Chasing Monsters

Bailey Flynn FBI #3

by Melinda Woodhall

A Vengeful Killer Carries Out an Insidious Plan of Death and Retribution
When a troubled woman is lured to her death in the small coastal town of Belle Harbor, Florida, Special Agent Bailey Flynn discovers an unsettling connection between the gruesome murder and the mutilated body of a teenage girl found hidden in a long-abandoned grave.

As the local police begin an investigation into the latest homicide and quickly identify a surprising prime suspect, Bailey realizes that all is not as it seems. And when a resource working closely with the investigation becomes the killer’s next victim, she suspects time is running out.

Someone has set a monstrous plan of revenge into motion, and Bailey must delve into a criminal world of corruption, deceit, and murder in order to save the next target on the killer’s deadly list.

Book Three 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: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Mystery Thriller

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2024

Reviews

[Amzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Three: Chasing Monsters, that’s the Bailey Flynn series, may possibly be my favorite of the 3 books. I really did enjoy the characters and I thought that the villains were great and much better than the ones in books 1 & 2.

If I’m being honest, the one thing that has been frustrating me about the book, or books for that matter, are the lack of Ludwig’s character. I think if they’re going to promote him on the cover of each book and say that he’s her search and rescue dog, then they should be using him a bit more in the storyline. That’s why I’m not giving this a 5 star rating.

Despite that, I really did enjoy this plot and how much I felt like Melinda did a much better job in the writing of this story. It seemed more enjoyable to read.

I really am looking forward to book 4 (hate having to wait) coming out. I definitely feel like there are still some things unanswered or that are just downright bothering me and I'm looking forward to seeing if they're addressed.

I received an ARC for free from Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.

I definitely recommend this series, but I would suggest reading it in order!

As always my fellow Goodreader’s, Happy Reading and/or Listening!📚🎧💜

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everything this author has written to date. With that being said this may have been one of my absolute favorites. I have loved all the characters in previous novels but I'm really growing attached to these. I adore the way all of this author's series are in some way connected to the series that came before and that so many of the characters get a new or longer life because of it. No need to waste anymore time find out for yourself, take the plug and join the adventure.

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

[Laur · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Well, Belle Harbor, Florida, certainly isn’t suffering from a shortage of murderers! And this time, someone seems determined to make medical examiner Mason Knox look like one of them.

When a woman is found murdered in Mason’s own home, things go downhill fast. An attack on one of his colleagues and another suspicious death only deepen the mystery. Is Mason being deliberately framed? And why are people connected to the medical community suddenly becoming targets?

Meanwhile, FBI agent Bailey Flynn and Detective Jimmy Fraser find themselves investigating something far more sinister than a few seemingly unrelated murders. There’s the notorious Tumba Cartel, a ruthless assassin known as El Monstruo, a mysterious killer called “the Saint,” and an old tragedy that someone has apparently never forgiven.

What I particularly enjoyed was how Woodhall brought the personal vendettas into the investigation. The past isn’t simply coming back to haunt these people. Someone has been carrying a grudge for years, and innocent people are paying the price. Bailey’s sister Cate becomes entangled in the danger, and suddenly the investigation isn’t just about identifying a murderer. It’s about protecting the people closest to them.

There’s plenty happening in this third installment, but the different mysteries and personal connections give the story some real substance. And with professional killers, cartel connections, revenge plots, and a medical examiner fighting to clear his name, Belle Harbor is beginning to make some of the country’s most dangerous cities look downright peaceful!

4.5 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Flynn an FBI agent who keeps telling herself she wants to go back to Washington DC, but who always seems to end up with a case to solve in Belle Harbor. Though Belle Harbor seems a quiet little town there are defiantly several less than stellar characters in its townspeople. This case is no different, but it ties up some loose ends from the last book while opening up more for a future book. The usual cast of characters are running about, the good guy PI Dalton whom Bailey has an attraction to but struggles with her past relationships with men. Thank God Dalton is more than understanding and keeps trying even though Bailey pulls him in at times and other times pushes him away. There is the attorney/ sister Cate who is secretly seeing Mason who has major PTSD issues due to a stalker who tried to kill him, but she is still attracted, and he is still trying to be the guy she deserves. They all have major roles in this book and Melinda has her usual twists, turns, blind alleys, misdirection and endless rabbit holes going this way and that. Overall, a great book as one has come to expect from this author. Highly recommend any of her books and this series.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series and storyline so far. I like the characters and the relationships. Involving Ludwig more would be good.
I wonder how long Bailey can keep planning to leave Belle Harbor but her plans being thwarted.
You could read this as a standalone book because some of the backstory will fill in the gaps, but it is definitely reading the previous two books.
There are some typos, which annoys me at times.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the series and I think it's the best of the lot. You could read as a standalone but there are references to events in the earlier books and it's probably better to read in order.

Someone is out for revenge and along with targeting Mason, they have Bailey's sister Cate in their sights and it appears no-one is safe. Detective Fraser also a different target on his back so there's a lot going on. As ever, the author has done a great job ensuring your attention is kept all the way through and for me, I found it hard to put down and read it in two sittings. Roll on the next one.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!! Suspenseful with a touch of romance. Grabs you from the beginning to the end. There is a continuous underlining storyline which contributes to the current case that Bailey is working on to solve. In other words, 2 storylines, one coming to a conclusion, the other the FBI still investigating. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Monsters is book 3 in A Bailey Flynn Mystery Thriller by Melinda Woodhall. I find this series to be an exciting thriller. Bailey and her sister, Chloe, are trying to clear Chloe's new boyfriend, Mason. I felt that the author had several layers in the story and she told the story that I found exciting from the first page until the end! The characters are so realistic that I found myself loving some and wanting to yell at others. I did not see the ending happening like it did and all I can say is WOW. Chasing Monsters is not to be missed. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Katym521 · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite author!

I really like Melinda Woodhall’s style of writing. I have read two of her books and i am hooked! I love characters in this series.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for a free copy of this book.

This is the third book in the Bailey Flynn series.

This book continues where the last left off with Bailey on a task force trying to identify the bones found in the burial ground. There were twists and turns that made it hard to put this book down.

I will be eagerly awaiting another book in this series.

[Bette Reith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Monsters is the 3rd in the series Bailey Flynn. It picks up where the 2nd left off, so it is better to read this series from the beginning. As the bones from a mass burial grave site are still being sifted through, a woman is lured to her death in the sleepy town of Belle Harbor. DNA from a set of bones points to a relative currently residing in a prison. As the body count starts to get higher so does the story. Are all these related – both old and new? Who would want to kill these seemingly unrelated people? Is this another psychopath, a revenge plot, or both?
Melinda is a wonderful storyteller, getting into the details to make the book true to life, but not so many details to make one skip a page. She keeps you engaged with interesting twists and turns. A great book. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.

[Trudie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. This book is very clever. It contains a number of sub-plots which weave around the main plot, adding to it rather than distracting from it. I love the way it follows on from something referred to in the previous book, giving greater insight into one of the more minor characters. Favourite characters from the previous books return in this one and each of their stories move forward.


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

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gayle Kenshaw is killed which leads Special Agent Bailey Flynn to connect it to another teenage girl. She discovers that all is not what it seems with a lot of mayhem and suspense with time running out to find the culprit. Bailey has her work cut out for her. A intriguing read with an edge of the seat finish. I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Greg Kitzmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Monsters was an amazing web of intrigue. I was captured immediately and drawn in to the mystery and plot twists. I’m anxiously awaiting another in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My free copy didn’t properly download and I was able to get it from Kindle. I should be considered verified purchaser. I will gladly purchase more from this author.

[M. Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific page turner!

I really enjoy the strong, capable women that this author fills her books with each time. Definitely some monsters hiding in plain sight. I was sure I'd spotted the culprits but, as usual, Ms Woodhall had provided numerous paths to follow and I raced down the wrong one. I'm definitely looking forward to book four, Forgotten Remains.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book I've read from this author. I like the writing style, and this was interesting right from the start. A dead body is found, that at first seems to have no connection to a recent murder. But by the end, you see how everything is tied together. The revenge plot seemed a little convoluted and unrealistic. I really liked the stories of the two assassins and was excited for them to meet up. I will read more from Melinda Woodhall.

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

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly suspenseful story of retribution, revenge and the Cartel with a trail of bodies left behind. It was interesting connecting the bodies with why they were murdered and who did the actual murders. An innocent man framed for a murder set up starts it all off, and then it's a chain of events and bodies with a satisfactory ending. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Anne Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s work so it was no surprise that this book lived up to my expectations. Bailey Flynn was her usual intuitive self from her professional perspective but woefully blinkered when it comes to her personal life. A very enjoyable read.

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

[Nancy Fagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying the Bailey Flynn series. I like the main characters and their interactions with each other. Lots of murders and twists and turns to keep you reading. I recommend.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bailey Flynn series continues with a complex and at times gruesome story. Along the way, deaths that seem unrelated are connected. The FBI and Belle Harbor PD face challenges, as do the relationships between Bailey and Damon, and Cate and Mason.

The Blondie song “One Way or Another” is called “One Way or the Other”. This was a hit song back in the day and the song’s title should be accurate.

This series is fast-paced. The personal relationship problems are slightly distracting, but I like Melinda Woodhall’s work and look forward to the next book in this series. This could be read as a stand-alone but it’s best to read the series in order.

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

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Monsters continues the search and identification of the multiple bones found in a crypt at Old Burial Ground in Belle Harbor Summerset County Florida. Bailey Flynn is working on the task force that was formed, but now new murders suggest they are connected to bones of a young teenager that has been identified. Melinda takes the reader on a terrifying and action packed journey.

The Bailey Flynn Series is intriguing and continues to introduce more human monsters making it difficult to know who is corrupt and who can be trusted.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Monsters is the third book in the Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series and can be read as a standalone. I recommend that you to read the series from the beginning starting with Vanishing Angels as all the books are connected and pick up where the last one left off. If you can’t read both books, then I recommend at least reading Gathering Bones (book 2).

Chasing Monsters is a small town mystery thriller based out of Belle Harbor, Florida and has a female lead, Bailey Flynn, with a furry sidekick, Ludwig. This book has some content that might be considered triggers like violence and death so please read at your own risk. Since Bailey’s current case is still ongoing with so many missing pieces to puzzle that require multiple areas of expertise and time. But when a young woman in found murdered in a local’s home, it’s up to her and the team to figure out who is behind this evil, who could be next, and how they can stop them. Nothing is as it seems when it comes to a case like this and Bailey knows that she must use all resources at her disposal while tending to the ones she holds dear.

I am a huge fan of the author’s and how she writes a mystery thriller that has been on my toes and second guessing my suspects. I love how the characters development increases more in each book and allows us readers the chance to follow their lives as well as the crime solving process on all departments. Having the search and rescue dog aspect in this book really opens my eyes as to how these furry friends are so essential in investigations and make me love them even more.

I highly recommend this book and the Bailey Flynn series and if you are looking for one that is similar to this one, you should check out the Bridget Bishop series by the author. That one is my favorite. If small town mystery thrillers or whodunit mysteries are your jam then this is the book and author for you.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book #3

The story n a few words:

Books by Melinda Woodhall are addictive and a breeze to read. In this latest adventure she pins her protagonist against a vengeful killer who carries out an insidious plan of death and retribution. Bailey must delve into a criminal world of corruption, deceit and murder and find the killer before he can kill again...but time is running out.

“Chasing Monsters” picks up where book #2 left us, so it is important to read this series in order.

My thoughts:

We are into an action packed journey as we follow Bailey and her loyal partner Ludwig, her search and rescuer dog, into numerous path many dead end ones looking for the whodunit. She runs the show, nothing will stop her in finding the identity of the murdered person, running DNA test, visiting prisoners to get information. She is a real Pitbull nothing will get in her way. She digs so much that she becomes a target to be silenced and dragging her family along the way.

As the body mounts she is more determined to catch the monsters and the tension is at its highest level. Nothing can be better to pin us down into a thrilling ride, biting our nail till the very end than an exciting plot. Although this story may be about murder it is not gruesome, we do not have vivid torture scenes or descriptive accounts of how attacks were done. It is done softly and with taste but it seemed a little unrealistic.

Of course Ms. Woodhall did not forget to inject Bailey’s personal life into her drama to soften things; a touch of romance will do the trick. I like the characters but still Ludwig wins the best actor award.

I am a fan of this author and I will be looking forward for her next book.

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

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series:
Chasing Monsters, #3 - Another good addition to this series. A little predictable here and there, but overall, an interesting read. 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*

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*
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.

[Silje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Monsters is the third book in the Bailey Flynn series; I recommend starting at the beginning for the best reading experience. I liked this book, it was hard to put down, and I can hardly wait for the fourth one.

Someone's got it out for medical examiner Mason Knox, trying to frame him for murder in a complex revenge plot. His not-quite girlfriend Cate is itching to help, but the cops are giving Mason a hard time. Simultaneously, Detective Fraser is under scrutiny for his partner's death. The FBI is diligently working to identify remains from a mass grave and investigating the Tumba Cartel. As all these events unfold, it becomes clear that they are interconnected. Bailey must rally her allies and put an end to these murderers once and for all.

The character development in this installment of the series is a true highlight. We delve deeper into Mason and Cate's PTSD issues and Bailey's romantic insecurities. The Flynn family's mother-daughter dynamics are captivating, and the logic behind the murderer's revenge plan is thought-provoking.

The plot is a complex tapestry of interconnected threads. Some major plot threads, such as the Tumba Cartel connections or the bone grave, are introduced in book one and continue to unravel across all the books, growing more intricate as the story progresses. These threads intersect with the main plot of this book in some parts, adding depth and complexity, but in other parts, the information becomes challenging to keep track of. In short, there's a lot to digest at once, making for a stimulating reading experience.

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

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This story begins with Mason's stalker being lured to a trap. An unknown individual has plans to kill this person and frame Mason for the crime. Mason is brought down to the jail and interviewed. He is later released but suspended from his job. He returns to his office to pick up some of his things when his assistant ME is attacked and once again Mason is taken in where he is charged for the initial murder as well as attempted murder on his assistant6.

Bridget's involvement comes in her quest for information on a body that was discovered in the graveyard where her team has been digging. There was no identification, so they ran a DNA test. They got a hit on a match to an individual in prison. It turns out that this body was the inmate's daughter. She learned later that the inmate and hung himself. With the information learned about "Birdie", the body found, she started searching for more info from people who might have known Birdie. Eventually her investigation will connect to the one related to Mason.

Bridget later learns that both she and Cate have been targeted by the mysterious killer. Things come to a head when Bridget with her sister Cate along travel to Birdie's hometown to gather info on what Birdie was like. It was at this point that Bridget learned why the killings framing Mason were done as well what other events this individual was also responsible for.

To find out how this all plays out, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another roller coaster of a ride from Melinda Woodhall, this is the third book in the "Bailey Flynn FBI" series but it can totally be read as a standalone.

It wouldn't be a Melinda Woodhall story without numerous gruesome murders and a convoluted storyline and this one was no exception.

FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn was warned by the local police to stay clear of the first murder, it was nothing to do with the FBI but a pendant found at the scene seemed to tie in with one found with human remains that that had been uncovered suggesting that the killer may have killed before.

First and foremost the person who appeared to be in the sights of the Belle Harbour PD as the killer was a friend of Bailey's and was also dating her sister, attorney Cate Flynn……… was Cate's boyfriend capable of murder ?

As the story unfolds it quickly becomes clear that many people are in the sights of the killer, many lives were in danger including Bailey's.

This story had me gripped from the first page, it twists and turns, there are so many red herrings, so many dead ends and an escalating body count.

The characters are all likeable, I love the tentative romance between Bailey and PI Dalton West, will Bailey return to Washington or can Dalton convince her to stay in Belle Harbour with him. I love Ludwig, Bailey's search and rescue dog and I really look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series of five books and I highly recommend them all to you. Melinda has a way of bringing you right into the book and all of the action and intrigue going on. Her books keep you guessing all through the book and usually my ideas for the killer and who he or she is are totally wrong. But is fun to keep guessing with all of the twists and turns that her books take us in to solve the mystery. We are introduced to more human monsters making it extra difficult to know who is corrupt and who we can trust.

So here we continue our quest to find a vengeful killer who is carrying out the plan of death and retribution of past crimes. It starts with the death of a troubled young woman who was lured to her death here in Belle Harbor, Florida. We suspect there is a links between this death and the mutilated body of a teenage girl found hidden in a long ago abandoned grave.

The local police department has named a very unlikely suspect in the murder. And when an informant is found murdered and laying on the pulpit at the church where she volunteered and was the one keeping Bailey up on the activity of the cartel and murders in the area. Bailey then knows she is getting close to discovering the identity of the killer and must proceed with caution. Looking into this killer could put her right at the top of the list.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I've enjoyed all the Bailey Flynn novels by Melinda Woodhall so far. This one is possibly the best. It is possible to read it as stand alone but there are so many references to things that occurred in previous books that it would be better to read them in order, in my opinion. The discovery, in a previous book, of the remains of bodies found buried in graves and a tomb in an old cemetery over a relatively recent time period, on top of more ancient burials continues to have it's secrets unravelled. In this book, a ruthless killer whose actions caused the deaths of her family blames everyone but herself and sets out to cause the maximum heartbreak to everyone she blames. There are so many Hitchcock style heart stopping moments that I could hardly read quickly enough to see what would happen next! This author has crafted a cast of characters and storylines that draw the reader in and don't let go. The tentative romantic relationship between Bailey and Dalton West, private investigator adds light relief and the two search and rescue dogs - and a superior Siamese cat - are heroes of the story! Love it. I'm ready for the next one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing revenge

There is a continuing storyline so if you haven’t read from book one I would very much suggest you do. It’s worth it. This is sort of a story in two parts. One is the major investigation that’s started in book one and is ongoing and the other is the more immediate murder that Mason Knox ME is accused of and starts off a series of events throughout the course of this book. I think the title is very fitting as there are many monsters in this book some obvious some hidden in plain sight and all dangerous and scary. I really like Bailey. She is sweet and hardcore at the same time, a curious mix. I am enjoying watching her come into her own and I feel she’s so relatable as her doubts and worries resonate. I think the supporting cast is a wonderful mix of crazy characters and they enhance the stories so well. I’m eager to see what develops next for Bailey and Dalton as well as what new revelations will come up in the ongoing storyline. Overall a very enjoyable thriller/police procedural!
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.