Heartless Highway: A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Book Nine

by Melinda Woodhall

A desperate woman boards a bus to Belle Harbor… Her worst nightmare waits at the end of the line.
When the body of a beautiful, young woman is discovered beside a busy highway, Special Agent Bailey Flynn is startled to find evidence linking the grisly murder to the recently apprehended East Coast Highway Killer.

Suspecting the FBI task force may have identified the wrong man and closed the investigation into the serial killer too soon, Bailey is determined to follow the evidence wherever it may lead.

After her search for answers reveals another horrifying discovery, Bailey sets out on a dangerous road trip in pursuit of a heartless killer.

Book Nine in the new FBI mystery thriller series by Melinda Woodhall, author of the Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller Series and the Veronica Lee Thriller Series.

301 pages, Hardcover

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book # 9

The story in a few words:

When the body of a beautiful young woman is discovered near a busy highway it didn’t take long for Special Agent Bailey Flynn to find evidence linking the murder to the East Coast Highway Killer recently apprehended. She is suspecting the FBI task force may have the wrong man in custody ….she sets out to find the answer.

My thoughts:

Melinda Woodhall never fails to entertain, her latest is no exception. Once started I was so into this suspenseful story I lost track of time, so eager to see what Baily would come up with. For sure the task had pinned the murders on the wrong man but Baily did her all to find who really had no regards for a human life and sniff him out. The original investigators stuck to their outcome not way would they bend leaving Bailey with an immense challenge. I appreciated how the author excelled in throwing one red herring after the other and spinning a tale that derailed all expectations. Well done.

This gripping and emotional charge mystery is a good addition to the series. I am amazed how authors can come up with a fresh story with each installment without making them too formulaic. This is not only police procedural-oriented story it also gives us a great amount of personal and family saga. I enjoy this immensely.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of, many are recurring ones we came to know well through this series and a couple added to the mix for us to get to know or forget…. Of course, Melinda Woodhall style is clear and active with no sex scene and foul language and provides us with a thrilling read to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book for free with no obligations to write a review.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartless Highway is one of those thrillers that grabs you by the throat in the opening chapter and refuses to let go.

Melinda Woodhall drops us straight into fear with a vulnerable, relatable victim, and the tension never really eases from there. The highway setting feels ominous and exposed—one of those places where help should be close, but isn’t—and that atmosphere carries beautifully throughout the book.

Yes, it’s a fast-moving FBI procedural with a serial killer thread, but it’s also a story about trauma, survival, and the long shadows violence casts over its victims. The bruises aren’t just physical. Woodhall handles this aspect with care, showing the psychological scars without turning them into spectacle.

Bailey Flynn continues to be a solid, grounded protagonist—smart, intuitive, and flawed in believable ways. I also appreciated how the story raises doubts about justice, assumptions, and the rush to close a case. The question of what if the wrong person was blamed adds a chilling layer that lingers well after you finish reading.

The pacing is strong, the stakes feel real, and the antagonist is genuinely unsettling without being cartoonish. If you’re sensitive to themes of abuse or violence against women, this is something to be aware of—but it’s handled thoughtfully and with purpose.

Overall, Heartless Highway is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that balances suspense with substance. Fans of crime fiction and FBI procedurals will feel right at home, especially readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with darker psychological edges.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the Bailey Flynn books; she is a special agent who tends to buck the system but is very smart and resourceful at getting the job done even if some of her superiors do not like her methods. In this book Bailey discovers a crime scene on her day off as she and her boyfriend headed off for a little together time. She thinks as does the FBI criminal profiler (Bridgit Bishop) that the highway killer is still active and that her superior shut down the case with the wrong man being accused.

Bailey does her normal thing and very smartly pushed her agenda forward with some resistance from the higher ups on a closed case. The normal people involved with her are sister Cate, and her husband Mason and Jimmy Frasier, the local cop, all help Bailey out as her instincts are generally very good.
As usual these books are a quick read as the action never stops and just when you think you know who the suspect might be and what they may do to escape, you find out again you are down the wrong rabbit hole and once again Melinda pulls it all together for another great book. Highly recommend the series, though would tell you to start at the beginning to make sure all the names of the people involved make sense. Other than that, looking forward to many more crimes in southern Florida to be solved by this crew.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless highway indeed

I just love this series! Each story takes you on a heart pounding ride of an investigation and just keeps you guessing along the trail of clues. Just when you think you have it figured out surprise twist! The perp is no one you would’ve suspected and the crime is a whole lot more disturbing than you believed. There are light moments with family doled in to give you brief respites and let you breath for a sec before you dive right back in with Bailey. I really like the cameos from the Bridget Bishop series which I also loved! This is the book equivalent of a scary movie only better and I loved it from start to finish!

[Kathryn Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless Highway delivers a tense, road‑bound procedural that fans of gritty FBI thrillers will enjoy. The story kicks off with the discovery of a young woman’s body by a busy highway, immediately throwing Special Agent Bailey Flynn into a high‑stakes investigation when evidence suggests that the recently captured East Coast Highway Killer might not be the real perpetrator.

Suspicious that the wrong man has been put behind bars, Bailey sets off on a dangerous pursuit that takes her across state lines as she chases down leads and confronts chilling truths on the open road.

What makes this novel work is its blend of relentless pacing and emotional depth. The highway setting is more than just a backdrop - it becomes a character in its own right, evoking a sense of vulnerability and isolation that elevates the suspense.

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

Bailey remains a compelling protagonist: smart, gritty and grounded, with personal stakes that add nuance to the chase and keep the narrative feeling urgent and human.

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really liked this book i enjoy reading this series i dont think i will ever get tired of Bailey keep up the good work

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

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've enjoyed the Bailey Flynn and Bridget Bishop series since I first found them. The books are full of action, with the FBI agents working hard to understand - Bridget Bishop is a criminal profiler - and catch the criminals. In this book, the acting head of the FBI covering Florida was so proud to have caught the "East coast killer" that he refused to listen to Bridget's opinion of the man identified. When another body is found, murdered in the same way, with Bridget and everyone else, it seems on vacation, Bailey has to handle things herself. With her sister - the county prosecutor's help the suspicious death of a family friend, that's been mentioned through a number of books, is finally solved. The real East Coast killer is a big surprise to everyone involved and he's not the only one to get his come uppance.
Very involved, great world and character building by the author, an all round good murder mystery with a bit of personal interest in the characters too.

[Cat B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 9 in the Bailey Flynn FBI series, Heartless Highway is another home run. Melinda Woodhall writes mystery thrillers that could be ripped from the headlines, very relatable, very realistic, very heart stopping. I love how each separate series of her books focuses on one of the many characters that populate her stories and yet have enough familiar characters as supporting cast that the reader feels right at home from word one. When a new book drops I always feel a thrill knowing that I am going to spend the next few days immersed in writing that is straightforward, strong female characters and a nice twist at the end. I don't think I have ever quite figured out the killer by the end of the book, and I am able to do this quite often with some books and movies. Having said that, I never feel cheated, just surprised. I enjoyed the read.
I received a copy of this book via the author and BookSirens and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

The story begins with Tasha, a girl who is leaving an abusive relationship, on a bus traveling to Belle Harbor to reunite with Elena, a childhood friend. Once she arrived at the bus station and tried to reach Elana, her phone died. Looking for either a taxi or rideshare she had no luck. She then decided to walk and attempt to get a ride. She was picked up, but unfortunately she was killed by "The Highway Killer". The next day, Bailey and Dalton were heading to the beach when they got tied up in traffic and then Bailey spotted the police at a scene and went to see if she could help. It was at that location where Tasha's body was dumped and once Bailey examined the scene, she thought that this might be the work of the "Highway Killer".

The Highway Killer case was supposed to have been solved by the FBI earlier and the suspect was in the hospital on a ventilator in a coma after supposedly shooting himself. Bailey remembered something that Bridget had mentioned that the suspect did not meet the profile that was developed. Bailey then began her own investigation and other events happened which were related. Once the lead FBI agent that closed the case learned of what Bailey was doing, he began an effort to get her to stop.

Read along and follow Bailey and Frasier as they pursue the investigation and discover what other related events happened, what Dalton decided to do while Bialey was on her mission, what clues were discovered and how it all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed!

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

I always find a comfy seat when I start a book in the Bailey Flynn series because I know I am not going to stop reading until I finish it.

The suspense and wonder at who the killer turns out to be kept me invested completely in the story. The task force had celebrated catching the East Coast Highway Killer, but now it seems, at least in Special Agent Bailey Flynn's opinion, that they may have gotten the wrong guy. This, of course, goes over like a lead balloon. However, if you know anything about Bailey Flynn, you know that she is rarely wrong, and she is also like a dog with a bone once she gets something in her head. One thing is definitely obvious, regardless of who the killer may be, a deeply disturbed individual who is extremely depraved is killing people with no regard for human life.

I love the way that this author fools me right up until the reveal of the killer. I can never pinpoint the killer. The author does a remarkable job of throwing up one red herring after another and twisting the story around showing her remarkable prowess at delivering a police procedural/thriller that will make your heart palpitate with anticipation.

One other thing that I really enjoy about this author's books is the fact that there is no dirty language and no inappropriate scenes, which makes the book that much more enjoyable to read.

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

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another tense thriller in Melinda Woodhall's "Bailey Flynn" series
Special Agent, Terry Jogensen, had headed the team that solved the case of the serial killer known in Belle Harbour as "The Highway Killer", a lorry driver had been charged with first degree murder but all the evidence was circumstantial.
Bailey was uncomfortable with the result, she thought that it was rushed and more importantly, brilliant FBI Profiler, Bridget Bishop, was adamant that the accused man didn't fit the profile.
Bridget's anxiety rose even higher when a young woman's body was found by the highway, a body with the same MO as the Highway Killer, did they have a copycat killer or had they convicted the wrong man?
Bailey desperately wanted to speak to Bridget Bishop but Bridget was on vacation, somewhere on the ocean with no means of being contacted.
Bridget was on her own, she couldn't approach the antagonistic agent who had led the team, he wouldn't entertain the idea that he could have been wrong.
This story had me gripped from the first page, the body count escalated, the tension rises as Bailey, with the support of her partner Dalton, her sister and her friends, fights the establishment to follow her instincts.
A really enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is totally voluntary,

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI AgentBailey Flynn should be relieved, the case she had been working on is closed, but not to her satisfaction. Unfortunately she’s on her own in that thought, with her new boss determinedly shutting down the suggestion of any further enquiries being made. When a new murder victim is found, the similarities to the last case make Bailey even more determined to carry on.

The 9th book in the series is as strong as the previous books, and there are a lot of crossovers between the regular characters, as there would be in real life. There is tension throughout the book, the writing is tight and feels so authentic. I’m always filled with admiration for authors and the way they come up with new plots and ideas, without repeating or letting the book become formulaic. My only slight quibble is that I would like to see Bailey and Dalton getting some time to themselves. However, thoroughly enjoyable read.

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

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

HEARTLESS HIGHWAY, #9 - A quickly read but this book seems a bit lacking, bt still interesting. 3*

VANISHING ANGELS, #1 - Interesting, intriguing, and immersing with a good pace, well written story lines, and good characters made this a hard to put down read. Clean language and no graphic details. 5*

GATHERING BONES, #2 - A good continuation from Vanishing Angels. Interesting. Intriguing. A good pace, but Bailey does a stupid human trick near the end of the story. A couple of surprises add to the story. 4*

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

FORGOTTEN REMAINS, #4 - Secrets exposed. Murders, old and new, solved. Futures determined. More romance? 4*

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

FORSAKEN SOULS, #6 - Interesting and immersing, good characters and good story lines. 4*

TRACKING EVIL, #7 - Good story lines and good characters but I found this story a little on the light side. Still a good read. 4*

