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Dangerous Midnight: A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Book Ten

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A Killer Hides Under the Cover of Darkness, Waiting for Midnight to Take His Next Victim

When a wealthy widow returns to her quiet hometown of Everston Creek, Florida seeking a fresh start, her new life is brutally ended by the impulsive act of a remorseless killer.

After evidence at the crime scene links the murder to a serial predator known as the Midnight Caller, Special Agent Bailey Flynn joins the investigation only to discover another dead body much closer to home.

As the search leads Bailey into the dark heart of the Florida Everglades, she races to unravel a deadly web of deception and betrayal, determined to stop the sadistic killer before time runs out and another innocent life is lost.

Book Ten 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.

322 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2026

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Melinda Woodhall

44 books185 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,625 reviews54 followers
March 28, 2026
Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book# 10

The evidence found at a crime scene links the murder to a serial predator known as the Midnight caller prompting FBI Agent Bailey Flynn to join the investigation into the tragic death of an unfortunate wealthy widow that was seeking a fresh start in Florida. As Bailey search the Florida Everglades, she found herself into a race to stop a sadistic killer before another dead body is found….

A Killer Hides Under the Cover of Darkness, Waiting for Midnight to Take His Next Victim

What can I say, once more Ms. Woodhall entertains by giving us not only a suspenseful story but one that will keep us guessing till the very last moment. Indeed, this story is engaging and hard to put aside for any thrill seekers. Who wouldn’t be captivated by a story that is concise and doesn’t beat around the bush by adding words to stretch the drama.

Leave it to Baily and her K9 partner, Ludwig, to team up with the local police and save the day. This story is a page-turner with a little more gore than the previous installments but why not after all it is a murder investigation…..

We do have recurrent players in Dalton, Cate and Sharma and some new players in minor roles to entertain us. A good story has side bars this latest gives us an update on Cate’s latest saga…..The family interactions and relationships add warmth to a somber tale.

One thing Ms. Woodhall has a formula that works very well although some may find the plots are becoming somewhat repetitive through time. I find them entertaining…..

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review
151 reviews15 followers
March 15, 2026
Dangerous Midnight opens with a gripping and unsettling scene that immediately sets the tone for a tense, fast‑moving mystery. Melinda Woodhall wastes no time plunging readers into danger as Alana Duvall’s seemingly ordinary day—celebrating the opening of a new library wing—spirals into deception, abduction, and ultimately murder. The prologue alone delivers the kind of shock that makes it impossible not to keep reading.

The murder of Alana Duvall isn’t just a single crime—it’s tangled up with cryptocurrency secrets, extortion threats from the mysterious “Midnight Caller,” and the return of a dangerous con artist and suspected killer, Bryson Taft. The overlapping investigations give the story momentum and keep the stakes high from the beginning.

Bailey Flynn continues to be a strong and compelling protagonist. She’s intelligent, determined, and grounded, and I enjoyed seeing the investigative team dynamics between Bailey, Sharma, and Griff. The inclusion of Bailey’s personal life—her family interactions and relationships—adds warmth and balance to the darker elements of the story.

Another highlight is the Florida setting, especially the eerie atmosphere around Everston Creek and the Everglades. Woodhall does a great job creating a sense of place—the rural roads, looming storms, and swampy landscape add tension and mood that perfectly match the unfolding investigation.

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, though at times the number of characters and threads can feel slightly overwhelming. Still, the multiple plot lines also make the mystery feel bigger and more complex, which fans of procedural thrillers will likely enjoy.

Dangerous Midnight is a solid addition to the Bailey Flynn series. It delivers suspense, twists, and an intriguing central mystery while continuing to develop the recurring characters readers have come to know.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,148 reviews73 followers
April 14, 2026
I always start reading a Melinda Woodhall book thinking that I am going to figure the culprit out in this mystery. But once again this author knows how to string you along making you think you know everything, when in fact you know absolutely nothing. Shocking twists and reveals are what make this author's books so much fun to read, especially for mystery/thriller lovers.

When a woman is found dead in a small town in Florida, the police think it is just another horrible murder. But the FBI knows that the Midnight Caller has struck again. This elusive killer has been evading capture for a while. The FBI monitors a phone, but it never stays on long enough to find this predator.

After the most recent murder, Special Agent Bailey Flynn and local law enforcement descend on the house. Bailey's K-9, Ludwig, detects a scent which puts her on the run to hopefully catch the person responsible, but once again they evade capture.

This is equally twisty, thrilling, dark and dangerous, all at the same time. As subtle hints are dropped throughout the story, I learned a little more about this deranged individual, but not enough to solve the mystery. The intensity and creepiness of this story is what keeps me glued to the pages. Think Criminal Minds on steroids.

I also really like all of the side characters in this book, except for the bloodthirsty, pesky reporter, Sabrina West. Her only saving grace is that she is PI Dalton West's sister (which just so happens to be Bailey's boyfriend). Sabrina always gripes on my nerves. She was even worse in this book than most times. I guess she is just doing her job, but the woman knows no boundaries. I actually got quite a laugh when she sees a little more than she bargains for at a crime scene and ends up losing her breakfast.

Hold on for a wild and crazy ride where anything can and will happen. You will want to devour it in one sitting because there is not a good place to stop reading.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,322 reviews
April 8, 2026
Another night reading into the wee small hours, eagerly ploughing through the pages to find the identity of "The Midnight Caller", Melinda Woodhall does not disappoint.

Alana Duvall cut the ribbon to open the new library suite at Lyndhurst College, in memory of her late husband Remy Duvall, the college where they both met. Alana was stepping down, she was leaving the area, she had decided to leave her husbands fortune to fund a scholarship, she handed over the cryptocurrency hard wallet to head of school forensic psychology, Morag Laine with the warning to keep it safe.

It is said that money is the root of all evil, well this money certainly was, someone desperately wanted to get their hands on it and so the murders began, each one with their throat cut.

FBI Agent, Bailey Flynn was quickly wound up in the case, a case where everyone wanted answers yesterday but no answers were forthcoming, could this mean that people would loose their jobs ?

As usual, Bailey was trying to juggle doing her job with her sisters complicated pregnancy, her overbearing mother, Dalton's sister who was a TV news reporter and wasn't averse to listening at doors. Luckily, Bailey had the eternal support of her partner, PI Dalton West, Dalton was always there for her, often in life threatening situations, and not forgetting Ludwig, her adored SAR dog.

This story had nail biting suspense throughout, the suspects are many but the twist at the end was both brilliant and unexpected. The author paints such a vivid picture with words, I could practically feel, see and smell the dangerous, wet, humid, but surprisingly beautiful, everglades, the sight and smell of the rotting corpses was palpable, she creates such wonderful well rounded characters but diversely, such evil perpetrators. A thoroughly gripping and enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
1,615 reviews32 followers
April 4, 2026
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.

DANGEROUS MIDNIGHT, #10 - Interesting. A good variety of characters. Loved the Granny Ester character. 4*

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*

HEARTLESS HIGHWAY, #9 - A quickly read but this book seems a bit lacking, but still interesting. 3*
Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series end.
1,834 reviews13 followers
April 7, 2026
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

In this latest story it begins with a ceremony at Lyndhurst College for the opening of a College Library which at the completion, the benefactor was drugged and taken and met by an additional person who was looking for a crypto wallet which contained a large of money. As a result Alana, the drugged victim wound up being killed. Bailey learned that a cell phone that the FBI was tracing showed up at a specific location and a team was sent hoping to capture the person known as "The Midnight Caller", but upon arriving they discovered Alana's body. Upon Bailey's review of the security tape she recognized an individual that U.S. Marshalls were looking for, in addition Dalton was also searching for a missing person that was last seen with this individual.

Follow Bailey and her team as they try to find Alana's killer as well as discover who the individual who was called "The Midnight Caller". Discover the body discovered in Dalton's truck and how it eventually provided a lead to finally closing the individual who was extorting money.

The ending provides all the answers that you might have. This definitely a book worth reading, don't miss out!
360 reviews6 followers
April 17, 2026
Wow best way to start this one. Bailey Flynn has her hands full of pretty much terrible people in this one. One person who blackmails people and then kills them as an example. He has killed several people to hide his identity and his secrets from law enforcement. And he is continuing to kill others in and about the town they all live in. The FBI and the local PD have the me issues as in previous books in the series as politics play a key role in decision making.

This book delves a bit into the bitcoin realm of having a large donation made to the local college in a bit coin library and having that information be highly desired by people of less than stellar character. Some with seemingly great characters but weak people behind the scenes.

The book, like with many of Ms. Woodhall’s books, is hard to put down and do other things, it’s better to just dedicate a weekend to reading it. She still has many twists and turns and rabbit holes to go down to figure out who is helping, who is hiding something and who is totally clueless about the thing going on around them. Would highly recommend the series and this book just know you can’t put it down for too long as the next chapter may give you more clues as to who and what to trust.

Profile Image for Teresa Collins.
1,166 reviews22 followers
April 4, 2026
Can I tell you that I'm beginning to run out of things to say to praise Ms. Woodhall's stories without repeatedly repeating myself? She is a highly talented and prolific writer. One might be excused for thinking her stories would become repetitive, but one would be wrong. Even after having read almost every book Ms. Woodhall has written, I am always surprised and drawn in by the newest offering. There are wonderful, realistic, relatable characters, including my favorites, Ludwig and Amadeus, the SAR-trained dogs, perpetrators I never saw coming (even though I think Ms. Woodhall pulled a bit of dirty pool this time), and an excellent ensemble cast. And what would a Melinda Woodhall mystery be without a few touches of romance? Not as enjoyable as they are, that's for sure. If you haven't read any of these stories, you need to. They are very enjoyable. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
624 reviews6 followers
April 17, 2026
I really like this book as far as the mystery goes because it took me by surprise (4 stars). That being said, Dalton and Bailey had some decent interaction, non-work related, same with Mason and Cate. While that's better, I think I finally figured out the issue (maybe) - while working all the characters seem 3D, but when on the small amount of personal interactions - they become 2D - there's no chemistry whatsoever. Don't get me wrong - I know this is a police procedural, but the character's need to be life-like and they are not with friends and family. I keep hoping it will get better, and they have a little but I really think I'm done hoping for that and therefore I'm not going to read this series anymore. I probably should take a star off for the (NON)personal relationships, but the mystery was very well done this time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sharon.
350 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2026
Melinda Woodhall’s latest entry in the Bailey Flynn series is another page-turner, and the identity of the killer/blackmailer was very surprising.

The reveal of the criminal was several paragraphs of one person talking and could have been broken up a little with another person’s reactions. There also was a bit more gore than I needed, which is why I’m giving this four stars.

In addition to Bailey, Dalton, and Cate, I enjoyed a new character, Margo Laine. I hope Margo will be included in future stories, either as a main character or as an addition to this series. Looking forward to whatever Ms. Woodhall does next!

This is the 10th book in the Bailey Flynn series, but works fine as a standalone.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
217 reviews
March 28, 2026
Another good addition to the Bailey series. The storyline kept my pages turning.
I’m still enjoying the main characters, and the new ones introduced here fit in well - Margo was a standout for me.
I do find Sabrina a bit frustrating… I’d love to see her do something other than sneaking around and eavesdropping to get her stories. I like seeing the progression of Cate and Mason's relationship. Bailey and Dalton's relationship feels a bit stagnant, so I’m hoping for a bit more movement there soon.
One thing I really like about this series is how each book ties up loose ends from earlier ones, which makes it feel more connected overall.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Author.
Author 3 books20 followers
March 29, 2026
Full of intrigue, this twisting storyline that brought blackmail and murder together kept me guessing until the end. The characters were relatable, each with their own agenda and the multiple twists had me hooked from the start.

There were several times when I thought I'd found the culprit, only to have another twist of fate yank it out from under me. A clever plot, centred around the root of all evil and one that will keep the pages turning.

Although Dangerous Midnight by Melinda Woodhall is the tenth in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

If you love crime novels with a mix of local and national law enforcement that provides the unexpected, then you are sure to enjoy this book.

I am grateful to the author and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this eARC and leave this review voluntarily.
2,676 reviews48 followers
March 20, 2026
This author plunges us into action right from the get go. A bloody murder of slicing throats seems to be their MO. (and their favorite way to kill quickly). I admit, each time it came , I wasn't ready for the gore and gushes of blood expertly described. Lol.

Too many corrupt people getting kickbacks even high up in BLUE!!! SOME MOB CONNECTIONS. Can it be stopped?

Intense gripping, and unputdownable read.. This one was over much too quickly for me.

I love Baikey's tenacity and perseverance for justice. She's sharp as the knifes used. I was shocked to see who and why all this. Another great mystery , with kidnapping murder, and blackmail all for greed What a wild storyline !! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
840 reviews29 followers
March 31, 2026
Special Agent Bailey Flynn, along with Ludwig, are drawn into assisting the murder investigation of a wealthy widow. Add into the mix her ongoing investigation of the Midnight Caller, and her boyfriend’s investigation in to the disappeared of a woman, you have a very twisted, detailed and absorbing read. The other usual characters are back too, with Baileys sister Cate 7 months pregnant; Mason, Cates husband, being very busy with autopsies of a number of people the police and FBI are interested in in. As always a really good read, great plot lines, l am in awe of the way everything dovetails into a very satisfying conclusion. Roll on the next in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Pamela Sewell.
432 reviews23 followers
April 1, 2026
Book Sirens eARC. FBI agent Bailey Flynn and her team are puzzled by the brutal killing of a wealthy widow who has just returned to her small home town for a fresh start. When another body is found nearby they uncover links to a serial extortionist known as the Midnight Caller. Has he now added murder to his tool box? I have been a loyal Woodhall reader for some time now and am always eager to revisit literary friends. With the recurring cast of characters and overlapping threads from previous investigations woven seamlessly into the narrative I find them compelling and entertaining. If you enjoy a tightly plotted, fast paced crime thriller I recommend adding this author to your to be read list. I do not think you will regret it.
1,563 reviews29 followers
March 19, 2026
We are already at the tenth book in the series which still feels as refreshing as ever. It starts off brilliantly ensuring you're immediately hooked and never lets go.

I loved the chase of the Midnight Killer who seems to revel in blackmailing people and then killing them when they have no more use for them. We eventually find out who it is, but we don't really. The true reveal of the killer was a total surprise and brilliantly done. I liked how things got tied up at the end and the various changes that are taking place leaving me curious as to what comes next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Di Paterson.
505 reviews18 followers
March 19, 2026
I wanted to give this one three-and-a-half stars, but I've rounded it up because, for pure escapism, this and all of the previous books in the series are well worth it, even though the plots are becoming slightly repetitive and formulaic. This plot is more of a stand-alone than some of the others, which made it a little easier to read. However, my dissatisfaction in this episode of Bailey Flynn's adventures was more with the characterisation: I found everyone to be rather over-the-top; from the minor characters to Bailey, reactions and actions weren't wholly realistic. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.
562 reviews21 followers
March 23, 2026
This is another fast-paced, tense book in the Bailey Flynn series. I think it would work as a standalone, although it is probably more enjoyable for readers of the earlier books.

There are twists and surprises as one might expect. It may be bloodier than most books in the series.

I did not give a fifth star as it seemed like there was too much going on at times. And I found the character of Sabrina more annoying than usual. But Sabrina redeemed herself as the cases neared conclusion. Also, I usually am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series when I finish one. That is not the case here.

I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
920 reviews
March 25, 2026
An excellent murder mystery crime thriller. FBI agent Bailey and her K9 partner, Ludwig, are working with the local police to solve several murders. Plus, the author has a few other interesting subplots occurring throughout the story which kept me flipping pages to the end. I love Bailey's character, she is down to earth, a dedicated public servant, loyal and smart. Beware, there are some gory scenes, which is to be expected in a crime thriller. I always look forward to the next in this series, which I highly recommend.

I received a free advance copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
658 reviews20 followers
March 29, 2026
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've been following Melinda Woodhall's two series, Bridget Bishop FBI profiler and this one, Bailey Flynn, FBI agent based in Belle Harbour, Florida. This book, like the previous books is full of twists and a surprise or two, plus action adventure and a psychopathic murderer. I love following series where I can get to know all the characters well, like this one. Ms Woodhall is very descriptive - to the extent that I could almost smell a particularly awful smell in a particular situation. The story is interesting enough for me not to want to put the book down until I'd finished it. And I love the dogs!
Profile Image for Cat B..
825 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2026
I happily settled down in the corner of my couch with a cup of tea and a few biscuits and opened my kindle. "Here we go", I whispered to myself and then sank into the story. I enjoyed the story, as always, as Melinda writes very relatable characters and in an easy to read style. I think Bailey Flynn and her family and supporting characters are some of my favorites of her series. This book, however, felt a bit rushed at the end to me. The ending was satisfactory, never saw it coming, but ya, felt a bit rushed. That being said, it is still worth a read.
I received a copy of this book from the author via BookSiren and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale
274 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2026
Another great mystery. One thing that I love about the author's series is that the places or characters overlap. It helps to keep things connected while telling a different story. If you love mysteries, Melinda is the author to start to read. All of her books are unique, and well thought out. You would think that after writing so many books, the stories would repeat, or get reused, but each is just as engaging as the others. The character interactions are intentful. Even if the annoying reporter keeps getting in the way, it adds character and real life to the books. I highly recommend this book and all of her others. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,948 reviews27 followers
April 10, 2026
Melinda Woodhall always delivers surprises in her Mystery/Thriller books and she delivered again. Love The Bailey Flynn FBI series, the multiple casts that appear in each book are like family members. I was totally flabbergasted with who the Midnight Caller was and all the intricate parts that wove together. I received an advanced copy and freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. This could be read as a standalone but I recommend starting with Book 1, watch the growth, the interconnections and know the mystery, thrills and suspense are topnotch. #DangerousMidnight #ABaileyFlynnFBI #MelindaWoodhall #CreativeMagnolia #Booksirens
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,667 reviews19 followers
April 11, 2026
Midnight’s calling

There are a whole lot of moving pieces going on in this story and investigation. It's a continuing extortion case that Bailey and her FBI colleagues are working on that turns into murder, corruption and even hints at drug trafficking. On the one hand we have the various police and federal POVs and on the other is the mysterious bad guy pulling strings and trying to stay one step ahead of the law. There’s a lot but it all weaves together into one overall plot and I gotta say I didn’t see the pieces falling this way. It was a great read that kept me on the edge of my seat guessing. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Bailey!
Profile Image for Faith Townsend.
61 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2026
Still love the series
I love how the stories connect characters or cases
From previous books. I’m still having a hard time “warming up “ to Bailey not sure why. I don’t have this issues with her other series. And could we please have a little more affection between Bailey and Dalton? It feels like she always chooses work over him. This slow slow burn is killing me ! lol I mean her sister has gone from crush-dating -marrying and having a baby and Bailey just made it to living with Dalton.

But I still look forward to each new book
103 reviews6 followers
March 25, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had lots of suspense. I found it hard to put the book down because the story was so engaging.

The story is about a serial killer who is targeting wealthy widows and the investigation to catch him.

The author has a nice concise writing style. She provides helpful descriptions of the settings and characters. The plot and characters are easy to follow.

If you like suspenseful stories that are hard to put down, you may want to read this book.

I received a free advance reader copy of Dangerous Midnight. The opinion that I express is my own.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,835 reviews57 followers
March 22, 2026
Dangerous Midnight is Book 10 in A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller by Melinda Woodhall. Alana was murdered and the evidence leads the FBI to a serial killer called the Midnight Caller. Melinda Woodhall writes exceptionally good mystery/thrillers and I loved this book. I was on the edge of my seat. Don't miss this fantastic mystery. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
114 reviews
March 25, 2026
This is my first book in the series and after having read this, I will go back and read the first nine. Fast-paced, creepy bad people, an annoying reporter and well-developed main characters, I couldn't put it down until I read the last few words. A thriller for sure with unexpected surprises along the way! I've slid comfortably into cozy mysteries so it was a refreshing switch back to my usual genre. Thanks to BookSirens for providing this copy.
687 reviews
March 31, 2026
This is yet another fantastic addition to an already outstanding series. I was actually able to figure out the culprit myself, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable. I truly can’t get enough of Melinda Woodhall’s books: the engaging writing style, well developed characters, and compelling plots keep me hooked every time. I wholeheartedly recommend her work to anyone looking for a great read.
I received a review copy and I'm leaving a volutary and honest review.
363 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2026
She’s done it to me again. I had no idea who the murderer was, even though all the clues are there. I’m really enjoying this series and the books keep getting better and better. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews