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Bree Taggert #9
Track Her Down
For Sheriff Bree Taggert, a gruesome double murder exposes the secrets of the dead in a shocking novel of suspense by #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh.
A teenager returns home from work and finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Responding to the call, Sheriff Bree Taggert realizes the crime wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. The couple was executed. The sole survivor: their traumatized teenage daughter, Claire Mason.
Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but together they uncover more questions than answers. When Claire is stalked at the park, it’s clear the killer isn’t finished—and she’s the next target.
As Bree and Matt sift through the past—suspect by suspect—a tangled web of deception emerges, and the truth becomes harder to see. Because the victims’ entire lives were a lie. And the only way to protect the vulnerable girl is to unravel her parents’ secrets.
A teenager returns home from work and finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Responding to the call, Sheriff Bree Taggert realizes the crime wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. The couple was executed. The sole survivor: their traumatized teenage daughter, Claire Mason.
Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but together they uncover more questions than answers. When Claire is stalked at the park, it’s clear the killer isn’t finished—and she’s the next target.
As Bree and Matt sift through the past—suspect by suspect—a tangled web of deception emerges, and the truth becomes harder to see. Because the victims’ entire lives were a lie. And the only way to protect the vulnerable girl is to unravel her parents’ secrets.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2025
3536 people are currently reading
6625 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Leigh
55 books21.9k followers#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 607 reviews
January 2, 2025
Once again, Melinda Leigh has combined a police procedural with deception, exotic animals, and a little romance in
Track Her Down,
the next novel in the Bree Taggert series. Bree and her part-time investigator Matt Flynn team up to work a case when a teenager returns home from work and finds her parents shot to death. The case isn’t as straightforward as it might seem and when the daughter, Claire Mason, is stalked at the park, it seems she may be the next target.
Bree is the sheriff of Randolph County, New York. She’s smart, skilled, confident, honorable, and determined. She has earned the respect of her deputies, has standards and ethics, and puts the community first. She joined law enforcement to help people and that is what she intends to do. She is learning to navigate the politics, media, and paperwork associated with being a sheriff in a county with a limited budget. Matt is a former sheriff’s deputy injured in the line of duty. He was going to start a K-9 training program, but his sister Cady is using the kennels for rescued dogs. Matt is a great investigator and is a master at interviewing suspects. He loves dogs, including his retired K-9, Brody.
The novel did a great job of demanding and keeping my attention from beginning to end. It was hard to put down and is well-crafted. A chilling start in chapter one is followed by a call about an alligator in nearby Grey Lake. Just a typical day in Bree’s life as a rural county sheriff, except alligators aren’t supposed to be in New York and the two dead victims were living a lie. What an engaging and suspenseful novel!
The story captivated me from beginning to its surprising conclusion. The plot has twists and turns that were unexpected and clever. As always, the world-building is well-done and the characterization is excellent. By this time in the series, it feels like I’m visiting old friends. The relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and the community add another dimension to the story. Additional threads in the storyline include emotional connections, support systems, deceptions, control, and much more. I enjoy police procedurals, and the small town and the rural county settings in this novel made for a great backdrop for this novel.
Overall, this book has twists, tension, violence, and was hard to put down. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, suspense, crime, action, and a little romance, then this is a series that I recommend. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Montlake and Melinda Leigh provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 14, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Bree is the sheriff of Randolph County, New York. She’s smart, skilled, confident, honorable, and determined. She has earned the respect of her deputies, has standards and ethics, and puts the community first. She joined law enforcement to help people and that is what she intends to do. She is learning to navigate the politics, media, and paperwork associated with being a sheriff in a county with a limited budget. Matt is a former sheriff’s deputy injured in the line of duty. He was going to start a K-9 training program, but his sister Cady is using the kennels for rescued dogs. Matt is a great investigator and is a master at interviewing suspects. He loves dogs, including his retired K-9, Brody.
The novel did a great job of demanding and keeping my attention from beginning to end. It was hard to put down and is well-crafted. A chilling start in chapter one is followed by a call about an alligator in nearby Grey Lake. Just a typical day in Bree’s life as a rural county sheriff, except alligators aren’t supposed to be in New York and the two dead victims were living a lie. What an engaging and suspenseful novel!
The story captivated me from beginning to its surprising conclusion. The plot has twists and turns that were unexpected and clever. As always, the world-building is well-done and the characterization is excellent. By this time in the series, it feels like I’m visiting old friends. The relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and the community add another dimension to the story. Additional threads in the storyline include emotional connections, support systems, deceptions, control, and much more. I enjoy police procedurals, and the small town and the rural county settings in this novel made for a great backdrop for this novel.
Overall, this book has twists, tension, violence, and was hard to put down. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, suspense, crime, action, and a little romance, then this is a series that I recommend. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Montlake and Melinda Leigh provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 14, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
July 10, 2024
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the Bree Taggert series. Melinda Leigh is one of the authors I stumbled across via Kindle Unlimited way back when and she sparked my love for reading again. I binged all her available books and fell in love with this series and its characters.
This one pulled me in right from the start - which is no surprise for this series. I instantly connected with the characters. I must admit I did have a hunch from the beginning but I was still somewhat thrown off by the twist. As usual, the plot of the book was well done as well as the overarching plotline of the series. A near-perfect execution. The characters continue to grow on me, and I also love the introduction to newer characters. If you enjoy mysteries/thrillers, add this series to your TBR. You will 100% binge these books. An easy 4 stars!