Deadly Mercy, #8 - Interesting. Intriguing. Intense. Dark. 4*
Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series end.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading almost every book Ms. Woodhall has written, I'm running out of ways to say how much I enjoy them without repeating myself. But that's a good thing, in my opinion. She is a prolific writer who never fails to capture the reader's attention, creating characters who are extremely relatable and generating heart-pounding tension that will raise your heart rate. She also handles an ensemble cast with the best of them. After reading so many of Ms. Woodhall's books, one would think I'd be able to figure out who the perpetrator in the newest story is, at least every once in a while. One would be wrong. Ms. Woodhall continues to be able to fool and surprise me—one of my favorite things about her writing. If you enjoy an ensemble of law enforcement, rescue dogs to love, along with a touch of romance, and plenty of crime, any of Ms. Woodhall's series will be right up your alley. I highly recommend them. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Bette Reith · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love is that there are several series, all intertwined with a Florida setting. In this book, they are celebrating the closure East Coast Highway killer case. Bailey is headed toward the beach for a break when she stops to see if she can help process a scene on the side of the highway. In front of her is a strikingly similar scene to the Highway Killers' signature - blond hair, specifically arranged, and a heart-shaped strangulation mark. She is confused, but when another murder occurs, she is drawn to helping solve the new cases. In the back of her mind, though, she is thinking that the previous case was not solved. Unfortunately, everyone with knowledge of the case is off on vacation for a well-deserved break, she is on her own. Can she figure this out before another murder?

Love the series, the character development, and the story-line. Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Really enjoyed the suspense, and there were several red herrings to keep you guessing, but there also were a lot of characters to keep straight. One character in particular who becomes important to the story (no spoilers) first appears on page 78 and doesn’t reappear until page 233. I had forgotten about this character and had to search to see when the character first appeared.

I love the characters of Bailey, Dalton, Cate, Mason, and Jimmy Fraser. It was also nice that Bridget Bishop and Vic Santino were part of this story. Melinda Woodhall handles difficult themes without being preachy or judgmental. Her books are well-paced; she keeps the stories moving. I hope there will be more to come in this series.

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

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Melinda Woodhall writes several mystery series. The Heartless Highway features the main character of Special Agent Bailey Flynn. After being at a murder scene that mimics the East Coast Highway serial killer that was recently arrested, Bailey begins to doubt that they really have the right killer. Meeting strong resistance from her boss, who refuses to believe that he may have rushed to close the case too soon, Bailey begins her own investigation. Prepare to read another excellent, fast paced book by this author. Bailey is tenacious in her investigation. She has an excellent team that works well together and they like Bailey. There are plenty of twists to hold your interest and I did not guess the killer.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for this eARC. This review is my opinion without remuneration for the gifted arc.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Heartless Highway and really like spending some time with the recurring characters in this series. One of my favourite things about these books is how the characters continue to evolve. Their relationships feel more layered with each instalment, and they're starting to feel comfortably familiar.
I feel like it's time for more depth for Sabrina.
This book didn't quite feel as strong as some of the earlier books for me, but it was still a very enjoyable read. The pacing was good, there's some interesting twists, and there were plenty of moments that reminded me why I like this series so much. Overall, it is a good addition and one that definitely left me keen to see where the story and characters head next.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Sirens eARC. An abused woman boards a bus to escape her situation and reach safety. When her body is discovered by the side of a busy highway FBI agent Bailey Flynn is called to the scene. Bailey has been uneasy about the recent arrest of a man in the Coast Highway series of killings and this new discovery only increases her doubts. Against her supervisor's orders and at a risk to her career Bailey sets out on a dangerous road trip to find the true culprit. I have been a follower of this author since I find discovered her writing and once again was not disappointed. Although I did not find this entry as strong or compelling as others it was still a solid, fast paced read. Bailey and her entourage are realistic, engaging characters with depth and humanity. A solid read.

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless Highway is the 9th book in the Bailey Flynn FBI Special Agent. series. A body is found where the m.o. matches the recently closed case of the
East Coast Highway Killer. FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn finds herself in a situation where the agent in charge of the case is unwilling to consider that he may have arrested the wrong man. Is this a new killing spree or are the murders connected? Special Agent with the FBI Bailey Flynn doesn’t look away. She uses the resources she has to further the inquiry.

Once again, Melinda Woodhall has written an intense, fast paced, psychological thriller. Melinda has a unique writing style that pulls the reader into the storyline. It is a book that is difficult to put down.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless Highway by Melinda Woodhall is a dark, unsettling thriller that thrives on tension and emotional intensity. The story unfolds on an unforgiving stretch of road where danger feels ever-present, and every decision carries weight.

The characters are raw and complex, shaped by fear, regret, and desperation, which makes the suspense feel personal rather than just plot-driven. Woodhall’s sharp pacing and moody atmosphere keep the pages turning, while the underlying themes of isolation and consequence give the story depth. This is a haunting, memorable read for fans of gritty psychological thrillers. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another intense FBI story of a murder with ties to a previous serial killer who is in jail - the question is, is it a copy cat or did the FBI arrest the wrong person? This author brings this type of storyline to life so well that I feel like I could be standing right there next to Bailey. I get so wrapped up in this series and go back and read from the beginning, that there are days I feel like I could go out and search for a serial killer on my own! (but I wouldn't of course!). Great writing of an intense subject that draws the reader in so well.

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

[Trudie Collins]

This is the best Bailey Flynn book so far. I love the way some of the minor characters lives have moved forward. It’s full of clues and red herrings and will keep you guessing to the end. I’ve learned when the author is pushing the reader in the wrong direction and I didn’t fall for it this time, but I still didn’t guess the killer, though after the reveal it all makes sense. If you like murder mysteries you are going to love this

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

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another solid Bailey Flynn story. The FBI agent faces administrative obstruction and a few brief periods of doubt while chasing a serial killer.

There is plenty of suspense but less danger to Bailey than in many of the earlier books.

The Eastern European victims were intriguing, and I felt some sympathy toward them. I felt no sympathy for the killer and hoped that someone would kill him at the end. His identity eluded me, which added to the story.

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

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great read in this terrific series. The discovery of a young woman's body sees Bailey convinced it's the work of a serial killer already thought to have been caught. I liked how Bailey pushes ahead convinced the investigators got things wrong.

There's several people with secrets they'd like to protect and I enjoyed how the various threads all came together. As usual, I read this at a quick pace and can't wait for the next one to come.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless Highway delivers another satisfying read in the Bailey Flynn series. Twisted thriller, red herrings, characters we care about. This one had a lot happening with all the threads weaved together for a satisfying conclusion and surprises along the way. Strong female leads with a deep sense of justice are a trademark to Melinda Woodhall and watching them grow personally and deliver professionally are a win. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Heartless HIghway #BaileyFlynnFBI #MelindaWoodhall #CreativeMagnolia #Booksirens

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartless Highway by Melinda Woodhall is the 9th book in the Bailey Flynn series. For me this was an ok book, but not one of my favorites of the series. After coming across a dead body, Bailey believes that if it the result of the East Coast Highway Killer, only someone has already been named as that person and lying in hospital on life support. What follows is her quest to find out what really happened. I would recommend to others.

I received this ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless Highway is Book 9 in the Bailey Flynn Series by Melinda Woodhall. I have read every book in this wonderful series and Book 9 is so good. I thought the opening chapter was so intense and I felt sad for the victim. I feel that the author weaves a complex story and she takes the reader through so many emotions. Heartless Highway is not to be missed. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has never been a book this author has written that I haven't consumed in no time. I always hate putting them down and can't wait for the next one. Characters are always fabulous, you either want to know more or want to kill them. All that to say read this one, read her whole catalog you will not regret it.

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

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series.
In this Bailey is investigating a case which seems to follow the pattern of the highway killer. But the case is closed and the suspect is in hospital. Can Bailey force the team to reopen the case?
Great pace, good characters, and multiple strands to keep things interesting!
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.