Hello Little Girl

Hart's Ridge #10

by Kay Bratt

In the picturesque town of Hart's Ridge, where secrets linger and shadows dance, Deputy Taylor Gray finds herself at a crossroads in the much-anticipated tenth installment of the beloved small-town mystery series, "Hello Little Girl."

Taylor is given all she's ever wanted when her family is complete, but will it be enough to put them as priority and stop putting her career first?

Meanwhile, a woman held in captivity grapples with a moral dilemma of her own. Trapped between the desire to reclaim her freedom and the urge to save another, she must summon the courage to make a choice that will shape not only her destiny but also the lives of those she holds dear.

Join Deputy Taylor Gray and the resilient inhabitants of Hart's Ridge as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and ultimately, the triumph of the human spirit. "Hello Little Girl" promises to be a riveting addition to the series, leaving readers spellbound until the final revelation.

Genres: Suspense, Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Thriller Suspense

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2024

About the author

Writer, Rescuer, Wanderer


Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.


Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian. 


Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.

In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.


As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.


Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. 
For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.


Reviews

[Carol Engler · Rating 3 out of 5]

book 10

The book continues with the hunt for Lydia.
And what her family and she was going through.

Taylor is asked then sent to work uncover in a women's prison. She becomes sick so really doesn't add much to this story.

I think I personally am hitting a wall with this series. It started out about family and their relationship. Now it focuses more on just Taylor and whatever she gets asked to do.
The Lydia storyline is now going on book 3. Thankfully most of it is over in this book.
I personally think the dual story's are taking away from this series. I most likely will read the Christmas book. But I think this may be the end for me.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are, back at Hart's Ridge with Taylor Gray and more cases for her to follow, although the story takes a slightly different slant this time.
In Hello Little Girl, we revisit a previous case that hasn't been resolved: Lydia Grimes's disappearance. Taylor is invested in this case, but this time, she is removed from it for a different mission: going undercover in one of the local women's prisons.
It is another heartwrenching story where we learn more about Lydia's incarceration, as well as the devastating news that another younger girl is in the situation with her.
As always, I love how these stories take root in reality, but the story itself is fiction.
Taylor's experience was pretty horrific, too.
I missed having more contact with the Gray family in this book; however, given the ending, I am excited to read what happens next.
Nope, I am not spoiling it for you. I am just making sure you know to read the previous books, as they all build upon one another, which makes the anticipation even sweeter!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series is a heart-pounding thrill ride as the author leads us on a search team for Lydia. Lydia Grimes is still a captive of a narcissistic sociopath and is desperate to get back home to her husband and children. Her adventures in this book include being introduced to a young girl named Jill and an older woman named Martha. Both play an important role in helping Lydia to survive the cruelties of her captivity. This book has a dual storyline, with Taylor taking on an undercover role in a neighboring prison. Risking her life and her sanity, Taylor reluctantly takes on this challenge and comes close to never seeing her beloved Sam again. This book was a roller coaster ride of emotional highs and lows as the two women navigated the dangers they faced daily. Told with realistic details, this book captivated me completely and is an unputdownable read. The characters are realistically portrayed and dynamic, with touching emotional scenes as time after time, the hope they desperately grasp for is taken out of their reach. I really enjoyed the fast-paced plot and getting to know a few new characters. I was particularly impressed with Mira, the leader of the search team who was as determined as she was organized. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. These books are best read in order so that the reader can get the most from the intricate details of the story and of each character’s life. This is one series that should be a movie or television series because the books lend themselves to be told on a big screen.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of reading and reviewing it. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed each book in this series and always look forward to more. That being said, this one was also so good. It is my least favorite though. It just fell a tad short for me in Taylor's part.

I have read and loved all the books in this series. Each has two stories going on. One based on actual events and one about Taylor or her family or both. This one was no different. While I loved it I was disappointed in Taylor's story this time. To many loose ends. I just didn't believe Taylor would do this when she was so close to finding out if Lydia was alive and out there somewhere. She had helped Caleb throughout and then decided to desert him when they KNEW Lydia was alive and who had taken her. She knew Caleb was leaning on her during this time. He needed that support and Taylor never shirked her friends. She didn't put things like what she did ahead of a case...