Most importantly - all the thanks to Melinda Leigh and her publisher, Montlake, for providing me with this ARC. The publication date is set for January 14, 2025. Thrilled to have been able to read this one already. I hope this series never ends. Highly recommend!
This one pulled me in right from the start - which is no surprise for this series. I instantly connected with the characters. I must admit I did have a hunch from the beginning but I was still somewhat thrown off by the twist. As usual, the plot of the book was well done as well as the overarching plotline of the series. A near-perfect execution. The characters continue to grow on me, and I also love the introduction to newer characters. If you enjoy mysteries/thrillers, add this series to your TBR. You will 100% binge these books. An easy 4 stars!
Most importantly - all the thanks to Melinda Leigh and her publisher, Montlake, for providing me with this ARC. The publication date is set for January 14, 2025. Thrilled to have been able to read this one already. I hope this series never ends. Highly recommend!
January 14, 2025
the setup…
Claire Mason returns home from work late at night and finds an unbelievable scene. Her parents lay murdered in their bed, shot to death. Sheriff Bree Taggert arrives to find the seventeen year old traumatized and alone. What first looks like a burglary gone wrong soon morphs into so much more as she probes into the family’s life.
the heart of the story…
As Bree and her team delve deeper into the lives of Josh and Shelly Mason, they find a treasure trove of secrets and mystery. In the meantime, Bree is also responding to sightings of an alligator and other wildlife not indigenous to the area. And, her list of suspects for both cases are longer than the evidence. The murder investigation is further complicated when the suspected murderer tries to abduct Claire.
the narration…
Christina Traister is the reason I’ll only listen to the series. She’s Bree’s voice in my head and is a skilled storyteller.
the bottom line…
Yes, this was a gnarly and complicated mystery but I always had a sense of misdirection. I honed in on a suspect, refusing to let go and was proven wrong! I like how Bree never digs into a theory without the evidence to support it (like I did). The team she’s assembled at the Sheriff’s Department has strengthened and their professionalism shows. That twist at the end threw me but I should have seen it coming. It’s always a good time here in Grey’s Hollow and I hope there’s no end in sight for this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Claire Mason returns home from work late at night and finds an unbelievable scene. Her parents lay murdered in their bed, shot to death. Sheriff Bree Taggert arrives to find the seventeen year old traumatized and alone. What first looks like a burglary gone wrong soon morphs into so much more as she probes into the family’s life.
the heart of the story…
As Bree and her team delve deeper into the lives of Josh and Shelly Mason, they find a treasure trove of secrets and mystery. In the meantime, Bree is also responding to sightings of an alligator and other wildlife not indigenous to the area. And, her list of suspects for both cases are longer than the evidence. The murder investigation is further complicated when the suspected murderer tries to abduct Claire.
the narration…
Christina Traister is the reason I’ll only listen to the series. She’s Bree’s voice in my head and is a skilled storyteller.
the bottom line…
Yes, this was a gnarly and complicated mystery but I always had a sense of misdirection. I honed in on a suspect, refusing to let go and was proven wrong! I like how Bree never digs into a theory without the evidence to support it (like I did). The team she’s assembled at the Sheriff’s Department has strengthened and their professionalism shows. That twist at the end threw me but I should have seen it coming. It’s always a good time here in Grey’s Hollow and I hope there’s no end in sight for this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
March 25, 2025
Seventeen-year-old Claire Mason comes home to find both of her parents murdered. Sheriff Bree Taggert and Deputy Renata Zucco respond to the 911 call. Josh and Shelley Mason were shot to death in their bed. As Bree and her team investigate these murders, they discover that the Masons had many secrets. As Bree is working night and day to find a killer, she has also been contacted about an alligator that was spotted in a nearby pond. When a wolf puppy is turned into animal rescue, Bree realizes she may have someone who is selling exotic animals in her county.
The latest book in the Bree Taggert series starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. The killer not only targeted the Masons, but he seems to also want to kill Claire. Does Claire know something that she isn't telling?
This story was fast-paced and there were several suspects. I had a theory about the killer, but it turned out I was wrong. We also get the point of view of Deputy Renata Zucco. She seems like a good addition to Bree's team. It feels like we will be seeing more of her in this series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
The latest book in the Bree Taggert series starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. The killer not only targeted the Masons, but he seems to also want to kill Claire. Does Claire know something that she isn't telling?
This story was fast-paced and there were several suspects. I had a theory about the killer, but it turned out I was wrong. We also get the point of view of Deputy Renata Zucco. She seems like a good addition to Bree's team. It feels like we will be seeing more of her in this series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
September 25, 2025
8.5/10: 4.25⭐️’s rounded down to 4⭐️’s
‘If death could find them in the perfection of their suburban neighborhood, then no one was safe.
No one.
No where.’ Pg 53
A daughter comes home to find her parents shot in their bed. As the case is worked by Bree, Matt and the sheriffs department secrets are uncovered. Things are not as they seem. Lies are coming out of the attic and covered in layers of dust with this one.
And there is an alligator. In a New York lake….not exactly a comforting thought 🐊.
Another excellent addition to the Bree Taggert series. The crossover book between Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot must happen between books 8 & 9 of this series because I felt as though I missed a few things between books, but since I finished book 8 yesterday, I knew I hadn’t missed one in this specific series. So perhaps read that one before starting this one (Echo Road).
