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Detective Ellie Reeves #12
Midnight Ridge
Not yet published
Expected 12 Jun 26She 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?
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?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 12, 2026
About the author
Rita Herron
323 books954 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 19, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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...
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...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
May 15, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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...
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...
May 19, 2026
Danger at Every Corner!!
I wait every time with bated breath for the new book in this series and they never ever disappoint.
Ellie , Cord and Derik are all back in this edge of your set mystery. Just when you think this author can’t get any better she pulls a shocking twist that you never saw coming.
Evil is at work in this tiny town. Together investigating the death of a young woman along with a missing child. Ellie finds two other cases that look to be similar.
A little bit of a new romance in the works going on with Derik and Tilly . Please don’t split Ellie and Cord up. I love them together. After waiting so long for them to connect I don’t think my heart can take it.
I wait every time with bated breath for the new book in this series and they never ever disappoint.
Ellie , Cord and Derik are all back in this edge of your set mystery. Just when you think this author can’t get any better she pulls a shocking twist that you never saw coming.
Evil is at work in this tiny town. Together investigating the death of a young woman along with a missing child. Ellie finds two other cases that look to be similar.
A little bit of a new romance in the works going on with Derik and Tilly . Please don’t split Ellie and Cord up. I love them together. After waiting so long for them to connect I don’t think my heart can take it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the 12th book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series. While this was not my favorite book by Rita Herron, I did enjoy it. It took me a little longer to get into than some of the others but by the end I was hooked. Throughout the story I was able to figure a few things out but never guessed who was behind the murders. I love how all the books in this series are connected through reoccurring characters but if someone just picked up one of these books it would sill make sense. As always, I look forward to the next one!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoy this series very much, and the latest book is just as good. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
This is the 12th book in this series and I have read and loved every one. This had me hating that life got in the way and i couldn't read it straight through. It appears that Minnie Benton has jumped to her death, but has she? and if she did, where is her little girl?
This doubt causes Ellie and her team to look into the other "suicides" and discover an awful pattern.
The ending did take me by surprise. This book is well written and I am looking forward to the next book.
This is the 12th book in this series and I have read and loved every one. This had me hating that life got in the way and i couldn't read it straight through. It appears that Minnie Benton has jumped to her death, but has she? and if she did, where is her little girl?
This doubt causes Ellie and her team to look into the other "suicides" and discover an awful pattern.
The ending did take me by surprise. This book is well written and I am looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Midnight Ridge" by Rita Herron is a captivating crime thriller that centers on Detective Ellie Reeves. The story unfolds as Ellie investigates the mysterious deaths of several teenage girls, initially dismissed as suicides.
Who will enjoy it:
Fans of thrillers with strong female leads and emotional stakes (think Karin Slaughter or Lisa Gardner).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Who will enjoy it:
Fans of thrillers with strong female leads and emotional stakes (think Karin Slaughter or Lisa Gardner).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a wild ride this book is. It’s a very dark and twisted read. Sometimes it’s difficult to read. Anything involving harm to children is always hard for me to read about. The author writes about it very sensitively. My heart went out to the young mother’s. It’s a very emotional book. I was riveted to the pages.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book 12 in the Detective Ellie Reeves series brings us another case of a killer hiding in the mountains of Georgia. I found the storyline to be compelling, with plenty of dark and sinister moments and lots of focus on the investigation. I do wish we had more of a focus on our main characters and their personal relationship, as Ellie finally made a choice in her love triangle in book 11 and we barely got to see the pair together this time. Overall, a solid entry in the series! 3.5 stars rounded up
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews