Midnight Ridge

Detective Ellie Reeves #12

by Rita Herron

She dug the heels of her shoes into the soil as he dragged her toward the ledge. Rocks skittered down the embankment. Leaves covered the ground, crunching as she fought. “Please don’t kill me,” she pleaded. “I can’t leave my daughter…”

When the call comes in that sixteen-year-old Minnie Benton’s body has been found at the bottom of Midnight Ridge, Detective Ellie Reeves is first on the scene. The local sheriff insists that Minnie’s death is a suicide… but Ellie can’t believe this beautiful young girl would kill herself in such a brutal way. When a witness confirms there were two people up on the ridge, and Ellie finds strands of Minnie’s dark hair in the thorny bushes, the thought of Minnie’s terrified final moments sends a shiver down her spine.

Minnie’s suicide note should provide answers but instead brings a shocking new twist to the case. The note is addressed to her baby daughter Iris, and as Ellie dispatches her team to hunt for the little girl, she can’t forget the shaky handwriting, as if Minnie was forced to write it. And Minnie’s love for Iris shines through. Why would she leave her daughter all alone in the world?

Desperate for answers and to find Iris, Ellie discovers that in the past year two other teenage girls plummeted to their deaths from Midnight Ridge, written off as suicides. But when Ellie realizes that they both left much-loved babies behind, she knows she is dealing with a serial predator.

With no sign of Iris anywhere, a call about a young mother and her baby missing from a nearby town fills Ellie with dread. Her mind races as she tries to get inside the head of this depraved killer. Can she stop their deadly mission before they claim another victim?

Genres: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2026

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Rary ⏾ ⛧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC: NetGallery & Bookouture
Pub Date Jun 12 2026

Book 12 of Detective Ellie Reeves series delivers a case where teenage Minnie is found dead initially ruled as a suicide but suspicion leads to murder as a few teenagers girls die in similar ways. The hunt begins to find the murderer and find Minnie’s little girl Iris before another pregnant teenager gets hurt.

This crime thriller book was a great read with lots of addicting chapters that I flew by fast and plots twists leaving me surprised. It does get teary towards the end so make sure you got a tissue in hand.

[Supriya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She dug the heels of her shoes into the soil as he dragged her toward the ledge. Rocks skittered down the embankment. Leaves covered the ground, crunching as she fought. "Please don't kill me," she pleaded. "I can't leave my daughter..."
(Full Description in comments)

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨️
Midnight Ridge (Detective Ellie Reeves #12)
Rita Herron
Publisher: Bookouture
Pub Date: June 12, 2026

"A brutal murder. A missing child. A case that changes everything." 🚨

This is my first book by Rita Herron, and I was drawn into the story from the very first incident. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.

This book is dark, heartbreaking, and gripping. Some scenes genuinely gave me chills. The killer is a ruthless manipulator, and I hated him from the start. But honestly? I hated Minnie’s father even more. The way some of the young girls were treated was heartbreaking. Poor Minnie suffered so much, and my heart broke for her and her baby.

The tension kept building as Ellie uncovered the connections between the victims, and the race to find baby Iris had me turning pages faster and faster. The ending had me holding my breath I was terrified to see what would happen.

I really liked Detective Ellie Reeves. She’s determined, smart, and well-written. But girl... please stop going to suspects’ houses alone at night. You gave me a heart attack more than once. 😭

My blood was boiling during the final scenes. I wanted to punch both the killer and honestly, I was right there with Ellie too😡👊

The ending had me holding my breath. I was genuinely terrified to find out what would happen next and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Fast-paced, emotional, and completely unputdownable. If you love dark crime thrillers with plenty of suspense, I highly recommend this one.

I’ll definitely be reading more books in the Detective Ellie Reeves series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for the ARC.

#MidnightRidge #NetGalley

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Ridge is book 12 in Rita Herron's Detective Ellie Reeves series. Detective Reeves receives a call regarding an apparent suicide on Midnight Ridge. Upon arriving at the scene, Ellie discovers the body of sixteen-year-old Minnie Benton. At first, it appears that she jumped from the cliff. However, a thorough investigation reveals evidence of murder.


As the investigation unfolds, Ellie discovers a connection between Minnie's death and two previous apparent suicides involving teenage girls. The similarities point to the presence of a serial killer.


The situation becomes even more precarious when Ellie learns that Minnie left behind a baby who cannot be found. Matters escalate further when a young mother and her infant also go missing. Ellie now faces the daunting task of tracking down a killer while racing against time to locate two missing babies before it's too late.


Herron penned a tale riddled with suspense and laced with emotional threads. The atmospheric setting created a chilling backdrop, and the villain's POV added an extra layer of tension and intrigue. The mystery kept me engaged throughout, and I found myself eager to uncover the truth behind the murders and disappearances.


Alongside the mystery and suspense, the characters grapple with personal issues. The storyline that stood out most was Ranger Cord's. As Ellie's partner, he struggles with the fear that a secret from his past could destroy the relationship they have built together.


While the mystery was compelling and the suspense well executed, there were moments when the pacing slowed, particularly during the investigative portions.


Despite this minor issue, Midnight Ridge was an enjoyable and engaging read. If Herron's goal was to keep readers invested and turning the pages, then she definitely succeeded. The story kept me on my toes from start to finish and delivered a satisfying blend of suspense, emotion, and mystery.

[Diana Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read an ARC of Midnight Ridge by Rita Herron. This is the 12th book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series, and I couldn't put it down! This time Ellie and Cord are drawn into what appears to be a teenage suicide when teenage mother Minnie is discovered at the bottom of Midnight Ridge. The plot is dark with plenty of twists, and while the romantic triangle seems to be over between Ellie, Cord and Derrick, there are still some secrets that have not been revealed. I can't wait for the next book!! Netgalley introduced me to this series, and I am so grateful, and I recommend the entire series to anyone who is into romantic suspense, police procedurals, and a love of strong independent women!!!

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this hard hitting book

i do believe this book should come with trigger warnings as its hard hitting in places

minnie benton was found at the bottom of midnight ridge..... the place was known for suicides but there was a witness that said there was someone else up the top with her...

ellie was called to the scene by cord..... she had questions for the witness and the local police force.... but the witness disappeared and the police force wasnt helpful

it soon became obvious that all wasnt well at midnight ridge when on investigation ellie and her team found out about the two other supposedly other suicides with young girls who also just happened to have young babies when they were also young themselves

something wasnt right ....

omg this book will haunt me for a while.... the twists and turns and red herrings kept me guessing who the perp was going to be but it was still a surrpise

this series just gets better and better and i cant wait for the next book in this series... but man it can give you nightmares. you just never knew when you turned the page what was going to happen next

though i must admit the ending was just a tad to quick ...

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how many crime scenes Detective Ellie Reeves attends, facing death up close is never easy. Each victim leaves a mark, reinforcing her determination to find justice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. Park Ranger Cord McClain shares that same unwavering commitment, making them a formidable team when tragedy strikes.

At first glance, the latest death appears to be another suicide connected to the dark legend of Midnight Ridge, a place that has drawn troubled souls for years. But as Ellie begins to investigate, she quickly realizes that something far more sinister is at work. What seems like a suicide is actually murder, and when another victim is found, a chilling pattern begins to emerge.

The investigation becomes even more urgent when a suicide note left behind by the first victim is addressed to a young daughter. Convinced that a toddler may be in danger, Ellie launches a desperate search to find the missing child before it is too late.

Adding another layer of tension are the chapters told from the killer’s perspective. Watching him grow increasingly confident with each murder is both fascinating and disturbing. He relishes the media attention surrounding his crimes and takes pride in leaving behind few clues, believing himself untouchable. These glimpses into his mindset create an atmosphere of dread that builds steadily throughout the novel.

Running alongside the murder investigation is an ongoing thread that has stretched through several books in the series is a secret that Cord is hiding. The longer he keeps it hidden, the more concerned he is about his relationship with Ellie. Their romance has weathered plenty of ups and downs, and this unresolved issue adds an emotional undercurrent that keeps readers invested in their future as much as in the case itself.

Rita Herron once again delivers a gripping blend of suspense, heartbreak, and emotional complexity. With a relentless investigation, a chilling villain, and the continuing evolution of Ellie and Cord’s relationship, Midnight Ridge is a tense, fast-paced thriller that keeps the pages turning. Fans of the series will find plenty to love, while the shocking twists and high-stakes search for justice make this one of the most compelling installments yet.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Ridge by Rita Herron is a very highly recommended investigative crime thriller. Detective Ellie Reeves, FBI Agent Derrick Fox and SAR Cord McCain all again return to search for a serial killer. Even though this is the twelfth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel.

When a body is found at the bottom of Midnight Ridge, Detective Ellie Reeves, from the small town of Crooked Creek in the Appalachian Mountains, is the first one called by SAR (Search and Rescue) Ranger Cord McCain. Initially it is thought to be the third suicide of a young woman by the sheriff, but clues quickly point to something more nefarious. A witness heard another person at the top of the ridge with sixteen-year-old Minnie Benton before she was murdered. Now the question is where is Minnie's young daughter, Iris, and who is murdering young women and taking their children?

This completely addictive and jaw-dropping crime thriller is another well-written, entertaining addition to the series. The short chapters are action-packed, new information is quickly uncovered, and the investigation moves at a brisk pace. All of this creates a lightning-fast pace that will hold your complete attention throughout the novel. Your heart will be pounding as you fly through the pages and the tension is palpable as the team tries to find the perpetrator before another young woman is murdered.

The narrative follows multiple points-of-view, including the perpetrator, which helps to add tension, complexities, and suspense. There are numerous twists in the investigation while the clues are logically followed along the way. For those following the series, you will know all these characters and understand that Ellie and Cord are in a burgeoning relationship. The relationship is not a major part of the plot.

Midnight Ridge is an excellent well-written investigative thriller that will hold your complete attention. Fans of the series will want to read this asap. 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/2026/0...

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a familiar shiver that runs through a story like Midnight Ridge—that blend of mountain‑air chill and raw human fear—and this instalment in the Ellie Reeves series leans into it with confidence. From the moment Minnie Benton’s final, desperate struggle opens the book, there’s a sense of something deeply wrong beneath the surface of this small Appalachian community, and the author lets that unease seep slowly into every chapter.

What struck me most is how tenderly Minnie’s presence lingers over the investigation. Her love for her baby daughter, Iris, radiates through the pages, making the discovery of that shaky, heartbreaking note feel like a punch to the chest. Ellie’s refusal to accept the easy answer—that yet another teenage girl simply chose to leap from Midnight Ridge—gives the story its emotional spine. She moves through the case with a kind of quiet fury, driven not by spectacle but by a deep, instinctive understanding of the girls who’ve been failed.

As the pattern of past “suicides” emerges, the book tightens into a genuinely gripping race against time. The idea of a predator targeting young mothers is chilling enough, but the added dread of a missing baby gives the narrative a breathless urgency. The author balances that tension with the grounded, human moments that make this series so readable: Ellie’s steady determination, the friction and loyalty within her team, the way grief ripples through a town that’s seen too many young lives cut short.

The pacing is brisk without feeling rushed, and the atmosphere—dense woods, treacherous ridges, secrets buried under fallen leaves—wraps around the story like fog. By the final chapters, the sense of danger is so palpable you can almost hear the crunch of leaves underfoot.

A dark, addictive, and emotionally charged thriller, Midnight Ridge delivers exactly what fans of the series love: a heroine who refuses to look away, a mystery that twists just when you think you’ve found your footing, and a haunting reminder of the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.

With thanks to Rita Herron, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cord McClain, Park Ranger, leader of Search and Rescue and Detective Ellie Reeves partner, gets a call that someone has seen a young woman jump from Midnight Ridge. He heads to the spot and finds a young woman and the older man who called it in. When he is told that there was someone else up there, he calls Ellie to report a possible suspicious death. The young woman is identifies as 16 YO Minnie Benton, a single mother. But where is her child? Evidence that she was pushed begins to be found and now it is a murder investigation, as well as a missing child case. A note found in Minnie's pocket is addressed to her daughter, Iris, but it looks like she might have been forced to write it. When another young woman and her baby go missing, it's a race against time to locate them before there is another death.

Detective Ellie Reeves takes on the tough cases and uses her team, and her intuition to find the clues, follow them and track down the criminals. This story is set in Crooked Creek, North Georgia, in the Appalachians. The local sheriff is ready to write it off as suicide, but Ellis is sure that it is murder. She even begins to wonder if the previous two suicides of young woman in the same place might be connected in some way. She gets the SAR team and K-9 teams out to search for missing Iris. I can really get behind Ellie. She is smart, tough, caring, resilient and persistent. I love how she uses her team and others to their best ability, and doesn't try to solve things on her own. This book has a real creepy and atmospheric feel. We get the POV of the killer, a serial predator who targets young mothers, in alternate chapters. The story is tense and had me wanting to know what happened to Iris. I had several theories about who or what the killer's motive was, but I wasn't sure what was right. This is a dark crime thriller that kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed, but I had to know what was going to happen and how it was going to turn out. If you enjoy a dark crime thriller, but one that does get the bad guy at the end, then pick up Midnight Ridge. You don't need to have read the previous books in this series to read this one.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Rita Herron has delivered an absolute cracker in atmospheric suspense with Midnight Ridge. This twelfth instalment of the Detective Ellie Reeves series proves that the series shows no signs of slowing down, offering a gripping, emotional puzzle that kept me reading late into the night.

What made this book especially enjoyable to read was the emotional weight of the stakes. Hunting a serial killer is tense enough, but searching for a missing baby whilst trying to get into the head of said killer adds an entirely new level of urgency. Rita Herron excels at building a claustrophobic, chilly environment where the worsening storm outside mirrors the mounting danger surrounding Ellie and her team.

Ellie herself remains a fantastic, fierce, and protective character. Her relentless dedication to protecting the vulnerable shines through the page. Furthermore, the investigation is intricate and tightly plotted, packed with red herrings and dark secrets that will satisfy any seasoned procedural fan.

The breakneck pacing in the final act did make a few resolutions feel slightly rushed. However, the jaw-dropping twists more than made up for it, and my heart was in my throat by the final sentence.

So, if you love your crime thrillers highly emotional and packed with relentless tension, Midnight Ridge is a must-add to your TBR!

Check out my spot on the blog tour! Coming 18th June!

My thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read Midnight Ridge. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The case in this installment is a tough one.  A missing child and suicide or maybe murder of the mother.  It's dark, tragic and a little heartbreaking.  Especially when the pieces all fall into place.  I like that the author isn't afraid to go there.

I was gripped from the start.  There is no shortage of unlikable characters as Ellie and her team dig deep and investigate.  I liked that there are chapters from the killer as I got a chance to see what was in their mind.  Once introduced, I was able to identify the killer, but that didn't stop me from reading how the team pieced everything together.  The whys and connections are layered and once known, fit everything together.

The killer makes it personal and ties Ellie firmly into it which makes her team overly protective.  It seems a little less of the team's personal lives come into play, but as always, the author makes sure the reader knows which connections fall outside of work.

The tension leapt off the page right from the start and I felt connected to the characters and their situation.  And I love Ellie as the lead.  She is a smart, strong woman and she is such a relatable character.  Being drawn into the killer's sight gave me even more reason to root for her to quickly solve the case and triumph over the bad guy.

This easily reads as a stand alone even though it is the twelfth book of the series and should appeal to anyone who likes a woman at the center of a police procedural.  I can't wait for book 13.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Ridge (Detective Ellie Reeves Book 12) by Rita Herron is a gripping thriller that weaves mystery and emotion into a heart-pounding narrative. It was suspenseful, emotional, and had me in tears at times.

As the 12th installment in the Detective Ellie Reeves series, it delivers all the suspense and intrigue I have come to expect, while introducing fresh twists. The haunting scenario of a young girl’s tragic end pulls you into a web of secrets and lies. Detective Ellie Reeves once again shines as a relatable and determined protagonist whose dedication to uncovering the truth is not just about solving a crime but about saving a young life. The revelation that other similar cases might be linked adds layers to the plot that are both chilling and thought-provoking.

The pacing is great; the suspense builds steadily to a gripping conclusion. The author's ability to craft a narrative that balances emotional weight with thrilling action is praiseworthy. Midnight Ridge is a powerful reminder of the complexities of love and loss. With its expertly woven plot and compelling characters, this novel is sure to leave readers not only satisfied but eager for the next adventure with Detective Ellie Reeves. More, please! I would recommend this book. I can't wait to see what is next for Ellie and Cord.

#MidnightRidge #NetGalley @bookouture

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

Just reading the tagline of this book is enough to give you the shivers. Once I was immersed in the story, which did not take long, I was even further chilled. But chilled or not, I was hooked. You are shown the point of view of the depraved killer over and over again, as this individual hunts like a predator in the wild. Every time a chapter belonged to the killer, I was tense wondering how someone can actually think and act this way.

This killer is careful, but they have not met anyone as tenacious and fearless as Detective Ellie Reeves, who has dedicated her life to protecting others and pursuing justice for victims.

This razor sharp thriller/mystery is haunting and disturbing, which is the author's signature and what makes her books so enjoyable to read, even if it does scare you silly. I also like the way this author sets the scene as everything is atmospheric, ominous and sinister as you wait for the other shoe to drop which notches the creep factor up another degree. Beware, the short chapters mean you will not get any breaks because you will have to read just one more chapter. It is truly addictive.

Chalk up another one in the win column for the Detective Ellie Reeves series. These books never get old. As a matter of fact, they just keep getting better.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tove R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid installment in the Detective Ellie Reeves series. From the very beginning, the case is both heartbreaking and intriguing. When the death of sixteen-year-old Minnie Benton is quickly ruled a suicide, Ellie refuses to accept the easy answer, and it soon becomes clear that something far darker is at work.

What makes this mystery so compelling is how difficult it is to figure out what is really going on. Teenage girls with troubled or complicated pasts seem to be connected to a series of suspicious deaths, and the deeper Ellie and her team dig, the more questions emerge. The investigation keeps both the detectives and the reader guessing.

I particularly enjoyed how cleverly the plot was constructed. The clues are there, but the truth remains just out of reach for much of the story, creating plenty of tension and suspense. The stakes feel especially high with the missing babies at the center of the case, adding an emotional dimension to the mystery.

As always, Ellie and her team work well together, and their determination to uncover the truth keeps the story moving at a steady pace. The case is complex, unsettling, and full of twists that make it difficult to put the book down.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and well-written thriller that delivers a strong mystery and plenty of suspense. A great addition to the series and a solid four-star read.

[Janet]

When the call comes in that sixteen-year-old Minnie Benton’s body has been found at the bottom of Midnight Ridge, Detective Ellie Reeves is first on the scene. The local sheriff insists that Minnie’s death is a suicide but Ellie can’t believe this beautiful young girl would kill herself in such a brutal way. Minnie’s suicide note should provide answers but instead brings a shocking new twist to the case. The note is addressed to her baby daughter Iris, and as Ellie dispatches her team to hunt for the little girl, she can’t forget the shaky handwriting, as if Minnie was forced to write it. Desperate for answers and to find Iris, Ellie discovers that in the past year two other teenage girls plummeted to their deaths from Midnight Ridge, written off as suicides.
The twelfth outing for Ellie & another chilling case, as with all the books in this series it could be read on its own. Wonderful characters, a fast paced story, twists, turns & surprising made for an engrossing book. The tension builds until I found I couldn’t put it down. I also enjoyed Ellie & Cord’s slow burn romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Kelly Lexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had the option I would rate this book 3.5 stars. It’s better than a 3, so I’m rounding up.

If you’re looking to read book 12 of this series, you’ve probably already read books 1-11 and know this author’s style. Ms. Herron has a good foundation for this series, and she has done a decent job of building characters and backstories. Although seriously Cord, how many more secrets do you have?

Where the writing falters (not fails) somewhat for me is in its stilted and somewhat canned telling. This woman uses entirely too many question marks, and she couldn’t use an Oxford comma to save her life, which personally drives me nuts. Her sentence structure needs work. I also think she believes her audience is dumber than we actually are. She frequently has Ellie say something revelatory that the audience could have reasonably figured out on their own two paragraphs ago. Can we please figure out the implications of something at the same time?

I like this series and will continue to read it, but it is my fourth favorite of the four similar female detectives series’ I read. I would love to see improvement in the writing style and some forward momentum with the overall story in book 13.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always read Rita Herron's books when they are available to me because I think she does a great job with her plot twists and giving the reader a certain amount of tension in the body when you read a book like this! This novel certainly ticked off those particular boxes, for me.

