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The Keepers #3
Dead Little Darlings
For twenty-five years, the mystery of the missing Darling sisters has gone unsolved. Now it’s time for answers…
Traumatized as a child when she witnessed a grisly murder, Marilyn Ellis kept silent for fear she and her mother would become targets of a cold-blooded killer.
But guilt and nightmares have plagued her ever since that stormy night. Her silence allowed a predator to go free, a predator who may have killed others.
A predator who may be on the hunt again.
As a topnotch investigative reporter, she will do anything to find the answers, including using her ruggedly sexy lover, Detective Ryker Brocket, for information.
She and Ryker make a good team in and out of bed. But can she trust him with her darkest secrets?
Detective Ryker Brocket has devoted his life to solving crimes and chasing killers. Sure, feisty reporter Marilyn Ellis inflames his passion, but he has no time for love.
Then Marilyn becomes the main suspect in one of his high-profile murder cases, and their professional and personal lives collide.
Clues lead them back to the cold case he’s working and the disappearance of the Darling sisters. And even though he’s suspicious of her, he feels compelled to keep her safe.
Then Marilyn becomes the killer’s prime target, and Ryker will risk his life—and his heart—to protect her.
But can he save her from the crazed killer who wants her dead and win her love?
Traumatized as a child when she witnessed a grisly murder, Marilyn Ellis kept silent for fear she and her mother would become targets of a cold-blooded killer.
But guilt and nightmares have plagued her ever since that stormy night. Her silence allowed a predator to go free, a predator who may have killed others.
A predator who may be on the hunt again.
As a topnotch investigative reporter, she will do anything to find the answers, including using her ruggedly sexy lover, Detective Ryker Brocket, for information.
She and Ryker make a good team in and out of bed. But can she trust him with her darkest secrets?
Detective Ryker Brocket has devoted his life to solving crimes and chasing killers. Sure, feisty reporter Marilyn Ellis inflames his passion, but he has no time for love.
Then Marilyn becomes the main suspect in one of his high-profile murder cases, and their professional and personal lives collide.
Clues lead them back to the cold case he’s working and the disappearance of the Darling sisters. And even though he’s suspicious of her, he feels compelled to keep her safe.
Then Marilyn becomes the killer’s prime target, and Ryker will risk his life—and his heart—to protect her.
But can he save her from the crazed killer who wants her dead and win her love?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2019
636 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Rita Herron
326 books949 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 3, 2019
“They say telling the truth will set you free.” “Some secrets aren’t ours to tell.”
So so good. I’m glad we finally got Marilyn’s story and sort of an understanding of why she did the things she’s done in the past books. We spend time with her and Ryker, and his new partner, who has her own secrets. We learn more about the Punisher, the Darling daughters, and get answers we didn’t know we needed. I can honestly say that this has been my favorite book of the series. It was a little sadder and grittier, but still an amazing read!
So so good. I’m glad we finally got Marilyn’s story and sort of an understanding of why she did the things she’s done in the past books. We spend time with her and Ryker, and his new partner, who has her own secrets. We learn more about the Punisher, the Darling daughters, and get answers we didn’t know we needed. I can honestly say that this has been my favorite book of the series. It was a little sadder and grittier, but still an amazing read!
February 21, 2019
Two women, one a cold case FBI agent and one a tenacious reporter, delve deep into a cold case of 3 sisters that went missing 25 years ago.
The prequel to this book whets your appetite for wanting to know what happened to Deborah, Candace and Polly Darling. By the time you finish this book it's not what you were expecting and the ramifications are far and wide.
For the length of the book the author gave us the story coming from two different directions and when those two points intersected the results were shocking and could have been ripped from the headlines.
The prequel to this book whets your appetite for wanting to know what happened to Deborah, Candace and Polly Darling. By the time you finish this book it's not what you were expecting and the ramifications are far and wide.
For the length of the book the author gave us the story coming from two different directions and when those two points intersected the results were shocking and could have been ripped from the headlines.
September 20, 2019
A page turner.
I’ve really enjoyed reading The Keepers series, and this book was in different. Compared to the other books in the series, it was refreshing and different to see the story as Marilyn (the feisty, hard hitting news editor in the previous books) and learn about what has driven and motivated her to the path she is on. After reading the prequel to this (Keepers 3), the book picked up nicely on the case of The Darling Sisters and made sense with the current present day storylines happening within previous books. It was excellently done in this way. Throughout the story, I kept making my own assumptions and guesses about what was happening and the events, some correct and some not. It’s a real gripping book series and Dead Little Darlings continued in Rita Herrons epic thriller romance books. Definitely worth reading if you are looking for a new series.
I’ve really enjoyed reading The Keepers series, and this book was in different. Compared to the other books in the series, it was refreshing and different to see the story as Marilyn (the feisty, hard hitting news editor in the previous books) and learn about what has driven and motivated her to the path she is on. After reading the prequel to this (Keepers 3), the book picked up nicely on the case of The Darling Sisters and made sense with the current present day storylines happening within previous books. It was excellently done in this way. Throughout the story, I kept making my own assumptions and guesses about what was happening and the events, some correct and some not. It’s a real gripping book series and Dead Little Darlings continued in Rita Herrons epic thriller romance books. Definitely worth reading if you are looking for a new series.
August 3, 2021
Twists and turns
This story had a lot of twists and turns, just how I like my mysteries. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This story had a lot of twists and turns, just how I like my mysteries. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 24, 2024
This was the oldest title I had in KU. I'm trying to work my way through my KU titles a bit.
I've been reading this series. The Keepers are a vigilante force. They are not heavily involved in this case. The main character is a reporter who is dating a cop. An FBI agent comes into town to look into an cold case of missing girls which the reporter is also working.
The reporter has a silly idea that she is responsible for something she saw when she was 6. And she doesn't tell the cop. So they have some ups and downs in their relationship, because each knows they are keeping secrets.
The case is solved with some surprises.
COYER April Mystery RAT
I've been reading this series. The Keepers are a vigilante force. They are not heavily involved in this case. The main character is a reporter who is dating a cop. An FBI agent comes into town to look into an cold case of missing girls which the reporter is also working.
The reporter has a silly idea that she is responsible for something she saw when she was 6. And she doesn't tell the cop. So they have some ups and downs in their relationship, because each knows they are keeping secrets.
The case is solved with some surprises.
COYER April Mystery RAT
July 30, 2019
Well this is the last in the keeper series and I have loved every one of them. This one did not disappoint, the author has the ability to keep me hooked from start to finish. The characters felt real and were easy to identify with. I also found myself routing for them along the way too. I think with it being from Marilyn's point of view, it helped me to realised why she did some of things she did, in the previous books.
If you have read the others I would definitely recommend this for a read.
If you have read the others I would definitely recommend this for a read.
May 14, 2020
This is the last book in the Keepers series...NO that makes me so sad!
I LOVED this book!!!! It has murder, mayhem, LOTS of twists/turns, had me on the edge of my seat turning the pages as fast as I could. Filled with great complex characters (some are really, really evil), which, of course make for a 5 star read.
When a book evokes all of your emotions than you know its worth 5 stars!!!!
GREAT job Rita!!!!
#Marilyn #Ryker #Darlings #Punisher #Almostmademecry
I LOVED this book!!!! It has murder, mayhem, LOTS of twists/turns, had me on the edge of my seat turning the pages as fast as I could. Filled with great complex characters (some are really, really evil), which, of course make for a 5 star read.
When a book evokes all of your emotions than you know its worth 5 stars!!!!
GREAT job Rita!!!!
#Marilyn #Ryker #Darlings #Punisher #Almostmademecry
April 15, 2022
What a heart-wrenching story!!!
This story grabs you by the heart and won't let go! I had started to suspect who the baby was just before it was revealed but the rest of the truth threw me for a loop. How twisted the story was, how many people were hurt, only it shouldn't end here. I hope that there will be one more, to tell the rest of the story! You don't want to miss this one. Highly recommended.
This story grabs you by the heart and won't let go! I had started to suspect who the baby was just before it was revealed but the rest of the truth threw me for a loop. How twisted the story was, how many people were hurt, only it shouldn't end here. I hope that there will be one more, to tell the rest of the story! You don't want to miss this one. Highly recommended.
February 23, 2019
Mystery,suspense,romance
Everything I search for in a series. First couple chapters have you glued to your seat.I loved the characters and the relationships. Of course a strong smart good cop or FBI agent who not only is chasing a killer but has time for romance.I really hope there’s another book the agents story.
Everything I search for in a series. First couple chapters have you glued to your seat.I loved the characters and the relationships. Of course a strong smart good cop or FBI agent who not only is chasing a killer but has time for romance.I really hope there’s another book the agents story.
May 7, 2019
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
Reporter Marilyn is haunted by what she saw when she was just a little girl. Always digging deep to find out the truth. When her story and her past and her lover and a new FBI agent all clash at the same time, she’ll have to do more than dig to get to the truth. Absolutely amazing read! Enjoy!!!
Reporter Marilyn is haunted by what she saw when she was just a little girl. Always digging deep to find out the truth. When her story and her past and her lover and a new FBI agent all clash at the same time, she’ll have to do more than dig to get to the truth. Absolutely amazing read! Enjoy!!!
October 3, 2019
This series just kept getting better and better
I didn’t really care for this character in previous books, but she had a past and digging for the truth was ingrained in her. I think because of the secret she was forced to keep.
Great plot, reoccurring characters and I will be finding more books to read by this fab author.
I didn’t really care for this character in previous books, but she had a past and digging for the truth was ingrained in her. I think because of the secret she was forced to keep.
Great plot, reoccurring characters and I will be finding more books to read by this fab author.
October 21, 2019
Great Series
I really liked the love story between Ryker and Marilyn. The story was a bit too predictable but had enough twists to keep it interesting. I enjoy Rita Herron’s style very much. I listened to the first 2 books on Audible and would have lived to have listened to this one too!
I really liked the love story between Ryker and Marilyn. The story was a bit too predictable but had enough twists to keep it interesting. I enjoy Rita Herron’s style very much. I listened to the first 2 books on Audible and would have lived to have listened to this one too!
November 14, 2019
I really enjoyed reading whole series. Each book was very hard to put down. I liked that each book in the series was told from a different character perspective. After reading Dead Little Darlings, my opinion of Marilyn changed completely.
I would definitely recommend The Keeper series. I hope Rita Herron’s other series are just as well written.
I would definitely recommend The Keeper series. I hope Rita Herron’s other series are just as well written.
March 16, 2022
Yet another great book
This was yet another great book in the series. There were some minor inconsistencies, where names got mixed up, but other than that it was a wonderful read. Great story and thrilling crimes, that made for a very exciting read. I was entertained all the way through. 5 stars.
This was yet another great book in the series. There were some minor inconsistencies, where names got mixed up, but other than that it was a wonderful read. Great story and thrilling crimes, that made for a very exciting read. I was entertained all the way through. 5 stars.
June 24, 2022
Really enjoyed this book, after the disappointment of book 3 little white lies, which as I thought, was a prelude for this book. This storyline made up for the disappointment of book 3. You really don't need to read book 3 to enjoy this book which actually ties up some loose ends. Looking now for another Rita Herron book as am really enjoying this author.
May 2, 2024
I wrote a review for the overall series for the first book. However, I will add that I had a hard time with this book because Marilyn is very unlikable in the first 2 books. I didn't want to read about her as the FMC. Yes, we understand what motivates her by the time this book is over, but it didn't excuse her behavior in the first two books.
February 22, 2019
Read Little Darlings ( The Keepers Book 4) by Rita Herron
An on the edge thriller, non-stop action. Great Detectives and one worthy reporter. You will not guess who done it. Try however the book is well worth it.
An on the edge thriller, non-stop action. Great Detectives and one worthy reporter. You will not guess who done it. Try however the book is well worth it.
February 24, 2019
Good Story
Had me guessing almost to the end. My only complaint was early when mixed up who's diary it was and confused Mr Darling's first name once. I have enjoyed the series so far and hope there's another book.
Had me guessing almost to the end. My only complaint was early when mixed up who's diary it was and confused Mr Darling's first name once. I have enjoyed the series so far and hope there's another book.
February 28, 2019
Dead Little Darlings
As the past books, this was as good as the past in this series. Twist, turns,adventure,action and au love story, and the final twist at the end. A very good read.
As the past books, this was as good as the past in this series. Twist, turns,adventure,action and au love story, and the final twist at the end. A very good read.
March 2, 2019
I enjoy all Rita Herron series, and the Keeper series is one of my favourites. DEAD LITTLE DARLINGS (book #4) full of twist and turns, action, love story, and the final twist at the end, one of the best. Another hit from a wonderful story teller.
March 18, 2019
The Keepers Series
Rita Herron's The Keepers Series is another good series by her to read I had a hard time putting them down while I was reading them and will enjoy reading them again
Rita Herron's The Keepers Series is another good series by her to read I had a hard time putting them down while I was reading them and will enjoy reading them again
May 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, but I feel that the prequel to this book, Little White Lies, would have been better put to use as a prologue for this book and not separated into its own book. I look forward to the next Keepers book.
July 1, 2019
Not very good to me. Many editing errors and typos throughout the book was distracting and took a lot away from it. The story-line was just OK and not that exciting. Could have been so much more. Done with this author.
September 25, 2019
A Rita Herron norm
When you sit down with one of Ms. Herron's books you're sure to be entertained with the right amount of mystery, and a lot of twists to look forward to. Never once have I been disappointed.
When you sit down with one of Ms. Herron's books you're sure to be entertained with the right amount of mystery, and a lot of twists to look forward to. Never once have I been disappointed.
Currently reading
May 2, 2021Skillfully written
I really enjoyed the surprise ending! The story was very skillfully written with twisted strands of information woven throughout. The suspense was perfectly planned and added so much to the story! I hope more is to come.
I really enjoyed the surprise ending! The story was very skillfully written with twisted strands of information woven throughout. The suspense was perfectly planned and added so much to the story! I hope more is to come.
July 11, 2023
Nothing stronger than a mothers love
This book had it all. Dysfunctional families, love, anger, hate and payback. Great ending. I hope to see more on this series of the keepers. Series started drug out, but ended in a bang. Highly recommended.
This book had it all. Dysfunctional families, love, anger, hate and payback. Great ending. I hope to see more on this series of the keepers. Series started drug out, but ended in a bang. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2023
Cold case solved
Plot was seamless and kept my interest. Lots of twists in this twenty five year old cold case. The damage that was done to so many because of the twisted deeds of a few. The ending is nicely tied together to make this a good read.
Plot was seamless and kept my interest. Lots of twists in this twenty five year old cold case. The damage that was done to so many because of the twisted deeds of a few. The ending is nicely tied together to make this a good read.
October 24, 2023
A great mystery to unravel
I enjoyed working to figure the bad guys. I do wish the sex was not as graphic. I like a bit of less is better. Just my thought. Rita always has a good read!
I enjoyed working to figure the bad guys. I do wish the sex was not as graphic. I like a bit of less is better. Just my thought. Rita always has a good read!
February 19, 2019
So we find out what happened to the Darling sisters... And I wasn't expecting that! Jeez! A good read!
February 21, 2019
Dead Little Darlings review
Dead Little Darlings is the fourth fast paced romantic suspense book in The Keepers series written by author Rita Herron.
Dead Little Darlings is the fourth fast paced romantic suspense book in The Keepers series written by author Rita Herron.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews