Dreading Darkness: A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Book Five

Bailey Flynn FBI #5

by Melinda Woodhall

A Murderer Works Under the Cover of Darkness, Turning Flesh and Blood into Ashes and Bones
When the daughter of a local detective goes missing from her home in Belle Harbor, Florida, FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn joins the search and makes a gruesome discovery. Two dead teenagers have been dumped in an abandoned car near Summerset Park. One of the bodies has already been embalmed.

After Bailey uncovers evidence linking the shocking crime scene to a former gravedigger with a gruesome criminal past, she learns that the suspect is already on the run and that another young woman has also gone missing.

Determined to find the madman behind the abductions before it’s too late, Bailey follows a trail of death and destruction into the terrifying trap of a greed-fueled killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Book Five 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: Thriller

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2024

Reviews

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a long time reader of Melinda Woodhall books I know that she is a master of building tension and suspense throughout her stories, this one is no exception.

FBI Special Agent, Bailey Flynn is based in Washington but has been helping with the conviction of powerful cartel boss, Chuck Ashworth, in Belle Harbor, Florida.

When Anabelle, the daughter of one of her colleagues, goes missing, Bailey knew that she had to give Ludwig, her German shepherd tracker dog, a chance to find her. The search was unsuccessful, the fears of Bailey and her colleagues were heightened when the bodies of two young people were found in a car in mysterious circumstances, two young people who were know associates of Annabelle.

As this story unfolds, Bailey's boyfriend, PI Dalton West, was investigating the disappearance of an elderly man with dementia. As more and more missing people were reported, including FBI Special Agents Charlie Day and Tristram Hale, Bailey and her colleagues knew that there was a serial killer on the loose in Belle Harbor but what was the common denominator ? how were the victims chosen ?

Once more Bailey and her team were taxed to the limit and Bailey is once more a target, cold Dalton and her colleagues keep her safe ? someone was getting information, there was corruption in high places……… but who ?

This book is action packed with nail biting suspense and is very difficult to put down (I have the bags under my eyes to prove it), I can't wait for the next book in the series.

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

[Kristen Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreading Darkness is number 5 of the Bailey Flynn series. The story follows Bailey, an FBI agent, and her canine Ludwig as they search for Annabelle the local detectives daughter. Along the way more people go missing, a half embalmed dead body appears, a drug cartel is being brought down, and peoples' secrets are brought to light.

Melinda does a great job at writing a light, classy, but still surprising/suspenseful mystery thriller. Melinda keeps you at the edge of your seat throughout the book with multiple different twists. Transitions between character POV within chapters and separate chapters are smooth which I always appreciate! I truly didn't expect the end result of the case and I look forward to book 6 as the book ended with more questions!

Having never read books 1-4, the author did a great job at introducing characters and giving detail on past stories/cases that were brought up so you weren't lost. If you haven't read 1-4 and dont want to spoil possible past cases I would suggest reading them first, but I have a feeling even though you read a later one you could still be surprised if you read backwards the way the author writes.

If you are looking for a light mystery thriller that is a quick easy read that will fuel that suspense and problem solving itch; it seems this series may be the one for you! I look forward to reading the next book(s) and the past 4 books I have missed. Hidden gem for mystery thriller series!

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

[Silje · Rating 5 out of 5]

People go missing en masse, curiosity kills the cat, and people drop like flies—no rest for Agent Bailey Flynn and her companions. As always, this book is part of a series; I recommend reading the previous book first.

Two undercover agents from the Tumba cartel case are missing, and now a detective's daughter and an elderly man have disappeared. Flynn must juggle her case whilst helping the local PD and her PI boyfriend with theirs. When more people go missing, and some turn up dead, it is all hands on deck to figure out what is going on.

The book starts great: three or even four separate cases that turn out to be connected and a bigger scheme hiding in the shadows. There are some terrific twists at the end, but the lack of self-preservation portrayed by several characters (don't go looking for a suspect if you're not police and if you're police, investigate with a partner, not alone…) and the trigger happiness of the murderer removes some believability from the story. The book's last quarter is packed with events and discoveries, which may overload the reader. However, a big plus for me was that Ludwig and the other dogs were more involved in this book than before.

I wobbled between four and five stars this time, given the abovementioned issues, but ended on five stars. I'd recommend this series to any reader who likes a good murder plot. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Flynn FBI book # 5

I have been a fan of this author since her first book was published in 2018 and since then I read and reviewed each one and given them high marks, after all the stories were top notch. This year Melinda has concentrated her writing on the Bailey Flynn Mystery this is her 5th book in the series and is as exciting to read as the others. Well-done Melinda.

The story in a few words:

When the daughter of a local detective goes missing from her home in Belle Harbor, Florida, FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn joins the search and makes a gruesome discovery. Two dead teenagers have been dumped in an abandoned car near Summerset Park. One of the bodies has already been embalmed. Then, Bailey follows a trail of death and destruction into the terrifying trap of a greed-fueled killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

My thoughts:

This is very suspenseful and fast-paced drama very hard to put down. It is also quite interesting in many ways especially when we are brought into the shady practice of funeral homes and crematoriums, including the presence Cartel members who are behind the smuggling operation of using bodies as mules….

The story moves smoothly even if I needed to pause when two characters’ name were mixed up. A little hiccup, a little pause and here I went back enjoying Bailey in her saga.

This story offers a bit of everything: a creative and well- written storyline, including some plot twists to keep us on our toes, pretty good players and giving us recuring characters that have nicely developed through this series.

No doubt, this latest is a great addition to a wonderful series.

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

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It's another terrific read in a great series and this author never fails to disappoint. Bailey is assisting in the search for the daughter of a local policeman when things escalate with the discovery of the bodies of two young people. Results indicate both were murdered. At the same time, Charlie and Hale have gone missing while undercover which throws doubt on the prosecution case against Chuck Ashworth.

This was so riveting and the events right at the start ensured I was hooked. The method of killing is quite grim and just when you think things have been resolved, there are more twists to come which totally threw me. Bring on the next one!

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

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I have been a fan of Melinda Woodhall's Bailey Flynn and Bridget Bishop series since the first book I read in either series. Once again, this author builds the suspense right from the begining. The teenage daughter of a single dad sneaks out of the house while he's asleep. We soon learn he is none other than one of the Belle Harbour, Florida PD's detectives. Annabelle and the boyfriend she snuck out to meet witness something very wrong involving another girl. When two bodies are found dead in the boy's car the next day, one harrowing thing after another occurs. Special agent Bailey and Detective Fraser investigate with the help of Ludwig, Bailey's search and rescue dog. But is this series of crimes part of something much bigger? Plus two undercover agents have been missing without a trace. This is a thriller all the way to the end. I look forward to the next in this series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Melinda Woodhall is a master at crafting bone chilling thrillers! This book is no exception. This book is full of edge of your seat action, tension and twists and turns that keep you guessing at what’s coming next. What starts as a missing person case turns into something darker and deadlier and Bailey and her trusty canine Ludwig are once again in the middle of a very dangerous situation. Can she beat the odds once again?
Love this series!! Read book one because I’m a fan of the Bridget Bishop series and Bailey made an appearance there. From that point I’ve been hooked! So much is packed into each story and it’s just amazing at how the various threads come together in ways you never expect. Each book is a nail biting , don’t read after dark thrill ride!!
I received an advance review copy for ok BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author has become one of my go-to-author👍. As usual, an amazing plotline with twists & revelations that kept me on the edge. It is fast-paced and does not feel stretched or repetitive, the mystery aspect has been maintained through out the story and i absolutely enjoyed the chase. Already waiting for the next installment😊.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreading Darkness, Book Five of the Bailey Flynn Series, does not disappoint. A young teenager who is also the daughter of a policeman, sneaks out of house for a night of fun. Little does she know, there will be no fun involved in this little adventure. Now she is missing, and it is Bailey and Ludwig along with others, to the rescue. However, this young girl is not the only one to be concerned about. Two of these LEOs they know who were working undercover have also gone missing. Charlie and Hale are nowhere to be found. This is a riveting thriller as all involved race against time to try to locate the young girl as well as their fellow LEOs. Great read as always! I received this ARC for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Bailey Flynn series. Belle Harbor is a small town in southern Florida that has all kinds of bad people running through it over time. This book starts with two dead teenagers being found in a car. The only weird part was one was already embalmed. The Bella Harber Pd asks Bailey into the case as they need help finding out how a young girl become embalmed and still was found in an abandon car. The usual suspects, including the incarcerated Chuck Ashworth who many believed, is still pulling strings even in prison awaiting his trial.

This book had the normal twists and turns of a Melinda book where you think you might have it figured out who the bad guy is and how they are going to catch him, but with some mysterious white car following Bailey around and the disappearance of Charlie and Hale things were still too much up I the air to know who the evil people really are. Jordan Stone seem to still be around but completely in the hidden background. How they transported drugs was new for me, sickening but new. The escape of Tamara Vincent opens the door for her reappearance in coming books as does the dirty potential judge in Tony Brunner. So, Bell Harbor has not run out of bad guys for the local PD and the Miami office of the FBI to try and catch. Which is perfect as that means there will be many more books from Melinda on Bailey and Dalton and their friends catching the criminals of southern Florida provided Bailey stays in the area. As she has choices to make about her career and love life.
Typical fantastic book from Melinda Woodhall, so many twists and turns and the death of some bad people and the birth of likely others, the question of where will Bailey be? And can she do what she wants and needs to do in the small town that has become home and the people she has come to love and respect. Keep them coming Melinda, and I’ll continue to lose sleep by getting up early to read for just an hour or so before starting my day. Highly recommend Melinda’s books, just remember once you start a series it will be virtually impossible not to continue reading the rest of the stories.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the series sees Bailey and Ludwig being drawn into cases that may or may not be connected, that Bailey isn't officially supposed to be working on, which are rather gruesome but which are all too plausible. The story weaves in bits from previous books and characters, as they would in real life where investigators go on to their next cases, while still trying to close old ones.

The book is well written, the characters feel real and aren’t perfect. The relationships between some of the characters portray how people really struggle at times to make time for loved ones, keep friendships alive and just the day to day workings of life.

As usual I raced through the book, enjoying every chapter, cringing at some of the exploits, even though it is quite often your imagination that paints the pictures in your mind. I also find it hard to believe that the author can manage the stories and characters, while making every feel so fresh. Can’t wait for the next book by Melinda, whichever series she is writing about next.

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

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dreading Darkness continues Melinda Woodhall's Bailey Flynn series with its signature mix of suspense and intrigue. This time, Bailey tackles another harrowing case, bringing her trademark determination and grit to the forefront.

The novel succeeds in delivering the fast-paced procedural elements fans of the series expect. The plot is tightly constructed, with enough twists to keep readers engaged, and Woodhall's ability to delve into the darker sides of human nature remains strong.

However, while the story is engaging, it didn’t quite reach the heights of earlier installments for me. Some of the character interactions felt a bit flat, lacking the depth and spark that usually make the series stand out. Additionally, a few plot points wrapped up a little too conveniently, leaving me wanting more complexity.

Despite these drawbacks, Dreading Darkness is a solid addition to the series. Fans of Bailey Flynn will appreciate her relentless pursuit of justice, even if this installment doesn't shine as brightly as others.

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

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This story begins with Annabelle, Fraser's partner, sneaking out of the house to meet with her boyfriend. The next morning Bailey receives a call from Fraser advising her of Annabelle's disappearance. Bailey meets to aid in the search. As Ludwig follows Annabelle's scent, they arrive at the park where there has been the discovery of two teenagers' bodies. Ludwig follows the scent to the car, but none of the bodies are Annabelle's. Bailey agrees to help with the case at the same time the search for Charkie and Hale was going on.

As the search goes on, more individuals go missing. It is discovered later on that there is more to the case than originally thought. As the story draws to a conclusion, Bailey and her team finally learn what the disappearances were all about,

To learn why the disappearances were happening and how it was shown to relate to what other events were going on, then you need to read this book.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series: The books in this series are interesting, intriguing, and immersing reads that are difficult to set down. Set to a good pace with interesting characters, story lines, and dialog. Source: BookSirens.

