What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Madison Harper #10
Their Last Cry: An utterly addictive and jaw-dropping crime thriller
A biting wind whips through the desolate campsite as she gazes down in horror at the bodies at her feet; teens the same age as her son, their eyes glassy and their lips a deathly blue. She will stop at nothing to catch the twisted killer who heard their last cries…
Detective Madison Harper is enjoying a night out with her colleagues in Lost Creek when a heart-shattering scream rings out across the diner. Madison sprints outside, adrenaline pulsing through her veins, to find a young girl covered in blood. As the teen collapses in her arms, she locks eyes with Madison and whispers “all my friends are dead. And it was the devil who did it.”
Madison rushes to the site where the girl had been camping with four friends. Three bodies are lined up inside a tent, but fifteen-year-old Cassie, if she is still alive, is unaccounted for. Then a video goes live of Cassie chained up in a basement, and Madison’s blood turns to ice.
Madison pushes herself to the brink hunting down both the missing girl and a murderer while local parents tremble behind locked doors wondering if their own children could be next? With every second that passes the chance of finding Cassie alive gets smaller, but Madison won’t rest. Can she stop this killer from finding another victim? And will she make it in time to save Cassie?
Detective Madison Harper is enjoying a night out with her colleagues in Lost Creek when a heart-shattering scream rings out across the diner. Madison sprints outside, adrenaline pulsing through her veins, to find a young girl covered in blood. As the teen collapses in her arms, she locks eyes with Madison and whispers “all my friends are dead. And it was the devil who did it.”
Madison rushes to the site where the girl had been camping with four friends. Three bodies are lined up inside a tent, but fifteen-year-old Cassie, if she is still alive, is unaccounted for. Then a video goes live of Cassie chained up in a basement, and Madison’s blood turns to ice.
Madison pushes herself to the brink hunting down both the missing girl and a murderer while local parents tremble behind locked doors wondering if their own children could be next? With every second that passes the chance of finding Cassie alive gets smaller, but Madison won’t rest. Can she stop this killer from finding another victim? And will she make it in time to save Cassie?
- GenresThriller
356 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Wendy Dranfield
22 books652 followersI am the author of various crime thrillers, including the Detective Madison Harper series which totals 10 books and has been translated into Czech, German and Slovak. My novels and short stories have been shortlisted and longlisted for various writing competitions and awards, including the International Thriller Writer Awards.
I write with readers in mind and I’m delighted and grateful that my readers love my characters as much as I do! As I write crime fiction, including police procedurals and psychological thrillers, my books contain plots, characters and actions dealing with a variety of crimes, including physical and psychological.
I don’t currently use social media, so if you find an account pretending to be me, it’s 100% fake! The most accurate and up-to-date information about my books will always be found on my website: wendydranfield.co.uk
I write with readers in mind and I’m delighted and grateful that my readers love my characters as much as I do! As I write crime fiction, including police procedurals and psychological thrillers, my books contain plots, characters and actions dealing with a variety of crimes, including physical and psychological.
I don’t currently use social media, so if you find an account pretending to be me, it’s 100% fake! The most accurate and up-to-date information about my books will always be found on my website: wendydranfield.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 20, 2026
Their Last Cry is book 10 in the Detective Madison Harper series by Wendy Dranfield. I love this series and this book kept me guessing the killer until the very end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story would twist, and I'd be left wondering who did it? Madison and everyone she works with is out enjoying a celebration when a scream is coming from outside. Madison runs to the door to find a young teenaged girl covered in blood. As Madison gets to her, the girl collapses in her arms. The girl whispers to Madison that all of her friends are dead just before she loses consciousness. She also said that the devil did it. Madison has no idea who her friends are or where they are until she can get more information from the girl. Maybe she was delirious from her injuries, but Madison has a bad feeling.
When Madison finds out where the girl had been, she rushes to the scene. The kids were camping in the mountains as they wanted to make their own horror film. When Madison and her team arrive, the scene is horrifying. There are three bodies lined up inside a tent and all of them are dead from stab wounds. The 2 boys are twin brothers and the girl is Tina who was there with her little sister Cassie. The girl in the hospital who collapsed with Madison is a friend of all. She's lucky to be alive, but where's Cassie? The parents of all the kids had no idea they were camping in the mountains as they were all told they were sleeping over at the other's houses. Breaking the news to the parents was going to be tough and Madison dreaded it.
A video is sent out with Cassie chained to a chair and the kidnapper is asking for 1 million dollars and a helicopter for their escape. As the public grows more and more terrified, it's up to Madison and her team to find this person. Who could kill young kids like it was nothing? Who hates that much? Could it be someone upset with their parents, could it be another kid who these kids upset? All parents in town are worried that their child could be next. The pressure is on to get this case solved, but there are way too many suspects! Will Madison be able to find Cassie before it's too late? This book is fantastic and it is very hard to put down! I rate Their Last Cry 5 stars with my highest recommendation and warn that you'll be up in the middle of the night reading this one! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Their Last Cry in exchange for a fair review.
When Madison finds out where the girl had been, she rushes to the scene. The kids were camping in the mountains as they wanted to make their own horror film. When Madison and her team arrive, the scene is horrifying. There are three bodies lined up inside a tent and all of them are dead from stab wounds. The 2 boys are twin brothers and the girl is Tina who was there with her little sister Cassie. The girl in the hospital who collapsed with Madison is a friend of all. She's lucky to be alive, but where's Cassie? The parents of all the kids had no idea they were camping in the mountains as they were all told they were sleeping over at the other's houses. Breaking the news to the parents was going to be tough and Madison dreaded it.
A video is sent out with Cassie chained to a chair and the kidnapper is asking for 1 million dollars and a helicopter for their escape. As the public grows more and more terrified, it's up to Madison and her team to find this person. Who could kill young kids like it was nothing? Who hates that much? Could it be someone upset with their parents, could it be another kid who these kids upset? All parents in town are worried that their child could be next. The pressure is on to get this case solved, but there are way too many suspects! Will Madison be able to find Cassie before it's too late? This book is fantastic and it is very hard to put down! I rate Their Last Cry 5 stars with my highest recommendation and warn that you'll be up in the middle of the night reading this one! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Their Last Cry in exchange for a fair review.
May 8, 2026
I always feel a pang after I finish a good book.
This time I felt a double pang because it’s the end of the series.
I know these things occur but I was in mourning the entire time I read the book.
Dranfield pulls out all the stops for this finale. It’s gruesome, heinous, and diabolical!
Brody manages a surprise in the story, sly dog that he is.
The ending is on a positive high note which is a good place to leave the characters.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
This time I felt a double pang because it’s the end of the series.
I know these things occur but I was in mourning the entire time I read the book.
Dranfield pulls out all the stops for this finale. It’s gruesome, heinous, and diabolical!
Brody manages a surprise in the story, sly dog that he is.
The ending is on a positive high note which is a good place to leave the characters.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Heartbreaking, High-Stakes Farewell: A Review of Their Last Cry
Thank you to NetGalley, Wendy Dranfield, and Bookouture for providing an ARC of this book. It has been a brilliant ride! As I turned the final page of Wendy Dranfield’s Their Last Cry, I found myself sitting in a heavy, contemplative silence. It is rare to find a police procedural series that maintains such a high bar of emotional intelligence and gritty realism over the course of ten books, but Dranfield has managed to do exactly that. While it breaks my heart to see the Detective Madison Harper series come to a close, I can say with certainty that this final installment is a masterpiece of tension, atmosphere, and closure.
The Plot: A Race Against the Devil
The story kicks off with a chilling juxtaposition. Madison and the Lost Creek department are gathered at a diner, attempting to celebrate a retirement and enjoy a rare moment of levity. But Madison has always been defined by her instincts that "itch" under the skin that tells her peace is merely an illusion. While her husband, Nate, and her colleagues think she’s just overworked, Madison’s premonition is proven right in the most horrific way possible.
A young girl, drenched in blood, stumbles out of the Colorado night and collapses with a haunting declaration: “All my friends are dead… and it was the devil who did it.”
From this moment, the pace is relentless. The investigation leads to a campsite that feels ripped from a horror movie. Three teenagers are dead, and one, fifteen-year-old Cassie, is missing. What follows is a frantic, agonizing race against time. Madison and her team must navigate the spread of fear through the small-town community of Lost Creek, where the "devil" could be anyone living right next door.
Character Evolution and Relatability
Having followed Madison and Nate from the very beginning (and even for those who jumped in later, like at book six), the growth in this book feels earned. Madison remains one of the most brilliant, resilient characters in the genre. Her desperation to save Cassie feels deeply personal, pushing her to the brink of her professional and emotional limits.
Then, of course, there is the supporting cast that has come to feel like family:
Nate: His partnership with Madison remains the emotional anchor of the series. While I personally found his lean back toward the "clutches of religion" a bit jarringespecially considering his hard-won journey toward independent thought, it added a layer of human complexity. It shows that recovery and identity aren't always linear.
Officer Brody: You can’t talk about this series without mentioning the adorable canine hero. His presence, alongside the addition of Rex, provided the much-needed "smiles" in an otherwise dark and harrowing plot.
The Team: The camaraderie within the Lost Creek PD is at its peak here. Seeing "new beginnings" cross paths with the "end of eras" for certain team members made the stakes feel even higher.
Atmosphere and Tone
Dranfield utilizes the Lost Creek, Colorado setting to its full potential. The town itself feels like a character, claustrophobic when fear takes over, yet beautiful in its rugged isolation. This is easily the darkest plot of the ten books. The vulnerability of the teenage victims adds a layer of "chilling urgency" that makes every chapter feel like a ticking clock.
Final Thoughts
Though I correctly guessed the killer based on the evidence provided, it didn't detract from my enjoyment. The "how" and the "why" were executed with such precision that the reveal still felt impactful. Dranfield wraps up the loose ends beautifully, leaving Madison and Nate in a place that feels "right," even if we aren't ready to let them go.
Overall, this was a powerful and emotional conclusion to a consistently brilliant series. It delivered everything I wanted: tension, heartbreak, twists, and those character moments that make you feel like you truly know them. I’m really going to miss Madison, Nate, and the whole Lost Creek team.
Allllll the stars from me ⭐️ Everything about Their Last Cry, from the blood-stained opening to the neatly wrapped-up conclusion, is a testament to why this series is a standout in the detective genre. It is a gripping, high-stakes, and emotionally charged send-off.
Thank you to NetGalley, Wendy Dranfield, and Bookouture for providing an ARC of this book. It has been a brilliant ride! As I turned the final page of Wendy Dranfield’s Their Last Cry, I found myself sitting in a heavy, contemplative silence. It is rare to find a police procedural series that maintains such a high bar of emotional intelligence and gritty realism over the course of ten books, but Dranfield has managed to do exactly that. While it breaks my heart to see the Detective Madison Harper series come to a close, I can say with certainty that this final installment is a masterpiece of tension, atmosphere, and closure.
The Plot: A Race Against the Devil
The story kicks off with a chilling juxtaposition. Madison and the Lost Creek department are gathered at a diner, attempting to celebrate a retirement and enjoy a rare moment of levity. But Madison has always been defined by her instincts that "itch" under the skin that tells her peace is merely an illusion. While her husband, Nate, and her colleagues think she’s just overworked, Madison’s premonition is proven right in the most horrific way possible.
A young girl, drenched in blood, stumbles out of the Colorado night and collapses with a haunting declaration: “All my friends are dead… and it was the devil who did it.”
From this moment, the pace is relentless. The investigation leads to a campsite that feels ripped from a horror movie. Three teenagers are dead, and one, fifteen-year-old Cassie, is missing. What follows is a frantic, agonizing race against time. Madison and her team must navigate the spread of fear through the small-town community of Lost Creek, where the "devil" could be anyone living right next door.
Character Evolution and Relatability
Having followed Madison and Nate from the very beginning (and even for those who jumped in later, like at book six), the growth in this book feels earned. Madison remains one of the most brilliant, resilient characters in the genre. Her desperation to save Cassie feels deeply personal, pushing her to the brink of her professional and emotional limits.
Then, of course, there is the supporting cast that has come to feel like family:
Nate: His partnership with Madison remains the emotional anchor of the series. While I personally found his lean back toward the "clutches of religion" a bit jarringespecially considering his hard-won journey toward independent thought, it added a layer of human complexity. It shows that recovery and identity aren't always linear.
Officer Brody: You can’t talk about this series without mentioning the adorable canine hero. His presence, alongside the addition of Rex, provided the much-needed "smiles" in an otherwise dark and harrowing plot.
The Team: The camaraderie within the Lost Creek PD is at its peak here. Seeing "new beginnings" cross paths with the "end of eras" for certain team members made the stakes feel even higher.
Atmosphere and Tone
Dranfield utilizes the Lost Creek, Colorado setting to its full potential. The town itself feels like a character, claustrophobic when fear takes over, yet beautiful in its rugged isolation. This is easily the darkest plot of the ten books. The vulnerability of the teenage victims adds a layer of "chilling urgency" that makes every chapter feel like a ticking clock.
Final Thoughts
Though I correctly guessed the killer based on the evidence provided, it didn't detract from my enjoyment. The "how" and the "why" were executed with such precision that the reveal still felt impactful. Dranfield wraps up the loose ends beautifully, leaving Madison and Nate in a place that feels "right," even if we aren't ready to let them go.
Overall, this was a powerful and emotional conclusion to a consistently brilliant series. It delivered everything I wanted: tension, heartbreak, twists, and those character moments that make you feel like you truly know them. I’m really going to miss Madison, Nate, and the whole Lost Creek team.
Allllll the stars from me ⭐️ Everything about Their Last Cry, from the blood-stained opening to the neatly wrapped-up conclusion, is a testament to why this series is a standout in the detective genre. It is a gripping, high-stakes, and emotionally charged send-off.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Their Last Cry, is the tenth and final novel in the Madison Harper series by Wendy Dranfield. I have read most of this series and have really enjoyed it, the quiet town of Lost Creek is transformed into a landscape of waking nightmares. This is a story that masterfully blends the high-stakes urgency of a ticking-clock mystery with the visceral, complex emotional depth of a mother fighting for the children of her community.
Detective Madison Harper is enjoying a rare moment of reprieve with colleagues when a “heart-shattering scream” cuts through the air. What she finds outside is every parent’s worst fear, a young girl, drenched in blood, who manages a final, terrifying whisper before collapsing: “All my friends are dead. And it was the devil who did it.”
When Madison reaches the campsite, the scene is not for the faint hearted, three teenagers, the same age as Madison’s own son lie dead, their “glassy eyes and deathly blue lips” a testament to a “twisted killer” who has descended upon Lost Creek.
However, the horror isn’t contained to the crime scene. One girl, fifteen-year-old Cassie, is missing. The stakes shift from a murder investigation to a desperate rescue mission when a live video surfaces of Cassie chained in a basement. For Madison, the investigation becomes a race against time where every passing second diminishes the hope of a rescue.
This is an atmospheric novel that deals with a small town under threat. As Madison pushes herself to the brink, the local parents of Lost Creek are terrified that their own children might be the next target. This feeling of fear adds a heavy, claustrophobic layer to the story, raising the stakes beyond a single missing girl to the safety of an entire generation.
Because Madison has a son the same age as the victims, her drive to solve the case is deeply personal. Her pursuit of the truth is not just as a cop, but as a mother. Their last Cry is more than just a procedural, it’s an emotional journey that explores the darkness that can infiltrate even the most peaceful settings. Madison Harper is tenacious, vulnerable, and utterly relentless and will not stop until she finds the truth.
This has been a very good series, well developed characters, intriguing storylines and the last book is a fitting and a satisfying end to it.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Madison Harper is enjoying a rare moment of reprieve with colleagues when a “heart-shattering scream” cuts through the air. What she finds outside is every parent’s worst fear, a young girl, drenched in blood, who manages a final, terrifying whisper before collapsing: “All my friends are dead. And it was the devil who did it.”
When Madison reaches the campsite, the scene is not for the faint hearted, three teenagers, the same age as Madison’s own son lie dead, their “glassy eyes and deathly blue lips” a testament to a “twisted killer” who has descended upon Lost Creek.
However, the horror isn’t contained to the crime scene. One girl, fifteen-year-old Cassie, is missing. The stakes shift from a murder investigation to a desperate rescue mission when a live video surfaces of Cassie chained in a basement. For Madison, the investigation becomes a race against time where every passing second diminishes the hope of a rescue.
This is an atmospheric novel that deals with a small town under threat. As Madison pushes herself to the brink, the local parents of Lost Creek are terrified that their own children might be the next target. This feeling of fear adds a heavy, claustrophobic layer to the story, raising the stakes beyond a single missing girl to the safety of an entire generation.
Because Madison has a son the same age as the victims, her drive to solve the case is deeply personal. Her pursuit of the truth is not just as a cop, but as a mother. Their last Cry is more than just a procedural, it’s an emotional journey that explores the darkness that can infiltrate even the most peaceful settings. Madison Harper is tenacious, vulnerable, and utterly relentless and will not stop until she finds the truth.
This has been a very good series, well developed characters, intriguing storylines and the last book is a fitting and a satisfying end to it.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2026
Oh my, I can’t believe this series has come to an end. I had forgotten she announced that in the last book. Probably because I didn’t want to hear it. But I love that she thought it through and gave them an apt ending. Even though I had my doubts for a while.
This series has such a great premise. The two main characters were wrongfully convicted and are now out and doing what they can giving back in their own way. Solving crimes. Madison as a detective and Nate as a PI.
No animals die in the book, but when Nate takes a moment to notice how Brody, his K9 dog is aging, it almost brought me to tears. As a life long pet owner, this happens way too quickly. There are many small moments like this. And a couple of big ones that made me hold my breath. Never knowing what an author might do in the last book in the series.
The cases in this one are doozies. One about the death of a possible child molester and the other about the death of teenagers. When one teen is still missing, it causes the team on a frantic search to save the last teenager.
While I wouldn’t say the pace was quick, but more methodical as Madison and her team take the time to investigate every lead and every possible suspect. And believe me when I say there were a lot of people acting shady in this one.
I love that in addition to aging. Brody had a little antics of his own. It was a moment to smile in an emotional story.
I also appreciated the note from the author with her last thoughts on Madison, Nate and the clan. I respect her choice, but can also take a moment to miss that there won’t be a next book to look forward in the series. Their Last Cry is also their last hurrah. I hope the author’s next book is full of a new group of characters as wonderful as the ones she’s leaving behind.
If you haven’t read any of the series and are a fan of crime novels or police procedurals, I highly recommend picking up the series and maybe not starting with the end. And if you’ve read any of the series, you definitely need to pick this one up and see all that happens to the team. There were quite a lot of news within the group.
This series has such a great premise. The two main characters were wrongfully convicted and are now out and doing what they can giving back in their own way. Solving crimes. Madison as a detective and Nate as a PI.
No animals die in the book, but when Nate takes a moment to notice how Brody, his K9 dog is aging, it almost brought me to tears. As a life long pet owner, this happens way too quickly. There are many small moments like this. And a couple of big ones that made me hold my breath. Never knowing what an author might do in the last book in the series.
The cases in this one are doozies. One about the death of a possible child molester and the other about the death of teenagers. When one teen is still missing, it causes the team on a frantic search to save the last teenager.
While I wouldn’t say the pace was quick, but more methodical as Madison and her team take the time to investigate every lead and every possible suspect. And believe me when I say there were a lot of people acting shady in this one.
I love that in addition to aging. Brody had a little antics of his own. It was a moment to smile in an emotional story.
I also appreciated the note from the author with her last thoughts on Madison, Nate and the clan. I respect her choice, but can also take a moment to miss that there won’t be a next book to look forward in the series. Their Last Cry is also their last hurrah. I hope the author’s next book is full of a new group of characters as wonderful as the ones she’s leaving behind.
If you haven’t read any of the series and are a fan of crime novels or police procedurals, I highly recommend picking up the series and maybe not starting with the end. And if you’ve read any of the series, you definitely need to pick this one up and see all that happens to the team. There were quite a lot of news within the group.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Their Last Cry
Author: Wendy Dranfield
Series: Detective Madison Harper Book #10
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: May 8, 2026
My Rating: 4.8
Pages: 369
Detective Madison Harper and the entire Lost Creek Police Department along with her husband Nate Monroe and her twenty-year-old son Owen are at Ruby’s Diner celebrating the retirement of Stella Meyers their long-serving dispatcher who was like a substitute ‘mom’!
As Stella is about to give a speech there is a scream and a cry for help. Madison takes off running and finds a young girl and her head and shirt are covered in blood. The teen collapses in Madison’s arms. When asked she tells them her name is Fay and whispers I think they are dead- all my friends are dead. It was the devil who did it.”
Madison rushes to the site where the girl had been camping with four friends. The bodies of her friends are lined up inside a tent, but another friend fifteen year-old Cassie, is missing. Then a video goes live of Cassie chained up in a basement.
.
There is so much going on in the last part of the story- the ending was indeed a surprise.
However, Ms. Dranfield’s “A Letter from Wendy” was an even bigger surprise
She tells us that she believes she is leaving Madison and Nate in a good place as yes they have had a rocky road. But it is time they step aside and help Owen.
However, she knows some of us are going to be disappointed, but the series has ended and she is grateful for her reader’s support.
When I started this I did not know that the word ‘last’ has two meanings. I call myself a Wendy Dranfield fan and look forward to whatever she writes next!!!!!
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early release.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 8, 2026.
Author: Wendy Dranfield
Series: Detective Madison Harper Book #10
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: May 8, 2026
My Rating: 4.8
Pages: 369
Detective Madison Harper and the entire Lost Creek Police Department along with her husband Nate Monroe and her twenty-year-old son Owen are at Ruby’s Diner celebrating the retirement of Stella Meyers their long-serving dispatcher who was like a substitute ‘mom’!
As Stella is about to give a speech there is a scream and a cry for help. Madison takes off running and finds a young girl and her head and shirt are covered in blood. The teen collapses in Madison’s arms. When asked she tells them her name is Fay and whispers I think they are dead- all my friends are dead. It was the devil who did it.”
Madison rushes to the site where the girl had been camping with four friends. The bodies of her friends are lined up inside a tent, but another friend fifteen year-old Cassie, is missing. Then a video goes live of Cassie chained up in a basement.
.
There is so much going on in the last part of the story- the ending was indeed a surprise.