Ellie investigates a case of a young mother, Minnie, who is found at the bottom of a cliff. There is no sign of her little girl and even though this case seems to be a suicide, there is evidence to the contrary as well. When Ellie delves into other cases which sound remarkably similar to this one, she questions the original investigator's work because it doesn't really add up.

There are people in Minnie's life who were not exactly supportive of her, which is why she left home. These people need to be looked at more closely. The author does a great job with the characterisation of these people!

Cord, Ellie's partner in life, is hiding a secret but we will have to wait to read another book in the series before we find out what it might be.

4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

High intensity intrigue with a splash of romance! I love Herron's Detective Ellie Reeves series and always look forward to the next one coming as soon as I'm finishing the current one. There is always a lot of heart and angst mixed into the mystery Ellie is trying to solve. Her sidekicks add a lot to the story, but I would like to see the history of her (parents, Derrick, Cord, Angelica, Bryce, etc.) told a little bit in each story when something brings them up. I'm familiar with the backstory because I've read the series in order, but if someone were to pick this one up as their first it would be lacking some key background context that is really important to get a full picture of Ellie. This particular story had an emotional kick to it and I highly enjoyed it. Always looking forward to more Ellie!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a gruesome discovery that leads to a powerful search for whodunnit as drama surrounds the town. I personally recommend reading the series in order to get full context of Ellie's past.

[Erin Remen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The small town of Midnight Ridge is rocked by another apparent suicide of a young mother. Cord finds himself the first on the scene and finds that things just do not add up. As he has Ellie join him they discover that the young woman has a small child that is not where to be found. This sets the wheels in motion for the premise of this chapter in the Ellie Reeves series, murdered women, missing children and a possible serial killer on the loose. The killer may just be leaving dead birds and feathers all over the crime scenes,, and a little closer to home. I love seeing Cord and Ellie together, I mean I love Derrick, but it was always Cord for me! I just wish all those pesky secrets would just be spoked aloud before its too late!
This one is exciting, tragic, emotional, full of suspense and has that perfect mix that is what I love most about this author! Told from several different points of view that keeps you on your toes! Love it! This series is a perfect read for a Sunday at home, the beach or wherever you choose to do your reading!

[Joanne Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herron serves up another gripping read in the 13th installment of the Detective Ellie Reeves Series!

Pulled in from the very beginning to the end, this story flows at a good pace as Ellie, and the team try to uncover what led to a teen losing her life and search for her missing child. The case leads to additional teen deaths previously ruled suicide, but all that changes on further investigation. Someone is harming teens, leaving them terrified and fighting to survive.

Cord and Ellies love story continues, however, there is another secret he is keeping which has him questioning will she still love him when she finds out. Alas that secret reveal will be for another book, so once again, I eagerly await the next book in the series.

Clear your calendar to read this one. Herron delivers short chapters that have you constantly thinking, just one more chapter….. a very slippery slope, lol.

[Louise Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

A young girl is dead and despite initial thoughts, detective Ellie Reeves suspects murder. The girls daughter is missing and in investigation Ellie finds similar cases. When another girl and her daughter goes missing links to a home for pregnant teens can’t be ignored.

I haven’t read the eleven other books in this series, but I didn’t feel at a disadvantage. While there was reference to backstory, it was minimal and didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.

Ellie was a likeable character and I admired her determined nature. The story was revealed slowly with links to the past revealed as and when. Clues were minimal to keep the reader in suspense and I was able to only get reveals as Ellie did. I enjoyed this and I’d like to now read the others in the series.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another thrilling instalment of the Ellie Reeves series. I haven't read many, but the few I have read, I have enjoyed.

This is no exception.

I like Ellie, she is methodical and follows up the clues without being sidetracked. She is also empathetic and supportive to the families of the victims of murder or kidnapping.

I had so many suspects in mind, and was surprised at the reveal of the murderer.... the reader if kept guessing all the way through, and there are several red herrings.

Some of the characters are horrible people!! Like the father of Minnie. I shuddered at his coldness and the way he treated his wife.

This book will grip the reader from the first page, and if you like a strong female lead in a police procedural, you will like Ellie.