DREADING DARKNESS, #5 - Try to catch a killer without the bodies of the victims. Good twists with some unexpected. 5*

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. 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. 4*

CHASING MONSTERS, #3 - Another good addition to this series. A little predictable here and there, but overall, an interesting read. 4*

FORGOTTEN REMAINS, #4 - Secrets exposed. Murders, old and new, solved. Futures determined. More romance? 4*
Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series end.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent mystery/procedural by Melinda Woodhall. I have read almost all of Ms. Woodhall's books and am pretty sure I've figured out her method—the murderer will always be the last person you expect. I call myself paying attention, but even so, once again, she managed to surprise me. This is the mark of an excellent author, in my opinion. After all this time, the characters Ms. Woodhall has created have been personal friends I enjoy spending time with. (Yes, I do realize they don't actually exist!) They are capable, trustworthy (except for those who aren't supposed to be), realistic, and down to earth.

As in all of Ms. Woodhall's books, there is plenty of action, twists and turns galore, unexpected revelations, and just a hint of romance. Everything a mystery reader wants. If you haven't read any of Ms. Woodhall's books I highly recommend them. She hasn't disappointed me yet.

I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

DREADING DARKNESS, the fifth installment of the unique Bailey Flynn series, delves into the mystery of missing people, a potential serial killer, questionable funeral home practices, and the Cartel’s new smuggling operation. Special Agent Bailey and Detective Fraser are on a mission to uncover the common thread that ties these cases together.

This action-packed story, filled with unexpected twists, is a thrill ride from start to finish. Several threads come together in unexpected ways, making it the perfect book for those who love a good mystery. The imperfect characters feel real, as do their relationships. I highly recommend Melinda’s books. Make sure you have plenty of time because once you start, you can’t stop!

My thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. A special shoutout to Melinda for crafting such an immersive series! I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series, and I'm sure you will be too after reading this one!

[Cat B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a Melinda Woodhall book drops I am safe in the knowledge that I am going to get an excellent read. Her books and characters are always intriguing, the action always start immediately and there are always nefarious characters to ferret out along the way. I have never been disappointed. They always run in a series so that you really get a good inkling on the main characters and who they are. Within the different series you also have the recurring characters from previous series in her writings. They pop up here and there giving the reader a feeling of familiarity without intruding too strongly in the present stories. I enjoy these books immensely and would recommend them full heartedly to fans of the genre, and maybe even some who just want to try something different from their usual fare.
I received a copy of this book via Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion of the tale.

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Sirens eARC. Bailey and her team are on high alert as the daughter of a fellow detective has gone missing. When the bodies of two teens are found in an abandoned car she rushes to the scene. Although neither is the missing girl she is baffled to discover one of the bodies has been embalmed. Why would a diabolical killer be embalming bodies? As others go missing the tension mounts. As a long time Woodhall reader I know I can always count on a compelling plot with unusual although horrific crimes. The integrity and warmth of the returning cast of characters lightens a dark and gritty narrative. An aspect I enjoy is that threads from previous cases are woven into the current case to create a connecting story line. Although each entry works as a stand alone this series is better savored by reading in order. An intense engaging read.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very enjoyable ready in this series!
I'll get the negative comments out of the way first - this book needed better proofreading. I found a number of errors, which were distracting. Without giving too much away, I thought each of the victims seemed to be overpowered very quickly and easily, which became a bit predictable.
I did enjoy the story. I like Bailey's character and I really like when Ludwig is more involved like he was in parts of this book.
It was a surprise to find out who one of the masterminds was behind the trafficking.
It was interesting to see some loose ends from previous books closed off in this book but the door has also been opened for the storyline to continue in other directions.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Melinda Woodhall. I have throughly enjoyed the
Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series and hopefully we will see Bailey in the future. I have to know what happened with her and her private investigator boyfriend.

Here we start out with a fellow policeman's daughter, Annabelle
Gallagher not coming home one night and is now missing. Then we find out an older man is missing. They find a car with two dead teenagers in the park. What is going on in this little town? We have a lot of naive teenagers that think nothing bad will ever happen to them and a town that seems to be clueless as to the world of bad people and drugs. As usual with Melinda's books we have tons of twists and turns and a lot of bad guys and a few bad ones pretending to be good. What is gonna happen next? Who else will disappear?

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn series, and it is one of the best. It can also be read as a standalone.

It is a fast-paced thriller that caused me to lose sleep when I could not put it down toward the end. There are plot twists and dangerous characters. There is also Ludwig, Bailey's search and rescue dog, one of my favorite non-human characters.

I don't summarize plots in my reviews as the summaries are readily available in Goodreads and others' reviews. I hope it is not considered a spoiler for me to say that it has a cliffhanger ending. You should be prepared to read the next book if you are going to read this one.

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

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

The creep factor is high in this newest Bailey Flynn thriller. You will probably want to read this one in the daylight hours. It is that creepy. Crematoriums, embalming fluid and air tight caskets are just a few things that play out in this gruesome story.

People are mysteriously disappearing. When a fellow officer's daughter disappears, this puts the case on the hot seat for everyone. There is something sinister going on Belle Harbor, Florida.

I raced through the pages of this book like crazy because I could not wait to find out how this one was going to work out. This twisty, dark thriller will stay with you long after you close the final chilling page.

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

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fast paced thrilling story staring Bailey Flynn, Ludwig, Dalton, and many more returning characters from the series. It was hard to put the book down as the bodies and missing persons counts rose. The author has given us an unusual gruesome plot with several twists which had me guessing throughout the whole story what was going to happen. There are a few loose ends not resolved at the end but the main storyline is wrapped up. I recommend you read the series from the beginning to fully appreciate the intricacies of Bailey's adventures and cases. I am looking forward to the next in this series.

I received a free advance reader's copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review .

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreading Darkness Bailey Flynn Book 5 is not only intense but exceptionally haunting. FBI Agent Bailey Flynn inadvertently becomes involved in a strange murder and multiple missing person cases while serving on the Tumba Cartel Task Force in Belle Harbor.

Melinda Woodhall creates an alarming atmosphere while seeking out the corrupt element and cartel ties in a small town outside of Miami.

There are informational leaks that the task force is unable to identify, key witnesses are missing and it’s apparent that someone on the task force can’t be trusted.

This is a dangerous and risky journey that Bailey takes the while searching for answers.

[Bette Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. Each of the authors series are different, but connected. In this book, Bailey is assisting in the search for the daughter a detective when instead the bodies of two local teens are found murdered. She always has at least 2 story-lines moving together. In this case her team mates Charlie and Hale have gone missing while working undercover trying to uncover a local crime boss. The author is a master at writing criminal thrillers, and this does not disappoint. I would start this series from the beginning in order to get the full flavor of her writing. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series. Although part of a series, it could be read as a standalone, as there are referrals to previous books.

I have read all of them, and like the others, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.

It had me captured from beginning to end, in a well written gripping storyline and plot, with twists and turns and strong characters.

This kept me guessing all the way through and on tender hooks to the final outcome.

I would definitely recommend this book, to those who love a good thriller.

I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Jo Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

DREADING DARKNESS was a provocative and intriguing mystery which gripped my attention immediately. The plot unfolded rapidly and gathered steam as people in the small community of Belle Harbor began to disappear and somehow end up connected to a local mortuary. The characters were well defined, and although there were quite a few who paraded through the book, each one had one or more specific roles to play. Loving a gripping mystery involving cops and the FBI as well as a twisty plot, I was engrossed throughout the novel. If you love assuming the role of a gum shoe and dealing with nefarious criminals, you will be enthralled to turn the pages of this monumental mystery.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had issues with a couple of the books in this series, but not this one! In fact, one of the things that bothered me with the last one, was all work and no personal life. I don't know if several people complained about it or what, but there was more personal life information in this one and it made the book SO MUCH BETTER. It helps round out the character to be more believable. The mysteries/murders are always good in these books, it's just been how a couple of the characters were written previously. I really enjoy these books! Especially now!

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

[me1966 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex, engrossing and chilling

How to describe Bailey: feisty, resilient, caring, determined, complex and more.

A colleague's daughter goes missing then during the ensuing search a car with two bodies are found - two young people, one of whom is embalmed - that's just the beginning.

Although this is book can be read as a standalone mystery, this is just one of a series with reoccurring characters who have lives, challenges and relationships as well.

The words used by Ms Woodhall to describe the surroundings, the characters just sucked me right into Bailey's world.

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

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was haunting, beyond creepy, and just plain scary. The body count was mounting. How can they get to the bottom of this with the web of corruption so far and wide ???

I empathized with those people who lost their loved ones, taken so cruelly from them. Bailey questions if there are still loose ends left, and she had her eye on one official in particular. Will Bailey stay or go?

And what of Dalton and Bailey. Still so many questions left???!!!!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.