The Lady in the Red Dress

by Mackay Barr

For some people nightmares are a way of life...

Human traffickers make their victims live a nightmare beyond comprehension every day. A sadistic human trafficker in central Alabama holds his ladies tight until the chance at freedom falls into one girl's lap when an accidental overdose paves the path for escape. A private investigator conducting illegal surveillance finds himself entangled with the world of pay-by-the-hour women and a depravity he hadn't expected to see.

With her past relentlessly in pursuit the desperate pimp is forced to hire ruthless contract killers to bring her back alive, along with the investigator's dead body. Tailing them both the investigators sketchy past comes into question as the darkness that follows both of them continually threatens to engulf their lives.

With only each other to rely on and the questionable bond of trust between them forging an unlikely team; they are forced to enter once more into the world of darkness they are desperately attempting to escape from. Fighting the threats they know and the ones lurking in the shadows, each of them is forced to reconcile who they are and what they will need to become in order to survive.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Jasper Domenici · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It’s dark, action packed, and well written. I flew through it. You become attached to the characters, and they’re well developed and relatable. I’m already excited for the next one.

[Amandalyn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend - I couldn't put it down and I love that it's a series too. Fell in love with one of the characters in particular and can't wait to see how she develops and grows. There are some trigger warnings so it's not for the faint of heart and totally worth reading.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that the writing of this book is very good but honestly not my cup of tea. While the plot is very engaging I just couldn't really find the heart to genuinely like it.

[Alan Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

I received a complementary copy via Goodreads Giveaways. The story was written well, but I didn't really enjoy it. A pulpish feel.

[Tezz Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I loved how the author was not afraid to explain the scenes in gruesome detail! I also enjoyed hearing each characters side of the story! Highly recommend!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway winner. This story was good.

[Gary Rothlisberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

The story moved along. Not a lot talking about clothing they wore or things not relating to the story. Great.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Good Reads giveaway. it was a quick, action packed read although a little too violent for my tastes. The grittiness was very believable, though.

[Amy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gruesome detail, tons of action, and a splash of romance— all the things I love it a book!