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The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers #1
Hide Me Away
Ex-police officer Rileigh Bishop never wanted to come back to her hometown. But when a dead teenage girl is found with her tongue cut out, she must return. After all, that’s the same way Rileigh’s sister died.
Reluctantly, she joins forces with the county sheriff to solve the brutal murder. The locals maintain a strict code of silence. The narrow mountain roads winding through Appalachia are fraught with peril. As Rileigh dives deeper into the case, she not only unearths connections between this murder and her sister’s death but dark family secrets that should’ve remained buried.
When the investigation nearly ends her life, she must find her resolve to solve the crime — fast.
Because she’s the killer’s next target.
Hide Me Away is the debut novel from author Lauren Street and the first book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers series.
Reluctantly, she joins forces with the county sheriff to solve the brutal murder. The locals maintain a strict code of silence. The narrow mountain roads winding through Appalachia are fraught with peril. As Rileigh dives deeper into the case, she not only unearths connections between this murder and her sister’s death but dark family secrets that should’ve remained buried.
When the investigation nearly ends her life, she must find her resolve to solve the crime — fast.
Because she’s the killer’s next target.
Hide Me Away is the debut novel from author Lauren Street and the first book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers series.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2023
884 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 7, 2023
Rileigh Bishop is a “disgraced” ex police officer who has returned to her hometown after a girl is found dead, with her tongue cut out to help the new Sergeant solve the case. Rileigh’s sister was found the same way a few years prior to the story and this murder taking place. As the case goes on, she discovers connections to her sisters death as well as dark family secrets.
This one felted halted with the wording at times, definitely can tell it’s a debut novel, but overall was a great thriller. Its researched well about certain topics and offers explanations for why things happened and it kept me guessing. I enjoyed the thought-out analogies that the two main characters experience. I loved that we get flashbacks to tell more of Rileigh’s family life and her past.
An intense ending, I really enjoyed that it keeps you at the edge of your seat!
Thank you NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book to read and review!
This one felted halted with the wording at times, definitely can tell it’s a debut novel, but overall was a great thriller. Its researched well about certain topics and offers explanations for why things happened and it kept me guessing. I enjoyed the thought-out analogies that the two main characters experience. I loved that we get flashbacks to tell more of Rileigh’s family life and her past.
An intense ending, I really enjoyed that it keeps you at the edge of your seat!
Thank you NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book to read and review!
October 9, 2023
WOW. It took me a few chapters to really get into this book, but once I did, I could not put it down! There are all sorts of twists and turns that keep you on your toes, and the ending was pure adrenaline fueled, action-packed insanity in the best possible way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries full of suspense. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book to read and review!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book to read and review!
October 6, 2023
What a brilliant debut and mystery. I really enjoyed the cast of characters and the small town Smoky Mountains setting that have now set up this series . Can’t wait for the next book to drop. Lauren Street is being added to my favourites, I received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2024
Hide Me Away is the first book in the Rileigh Bishop series, and what a thrilling start it is! The plot is exciting, twisted, and truly unique. Rileigh Bishop, a former police officer, returns to her hometown after a scandal derails her career. But her homecoming is anything but peaceful, as she soon faces the horrifying discovery of a body—eerily similar to how she found her sister's body years ago. The twist? Rileigh was the only one to have seen her sister's body, and the rest of the town believes she simply ran away before her wedding.
This personal connection forces Rileigh to team up with the new Sheriff, Mitch, to solve the mystery. As a former cop with deep ties to the town, Rileigh's in a unique position to help uncover some shocking secrets. The story is fast-paced, with well-timed twists that kept me turning pages. The characters are well-developed, and Rileigh is a protagonist I’m eager to follow in future books.
So why 4 stars instead of 5? Simple—the dog didn’t have to die! As a cynophilist, it was a heart-wrenching moment that felt unnecessary in an otherwise outstanding thriller.
I’m excited to see where the series takes Rileigh next!
This personal connection forces Rileigh to team up with the new Sheriff, Mitch, to solve the mystery. As a former cop with deep ties to the town, Rileigh's in a unique position to help uncover some shocking secrets. The story is fast-paced, with well-timed twists that kept me turning pages. The characters are well-developed, and Rileigh is a protagonist I’m eager to follow in future books.
So why 4 stars instead of 5? Simple—the dog didn’t have to die! As a cynophilist, it was a heart-wrenching moment that felt unnecessary in an otherwise outstanding thriller.
I’m excited to see where the series takes Rileigh next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2023
Can Rileigh and the out of place sheriff, Mitch, solve not only the murder of an 18 year old but the cold case of her sister? This novel was gripping with unexpected twists and turns. As you dive into the case, you also discover the messy lives of the people living in Yarmouth County. For Rileigh, the mess might end up closer to home than she had hoped when her investigation takes a dangerous turn. If you enjoy small towns, mountain settings, and a good “who did it”, this book is for you! The characters were layered and the flashback perspectives slowly revealed the past as the present investigation took place.
August 21, 2025
only OK
Too much fluff used to fill pages.The ending was not what I expected and left me confused. I did finish this book so it did hold my attention.
Too much fluff used to fill pages.The ending was not what I expected and left me confused. I did finish this book so it did hold my attention.
November 29, 2025
Very good
The twists and turns of this book, had me second guessing every single time I thought I knew. Great writing and hopefully more to come from this series
The twists and turns of this book, had me second guessing every single time I thought I knew. Great writing and hopefully more to come from this series
January 19, 2024
Lauren Street's debut novel "Hide Me Away" is a well done mystery that is a very intriguing, thrilling and mostly engaging book with a few flaws.
This book is the first of the Bishop Smoky Mountain series which revolves around Rileigh Bishop, a former Sergeant who has been let go by the department after she had killed a suspect in self- defence. She comes back to her hometown, Smoky Mountains and has found work as a private investigator there.
When Tina's mother enlists her help to find her missing daughter, Rileigh's investigation leads her to the intermittent Sheriff Mitchell Webster.
And when the two found Tina's body, that too in a similar state to that of Rileigh's sister Jillian, she vows to find who had murdered her, inspite of the many bad memories she has to cope with because of the investigation. Amidst the introductions, the murderer is revealed in a story of high speed action and intruding twists.
Though show, the story had a promising start, with the characters and their motivations established very clearly. And about midway through, the narrative picks up with Rileigh getting to know many things which had never been revealed to her earlier. And the readers are taken in a helter skelter ride along with her, when she tries to keep up with the devastating facts and find the culprit. And when the identity of the murderer is finally revealed, that is the last person she would have ever suspected.
However, I was able to guess what is happening almost about the half way length and that greatly diminished my interest in the story. But the author had done a fantastic job of throwing in logical and believable red herrings that will keep the majority of the readers guessing. My main problem with the story was that the principal characters Rileigh and Mitchell have not been given enough depth and intensity for me to root for them as a reader. Most importantly, their process of investigating left a lot to be desired.
The final few chapters made up for this in a big way and the last twist was something I definitely didn't see coming. I might want to read the other books in this series only to know what happens with it.
This book is for all those people who love a good mystery- thriller containing twists and turns which don't demand an emotional response from them.
This book is the first of the Bishop Smoky Mountain series which revolves around Rileigh Bishop, a former Sergeant who has been let go by the department after she had killed a suspect in self- defence. She comes back to her hometown, Smoky Mountains and has found work as a private investigator there.
When Tina's mother enlists her help to find her missing daughter, Rileigh's investigation leads her to the intermittent Sheriff Mitchell Webster.
And when the two found Tina's body, that too in a similar state to that of Rileigh's sister Jillian, she vows to find who had murdered her, inspite of the many bad memories she has to cope with because of the investigation. Amidst the introductions, the murderer is revealed in a story of high speed action and intruding twists.
Though show, the story had a promising start, with the characters and their motivations established very clearly. And about midway through, the narrative picks up with Rileigh getting to know many things which had never been revealed to her earlier. And the readers are taken in a helter skelter ride along with her, when she tries to keep up with the devastating facts and find the culprit. And when the identity of the murderer is finally revealed, that is the last person she would have ever suspected.
However, I was able to guess what is happening almost about the half way length and that greatly diminished my interest in the story. But the author had done a fantastic job of throwing in logical and believable red herrings that will keep the majority of the readers guessing. My main problem with the story was that the principal characters Rileigh and Mitchell have not been given enough depth and intensity for me to root for them as a reader. Most importantly, their process of investigating left a lot to be desired.
The final few chapters made up for this in a big way and the last twist was something I definitely didn't see coming. I might want to read the other books in this series only to know what happens with it.
This book is for all those people who love a good mystery- thriller containing twists and turns which don't demand an emotional response from them.
February 17, 2024
Hide Me Away by Lauren Street
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thriller #1
Great introduction to a new series that has me wanting to learn more about Rileigh Bishop and acting sheriff Mitchell Webster. An intriguing cast of supporting characters are also introduced as this small-town murder mystery sets the stage for more books to come.
What I liked:
* Rileigh Bishop: retired military, ex-police sergeant, works for Private Investigation business, lost her sister and father when she was six, scarred mentally and physically, suffers nightmares and PTSD, has much to deal with in this book
* Mitchell Webster: acting sheriff, intelligent, intriguing, has scars and history that hopefully will come out in the series, might be a love interest for Rileigh
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The twists, turns, red herrings and interesting set-ups for potential future books
* The small-town feel and the idea of who was from “away” and how they couldn’t be trusted
* Watching the beginning partnership and potential friendship as it develops between Rileigh and Mitchell
* That there was a tie-in between two murders thirty years apart and that the killer uncovered
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the trauma caused by more than one character in this book
* Not knowing the backstories of the two main characters and hoping the hints will be fleshed out in the future
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling and Stone for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thriller #1
Great introduction to a new series that has me wanting to learn more about Rileigh Bishop and acting sheriff Mitchell Webster. An intriguing cast of supporting characters are also introduced as this small-town murder mystery sets the stage for more books to come.
What I liked:
* Rileigh Bishop: retired military, ex-police sergeant, works for Private Investigation business, lost her sister and father when she was six, scarred mentally and physically, suffers nightmares and PTSD, has much to deal with in this book
* Mitchell Webster: acting sheriff, intelligent, intriguing, has scars and history that hopefully will come out in the series, might be a love interest for Rileigh
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The twists, turns, red herrings and interesting set-ups for potential future books
* The small-town feel and the idea of who was from “away” and how they couldn’t be trusted
* Watching the beginning partnership and potential friendship as it develops between Rileigh and Mitchell
* That there was a tie-in between two murders thirty years apart and that the killer uncovered
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the trauma caused by more than one character in this book
* Not knowing the backstories of the two main characters and hoping the hints will be fleshed out in the future
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling and Stone for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
November 6, 2023
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers:
BECAUSE ONE OF US WAS WRONG, Novella - This is a funny, interesting, intriguing and entertaining introduction to the Bishop Smokey Mountains series. Likeable characters, crimes like crazy, good story lines, and good humor. A must read first. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: Download through Hide Me Away, book one of the series. 5*
HIDE ME AWAY, #1 - Interesting. Intriguing. Good pacing. Hard to put down with all the happenings, the variety of characters, and some intense story lines. It was easy to figure out the murders, even with all the suspects. Good team work between the acting sheriff and the veteran in solving the crimes. I like the writing style of the author. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: the author. 5*
FUEL TO THE FLAME, #2 - This story picks up four months after Hide Me Away ends. I'm not sure why the author though it was important to rehash HMA in the first four chapters, and others, which made it difficult for me to keep reading since I read HMA. The story kicks into gear and turns out full of gory but not graphic crimes, mixed with more crimes and plenty of action. Thar's a bit of crazy going on in those mountains. Intense story lines. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: BookSprout. 4*
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers end.
BECAUSE ONE OF US WAS WRONG, Novella - This is a funny, interesting, intriguing and entertaining introduction to the Bishop Smokey Mountains series. Likeable characters, crimes like crazy, good story lines, and good humor. A must read first. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: Download through Hide Me Away, book one of the series. 5*
HIDE ME AWAY, #1 - Interesting. Intriguing. Good pacing. Hard to put down with all the happenings, the variety of characters, and some intense story lines. It was easy to figure out the murders, even with all the suspects. Good team work between the acting sheriff and the veteran in solving the crimes. I like the writing style of the author. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: the author. 5*
FUEL TO THE FLAME, #2 - This story picks up four months after Hide Me Away ends. I'm not sure why the author though it was important to rehash HMA in the first four chapters, and others, which made it difficult for me to keep reading since I read HMA. The story kicks into gear and turns out full of gory but not graphic crimes, mixed with more crimes and plenty of action. Thar's a bit of crazy going on in those mountains. Intense story lines. Basic editing would have been nice. Source: BookSprout. 4*
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers end.
October 12, 2023
Okay, so this one had more twists and turns than I was expecting. And the ending was explosive! You think things will hit the boiling point and come back down but that is absolutely not what happened here. What a thrill ride! This book will definitely keep you guessing. There was a little bit of a slow build up in the beginning, but it absolutely paid off to stick with it. Good things take time and all that. This is a debut novel for Lauren Street and she certainly came out of the gate quickly! It didn't feel like a debut novel. It felt like a novel from a seasoned author on all counts. This book had me adding Lauren Street to my list of favorite authors quickly, that's for sure!
I loved Rileigh's character! She has been through so much in her life and is still so resilient and strong. From the way this book ended, I'm assuming we are going to have more books about Rileigh, Mitch and the rest of the characters in Yarmouth County with the way the book ended. I certainly hope that's the case! There is so much more to learn about each of these characters and Lauren has left me wanting more adventures with all of them! So I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment!
I loved Rileigh's character! She has been through so much in her life and is still so resilient and strong. From the way this book ended, I'm assuming we are going to have more books about Rileigh, Mitch and the rest of the characters in Yarmouth County with the way the book ended. I certainly hope that's the case! There is so much more to learn about each of these characters and Lauren has left me wanting more adventures with all of them! So I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment!
October 27, 2023
Hold on to your hats! This is definitely a thrilling thriller. It moves along at a great pace with plenty of action, family drama, and a touch of a possible romance. Plus the crazy relatives, which is a prerequisite in Southern families! I really enjoyed the setting of the story since, being from Alabama we have visited the Smoky Mountains many times. It was fun reading about a place I'm familiar with. But the action, suspense, and characters are what really made the book riveting. Ms. Street writes a story that draws her readers in and once she gets hold, she doesn't let go. Oh, and fair warning, when you get approximately 70% (per my Kindle) into the book, be sure you have uninterrupted time to read because the revelations will be coming fast and furious at that point. As a matter of fact, I think I forgot to breathe for a couple of chapters. I very highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next in the series.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling & Stone and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling & Stone and this is my honest opinion.
November 28, 2023
Holy mackerel! I did not see the ending coming. I cannot wait to see what waits next for Rileigh.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Ex-police officer Rileigh Bishop never wanted to come back to her hometown. But when a dead teenage girl is found with her tongue cut out, she must return. After all, that’s the same way Rileigh’s sister died.
Reluctantly, she joins forces with the county sheriff to solve the brutal murder. The locals maintain a strict code of silence. The narrow mountain roads winding through Appalachia are fraught with peril. As Rileigh dives deeper into the case, she not only unearths connections between this murder and her sister’s death but dark family secrets that should’ve remained buried.
When the investigation nearly ends her life, she must find her resolve to solve the crime — fast.
Because she’s the killer’s next target.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Ex-police officer Rileigh Bishop never wanted to come back to her hometown. But when a dead teenage girl is found with her tongue cut out, she must return. After all, that’s the same way Rileigh’s sister died.
Reluctantly, she joins forces with the county sheriff to solve the brutal murder. The locals maintain a strict code of silence. The narrow mountain roads winding through Appalachia are fraught with peril. As Rileigh dives deeper into the case, she not only unearths connections between this murder and her sister’s death but dark family secrets that should’ve remained buried.
When the investigation nearly ends her life, she must find her resolve to solve the crime — fast.
Because she’s the killer’s next target.
October 14, 2023
It's often unexpected how one's life can change in a minute, and everything one thinks one knows with it. Werther it's love at first sight or irretrievable loss, good or bad we seldom see it coming.
It's amazing how Rileigh keeps getting up time and again after each blow (and none is for the better) and still be not only functioning, but an intrinsically good person. Which brings her to the book present, interspersed cleverly with flashbacks making us see and understand what's going on in that smart head of hers.
The book is well written, intense, with surprising twists and a good world building. Now I can't wait to read the next book in the series and, hopefully, get insight into Mitch's character.
It's amazing how Rileigh keeps getting up time and again after each blow (and none is for the better) and still be not only functioning, but an intrinsically good person. Which brings her to the book present, interspersed cleverly with flashbacks making us see and understand what's going on in that smart head of hers.
The book is well written, intense, with surprising twists and a good world building. Now I can't wait to read the next book in the series and, hopefully, get insight into Mitch's character.
October 27, 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was a really good read and I hope the series continues on as I would love to see this pairing grow😊.
Rileigh Bishop is an ex-police officer who never intended to end up back in her hometown. When a teenager is found murdered in the same manner that her sister was killed, she knows she has to find out what happened. The acting Sheriff is investigating the case and Rileigh finds herself reluctantly helping him when the girl's mother begs for her help. The pair find that the locals are close-lipped. Can they find the killer and finally solve her sister’s murder as well?
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rileigh Bishop is an ex-police officer who never intended to end up back in her hometown. When a teenager is found murdered in the same manner that her sister was killed, she knows she has to find out what happened. The acting Sheriff is investigating the case and Rileigh finds herself reluctantly helping him when the girl's mother begs for her help. The pair find that the locals are close-lipped. Can they find the killer and finally solve her sister’s murder as well?
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2025
What a great start to a new series about Rileigh Bishop. She didn't want to come back home, as she was a Sargent in the police force, but due to an investigation, she has left the police force and returned home. Right now she is working for an Investigation company, arresting people running from the law or ignoring sending in their child payments.
Rileigh is trying to figure out a way to pay her bills, when one of the local women comes to her to beg her to help locate her missing daughter. She says the local police won't do anything about it. Reluctantly, Rileigh agrees to help. But will this investigation help her find out what happened to her sister 30 years ago?
Can't wait to the read the next one!
Rileigh is trying to figure out a way to pay her bills, when one of the local women comes to her to beg her to help locate her missing daughter. She says the local police won't do anything about it. Reluctantly, Rileigh agrees to help. But will this investigation help her find out what happened to her sister 30 years ago?
Can't wait to the read the next one!
October 12, 2023
What a great story! It was entertaining from the start, and I felt fully immersed in the small town setting. It reminded me of going back to Kentucky to visit my in-laws, just without all the crazy! I will admit I did know who the killer was pretty early on, but I didn’t figure out why until about 2/3 of the way through. Still, when everything came to a head, it was shocking to say the least. Way more action-packed than I expected and absolutely a holy s—t ending. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in this series!
Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
October 16, 2023
Lauren Street - Hide me away.
I listened to this book while on a trip with my husband.
His comment was “a lot of murder”.
To which I replied there is usually a lot of murder when you are dealing with cops.
This story had more twists and turns coming at you from all directions.
I am not fond of casual drug use but that is just the way I was raised.
I did find it strange that even the cops ignored the use and sale of drugs in general throughout the story.
The book ended with an announcement about more Rileigh and Mitch to come in the future and I look forward to hearing more of both her past and future!
I listened to this book while on a trip with my husband.
His comment was “a lot of murder”.
To which I replied there is usually a lot of murder when you are dealing with cops.
This story had more twists and turns coming at you from all directions.
I am not fond of casual drug use but that is just the way I was raised.
I did find it strange that even the cops ignored the use and sale of drugs in general throughout the story.
The book ended with an announcement about more Rileigh and Mitch to come in the future and I look forward to hearing more of both her past and future!
October 19, 2023
One word describes Lauren Street's debut novel: Fantastic
From the first page I was hooked. The story is fast-packed, punchy, nerve-racking and there are a number of twists and turns.
Rileigh's a mixture of toughness, gentleness, loyalty and despair while Mitch is working at proving himself to his new hometown.
The author has invested herself into developing her characters to the extent I would say that she submerses herself into each situation when she describes what happens, how each character reacts and how each situation unravels.
Thanks to the author, the publishers and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in advance. This is my own honest opinion.
From the first page I was hooked. The story is fast-packed, punchy, nerve-racking and there are a number of twists and turns.
Rileigh's a mixture of toughness, gentleness, loyalty and despair while Mitch is working at proving himself to his new hometown.
The author has invested herself into developing her characters to the extent I would say that she submerses herself into each situation when she describes what happens, how each character reacts and how each situation unravels.
Thanks to the author, the publishers and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in advance. This is my own honest opinion.
November 30, 2023
Can Rileigh and the out of place sheriff, Mitch, solve not only the murder of an 18 year old but the cold case of her sister? This novel was gripping with unexpected twists and turns. As you dive into the case, you also discover the messy lives of the people living in Yarmouth County. For Rileigh, the mess might end up closer to home than she had hoped when her investigation takes a dangerous turn.
If you enjoy small towns, mountain settings, and a good “who did it”, this book is for you! The characters were layered and the flashback perspectives slowly revealed the past as the present investigation took place.
If you enjoy small towns, mountain settings, and a good “who did it”, this book is for you! The characters were layered and the flashback perspectives slowly revealed the past as the present investigation took place.
February 15, 2024
Fantastic debut from Lauren Street
Hide Me Away is the first book in the 'The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers' series. Rileigh Bishop is a former soldier and disgraced former police officer who was relieved of her duties after killing someone in the line of duty in self-defense. Rileigh returns to her small mountain hometown and works as a private investigator. Charlotte "Lottie" Montgomery asks her to help find her daughter, Tina Montgomery. As Rileigh engages in her investigation, she reluctantly joins forces with the county sheriff to solve the case. When Tina's body is found, Rilegh discovers there are many parallels to her sister Jillian's brutal murder. As she continues to ask questions and dig deeper into her investigation, she uncovers terrible family secrets and clues that help her solve both murders.
The story was very engaging and kept me reading. The flashbacks to Rilegh's past gave us more information about her upbringing and family dynamics while slowly revealing more and more about her sister's murder. It was fun trying to figure out everyone's involvement in the murders, and ultimately, I was able to figure out what happened right before it was revealed. The author did an excellent job trying to throw readers off with characters that could have easily been the actual perpetrator. This is an excellent thriller with twists and turns and an ending cliffhanger.
Thank you, Lauren Street, Sterling & Stone, and NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Hide Me Away is the first book in the 'The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers' series. Rileigh Bishop is a former soldier and disgraced former police officer who was relieved of her duties after killing someone in the line of duty in self-defense. Rileigh returns to her small mountain hometown and works as a private investigator. Charlotte "Lottie" Montgomery asks her to help find her daughter, Tina Montgomery. As Rileigh engages in her investigation, she reluctantly joins forces with the county sheriff to solve the case. When Tina's body is found, Rilegh discovers there are many parallels to her sister Jillian's brutal murder. As she continues to ask questions and dig deeper into her investigation, she uncovers terrible family secrets and clues that help her solve both murders.
The story was very engaging and kept me reading. The flashbacks to Rilegh's past gave us more information about her upbringing and family dynamics while slowly revealing more and more about her sister's murder. It was fun trying to figure out everyone's involvement in the murders, and ultimately, I was able to figure out what happened right before it was revealed. The author did an excellent job trying to throw readers off with characters that could have easily been the actual perpetrator. This is an excellent thriller with twists and turns and an ending cliffhanger.
Thank you, Lauren Street, Sterling & Stone, and NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 10, 2024
Well reading this one might think of various stereotypes of mountain folk and their lifestyles(trailer with 4-5 kids, mistrust of anyone who is not even born in the county etc) but if you think about it every lifestyle has their way and method of doing things. Having got that out of the way this is a book that will keep you wondering the whole way. Once it starts to really heat up it moves fast and for me a bit confusing. Rileigh comes back home to what can be described as a somewhat dysfunctional family with Aunt Daisy way out there and Mom is not too far behind. Then a murder occurs and it all gets crazy!!!!
April 25, 2025
3.5 stars Love the setting in the Smoky Mountains and found the characters interesting. As is often the case, the current murder of a young woman has similarities to a decades old murder, one that involved the MC Rileigh Bishop's sister. Sheriff Mitch Webster is not a local and realizes he needs help both with getting people to talk to him and with community and personal histories. He is savvy enough to know he needs help with the investigation and asks for Rileigh's help.
While I did suspect the "villain" early--I changed my mind a couple of times. Several elements are left unanswered, leaving an arc to the next book.
While I did suspect the "villain" early--I changed my mind a couple of times. Several elements are left unanswered, leaving an arc to the next book.
October 12, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Hide Me Away is the debut novel from author Lauren Street and the first book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers series. I think this book is definitely good for anyone who likes mystery/thriller novels. Very interesting story and I do think the mystery and the twists were pretty well done overall. I didn't really connect to the main character Rileigh much, but she definitely grew on me as the book went on. I'd be interested in reading more books in this series.
October 31, 2023
A thrilling roller-coaster ride
Wow! I did not expect the ending of who the killer was. I usually figure out the killer earlier on in the story, but not this time.
Lauren Street really laid it on thick with the suspenseful twists and turns with this one. The flow was evenly paced and the characters were much believable.
It was a great mystery who-done-it and couldn't wait till I finished it to see who done it and how it ended.
I recommend this thriller to anyone over the age of 13.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! I did not expect the ending of who the killer was. I usually figure out the killer earlier on in the story, but not this time.
Lauren Street really laid it on thick with the suspenseful twists and turns with this one. The flow was evenly paced and the characters were much believable.
It was a great mystery who-done-it and couldn't wait till I finished it to see who done it and how it ended.
I recommend this thriller to anyone over the age of 13.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2023
At first, I did not realize that this title was part of a series. I think that info would have helped in the general feel and tone. Loved the setting, but was never able to connect to any of the characters. A lot of the procedural police drama, I felt to be a bit too stretched in believability. Especially with the ending and the reveal of the perpetrator. The pacing was good and did keep you guessing, but for some reason, it just didn't grab me. I would recommend for lovers of the mystery/crime novels and lovers of the whole series. #hidemeaway #laurenstreet #netgalley #goodreads
December 12, 2023
If you can get over MC’s “Pick me”, “I’m not like other girls” mentality, the slight body shaming when describing some of the women, and the overly detailed explanations of things really not needed for the story, the book is pretty good. The storyline was interesting, even the potential suspects started to throw me off who I thought did it (ended up being right with my first assumption), and it left just enough of a cliff hanger to make you curious, but not overly frustrated at the author. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.
January 8, 2024
Hide Me Away
Years ago, Rileigh’s sister was found murdered. The deceased was found with her tongue cut out. Recently, a teenage girl was found the same way in Rileigh’s Appachalachian hometown, not far from where her sister’s body was discovered. Rileigh, now a former soldier and police officer, must solve the mystery, joining forces with the county sheriff. The problem is that the crimes are connected and now someone is trying to murder Rileagh.
The unusual fast-paced plots and interesting characters make the books in this series page turners. This is the first in the series.
Years ago, Rileigh’s sister was found murdered. The deceased was found with her tongue cut out. Recently, a teenage girl was found the same way in Rileigh’s Appachalachian hometown, not far from where her sister’s body was discovered. Rileigh, now a former soldier and police officer, must solve the mystery, joining forces with the county sheriff. The problem is that the crimes are connected and now someone is trying to murder Rileagh.
The unusual fast-paced plots and interesting characters make the books in this series page turners. This is the first in the series.
February 9, 2024
Wow. This was a thriller, we also can tell this is definitely a debut novel, but no biggie really.
It took me a few chapters before I got into it, but once I was hooked, I was there.
Excellent blend of characters and background along with everything seem to fit and meld together.
I only gave it four out of five, because even though I liked everything, this wasn't a store that just 'sticks' with me or changes my thinking or left me emotionally warring with myself.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a few chapters before I got into it, but once I was hooked, I was there.
Excellent blend of characters and background along with everything seem to fit and meld together.
I only gave it four out of five, because even though I liked everything, this wasn't a store that just 'sticks' with me or changes my thinking or left me emotionally warring with myself.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2024
This is my first read from this author and won’t be my last. Well written, twisty and a ride from beginning to end. Halfway through the book I thought I had figured out who the killer was, but kept questioning myself. I kept me reading to find out if I was right – I was engaged throughout.
I am looking forward to the journey Lauren Street takes us in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley, Lauren Street and Sterling & Stone for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
I am looking forward to the journey Lauren Street takes us in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley, Lauren Street and Sterling & Stone for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
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