I love the core characters in this series. I always get a little bit emotional with them. This one had some particularly tender moments with Bree and her nephew Luke. Watching them navigate their way through grief with such real emotions, well, it’s hard not to feel for them and with them. And then I do the whole thinking about real life. And in particular with this one, an ex’s boys’ who lost their mother 6 years ago this month. When they were 4, 9, and 14. I won’t explain the entire situation, but those boys, now 10, 15, and nearly 21 (which makes me feel so very old!) are so very very dear to me and I couldn’t love them more if they were actually my own children. I am so blessed that I am able to still be a part of their lives. And the guilt I feel that my chronic illness started so relatively soon after their mother’s death, it’s hard. I feel like they have suffered even more loss because of all of the things I used to be able to do with and for them, but can no longer do. And I feel the loss of missing out on so many things so often. Anyways, shoot getting teary eyed. There is an exchange between Bree and her brother in this book that really stood out to me. More so when I switch out the word regret for guilt.
“You shouldn’t regret (insert feel guilty for) things you had no control over. Regrets (insert guilt) are for decisions we made, not the things that happened to us.” Pg 41 (I apologize, I don’t know how to do italics on my phone. We and To were in italics.)
So this one got a little rambly and personal. Darn. But oh well.
Back to the book…..the twist at the end. It was a good one!
Can’t wait for the next in the series, which just came out, I think.
Original rating and review posted: 9/25/25
‘If death could find them in the perfection of their suburban neighborhood, then no one was safe.
No one.
No where.’ Pg 53
A daughter comes home to find her parents shot in their bed. As the case is worked by Bree, Matt and the sheriffs department secrets are uncovered. Things are not as they seem. Lies are coming out of the attic and covered in layers of dust with this one.
And there is an alligator. In a New York lake….not exactly a comforting thought 🐊.
Another excellent addition to the Bree Taggert series. The crossover book between Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot must happen between books 8 & 9 of this series because I felt as though I missed a few things between books, but since I finished book 8 yesterday, I knew I hadn’t missed one in this specific series. So perhaps read that one before starting this one (Echo Road).
I love the core characters in this series. I always get a little bit emotional with them. This one had some particularly tender moments with Bree and her nephew Luke. Watching them navigate their way through grief with such real emotions, well, it’s hard not to feel for them and with them. And then I do the whole thinking about real life. And in particular with this one, an ex’s boys’ who lost their mother 6 years ago this month. When they were 4, 9, and 14. I won’t explain the entire situation, but those boys, now 10, 15, and nearly 21 (which makes me feel so very old!) are so very very dear to me and I couldn’t love them more if they were actually my own children. I am so blessed that I am able to still be a part of their lives. And the guilt I feel that my chronic illness started so relatively soon after their mother’s death, it’s hard. I feel like they have suffered even more loss because of all of the things I used to be able to do with and for them, but can no longer do. And I feel the loss of missing out on so many things so often. Anyways, shoot getting teary eyed. There is an exchange between Bree and her brother in this book that really stood out to me. More so when I switch out the word regret for guilt.
“You shouldn’t regret (insert feel guilty for) things you had no control over. Regrets (insert guilt) are for decisions we made, not the things that happened to us.” Pg 41 (I apologize, I don’t know how to do italics on my phone. We and To were in italics.)
So this one got a little rambly and personal. Darn. But oh well.
Back to the book…..the twist at the end. It was a good one!
Can’t wait for the next in the series, which just came out, I think.
Original rating and review posted: 9/25/25
January 26, 2025
I always love the Bree Taggart series, but this one just didn’t do it for me. I think because the ultimate reveals just didn’t make a lot of sense and felt like they came out of nowhere and in the end I just wasn’t left with a good feeling like I usually am in the series.
"Track Her Down" follows Bree and Matt as they work what looks like a home invasion gone wrong. However, the two of them quickly realize something bigger may be going on with the victims.
I do love the Bree Taggert series, I just thought this one, unlike her prior books had some holes in it that I just didn't think got explained. Or at least explained to me in a way that makes sense.
The good, Bree and Matt working together, seeing how much they are a family. Getting our interactions with their friends, family, and coworkers is always a highlight. This one also shifts to focus more on one of the people working for Bree, set up as a potential love interest to someone else that I didn't think quite worked.
The parts that didn't really work was the reveals about certain things and why they happened. I don't want to spoil, but I had a lot of but why, that does not make sense, so no one is going to ask about this comments that I had.
The ending wasn't as strong as prior books I thought, and I know the next book is the last one in the series, so I hope it ends just as well as the Morgan Dane series did.
"Track Her Down" follows Bree and Matt as they work what looks like a home invasion gone wrong. However, the two of them quickly realize something bigger may be going on with the victims.
I do love the Bree Taggert series, I just thought this one, unlike her prior books had some holes in it that I just didn't think got explained. Or at least explained to me in a way that makes sense.
The good, Bree and Matt working together, seeing how much they are a family. Getting our interactions with their friends, family, and coworkers is always a highlight. This one also shifts to focus more on one of the people working for Bree, set up as a potential love interest to someone else that I didn't think quite worked.
The parts that didn't really work was the reveals about certain things and why they happened. I don't want to spoil, but I had a lot of but why, that does not make sense, so no one is going to ask about this comments that I had.
The ending wasn't as strong as prior books I thought, and I know the next book is the last one in the series, so I hope it ends just as well as the Morgan Dane series did.
