Stolen Mothers

Nikki Hunt #9

by Stacy Green

Children run through the streets in their Halloween costumes, giggling happily, not noticing the blood on the house is real. A baby girl is tucked up asleep in her room. Her mother’s body lies motionless in the front yard, pink petals on the ground beside her…

Arriving in the quiet community of Mulberry Creek, Special Agent Nikki Hunt is shocked that amongst the chaos of costumes and fake, silver spider webs, a new mother called Kiania Watson has lost her life. A blooming rare flower placed carefully in her cold, bound hands. Nikki’s legs go weak: it’s the mark of a serial killer she’s met before.

Nine years ago, Nikki fell in pursuit of a masked man who’d killed a young girl at a cabin in rural Minnesota. Seeing her cradling the bump of her pregnant belly, he’d spared her life. She was told he’d died in a shoot-out days later. But the pink flower only grows at that cabin: it’s a message to Nikki.

Nikki’s team are quick to suspect Kiania’s abusive husband. But Nikki finds two further, similar murders in other states. Flowers were left in their palms when they died. Nikki’s heart breaks when she realizes all the victims were mothers to newborn babies.

Digging desperately into old case files, Nikki finds blood on a rock she secured nine years ago, which has never been tested. But not before receiving a desperate call that another woman has just been taken. This twisted killer is playing a deadly game, and Nikki must risk her own life if she has any chance of returning this mother to her child alive…

A dark, twisty and heart-racing thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, reading it in one sitting. Fans of Kendra Elliot, Lisa Regan and Robert Dugoni will be addicted to the suspense in this tightly-woven page-turner.

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

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2024

About the author

Stacy Green is the author of the Lucy Kendall thriller series and the Delta Crossroads mystery trilogy. ALL GOOD DEEDS (Lucy Kendall #1) won a bronze medal for mystery and thriller at the 2015 IPPY Awards. TIN GOD (Delta Crossroads #1) was runner-up for best mystery/thriller at the 2013 Kindle Book Awards.

Stacy has a love of thrillers and crime fiction, and she is always looking for the next dark and twisted novel to enjoy. She started her career in journalism before becoming a stay at home mother and rediscovering her love of writing. She lives in Iowa with her husband and daughter and their three spoiled fur babies.

She is currently working on a new crime fiction series and is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo, Helin and Fountain Literary Management for literary and dramatic rights.

Website: stacygreenauthor.com
Facebook www.Facebook.com/StacyGreenAuthor
Twitter: @StacyGreen26

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The serial killer had a signature and Special Agent Nikki Hunt had met him before. She knew the latest victim had been killed by him; the rare, beautiful flowers told the story. As Nikki and her team followed the evidence, searched for DNA and checked for other previous victims, another young mother was taken. Nikki knew he was laying a trail for her - he'd told her all those years ago that he would see her again...

As Nikki followed the clues, the brutality of the killer's murders made her shudder. She was reminded of Mariah in Minnesota where Nikki's guilt never left her. But this time she was determined to catch him - a cold blooded killer of young mothers should never be on the streets.

Stolen Mothers is the 9th in the Nikki Hunt series by Stacy Green and it was another gripping thriller. Nikki is an outstanding character, and her personal life with Rory and daughter Lacey, adds to her character. Her team, especially Liam, always have her back, as she does theirs. I'm loving this series, and recommend it highly.

With thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great crime thriller.
When Nikki and Liam head out to a murder scene, Nikki is shocked to see a certain type of flower being held by the victim.
This is the flower she was given when she came face to face with a killer when she was pregnant with her daughter. He said he’d be back for her, and she knows in her heart it’s him.
It takes a while for her to persuade some colleagues about the killer but once the evidence comes in, they know they need to find him fast.
With another woman being taken, Nikki knows she needs to meet him face to face to get him to stop.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my least favorite in this series. Ten years ago Nikki had the chance to capture a killer, but being newly pregnant she lets him go & he lets her live. Now, in 2024, is he back? Or was he found dead in 2014? Nikki doesn’t think so after a woman is found murdered and has the same MO/signature as her past nemesis. It’s a race against time as another woman has gone missing.

I didn’t think this had the same flair as her previous work. I thought there was more technical stuff and not a lot about Nikki and the killer. I personally don’t think this was the strongest case in the series. Just meh.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Agent Nikki is on the run in this latest book in a stellar series. Nikki is desperate to learn who took the life of a young mother. When Nikki arrives on the scene, she sees the killer’s signature and this brings her back to a case from nearly a decade ago.

Considering that both the current and old case involve young mothers, Nikki feels the loss of the victims deeply. In fact, if indeed the killer is back, then Nikki finds herself in a race against time. However, as if that were not enough intrigue, Nikki’s own pregnancy years before is fresh in her mind. She was so close to catching the killer before, but he eluded capture. In fact, what he said to Nikki haunts her to this very day.

Personally, FBI stories (whether in book form or on television) really appeal to me, so I love that this series has Nikki as an FBI agent. The fact that profiling is part of her job only makes her involvement in her cases more compelling. Nikki’s personal stake when it comes to her cases is what keeps me coming back each and every time. A peek into Nikki’s earlier life and emotional pain lends so much to this story. This is a series best read in order, especially when it comes to the personal and professional relationships between the characters.

Stolen Mothers is a hard-hitting book, touching on some sensitive issues, all while delivering an excellent story. If you are not a fan of Stacy Green and the Nikki Hunt series, I highly encourage you to consider adding these books to your repertoire. You won’t be disappointed.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich]

4.5 stars

Stolen Mothers by Stacy Green is the ninth in the FBI Agent Nikki Hunt series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 
Series Background:    (Contains spoilers from previous books)
Nikki Hunt is an FBI Agent whose parents were murdered when she was young.  Their real killer is now behind bars, after she helped free Mark Todd (who she originally helped incarcerate). She now lives with his brother Rory, and family dynamics are settling down. She has a young daughter (Lacey), and her ex-husband (Tyler) was murdered by a serial killer (Frost) who is also now behind bars, and is apparently Nikki's half-brother.  Nikki heads the BAU unit based out of St. Paul Minnesota.  Her team consists of Crime Scene Analyst Courtney Hart and Agent Liam Wilson.  They work closely with Sheriff Kent Miller.  She has a new boss, Henry Garcia...and the verdict is still out.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Nikki is called to the scene of a gruesome discovery.  The tortured body of Kiania Watson has been found 3 doors down from her own home, pink trilliums are tied to her hand.  Nikki knows this killer, whom she had been told was dead.  But she is sure it is the same man who, nine years ago, had let her live.  The same man who had told her that they would meet again.  Now she just has to convince her team he's still alive.

On further investigation, they find two morel victims who had died with the same injuries, stomach contents, and flowers by their side.  They start looking for more,  just across the border in Canada.   The only one not convinced is Sheriff Kent Miller, who seems to have his mind on other things.

Nikki soon realizes that the killer is targeting mothers to newborn babies.  He may have let Nikki go 10 years ago because she was still pregnant with Lacy at the time.  But he definitely has mother issues....and he may now be targeting Nikki.


My Opinions:
I am still really enjoying this series.

The plot was a little dark and twisted, but excellent! It dealt with motherhood, miscarriages, and torture against women.

There were a lot of characters, often from different police agencies, but it wasn't a bit deal.  All the characters were interesting, but not all of them were "nice".  There was one really despicable father that I would love to speak with....  I love the way things turned out with Anita.  I also liked the friendship between Kent and Nikki, and the growing bond between Nikki and her new boss.  Nikki's team is strong, and they have each others backs.

Overall, this was a really good book.  They really need to be read in order, because Nikki's past experiences has really formed her into who she is today.

Definitely recommend this series!


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

STOLEN MOTHERS is the ninth book in the Nikki Hunt series, a gripping crime thriller set in Stillwater, Minnesota by best-selling author Stacy Green.

The books in the Nikki Hunt Series include:
1. The Girls in the Snow (2020)
2. One Perfect Grave (2021)
3. Lost Angels (2021)
4. The Girl in the Ground (2021)
5. The Trapped Ones (2022)
6. Her Frozen Heart (2022)
7. Her Last Tear (2023)
8. Bone Lake (2023)
9. Stolen Mothers (2024)

This is my review of Stolen Mothers.

Nikki heads the BAU unit based out of St. Paul Minnesota. Her team consists of Crime Scene Analyst Courtney Hart and partner Agent Liam Wilson. They work closely with Sheriff Kent Miller. She has a new boss, Henry Garcia.

Back in 2014 in rural Minnesota, Special Agent Nikki Hunt is investigating a cabin that a suspect is using, but the suspect is gone. When she enters the cabin and enters the bedroom, what she views is terrible. She rushes out of the cabin and sees someone running among the trees and chases him. As she is chasing him up a cliff, she loses her footing and falls. Nikki had the chance to capture a killer, but being newly pregnant she lets him go & he lets her live.

Now, in 2024, is he back? Or was he found dead in 2014? Nikki doesn’t think so after a woman is found murdered and has the same MO/signature. It’s a race against time as another woman has gone missing.

Nikki and Liam head out to a murder scene, in the quiet community of Mulberry Creek, Nikki is shocked to see a certain type of flower being held by the victim, a new mother called Kiania Watson who has lost her life. She holds a rare flower in her bound hands. The mark of a serial killer she’s met before. This is the pink flower, that only grows at the cabin, that she was given when she came face to face with a killer when she was pregnant with her daughter. He said he’d be back for her. It had to be him!

But Nikki finds two similar murders in other states, with flowers left in their hands when they died.

All the victims were mothers to newborn babies.

A dark, twisty and heart-racing thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, reading it in one sitting. I'm loving this series, and recommend it highly.

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.

[Fiona · Rating 2 out of 5]

A typical serial killer novel without the usual red herrings thrown in. The culprit isn't even mentioned until near the end of the book so I didn't really get a feeling of suspense. I found it a bit repetitive so it could have done with a bit of editing. That said, it's fast moving and short so an easy read. My biggest gripe though is that it ends about 84% in so its quite sudden. The rest of the book is the first few chapters of the next book in the series. I understand that the author and publisher want to whet the appetite and get more sales but I find it annoying on a kindle.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gob smacking book

nikki hunt was on the job.... checking out a place.... what she stumbled on was so much more and one that would haunt her for years to come.... she ended up chasing after a suspect up a mountain, she lost her footing and stumbled down.... the perp followed her with a knife in his hands.... the only thing that saved her was the fact that she was pregnant.... he left her stranded and broken but knowing they had unfinished business between them....

its halloween and nikki is called out to help with a murder.... what horrifies nikkie is the flowers not rural to the area found in the victims hands...its a serial killers calling card and its a message for nikki that hes back....

can nikki and her team find him before another body turns up....only time will tell

oh my goodness me this book was horrifying and unputdownable at times....but written oh so good that you were drawn to each page reading in disbelief at what this serial killer was doing....

cant wait to read what comes next for nikkie and her team....

[Ray Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Hunt Closes A Bothersome Cold Case

The novel opens with a flashback to 2014. Special Agent Nikki Hunt is investigating a cabin that a suspect is using. She understands that the suspect is gone. She enters the cabin. The filth and foul order is quite strong. She enters the bedroom, which is even worse. The window is boarded up, but enough light filters through for her to see what else is in the room. She rushes out of the cabin just before she vomits. She sees someone running among the trees and chases him. As she is chasing him up a cliff, she loses her footing and falls. She hits the bottom, has the wind knocked out of her, and loses her gun. She sees the man coming down the slope. When he reaches her, he grins and takes out a knife. Nikki yells, "Please don't! I'm pregnant." A 20-year cold case begins.

This novel has two threads. The first is the current murder and further investigations, which Hunt narrates. The novel starts with Hunt feeling bad as she has not followed up on the initial investigation. Now, the supposedly dead killer is back for her, fulfilling his promise ten years ago. Her investigation is hindered by a usually helpful Sheriff who is distant and uncooperative. She has a new supervisor with whom she was not on the best terms at the FBI Academy. Hunt needs information from the Washington, DC, police about the 20-year-old murder, but she was in a very public and bitter quarrel with the police, so the chance of their cooperation even now is nil. The second thread consists of a few chapters narrated by the victims. Yes, my attention was sucked in quickly and thoroughly engaged with each new clue. It was a quick and easy read, as I finished reading this novel in four days, half of my median read time.

I have read all but one of this series, so let me provide where I learned the most about the Nikki Hunt character. Her friendship and professionalship can be seen in her relationships with her partner, Liam, and the Crime Lab supervisor, Courtney. To see how Nikki works with someone with whom she had a rocky start in her FBI career, observe her interactions with her new boss, Garcia. Also, observe how she handles this relationship when it sours. To see her commitment to friends, see relationships with Sheriff Miller and Anita, the mother of the 2014 victim. These aspects enhanced my reading enjoyment.

Very few aspects can cause some readers to stop reading this novel. There are no intimate scenes. Most of the language is impolite versus vulgar. The violence is descriptive after the fact until the chapters where the victims describe their captivity. Lastly, this novel is the ninth in the series, and with the background provided, it did not require reading the previous eight.

I had no issues with this novel, although the crimes against women may stop some readers. What I liked were all the various views of Nikki Hunt’s character. The statement of the killer telling Hunt 20 years earlier that he will see her again, combined with her learning that he was not dead, kept a tension that also kept me reading. There are no loose ends at the end of the novel. I was happy with the ending as it showed that Nikki Hunt could accept her faults and the faults of others. In a way, this was a C-storyline in this novel. If the trailer interests you, I do recommend reading this. This is a must-read if you have read six previous Nikki Hunt novels like me. I am looking forward to reading her next novel. I rate this novel with five stars.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Bookouture. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. Thank you, Bookouture, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

[Joanne Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Stolen Mothers", the 9th book in Stacy Green's incredible Nikki Hunt series of thrillers. Once again, Ms. Green has crafted an exceptionally suspenseful case for Nikki and her team, one with personal implications for the FBI Agent.
In flashbacks to 10 years before the current events (and some even earlier which seem to set the scene for events both in 2014 and 2024) we learn that the FBI was on the hunt for the killer of a new mother, while Agent Hunt was in the early stages of the pregnancy that brought her daughter Lacey into the world; injured while chasing the suspect, Nikki's life is spared but the killer gets away. Only to be found dead later.
In present day, another new mother has been murdered and the scene bears all of the hallmarks of the decade-old crime. And then another murder seems to solidify the thinking that all was not as it seemed back in 2014.
Nikki never really went back and examined the events of ten years earlier, and begins to wonder if the man that they believed had committed the crime was really the killer - especially with what was happening right now.
As more and more evidence comes to light, Nikki realizes that the man who spared her life has returned - and possibly never really stopped killing in all the years since, and then events begin to spiral - leading to a deadly confrontation.
Highly recommended. Can be read as a standalone thriller - there's enough backstory to satisfy your curiosity - but if you're like this reader, you'll want to read all eight of the previous stellar instalments in the series.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years ago on the Appalachian Trail Agent Nikki Hunt came face to face with a depraved killer. Who left her begging for her unborn daughters life before he fled the scene. However, Nikki luckily was found alive and told the killer had been caught and because of her injuries and pregnancy she never thought to question it.

Until now....

As a body is found amongst the Halloween decorations in a families front garden, and the body is soon identified as that of local missing mother Kiana who had recently returned to work after giving birth. And it's clear from the scene she has been brutally murdered in a manor Nikki is sure she has seen before and when her colleague arrives to process the scene she makes a discovery that confirms Nikkisl's worst suspicions and rocks her to her core.

And as Nikki sets about getting answers, she learns that someone close to her has been hiding the truth for years and a killer she thought long dead has been brutally murdering woman all across the country and has now returned to face her just like he promised.

But with little evidence from the new crime scene, Nikki and the team have no choice but to return to the past and hope it can provide answers especially when another new mum disappears.

And as the race to find this twisted killer intensified I couldn't turn the pages fast enough especially as the danger mounted and the stakes got higher! And with great pacing, twists and turns, this was a story I couldn't put down and it's one I would happily recommend to all.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Stolen Mothers. 😊

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Hunt is back for book nine and what a book it was!

It is Halloween and Nikki and Liam are called to a crime scene, a woman is dead in a neighbour's Halloween display. On closer inspection they spot a rare flower in the victim’s hand, Nikki recognises it and it sends chills down her spine. This flower was used as a calling card from a serial killer a long time ago, one that was thought to have been captured. Nikki and her team need to find out whether it is a copycat or the serial killer is still at large.

This book is the best yet, I liked that we got flashbacks the Nikki’s past, when she was pregnant with her daughter but also figuring out why the killer only seemed to go for new mothers.

This was a fast-paced book and was written superbly. I felt like I was living in Nikki Hunt's world.
I was captured from the very first page until the very end.
Stacy Green is a fantastic author and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ninth book in the Nikki Hunt FBI series but my second read of the series did not disappoint! I need to go back and read the rest of the series because I love Nikki and the flashbacks are so interesting that I want to hear the full story. I love that Nikki is a mother who can do a male dominated job and do it very well. The balance of Nikki’s personal life and her professional life is always a great read. I love watching Nikki and her team work to solve the case that keeps getting worse.

[M.J. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is kind of gruesome to read. A serial killer kills a new mother while her baby girl was sleeping. Nikki had an encounter with this killer before her daughter Lacey was born. Nikki does everything in her power to make sure that the killer was discovered and brought to justice. Reading about the young mothers who were slaughtered was rather depressing, but author Stacy Green makes the book as thrilling to read as possible.

[Andrea T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loving this series…..the characters and stories are just so good.  This one was really emotional for me with the motherhood element, and was just a really good story.  The characters continue to develop each book as they investigate crimes that often are connected to the past in some way, requiring the puzzle pieces to be fit together.

[Hope Lachapelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addicted to this series

[Jazz Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this installment was one of my favourite in this series!
Review to follow

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Mothers

Each book in this series holds you your breath and your heart. This one is about mothers. Mothers with newborn babies.

A deranged serial killer is taking these mothers and doing the most heinous things to them before breaking their necks.
FIVE stars.

Full review and post on the 20th as part of a blog tour...

@authorstacygreen
@bookouture
@netgalley

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Stolen Mothers (Nikki Hunt Book 9) by Stacy Green

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Release date: July 15th 2024

Special Agent Nikki Hunt is thrust into a chilling case in Mulberry Creek when a new mother, Kiania Watson, is found dead on Halloween night, with a rare flower in her hands—a signature mark of a serial killer Nikki once encountered.

This discovery reopens old wounds and sets Nikki on a desperate hunt to stop a killer who targets new mothers, leaving a trail of heartbreak and fear.

What I Loved:

* Gripping Plot: The storyline is dark, twisty, and incredibly engaging. From the very first page, the suspense is palpable, kept me on the edge of your seat throughout. The Halloween setting adds an extra layer of eeriness to the already chilling plot.

* Complex Characters: Nikki Hunt is a compelling protagonist. Her determination, combined with her personal connection to the case, adds depth to her character. The killer’s psychology is also intriguingly portrayed, making the cat-and-mouse game between Nikki and the murderer captivating.

* Emotional Depth: The focus on mothers and their newborns adds a poignant emotional layer. Nikki's empathy and the portrayal of the victims’ families’ grief make the story resonate on a deeper level. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a heart-wrenching tale of loss and hope.

* Intricate Investigation: The detailed investigation process is fascinating. From digging into old case files to the revelation about the blood on the rock from nine years ago, the detective work is meticulous and keeps the reader engrossed.

* Fast-Paced and Unpredictable: The pacing is perfect, with no dull moments. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story throws another twist, making it impossible to put down. The sense of urgency as Nikki races against time to save the next potential victim is thrilling.

* Strong Supporting Cast: Nikki's team adds richness to the narrative. Each member plays a crucial role, and their interactions and camaraderie bring a sense of realism and teamwork to the story.

* High Stakes and Personal Connection: The stakes are incredibly high, with Nikki’s past intertwining with the present case. The personal vendetta the killer seems to have against Nikki adds an intense and personal touch to the suspense.

Stolen Mothers by Stacy Green is a dark, twisty, and heart-racing thriller that delivers on all fronts. With a gripping plot, complex characters, emotional depth, and non-stop suspense, it’s a book that demands to be read in one sitting!

Special Agent Nikki Hunt’s latest case is a rollercoaster of emotions and thrills that will leave you breathless and eagerly awaiting the next instalment. Highly recommended for thriller lovers who enjoy intense suspense storytelling.

Thank you to The Publisher Bookouture ,The Author Stacy Green & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

[Becki Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 9 in the Nikki Hunt series, and I'm sad now as I don't know if anymore are coming out so am keeping my eyes peeled as I am really enjoying this series, with the crime and thriller, while also getting to follow Nikki in her own personal journey of from when she first return to her home town and watching her grow with her professional and personal life, while also being involved in all the different cases which are horrible while also taking turns to involve herself or those around her. All the different characters within Nikki life, I have enjoyed getting to know them and discovering more about the further you go in the series.

We follow Nikki on a case which takes her back many years which she not exactly forgot about but with everything going on forgot the promise the killer told her that day she caught up to him, we follow the roller-coaster of emotions that are stirred up while Nikki tries to deal with guilt while also catching the killer, soon it turns out that the killer has been busy and Nikki guilt seems to get worst, so Nikki and those on her team and those of the local sheriff department work hard to track, things soon turn complicated when a sudden twist means its not just a victim they trying to track but someone close to them all and can Nikki solve it in time to save them all as well as herself.

Synopsis
Arriving in the quiet community of Mulberry Creek, Special Agent Nikki Hunt is shocked that amongst the chaos of costumes and fake, silver spider webs, a new mother called Kiania Watson has lost her life. A blooming rare flower placed carefully in her cold, bound hands. Nikki’s legs go weak: it’s the mark of a serial killer she’s met before.

Nine years ago, Nikki fell in pursuit of a masked man who’d killed a young girl at a cabin in rural Minnesota. Seeing her cradling the bump of her pregnant belly, he’d spared her life. She was told he’d died in a shoot-out days later. But the pink flower only grows at that cabin: it’s a message to Nikki.

Nikki’s team are quick to suspect Kiania’s abusive husband. But Nikki finds two further, similar murders in other states. Flowers were left in their palms when they died. Nikki’s heart breaks when she realizes all the victims were mothers to newborn babies.

Digging desperately into old case files, Nikki finds blood on a rock she secured nine years ago, which has never been tested. But not before receiving a desperate call that another woman has just been taken. This twisted killer is playing a deadly game, and Nikki must risk her own life if she has any chance of returning this mother to her child alive…

As i said I'm looking forward to seeing what next and for Green's other books, I found all her books to be easy reads and just fly through them, while the story is easy to follow and understand and I love the different twists and turns and playing along to try and discover who the suspect is.

[janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book #9 of the FBI Nikki Hunt series, we see a decision that Nikki made in her past come back to haunt her with a vengeance.

14 years ago, whilst on the hunt for the murderer of a new mother, Nikki is chasing a killer through the woods when she trips and ends up face to face with a masked man, a split decision to tell him she was pregnant, saved her life but departed by telling her he would see her again. Not long after, the burnt body of the man is found within 'trophies', Nikki can now breathe!

Now, in the present day, Nikki and her partner Liam are confronted with a grisly scene. A body of a woman who went missing 3 weeks previously is found dumped in someone's front garden. Similarities spark in Nikki's mind, and then when a particular flower is found clutched in the victims hand, she knows... he is back, so who was the man found all those years ago?

Nikki and her team, now on full speed to try and catch this sadistic killer before it's too late, then receive a phone call from a worried colleague. Her friend has gone missing, and the circumstances of her disappearance match those of his previous victims. So now the speed is amped up even more. Can they put all the puzzle pieces together in time?

Whilst I will recommend this series loudly to everyone and highly recommend reading them all from the beginning, this could easily be read as a standalone. For those new to the series, this installment gives enough backstory of the past so that you understand and connect with the characters, but it's not too repetitive for those who have read all books previously.

As always, an exceptionally crafted read that is packed to the rafters with twists and turns. Suspense fuelled and thrilling is an understatement.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, pulse pounding, shocking and hard to put down, Stolen Mothers kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat! Nikki Hunt is back and this time she is having a little bit of a blast from the past! A serial killer which she encountered years ago who spared her life while she was pregnant with her daughter, Lacey. Now this vicious killer is back, and Nikki is not only hunting him yet again, but she is also burdened by the guilt she feels because of her encounter with him years earlier.

This time it is personal, and Nikki vows he will not get away this time. She is up against some resistance and must stand strong. I have always admired how Stacy Green has written Nikki to be both strong and vulnerable. Nikki’s reactions and emotions are believable, and I wanted to give her a hug when she was feeling guilty. Readers are privy to past events and the current day investigation. This book is heavy on Nikki and the investigation work in both timelines. I did miss seeing more of Nikki's private life in this book (we do see Rory and Lacey but not as much as in earlier books).

This series continues to keep me glued to the pages and wanting more. I enjoy the characters, their banter, the complexity of not only their lives but their personalities, and the cases investigated. As with the other books in this series, I enjoyed Stacy Green's writing, the pacing and timelines. I also enjoyed the atmosphere, tension, mounting dread, danger and suspense in this book.

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.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agent Nikki Hunt Book 9.

I absolutely love this series and this book was no different. I flew through it in 2 sittings as I didn't want to put it down. Great book.

Children run through the streets in their Halloween costumes, giggling happily, not noticing the blood on the house is real. A baby girl is tucked up asleep in her room. Her mother’s body lies motionless in the front yard, pink petals on the ground beside her…

Arriving in the quiet community of Mulberry Creek, Special Agent Nikki Hunt is shocked that amongst the chaos of costumes and fake, silver spider webs, a new mother called Kiania Watson has lost her life. A blooming rare flower placed carefully in her cold, bound hands. Nikki’s legs go weak: it’s the mark of a serial killer she’s met before.

Nine years ago, Nikki fell in pursuit of a masked man who’d killed a young girl at a cabin in rural Minnesota. Seeing her cradling the bump of her pregnant belly, he’d spared her life. She was told he’d died in a shoot-out days later. But the pink flower only grows at that cabin: it’s a message to Nikki.

Nikki’s team are quick to suspect Kiania’s abusive husband. But Nikki finds two further, similar murders in other states. Flowers were left in their palms when they died. Nikki’s heart breaks when she realizes all the victims were mothers to newborn babies.

Digging desperately into old case files, Nikki finds blood on a rock she secured nine years ago, which has never been tested. But not before receiving a desperate call that another woman has just been taken. This twisted killer is playing a deadly game, and Nikki must risk her own life if she has any chance of returning this mother to her child alive…

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful & tragic: new mothers targeted😩

This Nikki Hunt thriller had all the strong elements of a good hunt for a serial killer. Nikki herself is heavily invested in the outcome because she has a history with this killer and feels she let the ball drop when they first met for her own personal priorities. Actually, this story showcases a number of law enforcement types who made critical errors of judgment and the killer's victims and their families paid the price. I found it realistic that the author showed their weaknesses, but also sobering because of the irreversible consequences.

While the chase, the investigation and the fancy forensic technology used were as fascinating as usual for this series, the story goes off track on occasion, like when it waxed on about Nikki's challenges early in her career in the male-dominated FBI. In fact, I thought there was too much harking back to her past that was not directly tied to the case and killer. And the forensic assistant's actions just seemed unlikely.

This was not among my favorites in the series, but it was as fast-paced and unpredictable as I anticipate with a Stacy Green novel. I particularly like murder and kidnapping investigations where, like this one, there is a chance, no matter how slim, that victims still may be saved. Good entertainment value and a pretty fast read.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Mothers (Nikki Hunt Book 9) by Stacy Green is an entertaining mystery and suspense thriller. Nikki Hunt and her team are familiar characters and I like getting to read more about them and finding out more about their lives. The characters are determined and relatable. The story is fast-paced and grabs your attention.

Arriving in the quiet community of Mulberry Creek, Special Agent Nikki Hunt is shocked that a new mother has lost her life. A blooming rare pink flower was placed carefully in her cold, bound hands. Nikki’s legs go weak: it’s the mark of a serial killer she’s met before.

The story flashes back to when Nikki was in pursuit of a masked man who’d killed a young girl at a cabin in rural Minnesota. Seeing her cradling the bump of her pregnant belly, he’d spared her life. She was told he’d died in a shoot-out days later. However, the pink flower (found at the new murder scene) only grows in the cabin where Nikki encountered the masked man. This is a message to Nikki.

The book grabs you from page one and is full of twists and red herrings. Stacy Green creates an engaging and diabolical story with edge-of-your-seat scenes that keep you reading well into the night.

The killer is quite diabolical. The story was intense and very satisfying. I cannot wait for more.

I would highly recommend this series. Start from book 1, you won’t be disappointed.

#StolenMothers #NetGalley @bookouture

[Melissa Suslowicz Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
Loved, loved and loved!!!!! What isn’t there to love about this book and this series is the real question here. I started this series halfway through and have loved every single book I’ve read of it so far. I still have to read the first half but I will get to it very soon. I will forever be upset with myself for starting it in the middle. This series deserves to be started from the very beginning. Now let’s talk about this specific book. I absolutely thought it was wonderful. What makes it so special for me are the awesome characters. You can see such growth in each of them as the series progresses and I love that. I’ve gotten so attached to each of them too. I feel like I’m right there with them solving the case and living their life with them. What a great story line this was as well. Plot can make all the difference. This one was super interesting and very twisty. You never knew what was around the corner next. Don’t even get me started on that shocking ending either. What a roller coaster it was. This author never ceases to amaze me. At the end of each book I’m always asking myself how can she top that one and then the next one comes out and she does. They keep getting better and better. I can’t wait for the next one in this series.

In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚Stolen Mothers
✍️Stacy Green
3⭐️

Stolen Mothers is the ninth book in Stacy Green’s well established Nikki Hunt series, however this was the first one I had read. A lot of situations and people were referenced from earlier books in the series, which wasn’t an issue at first but as the book progressed this did impede how easy I found it to follow the plot as I felt there was a lot I was missing out on. The plot follows Special Agent Nikki Hunt who is called to a crime scene in which a deceased woman’s body has been discovered. For Nikki, the manner of death and flowers left near the body suggest this is linked to an old case of hers. It soon appears that the culprit is targeting women who have recently given birth, and for this reason I would advise a trigger warning. If you are a new mother or currently pregnant or someone close to you is, this book will really hit home so I’d avoid it. Being the ninth book in the series you could tell how developed and ingrained the characters and their personalities were, these were people the author had known in their mind for a long time and that really translated well into the page. Unfortunately I found the pacing of the plot to be off - after the initial murder there was a considerable lull in action, the plot largely meandered along to an underwhelming conclusion. All that build up led to an unimpressive showdown between Nikki and the culprit, which was hugely disappointing.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fan of this series. Every book is great and I know when I pick up the next one it is not going to let me down.

This one is personal for Nikki and seems to relate to a killer that pursued her and let her go while she was pregnant with her daughter. Fast forward to today when there are ties to him at a current murder. Did he survive all those years ago and is he back and hunting her?

Before I sing its praises, I should mention there are some sensitive issues at the heart of this one. It deals with motherhood, abuse against women and miscarriages. Not all easy topics, but handled with sensitivity.

The connection the case has with Nikki really ups the ante and makes me that much more invested in the case, The author does such a good job of making me feel that connection and care all the more. Especially when it eventually involves more than just her.

There was growth with Nikki and her boss. I didn't really like him at first but their relationship is growing on me.

Seriously if you are a crime lover and haven't read this series, you need to pick it up. The series is quite character driven so while it can be read on its own, I recommend reading it in order to get the backstory of Nikki and the bunch.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are backed into a corner, fearing for you life, you do whatever you can to convince the person threatening you to spare you. But what, if afterwards, you feel guilty and feel like you should have reacted differently? 

Now, 9 years later, Nikki is dealing with a new case and her blood turns cold when she recognises too many things that remind her of that old case she thought was solved and closed. She grabs this chance to redeem herself and won't rest until she has dug deep enough to unearth every sordid detail and bring justice. 

In this story, the author reveals another emotional part of Nikki's personal story which is gripping. 

I admire the lab technicians and what they can do to analyse different materials in order to find the necessary clues to help the detectives. I like it when a bit of the forensic science is incorporated in a story.

Chilling suspense interlaced with lots of emotions and splendid police work are the main ingredients in this book. 5 stars

Thank you

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Stolen Mothers," the ninth installment in Stacy Green's Nikki Hunt series, served as my introduction to her work. In this novel, Special Agent Nikki confronts a chilling and sadistic serial killer who specifically targets postpartum women.

While fictional, the story seems to be inspired by the real-life Gilgo Beach murders, diving into themes of societal dehumanization and neglect of certain victims. Green's reference to Shannan Gilbert, a real-life victim, underscores how sex workers are tragically perceived as "disposable," their cases often overlooked by investigators. These real-world connections added a spine-chilling depth to the narrative.

Initially unfolding at a slower pace, the story steadily intensifies, gripping me to uncover the suspect's identity and motives. I look forward to reading her previous installments in the series and would most certainly tune in if it were a TV series.

Special thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC and uncover Stacy Green's work!