Lydia has been through so much. All she wants is to get home. To save Jill. To help Jill get back to her mother. They meet Dom's mother, Martha, while being held in a bunker. It's obvious that Martha lives in fear also but will she willingly help Lydia and Jill escape? She knows that Jill is her granddaughter so you'd think she would do anything for her. But then again we don't know all that she had endured by Dom's father, Kenneth. At first I didn't much like Martha but she did eventually grow on me. She was living a terrified excuse of a life also but was free to walk around and see to things. She could have run. Couldn't she???

This story is very emotional. It brought me to big sobs in places. I felt bad for some of the inmates at the jail but we didn't really get to know them well enough to get attached. Also I wish it would have had a chapter where Jill was reunited with her mother. That would have been a joyful and emotional reunion for sure.

This is a good story. You should grab it and dig in. Have kleenex handy. But before you read it you should read the previous nine books. In order. One of the best series's you will read.

Four stars.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Little Girl is the tenth installment in Kay Bratt's captivating Harts Ridge series.

Lydia Grimes is still missing, and her husband Caleb is on edge! The search has shifted to a mountainous area near a suspect's home. Taylor is determined to assist Caleb, but the Sheriff has a different task in mind for her – using a persuasive tactic that he knows will pique her interest.

I have eagerly awaited this novel after enjoying all the previous books. Kay did not disappoint - the stories just keep getting better and better! I was engrossed from the very first page and can hardly wait for the next installment, scheduled for release at Christmas – guess what I'll be doing on the big day!

Don't miss out on this compelling read – grab your copy today!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story, I’d love to know what truly happened in the prison, if the experiment worked?
Did Jill get back to her Mother?
Looking forward to the next book

[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Little Girl is the 10th book in Kay Bratt’s Hart’s Ridge series. I swear these books just keep getting better with each new installment. This particular book has not only one but two main storylines that kept me turning the pages. The first one takes you back to the disappearance of Lydia Grimes. Reading about her abduction was edge of your seat exciting! The second is about Taylor and how she agrees to go undercover all for a chance of earning herself a promotion that she really desires. What I loved about this book was that while reading it, I felt like I was right there experiencing everything that the characters were going through. It was nerve wracking yet exhilarating at the same time. And the way the author wrapped the story up was a completely unexpected surprise that I didn’t see coming. It left me feeling happy and optimistic for all the characters involved. I look forward to reading So This Is Christmas which is the next book in the series to see what the future holds for Taylor Gray and her family and hopefully get to learn more about the lives of the other residents of Hart’s Ridge. This is a series I have come to love and I recommend it to everyone who loves to read books that are both family oriented but yet have a bit of mystery and police procedural included. I am rating this book with a well deserved 5 star rating!

[Lori Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.25 Stars

Book 10 in the Hart’s Ridge series. The hunt for Lydia continues. Taylor faces her toughest challenge yet hoping it will put her closer to her professional goal.

Another win in this continuing series. This book was more intense for me, at times making me a little anxious for the characters, and had me frantically turning the pages to see what would happen nest. Basically this has two stories in one, culminating in eye opening endings. At times, each story made me feel a little uncomfortable. I am really enjoying the characters, they really do feel like family. As someone who is not usually a series reader, I have become totally vested. I look forward to the next book which should be out before Christmas.

I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in this great series by Kay Bratt! My only complaint was the lack of much of a story involving the Gray family. This one centered on Lydia’s story and what a story! At times it was difficult to read about Lydia and Jill, but hope was never lost. Taylor had a story about going undercover in a jail. A whole book could have been devoted to this storyline, but I thoroughly enjoyed the amount of time Kay devoted to this story which reminded me of Orange is the New Black before it got really crazy. The best news is that Kay plans to write more books about the Gray family!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best series ! Kay has a way of telling us a story and having us feel like we are there and wanting to be part of the family . She gives us twists and turns to keep you on edge of your seat. Can’t wait for next book !

[Marcia Bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to get through

The captivity of Lydia went on far too long, with way too much detail being given about survival skills that were taught by the captor and way too much redundancy of emotions. After a bit, it seemed that the author was just trying to fill the pages.
Lydia's captivity with the juxtaposition of Taylor's undercover work and Allison's escape from an abusive boyfriend gave the book a dark, discouraging tone that was not in keeping with the first nine Hart's Ridge books.
My hope is that the last two books in the series will be more like the first few, with mystery, but not focused on the dark, depravity of mankind.

[Susan Marzec · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book a higher rating but it just didn’t work for me. Once again we hear about the loss of Lydia from her husband who repeats many of his thoughts throughout this book as the last story. I got frustrated with how weak Lydia was throughout the story. And once again Taylor puts her husband last pushing her own goals instead of thinking of him. The story line was weak to say the least. Again the same horrible editing and letting the same misspelled words to slip by. The idea was okay but the story really dragged. Sorry

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this one as much. The storyline was completely divided and we got nothing from any other characters besides Taylor and Lydia.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love small towns and beautiful mountain settings, you are in for a treat! Hello Little Girl, is the 10th book in the Hart’s Ridge mystery series, set in the fictional town by the same name nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Like the nine preceding books, Hello Little Girl is also loosely based on real-life crimes!

Although each book in the Hart’s Ridge series can be read as a standalone, for me I loved reading them in order following along as Kay Bratt builds on her characters and their world. In the first nine books in the Hart’s Ridge series, you meet Taylor Gray (the only female Sheriff’s Deputy in Hart’s Ridge), her husband Sam and stepdaughter Alice, as well as her dysfunctional family consisting of her father, 3 sisters, and her (no longer estranged) mother, Cate. And, if you know Kay Bratt there are always dogs, (which I love) to make you smile.

Hello Little Girl continues one year after the abduction and disappearance of Lydia Grimes (from Blackbird, the 9th book in the series). Lydia is the wife of Caleb Grimes (an officer Taylor works with). Caleb still feels Lydia is alive, while everyone else (including their two teenage daughters) feel he needs to accept that she is dead and move on. His life (and quite possibly his career) is spiraling out of control due to his obsession with trying to find his wife over the last year. At this point he is starting to feel that even finding her body will be a relief from the constant mental turmoil he battles.

With the discovery of a new set of clues the search begins again, and Caleb feels this may be his last chance at finding Lydia. Taylor does all that she can to help Caleb and has been with him every step of the way until she is asked to work undercover on a very dangerous project. Sam doesn’t want her to take it obviously, and although she is torn over upsetting her husband, and for leaving Caleb to continue his search alone, she feels it is necessary to further her career. Now her husband is upset with her, and Caleb feels abandoned by Taylor, and wonders if he will he ever find Lydia.

Meanwhile you delve into the world of a woman being held captive by a psychopath. Will her own desire to live and see her family again someday be enough to get her through the horrors she is suffering at his hand? Or will she finally succumb to his cruelty and give up?

We are left with a surprise at the end, but since I am not one to ruin the story by retelling it, I will just leave it there. Hello Little Girl, was an excellent, heart pounding, page turning, fast read for me, I couldn’t put it down! True to form Kay Bratt left us wanting more! I can hardly wait for book 11 in the series and have my fingers crossed there will be more!

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Little Girl is the tenth installment of the Hart’s Ridge Series by Kay Bratt. You won’t want to miss this one. It will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how the story unfolds and comes to a conclusion. I just finished it and could not wait to sit down at my laptop and tell you all about it!

I don’t want to give too much away so this will be a little tricky. First of all if you have been reading this series you know that one of the deputy’s wives is missing. The search is still ongoing for Lydia Grimes. In the meantime, Taylor takes an assignment that takes her away from her family for a good while. There is a lot going on in this particular book and you won’t want to put it down until you have an answer to all of it.

Taylor and Sam make the sweetest couple but something needs to give. Taylor is so wrapped up in her career that I am worried she will ruin her life. I’m hoping she doesn’t. I would love to see more sweet moments between these two. I think that is my only complaint so far about this series. Taylor’s family is all together on the farm and we knew that from previous books. I love them. It takes all kinds to make up a family and Kay Bratt has done a wonderful job of developing these characters.

I love the town of Hart’s Ridge. I love small towns and think this one is just about ideal. The neighbors and coworkers we have come to love are going to be hard to say goodbye to at the end of this series. I do have good news. There is going to be at least one more book. It is going to be a Christmas book for us to read during the holidays. I just love a good Holiday story. What a better way to spend some during the hectic season by sitting down with this wonderful cast of characters! I can’t wait.

If you have been keeping up with this series, you’ll want to get this one as soon as you can to see what’s going on in town. If you haven’t been reading it, I highly recommend it to you. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #KayBratt. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Little Girl by Kay Bratt is the tenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series. The search for Lydia Grimes continues as new evidence provides proof she could still be alive. Caleb Grimes, her husband, is more determined than ever to bring her home. He won’t rest until he has her safe and sound or recovers her body for burial. Taylor is pulled from the search and given an opportunity to further her career and get the promotion she desires but it requires putting her career first and leaving her family behind for a period of time. A simple assignment quickly becomes a life and death situation. Meanwhile, Lydia becomes caught between the fight for her own freedom and the desire to protect another from the evil man who keeps them in captivity. Can she find the courage to save them both? As tensions and stakes rise, can Caleb, Taylor and Lydia find their own strength and determination to have the happy endings they are fighting for?
I don’t think I have ever recently anticipated a book in a series as much as I waited for Hello Little Girl. Left with a bit of a cliffhanger in Blackbird, Hello Little Girl picks right off and keeps going. I was glued to the pages with pins and needles as the story unraveled. There were twists and turns and shocking revelations with one revelation I picked up on in Blackbird and waited for that shoe to drop! My jaw dropped a few times near the end. I am ecstatic to learn that there will be more stories in the series. Readers don’t have to say goodbye to Hart’s Ridge and the Gray Family just yet. If you have enjoyed the Hart’s Ridge series, you will love Hello Little Girl. If you haven’t started this series, you are missing out on an excellent series of intrigue, family, the fighting human spirit to survive. I highly, highly recommend Hello Little Girl and the entire Hart’s Ridge series.


Hello Little Girl is available in paperback and eBook

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure where to start, but "Hello Little Girl" picks up right where the last book left off, plunging into Lydia’s intense ordeal with her captor. As Lydia faces unimaginable trials, she discovers a resilience she never knew she had. New evidence hints that she might still be alive, fueling Caleb Grimes' relentless pursuit to bring her home, whether that means rescuing her or recovering her remains. As Lydia fights for her freedom and aims to protect another captive, the tension and stakes escalate. Will Caleb, Taylor, and Lydia find the strength and courage to reach their desired outcomes?
At the same time, Deputy Taylor Gray is on Lydia's trail but finds herself reassigned to a high-stakes undercover mission that requires a delicate balance between survival and duty. Taylor's journey has been full of ups and downs, and now she faces a critical choice between advancing her career and staying with her family, as a seemingly simple task escalates into a life-or-death situation.
This gripping continuation of the series will keep you on the edge of your seat, blending suspense with inspiration. After finishing Book 10, I’m eagerly anticipating Book 11 to conclude the series. Kay Bratt’s writing makes you feel as if you're living the story alongside the characters. If you've enjoyed the Hart’s Ridge series, "Hello Little Girl" is must-read. If you haven’t started the series yet, you’re missing out on a compelling mix of intrigue, family dynamics, and the unbreakable human spirit. I highly recommend both "Hello Little Girl" and the entire Hart’s Ridge series.

[Liz Krummell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally Lydia story is resolved I would have liked more than just a page at end There was more explanation on why Norman was doing what he was doing that was good. But I have questions, how did Diablo stay alive (his mom?) when Norman was gone for days on end - he never barked being chained up for months on end and no hikers ever heard him - why have a dog anyway? No other hikers or anyone else found the dead body of the hiker with the pink paracord bracelet Norman seemed to miss an awful of work - especially as a viable suspect. No one, even Caleb, thought to follow him on their own. Taylor's storyline - Sheriff Comer said that only he and his Chief Deputy would know that she was there undercover. Not even the Jail Administrator—the Captain—would be aware. The jail sergeants and correctional officers would also be in the dark.” Absolutely would never happen and it did turn out to be very unsafe for Taylor Why would she not want to talk to her mom about what to expect (she can keep the secret) Sam is the most patient husband ever Why couldn’t she accept the good life she’d made for herself and slow down? Enjoy it before it disappeared? What would it take?” almost dying we will see

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic addition to the series. There are two main plots that are intertwined and both plots are full of suspense and kept me turning the pages to see the outcome.

Taylor's job is very important to her and she can't seem to quit putting her job over her relationship with Sam. She's asked to go undercover in a very rough environment and she agrees against Sam's opinion. Her time undercover is full of danger and suspense as she tries to use her training to keep herself safe in a very unfriendly environment.


The other plot involves Lydia. Her husband feels that she's still alive and convinces his police department to keep looking for her even though it's been a year since she disappeared. Lydia is being held by a psychopath and even though she dreams about her husband and family she isn't sure that she'll ever be able to escape to see them again.

I read this book in one sitting and it kept me up way past my bedtime but I was so stressed out worrying about Taylor and Lydia, that I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep until I found out what happened to them. It's a fantastic book!

[Mrs Linda J Kitson · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers here! I’ve been very lucky to have an early copy of Hello Little Girl and having read all of the previous books this one didn’t disappoint.

In the desperate search for Lydia Grimes, her husband Caleb fights hard to get a search underway after a couple of items of Lydia’s are found. No one else believes Lydia is still alive after over a year, but Caleb is convinced.

We catch up with Lydia, still in the clutches of her sadistic kidnapper and he has also now snatched his daughter, Jill. He takes them on a journey where he believes no one will ever find them.

Taylor is supporting Caleb but gets sidetracked into a project in another police department.

It’s a very tense period in the lives of our characters, and a real page turner. If you have not read any of Kay Bratt’s Harts Ridge series, I suggest you start with book one, Harts Ridge, and work your way through. Very well written and the reader feels like they are part of the community. Another fabulous book in the series.

[Candace Mowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the tenth book in the Harts Ridge series. I recommend that you read the set from the beginning to understand where book ten picks up. I this story, the main character, Taylor Gray is given an opportunity with a neighboring town which could advance her career towards becoming a detective. This opportunity however, could also endanger her life and destroy the life she is trying to build with her new family. Lydia is still being held captive by a madman that has now taken her into the mountains and to an even more terrifying cell to hold her captive. To make matters more interesting, Dom kidnaps his own daughter, Jill, and is holding her captive with Lydia. Does Lydia still have enough stamina to survive and to protect Jill? Will Caleb, Lydia’s husband find them in this new location? This book grips you from the first page and takes you on a wild ride until the end. Kay is a master at story telling and you won’t soon forget this one.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've started this series, don't stop now, as the 10th installment is a real suspenseful page-turner! If you haven't started this series, go check it out! My review assumes you've read the previous books. Trust me - you want to!

After spanning the last several books, the kidnapping plot is finally concluded in this latest addition to the series, and it’s a doozie! Many times this book had you thinking that you knew exactly how this storyline was going to end - but the surprise ending I never would’ve guessed! This storyline continued the twists and turns to the very end.

In the other major storyline, Taylor finds herself in a place she would have never expected to be on the wrong side of. It's another nail biter of a plot as you worry about what might happen to Taylor. Luckily, this story also concludes, in the best of ways. Will there be another book in the series after this? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not started this series, what are you waiting for? Each book endears me even more to this wonderful but dysfunctional family.

With each story, we get to know the Gray family a little bit more. On top of that, there is always a case or two that Taylor gets involved with. The case she is currently working on has been ongoing and has taken a long time to resolve. And then there is the fact that she now goes undercover. Yikes! Not sure how that's going to work out for her.

I love the family elements included in these stories as well as the true crime aspect to each installment. Hello Little Girl was pretty intense, and to be honest, I gasped out loud at one point. I love when an author can do that!

I loved Hello Little Girl and I highly recommend it, as well as this whole series. The Hart's Ridge Series is absolutely amazing. Book #11 is scheduled to be released in December and I can't wait!

[Lou Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ongoing missing persons case told from her perspective and an undercover police investigation in Kay Bratt’s new Hart’s Ridge story keeps the reader turning the pages as fast as possible! Lydia has been missing so long most people have given up on her being found. Her husband Caleb works to keep her in everyone’s mind and will search for her until he finds her. Lydia is locked away in a small bunker with a psychopathic narcissist and his also kidnapped daughter. Lydia nmates works hard to keep the girl mentally stable while she tries to think of a way to escape. Taylor is locked up in a women’s prison to oversee a new plan for prison organization. Taylor is completely out of her normal mindset as she forms connections in jail. But not all inmates are wanting to accept a new arrival. Keep the pages turning to find out what happens! But start earlier than I started on the last section or you will lose some sleep finishing the story! This Hart’s Ridge book is not to be missed!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luckily, Taylor makes it to the hospital in time and is treated for fungal meningitis. When she finally wakes up, the doctor comes in and tells her she was pregnant and they don't think there was any harm done to the fetus. Taylor has a long way to go with the meningitis and recovering from the after effects while finishing six months of her pregnancy. Now she is finally back home with her family and her new daughter, Lennon. She is beginning to feel the pressure of going back to work, although the sheriff has told her to take more time. Finally, Sam has to put his foot down and tell her to stay home.
Meanwhile, Lydia and Jill are left in the underground shelter when Dom has to make an appearance at his office. While he is gone, his mother is going to take care of them. Will this be their way to escape or is she in on it too? With Jill involved, Lydia thinks they must escape now and together.

[Laura L. Gerling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, I just couldn't with this one... It should have been called The Continued Misery of Lydia, Caleb, and Sam. I started skipping the chapters with Taylor in jail. I knew she would end in the hospital, but not why, although the why was so lame. I stopped reading the redundant chapters with Lydia being tortured. I stopped reading chapters about Caleb being beaten down by everyone in his life. Even Taylor was full of stupid. She sends Caleb to Faire (That might have been the book before) and when Faire couldn't help him, she fails to remember that Faire couldn't help her either! Why? Because her mother was alive. That should have cemented her belief that Lydia was out there, but no. Nope. He's crazy. The only thing Bratt did right was letting Lydia save herself, although I would have let her find Caleb in the forest looking for her. This one was a scan and a miss. I'm taking a break from the series now. I'm just done.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 10 in this completely unputdownable mystery series set in Harts Ridge with the Gray family at its heart.

Taylor is a Sheriffs Deputy and takes her role seriously. Shes recently married Sam, and they are bringing up Sam's daughter together.

The last book was based around the abduction of Lydia Grimes, the wife of one of Taylor's colleagues. The search for her continues in this book. A small girl also goes missing. Are the two linked?

Taylor is given a special assignment that takes her away from Sam and the family rescue farm. However, things don't go as planned.

Once again, I just couldn't put this book down. I say it every time I read a book in this series, but it's true, so plan on reading to the end if you start a book in this series.

The books in this series should be read in the order in which they are published to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

It goes without saying I've already downloaded the next book ready to read....

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

While everyone else believes Lydia Grimes is dead at the hands of her abductor, her husband, Deputy Caleb Grimes, refuses to give up hope of finding her alive, especially when new evidence is found. Deputy Taylor Gray is on Caleb’s side but she’s unable to continue helping with the latest search because she’s been given an undercover assignment that takes her away from Hart’s Ridge. Lydia is still alive and still held captive, but she’s uneasy about the latest turn of events and not sure she’ll make it out alive now.

Lydia and Taylor are in more trouble than they ever imagined, and it won’t be easy to get them back where they belong.

An edge-of-your-seat thriller with parental kidnapping, murder, secrets revealed, and more! I love this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hart's Ridge series (this is #10) gets better and more intense with each book.
It's so good as the suspense is mounting!

There are two plots involved here that alternate and truly set me on the edge of my seat.
Lydia is still missing after almost a year and while Deputy Taylor wants to remain on this case, she is asked to change course and report to women's prison to be the "rat" in a correctional facility.
This is a dangerous job and definitely challenging.
Is it worth risking her life?

Is Lydia even alive after all this time and will they find her or her body to obtain closure? Who will take over this case?

I urge everyone who loves mystery, family, and drama to begin at book 1 and read them all.
Hart's Ridge is an amazing small town with lots to love!
Thank you to @KayBratt for this wonderful tenth novel.
Well done as always.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orange Is The New Black Meets Deliverance. With this series in particular, Bratt has been making it a point of spinning a fictional world around all-too-real cases... and in this case, we get a version of the book form of Orange Is The New Black (ie, a far more serious take than the dark comedy that was the Netflix show) along with a harrowing tale of wilderness survival somewhat akin to Deliverance, but with Bratt's own wilderness survival style she developed with Dancing With The Sun. Both parts of the tale are well done, though it does seem that perhaps the Orange Is The New Black part was perhaps a bit rushed in the ending, perhaps because of the zinger Bratt wanted to leave in the epilogue?

Yet again, another solid story in this world, and yet again another one that will leave the reader breathless for the next.

Very much recommended.