Vražedná naděje

Detective Madison Harper #4

by Wendy Dranfield

Detektiv Madison Harperová se těší na Den díkůvzdání, který po letech strávených ve vězení konečně zase oslaví se svým synem. Ale ani jí, ani městečku Lost Creek není poklidný sváteční den dopřán. V domě na okraji města je totiž bez známek života nalezena Terri Summersová, pečovatelka z místního domova pro seniory. Byla to laskavá žena, která si žila svůj život a do ničeho se nepletla, tak proč by jí někdo ubližoval? Madison má pramálo vodítek a náhlé úmrtí v policejním týmu do vyšetřování vnese ještě větší zmatek.
Plné ruce práce má i Nate Monroe. Rozhodl se totiž prozkoumat odložený případ, jehož stín se nad Lost Creek vznáší už šest let – zmizení manželky a vnuka Vince Radera, majitele místního bistra. Podaří se Nateovi vyřešit záhadu a najít odpovědi, po kterých Vince tak dlouho prahne?
Oba případy jsou spletité a plné neznámých a naděje na jejich rozmotání může být vražedná.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Fiction, Detective, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

368 pages

First published April 13, 2022

About the author

Wendy is the author of the Detective Madison Harper series. Her novels and short stories have been shortlisted and longlisted for various writing competitions and awards, including the International Thriller Writer Awards.

Please note; as Wendy writes crime fiction, including police procedurals and psychological thrillers, her books contain plots, characters and actions dealing with a variety of crimes, including physical and psychological.

Wendy does not use social media, so if you find an account pretending to be her on any platform, it’s 100% fake! Visit her website for the most accurate and up-to-date information about her books: wendydranfield.co.uk

The final book in the Det. Madison Harper series will be out in May 2026.

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Detective Madison Harper series by author Wendy Dranfield. I have read the previous books in this series and for me they have got steadily better as I have got more into the character of Madison.

Detective Madison Harper is called to a crime scene when a local care worker Terri Summers is found dead in her home. The young woman lies across the bed, dressed as if she was going somewhere special but the blood that covers the sheets tells a completely different story.

Why would someone brutally kill this young woman who spent her life trying to help others. The blood spatter suggests that Terri knew her attacker and the awkward positioning of the body gets Madison’s attention. On moving the body she finds what appears to be a child’s bracelet and a single red bead clenched in Terri’s hand as if she was hiding it. Madison must try to stop the killer before they strike again.

I felt that this was the best of the series so far, fast paced, intriguing plot and well written.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel

wendy dranfield has done it again...couldnt put this book at all and finished it in a day....

this book cover a mulititude of crimes but the disappearance of a grandmother and her grandson has been upsetting the town for years, with no sight or sound of them or their bodies its not long before the grandfather becomes suspect number one...

but as another murder is found its not long before madison harper is sniffing for clues and when a suicide is uncovered it suddenly becomes personal...

oh my goodness me this one will just keep you reading right to the end...never suspected a thing and when all is revealed i was left with my jaw hanging open....

brilliantly written and i cant wait for the next book from this fantastic author

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this procedural thriller but I'm not as enamored as most people seem to be. You really should read the first 3 in the series first, since this makes constant references to what came before. I also really dislike the fact that the main character is apparently this dumb in some regards. I won't spoil anything, but I immediately knew something was not what it seemed and it felt like everybody involved should have guessed it. Hello -- these are police officers and this never occurs to them, and they don't even run basic tests???? Also, the end reveal involved what I consider kind of cheating in mysteries, even though I had guessed it. And another thing was never explained and seemed totally random and bizarre.

It's a good book and it has likeable characters, but it also feels kind of like a Lifetime movie and none of it is believable. Still a fun read though. I'd read more by the author.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

[Tove R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and well plotted book in the typical "read it in one sitting" style written by Wendy Dranfield. I like this series because it is somehow so personal. Madison's story is riveting, and every person in her life is a unique part of her life. In this extraordinary book she loses someone, but gains another important person.

I like how Madison grows as a person and does not let her past define her. I like it that she is such a strong person even though there is always something bad happening in her life. Dranfield writes so vividly that I sometimes feel like I am present int eh story myself. I am always overcome with joy when the next book in the series is being published. Another win, five stars!

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Gone To Her Grave' by Wendy Dranfield.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Wendy Dranfield, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 13th April 2022

This is the fourth book I have read by this author. It is also the fourth book in the 'Detective Madison Harper' series but it can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'Cry For Help' which is the second book in the 'Detective Madison Harper' series, 'Little Girl Taken' which is the third book in the 'Detective Madison Harper' series and 'The Birthday Party' which is a standalone. I would highly recommend each of them.


I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.' I am a huge fan of Melinda, Lisa AND Kendra so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a fan of Wendy Dranfield and if this is half as good as 'Cry For Help', 'Little Girl Taken' and 'The Birthday Party' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 58 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in Lost Creek, Colorado, USA 🇺🇸.

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Detective Madison Harper, Nate Monroe and Ruby Rader. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out on anything.

Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely epic page turner!!! Well done Wendy you have done it yet again!! Absolutely smashed it!!!!!!!

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading the next book, and the previous one in this series.

An addictive, nail biting, page turning, heart racing and compelling storyline which had many layers of mysteries and crimes for the reader to be kept guessing throughout. Filled with twists, turns, shocks, tragedy and red herrings throughout I had no idea who did what until the end. This is an achievement in itself as it is definitely getting harder to surprise me with the amount of crime novels I've read. There was so many explosive bombshells in this book that I actually lost count on how many times I was shocked which I didn't think would be possible!!! The plot was unique and realistic. It started straight in the action and kept you going on a roller-coaster ride of suspension throughout. I was in tears when I read certain things, absolutely heartbreaking especially when they did the end of watch call which I had never heard of previously so had to look it up and was glad I did although I ended up in even more tears when I watched a video on YouTube!! There were also several other occasions when my heart was in my throat and I was welling up but I won't mention those as not to spoil it for future readers. It's been a long time since I've cried reading a crime book so yet another huge achievement Wendy although not sure I should be thanking you for making me cry 😂 . It is so hard to say how gutted I was about certain events without giving anything away to future readers but I'm sure once people have read it they will know exactly what I mean. Well done Wendy you did absolutely amazing and everything was tied up perfectly. The twists and turns in this book left me going from laughter to tears of sadness to absolute shock!!! Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions!!! I just could not put this book down and would absolutely LOVE to see this whole series turned into a TV series!!! Hint, hint Wendy 😉

I have loved this series from the start but I must say Wendy you just keep getting better and better with each book and this has got to be the best so far!!! It is most definitely in my top 5 books I've read this year!!! That may not seem like much but my average is 20/30 a month.

It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.

Before you start this make sure you clear your schedule because once you pick it up you are not going to want to put it down!!!!

Although this is the fourth book in the series I had would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely loved meeting certain characters again which definitely included Madison, Nate and Brody along with discovering new ones!! I loved the fact that the main lead was such a strong female with alot of background and yet having gone through so much and still going through so much Madison still didn't back down!! I cannot wait to read what happens next with her. I also enjoyed Nates character but of course being an animal lover my favourite has to be Brody!!! I really like Vince's character and his obsession with all things crime and I really enjoyed meeting him again. I am looking forward to seeing how Mendes and Madison's relationship develops in the next book and although I really didn't click with her when I first met her she has surprised me on a few occasions. My mind was blown when a certain characters true colours were revealed. I wasn't a fan of them but I certainly did not expect that!! I won't say anymore not to spoil it for future readers but if you have read it I'm sure you'll know who I am talking about and if you haven't then what are you waiting for?? The same applies about not revealing who I'm speaking about here but I cannot wait to see how they fit in and how them being there will affect everybody's lives!!! All the characters were strong and well defined. I enjoyed that the author gave just the right amount of background information on the characters to let us know about them for it to be a standalone but not too much so if you've read the first book your not going over the same information too much.

Congratulations Wendy on yet another success and here's to the next explosive book in this absolutely epic series!!! This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and why this series is in my top 5 crime series!!!

Although this is a crime thriller have the tissues at the ready!!!

Overall a must read, pulse racing, addictive page turning crime thriller thay will keep you on edge.


Genres covered in this novel include Crime, Police Procedural, Crime Thriller and Mystery amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans Melissa Leigh, Lisa Regan, Angela Marsons, C. L Taylor, Kendra Elliot, Carol Wyer and anyone looking for a great new series.

384 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews

#GoneToHerGrave #Bookouture #WendyDranfield #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
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[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Wendy Dranfield.
I love catching up with Madison, Nate and Brody and as usual danger is not too far away from them.
Madison is investigating the murder of a young woman who has been shot in her own home.
She’s expecting Douglas back on duty but when he doesn’t show, she becomes worried.
Nate has been asked by Vince to find out what happened to his wife and grandson as he can’t rest until he knows.
I won’t say anymore as you need to see how it all unfolds…
There’s some great twists to this story and I didn’t see any of them coming.
This is another gripping read in a brilliant series which I highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Jazz Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Madison Harper series and it just keeps getting better and better i have to say honestly! if you haven't read books 1 to 3 then stop reading this review and run to amazon and start reading!!!

Madison and her team are called out to a local woman's home, she is laid in bed perfectly still almost like sleeping beauty, but she isn't asleep she is dead. When more death's start popping up Madison and Nate realise their cases are linked. With the deaths moving closer to home they are on a mission to find out how the deaths are related and what the reason behind them was. Madison is so focused on the case when a blast from the past shows up she doesn't know how to handle it!

I love this series, i love Nate i love Madison i want them to marry and have a million brilliant children, but hey i am not a writer i'm a reader and i will just wait for that to eventually happen. But what i really loved about this book is i couldn't work out what the motivation for the murders would be, they didn't seem linked at all and it just felt really random, i couldn't therefore work out who the killer was at all. I really enjoyed it though and when it was all revealed ii was in shock if i'm completely honest. Make sure you read the prologue and don't forget it, like i did.
I found it great reading about Madison back on the force like she was last time and reading how she is struggling to fit in, Plus with half the town still seeing her as a cop killer it's still really hard for her to fit back in and gain the trust of the locals. Not only that she has a partner on suspension because of his drinking, Nate and his occasional drug addiction and of course with Owen home trying to figure out how they can work as a family again.

Nate was a little less vocal in this book but i must admit there were a few emotional moments where my heart just went out to him. I must admit he is my favourite character in this series well second to the dog anyway. He is investigating the historic case of The local gran who is missing along with their grandchild. Shes been missing for years and they are yet to get any conclusion. Ruby's husband just wants to know what happened he just need answers. Nate is of course working very hard to see what the original police on the case miss, turns out there's a lot that they missed.

The prose is amazing as per usual and i must admit i love how complex and complicated our main characters are. They are very humanised and it is just so easy to imagine them as the people they are. I honestly think Madison is one of my favourite detectives and i think this is largely down to the way it's written. Madison and Owen's relationship is so complicated and i've read so many books with parents being united with children after x amount of years and things being perfect. Wendy Drainfield writes so well how this just isn't the case. She also describes places, people and situations so well and as an imaginative reader i find it to really help me understand the characters more.

would i recommend this book?
Yes of course i would along with the entire series. I loved it so much and even once i untangled the puzzle and worked out the motivation for the murders i still didn't see the killer coming. I think this was one of my favourite so far . easy 5 stars and highly recommend. If you are fans of Lisa Regan, D.K Hood or Ruhi Choudary then pick up a copy of this book and don't put it down!

thanks to Netgalley, Wendy Drainfield and Bookouture for the digital ARC of gone to her grave in exchange for my far and honest opinions.

[Mehva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read in the series. The main characters are likeable, smart and courageous. Plot was interesting,, what is the connection between a cold case where a woman and her grandson have been missing for years and current murders if any. This could be read as a stand alone, but has more depth if you read the whole series and see Nate and Madison's relationship evolve

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone to Her Grave is the fourth book in the Detective Madison Harper series and it is fantastic! Madison has to put her Thanksgiving holiday preparations on hold to investigate the murder of a young woman with no known enemies. The Cold Creek, Colorado police department is short-handed, but Madison is pulled into a cold case from six years ago of a woman and her grandson that her close friend Nate Monroe, a private investigator, has been investigating.

There are plenty of suspects in both cases, which keeps the reader guessing. I was able to work out some of the details, but there were still many surprises. The cases stand on their own, but I'm glad I've also read the prior three books to see the development in the characters and their relationships. I especially enjoy the friendship and working relationship between Madison and Nate, and would love to see them become a couple in the future.

This case didn't quite have the same level of suspense that some of the others in prior books, but I like the overall tone and pace of the book and the way things were resolved in the end. This is definitely a series I will continue to follow. 4/4.5 stars

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Bookouture. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hoping that this novel, the 4th in Wendy Dranfield's series featuring detective Madison Harper, would be equally as good as the first three instalments and to my great delight, it was!

On the Eve of Thanksgiving, Madison, a detective at Lost Creek Police Department is on her way to pick up Detective Don Douglas, her police partner, but gets called to a crime scene; a care assistant has been shot dead in her home. Don never arrives for work and Nate Monroe, in his role as a private investigator, has agreed to investigate a cold case, the disappearance of a young child and his gran, 6 years prior.

Wendy Dranfield has once again penned a remarkable tale with so many twists that I could not put it down. The multilayered plot is enthralling and the subplots are all woven together superbly creating a compulsive police procedural. With the tension levels on the upwards ratchet, there are tonnes of action and drama. Truly brilliant.

Disclosure: Thank you to Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of Gone to Her Grave by Wendy Dranfield, via Netgalley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I have come to love this series.
Madison is called to investigate the murder of a local care worker whilst Nate is asked by local diner owner Vince to reopen the investigation into his wife and grandsons disappearance.
Madison and Nate work so well together and this case draws on all their resources and brings back lots of memories both of them would prefer to forget.
I can't wait to see what Wendy has in store for us next
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this advanced copy , I am under no obligation to leave my review

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advance read of this title. Having finally got round to starting this series a few weeks ago, I read the previous three books one after the other and it has now become a firm favourite series. I love the main characters backstory and of course Brody! I flew through this book and I can't wait to see what comes next for Madison and Nate. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest entry in the Detective Madison Harper series, Madison and her team need to find the killer of a woman named Terri who was discovered dead in her home, shot in her bedroom. Everyone in her life knew her to be a gentle soul, and can't imagine who on earth would have done this to her. The best they can speculate is that it was her boyfriend, considered to be a loser and undeserving of a partner as sweet as Terri. He appears to have an alibi, but that doesn't mean he is innocent. Almost as soon as the investigation starts, a serious blow is dealt when a team member is found deceased. Madison will do whatever it takes to prove these crimes are linked and to stop any further destruction.

Meanwhile, Madison's good PI friend, Nate, is looking into the disappearances of the wife and grandson of Vince, the beloved owner of the town's diner. Ruby and Oliver vanished six years ago and the town has always feared the worst. People have been torn between supporting Vince and suspecting him. Nate warns him that he will go where the evidence takes him, even if it points to his client or other members of their family. One way or another, justice will prevail.

I loved this story, and it was so satisfying to finally learn what happened to Vince's family. It's quite an emotional book, and as usual, you're left wanting more. I can't wait for the next one!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Detective Madison Harper Series and it’s another cracker of a read. Set mainly in the present with a number of flashback chapters to 6 years earlier, including the prologue telling of the murder of Mrs Rosemary Hendricks. This was a unputdownable book that grabbed my attention from the off. Could be read as a stand-alone but the series is so good I would recommend starting at the beginning and getting a good knowledge of the background. You will thank me.

Briefly, Madison, is called out to the murder scene of Terri Summers, a care worker and seemingly a woman with no enemies. But before the investigation can get underway Madison’s police partner is found dead, appearing to have committed suicide. Meanwhile PI Nate Monroe, Madison’s closest friend, has agreed to investigate a cold case, the disappearance of a young child and his grandmother, 6 years earlier. When connections are found between the two cases the two detectives find themselves working in concert again. Can they solves the current murders and find the missing people, or their bodies?

I love this series, particularly the lead characters Madison and Nate, and of course the incomparable Brody - the most loyal of friends! There has always been a bit of a simmering attraction between them (the two legged ones) and I so wanted to see them get together in this book; obviously I can’t tell you if they do, you need to read the book. With twists and turns throughout I was constantly changing my mind about the outcome but I never guessed the truth. Brilliant. I can’t wait for the next instalment ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. When I was about half way through I messaged my reading buddy and told her there was another series that we needed to start.

The book opens with a prologue showing us the murder of Mrs Rosemary Hendricks 6 years earlier. We then move on to the current timeline and another murder, Terri a carehome assistant who everybody loved. Why would anyone want to murder her? While Madison is investigating what happened to Terri, he best friend and private investigator Nate has been asked to investigate a cold case, 6 years earlier Vince's wife and grandson disappeared, he wants closure, he needs to know what happened. He can't imagine his wife ran off with somebody and took her grandson with her but at the same time, if they'd been murdered, surely their bodies would have been found?

There are some terrific characters in here, aside from the main two. Everyone is so well drawn. There is obviously murder and violence, but it's not graphic. I may have even shed a tear at one point!

This is the first book of Wendy Dransfield's that I've read, although it's the fourth in the series. I'll definitely be going back and reading her earlier books.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 'must read' for crime thriller fans,
With a serial killer hiding his plans....
A care worker is killed but no one knows why
Such a kind hearted, caring person - why did she die?

Detective Madison Harper leads the investigating team,
And is convinced things aren't quite as they seem.
She's even more perplexed when her partner dies
Was he really so depressed he'd commit suicide?

Meanwhile her friend, PI Nate Monroe has a plan
To try to discover what happened to a boy and his Gran.
Years have passed with no trace of this pair
But Vince knows she wouldn't leave as if she didn't care.

Could their cases be connected, read it to see
With great characters and twists nothing is as plain as can be.
There's family dramas, dangers, tragedy and more
As the investigators both cases explore.

I found this to be a brilliant addition to this series and so
I highly recommend, if you enjoy crime thrillers, you also give it a go!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
An enthralling read and this is my honest review.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone to Her Grave is book 4 in the Detective Madison Harper series written by Wendy Dranfield. This series is so engrossing! Definitely a police procedural that I highly recommend to anyone that reads crime/mystery/thriller fiction.
We start out with Detective Harper investigating the murder of a young women. As she begins her investigation, her case and a cold case of 6 years seem to be connected in some way. She has help from her PI friend, Nate, and his dog, Brody.
I had no clue as to who the killer was until the very last pages of the book. I didn’t want the book to end! This series is so addictive! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the previous books in this series were great but this one blew them all out the water! Absolutely fantastic read, fast paced and excellent storyline.

It's Thanksgiving, and the residents of Lost Creek are looking forward to some downtime with family and friends but this comes to a swift halt when local woman, Terri Summers, is found murdered in her bed. Madison Harper is convinced there is more to the case than meets the eye and sets out to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Private Investigator, Nate Monroe is hired by local diner owner desperate to find answers to the mystery of his wife and grandsons disappearance six years ago.

Every chapter was filled with explosive action, with a gripping storyline which wove its was through to an breath-taking conclusion. Highly recommend this book and series.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the review copy.

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series (I had to double check that. I can't believe we're on book four already!) and while it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend at least reading the previous book Little Girl Taken as a bit of the storyline ties into this one.

What can I say about Gone To Her Grave? It's this; buckle yourself in, you're in for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride!

It's Thanksgiving for Madison and Nate, but there's no rest for the pair. Madison is tasked with investigating the death of Terri Summers, a well-liked young woman with a distinct lack of suspects. Nate, on the other hand, is looking into the disappearance of Ruby and her grandson six years earlier at the request of her husband Vince, the number one suspect in their disappearances. Both are frustrated with their lack of leads, but neither will give up until they find out what happened.

As usual with Wendy's books, it's fast-paced and there are plenty of twists and turns. This book also contained a good few shocks which I was not prepared for and may have caused me to tear up a bit.
I feel like Wendy Dranfield is teasing us at this point over the will they won't they between Madison and Nate, but I can't say I'm too mad at it.

There's a figure from Madison's past that pops up in this story, and I'm very interested in seeing what their role will be in the next book.

Gone To Her Grave is a fantastic addition to this series and I'm already looking forward to seeing what's next for Madison and Nate.

[Zoe Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of the Madison Harper series and they are just getting better and better! Madison and her best friend PI Nate are back to solve more mysteries in Lost Creek.

The owner of Rubys diner Vince has hired Nate to look into the disappearance of his wife and 4 year old grandson who vanished 6 years ago.

These books and character developments are really good and I’m engrossed in this series!

[Brooke Sillaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Round up to 4.5 stars.

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something of a puzzle here. It’s a small town with an industry that seems to consist of a bar, a diner and a care home. Perhaps I missed something from previous titles. It has a rather large PD and can even spring for a therapist for burned-out officers. Also puzzling are the family relationships, I’ve got them in my mind finally, but it took a time. Even the author confused mother- and daughter-in-law at one point. As if there were not enough, she brings in a long-lost a few pages before the end. Withal, the plotting is not too bad. A few complaints here – why no GSR test straight off? Hardly fair to keep principal perpetrator hidden miles away. And fairly shoddy PD hiring processes. But the heroine has two fashionable names for women, one first and one second. Too much dog!

[Joanne Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does not disappoint!!

After binge reading the first 3 books in this series, I was left waiting with anticipation for book 4 to see where Wendy would take the 2 key characters of this book and the next mystery to be served up, so I was very happy when I was able to get my hands on an ARC.

A 6yr old cold case, a new murder and a suspected suicide, are they connected, is someone covering their tracks, will Nate and Maddie solve all three cases before more lives are lost. With danger around every corner and a final twist, this book will have you gripped.

I love the special bond and friendship that Maddison and Nate share, for me, that is a key ingredient for this series, the characters, who, with each story, you get to know that much more.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, talk about a tear-jerker toward the end of the book. Wendy Dranfield crafts scene descriptions that evoked emotions and had me sobbing in parts. The scenes pop out on the page. Gone to Her Grave has two stories being told that eventually intersect, and what great stories they are.

I loved Nate's dog and hope he is featured more in other books. Gone to Her Grave had a satisfying ending.

I will definitely read more from this author.

#GonetoHerGrave #NetGalley @bookouture

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cannoli…

This series is so dang good. I could not put this book down. What a fantastic, twisted, complicated mystery. There were also times I cried. This author is so talented.

This series is a favorite of mine. Madison, Nate, Owen and all the gang make this series. And I’m excited with the addition of the new character. And I was sad for the loss.

If you are a fan of Lisa Regan, Stacy Green, Angela Marsons to name a few then you MUST read this series.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not joking when I spent quite a bit of this book crying. It has broken me. A detective thriller, making me cry….well it did.

What.a.story. I have read and loved all Wendy’s books (ok I have still to read) but as you may or not be aware, I have been a HUGE fan basically from the start with her Dean series. *swoon* then she brought Nate into my life as we spent awhile on social media trying to figure out who he might be. I was always worried that I wouldn’t like Nate as much as Dean, or dare I say it, more than Dean but its ok! There is room for both. But this book, in this series, (sorry Dean) is by far my favourite of ALL of Wendy’s books.

For the few days I was bed ridden, I read when I could and I blitzed this book. As I say, I cried at the opening scenes and the third body we find. Well I spent ages internally screaming not to open the door, not to be true. And bam the unthinkable happened.

I seriously can’t handle it, I still won’t accept it. Its not ALLOWED!!!!!!!!!! Then!!!! While Madison is focusing on said murders, Nate is investigating a cold case on behalf of the loveable Vince. Love the friendship of Vince and Nate and cant wait to see more of it.

Angie, the despicable sister of Madison rears her completely ugly grotesque head and we briefly see Kacie from book 3. Angie is back messing with Madison and Nate and I worry for the future.

This book was INTENSE! If I wasn’t lying down I would be in the edge of my seat. I was furiously tuning the pages with the little energy I had as I needed to know what the fricking hell was going on.

Near the end, all I will say, the scene in the police station, well that was it I was bawling like a baby, holding my breath at the realisation at something huge about to happen. And then when it did, I would have dropped to my knees just like one of the characters did. My heart broke and mended and broke so many times.

From the days of Dean, to now, Wendy has become a power house of an author. Her writing is top notch and she will keep you guessing. Subtle hints to question things and then throw a spanner in it all.

This book, as I have said, is my favourite. I love this series so much. Madison and Nate are one of my fav power couple from a Bookouture author. This is definitely one of my top books of the year. I really do not know what else to say about how much I loved this book. It was just fantastic. I never feel any part dragged. We see every aspect of Madison and Nate, the good, the bad, and the dark. We are there wishing them on, hoping that their second chances will lead to places they want to be.

I seriously can not wait for book 5.

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Detective Madison Harper is in charge of investigating the murder of a care worker, PI Nate Monroe has been hired to look into a cold case. A woman and her grandson who disappeared six years ago. When Madison receives upsetting news that a close colleague has committed suicide, she refuses to believe he has taken his own life. And when she finds a connection between the care worker and the dead lawman, she requests another autopsy, convinced the two deaths are linked.

This is the fourth book in the Madison Harper/Nate Monroe series and in my opinion the best yet. The storyline is gripping and keeps you guessing all the way (although I have to say I had my suspicions about one character). Wendy’s writing simply flows onto the page. I love the way the relationship between Maddie and Nate is developing and also the addition of one new character who looks as though they are going to stay around for a while. Nate’s dog Brody has also become an essential part of the team.
As with the other books in this series, you get the feeling although everything has been wrapped up and the case solved, there is more to come – I do hope so!
Looking forward to what’s in store next for our crime fighting couple.

I would like to thank Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Gone to Her Grave in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say what???? Man, sorry my brain is still stumbling through it all. This is a first time author, first time read for me. Some true gritty stuff that happens in real life (Nate) dealt with taste and truth in the series. I want to read the first 3 books but if my heart hurts for Madison and Nate now I don't know if I could handle the first 3. There is so much going on, you can relate what Detective Madison goes through, here job, her life, her friendship with Nate. A twisty tale of murder, loss woven so tightly that you don't see the ending coming. I am grateful for the rays of sunshine and hope that the author weaves through. I am in love with Brody (the 4 legged ex police dog) and was thrilled to meet Madison's dad. I am so looking forward the the next one and am working diligently at putting on my big girl panties to go back and read 1-3. An incredible who done it, police procedural, with all the feels and then some. Thank you Bookouture, NetGalley for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts an opinions.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

People who are, just like me, hooked on this author’s books know we have been introduced to Vince previously. We also know he what he has been dealing with and I was wondering when the mystery would be unravelled. Well, it seems like the time is now. Yeah! 😊

Because the police has given up searching and everything is now catalogued as a cold case, Nate decides to help his friend and tries to find out what has been going on.

Madison, on the other hand, has a lot to deal with too. A murder case with zero clues and a devastating event that touches her personally are thrown at her.

Someone is not happy with how things go and they don’t want this cold case to be reopened. The only thing they can do about that is stopping Nate…

Case closed? You would think so, but that’s when Maddison decides to take over.

Sorry, bad guys. It seems like your time has run out. Maddison won’t stop until she has you where you belong: behind bars for a very long time.

Another brilliant book that made me forget everything around me. 5 stars

Thank you, Wendy Dranfield and Bookouture

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing police procedural, filled with suspense and danger as Detective Madison Harper is in search of a killer. The story is complex, but riveting and will keep you guessing. When you think the case is solved, don’t blink as there are more discoveries to be made. An elderly woman is killed by a fall from the church steps and her death is ruled an accident. At the same time, a well know woman and her grandson disappear. Six years later, a young woman is shot to death in her home. Madison is working the homicide and her friend, P.I. Nate Monroe, is working the cold case of the missing woman. Madison and Nate were both charged and later exonerated for murders that they did not commit and have become close friends. The department is stretched thin as one of the own ends his life…or did he? I loved the twists and turns as Ms. Dranfield takes us on a wild ride to the very end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)