Her Bitter End: A Veronica Lee Thriller

Veronica Lee Thriller #8

by Melinda Woodhall, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

A Vicious Psychopath Wreaks Destruction
A Las Vegas showgirl’s big audition for a notorious casino owner goes down in flames as a brutal biker carries out a violent triple murder before embarking on a mission of death and destruction, taking him from the bright lights of Sin City to the small town of Willow Bay, Florida.

When the FBI learns investigative reporter Veronica Lee is the killer’s next target, Police Chief Nessa Ainsley launches a desperate bid to protect her town from an evil predator with a shocking connection to a powerful enemy.

And as the relentless killer leaves more victims in his wake, Veronica uncovers a shocking betrayal by an unexpected accomplice who will stop at nothing to bring her life to an early and bitter end.

Written by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Mercy Harbor Thriller series

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime

Audible Audio

First published December 14, 2021

Reviews

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming to the end of the second series by Melinda Woodhall which is the Veronica Lee series. Veronica Lee is a reporter who we know always finds herself in the middle of trouble and in each book she just barely scraps by as someone is always out to harm her and most of the time trying to kill her. Book #8 starts with Stavros and his men getting torched to death and one managed to escape. She overheard him telling someone that he was on his way to Willow Bay to kill Veronica Lee. The biker known as Torch is known for his pyromaniacs and his method is arson and burning bodies. The one who managed to escape- Shay heads to Willow Bay to get revenge on the man who killed her best friend but if she's not careful, she may fall prey to the predator himself. Her Bitter End has the whole police force and even the FBI on edge as this may be Veronica's worst killer as nobody knows his real name and identity. What happens though when it is discovered that he is connected to the Syndicate which means he has moles in the law enforcement as well so it shows no one is safe in Her Bitter End. I did like this particular book as we were not only reunited with characters from her Mercy Bay series as Eden, her niece Hope, and Dr. Reggie Horn featured but also a detective from Nessa's past whom we met briefly in the Nessa Ainsley novellas and then, of course, all our favorite characters from previous Veronica Lee Series. I felt this was a great way to finish the series and I got excited when I saw that we have two new series coming from this author - the Bridget Bishop FBI series but more excitedly a spin-off off Frankie Dawson and his PI business with Barker. Overall, I found this was the perfect conclusion to the Veronica Lee series by Melinda Woodhall.

[Nadine Michell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book by this author, I really enjoyed this book and now plan to read the series from the beginning. I was invested in the story from the start and was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns it took. Sometimes not knowing who was good or bad or who to trust. I received a copy of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this was another instalment in the lives of Veronica, Nessa etc. Really quick read but very entertaining and enjoyable, cant wait to the next one.

Fully recommend this series.

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

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Veronica Lee Thriller book #8

From Sin City to Willow Bay a brutal bikers embarks on a mission of death and destruction. Veronica Lee is his next target and all forces are out to protect her. The FBI and Willow Bay Police Chief Nessa Ainsley pledge to not only protect her but also the town from an evil predator with ties to a powerful enemy.

This is another exciting fast paced story that ticks all the right boxes. Dynamic and loveable characters, a page turner from start to finish, a plot that is smoothly written and vividly said, suspense galore to keep us on our toes and a picturesque small town as a setting. What is not to like. Who might be this vicious killer on the loose that scares half the town and leaves us biting our nails from the get-go? Chasing him and saving Veronica is the thrill in this mystery and it is well-done.

It seems this is the last episode with Veronica Lee as the major player but I am sure we will see her reappear sometime in the future has a supporting character in Ms. Woodhall other series.

Another winner I enjoyed passing time with.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 8 in the Veronica Lee series starts with a brutal barbarous crime committed by a merciless criminal known as "Torch" in biker circles and he has his eye on Veronica. What a ride this was complete with a twisted ending. I loved this series and hopefully Melinda Woodhall will revisit Veronica in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This suspense filled book is the eighth in the "Veronica Lee Thriller" series and although it is a standalone I would really urge reading the books in sequence to get to know all the wonderful characters in Willow Bay and their dramatic stories.

Veronica Lee is a gutsy investigative journalist and front woman for Channel 10 TV. There is a contract out on her life that has been accepted by a gruesome murderer known as "The Torch" for the grizzly way that he disposes of his victims.

Veronica is scared but she won't let anyone stop her from doing the job that she loves and is good at, Hunter Hartley works with Veronica and is also her boyfriend, he will do anything in his power to keep her safe.

This story starts with two hideous murders and the body count escalates, who will be the next victim ?

Nessa Ainsley, chief at Willow Bay PD is at her wits end, she thought that she had seen the last of "the syndicate" but it has raised it's ugly head again.

I feel as though I know all these wonderful characters, Nessa and her long suffering husband Jerry, who worries about Nessa, he is also her rock and her support. Frankie Dawson, ex alcoholic and now a PI who still craves the demon drink, he is in love with detective Payton Bell, they are as different as chalk and cheese but somehow they work. Gentle Skylar, Veronica's sister who has had a traumatic life, Atticus Ward who is trying to live down the fact that is father was a hardcore member of the syndicate and who is madly in love with Skylar but he knows that he is punching above his weight.

You know from the beginning that there is a mole leaking information to the syndicate and at some point in the story I suspected every member of Willow Bay WBPD, except Nessa Ainsley, and every member of the FBI who were also involved in the case but not until the end did I know who the corrupt cop was, this was a real whodunit page turner that throws down red herrings left, right and centre.

Melinda Woodall has managed to tie up a lot of loose ends beautifully in this last book of the series but has promised to return to Willow Bay at some point in the future and I for one can't wait.

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

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

Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. I truly love anything Melinda Woodhall writes! I feel as if I know the characters in her stories on a personal basis, especially the characters in Willow, Bay. Veronica Lee is a fearless reporter who has been instrumental in taking down the Syndicate, which was a large criminal enterprise. Her story takes place in a city in south Florida named Willow Bay. Nessa Ainsley is the Chief of Police (a position she earned by working hard and proving that she is a capable Chief). Charlie Day is another strong female in this series. She is an FBI agent in charge. Veronica Lee's life is in danger once again. Calista Roth is in a federal prison for being a part of the Syndicate. She fully blames Veronica Lee for her imprisonment and Calista's husband's death. Somehow, even though she is in prison, she has placed a bounty on Veronica's head. A man known as "Torch" likes to burn his victims, and he killed an adversary in Las Vegas. He was caught on camera saying he was coming for Veronica. They will try to keep her safe, but you never know who you can trust. Money talks and will bring even the best of men or women down to the gutter level of the criminals in this book. I would think I had it figured out, and then she would take me down another rabbit hole. Melinda Woodhall knows how to spin a story! There is unlimited suspense, action and a shocking ending. You will be completely absorbed into the story. I was so absorbed in the book that I could almost smell the salty air of Willow Bay! If you like action and suspense, you will not be disappointed. As a matter of fact, you will be looking for all of her books once you read one of them! I have now read every book she has written!

[Voracious Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 8th book in a series which I had not previously read. I knew nothing of the back stories of any of the characters but had come across one of the FBI agents in another series. This lack of knowledge did not hinder my ability to enjoy the story although it did make me want to read other books in the series. I now have Book 1 on my shelf waiting to be read.

I found 'Her Bitter End' to be an engrossing story. The book starts with an assassin unknowingly leaving a witness to his latest assassination. By the time he discovers this fact he has already moved onto his next assignment. Law Enforcement discovers there was a witness to the first assassination and the hunt is on for the witness, the assassin, and trying to stop the next kill.

The story played out well and kept me trying to find the clues that would lead to solving the mystery. There were moments when I thought I had a glimmer of an idea of who was involved but was never quite certain. The characters were well written. Everything seemed to tie in well together.

I will be reading other books in the series.

I received an ARC of this book which in no way influenced my opinion. My review is left voluntarily.

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melinda Woodhall has once again written an exciting, nail biting story. Her Bitter End, the eighth Veronica Lee thriller, was as intense as the first book, Her Last Summer.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know the characters. As they have been introduced, they have been involved in some facet in further stories. The reader is able to identify with the fear, horror and relief that is felt with the crimes of murder, drug and human trafficking being brought conclusion. And yet knowing, the issues are still in the existence they move forward supporting each other. The superb community building was accomplished by maintaining the location and the characters involvement in each other’s lives and common goals. Veronica will continue her crusade to “shine a light on missing and exploited women.” (Her Bitter End, A Veronica Lee thriller, Melinda Woodhall).
This is a fantastic series.

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

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a couple points in the book, I wondered if Willow Bay, the location of this book, would be like Cabot Cove in "Murder, She Wrote." I wondered if everyone in town would need Jessica Fletcher to solve their murder. That's not exactly like this book, but there certainly have been a lot of murders in a town that pretends to be a sleepy little village. As is always the case with this writer, the writing is excellent, the characters are well-developed throughout this series of stand alone novels concentrating on the Willow Bay Police Department and competing TV stations. Sure, I sometimes wonder why a little town where all the citizens seem to know each needs two TV stations, but then I get sucked into the story and forget to wonder about that.

I did notice more typos than usual in this book. Maybe the great resignation hit the publishing industry also?

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

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This addition to the Veronica Lee series was as seamlessl and well done as the previous installments. Wow the action just keeps on rolling as Veronica tries to unravel a mystery before she becomes the next victim.

In a town where everyone should know everybody again Willow Bay has plenty of surprises left as Veronica is pulled into the center of a conspiracy to end her life by a bitter enemy.

Old friends come together new enemies are revealed and the plot continues to thicken. This is a true nail biter and in true Veronica Lee fashion jump aboard to see how it all plays out. You won't be sorry this is a great series if you haven't tried it and definitely a beloved favorite of mine.

I highly recommend it! Each story can truly stand on its own but for a richer world and understanding of the characters I suggest reading the books in order!

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Ms. Woodall has shown she is the master of the ensemble cast and even with many characters to keep up with she creates an awesome, well-woven story. The characters here are becoming like old friends since I have read the majority of Ms. Woodall's books. She always keeps her readers on their toes because, while she allows the reader to know what the "bad guy" is doing and thinking, we're never told who he/she is until the ending. I think that is her major strong suit-creating characters who so easily hide in plain sight. But I have to admit to being suspicious of one of the "bad guys" for quite some time, but never had enough evidence to be 100% sure. I can't wait to see what she has planned next for my "friends".

I received a review copy from the author at my request vis BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.

[Bette Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe we are at the end of and exceptional series. This book is the perfect ending. A casino owner’s house goes up in flames. He dies along with several other people. However, that is not the end. The team discovers a connection when they hear the murderer talking about coming to Willow Bay to “take care” of Veronica.
When a biker’s rally upends the small town into chaos, the people are unsettled, but none more so than the team trying to protect Veronica, and solve the local murders happening since the rally began.
This book has amazing twists and turns, brings back old suspects as well as introducing new ones. At the end of the day, who is going to take over all the wealth and power of the old syndicate? Suspenseful and riveting to the end. Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this book.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Bitter End is Book 8 in A Veronica Lee Thriller by Melinda Woodhall. Having read all of the books in this series, I must say that each book is exciting and although each book stands alone, each story builds and moves forward with the characters. Many of my favorite characters are back with new characters for this book. In book 8, A casino owner is murdered along with two other people then the mansion is set on fire. The FBI have reason to believe that Veronica Lee is next on the hit list. Her Bitter End hits the road with a thrilling fast paced story. Melinda Woodhall has written an exciting series and although she tied up all loose ends, I hate to think that we will not have another Veronica Lee book. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really loved this series about investigative reporter Veronica Lee, and this book brings the series to a close. As always it’s a fast paced, well plotted and very entertaining read. A lot of the characters from the previous books appear, as always so realistic whether we love or hate them, and there are always surprises, especially at the end. Whilst this is the 8th book of the series, it’s definitely a stand alone read, although I’m glad I read the series in order. Veronica is a character who will really be missed, but I’m looking forward to reading Melindas’ next book. I’m sure it’ll be as good as all in this series.

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

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great instalment in this very enjoyable series. I was hooked right from the start and read it in one day.

It starts off in great fashion, with 2 murders and an arson which is witnessed by a young woman who overhears the killer's call and intention to go to Willow Bay to kill Veronica Lee. Cue lots of FBI agents, around the clock protection for Veronica while at the same time, a motorcycle rally is taking place in Willow Bay.

The series is excellent and this was particularly good. There's non-stop action, more killings and many questions to be answered, like who in law enforcement can be trusted. I really enjoyed the ending also in what is the final book of this series.

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

[Romaine Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book of the Veronica Lee's thrillers can be read as a standalone but I recommend starting from the first book in the series to get a better feel of the characters and the events that take place. I've read all of this author's books and never once disappointed. Highly recommend this series!
Torch has a double identity that only a few are aware of. He has only one more mission before it is complete. His next target Veronica Lee.
Everyone from the WBPD, FBI, DEA and close friends are doing everything they can to protect Veronica from Torch. There seems to be a mole within one of these forces but who?
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Dianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have all enjoyed all the books in this series. The characters have become well known friends from Nessa, to Veronica, to Hunter etc.

If I could offer one or two comments common to them all. First of all they tend to have a period of time, about 60% of the way in, where they seem to lose momentum and just plug along until things pick up again. The second is that the female characters do some things that stretch common sense. For instance, Veronica taking off without her security team several times. I have to shake my head. In the young females, such as Hope and Shay, I’d find this more believable.

On the whole the series is enjoyable, as are all Ms. Woodhall’s works. Thank you Book Sirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the Veronica Lee Series but is part of the Willow Bay Town where the characters cross over from the Mercy Harbour Series and the Nessa Series. Whilst this book, like all of Melinda Woodhall's books can be read as stand alone stories, the true enjoyment is taking the journey with each of the characters as their background stories, relationships and shared histories evolve.

So far I have read every book in all of the 3 crime series, where the central female protagonist of each of the series is both relatable but also likeable. Having read many books in this genre, it is rare that the main characters are so likeable, that you not only connect with them through the story, but could easily be friends with them, should you also inhabit this world. I think this is one of the things that sets Melinda's characters apart from others in the genre and is a strength to the series.

Like all of the books that precede it, we are transported into another fast paced story where Veronica and her trusty crime fighting compatriots need to weed out the bad guys and live another day to fight the good fight of Willow Bay. Being the 8th book in the series, after finishing the book, I was very satisfied with the ending. Whether the Author chooses to end the Veronica Lee series on this book, or continue with more adventures with these characters either via this particular series or a new one (this one of 3 series that the characters occupy the world), was concluded in such a way that I felt good about having invested in so many books so far.

Thank you to the Author and Book Sirens for the complimentary digital copy to read and review and give my unbiased and honest opinion of the story.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in this series which brings together all of the characters from all of the books meaning that there is a lot going on throughout the story. Veronica Lee is yet again placed in a dangerous position due the tenacity of her reporting and highlights the struggle between the law enforcers and the wrong doers. But sometimes paths get crossed and danger ensues.
The story is fast paced and although may be read as a standalone, it is best to read the whole series to get to grips with all of the characters in it. Good strong female personae in the book.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC to review.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Bitter End is the eighth book in the Veronica Lee Thriller series, and this was a fast paced read. It can be read as a standalone, but it is easier to get a better understanding of all the characters if you have been following along with the series. Veronica Lee is a gutsy journalist, who once again finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer. I have loved watching the interaction between certain characters in the book grow over the continuation of the series. I certainly would recommend this book to others.

I received a copy of the book for Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking Veronica Lee thriller, this time our heroine is in the cross-hairs of a truly despicable character with the moniker Torch. Willow Bay's chief of police, Nessa Ainsley must work with federal agencies to deal with this predator before he is successful. Hiding in plain sight when Willow Bay holds a motorcycle festival Torch seems unstoppable.

As usual, the author takes the reader on a thrilling journey, involving plenty of twists, has you making assumptions about characters before pulling everything to an incredible conclusion.

I received this as an ARC through Booksirens and am submitting my voluntary review

[Jane Verco · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Her Bitter End" is the eighth, and probably last, of the Veronica Lee series. Over the series there has been a number of threads that have been woven through, and this book has tied many of them up nicely., while still leaving the possibility for a continuation. I really like the author's writing style - punchy from page 1 and full of great characters who you get to know so well through the series. While" Her Bitter End", and all the other books in the Veronica Lee series can be read by themselves, do yourself a favour and read the whole series in order. You'll be glad you did.

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

[Julie Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Bitter End by Melinda Woodhall is the final book in the Veronica Lee series. It is as exciting as the previous 7 books. This thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat while Veronica deals with new enemies. This time Torch comes to Willow Bay, and she has to find him before she becomes his next victim. Bad guys keep hinting that there are moles law enforcement, and everyone is shocked to find out who they are. This was a great conclusion to the Veronica Lee series. Every one of Melinda’s books are intense, nail-biting thrillers with great characters. Each book make you want to read the next one immediately. Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC.

[Eunice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect way to end this series. I tore through all eight books over the past week and honestly, this was my favorite of them all. I was on the edge of my seat to the very end.

The pace of this book, along with how well everything intertwined was crafted beautifully. I absolutely had no idea that the mole was who it was. I never even suspected that character.

I’m the end, I grew to love all of the characters even more and I’m so glad they all had a good ending.

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

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This newest addition to the Veronica Lee series is faultless. Woodhall doesn't stint with her characters or with the scenarios she builds for them.

Though I've read each of the previous seven books in this series, each one still holds me on the edge of my seat as I race to finish it. Well done Ms Woodhall, definitely among my favourite writers of crime fiction.

[I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of the book from the author via BookSirens, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this thrilling suspense story. There was plenty of action from the beginning and continuing throughout. Veronica, a TV reporter, is being hunted by a deranged killer. The local police, the FBI, and the DEA are all involved in hunting the killer and protecting Veronica. Unfortunately, there are numerous leaks occurring causing more havoc and making you guess who is corrupt. This is the 8th book in a series, supposedly the last, and the ending wraps up things nicely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never fails

Melinda Woodhall never fails to deliver a story that gives the reader a day of escapism. This edition of Willow Bay and all its troubles was a bit more confusing because of all the players involved. Trying to figure out who was on the right side of the law and who was on the wrong side made for a few head scratching moments. Sit back, relax and enjoy the troubled little town of Willow Bay.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner....I'm really thankful to Book Sirens for sending me a copy to read and review....and also quote gutted that it's the end in the series.
The Veronica Lee thrillers have been my favourite series of 2021, and reading one feels like meeting up with an old friend.
The characters are by now all wonderfully developed, and the plots move along at a good pace.
Would recommend these to anyone who enjoys a good story

[Anne G. Kasaba]

Another winner in this great series. The characters are dynamic and multifaceted. The setting is a small town with big city vibes. This is more suspense than mystery although there are definitely elements of that genre.

Veronica is once again in a killers sights. It's up to Nessa, the WBPD, and FBI to keep her safe until the can catch them and bring them to justice.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.