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Rogue Justice #1
Twisted Truth
Für Detective Seth Harding ist es ein rätselhafter Doppelmord in einer ruhigen Wohngegend. Für seine Frau, die Sozialarbeiterin Carly Harding, ist es ein traumatisiertes Kind, das der einzige lebende Zeuge ist. In einer stürmischen Nacht in Oregon prallen ihre beruflichen Welten auf die schrecklichste erdenkliche Weise aufeinander.
Während Seth daran arbeitet, die beiden Opfer zu identifizieren und ihre geheimnisvollen Leben zu entwirren, steht Carly vor der unmöglichen Aufgabe, das Vertrauen des schweigsamen, verängstigten Jungen zu gewinnen, den die beiden in ihrem Keller gefangen hielten. Er ist die zerbrechliche Verbindung zu einem skrupellosen Mörder. Doch noch bevor sie seinen Namen erfahren können, wird der Junge dreist aus dem Krankenhaus entführt. Nun werden Seths Mordermittlungen und Carlys Rettungsmission ein und dasselbe. Mit einem Mörder auf freiem Fuß und ihrer einzigen Spur verschwunden, müssen sich die Eheleute mehr denn je aufeinander verlassen, während sie einen Jäger verfolgen, der bereits zwei Leben genommen hat und vor nichts zurückschrecken wird, um sich ein drittes zu holen.
Während Seth daran arbeitet, die beiden Opfer zu identifizieren und ihre geheimnisvollen Leben zu entwirren, steht Carly vor der unmöglichen Aufgabe, das Vertrauen des schweigsamen, verängstigten Jungen zu gewinnen, den die beiden in ihrem Keller gefangen hielten. Er ist die zerbrechliche Verbindung zu einem skrupellosen Mörder. Doch noch bevor sie seinen Namen erfahren können, wird der Junge dreist aus dem Krankenhaus entführt. Nun werden Seths Mordermittlungen und Carlys Rettungsmission ein und dasselbe. Mit einem Mörder auf freiem Fuß und ihrer einzigen Spur verschwunden, müssen sich die Eheleute mehr denn je aufeinander verlassen, während sie einen Jäger verfolgen, der bereits zwei Leben genommen hat und vor nichts zurückschrecken wird, um sich ein drittes zu holen.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2017
4698 people are currently reading
3708 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Leigh
48 books21.9k followers#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
November 3, 2017
Detective Seth Harding receives a call of possible shots fired and rushes to the scene only to make a gruesome discovery, two victims have been gunned down in their home. As the property is being searched another shocking discovery is made when they find a young boy being held in the basement chained up. The child obviously is completely afraid of the detectives as they try to free him from his prison so Seth calls in his wife who works for CPS.
Carly is still reeling from a previous case but knows if her husband is calling her in the middle of the night that there is a child that desperately needs her. After arriving at the scene to pick up the boy Carly finds that he will not talk and tell what has happened to him so it's up to the detectives to find out just who the boy is and where he came from and to track down the killer that is on the loose.
Twisted Truth by Melinda Leigh is the first book in the romantic suspense Rogue Justice series. This book is a little different for this genre in the fact that the main characters are already married and have an established relationship. Seth is protective of Carly in their relationship but knows she is strong enough to be the best at her job and trusts her being brought into the case.
Having read Melinda Leigh before I knew that I should be in for a very good read and I wasn't disappointed in the least. From the very first pages the story is full of action and moves by at a very fast pace. My only complaint which isn't too much of a complaint though is I wouldn't have minded if the story weren't fleshed out more and made into a full length novel since this one is only a novella. Still with being a short read there was tons packed into the story and I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Carly is still reeling from a previous case but knows if her husband is calling her in the middle of the night that there is a child that desperately needs her. After arriving at the scene to pick up the boy Carly finds that he will not talk and tell what has happened to him so it's up to the detectives to find out just who the boy is and where he came from and to track down the killer that is on the loose.
Twisted Truth by Melinda Leigh is the first book in the romantic suspense Rogue Justice series. This book is a little different for this genre in the fact that the main characters are already married and have an established relationship. Seth is protective of Carly in their relationship but knows she is strong enough to be the best at her job and trusts her being brought into the case.
Having read Melinda Leigh before I knew that I should be in for a very good read and I wasn't disappointed in the least. From the very first pages the story is full of action and moves by at a very fast pace. My only complaint which isn't too much of a complaint though is I wouldn't have minded if the story weren't fleshed out more and made into a full length novel since this one is only a novella. Still with being a short read there was tons packed into the story and I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 2, 2017
Having never heard of Melinda Leigh (I know ... shame on me!) this novella seemed like a perfect taste test of her writing. A double homicide with a surprise find, a child chained in the basement, this sounded like my kind of book. So I ignored the fact that it's listed as a romance (ARGH! Get it away from me!) and instead focused on the mystery and thriller categorisation (WOOHOO!) and dived in. This was fun!
I don't know about you but I innately trust a book that has a sentence like "Small Town Rule #1: There's always room for pie." If an author understands dessert, then they've gotta be OK.
Twisted Truth is told in alternating chapters by Rogue County Detective Seth Harding and his county social worker wife, Carly. Seth and Carly have an eight year old daughter, Brianna, who has a pygmy goat called Prince Eric and a pony called Maximus.
Now, it seems to me that this town would be lost without Carly's family as they practically run the whole show. Are you ready???
* Carly's mother, Patsy, is an emergency foster carer and the family farm also takes on the overflow from the county animal shelter. Patsy has an Irish Setter called Trina.
* Carly's late father had been the police chief of Solitude, their hometown.
* Carly's younger brother, Bruce, is the new rookie in the sheriff's department and is adorable!
* Carly's older brother, James, is the mayor of Solitude.
* Carly's sister, Stevie, is a Solitude patrol officer and is married to Zane Duncan, Solitude's police chief.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It felt like the words were flowing around me and I could imagine it as a great beach read. There was always something happening to move the story forward. There was enough information about the characters to make you care about them and hope they didn't get killed. There was a close family but they still had problems so you could relate to them and admire their closeness without them coming across as idealistic.
I really liked that Carly was haunted by a previous case as that gave her character more depth and gave me something to chew on while I was digesting the details of the main story. My only niggle was that there were a few loose ends about the baddie/s that weren't neatly wrapped in a bow for me. However, book 2 is coming soon so I expect my questions may be answered in time.
Favourite Character: Prince Eric. This little pygmy goat escape artist has horns and knows how to use them. A close second was Patsy. A woman adept at pie making and knows her way around a shotgun? What a cool grandma!
So, the biggest negative of this book? The fact that I have discovered Melinda Leigh so late in the game, so I have about a bazillion of her books to catch up on. Ha! Like reading has ever been a chore! 😜
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
I don't know about you but I innately trust a book that has a sentence like "Small Town Rule #1: There's always room for pie." If an author understands dessert, then they've gotta be OK.
Twisted Truth is told in alternating chapters by Rogue County Detective Seth Harding and his county social worker wife, Carly. Seth and Carly have an eight year old daughter, Brianna, who has a pygmy goat called Prince Eric and a pony called Maximus.
Now, it seems to me that this town would be lost without Carly's family as they practically run the whole show. Are you ready???
* Carly's mother, Patsy, is an emergency foster carer and the family farm also takes on the overflow from the county animal shelter. Patsy has an Irish Setter called Trina.
* Carly's late father had been the police chief of Solitude, their hometown.
* Carly's younger brother, Bruce, is the new rookie in the sheriff's department and is adorable!
* Carly's older brother, James, is the mayor of Solitude.
* Carly's sister, Stevie, is a Solitude patrol officer and is married to Zane Duncan, Solitude's police chief.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It felt like the words were flowing around me and I could imagine it as a great beach read. There was always something happening to move the story forward. There was enough information about the characters to make you care about them and hope they didn't get killed. There was a close family but they still had problems so you could relate to them and admire their closeness without them coming across as idealistic.
I really liked that Carly was haunted by a previous case as that gave her character more depth and gave me something to chew on while I was digesting the details of the main story. My only niggle was that there were a few loose ends about the baddie/s that weren't neatly wrapped in a bow for me. However, book 2 is coming soon so I expect my questions may be answered in time.
Favourite Character: Prince Eric. This little pygmy goat escape artist has horns and knows how to use them. A close second was Patsy. A woman adept at pie making and knows her way around a shotgun? What a cool grandma!
So, the biggest negative of this book? The fact that I have discovered Melinda Leigh so late in the game, so I have about a bazillion of her books to catch up on. Ha! Like reading has ever been a chore! 😜
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
November 1, 2017
Shots Fired! Detective Seth Harding is called to the scene of a double homicide ... a young couple killed in their bedroom. It's a horrific scene and questioning neighbors, no one knows much about them.
Checking the perimeter of the house, Harding finds an outside entrance. He is shocked to find a young boy chained in the basement. The boy has obviously been there a while and although he doesn't speak, he is terrified.
Were his parents the murder victims? Was he being held for ransom .. or worse? Did the murderer know there was a boy there .. or was he scared away before grabbing him?
It's going to be a long night, filled not only with torrential rains, but danger at every turn.
This is a novella, a short read, fast-paced, packed with action. The backdrop of a monsoon-like rain storm makes it all the more suspenseful.
This is a very familiar author to me, and she never disappoints. Book 2 of this series ...TRUTH BE TOLD is written by another very familiar author, KENDRA ELLIOT. Each works very well as a stand alone .. no cliff hangers.
Many thanks to the author / Montlake Romance / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Checking the perimeter of the house, Harding finds an outside entrance. He is shocked to find a young boy chained in the basement. The boy has obviously been there a while and although he doesn't speak, he is terrified.
Were his parents the murder victims? Was he being held for ransom .. or worse? Did the murderer know there was a boy there .. or was he scared away before grabbing him?
It's going to be a long night, filled not only with torrential rains, but danger at every turn.
This is a novella, a short read, fast-paced, packed with action. The backdrop of a monsoon-like rain storm makes it all the more suspenseful.
This is a very familiar author to me, and she never disappoints. Book 2 of this series ...TRUTH BE TOLD is written by another very familiar author, KENDRA ELLIOT. Each works very well as a stand alone .. no cliff hangers.
Many thanks to the author / Montlake Romance / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 24, 2017
For a short novella, Twisted a Truth packs a lot of suspense and emotion into this small package!
When I've completed a long, overwhelming book I like to take a breath with a short story or novella, something not quite so heavy. Twisted Truth was the perfect choice. It is an introduction to the next series that authors Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliott will publish together and is a continuation of the Rogue series. However, you don't need to read any of the previous works to enjoy this thriller!
Detective Seth Harding arrives at the scene of a double homicide which is horrific enough. What he finds in the basement is even worse: a young boy is chained to one of the pipes. Who does the child belong to, is the murdered couple his parents - the truth and this story are very twisted!!
I had never read Melinda Leigh before this novella, however she quickly involved me in the characters, their lives, the crime and her attention to detail is impeccable. I highly recommend this gripping story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Romance for my copy of this book.
June 16, 2018
I don't know understand how I forgot to post this review but oh well! It gave me an opportunity to read it once again..
Twisted Truth is the first book from the Rogue Justice series but a novella from The Solitude Oregan series.
This is my first Melinda Leigh book so I felt a little out of place but honestly that didn't last long.
I actually liked this book quite a lot...It's fast paced and full of suspense. considering the fact that it's a novella, it was quite captivating. I think the only down side for me was that even though this book was under the romance genre... hmm... not much romance in it but nonetheless, I read it, I liked it.
November 9, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
The Solitude, Oregon Series is at 10 books and counting. They are in sets of two, one written by Melinda Leigh and the other written by Kendra Elliot, both authors are fantastic in their own right and absolutely awesome together. The Melinda Leigh books have the same ongoing couple. For "Twisted Truth" it is husband Seth Harding, a detective, and wife Carly Taylor, with Child Protective Services. The books are related, but each set is a standalone story. Unique format that works well.
Seth is called to the scene of shots fired early in the morning during a mega rainstorm and discovers two victims dead. While clearing the house he discovers a child alive but chained in the basement. It just tears his heart, but he has to call his wife, Carly. He knows she is still having a difficult time after her last case and this one is just as tragic. What is the boy's relationship to the dead couple? How did he end up chained in the basement? Was the killer after him too? Lots of questions, few answers and Seth will need to protect the boy and his family.
The Solitude, Oregon Series is at 10 books and counting. They are in sets of two, one written by Melinda Leigh and the other written by Kendra Elliot, both authors are fantastic in their own right and absolutely awesome together. The Melinda Leigh books have the same ongoing couple. For "Twisted Truth" it is husband Seth Harding, a detective, and wife Carly Taylor, with Child Protective Services. The books are related, but each set is a standalone story. Unique format that works well.
Seth is called to the scene of shots fired early in the morning during a mega rainstorm and discovers two victims dead. While clearing the house he discovers a child alive but chained in the basement. It just tears his heart, but he has to call his wife, Carly. He knows she is still having a difficult time after her last case and this one is just as tragic. What is the boy's relationship to the dead couple? How did he end up chained in the basement? Was the killer after him too? Lots of questions, few answers and Seth will need to protect the boy and his family.
March 14, 2018
This story was very heartwarming and a bit heartbreaking. It was about the Solitude townspeople’s cohesiveness with getting to the truth of a kidnapping and murder case. A family full of law enforcement, a major, social worker and widow of the former Chief of Policy all band together to uncover the truth behind the captivity of a missing boy, the death of his kidnappers, uncles who want to barter him, a new psychiatrist who wants to help and an on-the-run father who would do anything to protect his son.
The story centers on Carly and Seth Harding who have pieced back together their marriage that was once on the edge of being dissolved. Rogue County is being overwhelmed with rain and almost everything is watered, especially the roads. Seth, a police detective gets called to a scene on his way home that discovers a young boy chained to a furnace in the basement and his kidnappers found murdered. Since the boy is still alive, he contacts his wife Carly, the town’s social worker to assist with helping the boy but it ends up that her brother Bruce Taylor, a rookie cop is the savior to this little boy.
Carly is having mixed feelings about continuing her work as a social worker due to the death of another child that has haunted her day after day. A child she could not save and she was determined to not let anything happen to this one. With the discovery of dead bodies and gunfire between bad guys, the story ends well with the child rejoining his uncle, the mother’s brother and being protected by the FBI.
The story did have its laughable moments when the pet goat named Prince Eric manages to take down one of the culprits and Carly’s mother trying to catch the eye of the psychiatrist by wearing making to cook in the kitchen.
Truly a great listen and narrator Kate Rudd did an excellent job.
5-Stars for this novella.
The story centers on Carly and Seth Harding who have pieced back together their marriage that was once on the edge of being dissolved. Rogue County is being overwhelmed with rain and almost everything is watered, especially the roads. Seth, a police detective gets called to a scene on his way home that discovers a young boy chained to a furnace in the basement and his kidnappers found murdered. Since the boy is still alive, he contacts his wife Carly, the town’s social worker to assist with helping the boy but it ends up that her brother Bruce Taylor, a rookie cop is the savior to this little boy.
Carly is having mixed feelings about continuing her work as a social worker due to the death of another child that has haunted her day after day. A child she could not save and she was determined to not let anything happen to this one. With the discovery of dead bodies and gunfire between bad guys, the story ends well with the child rejoining his uncle, the mother’s brother and being protected by the FBI.
The story did have its laughable moments when the pet goat named Prince Eric manages to take down one of the culprits and Carly’s mother trying to catch the eye of the psychiatrist by wearing making to cook in the kitchen.
Truly a great listen and narrator Kate Rudd did an excellent job.
5-Stars for this novella.
November 1, 2017
Twisted Truth was an enjoyable romantic suspense novella that's light on the romance but packed with action and suspense.
Detective Seth Harding responds to a shots fired call where he is horrified to find a child chained in the basement of the home where a double homicide occurred. Seth knows there's more to the case than meets the eye and calls in his wife Carly, a social worker, to care for the terrified child. Carly is recovering from a case gone wrong a month ago, but she knows she can't walk away from the little boy. When flooding isolates their town, Seth and Carly have no choice but to take the child with them, but they're unaware of the danger following them home.
Twisted Truth is told in alternating chapters from Seth and Carly's points of view. Seth is great at his job and is good at finding information that helps him with his cases. He's extremely dedicated to his family and his number one goal is to ensure their safety. Carly has been struggling since a case went sideways a month back and has been having a hard time dealing with her grief. I liked that Carly acknowledged she was having issues and decided to seek help to work through everything.
The mystery aspect of the story was very well done which is something I've come to expect from a Melinda Leigh book. The different threads of the case tied together very well and the investigation moved along at a good pace. The history of the young boy was interesting and created some great avenues for Seth and Carly to explore. The final third of the book was packed full of action and I couldn't put the book down as I needed to know how everything would work out. Plus, there's a great scene where a pygmy goat named Prince Eric saves the day and how could I not love that?
Overall, Twisted Truth was a gripping story and I highly recommend it for fans of romantic suspense that's light on the romance. I can't wait to pick up the other novella in this series, Truth Be Told, soon.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Detective Seth Harding responds to a shots fired call where he is horrified to find a child chained in the basement of the home where a double homicide occurred. Seth knows there's more to the case than meets the eye and calls in his wife Carly, a social worker, to care for the terrified child. Carly is recovering from a case gone wrong a month ago, but she knows she can't walk away from the little boy. When flooding isolates their town, Seth and Carly have no choice but to take the child with them, but they're unaware of the danger following them home.
Twisted Truth is told in alternating chapters from Seth and Carly's points of view. Seth is great at his job and is good at finding information that helps him with his cases. He's extremely dedicated to his family and his number one goal is to ensure their safety. Carly has been struggling since a case went sideways a month back and has been having a hard time dealing with her grief. I liked that Carly acknowledged she was having issues and decided to seek help to work through everything.
The mystery aspect of the story was very well done which is something I've come to expect from a Melinda Leigh book. The different threads of the case tied together very well and the investigation moved along at a good pace. The history of the young boy was interesting and created some great avenues for Seth and Carly to explore. The final third of the book was packed full of action and I couldn't put the book down as I needed to know how everything would work out. Plus, there's a great scene where a pygmy goat named Prince Eric saves the day and how could I not love that?
Overall, Twisted Truth was a gripping story and I highly recommend it for fans of romantic suspense that's light on the romance. I can't wait to pick up the other novella in this series, Truth Be Told, soon.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
October 15, 2017
I want to thank NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Title:Twisted Truth(Rogue Justice #1)
Author: Melinda Leigh
Page Count: 110 pages
Published: 10/31/2017
Synopsis: Detective Seth Harding is brought to a familiar scene of a double homicide. Shockingly, he finds a terrified little boy chained in the basement. Seth knows that something very sinister is afoot but the child refuses to speak and divulge any information. Seth has to reach out to social services. Seth calls the one and only social worker he knows he can trust with the terrified child. He calls his wife Carly even though she is still recovering from her own trauma. Carly and Seth both agree the only way to keep the traumatized child safe is to take him back to their farmhouse. Unfortunately when they go home, the danger follows them. Will the little boy be able to cope and open up? Can Carly cope with her trauma and save this child? Can Seth keep this child safe? Read Twisted Truth by Melinda Leigh to find out!
Review: I give this awesome novella 5 out of 5 stars! I was so intrigued with this book that I read it in one sitting. This book was filled with suspense and I really enjoyed the characters. Even though this was a novella I felt this novel was just right and what I was craving! Sometimes we need a hit it and quit it type of read and this is one that is highly recommended!
Title:Twisted Truth(Rogue Justice #1)
Author: Melinda Leigh
Page Count: 110 pages
Published: 10/31/2017
Synopsis: Detective Seth Harding is brought to a familiar scene of a double homicide. Shockingly, he finds a terrified little boy chained in the basement. Seth knows that something very sinister is afoot but the child refuses to speak and divulge any information. Seth has to reach out to social services. Seth calls the one and only social worker he knows he can trust with the terrified child. He calls his wife Carly even though she is still recovering from her own trauma. Carly and Seth both agree the only way to keep the traumatized child safe is to take him back to their farmhouse. Unfortunately when they go home, the danger follows them. Will the little boy be able to cope and open up? Can Carly cope with her trauma and save this child? Can Seth keep this child safe? Read Twisted Truth by Melinda Leigh to find out!
Review: I give this awesome novella 5 out of 5 stars! I was so intrigued with this book that I read it in one sitting. This book was filled with suspense and I really enjoyed the characters. Even though this was a novella I felt this novel was just right and what I was craving! Sometimes we need a hit it and quit it type of read and this is one that is highly recommended!
February 17, 2019
The first book in the Rogue Justice series by Melinda Leigh. Detective Seth Harding is called to a shooting and discovers a man and woman murdered in their bed. When searching the scene a boy is found chained in the basement. Carly, Seth's wife is called in. She is with Child Protective Services.
I was unaware that this was part of another series, Solitude, Oregon. It would have been nice to have gotten more insight into the couple by reading the previous books but I don't think it hurt the story at all. Of course, this ends in a cliffhanger or unresolved issues. But it was a pretty good read anyway. Just annoying that I have to read the next book to finish the story.
I was unaware that this was part of another series, Solitude, Oregon. It would have been nice to have gotten more insight into the couple by reading the previous books but I don't think it hurt the story at all. Of course, this ends in a cliffhanger or unresolved issues. But it was a pretty good read anyway. Just annoying that I have to read the next book to finish the story.
November 5, 2017
I liked this series. Far too short but The story does feel complete. I listened and I got confused with the side characters. I think I have that figured out. Can’t wait to see where it goes next.
November 7, 2017
"Small Town Rule #1: There's always room for pie." Since my motto is "There's always room for dessert", I knew I would love this book and the characters in it. This is a short read but it was fast-paced. A double homicide, a small boy chained up in a basement, a torrential rainstorm. From beginning to end, it was packed with adrenaline pumping action and suspense with some humor thrown in. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Romance for letting me read a copy of Melinda Leigh's "Twisted Truth" in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Romance for letting me read a copy of Melinda Leigh's "Twisted Truth" in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2017
When Detective Seth Harding responds to a shots fired call, the last thing he expects is to find a child chained in the basement and his seeming kidnappers murdered in their bed. But, who is the child? But rescuing from his, now deceased, kidnappers is just the beginning, the child is still in danger and by helping him Seth is also putting his own family in the line of fire.
Melinda Leigh is fast becoming an auto-buy author for me, every book of hers that I have read I have really enjoyed and Twisted Truth is no exception. It is a novella and the start of the Rogue Justice series, with a different author writing the second book. I haven’t read any of Leigh’s back list, however, I get the impression that these will be characters that you have seen before. However, although this has prompted me to try and find which particular book they are from, it didn’t take away from my understanding nor enjoyment of this book.
What I liked about this book was that Leigh managed to create fantastic atmosphere in a very short space of time. This book is set in a small town and it is becoming increasingly isolated as a big storm is coming in, cutting the characters off from assistance. It all adds to the sense of urgency and danger created by the discovery of the murders and the child. As the book goes on you discover some answers…only it just leaves you with more questions. Questions that I hope will be answered in the next novella written by a new author to me, Kendra Elliot.
This was a great launch into the Rogue Justice series, not only does Leigh create a great atmosphere, but a brief glimpse into these characters lives has got me intrigued enough that I will be looking for more.
October 3, 2017
Suspense, a little boy chained in a basement, and a pygmy goat named Prince Eric (I love Eric).
Omg this novella had it all going on.
I swear Melinda's books and novellas keep on getting better and better. Love reading anything by this author, and she's make the telephone book intense.
Fantastic read, and I highly recommend it. This series of novellas need to be on your tbr list.
Thank you netgalley and Montlake Romance for letting me read an advanced copy. I can't wait to see what the follow up novellas will bring.
Omg this novella had it all going on.
I swear Melinda's books and novellas keep on getting better and better. Love reading anything by this author, and she's make the telephone book intense.
Fantastic read, and I highly recommend it. This series of novellas need to be on your tbr list.
Thank you netgalley and Montlake Romance for letting me read an advanced copy. I can't wait to see what the follow up novellas will bring.
November 8, 2017
3.5 stars
Apparently this is an ongoing series that comes in 'set' that started back in 2014. Nonetheless, I really have no problem of jumping into it. Sure, there were 'clues' about the characters experiencing tragedy or a significant event but it didn't make the story confusing.
Detective Seth Harding stumbles into a little boy being chained in the basement on a scene of double homicide. He then calls his wife, Carly, who also works as social worker to help the traumatized boy - and it seems that the boy is involved somehow with the motive of the murder.
Since it's a novella, things moved on pretty fast. I admit I still has questions about the case. . Maybe I miss the explanation somehow *pondering*
But I liked the characters okay -- and my heart went for the little boy. I loved the part where he practically attached himself to Carly's brother, Bruce.
BY the way, it appears that the town of Solitude, Oregon, is so small that Carly's sister is a patrol officer, her brother an officer, and her brother-in-law the police chief (after her father passed away).
I see that the next novella is from a different author but features Carly's sister and brother-in-law. I would like to check that one as well.
Apparently this is an ongoing series that comes in 'set' that started back in 2014. Nonetheless, I really have no problem of jumping into it. Sure, there were 'clues' about the characters experiencing tragedy or a significant event but it didn't make the story confusing.
Detective Seth Harding stumbles into a little boy being chained in the basement on a scene of double homicide. He then calls his wife, Carly, who also works as social worker to help the traumatized boy - and it seems that the boy is involved somehow with the motive of the murder.
Since it's a novella, things moved on pretty fast. I admit I still has questions about the case. . Maybe I miss the explanation somehow *pondering*
But I liked the characters okay -- and my heart went for the little boy. I loved the part where he practically attached himself to Carly's brother, Bruce.
BY the way, it appears that the town of Solitude, Oregon, is so small that Carly's sister is a patrol officer, her brother an officer, and her brother-in-law the police chief (after her father passed away).
I see that the next novella is from a different author but features Carly's sister and brother-in-law. I would like to check that one as well.
October 9, 2017
3.5, maybe 4 stars.
To be honest, after reading the blurb, I was of two minds about reading this story. While I like Leigh's novellas, and most of the blurb sounded interesting, I was hesitant about reading about a child chained in a basement. I gave it a shot though and Leigh handled it well. She doesn't get graphic though she doesn't gloss over his conditions and she wasn't exploitative.
"Twisted Truth", though only a little over a hundred pages, was fast-paced, exciting, intense, and heartbreaking. Although Liam is a few years older than the children I teach, it was hard not to see them in him and feel for what he was going through. We didn't get to know him well but what we saw was a sweet, strong boy dealing with far too much for a child his age.
The story alternates between Seth's POV and Carly's POV. Although there are earlier novellas featuring them, this story works as a stand alone though you can best appreciate their marital challenges if you've read them. And though the book is marketed as a romance, it's predominantly a mystery with some romance. That worked for me, especially as I'd read the earlier novellas but if you're in the mood for romance, this may not be the book for you. It does have a happy ending however though parts of the mystery are still unsolved. Carly and Seth are working hard at communicating and trusting. Carly is still dealing with the aftermath of a disaster at her job and I likes that Carly was able to recognize that she needed help and was willing to get it, after some denial at first.
Leigh continues her habit of including rules of small town living, such as there's always room for pie, and there's humor too. Prince Erik, the pet goat of Carly and Seth's daughter Brianna was a hoot, and a hero to boot. I enjoyed catching up with some of Carl's family, especially Bruce. I was worried about him after the death of his girlfriend in a previous story.
All in all, "Twisted Truth" was an engrossing story that I didn't want to see end and I've already requested book two, "Truth Be Told" by Leigh's writing partner, Kendra Elliot.
To be honest, after reading the blurb, I was of two minds about reading this story. While I like Leigh's novellas, and most of the blurb sounded interesting, I was hesitant about reading about a child chained in a basement. I gave it a shot though and Leigh handled it well. She doesn't get graphic though she doesn't gloss over his conditions and she wasn't exploitative.
"Twisted Truth", though only a little over a hundred pages, was fast-paced, exciting, intense, and heartbreaking. Although Liam is a few years older than the children I teach, it was hard not to see them in him and feel for what he was going through. We didn't get to know him well but what we saw was a sweet, strong boy dealing with far too much for a child his age.
The story alternates between Seth's POV and Carly's POV. Although there are earlier novellas featuring them, this story works as a stand alone though you can best appreciate their marital challenges if you've read them. And though the book is marketed as a romance, it's predominantly a mystery with some romance. That worked for me, especially as I'd read the earlier novellas but if you're in the mood for romance, this may not be the book for you. It does have a happy ending however though parts of the mystery are still unsolved. Carly and Seth are working hard at communicating and trusting. Carly is still dealing with the aftermath of a disaster at her job and I likes that Carly was able to recognize that she needed help and was willing to get it, after some denial at first.
Leigh continues her habit of including rules of small town living, such as there's always room for pie, and there's humor too. Prince Erik, the pet goat of Carly and Seth's daughter Brianna was a hoot, and a hero to boot. I enjoyed catching up with some of Carl's family, especially Bruce. I was worried about him after the death of his girlfriend in a previous story.
All in all, "Twisted Truth" was an engrossing story that I didn't want to see end and I've already requested book two, "Truth Be Told" by Leigh's writing partner, Kendra Elliot.
November 24, 2017
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This mystery book was said to be the start of a series, so I was intrigued. But it turned out to be a spin-off series and it felt like it. I could tell that the characters had had stories before this one and it didn’t feel like it was for a first time reader.
Other than that, the story was pretty okay, short and effective. But I figured out most of the twists before the main characters, I also solved everything before they did.
All in all, I wish I had known this was a spinoff before requesting but I still had an okay time.
This mystery book was said to be the start of a series, so I was intrigued. But it turned out to be a spin-off series and it felt like it. I could tell that the characters had had stories before this one and it didn’t feel like it was for a first time reader.
Other than that, the story was pretty okay, short and effective. But I figured out most of the twists before the main characters, I also solved everything before they did.
All in all, I wish I had known this was a spinoff before requesting but I still had an okay time.
November 3, 2017
Novella - Another good Melinda Leigh read. Looking forward to the next.
October 31, 2017
When Detective Seth Harding responds to a shots fired call, the last thing he expects is to find a child chained in the basement and his seeming kidnappers murdered in their bed. But, who is the child? But rescuing from his, now deceased, kidnappers is just the beginning, the child is still in danger and by helping him Seth is also putting his own family in the line of fire.Melinda Leigh is fast becoming an auto-buy author for me, every book of hers that I have read I have really enjoyed and Twisted Truth is no exception. It is a novella and the start of the Rogue Justice series, with a different author writing the second book. I haven’t read any of Leigh’s back list, however, I get the impression that these will be characters that you have seen before. However, although this has prompted me to try and find which particular book they are from, it didn’t take away from my understanding nor enjoyment of this book.
What I liked about this book was that Leigh managed to create fantastic atmosphere in a very short space of time. This book is set in a small town and it is becoming increasingly isolated as a big storm is coming in, cutting the characters off from assistance. It all adds to the sense of urgency and danger created by the discovery of the murders and the child. As the book goes on you discover some answers…only it just leaves you with more questions. Questions that I hope will be answered in the next novella written by a new author to me, Kendra Elliot.
This was a great launch into the Rogue Justice series, not only does Leigh create a great atmosphere, but a brief glimpse into these characters lives has got me intrigued enough that I will be looking for more.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
September 18, 2022
I struggle to find new mystery series and I thought I would try this author again since she has so many books out. This was only an ok story. I hadn’t realized that this was part of a longer series but by the end I had no interest in finding out more about the characters or the partially solved mystery. The only reason I finished it was to see what happens with the mystery so that was disappointing that I was left still wondering. I am not continuing to find out. I guess I am not the audience for this author.
December 10, 2017
Disappointed
This book was simply too short. Relevant details were merely glossed over. It made for an overly predictable and cliche read. At least it was offered as a kindle unlimited.
This book was simply too short. Relevant details were merely glossed over. It made for an overly predictable and cliche read. At least it was offered as a kindle unlimited.
December 26, 2017
2.5 stars
Melinda Leigh just isn't for me it seams.
May 27, 2021
Very enjoyable start to the start of this series.
October 4, 2017
With this addition to the spine tingling Rogue series, I just want more and more! Small, close knit town, a large loving family and Prince Eric 🐐 this title makes a great addition to the series! Thank you Melinda and Netgalley for the advance read! *on to Kendra's now!
July 10, 2018
2.25 stars.
Another solid read featuring any interesting mystery and wonderful main couple.
Another solid read featuring any interesting mystery and wonderful main couple.
July 4, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1636739475i%2F5520447._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 12, 2017
4 stars!
*
Twisted Truth is a short and suspenseful novella that packs quite an emotional punch. With a fast pace and developed characters, this romantic suspense story is rather light on the romance but has a tense and eerie atmosphere. The beginning hooks you right in, and the execution of the plot is intriguing and well done.
Melinda Leigh sets up the beginning of a really interesting story. The writing is good and very easy to get into, as it keeps you on your toes and trying to figure out what is going on. The twists are a bit predictable, but this novella is still very entertaining and a fast read.
I took a chance reading this. I was looking for a short mystery to keep me occupied during an afternoon, and I stumbled upon this on Goodreads — and I’m so glad I took a chance. This is a short but very well-written story. The concept is new and well executed, and Leigh does a wonderful job introducing this new series with this novella.
Seth and Carly are wonderful narrators. They have very distinct voices and are layered characters. We get a few glimpses of their lives before this moment, which only add depth to their stories. I love that they are a married couple, in love and supportive of each other. This novella is very light on the romance element, but it still gives us some sweet moments between the two to balance with the darker scenes throughout.
Even the side characters are well-developed and interesting. This makes it easier to connect with them, which in turn only makes the story more enjoyable. Combined with the suspense plot, the novella ends up being a delight to read.
In the end, Twisted Truth is a hidden gem of a story. The characters are the highlight of the story, the fast pace keeps things entertaining, and the suspense is tense and well done for the most part. I’m looking forward to whatever comes next!
*
Series: #1 in the Rough Justice series.
POV: Told from Seth and Carly’s POVs.
Content Warnings:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
Up Next: Truth Be Told.
*
Twisted Truth is a short and suspenseful novella that packs quite an emotional punch. With a fast pace and developed characters, this romantic suspense story is rather light on the romance but has a tense and eerie atmosphere. The beginning hooks you right in, and the execution of the plot is intriguing and well done.
Melinda Leigh sets up the beginning of a really interesting story. The writing is good and very easy to get into, as it keeps you on your toes and trying to figure out what is going on. The twists are a bit predictable, but this novella is still very entertaining and a fast read.
I took a chance reading this. I was looking for a short mystery to keep me occupied during an afternoon, and I stumbled upon this on Goodreads — and I’m so glad I took a chance. This is a short but very well-written story. The concept is new and well executed, and Leigh does a wonderful job introducing this new series with this novella.
Seth and Carly are wonderful narrators. They have very distinct voices and are layered characters. We get a few glimpses of their lives before this moment, which only add depth to their stories. I love that they are a married couple, in love and supportive of each other. This novella is very light on the romance element, but it still gives us some sweet moments between the two to balance with the darker scenes throughout.
Even the side characters are well-developed and interesting. This makes it easier to connect with them, which in turn only makes the story more enjoyable. Combined with the suspense plot, the novella ends up being a delight to read.
In the end, Twisted Truth is a hidden gem of a story. The characters are the highlight of the story, the fast pace keeps things entertaining, and the suspense is tense and well done for the most part. I’m looking forward to whatever comes next!
*
Series: #1 in the Rough Justice series.
POV: Told from Seth and Carly’s POVs.
Content Warnings:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
Up Next: Truth Be Told.
October 23, 2018
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I enjoy these novellas written by Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot. This is a short, quick story that I listened to in just under two hours. The book opens with shots fired. Detective Seth Harding is called to the scene of a double homicide where a young couple has been killed in their bedroom. The even more shocking situation is finding a young boy chained in the basement. He does not speak and is scared to death. When he is cut loose, Seth calls his wife Carly, a social worker, to come and get the young boy.
Who is the young boy? Were his parents the murder victims? Why was he chained up in the basement? A lot of questions with no answers. Can they solve the murder and find family to take the boy home? Will they be able to help him get over his terror? While all this is going on, there is a torrential storm with flooding everywhere, it is going to be a long night.
This is a short read, fast-paced, and packed with action. The setting of the small town with the rain storms set a mood of suspense and darkness. These characters have been introduced in the Rogue Series, but you do not have to have read that series to enjoy this quick read. I have not, but might go back and read them as I seem to be on a Melinda Leigh/Kendra Elliot kick right now. I am looking forward to Truth Be told, the second book in this novella series. Once again, I enjoyed the read/listen feature on Kindle Unlimited that allowed me to listen to this book while following along with the text.
Who is the young boy? Were his parents the murder victims? Why was he chained up in the basement? A lot of questions with no answers. Can they solve the murder and find family to take the boy home? Will they be able to help him get over his terror? While all this is going on, there is a torrential storm with flooding everywhere, it is going to be a long night.
This is a short read, fast-paced, and packed with action. The setting of the small town with the rain storms set a mood of suspense and darkness. These characters have been introduced in the Rogue Series, but you do not have to have read that series to enjoy this quick read. I have not, but might go back and read them as I seem to be on a Melinda Leigh/Kendra Elliot kick right now. I am looking forward to Truth Be told, the second book in this novella series. Once again, I enjoyed the read/listen feature on Kindle Unlimited that allowed me to listen to this book while following along with the text.
November 4, 2017
It’s wonderful to re-visit the little town of Solitude, and visit with Seth Harding and his wife Carly, but then death and evil never rest and so neither does Seth and his team and Carly.
Responding to a double homicide and finding a child chained in the basement is not something Seth was looking forward to. More than ever, bringing Carly in to help with the child is just as painful, with Carly recovering from a trauma. But justice never rests, and where a child is involved, Carly will move heaven and earth to protect the child and get to the bottom of the deaths of two who are not even the child’s parents. As the case becomes complex, so does the danger surrounding their family and team. With death shooting bullets at them, Seth and Carly have to work together to outwit death and save their family.
Another adrenaline pumping short novella, entwining an intriguing plots along with Seth and Carly’s new life, their daughter, mother and their farm. It’s nice to see the after of Seth’s and Carly’s fragile relationship and the inroads they have made after reconciling, and reading about the supporting casts, always makes it extra special.
“Twisted Truth” is book one of the Rogue Justice Novellas, and co-written by Melinda Leigh (Book #1) and Book #2 will follow written by Kendra Elliot. Brilliant at what she does best, writing romantic suspense keeping her readers enthralled, Melinda Leigh pens another thrilling story around Seth and Carly.
Received an ARC from Montlake Romance via Net Galley for an honest review.
Responding to a double homicide and finding a child chained in the basement is not something Seth was looking forward to. More than ever, bringing Carly in to help with the child is just as painful, with Carly recovering from a trauma. But justice never rests, and where a child is involved, Carly will move heaven and earth to protect the child and get to the bottom of the deaths of two who are not even the child’s parents. As the case becomes complex, so does the danger surrounding their family and team. With death shooting bullets at them, Seth and Carly have to work together to outwit death and save their family.
Another adrenaline pumping short novella, entwining an intriguing plots along with Seth and Carly’s new life, their daughter, mother and their farm. It’s nice to see the after of Seth’s and Carly’s fragile relationship and the inroads they have made after reconciling, and reading about the supporting casts, always makes it extra special.
“Twisted Truth” is book one of the Rogue Justice Novellas, and co-written by Melinda Leigh (Book #1) and Book #2 will follow written by Kendra Elliot. Brilliant at what she does best, writing romantic suspense keeping her readers enthralled, Melinda Leigh pens another thrilling story around Seth and Carly.
Received an ARC from Montlake Romance via Net Galley for an honest review.
November 27, 2017
This novella is the first part of a two part collaboration with Kendra Elliott, a continuation of the Rogue River/Solitude Oregan characters. Detective Seth Harding responds to a possible shots fired call and makes a gruesome discovery of two people gunned down as they slept. Upon further search, they are horrified to find a young boy chained up in the basement. Seth calls in his wife Carly, a CPS worker, to take care of the terrified boy. Carly is suffering her own trauma from a case that ended very badly a month ago, but knows she cannot leave the boy. She sees the boy has bonded with her brother Bruce, a rookie officer, and is compelled to find a way to help him. A monster storm has hit Solitude and the torrential rains have washed out many roads and bridges forcing Carly to take the boy home with her and possibly endangering her own family. This book alternates between Seth and Carly's POV, providing similar but unique aspects to the story. The story was well written and suspenseful, and surprisingly detailed for a novella. My only concern was that at the end I felt there were some unanswered questions, and it was at that point that I understood the story would continue in Truth Be Told. Looking forward to reading it as well.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an opportunity to provide a review.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an opportunity to provide a review.
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