from them. Although this is a stand alone read, I think it’s better to have read the previous books, to get the background stories to all of the characters, and can see how they’re developing. I particularly like Daphne’s new challenge, and Argus is growing on me too. A really good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love any book by this author, as I know I’ll get a solid read, great pacing and a plot with lots of lovely twists and red herrings. My only quibble is that I read the books too fast, as I can never tear myself away from them. Although this is a stand alone read, I think it’s better to have read the previous books, to get the background stories to all of the characters, and can see how they’re developing. I particularly like Daphne’s new challenge, and Argus is growing on me too. A really good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2023
You can’t go wrong with a Bridget Bishop book. As soon as you see her name, you know it is going to be an enjoyable read. The author has created great main character you want to keep reading about. She is independent, yet knows when to rely on others. Always, this book keeps you guessing until the end. There are clues along the way, which sometimes point in the wrong direction, and you find yourself trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. While there are a lot of characters in this book, a number of them are in previous books so you feel you already know them. I love the way their personal stories move forward, not just Bridget’s.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 27, 2023
Book Sirens eARC. Bridget Bishop FBI thriller #6. Bridget has returned to the BAU as a profiler rejoining her colleagues. A stable manager in a small Virginia town goes for an evening ride and never returns. When her body is discovered the next morning police also uncover more graves at the site. The bodies are those of people who have been missing for weeks. Who is disturbing the peace of the pretty little town and why? This engaging series always features a complicated intense crime and investigation. The recurring characters come to life on the page as they struggle to find the killer and balance their personal lives. In a new series development in this entry Bridget's dad has opened a PI office adding another layer to the storyline. I recommend this author to anyone who enjoys a solid crime novel.
May 17, 2023
(4,5) Melinda Woodhall never fails to have a surprise or twist. This can be read as a stand alone with no issues, however you will not see the growth and progression of Bridget, Santiago, Bob, Charlie, Hale etc. That being said you will also not get vexed with Daphne (Bridgets best friend)or Chase(the intrepid slimy podcast dude). The whole way through I was trying to figure out who the perp was. I had a couple ideas, but was wrong. There is murder (with a twist) a psycho perp and the lifes of our main characters. The ending tells me there will be new twists and shennigains to come. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #valleyofevil #bridgetbishopfbi #melindawoodhall #creativemagnolia #booksirens
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews