Gathering Bones: A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Book Two

Bailey Flynn FBI #2

by Melinda Woodhall

A Treacherous Killer Carries Out a Terrifying Legacy of Abduction and Murder
After discovering a grisly collection of fresh human remains in a long abandoned burial ground, FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn faces off against a prolific serial killer with a hidden connection to Belle Harbor’s deadly past.

Suspecting the buried bones hold the key to the killer’s identity, she enlists the help of a local forensic anthropologist to excavate the gruesome crime scene and identify the remains.

But when the anthropologist goes missing and several members of the excavation crew turn up dead, Bailey fears the compulsive killer will stop at nothing to reclaim the bones taken from him and exact his deadly revenge.

Book Two in the new FBI mystery thriller series by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller Series and the Veronica Lee Thriller Series.

Genres: Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Crime

294 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series, so was excited to be able to receive the ARC for the second.

It’s a bit of a mixed bag- but keep in mind these are my thoughts! Other readers really loved it. I will state what I liked, and what I struggled with.

2.8 rating

Liked:

1. The dog Ludwig!

2. The premise of the book. Bones being left on top of old graves!

3. I liked Wendy.

Cate and Bailey. I like how they are bonding as sisters!

Struggles:

1. Lately there seems to be a trend where characters go off on their own into dangerous situations. This happened quite a bit in this book. And while I understand this will happen sometimes, it seemed to be a repeated plot point in this book, and I found myself groaning! Plus- you can’t be all martyr like to rescue someone and maybe sacrificing yourself, then text your love interest with your final wishes if something happens to you!

2. There is a lot going on: serial killer, drug smugglers, cartel, crooked politicians. And while there is a connection, it’s a lot!! I would be reading, then have to stop and make a jump in the story development.

3. The killer- I felt it was a bit contrived. I’m not giving spoilers- it just seemed to me this relationship would have been uncovered in a previous investigation.

4. Cate and Bailey’s mom!

The police procedural is decent, I do like some characters- so I will give the next book a try and hope for better.

Thank you BookSirens, Creative Magnolia, and the author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archeologists and mystery buffs may also like this book.

A multi-faceted who-done-it with many red-herrings thrown in the mix.

Politicians, digging for bones, murder, buried (no pun intended) secrets, police investigation, adoption records, protected turtles, and more come together in a mystery begging to be solved.

This book ticked off a lot of boxes!👍

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series is just as good as the first one, it’s incredible that this author manages to keep producing such riveting reads. Bailey is a really intriguing character, as are Dalton, Cate, Mason and of course Ludwig. I like that several character cross over into other series’, like Argus and Charlie Day, just as in real life. As always, nice plotting, twists, turns & red herrings to keep us interested, thinking we know where the stories going but never quite getting it right. Can’t wait for book number 3.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book #2

The story in a few words:

When an anthropologist goes missing and members of the excavation crew turns up dead during a dig at an abandoned burial ground, FBI Agent Bailey Flynn once again face off against a prolific serial killer.....

My thoughts:

This story is well thought of and is exciting to read. The suspense is continuously high and never lets go. The drama flows so well and is so fast paced that I was eager to see where it was going. Will Bailey get her man and find the missing anthropologist before it is too late or will she find her lifeless buried amongst the bones in the graveyard. Bailey is a great character not only is she smart she also has a heart of gold. She is one Agent very determined to close a case with good results. But the author always add twits to her stories to keep us on our toes and guessing who the killer might be, of course most of the time I am off base....hum. Maybe I should stop guessing and go with the flow ,,,naw.

This is another heart-pounding and emotional thriller I enjoyed quite a bit.

Since I am a huge fan of this author and Ms. Woodhall stories never disappointed I will be looking forward to the next installment.

Well-said and well-done

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntary

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gathering Bones is book 2 in A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller by Melinda Woodhall. I liked how seamlessly Gathering Bones flowed from book 1. There is a serial killer burying bodied in an old graveyard. The characters are great and well written. I found this book to be fast paced, exciting, can't read fast enough thriller. I think this author has written Bailey as strong and capable while she is also vulnerable. I liked how Melinda Woodhall ended this story and perfectly moves to book 3, Chasing Monsters. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although for me Bailey is still not quite as strong a lead as some of Melinda's other leads.

When a anthropologist is killed on a site where bones are being excavated, Bailey is drawn into the world of 'The bone cutter ' a killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

The plot moves along at a good pace, and the characters are starting to be developed nicely. I just wish I liked Bailey more.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant read this was. I enjoyed all of the authors other series and the first in this new series. This one continues along the same vein. She never disappoints.

Bailey investigates when a student involved in a dig in an old burial ground is murdered and the head of the dig goes missing. A local billionaire also seems to be hiding something which makes Bailey more determined to get to the bottom of things. As ever, it was an easy read and once I start one of these books, it's very hard to put down. It was riveting all the way through with a hint of romance throughout for some of the characters, and an ending that promises so much for the next book. I can't wait.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of thw Bailey Flynn series and I'm loving it. Ms. Woodhall creates characters you can't help but love. And of course there are the ones we all hope get what they deserve. Her world building is great and I love how it touches so many of the completed series she has in her back catalog. And just when you think one thread of a plot in complete we enter a new book with a new twist on that thread. Absolutely can not wait for book 3. Never have I been disappointed by anything this author writes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Wendy Wharton a forensic anthropologist and her students go to collect bones from Belle Harbor Burial grounds as she was working for the Bone Cutters Task Force . A murder takes place of one of the students Sven Ecklund and later another body of Lando Gutierrez a wanted criminal and Dr. Wendy goes missing. FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn and Detective Jimmy Fraser are in charge of the crime scene. There is a lot more going on in the Sun Creek Preserve close by and a serial killer at large. . A edge of the seat read to the finish . I received this ARC copy via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book as much as I did the first in the series. I hope this series continues for a long time. I love the way the author makes you feel like you are in the world she is writing about. I felt like I knew the characters and was nervous, scared, thrilled, happy, everything! I am definitely going back and read more of her books. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a good solid thriller with great characters and makes me feel like I'm in that world.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Melinda Woodhall because she knows how to craft a suspenseful story, but this wasn’t quite a five-star book for me.

There were too many secondary plots. The Nigella Ashworth, Roderick Payne and Jordan Stone storylines were a lot to keep track of on top of the main story about the Bone Cutter terrorizing Belle Harbor and the disappearance of Wendy Wharton. The Ashworth story was a carryover from the first book in this series, but the Payne and Stone stories were not.

Also, there were too many reminders of what happened to Bailey’s former law enforcement partner. Bailey and Valera, Detective Fraser’s newest partner, unnecessarily put themselves in harm’s way. I know this is fiction, but still…

Sabrina West is obnoxious! She didn’t have a huge role in this book, but she’s hard to take.

Will definitely continue to read this series.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Sirens eARC. In FBI agent Bailey Flynn's first case she had uncovered a cache of bones at an abandoned cemetery in Belle Harbor. Determined to identify the remains and catch the ruthless killer who has been using this dump ground for years Bailey follows every avenue. When another death ensues and a woman goes missing Bailey puts it all on the line for justice. A fast paced solidly plotted serial killer novel. Woodhall has become a go to author for me since I was introduced to her through Book Sirens. This writer's big strength is great character development and the creation of interactions between them deftly woven through the investigation that engages the reader leaving them wanting to revisit them. Recommend to anyone who enjoys crime thriller with compelling investigations and engaging characters.

[Greg Kitzmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the two Bailey Flynn novels. I hope that the author considers continuing this character.
She did a great job of developing the scenes and characters. I never felt unable the visualize the events as they unfolded. I read both books back to back. Each was completed on the same day I started it.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gathering Bones is Book 2 in the Bailey Flynn series and it weaves a treacherous plot of murder spanning decades in what appears to be both methodical and random crimes. Can Bailey catch the killer before more violence happens? As the body count rises and the questions continue to mount the pressure is on . Overall a satisfying story.

[Trudie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy books by this author. I love the way she creates different series that are all connected in order to follow a different main character. This is the second one in the latest series and I liked this one even more than the first one. Though it has a main character, the lives of the minor characters continue to move forward and their stories intertwine perfectly with the main storyline. As aways, I thought I had worked out who the killer was, but was completely wrong. I love the way the title perfectly matches the story. As expected, this was a really entertaining read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dr. Wendy Wharton and her staff start working a dig, somethings are not adding up. But when one of the staff members is murdered and Wendy ends up missing, then Bailey is called in. Just as she is hoping to find the doctor, there is a roadblock… basically her own mother who is representing Jordon Stone the owner of the property and refusing them to search for the doctor. There is something that isn't right with this Jordon Stone. What is he up to and how does it connect to the doctor's disappearance? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a good book! The suspense keeps building, so you won't want to put down this book. It grabs you. Will you figure out who the bone collector is? Not only a suspenseful story with twists but also a hint of pending romance. Although this can be read as a standalone book would recommend reading the first book before tackling this one. Will give you a more in-depth understanding of the characters. A hint of what is next for Bailey is revealed and can't wait for the next chapter in her story. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[M. Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Gathering

I'm really excited about this series. It has Florida-style felons and heroes. I enjoy how the author has included characters from previous series and that makes for a more layered, interesting story. I'm looking forward to the next installment "Chasing Monsters". Definitely recommend!

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melinda Woodall’s Gathering Bones, the second installment in the Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series, delivers a chilling and electrifying read that solidifies the series' reputation for gripping and intricately woven narratives. This novel plunges readers into a macabre investigation led by FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn, whose determination and resilience are tested against a backdrop of gruesome discoveries and relentless danger.

The plot of Gathering Bones is a masterclass in suspense and pacing. When Flynn unearths a collection of fresh human remains in an abandoned burial ground, she finds herself entangled with a prolific serial killer connected to Belle Harbor’s sinister history. The story's momentum is unyielding, with each chapter peeling back layers of mystery and ramping up the tension. Woodall’s ability to interweave the historical elements of Belle Harbor with the present-day investigation adds depth and complexity, keeping readers guessing and fully engaged.

Character development is where Gathering Bones truly excels. Bailey Flynn is portrayed with a depth that makes her both relatable and admirable. Her fierce commitment to uncovering the truth, coupled with her vulnerabilities, makes her a compelling protagonist. The dynamic between Flynn and the local forensic anthropologist, whose expertise becomes crucial to the case, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. As the stakes rise and the body count increases, Flynn's interactions with her team and the locals reveal her strategic acumen and her compassionate side.

Fans of the mystery thriller genre will find much to love in this book. Woodall’s meticulous attention to forensic details and her realistic portrayal of investigative procedures lend authenticity to the story. The tension between Flynn’s need to solve the case and the killer’s obsessive drive to reclaim the stolen bones creates a cat-and-mouse game that is both intellectually stimulating and heart-poundingly suspenseful. The novel’s atmospheric setting, combined with Woodall’s descriptive prowess, immerses readers in the eerie ambiance of Belle Harbor, enhancing the overall sense of dread and anticipation.

Moreover, Woodall’s exploration of themes such as justice, retribution, and the haunting nature of the past adds a layer of psychological depth to the thriller. The ethical dilemmas and moral questions faced by Flynn and her team provoke thought, making Gathering Bones not just a pulse-pounding read but also an intellectually engaging one.

Gathering Bones is a standout entry in the Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series, showcasing Melinda Woodall’s skill in crafting a narrative that is both horrifyingly captivating and emotionally resonant. With its well-drawn characters, meticulously plotted mystery, and relentless suspense, this novel is sure to satisfy fans of the genre and leave them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Bailey Flynn’s investigative journey. Woodall has undeniably penned a thriller that is as haunting as it is unputdownable.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins at a burial ground where grad students and their professor are searching for bones in order to assist the FBI. As the end of day comes, Wendy and Sven are just finished packing the car and Sven is waiting when he is killed. Wendy has made a call to a fellow professor when she hears someone yelling. Upon arriving and finding Sven, she is attacked and is able to run away. She only gets so far before she is shot.

The next morning after attending a party the previous night, Bailey gets a call alerting her to the killing. On arriving at the scene, she learns that Wendy is missing and begins a search. They follow the trail to a bridge where it disappears. Wendy call Dalton for assistance and they continue the search where they discover a body, an individual who was wanted. No luck finding Wendy. They continue the search along the river until they hit a roadblock at a natural preserve where they are not allowed to enter. It happens that the preserve is owned by the individual who gave the party the previous night. Bailey calls, but when he arrived, he refused admission to the preserve.

Later, another of the grad students working the site was found dead. Soon it became important to find Wendy hoping she was still alive. Two detectives from Belle Harbor were also assisting, one Bailey had work with before and another one a recent hire. Eventually they discovered a clue that put everything into perspective.

Follow Bailey and the team as they pursue the killer known as the "Bone Cutter, what the significance of "Belle Harbor Burial Grounds" was, what purpose the latest killings had as well who was responsible and why. Learn why the preserve was off-limits and whether Wendy was located.

The ending will sum it up nicely.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series:
Gathering Bones, #2 - A good continuation from Vanishing Angels. Interesting. Intriguing. A good pace, but Bailey does a stupid human trick near the end of the story. A couple of surprises add to the story. Source: BookSirens. 4*

Vanishing Angels, #1 - Interesting, intriguing, and immersing with a good pace, well written story lines, and good characters made this a hard to put down read. Clean language and no graphic details. Source: BookSirens. 5*
Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series end.

Frankie Dawson P.I. Mystery Thriller Series:
His Soul to Keep, #1 - I am surprised by how interesting and intriguing this book was by an author new to me. The story lines and the interesting variety of characters kept me glued to the pages. There was no stupidity and no ridiculous hollywood-style drama, but well written events and dialog. The way the story ended had a bit of magic feel or predictability to it, but it released the tension of this steady paced, intense story. Luckily, I have the next book lined up TBR. Source: BookSirens. 5*

His Heart of Darkness, #2 - Not sure, which is the better story but both are well done. Like His Soul, His Heart is well written, fast paced with good, likeable characters, and a twist. This story picks up near the time the His Souls ends. Just as hard to put down as HSTK. I was happy to find this author has more books written. Yay! Source: BookSirens. 5*
Frankie Dawson P.I. Mystery Thriller Series end.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another creepy crawler mystery starring Bailey Flynn where the setting is an old cemetery. New bones have been discovered buried on top of the old graves. Law enforcement has called in forensic anthropologists to properly sort through the bones. The fact that a killer is hiding his kills in an old cemetery is enough to give me goosebumps. Now the team just needs to figure out who the killer may be. He has been dubbed the Bone Cutter by the media. The need to solve this mystery becomes even more urgent when a member of the team disappears.

There is a lot of going on in this book with side stories. However, I found that I had no problem keeping up with the characters and their parts in each story.

The suspense is always off the charts with Melinda Woodhall. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what road we would take. This author always fools me with the true culprit with the twisty turns, surprises and action that will grab you by the throat and not let go.

There is a great cast of characters once again, with the exception of a new team member. There is also a reporter who knows no boundaries. She is definitely not my favorite character. Bailey is still recovering from a brush with death, but she has to get back on the horse again. Bailey Flynn is great at her job and mostly shows no fear. However, in this book we see a more human side to her without her heroic cape which made me like her even more.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Purple S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Agent Bailey Flynn is like no other. She’s on loan to Belle Harbor Police Department and the local FBI headquarters to head the Bone Cutter Task Force. Belle Harbor was being tormented by a serial killer, or it seemed serial killers. After Bailey had apprehended and killed Chad Hearst, the Belle Harbor cemetery was excavated. Someone had been burying and displaying bodies that didn’t belonging, hiding them in others graves and leaving piles of bones with sculptural precision in crypts.

It quickly became obvious that while some of these bodies may have been Chad Hearst’s kills, others were far too old for him to have been involved. As the forensic anthropology team starts to dig and uncover more and more bodies, someone who’s been lurking in the shadows becomes quite desperate. A grad student killed, a famed anthropologist and professor missing, it becomes glaringly obvious the Bone Cutter isn’t too happy about what the authorities are uncovering.

This book has such an interesting cast of characters, from Bailey and her trust canine sidekick Ludwig to her prosecutor sister Cate and the new-ish to town PI Dalton and his sister the face of the local news station. Each chapter bounces from the thoughts and perspectives of the different characters and dives Into their independent stories. I am personally a fan of Dr.Mason Knox, the medical examiner!

The book is the second in a series but very easily read as I standalone, as I did. Safe to safe I’ve become a huge fan and can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Thanks so much to Booksirens for an ARC 💞

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Flynn has another case that comes on the tail of her first and dovetails in with some of the same questionable people of the first case. The graveyard in the first book is being looked into now as the graves show signs of being disturbed. A team of people were brought in to look into it. And someone else did not like that and killed a grad student, took evidence and made the lead Dr. Wendy Wharton was shot and presumed dead. As soon as possible a search started for the good doctor as blood was found and they fear if not found soon she would die.
The usual cast of characters were brough in with a number of rat holes they crawl into and out of and corrupt people willing to do anything for the all mighty dollar. Some questions at the end were answered some were not but more story lines between characters were developed. Cate and Mason are moving forward slowly, and Bailey and Dalton are also moving forward as Bailey thinks she may be leaving Belle Harbor and heading back “home” soon. But knowing Melinda this is just another ruse, as Bailey won’t leave there are just too many people of questionable character in Belle Harbor yet.
Typical of Melinda’s books, this one had many twists and turns and unanswered questions but yet a complete book in itself with some people who still need to be put in jail for taking advantage of other less advantaged people of society. Highly recommend this series it’s a quick read and worth your time.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Gathering Bones* is a compelling sequel to *Vanishing Angels*, delivering another captivating installment in the Bailey Flynn series. This book earns a solid 4/5 for its engaging plot, strong character development, and intricate mystery.

Bailey Flynn continues to shine as a protagonist, showcasing her sharp investigative skills and unyielding determination. The new case she tackles in *Gathering Bones* is both chilling and thought-provoking, with layers of complexity that keep the reader deeply engaged. The procedural elements are again well-executed, providing a realistic and immersive experience for fans of the genre.

One of the strengths of this book is the depth of the supporting characters. Melinda Woodhall has a knack for creating memorable and multifaceted characters who add richness to the story. The interplay between Bailey and her colleagues is particularly well done, adding both tension and camaraderie to the narrative.

While the book is highly entertaining, a few minor plot points could have been tightened up to enhance the overall flow. However, these are small quibbles in an otherwise excellent mystery novel.

Overall, *Gathering Bones* is a worthy continuation of the Bailey Flynn series, offering suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth. I highly recommend it to fans of procedural reads.

[Silje · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the Bailey Flynn series, so I recommend starting with the first book, as the stories are closely related. There's a lot of information you'll miss if you start with this one.

Bailey Flynn and her team are investigating a bone grave they discovered during their last case. Secrets are concealed within the bones, and someone is willing to go to great lengths to keep them hidden. When a person is murdered and the forensic anthropologist goes missing, Flynn is in a race against time and a murderer.

The characters are the same as in the first book, with a few new additions. Some are crucial to the plot, while others are less significant, but they likely play a role in setting up the plot for the third book. As a result, it may be challenging to keep up with all the storylines, and it leaves a few loose ends at the end of the book.

The story isn't extremely fast-paced, but it has good momentum. The plot is more intricate this time, though still good. More people are involved, and several of them have their own agendas. It's possible to argue that the identity of the Bone Carver is somewhat unrealistic, but I can't say more without spoilers.

Overall, it's a good mystery and an enjoyable read. I would rate it 3.5. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of a five book series. These book can be read alone but I find that I really have a must better understanding when I have read the series, but that is just my opinion. This book "gathering bones" starts where the book "vanishing angels" ends. This is a series about an FBI agent, Bailey Flynn that is helping out in her home town in Florida to solve a mystery. The latest is that they have discovered a grisly collection of fresh human remains in an old abandoned burial ground. FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn faces off against a serial killer with a hidden connection to Belle Harbor's deadly past. They suspect that the buried bones will hold the key to the killers identity, so Bailey enlists the help of the local forensic anthropologist to excavate the gruesome crime scene and identify the remains. But then the anthropologist goes missing and several members of the excavation crew turn up dead. Bailey now fears that the compulsive killer will stop at nothing to reclaim the bones taken from him and continue with his acts of deadly revenge. Now Bailey and her faithful side kick Ludwig really have their work cut out for them. They have to identify and find the serial killer before he claims his next victim and also find her missing friend.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Wendy Wharton and her grad students have been tasked with collecting bones that were left on top of graves at Belle Harbor Burial Ground. But when one student is murdered and Wendy disappears, FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn is invited to help with the case. Bailey follows a trail through the woods where they believe Wendy may have fled from the killer before jumping in the river. Did she drown? Is she still alive? The bones that were being collected from the burial site have been taken. Did the person who put them on top of the graves take them back? Bailey, along with Detective Jimmy Frasier, are working against time to find Wendy alive.

This is the second book in the Bailey Flynn series. I didn't like it as much as the previous book. This one was a little too cluttered. We have the murder of the grad student along with Wendy's disappearance and a serial killer leaving bones at the graveyard. When another body is found in the same area, police are surprised when he is identified as a known fugitive from a drug cartel. How does this murder tie in with the others? Overall, I liked the mystery, but it could have cut the extraneous material that was thrown in. My rating: 3.5 Stars.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been a big fan of Melinda Woodhall's books and this one didn't disappoint.
When FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn discovers new bone in an ancient cemetery she enlists the help of forensic anthropologist, Wendy Wharton to unearth and examine the bones. Wendy is being helped by two Phd students, Sven and Nadia but Sven is found murdered at the site and Wendy has disappeared, someone wants these bones but who and why ?
Bailey is worried, she couldn't have another death on her hands to give her nightmares.
As the body count escalates it becomes clear to Bailey that there was a serial killer on the loose, she still hadn't found Wendy and there were no clues.
This book had me gripped from the first page, which high profile residents, which high profile officials of Belle Harbor could be trusted ?
I love the characters in these books, Dalton who is always there to help Bailey, Cate, her sister who joins forces with Bailey against their opinionated, controlling mother, Ludwig, Baileys faithful dog, I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Voracious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compelling thriller from Melinda Woodhall. Bailey Flynn is all set to wrap up the Angels case, leave Belle Harbor and head back to D.C. when another case needs her attention. It appears Belle Harbor is harboring another serial killer.

In the first book I wasn't sure I was really going to like Bailey. She seemed so focused on her career that she didn't care about anything or anyone else. As I came to know her I found that she was just trying to protect herself from further hurt. She cares very much about other people she just cares so much about the people she is trying to save that sometimes she fails to show it. This book seems to start drawing her closer to her family.

I really like Bailey's determination. Investigating this case seems to keep stalling out as road block after brick wall keeps getting put in her way but Bailey doesn't let anything stop her. She will find a way to solve this case and hopefully in time to save the latest missing person.

I can hardly wait to find out what case Mrs. Woodhall comes up with for Bailey next.

I received an ARC of this book. I am voluntarily giving my opinion.