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Detective Ellie Reeves #11
The Graveyard Girls
A shrill scream pierced the night air. She caught the fluttering bedroom curtain and held it aside. Her little sister stared over her shoulder, trembling. A figure they knew, in a dark coat and ski hat, emerged from the bushes and stared at the window. If they tried to stop him, they’d end up in the ground…
When the skeletal remains of a teenage girl are discovered buried in a deserted graveyard it’s a chilling case for Detective Ellie Reeves. Her heart catches with emotion as she examines the grave for clues and uncovers a haunting detail. One red shoe lies in the dirt, just like the one sixteen-year-old Ruth Higgins was wearing when she disappeared years earlier. Everyone in the town mourned beautiful golden girl Ruth, but her suspected killer, gravedigger Earl Bramble, escaped from police custody and hasn’t been seen since.
Ellie knows she must work fast, and then a call comes in that turns the blood in her veins to ice. Another teenage girl, a recent runaway, has been found buried with one red shoe. The evidence suggests that Earl must be back. But when Ellie goes to the old clapboard house where Earl’s daughters still live, they claim to know nothing about their father…
Ellie needs her team on side to help her solve this shocking case. But just as she begins to make headway, she discovers a connection from the past between one of her most trusted colleagues and the gravedigger’s daughters that throws everything she thought into disarray. With parents terrified, girls in danger and a cold-hearted killer stealing innocent lives, can Ellie find him, and make him pay, before it is too late?
When the skeletal remains of a teenage girl are discovered buried in a deserted graveyard it’s a chilling case for Detective Ellie Reeves. Her heart catches with emotion as she examines the grave for clues and uncovers a haunting detail. One red shoe lies in the dirt, just like the one sixteen-year-old Ruth Higgins was wearing when she disappeared years earlier. Everyone in the town mourned beautiful golden girl Ruth, but her suspected killer, gravedigger Earl Bramble, escaped from police custody and hasn’t been seen since.
Ellie knows she must work fast, and then a call comes in that turns the blood in her veins to ice. Another teenage girl, a recent runaway, has been found buried with one red shoe. The evidence suggests that Earl must be back. But when Ellie goes to the old clapboard house where Earl’s daughters still live, they claim to know nothing about their father…
Ellie needs her team on side to help her solve this shocking case. But just as she begins to make headway, she discovers a connection from the past between one of her most trusted colleagues and the gravedigger’s daughters that throws everything she thought into disarray. With parents terrified, girls in danger and a cold-hearted killer stealing innocent lives, can Ellie find him, and make him pay, before it is too late?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2025
996 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Rita Herron
321 books938 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 18, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
wow where to start with this one
hes been a predator for years hiding his vicims in the ground and nobody has ever suspected him....
ida and her cousin have never had an easy life... they were scared of idas father and the town thought they were all trash so when he went missing everyone assumed he was the one that had something to do with ruth going missing
ruth family were torn apart after she disappeared but they remained faithful hoping that ruth would one day come back... but for the other sister and brother their lives were never the same again and each went their separate ways once they were older...
but when a body was found everyone was hoping that when the i.d came through it would answer all the questions about ruths disappearance
man what a ride this book was... so many twists and turns it was gripping right to the end...
looking forward to reading the next book in this series
wow where to start with this one
hes been a predator for years hiding his vicims in the ground and nobody has ever suspected him....
ida and her cousin have never had an easy life... they were scared of idas father and the town thought they were all trash so when he went missing everyone assumed he was the one that had something to do with ruth going missing
ruth family were torn apart after she disappeared but they remained faithful hoping that ruth would one day come back... but for the other sister and brother their lives were never the same again and each went their separate ways once they were older...
but when a body was found everyone was hoping that when the i.d came through it would answer all the questions about ruths disappearance
man what a ride this book was... so many twists and turns it was gripping right to the end...
looking forward to reading the next book in this series
August 12, 2025
This is my first read of this series and it won't be the last!
It's easily read as a standalone, thanks to Rita Herron's writing skills.
We are thrown right into the story as skeletal remains are discovered, with a small town being sent into a frenzy. Ellie and her team are straight there to investigate what soon points to the work of a serial killer.
The joy of this book for me was how every character had their own issues, flaws, emotions and back stories. The book twists and turns every which way as the team pursue the truth. Ellie's fledgling relationship with Cord is at risk due to his obvious secrets. Can it survive?
We have multiple people with their own back stories to learn here, but that adds to depth and intensity of the plot. As a reader I had empathy for most of the players, who were just ruled by their past and needed something to bring them into the present.
The ending took me totally by surprise and I look forward to reading more from this author.
If you're a fan of intense, incredibly well written police procedurals then look no further.
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC. My views are my own.
It's easily read as a standalone, thanks to Rita Herron's writing skills.
We are thrown right into the story as skeletal remains are discovered, with a small town being sent into a frenzy. Ellie and her team are straight there to investigate what soon points to the work of a serial killer.
The joy of this book for me was how every character had their own issues, flaws, emotions and back stories. The book twists and turns every which way as the team pursue the truth. Ellie's fledgling relationship with Cord is at risk due to his obvious secrets. Can it survive?
We have multiple people with their own back stories to learn here, but that adds to depth and intensity of the plot. As a reader I had empathy for most of the players, who were just ruled by their past and needed something to bring them into the present.
The ending took me totally by surprise and I look forward to reading more from this author.
If you're a fan of intense, incredibly well written police procedurals then look no further.
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC. My views are my own.
July 20, 2025
This was a decent, by-the-book thriller mystery. It was pretty cookie cutter and very predictable. There can be something comfortable in that. The chapters were short which made this a very fast read, and even though it was predictable and there were a lot of characters to keep straight at the beginning, the story was ultimately told well. I’ve never read any others from this series, but I don’t think you need to; I didn’t feel I was missing anything. I think this would make a good Hulu miniseries, especially with the way the plot is laid out. If you like police procedurals with actually smart female lead detectives, you’ll enjoy this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review
July 14, 2025
Ellie Reeves has just come out of a quieter period, but the life of a detective can change in an instant with just one phone call. As soon as she is called to a new case, she and Cord spring into action immediately — something not everyone appreciates. But Ellie doesn’t let that get to her. She throws herself into the investigation with full dedication and is determined to catch the killer as soon as possible to prevent more victims.
A murderer is terrifying. A serial killer targeting young girls is even worse. But what makes it even more disturbing for me is a predator who collects souvenirs from their victims. In my opinion, that kind of killer is even more deeply traumatized and therefore even more twisted.
In this book, the author created quite a large cast of characters, all of whom play important roles. I was moved by the story of the Bramble girls, and shocked by the behavior of some of the parents.
What made me shout the loudest “no”, however, came closer to the end. I won’t reveal what exactly happened or who it involves — but I suspect that anyone who’s read the book will know exactly what I mean. It hit me hard, and the tears definitely came.
It’s strange, really, that the story of fictional people can stir up so many emotions. But that only proves what a fantastic job the author did — a big congratulations to her, because she succeeded brilliantly in her goal.
This is yet another brilliant story by this author. Giving it anything less than 5 stars would be a crime. ;)
Thank you
A murderer is terrifying. A serial killer targeting young girls is even worse. But what makes it even more disturbing for me is a predator who collects souvenirs from their victims. In my opinion, that kind of killer is even more deeply traumatized and therefore even more twisted.
In this book, the author created quite a large cast of characters, all of whom play important roles. I was moved by the story of the Bramble girls, and shocked by the behavior of some of the parents.
What made me shout the loudest “no”, however, came closer to the end. I won’t reveal what exactly happened or who it involves — but I suspect that anyone who’s read the book will know exactly what I mean. It hit me hard, and the tears definitely came.
It’s strange, really, that the story of fictional people can stir up so many emotions. But that only proves what a fantastic job the author did — a big congratulations to her, because she succeeded brilliantly in her goal.
This is yet another brilliant story by this author. Giving it anything less than 5 stars would be a crime. ;)
Thank you
August 14, 2025
Ellie , Cord and Derick are back with this explosive edition that starts out with a missing girl. 15 years later things start happening again.
There are slot of characters it’s a little hard to keep up sometime with who’s who but the storyline past and present keep you guessing until the final reveal. So many secrets come to light.
Cord and Ellie are trying to make a go of it but this cold case is coming between them.
Ellie was the bright spot in his life. The sunshine that lit up the darkness.
This series just keeps getting better with every new story and I can’t wait to see what this talented author comes up with next.
There are slot of characters it’s a little hard to keep up sometime with who’s who but the storyline past and present keep you guessing until the final reveal. So many secrets come to light.
Cord and Ellie are trying to make a go of it but this cold case is coming between them.
Ellie was the bright spot in his life. The sunshine that lit up the darkness.
This series just keeps getting better with every new story and I can’t wait to see what this talented author comes up with next.
August 24, 2025
Not a fan of this series
The main character keeps getting mire annoying over the series. I have read all 11 books, hoping that the main cha rarely is grow. Ellie is very annoying, selfish and had double standards. Plus either getting knocked out all the time , she would have more concussion s then a pro football player. The story around her is ok . I will probably stop at book 11 and not continue with upcoming books in the series.
The main character keeps getting mire annoying over the series. I have read all 11 books, hoping that the main cha rarely is grow. Ellie is very annoying, selfish and had double standards. Plus either getting knocked out all the time , she would have more concussion s then a pro football player. The story around her is ok . I will probably stop at book 11 and not continue with upcoming books in the series.
October 8, 2025
The Graveyard Girls is a gripping thriller that is impossible to figure out! There are so many suspects that I couldn't guess who the killer was. I loved this book and think it's one of the best in the fantastic Detective Ellie Reeves series by Rita Herron. Ellie gets called to a graveyard as the remains of a teenaged girl are discovered. Ellie discovers one red shoe in the dirt and it matches the shoe that Ruth Higgins had on when she went missing years ago. The town has been mourning Ruth ever since as it was suspected Earl Bramble killed her and ran off. No one knows what happened to Earl, not even his 2 daughters.
As Ellie is investigating, she gets another call that a teenaged girl has been found dead with one red shoe. Has Earl come back and started killing again? Why do his daughters tell Ellie they have no idea where he is or if he's back. They claim they haven't seen him or had any contact with him since he left years ago. Are they telling the truth? Parents in town are terrified that their daughter will be next as the body count rises. Will Ellie and her team be able to solve this case and finally give the parents some closure? When Ellie finds a connection between the old case and current case she is shocked to find a colleague as a possible suspect.
This book is so good that you'll be thinking about it when you're not able to read it. I kept going over the case in my mind and still couldn't figure out who the killer was. I love books that keep you guessing until the very end. I rate The Graveyard Girls 5 stars as one of the. best mysteries I've read this year. There are so many things in the book that will keep you on edge and totally engrossed. I can't give more detail without ruining it for you, but trust me this is a book you need to read! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of The Graveyard Girls in exchange for a fair review. #TheGraveyardGirls
As Ellie is investigating, she gets another call that a teenaged girl has been found dead with one red shoe. Has Earl come back and started killing again? Why do his daughters tell Ellie they have no idea where he is or if he's back. They claim they haven't seen him or had any contact with him since he left years ago. Are they telling the truth? Parents in town are terrified that their daughter will be next as the body count rises. Will Ellie and her team be able to solve this case and finally give the parents some closure? When Ellie finds a connection between the old case and current case she is shocked to find a colleague as a possible suspect.
This book is so good that you'll be thinking about it when you're not able to read it. I kept going over the case in my mind and still couldn't figure out who the killer was. I love books that keep you guessing until the very end. I rate The Graveyard Girls 5 stars as one of the. best mysteries I've read this year. There are so many things in the book that will keep you on edge and totally engrossed. I can't give more detail without ruining it for you, but trust me this is a book you need to read! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of The Graveyard Girls in exchange for a fair review. #TheGraveyardGirls
August 14, 2025
I will say I enjoyed this one. Detective Ellie Reeves has had her share of trouble. I like that it finally seems to be working out for her. Then Cord’s past comes creeping in. I truly like these characters together. I hope that they continue to work together. Some things I guessed but I did not guess the killer. I truly like a book where the heroine has some kind of connection, it does not have to be romantic. And finally Ellie does and it happens to be romantic.
August 17, 2025
✅ Another great installment in the Detective Ellie Reeves series.
Ellie’s current case is a heartbreaking one for sure. With Cord and her team by her side, Ellie still has her hands full trying to figure out what is going on in Brambletown. As more skeletal remains are discovered, Ellie is worried she may have a serial killer in the area.
On top of everything else going on, Cord is acting really mysterious about something. He won’t share what is going on with Ellie.
Brambletown is full of secrets….secrets someone does not want discovered.
The Graveyard Girls takes you on a very twisted journey that will stay with you for a long time.
Highly recommended series to fans of intense thriller reads.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ellie’s current case is a heartbreaking one for sure. With Cord and her team by her side, Ellie still has her hands full trying to figure out what is going on in Brambletown. As more skeletal remains are discovered, Ellie is worried she may have a serial killer in the area.
On top of everything else going on, Cord is acting really mysterious about something. He won’t share what is going on with Ellie.
Brambletown is full of secrets….secrets someone does not want discovered.
The Graveyard Girls takes you on a very twisted journey that will stay with you for a long time.
Highly recommended series to fans of intense thriller reads.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2025
Rita Herron once again brings a roller coaster or action, intrigue and emotion. As you meet each character and learn their story, they become real and flawed. Ruth's sister, Tilly, was the one character who i felt deserved some happiness and the author wrote it in such a way that it also ended another triangle. Her parents were cruel and not so because they lost a daughter but because they didn't realize they had other children. One of the victims got a small story added to this book and it was heartbreaking that she finally realized the truth only to have everything snatched away. There was so much heartache and so much pain without even talking about the Graveyard Girls whose lives were horrible.
However, with all this tragedy and all these flawed characters the author helped us to know and feel for, this was Ellie's story. She is an amazing investigator having channeled her own tragedy into a story of resilience and strength. She was also in love with a flawed and secretive man, Cord. He did some things and felt those things made him unworthy of love but he was just a little bit broken by the physical and emotional pain that changed his live. His pain made him strong and a warrior for good but still he struggled to let go of the past and be happy. At first I wasn't fond of him being the one shipped with Ellie but as I learned his story he became the right guy. They were two broken individuals who made each other better. The author does take a hard jog left at one point when he keeps a massive secret from her but in the end it allowed them to shed all secrets and be honest.
I've spent a lot of timing talking about the characters and our murderer did become more obvious as the story went on. He was a vicious monster but he was shaped by the horror of his childhood. I'm not saying that do excuse his behavior because I definitely think justice should have been swift but it is just one more example and how Rita Herron knows how to craft a great character. You hated the murderer but felt for the boy he once once. The whole town needed to heal and maybe by finding Ruth's truth they can.
You can absolutely never go wrong with Rita Herron and this is one of the better books in this series. Romantic suspense is Rita's main style of books but I even enjoyed her foray into the paranormal and saucy paranormal at that.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC...
However, with all this tragedy and all these flawed characters the author helped us to know and feel for, this was Ellie's story. She is an amazing investigator having channeled her own tragedy into a story of resilience and strength. She was also in love with a flawed and secretive man, Cord. He did some things and felt those things made him unworthy of love but he was just a little bit broken by the physical and emotional pain that changed his live. His pain made him strong and a warrior for good but still he struggled to let go of the past and be happy. At first I wasn't fond of him being the one shipped with Ellie but as I learned his story he became the right guy. They were two broken individuals who made each other better. The author does take a hard jog left at one point when he keeps a massive secret from her but in the end it allowed them to shed all secrets and be honest.
I've spent a lot of timing talking about the characters and our murderer did become more obvious as the story went on. He was a vicious monster but he was shaped by the horror of his childhood. I'm not saying that do excuse his behavior because I definitely think justice should have been swift but it is just one more example and how Rita Herron knows how to craft a great character. You hated the murderer but felt for the boy he once once. The whole town needed to heal and maybe by finding Ruth's truth they can.
You can absolutely never go wrong with Rita Herron and this is one of the better books in this series. Romantic suspense is Rita's main style of books but I even enjoyed her foray into the paranormal and saucy paranormal at that.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC...
August 11, 2025
The Graveyard Girls by Rita Herron is a highly recommended crime thriller. Detective Ellie Reeves, Ranger Cord McClain, and Special Agent Derrick Fox all return to search for a serial killer. Even though this is the eleventh book in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel.
In the opening we know cousins Ida and Hetty see a girl being attacked fifteen years ago and they think they recognize the killer. Then we learn sixteen-year-old Ruth Higgins has disappeared and their father, gravedigger Earl Bramble was the suspected killer. He disappeared before he was arrested. In the present, when the skeletal remains of a teenage girl is found, with a red shoe nearby, it is thought to be Ruth, but turns out to be another girl. It is clear that a serial killer is at work when another teen girl is found in a burial site. Detective Ellie Reeves, Ranger Cord McClain and Special Agent Derrick Fox are called in to assist local law enforcement with the investigation.
The writing is very good as it follows the present investigation and also includes flashbacks and journal entries from the past. Brambletown, in Northern Georgia, is a small town that is being poisoned from an underground fire and the area is in a depression. The setting adds a eerie atmosphere to the novel with both poisoned minds and land involved.
Those following the series will already be acquainted with Ellie, Cord and Derrick who are all well established characters. There are many other characters involved with the investigation, many of them wounded emotionally and/or physically. All the characters are distinctive individuals. As with the last book, I'm not interested in the side story of Ellie and Cord's burgeoning relationship.
The narrative held my complete attention to the end. While reading for clues about the identity of the killer, there are plenty of red herrings and unlikable characters along the way. It is assumed that Earl is back, but he is never seen, and Ida and Hetty both confirm that they haven't seen him. Clearly the investigation must expand follow the clues to look for other suspects in the area.
The Graveyard Girls is a great choice for those who enjoy crime thrillers and are following the Ellie Reeves series. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...
In the opening we know cousins Ida and Hetty see a girl being attacked fifteen years ago and they think they recognize the killer. Then we learn sixteen-year-old Ruth Higgins has disappeared and their father, gravedigger Earl Bramble was the suspected killer. He disappeared before he was arrested. In the present, when the skeletal remains of a teenage girl is found, with a red shoe nearby, it is thought to be Ruth, but turns out to be another girl. It is clear that a serial killer is at work when another teen girl is found in a burial site. Detective Ellie Reeves, Ranger Cord McClain and Special Agent Derrick Fox are called in to assist local law enforcement with the investigation.
The writing is very good as it follows the present investigation and also includes flashbacks and journal entries from the past. Brambletown, in Northern Georgia, is a small town that is being poisoned from an underground fire and the area is in a depression. The setting adds a eerie atmosphere to the novel with both poisoned minds and land involved.
Those following the series will already be acquainted with Ellie, Cord and Derrick who are all well established characters. There are many other characters involved with the investigation, many of them wounded emotionally and/or physically. All the characters are distinctive individuals. As with the last book, I'm not interested in the side story of Ellie and Cord's burgeoning relationship.
The narrative held my complete attention to the end. While reading for clues about the identity of the killer, there are plenty of red herrings and unlikable characters along the way. It is assumed that Earl is back, but he is never seen, and Ida and Hetty both confirm that they haven't seen him. Clearly the investigation must expand follow the clues to look for other suspects in the area.
The Graveyard Girls is a great choice for those who enjoy crime thrillers and are following the Ellie Reeves series. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...
July 21, 2025
Secrets from the past unveiled: “Graveyard Girls’ will keep you hooked! - 4.5 stars
In “The Graveyard Girls,” the 11th book in the Detective Ellie Reeve Series, a new case collides with Ranger Cord McLain’s past, pulling you into the story as you find yourself eager to uncover what happened 15 years ago and whether Cord’s relationship with Ellie can withstand the secrets he’s been keeping.
Ellie and her team are called to assist a nearby small town after a body is found, as they lack the resources to handle its recovery and forensic analysis. FBI Agent Derrick Fox is going stir-crazy, restricted from the fieldwork after being injured on their last case, but he finds a way to get involved when the MO links the case to several others, including a missing girl 15 years ago and the murder of other teens in the state.
The narrative weaves between the present and past, incorporating flashbacks and journal entries to provide insight into the lives of a few of the key characters. Some characters are stuck in the past, others have tried to move on, but each finds a sense of peace, closure, and ability to move forward when the truth finally comes out. As I ponder all the details a day after finishing the book, questions linger in my mind about what the girls truly witnessed all those years ago. But, as in life, some questions remain unanswered.
Like other books in this series, the chapters are short, making it hard to put down when you see the next chapter is only 2min, 4min long, leading to the familiar refrain, “just one more chapter.”
This series keeps me tuning in to see what’s next for our main trio of characters, and it does not disappoint. We witness the continued evolution of the relationships, embracing change, trust, vulnerability, and the art of letting go and moving on.
In “The Graveyard Girls,” the 11th book in the Detective Ellie Reeve Series, a new case collides with Ranger Cord McLain’s past, pulling you into the story as you find yourself eager to uncover what happened 15 years ago and whether Cord’s relationship with Ellie can withstand the secrets he’s been keeping.
Ellie and her team are called to assist a nearby small town after a body is found, as they lack the resources to handle its recovery and forensic analysis. FBI Agent Derrick Fox is going stir-crazy, restricted from the fieldwork after being injured on their last case, but he finds a way to get involved when the MO links the case to several others, including a missing girl 15 years ago and the murder of other teens in the state.
The narrative weaves between the present and past, incorporating flashbacks and journal entries to provide insight into the lives of a few of the key characters. Some characters are stuck in the past, others have tried to move on, but each finds a sense of peace, closure, and ability to move forward when the truth finally comes out. As I ponder all the details a day after finishing the book, questions linger in my mind about what the girls truly witnessed all those years ago. But, as in life, some questions remain unanswered.
Like other books in this series, the chapters are short, making it hard to put down when you see the next chapter is only 2min, 4min long, leading to the familiar refrain, “just one more chapter.”
This series keeps me tuning in to see what’s next for our main trio of characters, and it does not disappoint. We witness the continued evolution of the relationships, embracing change, trust, vulnerability, and the art of letting go and moving on.
August 17, 2025
When the skeletal remains of a teenage girl are discovered buried in a deserted graveyard it’s a chilling case for Detective Ellie Reeves. They think it could be Ruth Higgins, a 16 year old that disappeared years earlier. In the grave they find one red shoe and a red scarf that was probably used to strangle the girl. Everyone in the town suspected gravedigger Earl Bramble to be the killer, but her disappeared. As more graves are found, they assume that Earl must be back, killing again. Earl's daughters are questioned, but they know nothing and have had no contact with him. When an old secret is revealed that connects to one of her colleagues, the case is thrown into disarray. Parents and girls are scared, but some still sneak out to party. When another young girl is missing, Ellie and her team are hoping to solve this one and find the killer before her body is found in another grave.
Ellie and her team have a tough case to solve, with such a cold case. How many young women have been killed and buried with just one red shoe. When they find a new victim that was probably killed within the last 12 hours, they had new clues and information to follow. I like the way the team works together with Ellie at the helm. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story, and the culprit was hard to determine. We get the POV of the killer, but not enough to identify the person. There are a lot of characters with their own stories, flaws and backgrounds, making the story more realistic. I had no idea who the killer was and when it was revealed, my jaw dropped. It all made sense in hindsight. Overall The Graveyard Girls is a great crime thriller, one that kept me reading just one more chapter until I found I had finished it. I enjoy the Detective Ellie Reeves series, with each book having an interesting crime to solve. I definitely recommend the book and series.
Ellie and her team have a tough case to solve, with such a cold case. How many young women have been killed and buried with just one red shoe. When they find a new victim that was probably killed within the last 12 hours, they had new clues and information to follow. I like the way the team works together with Ellie at the helm. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story, and the culprit was hard to determine. We get the POV of the killer, but not enough to identify the person. There are a lot of characters with their own stories, flaws and backgrounds, making the story more realistic. I had no idea who the killer was and when it was revealed, my jaw dropped. It all made sense in hindsight. Overall The Graveyard Girls is a great crime thriller, one that kept me reading just one more chapter until I found I had finished it. I enjoy the Detective Ellie Reeves series, with each book having an interesting crime to solve. I definitely recommend the book and series.
August 5, 2025
A smoldering small town with sad secrets😍
Kudos from me for a terrific, page-turner plot!
Another thrilling serial killer murder mystery set on the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. I love, can't stop reading this series, headed by a dedicated woman police detective, with a bit of a love triangle in play, and harrowing times for the girls and young women in the area, prey to neglect, abuse and murder.
Brambletown, the central location for the story, is disintegrating due to the slow burning underground fire that poisoned the area. Herron does a stellar job evoking the desperation of characters who can't see a way out of this depressed town. There are haves and have nots, jealousies and rivalries and the mysterious disappearance of a popular teenager fifteen years earlier that still haunts the town, especially cousins Ida and Hetty, derisively nicknamed the Graveyard Girls by the teenager who ends up missing. When a buried body is discovered on the edge of town it's up to Ellie and her team to assist local law enforcement to identify the remains and, suddenly, the spectre of a serial killer surfaces.
Great suspense with a race to stop the killings and identify all the victims. The multiple POV worked really well, including some glimpses into the victims' and killer's minds. And Ellie's love interest Cord plays a key role. He's always been secretive but here we learn more of why.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Kudos from me for a terrific, page-turner plot!
Another thrilling serial killer murder mystery set on the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. I love, can't stop reading this series, headed by a dedicated woman police detective, with a bit of a love triangle in play, and harrowing times for the girls and young women in the area, prey to neglect, abuse and murder.
Brambletown, the central location for the story, is disintegrating due to the slow burning underground fire that poisoned the area. Herron does a stellar job evoking the desperation of characters who can't see a way out of this depressed town. There are haves and have nots, jealousies and rivalries and the mysterious disappearance of a popular teenager fifteen years earlier that still haunts the town, especially cousins Ida and Hetty, derisively nicknamed the Graveyard Girls by the teenager who ends up missing. When a buried body is discovered on the edge of town it's up to Ellie and her team to assist local law enforcement to identify the remains and, suddenly, the spectre of a serial killer surfaces.
Great suspense with a race to stop the killings and identify all the victims. The multiple POV worked really well, including some glimpses into the victims' and killer's minds. And Ellie's love interest Cord plays a key role. He's always been secretive but here we learn more of why.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
August 18, 2025
This 11th installment in the Detective Ellie Reeves series is an intense and gripping read. Ellie and her team have headed to a small town, where old bones have been discovered. However, Ellie’s romantic partner, Cord, a Ranger, is harboring a secret. As the investigation unfolds, Cord becomes increasingly frazzled and desperate to conceal certain truths.
While Ellie’s heart is breaking for the what turns out to be more than one victim, she sees Cord becoming more and more distant. No doubt this has Ellie concerned about the future of their relationship. Despite her concerns, Ellie remains focused and determined to find the killer.
The case begins as a cold case, but the sense of urgency remains palpable, especially as a pattern becomes apparent. Meanwhile, an intriguing parallel unfolds, involving a grave digger whose two daughters are harboring their own secrets. The fact that the grave digger was abusive to his daughters and has mysteriously disappeared adds another layer of complexity to Ellie’s investigation.
This book is a heart-stopping and emotionally charged read. It is a powerful addition to the thrilling series by Rita Herron. You won’t want to put it down, as Ellie’s focus on the investigation and her growing concern for Cord’s emotional state are both critical to her success. The opening chapter sets the stage for an utterly compelling and suspenseful read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
While Ellie’s heart is breaking for the what turns out to be more than one victim, she sees Cord becoming more and more distant. No doubt this has Ellie concerned about the future of their relationship. Despite her concerns, Ellie remains focused and determined to find the killer.
The case begins as a cold case, but the sense of urgency remains palpable, especially as a pattern becomes apparent. Meanwhile, an intriguing parallel unfolds, involving a grave digger whose two daughters are harboring their own secrets. The fact that the grave digger was abusive to his daughters and has mysteriously disappeared adds another layer of complexity to Ellie’s investigation.
This book is a heart-stopping and emotionally charged read. It is a powerful addition to the thrilling series by Rita Herron. You won’t want to put it down, as Ellie’s focus on the investigation and her growing concern for Cord’s emotional state are both critical to her success. The opening chapter sets the stage for an utterly compelling and suspenseful read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 22, 2025
This latest book in the Author's Detective Ellie Reeves series can , in my opinion , be read as a standalone
Ellie is settling into her relationship with Ranger Cord McLain but his secrets are coming between them .
With this in mind when they are called to the discovery of a body found with one shoe missing matters
start to worsen - Cord is pulling away more and more - just how does this discovery impact on his traumatic past ?
When FBI Agent Derrick Fox , who still harbours feelings for Ellie , appears on her office doorstep with a list of potential
other victims the case takes on a life of its own ...... , because these cases go back years . The hunt is on to find the killer
as he hunts closer to home - he has been hiding in plain sight all this time !
These books feature "Small Town " America , with its variety of peoples , from Mayors to Sheriffs to Trailer Trash and
all in between . Where everyone thinks they know your business , where the youngster carry the stigma of their births ,
where secrets rarely remain hidden for too long .
This is a fast paced thriller , with many twists and turns , leading to sensational conclusion of just who did it !
I'm not sure where the Author will takes us next with Ellie , Cord and Derrick's relationship but it will be adventure to find out
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Ellie is settling into her relationship with Ranger Cord McLain but his secrets are coming between them .
With this in mind when they are called to the discovery of a body found with one shoe missing matters
start to worsen - Cord is pulling away more and more - just how does this discovery impact on his traumatic past ?
When FBI Agent Derrick Fox , who still harbours feelings for Ellie , appears on her office doorstep with a list of potential
other victims the case takes on a life of its own ...... , because these cases go back years . The hunt is on to find the killer
as he hunts closer to home - he has been hiding in plain sight all this time !
These books feature "Small Town " America , with its variety of peoples , from Mayors to Sheriffs to Trailer Trash and
all in between . Where everyone thinks they know your business , where the youngster carry the stigma of their births ,
where secrets rarely remain hidden for too long .
This is a fast paced thriller , with many twists and turns , leading to sensational conclusion of just who did it !
I'm not sure where the Author will takes us next with Ellie , Cord and Derrick's relationship but it will be adventure to find out
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 24, 2025
The Graveyard Girls by Rita Herron is an amazing addition to the Detective Ellie Reeves series. The story weaves a haunting tale and blends suspense and emotion, creating a good narrative that explores fears and the complexities of human relationships.
The story starts with a chilling scene as two characters face a menacing figure outside their home, immediately providing a tense atmosphere and introduction. The plot takes off with the shocking discovery of skeletal remains in a forgotten graveyard. The chilling connection to the town’s lost golden girl, Ruth Higgins, adds mystery and intrigue, making it impossible to put the book down.
Detective Ellie Reeves is a well-crafted character. The emotional depth of her character is brought to life, especially as she navigates the painful history surrounding Ruth’s disappearance. What sets this novel apart is how the author intertwines Ellie’s investigation with the lives of Earl’s (the suspected killer) daughters, creating a multi-faceted story that digs deep into the consequences of their father’s actions.
The tension builds steadily as secrets unravel, leading to a satisfying, shocking climax. Overall, The Graveyard Girls is an exciting read filled with twists and emotional depth. I can’t wait to see where Ellie’s journey takes her next. I would recommend this book, this author, and this series. Start from book 1, you won’t be disappointed.
#TheGraveyardGirls #NetGalley @bookouture
The story starts with a chilling scene as two characters face a menacing figure outside their home, immediately providing a tense atmosphere and introduction. The plot takes off with the shocking discovery of skeletal remains in a forgotten graveyard. The chilling connection to the town’s lost golden girl, Ruth Higgins, adds mystery and intrigue, making it impossible to put the book down.
Detective Ellie Reeves is a well-crafted character. The emotional depth of her character is brought to life, especially as she navigates the painful history surrounding Ruth’s disappearance. What sets this novel apart is how the author intertwines Ellie’s investigation with the lives of Earl’s (the suspected killer) daughters, creating a multi-faceted story that digs deep into the consequences of their father’s actions.
The tension builds steadily as secrets unravel, leading to a satisfying, shocking climax. Overall, The Graveyard Girls is an exciting read filled with twists and emotional depth. I can’t wait to see where Ellie’s journey takes her next. I would recommend this book, this author, and this series. Start from book 1, you won’t be disappointed.
#TheGraveyardGirls #NetGalley @bookouture
September 9, 2025
4.5⭐️
In her latest Detective Ellie Reeves story, Rita Herron delivers a thrilling rollercoaster ride that hits close to home, in a case that is particularly personal for Ellie as it collides with Cord's past.
As skeletal remains are discovered in a forgotten graveyard in nearby Brambletown, where Ellie is called in to assist. And where the grave's chilling connection to missing "golden girl" Ruth Higgins immediately comes to mind, and upon examination of the grave, Ellie quickly notices a red shoe lying in the dirt—identical to the one sixteen-year-old Ruth was wearing when she vanished.
However, the primary suspect mysteriously disappeared from police custody at the time, but Ellie is determined to track him down. Although she faces challenges, as cousins Ida and Hetty insist they don’t know where he is.
But are they being truthful, and what is it that Cord knows?
These are the questions Ellie is desperate to answer, especially when another body with one red shoe is discovered—this one freshly deceased. Leaving the local community terrified, parents on edge, and the safety of girls at stake, igniting Ellie's determination to catch this killer.
And with a race against time, secrets, suspense, and a killer I never saw coming, The Graveyard Girls is an engaging read that I couldn't put down, and I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Graveyard Girls. All thoughts expressed are my own, 😊
In her latest Detective Ellie Reeves story, Rita Herron delivers a thrilling rollercoaster ride that hits close to home, in a case that is particularly personal for Ellie as it collides with Cord's past.
As skeletal remains are discovered in a forgotten graveyard in nearby Brambletown, where Ellie is called in to assist. And where the grave's chilling connection to missing "golden girl" Ruth Higgins immediately comes to mind, and upon examination of the grave, Ellie quickly notices a red shoe lying in the dirt—identical to the one sixteen-year-old Ruth was wearing when she vanished.
However, the primary suspect mysteriously disappeared from police custody at the time, but Ellie is determined to track him down. Although she faces challenges, as cousins Ida and Hetty insist they don’t know where he is.
But are they being truthful, and what is it that Cord knows?
These are the questions Ellie is desperate to answer, especially when another body with one red shoe is discovered—this one freshly deceased. Leaving the local community terrified, parents on edge, and the safety of girls at stake, igniting Ellie's determination to catch this killer.
And with a race against time, secrets, suspense, and a killer I never saw coming, The Graveyard Girls is an engaging read that I couldn't put down, and I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Graveyard Girls. All thoughts expressed are my own, 😊
August 10, 2025
BOOK: THE GRAVEYARD GIRLS
AUTHOR: RITA HERRON
PUB DATE: 14TH AUGUST, 2025
👮🏼♀️👮🏼♂️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👮🏼♂️👮🏼♀️
Another book in the Detective Ellie Reeves Series, I've missed a couple of books in between, so I was happy to continue. There was no confusion, so you don't need to need to read it accordingly. I'm glad to see the changes in Ellie's life. Now, Ellie and Cord are together, and I love it!
👮🏼♀️👮🏼♂️
In this book, we have a s serial murder case with young girls as the victims, primarily in a small town. Unfortunately, I didn't really like this storyline. I just felt like it's overly done, and there's a need for something different, especially from the culprit and the reason he committed those crimes. However, Ellie, Cord, and Derrick did an okay job as usual, but I felt the case was easier than others.
👮🏼♂️👮🏼♀️
Then, there's the issue with Cord and his secrets, too much tautology. But, there was a development in his character, and I would love to see more of this in subsequent books. I want him to open up and trust Ellie more.
👮🏼♀️👮🏼♂️
This was not my favourite books in the series, but I would love to rear more of Ellie and Cord solving cases. The series is still quite good.
👮🏼♂️👮🏼♀️
AUTHOR: RITA HERRON
PUB DATE: 14TH AUGUST, 2025
👮🏼♀️👮🏼♂️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👮🏼♂️👮🏼♀️
Another book in the Detective Ellie Reeves Series, I've missed a couple of books in between, so I was happy to continue. There was no confusion, so you don't need to need to read it accordingly. I'm glad to see the changes in Ellie's life. Now, Ellie and Cord are together, and I love it!
👮🏼♀️👮🏼♂️
In this book, we have a s serial murder case with young girls as the victims, primarily in a small town. Unfortunately, I didn't really like this storyline. I just felt like it's overly done, and there's a need for something different, especially from the culprit and the reason he committed those crimes. However, Ellie, Cord, and Derrick did an okay job as usual, but I felt the case was easier than others.
👮🏼♂️👮🏼♀️
Then, there's the issue with Cord and his secrets, too much tautology. But, there was a development in his character, and I would love to see more of this in subsequent books. I want him to open up and trust Ellie more.
👮🏼♀️👮🏼♂️
This was not my favourite books in the series, but I would love to rear more of Ellie and Cord solving cases. The series is still quite good.
👮🏼♂️👮🏼♀️
August 15, 2025
Captivating characters headline this suspenseful series! The eleventh book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series begins with a bang when a murder starts leading investigators on a chase against time to find out who is taking these teen girls and how they've missed it for so long! This series has been great from the very first book, but I feel like the deeper we get into it, the less the core background is retold so it's making it hard to be considered a stand-alone story at this point without going back and reading every book in order. I think some basics need to be updated as a minimum like the history of Ellie, her parents, the sheriff, Cord and Derrick, her half sis, etc., in order for someone to be able to pick up a new book and not feel like they are missing a part of the story. That said, this book had a very interesting concept and had twists that kept me guessing. I did enjoy finally having a bit of the Ellie/Cord/Derrick situation finally locked in and even seeing more future happiness on the horizon with how this book played out. Overall I love Ellie and can't wait to continue her saga!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a police intense case that always plays out with suspense and danger. I do recommend reading in order at this point in order to get the full enjoyment out of each character and especially keeping up on Ellie's background story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a police intense case that always plays out with suspense and danger. I do recommend reading in order at this point in order to get the full enjoyment out of each character and especially keeping up on Ellie's background story.
August 8, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟 | ARC Review – The Graveyard Girls by Rita Herron
Book 11 in the Detective Ellie Reeves series delivers yet another gripping case that blends past trauma with present danger. The story kicks off with a missing girl and escalates when a similar case resurfaces 15 years later, dragging Ellie, Cord, and Derrick into a tense, twisty investigation that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Told through multiple viewpoints, this one is packed with action and emotional depth. There’s a large cast of characters, which can be a bit hard to track at first, but the layered plot and steady pacing make it worth the effort. The short chapters keep things moving, and just when you think you have it figured out—another twist hits.
The chemistry between Ellie and Cord adds a nice emotional thread, even as the cold case strains their connection. Ellie continues to shine as a strong, smart lead who brings heart to every page.
Whether you’re new to the series or a returning fan, this one is easy to follow and thoroughly entertaining. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with strong female leads and chilling small-town secrets, this is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 11 in the Detective Ellie Reeves series delivers yet another gripping case that blends past trauma with present danger. The story kicks off with a missing girl and escalates when a similar case resurfaces 15 years later, dragging Ellie, Cord, and Derrick into a tense, twisty investigation that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Told through multiple viewpoints, this one is packed with action and emotional depth. There’s a large cast of characters, which can be a bit hard to track at first, but the layered plot and steady pacing make it worth the effort. The short chapters keep things moving, and just when you think you have it figured out—another twist hits.
The chemistry between Ellie and Cord adds a nice emotional thread, even as the cold case strains their connection. Ellie continues to shine as a strong, smart lead who brings heart to every page.
Whether you’re new to the series or a returning fan, this one is easy to follow and thoroughly entertaining. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with strong female leads and chilling small-town secrets, this is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2025
The Ellie Reeves series is a favorite crime thriller series of mine, with fantastic characters and interesting yet awful cases. Though this is book 11, it could also work as a standalone.
Ellie is chasing yet another sick and twisted soul, one who is killing young girls in a small town. She is also navigating a new relationship with a man who has been on the sidelines in her life for awhile and is concerned about just what he is hiding from her.
This was another well-written story, with a case that was horrific but had me flying through the pages. The characters were engaging as always, and it is always fun to see how they interact and how their relationships change.
I will say that it is starting to feel like we are getting pretty similar stories in this series at this point - there is always a sick person stalking young girls, they always hide out in the mountains, and Ellie always saves the day. I'd love for a future case to be slightly different! I also was not a fan of Ellie's relationship in this book. There has been a total love triangle going on for books and books, and I personally would have preferred things to go in a different direction here where there wasn't so much secrecy that even impacts a case.
Thanks to Bookouture for the ARC.
Ellie is chasing yet another sick and twisted soul, one who is killing young girls in a small town. She is also navigating a new relationship with a man who has been on the sidelines in her life for awhile and is concerned about just what he is hiding from her.
This was another well-written story, with a case that was horrific but had me flying through the pages. The characters were engaging as always, and it is always fun to see how they interact and how their relationships change.
I will say that it is starting to feel like we are getting pretty similar stories in this series at this point - there is always a sick person stalking young girls, they always hide out in the mountains, and Ellie always saves the day. I'd love for a future case to be slightly different! I also was not a fan of Ellie's relationship in this book. There has been a total love triangle going on for books and books, and I personally would have preferred things to go in a different direction here where there wasn't so much secrecy that even impacts a case.
Thanks to Bookouture for the ARC.
September 6, 2025
I’m obviously a fan of this series because I’m 11 books in, but this was not one of my favorites.
My main reason for this is because of Cord. First of all, I am not 100% positive, but I think we left Cord and Ellie in the potential stage in book 10, and now they’re full on in love and sleeping together. It’s been a minute, so maybe I’m wrong, but I feel like I missed the best part of their relationship. I don’t care that they’re in a relationship (I was Team Derrick), so this is just meh for me. Additionally, I am over Cord and his secrets. He’s had his book or two in the spotlight, and now all his secrets should be out in the open. This particular secret felt out of left field and didn’t totally fit what I know about his character. How did he meet the Bramble girls? Was it just the one time? Where does this fit in his timeline? It felt like it was kind jammed into the story where it didn’t need to be there and didn’t add value for me.
Also, I don’t think as many girls own red shoes as the author thinks. How are these girls all going out in red shoes? I’ve worn red shoes once in 44 years, and that was as a bridesmaid. If that’s this unsub’s trigger, I feel like most girls are safe.
My main reason for this is because of Cord. First of all, I am not 100% positive, but I think we left Cord and Ellie in the potential stage in book 10, and now they’re full on in love and sleeping together. It’s been a minute, so maybe I’m wrong, but I feel like I missed the best part of their relationship. I don’t care that they’re in a relationship (I was Team Derrick), so this is just meh for me. Additionally, I am over Cord and his secrets. He’s had his book or two in the spotlight, and now all his secrets should be out in the open. This particular secret felt out of left field and didn’t totally fit what I know about his character. How did he meet the Bramble girls? Was it just the one time? Where does this fit in his timeline? It felt like it was kind jammed into the story where it didn’t need to be there and didn’t add value for me.
Also, I don’t think as many girls own red shoes as the author thinks. How are these girls all going out in red shoes? I’ve worn red shoes once in 44 years, and that was as a bridesmaid. If that’s this unsub’s trigger, I feel like most girls are safe.
September 11, 2025
The Graveyard Girls is the eleventh book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series. This can be a stand-alone read but the series is fantastic and worth reading them all.
In this story, every character we meet has secrets they would prefer never to see the light of day. So, it is no surprise when young girls go missing. A missing man has been targeted as the culprit behind each one, but he hasn't been seen for many years. Despite this, he remains a suspect. A clue begins to tie missing young women from the past to the present when a single red shoe is found with the body of missing young woman.
We begin to see inside the mind of the killer. His upbringing has shaped the monster he has become as the need to find another young girl grows within him.
This is a thrilling and intense story right from the start. It will keep you guessing until the reveal. The only odd thing I saw was his ability to "act" normal and fit in without anyone questioning his actions. But after being caught we see a different deeper and much darker personality. All in all, it is a wonderful addition to the series. I look forward to each new book wondering where it will take me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
In this story, every character we meet has secrets they would prefer never to see the light of day. So, it is no surprise when young girls go missing. A missing man has been targeted as the culprit behind each one, but he hasn't been seen for many years. Despite this, he remains a suspect. A clue begins to tie missing young women from the past to the present when a single red shoe is found with the body of missing young woman.
We begin to see inside the mind of the killer. His upbringing has shaped the monster he has become as the need to find another young girl grows within him.
This is a thrilling and intense story right from the start. It will keep you guessing until the reveal. The only odd thing I saw was his ability to "act" normal and fit in without anyone questioning his actions. But after being caught we see a different deeper and much darker personality. All in all, it is a wonderful addition to the series. I look forward to each new book wondering where it will take me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
August 4, 2025
When the skeletal remains of a teenage girl are discovered buried in a deserted graveyard it’s a chilling case for Detective Ellie Reeves. Her heart catches with emotion as she examines the grave for clues and uncovers a haunting detail. One red shoe lies in the dirt, just like the one sixteen-year-old Ruth Higgins was wearing when she disappeared years earlier, her suspected killer, gravedigger Earl Bramble, escaped from police custody and hasn’t been seen since. Another teenage girl, a recent runaway, has been found buried with one red shoe. The evidence suggests that Earl must be back.
The eleventh outing for Ellie & her team & another often edge of the seat thriller. There are secrets, twists & turns before Ellie solves the case. I really like Ellie & I like how her character has developed throughout the series. I also like her relationship with her team especially Cord. Another well written addition to the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The eleventh outing for Ellie & her team & another often edge of the seat thriller. There are secrets, twists & turns before Ellie solves the case. I really like Ellie & I like how her character has developed throughout the series. I also like her relationship with her team especially Cord. Another well written addition to the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
August 5, 2025
The thrills, chills, suspense, tension and creep factor all make this serial killer thriller a top notch book. I do not think I will ever wear another pair of red shoes again.
The imagery of the setting of a graveyard and gravedigger was enough in and of itself to give you nightmares.
The young girls of this community are not safe. Anyone can be a victim as this killer does not seem to play favorites.
Detective Ellie Reeves is a great character. The author does a fantastic job through this book, and others before it, of bringing her to life from the pages. She is much more than a detective. You feel her emotions and see inside her private life and see her thoughts, which makes you like her even more.
The short, snappy chapters make this an enjoyable read because the story does not get stale due to the fast pace of the chapters which also keeps you on your toes.
As the end approached, I held my breath with fear of the final reveal.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The imagery of the setting of a graveyard and gravedigger was enough in and of itself to give you nightmares.
The young girls of this community are not safe. Anyone can be a victim as this killer does not seem to play favorites.
Detective Ellie Reeves is a great character. The author does a fantastic job through this book, and others before it, of bringing her to life from the pages. She is much more than a detective. You feel her emotions and see inside her private life and see her thoughts, which makes you like her even more.
The short, snappy chapters make this an enjoyable read because the story does not get stale due to the fast pace of the chapters which also keeps you on your toes.
As the end approached, I held my breath with fear of the final reveal.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2025
📚 ARC Review: The Graveyard Girls by Rita Herron
Published: August 14th, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Rita Herron, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wow—The Graveyard Girls starts off with a bang and doesn’t let go.
From the opening pages, we’re thrown into a chilling discovery: the skeletal remains of a girl who went missing 15 years ago have finally been found. But just as the case resurfaces, another girl vanishes—raising the terrifying question… who is the killer?
Detective Ellie and her team are thrust into a race against time to unravel the mystery. What follows is a gripping, emotional, and suspenseful journey full of twists, dead ends, and shocking revelations that kept me glued to the pages.
This is my first time reading a book in this series, and I was shocked to learn it's actually book #11! It reads perfectly as a standalone, and I never felt lost or overwhelmed by the backstory.
The plot is tight and well-paced, with enough to keep me guessing. The emotional stakes were high, and the resolution was deeply satisfying.
Published: August 14th, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Rita Herron, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wow—The Graveyard Girls starts off with a bang and doesn’t let go.
From the opening pages, we’re thrown into a chilling discovery: the skeletal remains of a girl who went missing 15 years ago have finally been found. But just as the case resurfaces, another girl vanishes—raising the terrifying question… who is the killer?
Detective Ellie and her team are thrust into a race against time to unravel the mystery. What follows is a gripping, emotional, and suspenseful journey full of twists, dead ends, and shocking revelations that kept me glued to the pages.
This is my first time reading a book in this series, and I was shocked to learn it's actually book #11! It reads perfectly as a standalone, and I never felt lost or overwhelmed by the backstory.
The plot is tight and well-paced, with enough to keep me guessing. The emotional stakes were high, and the resolution was deeply satisfying.
August 8, 2025
Another brilliant crime thriller from Rita Herron.
Ellie and Cord attend a crime scene where the bones of a teenage girl have been found.
Locals are sure it’s the body of Ruth, a teenager who has been missing for many years. They also seem keen to tell everyone that the local grave digger killed her.
Cord is acting off with Ellie and she can’t get a reason from him as to why.
Ida and Hetty are also acting strange as the grave digger was their father and guardian. It’s also well known by the locals that he beat and abused the girls, so everyone was relieved when he disappeared.
Soon another teenage girl’s body is found and there are similarities found with the first crime scene.
There’s definitely lots going on in this book and it certainly kept me guessing as to who the killer was.
This is a brilliant book in a gripping crime series, and I’d highly recommend them all.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
Ellie and Cord attend a crime scene where the bones of a teenage girl have been found.
Locals are sure it’s the body of Ruth, a teenager who has been missing for many years. They also seem keen to tell everyone that the local grave digger killed her.
Cord is acting off with Ellie and she can’t get a reason from him as to why.
Ida and Hetty are also acting strange as the grave digger was their father and guardian. It’s also well known by the locals that he beat and abused the girls, so everyone was relieved when he disappeared.
Soon another teenage girl’s body is found and there are similarities found with the first crime scene.
There’s definitely lots going on in this book and it certainly kept me guessing as to who the killer was.
This is a brilliant book in a gripping crime series, and I’d highly recommend them all.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
August 11, 2025
This installment in the Ellie Reeves series delivers a gripping blend of present-day danger and long-buried secrets that refuse to stay hidden. The discovery of a teenage girl’s remains—marked by a haunting red shoe—sets off a tense investigation that weaves together an old case, a vanished suspect, and the kind of small-town lies and gossip that can twist the truth beyond recognition.
The story is complex, balancing the hunt for today’s killer with the unraveling of past wounds many wish had stayed buried. It’s a fast-paced yet surprisingly substantial read for the genre, giving you time to get fully immersed in the setting, the characters, and the tangled relationships that fuel the suspense.
Equal parts mystery, drama, and small-town intrigue, it’s an entertaining and well-balanced thriller that keeps you turning pages, always wanting to know just how deep the deception goes—and who will pay for it in the end.
The story is complex, balancing the hunt for today’s killer with the unraveling of past wounds many wish had stayed buried. It’s a fast-paced yet surprisingly substantial read for the genre, giving you time to get fully immersed in the setting, the characters, and the tangled relationships that fuel the suspense.
Equal parts mystery, drama, and small-town intrigue, it’s an entertaining and well-balanced thriller that keeps you turning pages, always wanting to know just how deep the deception goes—and who will pay for it in the end.
August 26, 2025
Ellie is called to the discovery of a body. At first she thinks they have finally found the remains of Ruth Higgins who went missing 15 years ago but it turns out that this murder was much more recent. There are links with Ruth’s case and Ellie starts to fear that a serial killer is in town…
The Graveyard Girls is the 11th book in the Detective Ellie Reeves crime thriller series.
Past and present secrets are ready to be revealed as the case develops. Ruth had enemies and it is clear that Hetty and Ida are hiding a big secret but so is Ellie’s boyfriend Cord.
The book is written using very short chapters from a range of third person perspectives including the killer which increases the tension and drives the pace along rapidly. The characters also had a surprising depth and I felt sorry for most of them for dealing with circumstances as best they could whilst trying to protect themselves and others.
The Graveyard Girls is an enjoyable crime thriller.
The Graveyard Girls is the 11th book in the Detective Ellie Reeves crime thriller series.
Past and present secrets are ready to be revealed as the case develops. Ruth had enemies and it is clear that Hetty and Ida are hiding a big secret but so is Ellie’s boyfriend Cord.
The book is written using very short chapters from a range of third person perspectives including the killer which increases the tension and drives the pace along rapidly. The characters also had a surprising depth and I felt sorry for most of them for dealing with circumstances as best they could whilst trying to protect themselves and others.
The Graveyard Girls is an enjoyable crime thriller.
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