However, Ms. Dranfield’s “A Letter from Wendy” was an even bigger surprise
She tells us that she believes she is leaving Madison and Nate in a good place as yes they have had a rocky road. But it is time they step aside and help Owen.
However, she knows some of us are going to be disappointed, but the series has ended and she is grateful for her reader’s support.
When I started this I did not know that the word ‘last’ has two meanings. I call myself a Wendy Dranfield fan and look forward to whatever she writes next!!!!!
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early release.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 8, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I feel like I have been sucker punched after reading this book. This was so many levels of crazy, but in all the ways that readers who love a good mystery/thriller will enjoy.
Detective Madison Harper and her family, as well as all the members of the police department are enjoying a party to celebrate the retirement of their long time dispatcher. The fun and games come to an abrupt halt when a bloodied teenage girl comes in telling them all of her friends are dead and the "devil did it". That definitely sucked all the fun out of the room.
When they finally find the crime scene, three teenagers are dead and one is missing. Madison vows she will not rest until she finds the person responsible for this bloodbath. Her woes are just beginning because soon thereafter the culprit releases a video of the missing 15 year old girl with demands for money for her release.
Needless to say the tension was palpable and dripped off of the pages. I found myself constantly clenching my jaw. The biggest thing to figure out was who would do something so depraved and why?
This author has a smooth way of writing and telling a story that makes it so easy to binge read. Plenty of suspects were introduced and the very odd behavior of these suspects made them more than a little hinky and most assuredly strange, but I could not decide if they were killers or not.
There are some wild twists and even more craziness than I could have imagined. This is the final book in this series, which makes me a little sad. The author ended this series with a bang with a book that easily earns five stars, and then some. I look forward to where she goes next.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Detective Madison Harper and her family, as well as all the members of the police department are enjoying a party to celebrate the retirement of their long time dispatcher. The fun and games come to an abrupt halt when a bloodied teenage girl comes in telling them all of her friends are dead and the "devil did it". That definitely sucked all the fun out of the room.
When they finally find the crime scene, three teenagers are dead and one is missing. Madison vows she will not rest until she finds the person responsible for this bloodbath. Her woes are just beginning because soon thereafter the culprit releases a video of the missing 15 year old girl with demands for money for her release.
Needless to say the tension was palpable and dripped off of the pages. I found myself constantly clenching my jaw. The biggest thing to figure out was who would do something so depraved and why?
This author has a smooth way of writing and telling a story that makes it so easy to binge read. Plenty of suspects were introduced and the very odd behavior of these suspects made them more than a little hinky and most assuredly strange, but I could not decide if they were killers or not.
There are some wild twists and even more craziness than I could have imagined. This is the final book in this series, which makes me a little sad. The author ended this series with a bang with a book that easily earns five stars, and then some. I look forward to where she goes next.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A group of five teenagers is terrorized at a lake campsite where they’re staying overnight, filming a horror movie. Three are dead, one is injured, and the fifth is missing. It’s a horrible case for Detective Madison Harper and her team, and they can’t imagine who would do this to innocent teens. The one who was injured doesn’t remember too much from that night, as she was hit in the head and passed out with a concussion. All she knows is that her friends didn’t make it. Everyone is under pressure to find the missing teen, Cassie, who is also the youngest. Even Nate and Brody are brought in to help search. Then the media receives a ransom video showing Cassie chained up, and before alerting the police, they air the video.
Needless to say, people are terrified that their kids could be next. Madison and the team waver between believing it’s someone who knows the teens and believing it was a random, spontaneous attack. One of the parents is a true crime fanatic, so much so that her daughter has always lived in fear that she would die young. Was this a sick attempt at gaining fame for their family by committing a crime like this? Or did someone happen upon the sleeping teens and act out a twisted fantasy?
I can’t believe this is the tenth and last book in this series. I’ve enjoyed it immensely from the start. The author did an amazing job at answering lingering questions and leaving certain possibilities open to the imagination. And Rex – what a sweet surprise! The ending was perfect, and I will never forget these characters. And whatever the author comes up with next, I will be sure to follow.
Needless to say, people are terrified that their kids could be next. Madison and the team waver between believing it’s someone who knows the teens and believing it was a random, spontaneous attack. One of the parents is a true crime fanatic, so much so that her daughter has always lived in fear that she would die young. Was this a sick attempt at gaining fame for their family by committing a crime like this? Or did someone happen upon the sleeping teens and act out a twisted fantasy?
I can’t believe this is the tenth and last book in this series. I’ve enjoyed it immensely from the start. The author did an amazing job at answering lingering questions and leaving certain possibilities open to the imagination. And Rex – what a sweet surprise! The ending was perfect, and I will never forget these characters. And whatever the author comes up with next, I will be sure to follow.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, that was emotional. I’m still having a lot of feelings after finishing Their Last Cry by Wendy Dranfield. I’ve read all the books in this series, and I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, but it makes sense to end the series here. I will miss them. This story was wild. So many twists and turns, and not sure where things would intersect or how they would tie together. The story was gripping, heart-pounding, and unforgettable.
Detective Madison Harper encounters the tragic scene of three murdered teens and one missing girl, and the plot kicks off with Madison on a relentless pursuit for justice. The moment the bloodied girl arrives at the diner is shocking and poignant, setting the tone for a fast-paced investigation that is as emotionally gripping as it is thrilling. As Madison races against time to save Cassie, the missing girl, the stakes are incredibly high, and the tension never lets up. The emotional depth of the story adds another layer of complexity, making each twist and turn suspenseful and deeply impactful. Each character brings their own struggles and fears to the forefront in this story. The pacing is brisk, and the chapters are so engaging that I found myself unable to put the book down.
In summary, Their Last Cry is a great thriller that combines clever storytelling with complex emotional depth. The author has delivered a riveting installment in the Madison Harper series that fans of the genre won’t want to miss. I would highly recommend this book, this series, and this author.
#TheirLastCry #NetGalley @bookouture
Detective Madison Harper encounters the tragic scene of three murdered teens and one missing girl, and the plot kicks off with Madison on a relentless pursuit for justice. The moment the bloodied girl arrives at the diner is shocking and poignant, setting the tone for a fast-paced investigation that is as emotionally gripping as it is thrilling. As Madison races against time to save Cassie, the missing girl, the stakes are incredibly high, and the tension never lets up. The emotional depth of the story adds another layer of complexity, making each twist and turn suspenseful and deeply impactful. Each character brings their own struggles and fears to the forefront in this story. The pacing is brisk, and the chapters are so engaging that I found myself unable to put the book down.
In summary, Their Last Cry is a great thriller that combines clever storytelling with complex emotional depth. The author has delivered a riveting installment in the Madison Harper series that fans of the genre won’t want to miss. I would highly recommend this book, this series, and this author.
#TheirLastCry #NetGalley @bookouture
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I came into this brilliant series at book six and so, before reading this one, I listened to books 1-9 on audio and I absolutely loved going back to the beginning! That said though, all of these books can be read as standalones. I think this is my favourite police procedural/detective book series; the characters are so well written and so relatable that I feel I know them all personally. I was so sad to read at the start of this book that it is the final instalment, but I have loved the ride!
This is definitely one of the darkest plots in the series; when three teenagers are found murdered and one is missing, Detective Madison Harper finds herself in a race against time to find the missing girl, Cassie, before the killer finishes the job. Assisted by her team and her now husband, Nate, with his canine buddy, the adorable Officer Brody, Madison leaves no stone unturned in her search for Cassie and the killer of Cassie's sister and friends.
On a personal level, there were some wonderful moments within the team as new beginnings cross with the end of eras we, as readers, have come to love.
The only thing I wouldn't have chosen was for Nate to slip back into the clutches of religion, with him having come so far over the years in learning to think for himself rather than being controlled by others, but I loved the conclusion to everyone else's stories and I really hope this isn't the last we see of these wonderful characters.
Allllll the stars!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Wendy Dranfield and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.
This is definitely one of the darkest plots in the series; when three teenagers are found murdered and one is missing, Detective Madison Harper finds herself in a race against time to find the missing girl, Cassie, before the killer finishes the job. Assisted by her team and her now husband, Nate, with his canine buddy, the adorable Officer Brody, Madison leaves no stone unturned in her search for Cassie and the killer of Cassie's sister and friends.
On a personal level, there were some wonderful moments within the team as new beginnings cross with the end of eras we, as readers, have come to love.
The only thing I wouldn't have chosen was for Nate to slip back into the clutches of religion, with him having come so far over the years in learning to think for himself rather than being controlled by others, but I loved the conclusion to everyone else's stories and I really hope this isn't the last we see of these wonderful characters.
Allllll the stars!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Wendy Dranfield and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of those books you’re going to want to clear your schedule for. Phone on do not disturb, obligations postponed, snacks within reach — because once you pick it up, you are not putting it down.
The plot is immediately intriguing and pulls you straight in from the first page. The twists hold you hostage, but somewhere along the way you stop trying to escape — you become a willing participant in your own captivity.
Their Last Cry is a high-stakes, suspenseful mystery thriller that gets your pulse racing as the clock ticks down and the pages turn faster than you mean them to. It’s twisted, twisty, and razor-sharp — with so much dimension and so many layers it feels like standing in a hall of mirrors where every reflection shows you something new, and just when you think you’ve found the exit, the walls shift again.
The characters and storyline are richly developed, grounding the tension in something that feels genuinely real. You feel the connection and camaraderie between them — the humanity that binds them together — and in equal measure, the chilling absence of it in those who revel in the depravity. That contrast is where the book really hums.
While Their Last Cry is part of a series, it reads beautifully as a standalone — no homework required. But fair warning: if this is your first Wendy Dranfield, it almost certainly won’t be your last.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity and the ARC!
The plot is immediately intriguing and pulls you straight in from the first page. The twists hold you hostage, but somewhere along the way you stop trying to escape — you become a willing participant in your own captivity.
Their Last Cry is a high-stakes, suspenseful mystery thriller that gets your pulse racing as the clock ticks down and the pages turn faster than you mean them to. It’s twisted, twisty, and razor-sharp — with so much dimension and so many layers it feels like standing in a hall of mirrors where every reflection shows you something new, and just when you think you’ve found the exit, the walls shift again.
The characters and storyline are richly developed, grounding the tension in something that feels genuinely real. You feel the connection and camaraderie between them — the humanity that binds them together — and in equal measure, the chilling absence of it in those who revel in the depravity. That contrast is where the book really hums.
While Their Last Cry is part of a series, it reads beautifully as a standalone — no homework required. But fair warning: if this is your first Wendy Dranfield, it almost certainly won’t be your last.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity and the ARC!
May 8, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book in what has turned out to be one of the best series ever and i am sad to see it end..... but what a way to go.....
from the first page till the last you are gripped in its vice and not released until you know what happens to the victims and to madison and nate
a group of friends decide to go into the woods to film..... the twins are excited for different reasons one because hes a budding film maker and the other hoping that his future lies in front of the camera
their friends are just the extras needed but what all of them know is that they wont survive the night.....
madison is with nate celebrating with their friends the retirement of someone that madison has enjoyed working with but madison being madison cant relax and when a scream is heard madison runs into action
the girl fay is screaming saying they are all dead and the devil killed them but before she can tell them anymore she succumbs to her injuries and madison and her crew are left trying to figure out where she has come from... and where are the injured party....
revelations after revelations are abound in this book and i for one never saw that ending coming and now i have to get use to not seeing madison and nate in anymore forthcoming books but what an ending....
i look forward to seeing whats next for this author..... and i cant wait
from the first page till the last you are gripped in its vice and not released until you know what happens to the victims and to madison and nate
a group of friends decide to go into the woods to film..... the twins are excited for different reasons one because hes a budding film maker and the other hoping that his future lies in front of the camera
their friends are just the extras needed but what all of them know is that they wont survive the night.....
madison is with nate celebrating with their friends the retirement of someone that madison has enjoyed working with but madison being madison cant relax and when a scream is heard madison runs into action
the girl fay is screaming saying they are all dead and the devil killed them but before she can tell them anymore she succumbs to her injuries and madison and her crew are left trying to figure out where she has come from... and where are the injured party....
revelations after revelations are abound in this book and i for one never saw that ending coming and now i have to get use to not seeing madison and nate in anymore forthcoming books but what an ending....
i look forward to seeing whats next for this author..... and i cant wait
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Their Last Cry
Wendy Dranfield
May 08, 2026
We find Detective Madison Harper after working her day in a diner celebrating with the rest of the Lost Creek department staff. She’s enjoying the host of people however her mind keeps flowing to something ugly she feels is going to happen that evening. While others chat and enjoy their meal she heads to the cafe window looking outside. She can’t seem to stop watching for something to happen. All there including her husband, Nate thinks she is just tired and spent from the work day. When she sees a young teen walking down the road she heads outside. The girl is covered in blood. She collapses as quickly as she finds the restaurant. Madison runs to help her, ordering others to call 911.
Their Last Cry will be published by Bookouture on May 08, 2026. I was able to read Dranfield's latest novel via NetGalley. This latest book in the Madison Harper series sends the entire police force on an endless round of clues trying to solve the murder of three teens camping near the lake. It is a frightening tale to say the least. Excellent suspense leads readers along with Harper trying to find a lost teen that was among the group. Fans will be waiting for this one. It’s my first in Dranfield’s series;easy to follow in spite of this. Don’t miss it!
Wendy Dranfield
May 08, 2026
We find Detective Madison Harper after working her day in a diner celebrating with the rest of the Lost Creek department staff. She’s enjoying the host of people however her mind keeps flowing to something ugly she feels is going to happen that evening. While others chat and enjoy their meal she heads to the cafe window looking outside. She can’t seem to stop watching for something to happen. All there including her husband, Nate thinks she is just tired and spent from the work day. When she sees a young teen walking down the road she heads outside. The girl is covered in blood. She collapses as quickly as she finds the restaurant. Madison runs to help her, ordering others to call 911.
Their Last Cry will be published by Bookouture on May 08, 2026. I was able to read Dranfield's latest novel via NetGalley. This latest book in the Madison Harper series sends the entire police force on an endless round of clues trying to solve the murder of three teens camping near the lake. It is a frightening tale to say the least. Excellent suspense leads readers along with Harper trying to find a lost teen that was among the group. Fans will be waiting for this one. It’s my first in Dranfield’s series;easy to follow in spite of this. Don’t miss it!
May 11, 2026
Their Last Cry completely broke my heart before I even started reading. The devastating moment came when I opened the book and realized this was the final installment in the series. I’ve loved these stories and these characters since book one. I’ve lived alongside Madison and the others through pain, loss, fear, heartbreak, and the rare moments of happiness. And now it’s time to say goodbye? Nooooo!
At the same time, I understand why. Every great story eventually reaches its ending, and this series truly goes out on a high note.
The case itself is dark, disturbing, and impossible to put down. From the chilling opening scene to the desperate hunt for Cassie, the tension never lets up. As always, there’s more beneath the surface than it first appears. When family secrets, greed, and old wounds become part of the investigation, everything turns messy, ugly, and complicated. Families, eh?
What I’ve always appreciated about this series is how emotionally grounded it feels despite the intensity of the crimes. The characters feel real, flawed, and human, which makes every danger and every loss hit harder.
Excellent plotting and writing as always, with suspense that kept me hooked until the very end. I’m sad to say goodbye to Madison Harper, but this was a worthy and satisfying finale to a series I’ll genuinely miss.
At the same time, I understand why. Every great story eventually reaches its ending, and this series truly goes out on a high note.
The case itself is dark, disturbing, and impossible to put down. From the chilling opening scene to the desperate hunt for Cassie, the tension never lets up. As always, there’s more beneath the surface than it first appears. When family secrets, greed, and old wounds become part of the investigation, everything turns messy, ugly, and complicated. Families, eh?
What I’ve always appreciated about this series is how emotionally grounded it feels despite the intensity of the crimes. The characters feel real, flawed, and human, which makes every danger and every loss hit harder.
Excellent plotting and writing as always, with suspense that kept me hooked until the very end. I’m sad to say goodbye to Madison Harper, but this was a worthy and satisfying finale to a series I’ll genuinely miss.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The scream of a teenager covered in blood interrupts a retirement celebration Detective Madison Knight is attending. The girl claims her friends are dead and a red-eyed devil was the culprit. Unbeknownst to any of their parents, the girl had been camping with four friends and filming a horror movie.
Madison discovers the bodies of twin boys and one girl in their tent. The sister of the deceased girl is missing, and the race is on to find the murderer and the missing girl.
This suspenseful and fast-paced page-turner keeps readers guessing. The riveting plot features red herrings, unexpected twists, and characters that linger in the mind. It’s tense and disturbing, yet laced with camaraderie and caring.
This is the tenth and, unfortunately, final installment in the Detective Madison Harper series. I recently discovered this author and have only read four of the ten. While it works as a standalone, the main characters, who are damaged individuals striving to do their best, have backstories that are alluded to but not fully explained. While this doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment of this book, it does leave the reader wanting to know more about their histories.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
Madison discovers the bodies of twin boys and one girl in their tent. The sister of the deceased girl is missing, and the race is on to find the murderer and the missing girl.
This suspenseful and fast-paced page-turner keeps readers guessing. The riveting plot features red herrings, unexpected twists, and characters that linger in the mind. It’s tense and disturbing, yet laced with camaraderie and caring.
This is the tenth and, unfortunately, final installment in the Detective Madison Harper series. I recently discovered this author and have only read four of the ten. While it works as a standalone, the main characters, who are damaged individuals striving to do their best, have backstories that are alluded to but not fully explained. While this doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment of this book, it does leave the reader wanting to know more about their histories.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the last book in a series I've been following from the start, so of course I was torn between "I can't wait to read the last book" and "I don't want the series to end" - but there was no question I would jump on the request button as soon as I saw it available on NetGalley.
I think readers could enjoy the story even without knowing the characters yet (and the author is always careful to avoid major spoilers of previous books when past events are mentioned so, although starting with Shadow Falls is best, you would still experience several great twists if you went back to the beginning of the series after reading the ending) but obviously, for those of us already familiar with the main and supporting characters introduced in the first few books, meeting them again contributes to making this finale a must-read.
Anyway, this time Madison investigates the murders of teenagers who were out camping (so you might not want to read this before or during a camping trip, unless you like being scared) and filming a horror movie that obviously wasn't supposed to turn into true crime.
As usual, as soon as I started reading, I didn't want to put the book down.
I'll conclude with these few words that can apply to the whole series: awful murders, awesome twists.
I think readers could enjoy the story even without knowing the characters yet (and the author is always careful to avoid major spoilers of previous books when past events are mentioned so, although starting with Shadow Falls is best, you would still experience several great twists if you went back to the beginning of the series after reading the ending) but obviously, for those of us already familiar with the main and supporting characters introduced in the first few books, meeting them again contributes to making this finale a must-read.
Anyway, this time Madison investigates the murders of teenagers who were out camping (so you might not want to read this before or during a camping trip, unless you like being scared) and filming a horror movie that obviously wasn't supposed to turn into true crime.
As usual, as soon as I started reading, I didn't want to put the book down.
I'll conclude with these few words that can apply to the whole series: awful murders, awesome twists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Their Last Cry delivers a gripping, suspense-filled story set in the seemingly quiet town of Lost Creek, which quickly spirals into a nightmare of twists and urgency. Detective Madison Harper faces a race against time to unravel a chilling mystery and save a missing child.
The story opens dramatically when a retirement party is interrupted by the shocking arrival of a young girl, drenched in blood. Her haunting words—“All my friends are dead… and it was the devil who did it”—set the tone before she collapses. With almost no clues to go on, Madison and her team begin piecing together the truth.
Their investigation leads them to a gruesome campsite that feels like something straight out of a horror novel: three teenagers have been brutally murdered, and a fourth—a 15-year-old girl—is missing. What begins as a homicide case quickly escalates into a desperate search-and-rescue mission.
This novel is emotionally charged and layered, blending suspense, horror, and mystery into a compelling read that keeps you invested until the end. This was a great book with an intriguing storyline and a chilling conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
The story opens dramatically when a retirement party is interrupted by the shocking arrival of a young girl, drenched in blood. Her haunting words—“All my friends are dead… and it was the devil who did it”—set the tone before she collapses. With almost no clues to go on, Madison and her team begin piecing together the truth.
Their investigation leads them to a gruesome campsite that feels like something straight out of a horror novel: three teenagers have been brutally murdered, and a fourth—a 15-year-old girl—is missing. What begins as a homicide case quickly escalates into a desperate search-and-rescue mission.
This novel is emotionally charged and layered, blending suspense, horror, and mystery into a compelling read that keeps you invested until the end. This was a great book with an intriguing storyline and a chilling conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m honestly so sad to see the Detective Madison Harper series come to such a great ending. This has been one of those series that’s just consistently good, and I’ve really loved following Madison and Nate from the very beginning. Watching their relationship grow alongside all the intense cases has been one of my favorite parts, and it’s hard to say goodbye to them.
This final story really delivers everything you want—high stakes, emotional moments, and that constant sense of urgency that keeps you turning the pages. The case itself is chilling, with the missing teens and the race against time to find Cassie. It felt especially intense because of how personal it was, and you can really feel how far Madison is willing to push herself to save these kids.
I’ve also always loved the small-town Colorado setting, and I’m going to miss being in Lost Creek. It adds so much to the atmosphere of the story, especially in a case like this where fear spreads through the whole community.
Overall, this was such a strong and satisfying conclusion. It wrapped things up in a way that felt right, but I still wish there were more stories to come. I’m definitely going to miss Madison, Nate, and this world so much.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
This final story really delivers everything you want—high stakes, emotional moments, and that constant sense of urgency that keeps you turning the pages. The case itself is chilling, with the missing teens and the race against time to find Cassie. It felt especially intense because of how personal it was, and you can really feel how far Madison is willing to push herself to save these kids.
I’ve also always loved the small-town Colorado setting, and I’m going to miss being in Lost Creek. It adds so much to the atmosphere of the story, especially in a case like this where fear spreads through the whole community.
Overall, this was such a strong and satisfying conclusion. It wrapped things up in a way that felt right, but I still wish there were more stories to come. I’m definitely going to miss Madison, Nate, and this world so much.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Their Last Cry. This was a really tense, emotional instalment in the Detective Madison Harper series and one that kept me reading late into the night.
It starts with a striking scene, a teenage girl, injured and clearly terrified, makes it out of the woods claiming her friends have been killed. From there, the focus shifts to finding the one girl still missing, and once it becomes clear she’s alive but being held somewhere, the whole case takes on that urgent, time pressured feel.
That sense of pressure is what carries the book. You really feel the race against time as Madison and her team try to piece things together, and there’s a strong emotional thread running through it as well, particularly around the impact on the families involved. It adds a bit more weight than just a straightforward investigation.
Madison is a solid lead, determined, instinctive, and clearly affected by what she’s dealing with, without it ever feeling overdone. The team dynamic works well too and I easily read this as a stand alone even though it’s part of a series.
A gripping, easy to read thriller with plenty of tension to keep you hooked.
It starts with a striking scene, a teenage girl, injured and clearly terrified, makes it out of the woods claiming her friends have been killed. From there, the focus shifts to finding the one girl still missing, and once it becomes clear she’s alive but being held somewhere, the whole case takes on that urgent, time pressured feel.
That sense of pressure is what carries the book. You really feel the race against time as Madison and her team try to piece things together, and there’s a strong emotional thread running through it as well, particularly around the impact on the families involved. It adds a bit more weight than just a straightforward investigation.
Madison is a solid lead, determined, instinctive, and clearly affected by what she’s dealing with, without it ever feeling overdone. The team dynamic works well too and I easily read this as a stand alone even though it’s part of a series.
A gripping, easy to read thriller with plenty of tension to keep you hooked.
May 15, 2026
A definite must read book and series!
I have absolutely loved this series since the beginning, and I really hope that there will be many more stories to come! One of the many things that I was intrigued by about this series was the devastating, heartbreaking, and emotional trauma that both Madison and Nate had survived by being falsely accused. In the beginning, their pasts had obviously been something that affected every part of their lives, but looking at them now (in this book), it's amazing how much love and loyalty can change someone. As I've said many times, I would absolutely love to see a lot more stories in this series in the near future! (Hint, hint!!)
This story was an intense and intriguing story that will keep you guessing until the end. The numerous clues leading the Detectives in different ways, lots of secrets, lies, betrayals, not to mention other cases, it was an extremely complex story with several surprising and unexpected twists that you will never see coming. I'd say that it's a definite must read book and series!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and fabulous author.
I have absolutely loved this series since the beginning, and I really hope that there will be many more stories to come! One of the many things that I was intrigued by about this series was the devastating, heartbreaking, and emotional trauma that both Madison and Nate had survived by being falsely accused. In the beginning, their pasts had obviously been something that affected every part of their lives, but looking at them now (in this book), it's amazing how much love and loyalty can change someone. As I've said many times, I would absolutely love to see a lot more stories in this series in the near future! (Hint, hint!!)
This story was an intense and intriguing story that will keep you guessing until the end. The numerous clues leading the Detectives in different ways, lots of secrets, lies, betrayals, not to mention other cases, it was an extremely complex story with several surprising and unexpected twists that you will never see coming. I'd say that it's a definite must read book and series!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and fabulous author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | No🌶️
What an incredible way to end the series. Am I emotional that it’s over? Absolutely. But did I love everything about it? Without a doubt.
This book is easily one of my favourites in the entire series. The plot twists kept me guessing, and the tender, heartfelt moments, especially with the NYPD crew, were just perfect. And Brody? I absolutely adore him.
If you’re looking for a book with multiple possible suspects that keeps you questioning who the real culprit is, alongside emotional depth and jaw dropping moments, this delivers on every level. It also wraps up a 10 book series in such a satisfying and complete way.
One of my favourite things about Wendy’s writing is that it goes beyond just crime and investigation. You really get a sense of the community, and the story explores deeper, more personal themes like PTSD and trauma. There’s also romance, family dynamics, and those quieter moments that make the characters feel real.
All I know is that whenever Wendy releases her next book, I’ll be picking it up immediately.
What an incredible way to end the series. Am I emotional that it’s over? Absolutely. But did I love everything about it? Without a doubt.
This book is easily one of my favourites in the entire series. The plot twists kept me guessing, and the tender, heartfelt moments, especially with the NYPD crew, were just perfect. And Brody? I absolutely adore him.
If you’re looking for a book with multiple possible suspects that keeps you questioning who the real culprit is, alongside emotional depth and jaw dropping moments, this delivers on every level. It also wraps up a 10 book series in such a satisfying and complete way.
One of my favourite things about Wendy’s writing is that it goes beyond just crime and investigation. You really get a sense of the community, and the story explores deeper, more personal themes like PTSD and trauma. There’s also romance, family dynamics, and those quieter moments that make the characters feel real.
All I know is that whenever Wendy releases her next book, I’ll be picking it up immediately.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So here we are with book 10 in the Shadow Falls series. One more story and then we have to say goodbye to Madison, Nate and Brody. A sad parting after all readers have shared with them. But what a story! The mass murder of three teens camping, another of their group badly injured and the fifth abducted. Madison Harper is certainly going to have her work cut out tracking down the killer…or is it killers?
As usual, there are plenty of false starts and red herrings throughout this gripping read before the guilty are caught. It’s a great finale and although it is sad to see the trio disappear from our lives, the author has made sure as far as these three characters are concerned the world is set to rights.
I have really enjoyed this series, each book a gripping unputdownable read which leaves you guessing right until the end.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing what Wendy Dranfield does next.
My thanks to Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Their Last Cry in exchange for an honest review.
As usual, there are plenty of false starts and red herrings throughout this gripping read before the guilty are caught. It’s a great finale and although it is sad to see the trio disappear from our lives, the author has made sure as far as these three characters are concerned the world is set to rights.
I have really enjoyed this series, each book a gripping unputdownable read which leaves you guessing right until the end.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing what Wendy Dranfield does next.
My thanks to Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Their Last Cry in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. From the very beginning, I was hooked and found myself reaching for it every chance I got this is definitely one of those books where you cancel your plans and silence your phone because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
One of my favorite parts was the depth of the main character’s backstory. It added so much emotional weight. I felt genuinely invested in what they were going through, which made the stakes even higher.
The plot itself was incredibly engaging, with just the right pacing to keep the tension building. And the plot twist? I didn’t see it coming, but it was executed so well that it tied everything together perfectly. I also really appreciated how the different storylines intertwined it was seamless and added an extra layer of intrigue.
Overall, this was a gripping, fast-paced read that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you love thrillers that pull you in and don’t let go, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
One of my favorite parts was the depth of the main character’s backstory. It added so much emotional weight. I felt genuinely invested in what they were going through, which made the stakes even higher.
The plot itself was incredibly engaging, with just the right pacing to keep the tension building. And the plot twist? I didn’t see it coming, but it was executed so well that it tied everything together perfectly. I also really appreciated how the different storylines intertwined it was seamless and added an extra layer of intrigue.
Overall, this was a gripping, fast-paced read that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you love thrillers that pull you in and don’t let go, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
May 11, 2026
I've only managed to read one other book by this author, but it just happened to be the 9th book in the Detective Madison Harper series.
Having really enjoyed meeting the characters, and with this 10th book releasing, I knew that I had to continue their story.
Things have moved on since the previous book and it was great catching up with Madison and Nate and seeing how their lives have developed so far.
Whilst out on a night out, Madison is drawn to an issue outside where a teen covered in blood tells her that her friends are all dead and staying that the devil did it.
When the site is checked, there are three dead and one girl unaccounted for.
The case that follows was really well planned out and had me making theories as more information was uncovered.
I love a twisty story and this keeps us guessing - although I think I guessed the who before the reveal, the how and why was still a mystery and kept me turning the pages.
Once again, I was drawn right into this book and was immersed from start to finish.
This definitely finishes off the series as a whole - and although I do plan to catch up with the full story, I'm actually pretty excited to see what will be next for this author.
Having really enjoyed meeting the characters, and with this 10th book releasing, I knew that I had to continue their story.
Things have moved on since the previous book and it was great catching up with Madison and Nate and seeing how their lives have developed so far.
Whilst out on a night out, Madison is drawn to an issue outside where a teen covered in blood tells her that her friends are all dead and staying that the devil did it.
When the site is checked, there are three dead and one girl unaccounted for.
The case that follows was really well planned out and had me making theories as more information was uncovered.
I love a twisty story and this keeps us guessing - although I think I guessed the who before the reveal, the how and why was still a mystery and kept me turning the pages.
Once again, I was drawn right into this book and was immersed from start to finish.
This definitely finishes off the series as a whole - and although I do plan to catch up with the full story, I'm actually pretty excited to see what will be next for this author.
May 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Bookuture for the eARC of “Their Last Cry (Detective Madison Harper Book 10” by Wendy Dranfield.
“Their Last Cry” kept you questioning who could possibly kill and hurt a group of teenagers, to the point where it could have been anyone who lived in the area. When it came down to who the killer was, I wasn’t surprised, based on the evidence.
While this is only the second book I’ve read by Wendy Dranfield, I do hate to see her close this chapter for Detective Madison Harper, but I understand sometimes it’s best to leave everything as it is. I hope to one day be able to read books 1 - 8, so I can learn more about herself and Nate, and all they went through in order to get to where they are now. All the characters involved in the series, have the perfect relationship with one another and they all mesh well together. I’m so glad I was able to learn more about the characters from the books I were able to read.
“Their Last Cry” kept you questioning who could possibly kill and hurt a group of teenagers, to the point where it could have been anyone who lived in the area. When it came down to who the killer was, I wasn’t surprised, based on the evidence.
While this is only the second book I’ve read by Wendy Dranfield, I do hate to see her close this chapter for Detective Madison Harper, but I understand sometimes it’s best to leave everything as it is. I hope to one day be able to read books 1 - 8, so I can learn more about herself and Nate, and all they went through in order to get to where they are now. All the characters involved in the series, have the perfect relationship with one another and they all mesh well together. I’m so glad I was able to learn more about the characters from the books I were able to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The finale!
Book 10 in the Detective Madison Harper series, and the dedication alerted me to the sad news this was the end, the final book in an incredible series.
When a teen stumbles to the Diner where the police are gathered for a farewell to their beloved dispatcher, bleeding, mumbling incoherent words about the devil, the team will soon discover a crime scene and killers who are pure evil!
After reading so many mysteries, I’m a little afraid as to the various scenarios I was able to come up with of who was responsible for the slaying of a group of teens as they were camping, especially when some of my theories were correct….
So engaged in the story, I found myself yelling and pleading with the author, “oh no, no you did not, please tell me this is not how you plan to end this series!!!!!"
This book will keep you enthralled as you try to work out just who was responsible, how it all played out and who will be left standing at the end.
Book 10 in the Detective Madison Harper series, and the dedication alerted me to the sad news this was the end, the final book in an incredible series.
When a teen stumbles to the Diner where the police are gathered for a farewell to their beloved dispatcher, bleeding, mumbling incoherent words about the devil, the team will soon discover a crime scene and killers who are pure evil!
After reading so many mysteries, I’m a little afraid as to the various scenarios I was able to come up with of who was responsible for the slaying of a group of teens as they were camping, especially when some of my theories were correct….
So engaged in the story, I found myself yelling and pleading with the author, “oh no, no you did not, please tell me this is not how you plan to end this series!!!!!"
This book will keep you enthralled as you try to work out just who was responsible, how it all played out and who will be left standing at the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a brilliant series and I was sad to see at the beginning of the book that this is the last one. I’ve loved following Madison and Nate, and of course Brody.
This is yet another gripping crime thriller which begins with a teenager shouting for help and saying her friends are dead.
Fay is taken to hospital with a head injury so Madison and the team need to wait until the next day to speak to her.
When they head out to the lake where Fay and her friends were camping, they find three dead teenagers in their tent. They soon establish that another girl is missing and pull out all the stops to find her.
The families of the victims are shocked by the deaths but there are people hiding information which makes the investigation harder at times.
This is a great read and whilst this series has ended, I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
This is yet another gripping crime thriller which begins with a teenager shouting for help and saying her friends are dead.
Fay is taken to hospital with a head injury so Madison and the team need to wait until the next day to speak to her.
When they head out to the lake where Fay and her friends were camping, they find three dead teenagers in their tent. They soon establish that another girl is missing and pull out all the stops to find her.
The families of the victims are shocked by the deaths but there are people hiding information which makes the investigation harder at times.
This is a great read and whilst this series has ended, I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
May 12, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Detective Madison Harper is out with her friends when a group of teens turn up dead. One girl, Cassie, is missing, but a video of her chained up in a basement turns up. Madison fights to catch a twisted killer before more lives are lost. The tension builds with every page, and towards the end I was flipping the pages to find out what was happening next. .
“Their Last Cry” is a chilling and gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I wanted to cry because this amazing series is over. I will definitely miss Madison, Nate and the entire Lost Creek team. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheirLastCry #WendyDranfieldBooksOnTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram
Detective Madison Harper is out with her friends when a group of teens turn up dead. One girl, Cassie, is missing, but a video of her chained up in a basement turns up. Madison fights to catch a twisted killer before more lives are lost. The tension builds with every page, and towards the end I was flipping the pages to find out what was happening next. .
“Their Last Cry” is a chilling and gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I wanted to cry because this amazing series is over. I will definitely miss Madison, Nate and the entire Lost Creek team. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheirLastCry #WendyDranfieldBooksOnTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Their Last Cry is the final installment in the Madison Harper series, and honestly, I’m not ready to let it go.
I can’t thank Wendy Dranfield enough for creating such a powerful series, each book somehow better than the last.
This final story is definitely darker and more intense, with gruesome murders involving teenagers that make it hard to put down. What really stood out to me is how convincingly it leads you to believe you’ve figured everything out… until you realize you were completely wrong.
I truly hope this series gets adapted for television one day, it absolutely deserves it.
Thank you, Wendy, for an unforgettable journey.
#wendydranfield #detectivemadisonharper #bookouture #netgalley
I can’t thank Wendy Dranfield enough for creating such a powerful series, each book somehow better than the last.
This final story is definitely darker and more intense, with gruesome murders involving teenagers that make it hard to put down. What really stood out to me is how convincingly it leads you to believe you’ve figured everything out… until you realize you were completely wrong.
I truly hope this series gets adapted for television one day, it absolutely deserves it.
Thank you, Wendy, for an unforgettable journey.
#wendydranfield #detectivemadisonharper #bookouture #netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was a delight in catching up with Det Madison Harper, her husband Nate Monroe, her son Owen, dog Brody and cat Bandit along with the res of the Lost Creek Police Department in Colorado. When Madison is out for a night, a scream is heard and she rushes out to find a teenager hurt saying her friends are dead. Madison has to make sense of this and she is determined to find out what is behind the unusual crime. This leads to uncovering deadly secrets and lies. Who did it? How did this occur? Why did it happen? Madison is on a race against time to find answers. It was entertaining, full of unexpected plot twist, gripping, nail biting moments, suspenseful and unputdownable. It all came together to a surprising ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews