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Mercy Harbor Thriller #1
The River Girls
WHO’S KILLING THE GIRLS OF WILLOW BAY?
When the body of a missing girl washes up on the banks of the Willow River, the killing is linked to two cold case murders, and the investigation must uncover the twisted motive of a serial killer before he kills again.
Still reeling after her sister’s brutal murder, grief-stricken Eden Winthrop has returned to Willow Bay, where she runs the Mercy Harbor Foundation, a safe haven for victims of violence.
When a teenage trafficking victim disappears from a shelter run by her foundation, Eden is drawn into the search for the sadistic killer. The hunt becomes personal when Eden's niece is abducted just as the body of yet another victim is discovered in a local river.
In a desperate effort to save her niece, Eden must partner with the small-town police force that had failed to save her sister. And to catch the killer, she realizes she must trust the one man she vowed to never forgive and summon the strength to face her deepest fears.
The gripping first book in the page-turning Mercy Harbor Thriller Series will keep you up at night.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
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503 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 26, 2019
Mercy Harbor Thriller book #1
Who’s killing the girls of Willow Bay?
Eden Winthrop, the key player, runs “Mercy”, a shelter for abuse women in honor of her sister whose life was taken prematurely. She has been blaming herself ever since her sister died for not protecting her. So when a troubled teen showed up at the shelter, then disappeared she made it her mission to find her……But when a friend of the teen turned up dead in the Willow River the search turned out to be another ball game……
It opens with a murder in progress. The killer think he is saving his victims from sex and drug trafficking and from police corruption. There on we have more murders, lots of violence, domestic abuse and an investigation that uncovers that the latest Willow River killing is linked to two cold cases murders and the twisted motive of a serial killer.
This is definitely a page-turner and a real nail biter of a thriller. Intense and emotion packed from the opening and never let go. We have lots of twists and turns to keep us on our toes and as it smoothly progresses to its conclusion it is hard to pin point the whodunit till reaching the few last chapters. The main character is a mess and plays her part beautifully as a woman who suffers from PTSD. We have other interesting characters such as the Detective who is in charge of the cases and the lawyer who had defended Eden sister’s killer plays a very important role… it doesn’t stop there we also have seedy characters and violent pimp with his sidekick there helping to move this captivating thriller along.
What a great job the author did with the presentation, the narration, the dialogue, of course the plot and the entertaining characters. Well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Who’s killing the girls of Willow Bay?
Eden Winthrop, the key player, runs “Mercy”, a shelter for abuse women in honor of her sister whose life was taken prematurely. She has been blaming herself ever since her sister died for not protecting her. So when a troubled teen showed up at the shelter, then disappeared she made it her mission to find her……But when a friend of the teen turned up dead in the Willow River the search turned out to be another ball game……
It opens with a murder in progress. The killer think he is saving his victims from sex and drug trafficking and from police corruption. There on we have more murders, lots of violence, domestic abuse and an investigation that uncovers that the latest Willow River killing is linked to two cold cases murders and the twisted motive of a serial killer.
This is definitely a page-turner and a real nail biter of a thriller. Intense and emotion packed from the opening and never let go. We have lots of twists and turns to keep us on our toes and as it smoothly progresses to its conclusion it is hard to pin point the whodunit till reaching the few last chapters. The main character is a mess and plays her part beautifully as a woman who suffers from PTSD. We have other interesting characters such as the Detective who is in charge of the cases and the lawyer who had defended Eden sister’s killer plays a very important role… it doesn’t stop there we also have seedy characters and violent pimp with his sidekick there helping to move this captivating thriller along.
What a great job the author did with the presentation, the narration, the dialogue, of course the plot and the entertaining characters. Well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2019
The River Girls by Melinda Woodhall is the first book in the Mercy Harbor thriller series. It introduces Eden Winthrop who runs a shelter for abused women in honor of her sister Mercy whose life was snuffed out prematurely. Eden blames herself for her failure to protect her sister, so when a troubled teen showed up at the shelter, then disappeared she made it her duty to locate the girl which led to her filing a missing report. Her desire to help the teen intensified when a friend of the same teen turned up dead in the Willow River. Meanwhile, Detective Nessa Ainsley receives a call from an inmate at the local detention centre who was calling to report her daughter missing. Is this the same girl who came to the shelter or is it the one whose body the police found in the river?
I found this to be an interesting read. The story began with a murder in progress. The villain believes he is trying to save his victims, who comprises young girls who find themselves in unfortunate situations. Besides the missing girls, there was sex and drug trafficking and police corruption.
I thought the author did a good job with character development. I love stories that feature strong female leads and The River Girls delivered in that regard. In this story, we get not one but two strong female leads. I enjoyed getting know both women. Eden appeared fragile, but that was a facade as beneath that fragility lay a woman who was not afraid to face danger to protect not only those she loves, but also women whom she believed were in need of protection. Detective was no pushover. As the only female in her unit, she had many male egos to contend with, but she held her own.
The secondary characters who helped in solving the case as the villains helped to stir things up and made for some interesting moments.
I thought the mystery was well done. There were several plot threads, and the author did a great job in tying them together to make for a suspenseful and mysterious ride. This is one of those mysteries, which keeps you guessing, and then things begin to slowly unravel to all the pieces fit together.
Narration
The narration was ok, but it did not blow me away. I was not a big fan of the accent used for detective Ainsley. She sounded too much like Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer, which I found annoying. Her other voices were ok; however there were some instances of mispronunciation. Thankfully, these occurrences were few.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, the mystery satisfied me, and I am glad I got the chance to read it.
I found this to be an interesting read. The story began with a murder in progress. The villain believes he is trying to save his victims, who comprises young girls who find themselves in unfortunate situations. Besides the missing girls, there was sex and drug trafficking and police corruption.
I thought the author did a good job with character development. I love stories that feature strong female leads and The River Girls delivered in that regard. In this story, we get not one but two strong female leads. I enjoyed getting know both women. Eden appeared fragile, but that was a facade as beneath that fragility lay a woman who was not afraid to face danger to protect not only those she loves, but also women whom she believed were in need of protection. Detective was no pushover. As the only female in her unit, she had many male egos to contend with, but she held her own.
The secondary characters who helped in solving the case as the villains helped to stir things up and made for some interesting moments.
I thought the mystery was well done. There were several plot threads, and the author did a great job in tying them together to make for a suspenseful and mysterious ride. This is one of those mysteries, which keeps you guessing, and then things begin to slowly unravel to all the pieces fit together.
Narration
The narration was ok, but it did not blow me away. I was not a big fan of the accent used for detective Ainsley. She sounded too much like Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer, which I found annoying. Her other voices were ok; however there were some instances of mispronunciation. Thankfully, these occurrences were few.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, the mystery satisfied me, and I am glad I got the chance to read it.
June 7, 2019
3.5 Stars
At a rundown seedy motel, he sneaks into a particular room. She's sick, she needs a fix. Someone has abducted her and is holding her, along with several other women, at their mercy .. keeping her doped up until they ship her far away.
He wants to help this girl ... to save her. And when he's done saving her, he dumps her body into the cold, dark, dirty river.
This is not the first time he has saved someone ... nor will it be the last.
Detective Nessa Ainsley is called by an inmate in the local detention center from a woman who says her daughter is missing. This makes two missing women .. the other reported as missing by Eden Winthrop, founder of Mercy Harbor, a woman's shelter.
When a body turns up on the shore of the river, Nessa knows it is probably one of the two missing women. Are they connected to a previous unsolved case .. another young woman found in the river.
Who's killing the women of Willow Bay ... and why? And who's next?
This is a solidly written mystery with memorable characters. Nessa is the only female detective and often is ignored by her colleagues.
Eden Winthrop is a woman who suffers from PTSD and extreme anxiety arising from her sister's death from domestic violence. Not only has she adopted her nieve and nephew, she founded Mercy Harbor, a shelter named after her sister, a shelter for abused women and their children.
I felt that Eden's health issues, while important to the story, was used as a battering ram. It seemed that every chapter held several pages describing her symptoms over and over and over again.
Trigger warnings include sexual assault, domestic violence, kidnapping, murder, human trafficking, forcible use of illegal drugs.
This is the first book in a 2-book series.
Many thanks to the author / BookSirens for the digital copy of this suspenseful mystery. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
At a rundown seedy motel, he sneaks into a particular room. She's sick, she needs a fix. Someone has abducted her and is holding her, along with several other women, at their mercy .. keeping her doped up until they ship her far away.
He wants to help this girl ... to save her. And when he's done saving her, he dumps her body into the cold, dark, dirty river.
This is not the first time he has saved someone ... nor will it be the last.
Detective Nessa Ainsley is called by an inmate in the local detention center from a woman who says her daughter is missing. This makes two missing women .. the other reported as missing by Eden Winthrop, founder of Mercy Harbor, a woman's shelter.
When a body turns up on the shore of the river, Nessa knows it is probably one of the two missing women. Are they connected to a previous unsolved case .. another young woman found in the river.
Who's killing the women of Willow Bay ... and why? And who's next?
This is a solidly written mystery with memorable characters. Nessa is the only female detective and often is ignored by her colleagues.
Eden Winthrop is a woman who suffers from PTSD and extreme anxiety arising from her sister's death from domestic violence. Not only has she adopted her nieve and nephew, she founded Mercy Harbor, a shelter named after her sister, a shelter for abused women and their children.
I felt that Eden's health issues, while important to the story, was used as a battering ram. It seemed that every chapter held several pages describing her symptoms over and over and over again.
Trigger warnings include sexual assault, domestic violence, kidnapping, murder, human trafficking, forcible use of illegal drugs.
This is the first book in a 2-book series.
Many thanks to the author / BookSirens for the digital copy of this suspenseful mystery. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 28, 2020
The River Girls by Melinda Woodall
This is the first book in this series and the first I have read from this author. There is alot going on with this story and all the players, it held my attention and kept me invested, overall a good book and story that I am happy I had the chance to read. Thank you to the Author, the Publishers and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this and leave my opinion.
This is the first book in this series and the first I have read from this author. There is alot going on with this story and all the players, it held my attention and kept me invested, overall a good book and story that I am happy I had the chance to read. Thank you to the Author, the Publishers and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this and leave my opinion.
December 18, 2019
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank BookSirens and the author for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Second, I have to warn readers of the potential triggers that you will find in this book. There is discussion of sex trafficking, murder, violence, domestic abuse, and drug use. This may be distressing for some readers.
Eden Winthrop has faced immense trauma, finding her younger sister's lifeless body after she was killed in a murder-suicide by her abusive husband. Although she is still haunted and grieving, she is determined to help other women in similar situations and establishes a network of safehouses.
She struggles daily with anxiety and has an emotional support dog who never leaves her side. His presence calms her nerves enough to help her stay off the prescription medications she was once reliant upon. I found that Melinda Woodhall wrote Eden's character beautifully. It is frustrating when a character is weak, but Eden is far from weak. Despite her horrific past, and despite her crippling anxiety, she refuses to stand by while women and children are abused at the hands of their partners or sex traffickers. Woodhall demonstrates how integral an emotional support dog's presence is to normal daily functioning for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
When a teenage girl arrives at one of Eden's safehouses, but promptly disappears, Eden knows this girl is in imminent danger and is compelled to find her. When not one girl, but two, are found dead near the river, killed by strangulation, her determination grows to return this girl safely home. She enlists the help of her sworn enemy—the defense attorney who was responsible for her sister's husband being released, leading to her sister's murder—because despite everything, he may be the only person who can lead her to the truth.
This book was an amazing read and I am so eager to dive into the next book in the series, Girl Eight!
First, I would like to thank BookSirens and the author for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Second, I have to warn readers of the potential triggers that you will find in this book. There is discussion of sex trafficking, murder, violence, domestic abuse, and drug use. This may be distressing for some readers.
Eden Winthrop has faced immense trauma, finding her younger sister's lifeless body after she was killed in a murder-suicide by her abusive husband. Although she is still haunted and grieving, she is determined to help other women in similar situations and establishes a network of safehouses.
She struggles daily with anxiety and has an emotional support dog who never leaves her side. His presence calms her nerves enough to help her stay off the prescription medications she was once reliant upon. I found that Melinda Woodhall wrote Eden's character beautifully. It is frustrating when a character is weak, but Eden is far from weak. Despite her horrific past, and despite her crippling anxiety, she refuses to stand by while women and children are abused at the hands of their partners or sex traffickers. Woodhall demonstrates how integral an emotional support dog's presence is to normal daily functioning for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
When a teenage girl arrives at one of Eden's safehouses, but promptly disappears, Eden knows this girl is in imminent danger and is compelled to find her. When not one girl, but two, are found dead near the river, killed by strangulation, her determination grows to return this girl safely home. She enlists the help of her sworn enemy—the defense attorney who was responsible for her sister's husband being released, leading to her sister's murder—because despite everything, he may be the only person who can lead her to the truth.
This book was an amazing read and I am so eager to dive into the next book in the series, Girl Eight!
April 3, 2019
Firstly, how come I’ve not heard of Melinda Woodhall before? ….I read a lot and hadn’t come across her writing….
So, The River Girls….
Eden Winthrop helps run The Mercy Harbour Foundation in Willow Bay, this is a refuge for women, to help them escape domestic violence. She has some severe anxiety issues stemming from when her sister was killed by her estranged husband and has help from the adorable Duke, a golden retriever…
One night a young girl, Star turns up at the foundation asking for help. Eden goes against protocol and lets her in, but then she runs away…
Soon after a young girls body is found in the river….is this Star? Or something more sinister at work……?
What follows is an intense, emotion packed, twisty thriller….with some great characters in Hollywood, the seedy, violent,drug addicted pimp, his sidekick Vinny and of course the lawyer, Leo Steele….a possible budding romance with Eden??
Wonderfully immersive writing from Melinda Woodhall….in this real nail biter of a thriller….I will be looking out for more of her writing in future that’s for sure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So, The River Girls….
Eden Winthrop helps run The Mercy Harbour Foundation in Willow Bay, this is a refuge for women, to help them escape domestic violence. She has some severe anxiety issues stemming from when her sister was killed by her estranged husband and has help from the adorable Duke, a golden retriever…
One night a young girl, Star turns up at the foundation asking for help. Eden goes against protocol and lets her in, but then she runs away…
Soon after a young girls body is found in the river….is this Star? Or something more sinister at work……?
What follows is an intense, emotion packed, twisty thriller….with some great characters in Hollywood, the seedy, violent,drug addicted pimp, his sidekick Vinny and of course the lawyer, Leo Steele….a possible budding romance with Eden??
Wonderfully immersive writing from Melinda Woodhall….in this real nail biter of a thriller….I will be looking out for more of her writing in future that’s for sure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2019
Thank you to the author for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this thriller. Draws you in from the 1st chapter and keeps you guessing throughout. Good character development as well. Story is told both from inside the mind of the killer and from those trying to solve the crime. Might even be a little romance blossoming between the main characters that I’m eager to see if the author further develops in book two of this series. The second book in the Mercy Harbor Thriller series has already been released and I plan to put it on my “Want to Read” list. Melinda Woodhall is a talented new voice in the thriller/suspense genre, enjoyed her writing!
I really liked this thriller. Draws you in from the 1st chapter and keeps you guessing throughout. Good character development as well. Story is told both from inside the mind of the killer and from those trying to solve the crime. Might even be a little romance blossoming between the main characters that I’m eager to see if the author further develops in book two of this series. The second book in the Mercy Harbor Thriller series has already been released and I plan to put it on my “Want to Read” list. Melinda Woodhall is a talented new voice in the thriller/suspense genre, enjoyed her writing!
July 28, 2019
First time reading this author but would definitely read her works again. In fact, I will be placing her in my favorites list along with authors with Harlan Coban and Tami Hoag. It's that good!! Fast paced unpredictable police, mystery thriller that will keep you turning pages. Characters are realistic, believable and interesting. There is a little blood and gore but not excessive and it is pertinent to the story. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. It has an ending but a few threads are left that could easily lead to a series. No 'book report' from me, the jacket cover gives adequate information. Read and enjoy!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Book Sirens for the advanced review copy. I received this book for free in exchange for a voluntary unbiased review.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Book Sirens for the advanced review copy. I received this book for free in exchange for a voluntary unbiased review.
June 15, 2019
This is my first reading of Melinda Woodhall and it’s actually the start of a new series so I’m thrilled to find an interesting author with more to come! A timely story of domestic violence and how it always strikes close to home when never expected. Eden, our unlikely protagonist is anxiety ridden over the murder of her sister and after opening a women’s shelter becomes involved in a car and mouse game with a killer. Full of twists, I kept reading and urged on Eden to overcome her fears and avenge a family members murder. Recommended! I received an advance review copy and leaving this review voluntarily.
November 25, 2018
I'm honestly not sure how I found this series, as it was less popular than I expected. Luckily, it was something that kept me dissolved in while my 2-year old caused a fit!
The exposition was slightly difficult to visualize, and that's my only big criticism. Perhaps because I'm still getting used to switching from paperbacks to my Kindle! Also, I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Eden and Leo progress, as well as their individual character arcs throughout the first novel.
Overall, it's a little fast-paced, but I would recommend it to other readers.
I'll be patiently waiting for the sequel. ;-)
xoxo,
Madison
The exposition was slightly difficult to visualize, and that's my only big criticism. Perhaps because I'm still getting used to switching from paperbacks to my Kindle! Also, I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Eden and Leo progress, as well as their individual character arcs throughout the first novel.
Overall, it's a little fast-paced, but I would recommend it to other readers.
I'll be patiently waiting for the sequel. ;-)
xoxo,
Madison
May 21, 2019
I'm so glad I stumbled across this title.
I love thrillers, and following and author's story down dark, twisty paths (or rivers).
This book was very dark and twisty.
Following an anxiety ridden Eden while she tries to get justice and find a lost runaway, readers are catapulted into a story full of secrets at every turn, leaving you questioning who to trust.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love thrillers, and following and author's story down dark, twisty paths (or rivers).
This book was very dark and twisty.
Following an anxiety ridden Eden while she tries to get justice and find a lost runaway, readers are catapulted into a story full of secrets at every turn, leaving you questioning who to trust.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2019
I loved this book. It was suspenseful and heartbreaking from the first page to the last page. I recommend it to readers who enjoy twists and tears. I am looking forward to Book 2.
March 29, 2019
This is a real thriller! Definitely kept me up reading and turning pages. Finished in two days (and nights)! Already starting book two in the series...
September 28, 2020
Great start to a series! There are trigger warnings for drug abuse, physical abuse, organized crime, and rape. The main character, Eden Winthrop, pulls at your heartstrings as you find out what she has gone through in life and how she is making that tough situation work for her by giving back to others. She needs help from the small town police force in finding a missing person and becomes involved in more than she expected to happen as well as developed some relationships that she would never have considered before all of this. The twists and turns of this story definitely kept my attention. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and author and the BookSirens website.
August 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It has twists and a few surprises. Looking forward to the next book in the series to come out.
May 10, 2019
Thank you to BookSirens and Creative Manolia Publishing for the free advanced reader’s copy of The River Girls by Melinda Woodhall.
Wow. Just… wow. I’ve never heard of Melinda Woodhall but I’m so glad I know who she is now. This book had me hooked from the first page. Eden, the anxiety riddled, strong willed and brave main character, finds herself helping a young girl that brings a lot of trouble and new friends her way.
I couldn’t put this book down. It made me anxious and nervous for all of the characters and had my heart racing more than once.
While I highly recommend this thriller, are a lot of trigger warnings: language, death, drugs, sexual assault, kidnapping, murder, human trafficking, overdose.
Wow. Just… wow. I’ve never heard of Melinda Woodhall but I’m so glad I know who she is now. This book had me hooked from the first page. Eden, the anxiety riddled, strong willed and brave main character, finds herself helping a young girl that brings a lot of trouble and new friends her way.
I couldn’t put this book down. It made me anxious and nervous for all of the characters and had my heart racing more than once.
While I highly recommend this thriller, are a lot of trigger warnings: language, death, drugs, sexual assault, kidnapping, murder, human trafficking, overdose.
May 26, 2019
Eden Winthrop's sister was murdered. The police never did find the person responsible for the killing. Eden moves back to Willow Bay to open up a safe haven for victims of violence, The Mercy Harbor Foundation. When a teenager is missing from one of the places the foundation is running, Eden puts herself in the middle of it all to find the girl. While doing so, she has to trust the one man she said she would never trust, the policeman who never found her sister's killer. Now she has placed herself in the sites of the killer. Will she be able to survive? You will have to read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from BookSirens.
March 5, 2025
Not a smooth read
The plot was great but the story was choppy. I kept skipping over some of the parts that seemed boring and repetitive. Too many characters were thrown at you and it was a little confusing. The story about a serial killer who thought he was saving.the girls he.killed was interesting but.not fully fleshed out. I mean kudos to the author for.sure. it just needs a little fine tuning to.make the story flow and.obviously.she's got.tons.of books out there so she's doing something.write..i.admire that there was just something a little.bit.off. but.i.will continue.to read her for.sure.
The plot was great but the story was choppy. I kept skipping over some of the parts that seemed boring and repetitive. Too many characters were thrown at you and it was a little confusing. The story about a serial killer who thought he was saving.the girls he.killed was interesting but.not fully fleshed out. I mean kudos to the author for.sure. it just needs a little fine tuning to.make the story flow and.obviously.she's got.tons.of books out there so she's doing something.write..i.admire that there was just something a little.bit.off. but.i.will continue.to read her for.sure.
January 14, 2019
Wow! Without giving away any spoilers, this book was an exhilarating read from start to finish! I’m not the most avid of readers, but I was glued to the book until I finished it. Eden was a great character and proves that difficult situations can be overcome! Duke, the emotional support dog, had a great calming effect, even through some turbulence. All in all, a must read. Grateful to have found this gem, looking forward to the sequel or any other books by this author! Kudos to you Melinda Woodhall!
June 6, 2020
I received an advanced copy via booksirens, this review is voluntary
The story follows several characters as they investigate the murder of women. We have our standard good character, the main protagonist Eden , whom is driven by the murder of her sister to help innocent women seek shelter from their abusers. We also have several cop characters and lawyers that are part of that investigation.
What I liked :
- A number of characters to follow - different perspectives
- A nice interesting atmosphere
- Realistic and thought provoking - learned a bit more about girls going missing, some issues they could be facing e.c.t
What I would have liked :
- The story is pretty slow paced
- I wanted it to have a bit more suspense
- Maybe something like a character reference/ glossary for the characters in this story? It would have helped me a bit more
I received an advanced copy via booksirens, this review is voluntary
The story follows several characters as they investigate the murder of women. We have our standard good character, the main protagonist Eden , whom is driven by the murder of her sister to help innocent women seek shelter from their abusers. We also have several cop characters and lawyers that are part of that investigation.
What I liked :
- A number of characters to follow - different perspectives
- A nice interesting atmosphere
- Realistic and thought provoking - learned a bit more about girls going missing, some issues they could be facing e.c.t
What I would have liked :
- The story is pretty slow paced
- I wanted it to have a bit more suspense
- Maybe something like a character reference/ glossary for the characters in this story? It would have helped me a bit more
I received an advanced copy via booksirens, this review is voluntary
February 10, 2021
I just love reading books by Melanie Woodhall it is such a great series. I have however read these out of order so started with the next series before reading this set of books so this fills in the blanks for me. The characters are very well crafted and developed and the crime/story believable. The loose ends were tied up for me by the end as whilst reading the book I had questions but these were all resolved.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2020
***½
A good, solid, light, "middle-of-the-road" thriller. By "middle-of-the-road" I mean it's in between bland on one end of the continuum and extremely dark and violent on the other end (like a lot of Scandi noir is). THE RIVER GIRLS is in the middle of that so it doesn't avoid the darkness but it does pull back from excessive detail when it comes to violence and mistreatment of people. This is not a criticism -- just a statement of how I see the content. This will suit those who want a good story without unnecessary blood and gore.
I enjoyed THE RIVER GIRLS. It was well written with good pace and plotting. What stands out is the focus on women characters and the issues around violence that many women are subjected to. The characters also deal with issues in their personal lives such as mental health issues that are often not dealt with well in fiction.
Overall, an entertaining, enjoyable, thoughtful story.
** I RECEIVED A FREE REVIEW COPY FROM BOOK SIRENS IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW, AND I AM LEAVING THIS REVIEW VOLUNTARILY.
A good, solid, light, "middle-of-the-road" thriller. By "middle-of-the-road" I mean it's in between bland on one end of the continuum and extremely dark and violent on the other end (like a lot of Scandi noir is). THE RIVER GIRLS is in the middle of that so it doesn't avoid the darkness but it does pull back from excessive detail when it comes to violence and mistreatment of people. This is not a criticism -- just a statement of how I see the content. This will suit those who want a good story without unnecessary blood and gore.
I enjoyed THE RIVER GIRLS. It was well written with good pace and plotting. What stands out is the focus on women characters and the issues around violence that many women are subjected to. The characters also deal with issues in their personal lives such as mental health issues that are often not dealt with well in fiction.
Overall, an entertaining, enjoyable, thoughtful story.
** I RECEIVED A FREE REVIEW COPY FROM BOOK SIRENS IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW, AND I AM LEAVING THIS REVIEW VOLUNTARILY.
November 3, 2021
What a way to kick off a new series!! It was action packed right from the start and with each new twist the suspense level just kept growing & growing. And it all came together in a jaw dropping ending.
December 30, 2018
Good story
Wish the story had been further developed rather than focusing on Eden appearing as a victim in need of rescuing. To much focus on the two extremely handsome men drawn to her helplessness. Would have liked Tessas character filled in rather than reading about how focused the lawyer & cop were on Eden. Ughhh
Wish the story had been further developed rather than focusing on Eden appearing as a victim in need of rescuing. To much focus on the two extremely handsome men drawn to her helplessness. Would have liked Tessas character filled in rather than reading about how focused the lawyer & cop were on Eden. Ughhh
April 19, 2019
How love can overcome evil in the world
Five star beautiful written how much determination can change the love of family who has faced evil and people who wants.to make a difference
Five star beautiful written how much determination can change the love of family who has faced evil and people who wants.to make a difference
October 5, 2023
Wonderfully written crime novel - one of the best I've read in a long time! Great characters and great plot. Full of twists and turns. The bad guys get their due and the good guys finally prevail. Loved it!
June 27, 2019
This was a fast paced book that grabbed me from the first page! I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in the series. Thanks to BookSirens for the free copy
March 13, 2019
This book has lots of twists and turns, which I loved. Just when I thought I had it all figured out... I didn't. Love a book that keeps you on your toes. I thought that Melinda Woodhall did an excellent job in character development. You really feel for the anxiety that Eden, the main character, has from tragic events that happened to her in the past. I look forward to reading more from her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2018
What a cracker of a story!!!
I think Melinda Woodhall has written a gem of a book. I liked the characters especially Eden and Leo. I hope there are many books to come.
I think Melinda Woodhall has written a gem of a book. I liked the characters especially Eden and Leo. I hope there are many books to come.
June 8, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens.
I almost wish I could rate this book twice. The first half took me so long to read, and I just couldn't get into it. The second half flowed much better and kept my interest until the ending.
I like the characters of Nessa, Leo, and Jankowski. I am not too sure of Eden. The level of panic and anxiety she displayed just didn't seem believable. Don't get me wrong-- panic disorders can be debilitating. I just don't know anyone with that level of panic disorder who is able to run a successful foundation, raise to kids, and appear elegant and put together every day. I also don't like how authors always have a strong man on hand to comfort a needy woman. With her accomplishments and the things that she did for her niece and nephew, Eden must have some steel inside of her, but the focus instead was on her panic attacks.
I am intrigued enough about Leo's mother to want to read the next book.
I almost wish I could rate this book twice. The first half took me so long to read, and I just couldn't get into it. The second half flowed much better and kept my interest until the ending.
I like the characters of Nessa, Leo, and Jankowski. I am not too sure of Eden. The level of panic and anxiety she displayed just didn't seem believable. Don't get me wrong-- panic disorders can be debilitating. I just don't know anyone with that level of panic disorder who is able to run a successful foundation, raise to kids, and appear elegant and put together every day. I also don't like how authors always have a strong man on hand to comfort a needy woman. With her accomplishments and the things that she did for her niece and nephew, Eden must have some steel inside of her, but the focus instead was on her panic attacks.
I am intrigued enough about Leo's mother to want to read the next book.
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