I recommend.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teen moms & babes in danger!😲

A fantastic addition to an addictive thriller series. It was fast-paced, totally blindsided me about the killer who is staging suicides high on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail. These poor teenage unwed mothers who fall into the clutches of a very sick individual who wants to separate them from their babies. Detective Ellie Reeves is a favorite of mine and the stormy Appalachian weather was, as usual in the series, a major factor in the tense climax. Total suspense, great plot. And I love that you get some victim and potential victim POV as well as that of the killer and law enforcement.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 12 and still going strong with intense story lines, compelling characters and thriller atmosphere in small town northern Georgia. A girl's body is found at Midnight Ridge with a suicide note, but things just don't seem to add up. A small town with its own superstitions add to the mix. Cord and Det Ellie Reeves are investigating and trying to put the pieces together. This is a page turning thriller with moments that tare at your heart and a twist at the end. There is a hold your breath to find out what disaster will befall Cord and Ellie in the future. I love this series, it shows evil, shades of gray and goodness. Thank you for the advance copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. I also purchased a copy. #MidnightRidge #DetectiveEllieReeves #Bookouture #NetGalley

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic series!

This was an intense, complex, mysterious, and suspenseful story that will keep you guessing until the very end. When Cord is called out to what is presumed to be another teenage suicide, he begins questioning everything when an eye witness explains what he heard. When Detective Ellie Reeves arrives on site, her instincts are screaming that something isn't right. The investigation quickly becomes frantic when they discover that a child is missing, causing everyone to pull any and all leads, which is how it's determined that this isn't the unsubs first victim. It's certainly not a story or series to be missed!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Detective Ellie Reeves. In this book, nothing was going to keep her from finding the man who murdered Minnie Benton and took her child. Throughout the story, more young women and children go missing. Ellie knows that there is a connection between them, and she puts the pieces together throughout the story.

I love that there is more to the story than just the crime parts. Ellie’s relationship with her team and Cord are such a big part of the story. I love Cord’s dedication to Ellie, even if he puts himself at risk to have her back.

I’m never disappointed in books about female detectives. I can’t wait for what’s next for Ellie and her team.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[Lisa Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Ellie Reeves has a new case on her hands that is more complicated than it seems at first glance. When a young woman is found at the foot of Midnight Ridge, it seems like a suicide; however, Ellie is not convinced. Evidence, including a possible witness, indicates that there were two people at the top of the ridge the night Minnie fell to her death. The suicide note mentions a daughter who is nowhere to be found. As Ellie investigates the case, along with her team, she uncovers other similar cases that were quickly ruled suicides. The tension mounts with the report of a missing woman and child. Can Ellie solve the case and prevent another young woman from losing her life? It is an intense chase with many twists and turns. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Cindieslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

​POV: You just realized the "suicides" in your small mountain town are actually a hunting ground.

​The Vibe:
🏔️ Small Town Mountain Noir
👣 Race Against Time
🕵️‍♂️ Mountain Rescuer x Investigator Duo
❄️ "The Weather is a Character"
📉 High Stakes / Missing Children

​The Hook:
One body on Midnight Ridge. A suicide note left behind. But the mountain rescuer knows these trails better than anyone—and he knows a scuffle when he sees one.

​The Twist:
The victim was a mother. Her 15-month-old is missing. And she’s not the first "suicide" this year.
​Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My full review on this book can be found here; https://cindieslibrary.com/midnight-r...

[Ashley Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Although I haven’t read the previous books in the Ellie Reeves series, I found it worked well as a standalone novel. That said, it definitely left me interested in reading the earlier books so I can better understand Ellie and the other key characters’ backstories.

I especially liked how all of the characters and storylines came together at the end, revealing who was involved and their motives. The connections were satisfying and helped bring the mystery to a strong conclusion.

This certainly won’t be my last read by Rita Herron. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great crime thriller.
When a young woman’s body is found at the bottom of Midnight Ridge, it’s assumed it was suicide, but something doesn’t feel right to Cord, so he calls Ellie.
When they start investigating her death they realise she had a baby and no-one knows where she is.
Ellie then finds out other young mothers have also died in the same spot recently and wants to get to the bottom of this.
They soon realise a serial killer is out there and they need to act fast before they strike again.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.