January 9, 2025
Book number ten hits close to home for Bree, it messes with her objectivity and brings up some painful memories. I loved how Bree and Matt have settled into domestic bless, except for the twenty-four-hour days after this double homicide. Need more of the romance and less of Bree's introspection. Just when you think you have it all figured out, watch out for the zinger.
Seventeen-year-old Claire Mason returns home after her part time job to find both her parents shot to death in their bed. She is a traumatized mess and Sheriff Bree Taggert can relate. When a search turns up little missing except for the couple's electronics, Bree suspects that robbery may not have been the motive for the murders. Working this case brings up all kinds of trauma that Bree suffered in her childhood. When Claire is chased at a local park, it looks like she may be a target too.
In addition to the murder, exotic animals are turning up in Gray's Lake. When the county supervisor calls Bree about an alligator in the lake, on the heels of Matt's sister taking in a wolf pup, Bree is faced with the possibility that there is an exotic animal smuggling ring operation in her county.
But that will have to take second place to the ongoing murder investigation where the Mason's many secrets could have led to their deaths.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Seventeen-year-old Claire Mason returns home after her part time job to find both her parents shot to death in their bed. She is a traumatized mess and Sheriff Bree Taggert can relate. When a search turns up little missing except for the couple's electronics, Bree suspects that robbery may not have been the motive for the murders. Working this case brings up all kinds of trauma that Bree suffered in her childhood. When Claire is chased at a local park, it looks like she may be a target too.
In addition to the murder, exotic animals are turning up in Gray's Lake. When the county supervisor calls Bree about an alligator in the lake, on the heels of Matt's sister taking in a wolf pup, Bree is faced with the possibility that there is an exotic animal smuggling ring operation in her county.
But that will have to take second place to the ongoing murder investigation where the Mason's many secrets could have led to their deaths.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
February 9, 2025
Rule No. 1:
Everyone is a suspect.
Everyone.
Not only did they not look at an overall picture of who was involved, they latched onto certain people and made the crime fit the suspect of the moment. Then they’d switch without enough evidence to clear the first person and latch onto the next.
This was an amateurish and outlandish story. The fact that the wildlife wrangler was the same as the killer was all too convenient. There was very little character development except for maybe Renata and her mom who were obviously introduced to us as she will date Adam Taggert.
I give up. I’m sorry to say. There’s so much repetition from book to book and then again within the book. Plus, every move is explained as if we didn’t read the 8 books prior or have never seen law and order/CSI.
THE BIG TWIST? Sigh. It was done for shock purposes only. The reason was explained in the Scooby Doo ending where Claire explained in all in less than a page.
I don’t buy it.
At all.
I own this opinion and if you don’t agree with me, then all I’ll say is I’m happy you enjoyed the book. I’d rather have loved it than have been sorely disappointed.
Cheers to already reading a fantastic story.
Everyone is a suspect.
Everyone.
Not only did they not look at an overall picture of who was involved, they latched onto certain people and made the crime fit the suspect of the moment. Then they’d switch without enough evidence to clear the first person and latch onto the next.
This was an amateurish and outlandish story. The fact that the wildlife wrangler was the same as the killer was all too convenient. There was very little character development except for maybe Renata and her mom who were obviously introduced to us as she will date Adam Taggert.
I give up. I’m sorry to say. There’s so much repetition from book to book and then again within the book. Plus, every move is explained as if we didn’t read the 8 books prior or have never seen law and order/CSI.
THE BIG TWIST? Sigh. It was done for shock purposes only. The reason was explained in the Scooby Doo ending where Claire explained in all in less than a page.
I don’t buy it.
At all.
I own this opinion and if you don’t agree with me, then all I’ll say is I’m happy you enjoyed the book. I’d rather have loved it than have been sorely disappointed.
Cheers to already reading a fantastic story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
Track Her Down was another great installment in the Bree Taggert series following Bree's search for the killer in a double homicide.
When Claire Mason returns home from work, she finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to the call where she quickly determines the crime is not a burglary gone wrong as it initially appeared. And after someone stalks Claire at the local park, it's clear the killer is now after Claire too. As Bree and investigator Matt Flynn dig into the Mason's lives, they learn that the Masons aren't who they said they were. And if their entire lives were a lie, that opens up a whole new set of suspects.
Track Her Down opens with Claire returning home and finding her parents' bodies with Bree and a deputy arriving on scene a few minutes later. The deaths of the Masons were particularly brutal and it's clear that whoever killed them felt a lot of rage towards them. I was curious what two seemingly ordinary people would do to cause someone to have so much animosity towards them. Once we learn more about their past, the motive for killing them becomes clear. The Masons did a pretty good job covering up their past and it takes a while for Bree and the others to dig up information on them. At this point the case went in a direction I wasn't expecting at all and the author did a great job keeping you guessing. I did figure out who the killer was before the final reveal but there were still a few surprises thrown in along the way.
Bree is an excellent main character and she's come a long way both personally and professionally since the first book, Cross Her Heart. Her team at the sheriff's department has grown considerably and is now full of people she can trust and rely on. I liked getting to spend time with some of the newer deputies in this book. Renata Zucco in particular is a great character and I loved that she got her moment to shine in this book. Bree and Matt's relationship continues to be wonderful and things have been going well since they moved in together a few books ago. There wasn't a ton of time spent with the kids or Dana in this book which was a shame and I hope they get more page time in the next book.
Overall Track Her Down was a fantastic read and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the series, Beyond Her Reach, soon.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
When Claire Mason returns home from work, she finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to the call where she quickly determines the crime is not a burglary gone wrong as it initially appeared. And after someone stalks Claire at the local park, it's clear the killer is now after Claire too. As Bree and investigator Matt Flynn dig into the Mason's lives, they learn that the Masons aren't who they said they were. And if their entire lives were a lie, that opens up a whole new set of suspects.
Track Her Down opens with Claire returning home and finding her parents' bodies with Bree and a deputy arriving on scene a few minutes later. The deaths of the Masons were particularly brutal and it's clear that whoever killed them felt a lot of rage towards them. I was curious what two seemingly ordinary people would do to cause someone to have so much animosity towards them. Once we learn more about their past, the motive for killing them becomes clear. The Masons did a pretty good job covering up their past and it takes a while for Bree and the others to dig up information on them. At this point the case went in a direction I wasn't expecting at all and the author did a great job keeping you guessing. I did figure out who the killer was before the final reveal but there were still a few surprises thrown in along the way.
Bree is an excellent main character and she's come a long way both personally and professionally since the first book, Cross Her Heart. Her team at the sheriff's department has grown considerably and is now full of people she can trust and rely on. I liked getting to spend time with some of the newer deputies in this book. Renata Zucco in particular is a great character and I loved that she got her moment to shine in this book. Bree and Matt's relationship continues to be wonderful and things have been going well since they moved in together a few books ago. There wasn't a ton of time spent with the kids or Dana in this book which was a shame and I hope they get more page time in the next book.
Overall Track Her Down was a fantastic read and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the series, Beyond Her Reach, soon.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
October 12, 2024
A big thank you to Net Galley for sending me an arc of this story. I always enjoy reading about Bree Taggert, her adopted family, her boyfriend, her helpful deputies and a good dollop of suspense.
I am not sure why this story did not grab me from the get-go. Or keep me on the edge of my chair as I read it. I had to wait until the end to discover the motive, but I knew the killer once the person was introduced.
I was hoping for more between Bree and K-9 handler Matt Flynn, but their relationship just puttered along. It seemed as though Dana, Kayla and Luke were placed on the back burner. And the actual crime was just strange.
I hope this is a problem with me and when I revisit Bree in future stories, the pacing and action will be back to normal.
Barely 3 stars.
I am not sure why this story did not grab me from the get-go. Or keep me on the edge of my chair as I read it. I had to wait until the end to discover the motive, but I knew the killer once the person was introduced.
I was hoping for more between Bree and K-9 handler Matt Flynn, but their relationship just puttered along. It seemed as though Dana, Kayla and Luke were placed on the back burner. And the actual crime was just strange.
I hope this is a problem with me and when I revisit Bree in future stories, the pacing and action will be back to normal.
Barely 3 stars.
May 25, 2025
"You shouldn't regret things you had no control over. Regrets are for decisions we made, not the things that happened to us."
Book #9 in the Bree Taggert series continues to follow Bree and her team as they tackle yet another gripping case. As expected from this series, it’s a fast-paced, action-packed mystery full of twists and an ending that took me by surprise, I can never guess the murderer!
This time, Bree and her team are investigating a double homicide in her hometown, piecing together the clues to solve the puzzle. Alongside the crime investigation, I really enjoy the personal journeys of the main characters. Watching their development across the series and seeing where their paths lead makes the story even more engaging.
I’m definitely picking up the next book when it releases in September 2025!
Book #9 in the Bree Taggert series continues to follow Bree and her team as they tackle yet another gripping case. As expected from this series, it’s a fast-paced, action-packed mystery full of twists and an ending that took me by surprise, I can never guess the murderer!
This time, Bree and her team are investigating a double homicide in her hometown, piecing together the clues to solve the puzzle. Alongside the crime investigation, I really enjoy the personal journeys of the main characters. Watching their development across the series and seeing where their paths lead makes the story even more engaging.
I’m definitely picking up the next book when it releases in September 2025!
September 1, 2024
Bree is investigating a murder in her small town. When other things start happening, she has to dig into the family's past to get the answers she needs. A good read.
January 16, 2025
Track Her Down opens with a teenage girl returning home to a nightmare: her parents have been brutally murdered. With no real suspects and suspicious things happening, Bree, Matt, and the sheriff's department are on a race against time to uncover the truth and protect the remaining member of this family.
From the start, I was captivated by the blend of deception, suspense, and unexpected twists. It truly made for an exhilarating reading experience!
I also appreciated the further development of Bree and Matt’s relationship as they navigated this harrowing situation together. Plus, seeing Luke and Kayla continue to thrive added an extra layer of warmth to the story.
I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in just one day! I’m such a fan of this series and can’t wait to see what Melinda Leigh has in store for us next.
I received a gifted copy of this book.
From the start, I was captivated by the blend of deception, suspense, and unexpected twists. It truly made for an exhilarating reading experience!
I also appreciated the further development of Bree and Matt’s relationship as they navigated this harrowing situation together. Plus, seeing Luke and Kayla continue to thrive added an extra layer of warmth to the story.
I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in just one day! I’m such a fan of this series and can’t wait to see what Melinda Leigh has in store for us next.
I received a gifted copy of this book.
January 20, 2025
Plot Twist
Great Story, great characters and I did not see the end coming. A worthwhile read like all her books. Make it your next read.
Great Story, great characters and I did not see the end coming. A worthwhile read like all her books. Make it your next read.
March 5, 2026
rated 3.5*
This was pretty good! Would be interested to see what I missed in previous books.
This was pretty good! Would be interested to see what I missed in previous books.
July 31, 2024
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first Bree Taggert novel and it will not be my last. The story begins when Claire discovers her parents brutally murdered when she arrives home from work one night.. The two are work from home lawyers and don't have any known enemies. Who would possibly want to murder this normal, white collar couple?
The story kept me on my toes and kept me guessing the entire time. It's part of a series but I haven't read any of the other books. I think it can be read as a stand alone, although I'm sure there are little spoilers as far as how the stories of the main characters progress throughout the series.
This book has all the twists, turns,and red herrings you want in a psychological thriller. Go read it!
This was my first Bree Taggert novel and it will not be my last. The story begins when Claire discovers her parents brutally murdered when she arrives home from work one night.. The two are work from home lawyers and don't have any known enemies. Who would possibly want to murder this normal, white collar couple?
The story kept me on my toes and kept me guessing the entire time. It's part of a series but I haven't read any of the other books. I think it can be read as a stand alone, although I'm sure there are little spoilers as far as how the stories of the main characters progress throughout the series.
This book has all the twists, turns,and red herrings you want in a psychological thriller. Go read it!
January 14, 2025
4.5 stars
Teenager Claire returns home from work to find both parents shot and killed in their beds.
Right off, the story easily grabbed me. Sheriff Bree Taggert and Investigator Matt Flynn team up with Matt’s retired K-9 to solve the mystery of Claires’s family. Twists and surprises were around every corner along with Claire being in continual danger.
Each character is well-balanced and interesting while the plot is fast-paced, emotional and full of suspense.
I guessed some twists but this is the first thriller in quite a while that has held my attention. 4.5 stars and a big thank you for that!
“You’re a certifiable badass—which is marketable, by the way. But most importantly, you put the community first. You risk your life to keep people safe.”
I recommend this for thriller lovers that love the quick intrigue and loveable characters!
Thank you to @netgalley and @montlake for the copy!
CW:
F words = 31
Some gore
Physical violence (gun shots)
Attempted kidnapping, kidnapping
Parental deaths
Intimacy (closed door scene)
Near drowning
Teenager Claire returns home from work to find both parents shot and killed in their beds.
Right off, the story easily grabbed me. Sheriff Bree Taggert and Investigator Matt Flynn team up with Matt’s retired K-9 to solve the mystery of Claires’s family. Twists and surprises were around every corner along with Claire being in continual danger.
Each character is well-balanced and interesting while the plot is fast-paced, emotional and full of suspense.
I guessed some twists but this is the first thriller in quite a while that has held my attention. 4.5 stars and a big thank you for that!
“You’re a certifiable badass—which is marketable, by the way. But most importantly, you put the community first. You risk your life to keep people safe.”
I recommend this for thriller lovers that love the quick intrigue and loveable characters!
Thank you to @netgalley and @montlake for the copy!
CW:
F words = 31
Some gore
Physical violence (gun shots)
Attempted kidnapping, kidnapping
Parental deaths
Intimacy (closed door scene)
Near drowning
January 16, 2025
Definitely a twisty police procedural mystery. As someone who hasn’t read the whole series this book is able to be read as a standalone. Of course knowing how I am I will add this series to my ever growing TBR.
Bree and Matt make a good team. And Zucco with her mother were a nice balance. Everybody can read the blurb…..and I won’t give spoilers. I will say you definitely won’t see where this is going.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
Bree and Matt make a good team. And Zucco with her mother were a nice balance. Everybody can read the blurb…..and I won’t give spoilers. I will say you definitely won’t see where this is going.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
March 23, 2025
4.5 stars
i love these characters! i didn’t see a single thing coming that happened and i ate it up
i love these characters! i didn’t see a single thing coming that happened and i ate it up
January 12, 2025
Track Her Down is book 10 in the outstanding Bree Taggert series by Melinda Leigh. I am so hooked on these characters and this series that I look forward to the next book as soon as I finish the current book. Track Her Down had me hooked from the start. A teenager returns home from work and finds the house unnaturally quiet. Her parents go to bed early to read, but normally her mom comes down when she hears Claire come in. Claire even stopped and got milkshakes for her and her mom to enjoy. As Claire goes upstairs to see her mom, she sees something no one should ever see. Her parents are in bed and there is blood everywhere. The sheets are soaked, her father's eyes are open, and staring at the ceiling. Her mom has a hole where her face used to be. They are both very dead and have been murdered in their bed!
As Sheriff Bree Taggert arrives on scene with her investigator and boyfriend Matt Flynn, the gory scene hits hard. She feels so awful for Claire having to find her parents like this. Bree knows all too well what Claire is going through having dealt with something horrific in her own family. Claire's parents worked from home, didn't socialize, and were lawyers. Who would want to kill them? Did they discover something that someone didn't want to come out? Claire has no idea as her parents never discussed work with her. It turns out as the investigation progresses that there are many suspects, but no clear answers. Claire's parents were keeping many secrets and any number of people may have wanted them dead. When someone starts following and chasing Claire, things go to another level of terror.
Can Bree, Matt, and the team keep Claire safe while investigating her parents murder? Why doesn't Claire know more about her parents? Did they really not have any friends or relatives? Why did they keep Claire from playing on sports teams at school and going to parties with friends? It seems very odd for a high school kid to have so many restrictions. Will Bree be able to crack the case? This is one of my favorite books in the series as it kept me guessing the entire time. I never saw the twist that comes towards the end! Wow, Melinda Leigh has done it again with the Bree Taggert series just getting better and better! I rate Track Her Down 5 stars with my very highest recommendation! If you love a good mystery then this is the book for you! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an advanced copy of Track Her Down in exchange for a fair review! Track Her Down comes out on January 14 and should go to the top of your TBR pile! #TrackHerDown
As Sheriff Bree Taggert arrives on scene with her investigator and boyfriend Matt Flynn, the gory scene hits hard. She feels so awful for Claire having to find her parents like this. Bree knows all too well what Claire is going through having dealt with something horrific in her own family. Claire's parents worked from home, didn't socialize, and were lawyers. Who would want to kill them? Did they discover something that someone didn't want to come out? Claire has no idea as her parents never discussed work with her. It turns out as the investigation progresses that there are many suspects, but no clear answers. Claire's parents were keeping many secrets and any number of people may have wanted them dead. When someone starts following and chasing Claire, things go to another level of terror.
Can Bree, Matt, and the team keep Claire safe while investigating her parents murder? Why doesn't Claire know more about her parents? Did they really not have any friends or relatives? Why did they keep Claire from playing on sports teams at school and going to parties with friends? It seems very odd for a high school kid to have so many restrictions. Will Bree be able to crack the case? This is one of my favorite books in the series as it kept me guessing the entire time. I never saw the twist that comes towards the end! Wow, Melinda Leigh has done it again with the Bree Taggert series just getting better and better! I rate Track Her Down 5 stars with my very highest recommendation! If you love a good mystery then this is the book for you! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an advanced copy of Track Her Down in exchange for a fair review! Track Her Down comes out on January 14 and should go to the top of your TBR pile! #TrackHerDown
January 11, 2025
I am always thrilled to see the next volume in Melinda Leigh's Bree Taggert series become available, and Track Her Down lived up to my high expectations, and then some. A strong female character with healthy relationships and a solid family-first attitude is a winner in my book, and Bree fits the bill.
I have become very fond of the characters in this series, and love the emotional growth that is shown throughout, as well as Bree's progress professionally from the first book until this, the tenth. Bree and Matt are, as always, central to the story, with Bree's family, Dana and Adam playing lesser roles than usual. Todd and Cady make a few appearances, and a new detective, Renata Zucca is introduced and will, I am sure play a role in future novels as she was instrumental in the story this time, as well.
The story this time, a double murder with a teenaged daughter who finds the bodies, has plenty of twists and turns, that kept me thinking right to the end. As always, the author works into the story a bit of her love for animals with the illegal wild animal trade playing a minor role.
I love this series, and hope Ms. Leigh continues these characters for many books to come. Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the digital ARC of Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh. The opinions in this review are my own.
I have become very fond of the characters in this series, and love the emotional growth that is shown throughout, as well as Bree's progress professionally from the first book until this, the tenth. Bree and Matt are, as always, central to the story, with Bree's family, Dana and Adam playing lesser roles than usual. Todd and Cady make a few appearances, and a new detective, Renata Zucca is introduced and will, I am sure play a role in future novels as she was instrumental in the story this time, as well.
The story this time, a double murder with a teenaged daughter who finds the bodies, has plenty of twists and turns, that kept me thinking right to the end. As always, the author works into the story a bit of her love for animals with the illegal wild animal trade playing a minor role.
I love this series, and hope Ms. Leigh continues these characters for many books to come. Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the digital ARC of Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh. The opinions in this review are my own.
February 8, 2025
Consistent Murder Mystery Drama
I appreciate the continued story of Bree in this next book of the series. However, every book in the series has had a nice and tidy storyline and ending. With so many books in the series, the storylines are becoming predictable. Still high quality writing for a crime scene type mystery.
I appreciate the continued story of Bree in this next book of the series. However, every book in the series has had a nice and tidy storyline and ending. With so many books in the series, the storylines are becoming predictable. Still high quality writing for a crime scene type mystery.
January 30, 2025
Another excellent addition to this series. Couldn't guess who the baddie is. Can't wait for the next one.
October 28, 2024
Another amazing read in my top favorite series!
I am not really a fan of book series but Melinda Leigh, via Bree Taggert, has pulled me in and keeps me coming back for more. I am always fascinated by the storyline and the journey to solve the mystery. And I never win at the guessing game because this author always throws in a twist or two that I didn’t see coming. When you add in the creation of characters that feel real, think real, and act real, which Bree, Matt and their family and cohorts do, I’m not going anywhere.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I am not really a fan of book series but Melinda Leigh, via Bree Taggert, has pulled me in and keeps me coming back for more. I am always fascinated by the storyline and the journey to solve the mystery. And I never win at the guessing game because this author always throws in a twist or two that I didn’t see coming. When you add in the creation of characters that feel real, think real, and act real, which Bree, Matt and their family and cohorts do, I’m not going anywhere.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
February 18, 2025
Always a great read. The continuing story of Bree Taggert provides another good detective drama. Always exciting with some twists and turns and a very heart-warming human interest thread. Look forward to the next.
February 6, 2025
From the riveting beginning to the final twists and revelations, this story is compelling and exciting! This is the ninth entry in Leigh’s excellent Sheriff Bree Taggert series. Bree and her partner Matt Flynn are swept into a murder investigation involving her nephew’s high school friend. The ensuing investigation and solution make this a top-tier police procedural.
As in all of the books in this series, there is a significant presence of the activities of Bree and Matt’s intertwined families, as well as sweet domestic moments. Animals also figure prominently, whether it is the horses on Bree’s farm or the animal smuggling ring she must stop.
This is a busy story, with a number of plot lines that eventually come together in a satisfying conclusion. It can be read as a standalone, but reading the early novels in the series will make the reader’s experience much richer. Bree’s character is so strong, and her extended family so warm, that it is a great pleasure to read this book and immerse myself in the world of Sheriff Bree Taggert.
Thank you to Montlake Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
As in all of the books in this series, there is a significant presence of the activities of Bree and Matt’s intertwined families, as well as sweet domestic moments. Animals also figure prominently, whether it is the horses on Bree’s farm or the animal smuggling ring she must stop.
This is a busy story, with a number of plot lines that eventually come together in a satisfying conclusion. It can be read as a standalone, but reading the early novels in the series will make the reader’s experience much richer. Bree’s character is so strong, and her extended family so warm, that it is a great pleasure to read this book and immerse myself in the world of Sheriff Bree Taggert.
Thank you to Montlake Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
January 21, 2025
I think this is my last Bree Taggert book. Too much repetition of the characters background from book to book. Characters that are thrown in that literally make no sense. I’m starting to think that is town’s propensity to have so many murders just to have our characters need a crime to solve is getting old. The audiobook has the narrator practically whispering the character of Matt in an effort to distinguish his voice from hers and I can barely hear him. There’s a scene where they are questioning a suspect who just recently got out of jail and they are trying to see if he has tattoos. Come on! When you go to prison, they photograph your tattoos. Are we not supposed to know that? Madilyn Yeager is the town council woman written to be a burr in Bree’s side but she’s literally such a dumb distraction that I roll my eyes whenever those scenes occur and in this book it happens multiple times. It’s excruciating.
I really didn’t care about who killed the couple and literally DNF with 30 mins left because it’s just dumb thing after dumb thing.
I really didn’t care about who killed the couple and literally DNF with 30 mins left because it’s just dumb thing after dumb thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
Started out good, had a decently good twist and then the ending was terrible.
December 26, 2024
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4.5 STARS Track Her Down starts off with a bang as Sheriff Bree Taggart is called to the scene of the double murder of a couple after their teenage daughter finds their bodies.
This was a fast-paced story about lies, greed and deception and a secondary story line that centres around exotic animals. I liked that Bree's family stays a bit more in the background in this tenth addition to the series. I enjoy getting snippets of their lives and appreciate how Leigh shows that grief and healing can be long processes and how she weaves her love of animals into her stories.
We meet a few new secondary characters and I think Renata will be a strong addition to the cast and I appreciated that we see more depth in the obnoxious Jager character who has been a one-dimensional thorn in Bree's side in many of the previous books.
This was an enjoyable read that has long-held secrets as Leigh takes her readers on a twisty ride to uncover deception and crime that was years in the making.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Montlake publishing for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 STARS Track Her Down starts off with a bang as Sheriff Bree Taggart is called to the scene of the double murder of a couple after their teenage daughter finds their bodies.
This was a fast-paced story about lies, greed and deception and a secondary story line that centres around exotic animals. I liked that Bree's family stays a bit more in the background in this tenth addition to the series. I enjoy getting snippets of their lives and appreciate how Leigh shows that grief and healing can be long processes and how she weaves her love of animals into her stories.
We meet a few new secondary characters and I think Renata will be a strong addition to the cast and I appreciated that we see more depth in the obnoxious Jager character who has been a one-dimensional thorn in Bree's side in many of the previous books.
This was an enjoyable read that has long-held secrets as Leigh takes her readers on a twisty ride to uncover deception and crime that was years in the making.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Montlake publishing for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2025
Sheriff Bree Taggert returns in a cracking story. That sees her and boyfriend and part time investigator Matt Flynn search for the killer of Shelley and Josh Mason. Who have been shot and killed in their own home in what appears to be a burglary gone wrong and found by their seventeen-year old daughter Claire.
Who Bree immediately connects with, having lived through a similar trauma as a child.
However, the burglary theory is soon dismissed and as lawyers who worked from home, disgruntled clients are an obvious next choice.
But then a member of the investigation team comes across some shocking information that turns the case on its head and the investigation heading in a whole other direction and leaves Bree questioning everything.
Meanwhile, she also has to contend with calls about an alligator and the appearance of a wolf cub. That may or may not be connected to the Mason's murder.
And with twists you won't see coming, a murderer I did not anticipate or expect, red herrings, wild animals and an edge of your seat ending. Track Her Down was a brilliant read and one I found hard to put down. Which is why I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Track Her Down. ☺️
Who Bree immediately connects with, having lived through a similar trauma as a child.
However, the burglary theory is soon dismissed and as lawyers who worked from home, disgruntled clients are an obvious next choice.
But then a member of the investigation team comes across some shocking information that turns the case on its head and the investigation heading in a whole other direction and leaves Bree questioning everything.
Meanwhile, she also has to contend with calls about an alligator and the appearance of a wolf cub. That may or may not be connected to the Mason's murder.
And with twists you won't see coming, a murderer I did not anticipate or expect, red herrings, wild animals and an edge of your seat ending. Track Her Down was a brilliant read and one I found hard to put down. Which is why I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Track Her Down. ☺️
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