The small child floats so gently in the water, he could be peacefully but the cold blue of his skin reveals his fate. One mother’s little boy is never coming home again.
When Chief Maggie Riley sees the body of the small boy still dressed in pyjamas in Beaverhead Lake, her heart breaks. Little Patrick Warner went missing last night. Despite immediately calling the entire town of Coyote Cove into action, Maggie’s desperate search failed. Even worse, it’s clear it was Patrick took his last breath long before he entered the water.
Maggie is devastated—Patrick reminds her so much of her beautiful younger brother, gone for so long. Visiting the tiny, rumpled bed where Patrick’s teddy bear still lies, and where Patrick was last seen by his mother Jenny, Maggie’s grief turns to rage. She is determined to bring whoever hurt Patrick to justice.
In this isolated community, someone must know something. But no one will talk. And if his family had nothing to do with it, why are they so secretive? As Maggie’s investigation gathers pace, her emotions threaten to overwhelm her. She still doesn’t know her brother’s fate—she won’t let that happen for little Patrick.
But when Jenny suddenly disappears, suspicions whirl around her role in Patrick’s death. Could she have been lying all this time? Or is Jenny herself in terrible danger too? To uncover the truth before more innocent lives are lost, and lay her demons to rest, Maggie will have to risk not only those closest to her but her own life too…
An utterly addictive crime thriller perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Mary Stone and Melinda Leigh.
What readers are saying about the Chief Maggie Riley
“Just wow!… fantastic…! kept me hooked from beginning to end. I literally could not put it down and read it in an afternoon… Loved it!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow, this book is incredible. I love the Maggie Riley series… highly recommend… I cannot wait for the next book!”@thrillology_explorer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Holy cow… I have a new obsession… cannot get enough…I am officially addicted…Warning—sleep will be impossible once you start this book. You will not be able to put it down.”Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Small town crime and a chief of police with a devastating past, yes please!… OMG what an absolute wild ride… couldn’t believe the HUGE TWIST at the end.”Yorkshire Carly, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What an amazing series this is! I am completely enthralled… Loved this book… frantically turned the pages, gripped… incredibly addictive and transporting… sheer genius.’NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With degrees in Crime Scene Technology and Physical Anthropology, Florida writer Shannon Hollinger hasn’t just seen the dark side of humanity—she’s been elbow deep inside of it! She’s an avid animal lover, reader, and hiker, and has been known to use her forensic skills to figure out who ate the last cookie in the house.
A multi-genre, Amazon charts top 20 best-selling author, Shannon writes psychological thrillers filled with jaw-dropping twists and shocking endings, the police procedural Chief Maggie Riley mysteries, where the darkness of the Maine wilderness is rivaled only by the deadly secrets it conceals, and the romantic suspense Cassidy Knox mystery thrillers, where the animals will steal your heart and the nights are as hot as the days.
Her novels have been translated into multiple languages, and her short fiction has appeared in Suspense Magazine, Mystery Weekly, and The Saturday Evening Post, among many other magazines and anthologies.
Shannon is a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
To keep current on book news and to enter monthly giveaways, sign up for Shannon’s newsletter through her website, www.shannonhollinger.com.
One of my 2025 reading goals is to spend more time catching up with my fave series and characters. I became hooked on this series from the get-go and kind of binged read the first three installments and have been waiting for this one to finally come out. Anyway, I’ve been saying this from the get-go, Coyote Cove, ME is not your good, old-fashioned, sleepy, “nothing happens here”, small town. Oh #%!! no!!! Think Painters Mill (Kate Burkholder) without the whole Amish community. Coyote Cove has its own brand of home-grown (and then some) psychos and wackos without adding in a religious community.
The MC, Maggie Riley, went from being a seasoned, big city detective down in FL before chucking it all to becoming a small-town Sheriff in ME, after her little brother (a toddler) went missing. Maggie has never forgiven herself for not finding her brother and it has affected her relationship with her parents, who she has been estranged from ever since she left FL. This storyline has been lightly weaved throughout the series and in this installment, we get a more in-depth look at what happened back then. Maggie lives with her fiancé, Steve, who was her neighbor when she first moved to Coyote Cove. Maggie and Steve are planning their wedding along with Steve’s family who are currently in town.
Additionally, there is a secondary storyline (leftover from the previous installment) of Steve being blackmailed by former childhood friend, Wesley. Back in the day, Steve was an accomplice to a murder, when Wesley killed a girl from a party while driving Steve’s car because Steve was in the back passed out. Wesley woke Steve up so that Steve could help Wesley get rid of the girl’s body. Some years later, Wesley ended up going to prison for 15yrs for another murder. Steve is starting to suspect that Wesley might be a serial killer.
Most of the story flips back and forth between Maggie and Steve and Maggie’s chapters flip back and forth between five years ago in FL during the search for her brother and the present-day investigation of the dead child, PJ, that went missing at the start of the story. This isn’t a spoiler because it was revealed really early in the story. I enjoyed Maggie’s past chapters because I finally got to see the details of the case of Maggie’s missing brother and everything that Maggie went through.
I had a strong suspicion of what happened to poor PJ and who the killer was from really early in the story/investigation from pretty much the moment that certain characters entered the story. WOW!!! Was I ever wrong! The ending was a shocker for all of the storylines. I am VERY interested to see the direction that Hollinger takes in the next installment. I finished this in two sittings and had a hard time putting it down.
I loved the continuing character development of Maggie and Steve in this new installment and can’t wait to see how this affects their relationship. The pacing was steady to fast and never dragged, and the storyline very interesting, which is actually on par for this series and a big part of what I love about this series. The writing was also typical Hollinger with wild and crazy and shocking endings that I never saw coming. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
This is a great crime thriller. When a young boy goes missing, Maggie is determined to find him as she knows the hurt it causes as her little brother Brandon has been missing for several years. Whilst Maggie is trying to find the little boy she can’t help but relive what it was like when Brandon went missing. We get flashback chapters from this time and it’s awful the way she was treated when trying to help with the investigation. Maggie's fiancé Steve, is struggling with someone from his past but won't open up to her or his family. We have chapters from his perspective as well and it’s clear Wesley won’t stop until he gets what he wants. There's a few layers to this book and I loved the way it all came together at the end. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Chief Maggie Riley’s newest case of a missing boy brings back very sad memories for her. Previously, her little brother Brandon went missing, and this has left a huge void in Maggie’s life. Sadly, the missing boy’s body has been found, which makes this case even more personal for Maggie. So, this is how Maggie’s story changes. While her case is foremost in her mind, the story shifts between past and present by means of flashbacks. In fact, more about Maggie’s career and personal struggles are revealed.
Maggie is not the only one going through changes. In fact, her fiancé Steve is dealing with a situation from his past. A former friend is placing Steve in a difficult situation, and despite the dangers this entails, he is determined to keep this a secret from Maggie and his family.
The Chief Maggie Riley series has really gained traction and, as a reader I have really been enjoying getting to know Maggie when it comes to what makes her tick, but especially her resilience. Also, it was interesting to see how things with Maggie have been progressing with Steve, and what challenges they face. As this series continues to grow, it just might be a conflict with personal and professional as Maggie’s career continues to grow.
Shannon Hollinger has done a great job in building this series. When you factor in the characters, as well as the various layers in the stories, each book in this series have been excellent reads.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the book #OneLittleSigh by #ShannonHollinger. Wow, this book is incredible. I love the #MaggieRiley series. The case Maggie is working on hits home and brings back memories of her brothers abduction. At the same time, someone from Steve’s past has returned and causing trouble. I highly recommend this book, this series, this author. I cannot wait for the next book!
I love when with each new book in a series, we get to delve deeper into understanding the characters that little bit more. The drip feed of information keeps you wanting more and more and I'm all for it!
In this new installment, book #4, we are taken back to 5 years ago when Chief Maggie Riley's four year old brother went missing and has never been found. Estranged from her parents, Maggie is still haunted and guilt ridden by the fact she has never found him
When Maggie is called out to the property of another missing child, 4 year old Brandon, memories that Maggie has tried desperately to bury, resurface. Can she deal with this case professionally without it affecting her too personally?
Alongside working this case with her newest partner Liam, her fiancé Steve's family are in town to discuss wedding plans but he is acting very strange, twitchy and anxious. Is he having second thoughts?
When the body of Brandon is found, submerged in a frozen lake, all thoughts of Steve and his family need to be put aside, she has a killer on the loose and all clues are pointing to the mother.... until she also goes missing.
This is a series that has really gained traction since the first book and I can't help but devour each one. It gets such a grip of me that the world disappears around me. This is definitely a series that I recommend reading from the beginning as there is a real backstory behind the characters and the location of Coyote Cove.
As all previous books, this was a real page turner with twists and turns galore. You'll think you have it all figured out and wrapped up neatly with a bow one minute and the next minute you're back to square one.
The biggest thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
One Little Sigh is book 4 in the Chief Maggie Riley series by Shannon Hollinger. This can also be enjoyed as a standalone book if you've never read any in the series. I'm new to the series and absolutely devoured this book. I am now a huge fan and will be reading the series from this point on. Chief Maggie Riley receives a call about a boy missing from his home. Patrick Werner was in his bed when his mom checked on him and the next morning was gone. Patrick was 4 years old and would never leave the house alone. While the town is out searching for the boy, Maggie gets a call. The search can be called off as Patrick's body has been discovered by 2 fisherman.
This case brings up a lot of memories for Maggie as her own brother went missing when he was the same age. He was much younger than Maggie as her parents had him late in life. Maggie loved him so much and was devastated when he disappeared. She did everything she could to find him, including putting her job with the police on the line. They wouldn't let her near the case because she was family and the detective assigned to the case was awful. Maggie crossed some lines and disobeyed orders and got herself fired. She did find out who took her brother as she found his pajama top in the man's house. No one believed her and she was ordered to turn in her badge and was let go.
As the investigation progresses, Maggie finds out that Patrick's parents used him to deliver drugs to customers. They would hide the drugs in his diaper. Could his death and kidnapping be related to the drug business? Could someone in the family have wanted the boy dead? Why? Jenny, the boy's mom, goes missing a bit after the boy's body is found. She was devastated that her son would not be coming home. Did she run away? Would she harm herself from the guilt? Jenny had gone out for the first time since Patrick was born and that was the night he vanished. Will Maggie be able to find Jenny? Will Maggie find out who killed Patrick and why?
Maggie is engaged and getting ready for the wedding to Steve. Steve's family is in town to help with the preparations. Why is Steve acting so weird since his family arrived? Why is he so nervous? What is Steve hiding from Maggie? Can Maggie trust Steve if he won't share what's wrong? Maggie's not sure she can marry a man who won't tell her what's going on. She loves his family and Steve, but something bad is going on. What is it? Will Steve share his secret with Maggie before it's too late?
One Little Sigh will leave you breathless with your heart pounding in your chest. This book is incredibly gripping with the suspense building to a ridiculous crescendo! I absolutely loved One Little Sigh and rate it 5 stars. I highly recommend that you buy this book and enjoy the ride! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of One Little Sign in exchange for a fair review. One Little Sign is now available and should not be missed! #OneLittleSigh
Shannon Hollinger delivers another gripping installment with One Little Sigh, the fourth book in the Chief Maggie Riley series. Set against the backdrop of Coyote Cove, Maine, this story delves deeper into Maggie's past while tackling a compelling new case that challenges her both professionally and personally.
The main mystery is tightly woven, bearing eerie similarities to an older case tied to Maggie's life, which forces her to confront unresolved trauma, including the disappearance of her brother. The flashbacks are well-integrated, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the series' overarching mystery without overshadowing the current investigation.
Maggie remains a strong, relatable protagonist whose resilience and determination shine through the chaos. However, her fiancé, Steve, adds a layer of tension with his shady behavior and a questionable blast-from-the-past encounter. While his actions felt frustratingly opaque, they effectively raise stakes for both their personal relationship and their professional ethics as police officers.
The ending is a gut punch—unexpected and morally complex— but also refreshing to see a less than perfect protagonist. It’s clear that their decisions increasingly blur the line between legality and ethics, adding an intriguing layer to their dynamic.
One Little Sigh is an engaging addition to the series, blending a gripping case with personal drama. While the ending might be tough to swallow, it perfectly sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling continuation of Maggie’s journey as she navigates life as Coyote Cove’s Chief of Police.
Thank you NetGalley Bookouture & Shannon Hollinger for the arc!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review."One Little Sigh" is an intense and emotional thriller delving into the dark aspects of human nature. Set in a small, secluded community shrouded in secrets and deception, it follows a resolute heroine on the search for the truth. The story weaves through themes of loss, grief, and the quest for redemption.
In the fourth installment of the Chief Maggie Riley series, a four-year-old boy goes missing. Chief Maggie Riley faces the daunting task of finding the child before time runs out. However, the unthinkable occurs when the child's body is discovered floating in the river. The pressing questions now are: What happened, and who is responsible?
The mystery of the child's disappearance was profound. Every suspect had a compelling motive for the child's disappearance and ultimate death, considering their past and current involvements. This complexity made it difficult to determine the identity of the responsible party.
The investigation stirred up painful memories for Maggie, which constantly invaded her thoughts throughout the investigation. The story takes readers on a journey through Maggie's past as she revisits these memories in flashback chapters. We not only revisit the memories with her but also share in her anguish and loss during this challenging period. Maggie isn't the only one grappling with past issues. Her fiancé, Steve, also harbors problems that he has concealed from Maggie. A secret that not only puts him at risk but also threatens to unravel his relationship with Maggie.
While each installment presents a unique mystery, I recommend reading the books in sequence due to the continuous developments in Maggie and Steve's lives. The unfolding events leave readers with lingering questions about how the consequences will impact everyone in the subsequent books.
OH Maggie Riley, you are such a great character. I am so happy I could follow you around again and witness how you handle the cases that are thrown at you. Even though you have the help of the state police in these gruesome cases, you will always try your best to solve them yourself. When something happens in your town, you feel it's your duty, as the chief, to bring justice.
You are stubborn, in a good way, but it also means you find yourself in dangerous situations. It's sometimes hard for you to accept the help and support of your team.
About your team. They are a colorful bunch, but they will always have your back.
I am happy the author took us down memory lane. I felt the sadness, powerlessness and desperation dripping down the pages.
Of course, there is something joyous to look forward to too. :)
I honestly could read a Maggie Riley book every day. They are the best. 5 stars
i absolutely love this series every book a page turner. a young boy has gone missing it's up to Maggie and her team to find him and it brings the past up of her own missing young brother Steves family are coming to stay with them .Steve is acting so strange Maggie thinks he does not want to marry her. and then the young boy is found in an ice pond every one of the family is a suspect but not one is telling the truth it's so good read in a day can't wait for the next book in series
There is something compelling about this series that brings me back over & over again. I can’t put my finger on it. But I’m still in a quandary if I like the main characters. The stories are page turners, and yet I found myself wondering about these imperfect characters. I guess I’ll see what book 5 brings since many cards are out on the table.
This small town crime series featuring a. Imaging star in Chief Maggie Riley is captivating! Hollinger is back with another addictive crime thriller. It’s a heartbreaking case that triggers more heartache for Maggie.
Thank you, Shannon Hollinger, Bookouture, & netgalley for my copy ! All opinions are my own.
One Little Sigh is the 4th book in the Chief Maggie Riley series by Shannon Hollinger. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series.
This book was filled with so many twists and turns, and when you think everything is wrapped up, it keeps going! This is a fast read and was so good!!! Intense does not even begin to describe this! Wow!!!
I absolutely loved the characters! Chief Maggie Riley is fascinating! She's an accomplished woman, who has made a name for herself, but she also has some dark secrets. I can't wait to get to know her more in the future books.
If you are looking for a book that that you won't be able to put down, this is it! I know I'll be coming back to this series for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gripping, tense, riveting, and hard to put down, One Little Sigh is a fantastic addition to the Chief Maggie Riley Series! I was instantly drawn into the plot, loving the mix of Maggie's current investigation(s) and personal life. There is a lot at play in this book and I enjoyed every second of it.
Patrick Warner went missing one night from his home in Coyote Cove, Maine. Sadly, his pajama clad body was found in Beaverhead Lake. It's a heartbreaking and devastating case for all involved. The small boys' murder brings up memories of Maggie's own younger brother who went missing. Maggie is determined to bring this child killer to justice no matter what it takes. As the investigation progresses, more alarming things occur.
In Maggie's private life, her finance Steve, is not himself. Something is bothering him, but he keeps denying it. Steve has his secrets and is desperately trying to keep them hidden while keeping those he loves safe. Maggie is a trained investigator and knows there is something that is bothering him. She knows he is keeping something hidden from her.
I enjoyed getting glimpses into Maggie's past and her heartbreak over her missing brother. She jeopardized her career to find the truth and I enjoyed getting to see another side of her. Maggie is equal parts intelligent, strong, vulnerable, caring and determined. She is a hard worker and is unwilling to give up.
I found this book to be gripping from the very first page and I did my best to guess whodunit. My suspect list changed throughout the book as the investigation progressed. This book kept me on my toes and turning the pages. Although this book would work as a stand-alone, I highly suggest starting with the first book in the series, The Girl Who Lied. Each book has been captivating, tension filled, gripping, and wonderfully written.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I grabbed the first two books as part of a blog tour not needing another crime series to follow, but I was so glad I did. I had no idea that I would like each book better than the last culminating with this one being unbelievably good. While I normally tell everyone how these books are easily read as a stand alone and while this one can, it really does conclude a story arc that has been building in the first three books.
I’ve always liked the flawed characters of Steve and Maggie. They are a couple that are hiding some big secrets from each other, and sometimes the reader, and this book brings all of the dirty secrets to light. Maggie is brought into a case of a missing young boy with almost no leads on what happened and it parallels when her brother disappeared five years ago. The book flips back and forth between Maggie working the case and Maggie searching for her brother five years ago. The case brings out all types of complicated feelings in Maggie that bring back memories of the past that may be affecting her judgement. I loved finally getting to see what happened to make Maggie who she is and how she ended up in Coyote Cove.
And if that isn’t enough of a story, Steve’s secret finally comes to light. He helped cover up a murder and the friend he covered for is back to stir up some trouble. That is partnered with his family coming to town to meet Maggie and plan for their wedding.
I know that sounds like a lot, but the author wove all of that together seamlessly. My only complaint were the chapters that ended in a mini cliffhanger before switching to another character or time period. Ah. But seriously, there was edge of your seat tension right from the start. My intrigue in both Maggie’s and Steve’s backstories has been building since book one, so I appreciated finally being in the know. I felt for both of them as they struggle with themselves over what has happened in their past and the choices they have made.
And as this one wrapped it all up, it raised new dilemmas going forward in the series. I can’t wait.
Holy moly! Just when I think this series cannot get better, I get the wind knocked out of me. Chief Maggie Riley shows out in this story. Good golly.
When little Patrick Warner is reported missing, Maggie fears the worse. Her fears come to fruition when they find his little body clad in his pajamas in the lake facedown. I will not lie. I got a little teary just thinking about this scene. They are hoping it was an accident. However, after further investigation, it is determined that he was dead before he went into the water. This brings back all of Maggie's nightmares from her past trauma of losing her little brother. She is having a hard time separating being a part of the law enforcement and tamping down the pent up rage she felt all those years ago when she lost her brother. She sees so many similarities that it breaks her heart in two. When Patrick's mother, Jenny, disappears, the investigation goes into overdrive.
The author will take you back and forth between the present and the past so that you can get a look inside Maggie's past and what made her the woman she is today. This little boy's death has brought out the beast in Maggie. She is laser-focused with fire in her eyes, like a tiger roaming in the jungle acutely aware of everything going on around her. You do not want to mess with Maggie. I was taken down many pathways thinking I knew who was responsible for all of this mayhem and destruction, and then it would go another direction. I was completely fooled.
This chilling mystery/crime/police procedural will leave you breathless, as well as chilled. The ending is epic, and one that will stay with you long after you close your Kindle. I am still sitting here in complete shock. This book is worth more than five stars.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When a four-year-old boy goes missing in the rural town of Coyote Cove, Maine, it hits way too close to home for police chief Maggie Riley. Maggie��s world was rocked five years ago when her little brother Brandon went missing, and she’ll stop at nothing to get justice for another child. Meanwhile, Maggie’s fiancé Steve has a ghost from his own past coming back to haunt him.
This is #4 in the Chief Maggie Riley series, and while you don’t HAVE TO read the others to enjoy this one, I think you get the full effect of the characters if you start from the beginning of the series. One Little Sigh is another high-stakes crime thriller, with lots of cliffhanger chapters and possible motives. The mystery is gripping but the characters are what really make this series! I love Maggie! She’s a total bad ass, taking no crap from anyone, dogged and determined in her pursuit of justice, but deep down she’s also emotionally vulnerable and morally grey. This book really digs into Maggie’s brother’s disappearance and her subsequent career implosion, which is heartbreaking but also explains so much about who Maggie is today. The dual timeline structure is perfect for this type of story, and the ending is one that will really make you think about what’s right and wrong.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an advance copy of this book. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series!
TRIGGER WARNING: child murder Maggie Riley is haunted by the disappearance of her little brother 5 years ago. Now another little boy has vanished and her emotions are in turmoil as she relives the past whilst trying to investigate... One Little Sigh is the fourth book in the Detective Maggie Riley series. A four year old boy disappears from his home and his mother is frantic whilst his father is disinterested. Maggie fears the worst and is proved right when a little body is found in the lake (we know this from the prologue). She wants to find the killer to offset her guilt that she couldn't save her own brother 5 years earlier. The majority of the book is written from Maggie's first person perspective so we see her emotions and the progress of her investigation. Other chapters are from 5 years in the past as we witness her frustration at being unable to solve her brother's case. There are also chapters in the present day from Maggie's fiance Steve as he is struggling to keep a massive secret. Any book that involves child death is bound to be heart wrenching and upsetting. This is balanced by Maggie's fierce determination to catch the killer and fight the shadow that has blighted her life and destroyed her family. Her strength brings reassurance that there are good people in this cruel world. One Little Sigh is an emotionally charged and engaging detective thriller.
What are you prepared to do for the ones you love?
Chief Maggie Riley is back in book four of this series and the secrets both Maggie and Steve have been hiding, take front and center.
When a frantic mother approaches Maggie with the news her four-year-old son is missing, it instantly brings back memories of her brother who also vanished from a park at the same age. As she works the case, flashbacks to her brother's case are scattered through, providing more detail of what happened culminating in why she decided to take the role in this small town.
Steve's family is visiting as well as an unexpected and unwanted visitor from his past. You will see him battle his need to keep his secret and keep everyone safe with his inner guilt as well as a certain goodness that wants to make things right. Will keeping secrets erode the trust Maggie has in him and their future.
The ending of this book will have you considering the line of right and wrong and exactly what you would do for the ones you love. Regardless of your personal feelings of right/wrong, the ending will have you on edge waiting to find out is this the end for Maggie and Steve or will they have resorted trust in each other to find a path forward together.
One Little Sigh (Chief Maggie Riley Book 4) by Shannon Hollinger Pub Date: Jun 28 2024
One Little Sigh is Book 4 in the Chief Maggie Riley series, about small town crimes and a chief of police with a devastating past. Stories of resilience, determination a quest for redemption of a rural community with secrets and betrayals. Told from different POV'S, many, many twists and turns, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page until the last! This is the first book I've read in the series but I intend on reading the other three books!
Synopsis: The small child floats so gently in the water, he could be peacefully but the cold blue of his skin reveals his fate. One mother’s little boy is never coming home again. When Chief Maggie Riley sees the body of the small boy still dressed in pyjamas in Beaverhead Lake, her heart breaks. Little Patrick Warner went missing last night. Despite immediately calling the entire town of Coyote Cove into action, Maggie’s desperate search failed. Even worse, it’s clear it was Patrick took his last breath long before he entered the water.
Many thanks to #OneLittleSigh #NetGalley and #Bookouture for providing me with an E-ARC of this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As with all the books in this series the prologue is so haunting, it gets you scared and excited to read on because you know what’s happening and what’s to come.
With a child missing in Coyote Cove and then found murdered, Maggie has her work cut out for her as the abduction and murder brings back her own devastating past because her little brother suffered the same fate as little Patrick and the crime is still unsolved.
Maggie’s Fiancée Steve is also dealing with demons from his past that have come home to roost in the here and now, will he finally tell Maggie his secrets?.
The story was such a wild ride that it made stay up until 2am because I just couldn’t put it down until it had reached it’s conclusion.
The case was dark and disturbing and so twisty and I fell for the red herrings because I really couldn’t guess who would be revealed as the culprit.
I enjoyed the chapters set when Maggie’s brother went missing, I was so shocked and outraged on her behalf. I hope the next book focuses on this even more and she gets justice for him.
The whole series and especially this book will keep you gripped if you love that Small Town, Female Police Chief Vibe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is book 4 in the Chief Maggie Riley series. I just love this series. It is set in Coyote Cove Maine, a very rural area of Northern Maine. A 4 year boy goes missing. Maggie's past comes flooding back to her, as her own little brother was abducted when he was 4. Maggie does everything in her power to find this little boy. She does find him in the frozen river. This book kind of brings us back to the past in Maggie's life. Her missing brother. The way her family abandoned her. Her fiance Steve's trouble with an old friend. In between all of this, Maggie still hasn't gotten far on her wedding plans. Work is always getting in the way. When the little boy's mother goes missing, Maggie has her hands full.
I really liked this trip down memory lane for Maggie and Steve. It explained a lot of why Maggie is who she is today. Her relentlessness, her passion for her job. I can't wait until the next Maggie Riley book is out. This is one series I love.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it. I highly recommend this book and series to others.
Holy moly! The story in One Little Sigh (Chief Maggie Riley Book 4) by Shannon Hollinger was a page-turner. Especially what was happening with Steve. This is such a good series and I would recommend starting from book 1.
One Little Sigh is a great addition to the Maggie Riley series and is quite an exciting and engaging thriller.
Maggie has a hard time trusting anyone in her life, and with good reason. As she states, she doesn't really have a tribe, and I can relate to that. She also mentions that she has barbed wire guarding her heart. These make Maggie such a relatable and real character.
Maggie is determined to find justice for the victims of crimes, and she will stop at nothing to get that justice. The story of her brother was sad and intersected with current events in the book. I thought the line about the light that sparkled behind the child's eyes extinguished was quite poignant, as that is what happens when someone passes.
I would not hesitate to recommend this series, this book, and this author. The books are great reads thatthat will keep you guessing and engaged. They are good, solid thrillers that are page-turning.
Book 4 in the Chief Maggie Riley series follows Maggie's search for missing four-year-old Patrick, stirring painful memories of her own brother who disappeared at the same age. Despite a desperate search, Patrick’s body is discovered in a local lake and deemed a homicide. The story unfolds through a blend of present events and flashbacks, detailing Maggie's search for her brother and the events that led to the demise of her career as a big-city detective and her becoming the police chief of Coyote Cove.
The secondary plot involves Maggie’s fiancé, Steve, who is dealing with a visit from his mother, sister, and uncle, as well as a former friend from his past who threatens everything he loves and is determined to ruin his future.
This story is packed with shocking twists and turns, revealing more about Maggie and Steve's pasts. This remains one of my favorite series, and I can't wait to read Book 5.
Thank you to Net Galley, Bookouture and author Shannon Hollinger for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ARC Review ✨️ Chief Maggie Riley Series book 4 by Shannon Hollinger ✨️I loved the previous three books in the series. All were brilliant and suspenseful with excellent plots. This one is also gripping and unputdownable. ✨️ Full of tension and stress, this was a nerve-wracking police procedural, crime thriller. I loved Maggie and Steve both from the first book. Now I know so much more about their past. Told through both of their points of view and Maggie’s past struggles to find justice for her brother, it keeps getting intense and gripping throughout. Shocking secrets and painful reminders with balancing the investigation is Maggie’s efficiency. The author has degrees in Crime Scene Technology & Physical Anthropology, and it shows throughout the details of the investigation. The climax is superb with perfect shock. I finished it in two days. It's out now. ✨️ Thanks a lot to the author, @Netgalley , and @Bookouture for the eARC.
A child disappears and his body is found under the ice at the lake. His mother goes missing and Maggie has to find the person who is responsible. The case is personal for her, as Maggie's baby brother disappeared and this child reminds her of Brandon.
Another outstanding Maggie Riley book. I absolutely love this series. Maggie is a strong character, but in this book, you see she isn't perfect. She has flaws just like the rest of us! Steve has flaws as well, and I think is well suited to Maggie, and they both have secrets to keep.
Maggie's hunches and ability to read people comes in very handy in her investigations, and I can understand her reluctance to call in the State Police.
I can't wait for the next in this series, I am a huge fan!
I Highly recommend, 5/5 stars from me
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
So many suspects, so many people to dislike! I love this series, but I really needed Steve and Maggie to be honest with each other, it was getting old. Secrets come out, and yet once again Steve., well lets just leave that there, you need to read the book, I do not do spoilers. I was surprised on who the actual culprit was, and so much was understandable. Absolutely loved some of the interaction with CeCe, but hey, nothing was said about the results One Little Sigh shares more of Maggies lost, it goes back and forth between past and present and Maggie strives to do right. Loved the little bit of humor that is thrown in with Grandpa. I appreciate the opportunity to receive a free copy of this book with no expectations. I willingly share my thoughts and opinions. #OneLittleSigh #ChiefMaggieRiley #ShannonHollinger #Bookouture #NetGalley