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Rock-A-Bye Baby

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An aunt’s worst nightmare…

In the city of Denver, a series of baby kidnappings has the town devastated.  With no ransom demands and no contact from the perpetrators, local law enforcement is at a dead end. No motive equals no answers.

A cop’s personal obsession…

Charlene Taylor’s niece becomes a victim, and the LAPD detective is thrown headfirst into a whirlwind case with similarities to one from seven years earlier. Out of her jurisdiction, and with no friends or leads, Charlene must walk-the-line between cop and sister.

Who can she trust?

Charlene has to decide who’s an ally, and when an unlikely partner steps forward, they must race against the because that critical 48 hour window has come and gone.

Reviews For Rock-A-Bye Baby

“Rock a Bye Baby has everything—a haunted protagonist, heartfelt emotion, and a twisty, thrilling plot.  A scorcher of a follow-up in a promising series.”—David Ellis, NYT bestselling author of The Last Alibi

"Murphy has cleverly crafted a riveting crime thriller, with a hefty dose of white-knuckle suspense. Entertaining and enticing to the very last page."—Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling author of Submerged 

“Rock a Bye Baby is an exquisitely told thriller, full of surprises and terrifying moments. Murphy is a gifted storyteller who keeps the tension crackling throughout the heart-stopping journey. The protagonist Charlene Taylor drives the story to a very satisfying and unexpected ending.”—Kristina Stanley, bestselling author of the Stone Mountain series.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2019

37 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Luke Murphy

25 books91 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
May 9, 2020
wasn't sure about this book because I don't like the thought of children getting hurt (I am a big baby and cry easily) but I had listened to the authors first book in the series and enjoyed that so thought I would try it. So glad I did, I loved it and I didn't cry. It continues from where the first book left off and I was hooked right away, it was one of those books you hate to get interrupted during, so be warned. I liked the characters and despite Charlene being damaged she is likeable and so very capable. The mystery was good and I kept changing my mind between two of the characters as to who was the mastermind. Really enjoyed it and I won't hesitate to get the next book in the series because if they it is anything like the first two then it is going to be a brilliant roller coaster of a ride.
Charlene is starting to suffer from nightmares about her last case and is forced to take time off from the job she loves. She decides to return home and spend time with her mother, sister and new born niece. Days after arriving the niece is kidnapped from the family home and Charlene's brother in law is hurt. Unable to sit by and do nothing but wait for a ransom demand Charlene forces her way onto the investigation. It is not long before she finds out that no ransom note will arrive and her niece is not the only child missing. And working with an FBI agent, a profiler no less means this case is a lot bigger than she thought. The exact same thing has happened before and seven babies were taken and never found. Old clues and new clues need to be tracked down and links formed to stand any hope. Can Charlene find her niece and the other babies before they are gone forever? Or will time repeat its self?
I liked the narrator who helps build up the suspense and makes a great story even better.
5 reviews
December 7, 2019
I've just finished Luke Murphy's book Rock-A-Bye Baby.  If possible, it was even better than Kiss&Tell.  This book had many twists and kept me guessing until the end.  I thought I had it figured out, but of course I didn't.  I love the main character, Charlene Taylor, and hope to see more of her, Agent Matt Stone and Agent Smith.  Seems there's some unfinished business between Charlene and Matt, can I hope there's a sequel in the works?  I've already purchased Mr. Murphy's Dead Man's Hand and Wild Card and can't wait to get started.  Mr. Murphy is a very talented writer, and anyone who enjoys crime drama/mysteries will love his books.  
Profile Image for Kimberly-Dawn Quinn.
308 reviews15 followers
May 30, 2020
Charlene is cop with skin in the game when multiple babies have been kidnapped. There is some very good character development, family dynamics and both medical and police procedurals. Since this wasn’t the first book in the series you always take the risk that you may be too lost when it comes to the main characters. Not the case with this book. I really liked Charlene so much I’m considering going to the beginning and moving forward. The “reveal” at end of book was surprising and worth the whiplash I got.

The Narrator was excellent and I’d get another book she narrates.

* I received this audiobook in lieu of an honest review
Profile Image for Glen Hand.
11 reviews
June 25, 2019
Charlene Taylor Rocks!

When I read Kiss and Tell, I fell in love with Charlene and pestered Luke Murphy (author) on social media for more of her. Well he certainly delivered! What a fantastic book.
The characters and plot twists were phenomenal!
So Luke, is it too soon to be begging for more? Asking for a friend!!!
Profile Image for Rachel.
86 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2022
Such a great read. I knew I wouldn't be disappointed but just...Wow! So many emotions ran over me throughout the story. Was exciting, fast paced and kept me on edge. I didn't want to put it down. I just had to finish. I seem to always want more when I'm done with a L. Murphy book. Luckily, I have a few more of his books to read! 5 stars from me.
1 review
June 10, 2020
After reading Kiss and Tell and the sequel, Rock A Bye Baby, I’m afraid of the withdrawal symptoms. I became the main character, even in the drinking! Great characters, plots, twists, thorough investigation/research, and tasteful writing. ... the last sentence, I need the next episode.
Profile Image for Melissa Ammons.
460 reviews27 followers
April 26, 2022
This is the second book in Mr. Murphy’s Charlene Taylor series. I read this right after reading the first one, Kiss & Tell, to see if his characters and tone carried over. I was not disappointed.

This tale picks right up after the first book, after Detective Taylor has come off of her previous three cases as well as dealing with her father’s death, her mandated time off. She decided to go see her sister, Jane, in Colorado. While there, she meets Matt, a Fed, and they end up working together on this baby case. Admittedly, the Feds were hesitant to let an LAPD detective on their turf, but due to circumstances, they felt Charlene could be a big help to them. As per her usual, Charlene found herself immersed in this case.

This book contains what I would expect in a police procedural – a case that is never-ending and seems to be unsolvable; a love interest (adding interest to the tale); families that are disrupted because of the particular crime; a carryover case from years prior; red herrings that lead the reader down one path only to find they are veering off onto another; an ending that makes the reader go “huh, there’s a twist for ya.” As well as a final sentence that lends to another story in book three.

Again, Mr. Murphy is one to watch through his writing career. To quote Steve Berry, “Murphy has the touch.”

I am curious now to read his Calvin Watters series.
Profile Image for Paula Dyches.
855 reviews17 followers
August 25, 2020
Adult 18+ Twisty Murder & Kidnapping Thriller

Parents- This is an 18+ read and would be an R movie due to language (w/ f-bombs), sexual content and more graphic detail with the murder scenes.

The story itself was very twisty and thrilling but for me personally the approach of the sexual content, with phrases like "she grabbed his manhood" and worse phrases, it simply was a big turn off on top of the level of language. If those things don't bother you then this one might be right up your alley. Otherwise, I would caution new mom's that this particular story may cause trauma and paranoia with the baby snatcher plot. The narrator did a fantastic job and I will look for other books that she has done.


—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

3 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2020
This is a heart-stopping book..As I turn evey page my heart was pounding in anticipation and suspense..I felt the pain and fear of Detective Charlene Taylor when she saw her sister, Jane, with all those empty pill bottles, the joy when she saw her niece , Martina,and the happiness with Agent Stone..The twist and plot of the story is exciting..and at the end, when she heard that the Celebrity Slayer is now awake!! I can just imagine her surprised look..I hope Book 3 will come out soon. Cant wait 👏👏👏👏
Profile Image for Linda Ackelson.
103 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2019
This is Murphy's third novel (Dead Man's Hand and Kiss and Tell the first two). His Rock-a-Bye Baby is his best ever! Detective Charlene Taylor of the Robbery and Homicide Division of the LAPD has gone to visit her sister, having been 'forced' to take a leave due to flashbacks from the Celebrity Slayer case she had solved as her first case. During her visit babies begin to be kidnapped including her sister's, Martina. Who is behind it?
Profile Image for Rhonda.
274 reviews37 followers
April 23, 2021
This is deeply personal for Charlene Taylor. There are baby snatchers and one is her newborn niece Martina. While taking a break from her LAPD job, Charlene goes to see her sister- and brother-in-law in Denver. This is where things fall apart. Charlene can't let anything go, it's not in her nature. She is a perfectionist, and she teams up with FBI agent Matt Stone, with the behavioral unit. This is a fast-paced, psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
2 reviews
June 17, 2019
Murphy’s best work yet

This is by far Murphy’s best work yet! Rock-A-Bye Baby grabs you from the first page and takes you on a fast paced ride. Murphy brings these characters to life in such a way that you feel like you know them personally. You’ll lose sleep over this book, because you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve read the last word.
Profile Image for Doghouse Gav.
392 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2019
I need more!!!

What an utterly fantastic book. Edge of the seat who done it! Wonderful descriptive writing style and one hell of a kick arse story line. Gutted the book had to end. Please sir i want some more!!!
1 review
November 6, 2019
Good suspense and lots of warm fuzzy

It's book 2 in a series - touches on pieces from book 1 but could be a stand alone. Charlene is a character I want to see be successful - it's classic rooting for the good guy(girl) but she's flawed and real.
Profile Image for Marisia Robus.
208 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2020
Great read
This book was great! I really enjoyed it and it kept me guessing till the end! I had the master mind all wrong! Characters were great and they were not the normal stereotype. I will be looking for more books by this author.
Profile Image for Sarah Moore.
12 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2020
Great detective mystery

Book 2 is so much better than book 1. The majority of the “kinks” in book 1 seem to be worked out. Detective Charlene was a much more likable character in this one. Will definitely be reading book 3!
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,932 reviews39 followers
December 16, 2020
Excellent story!Babies are being kidnapped,just like they did six years ago.Charlie gets sucked in when her neice becomes one of them.Narration by Sharon Huff done well.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
27 reviews
February 21, 2023
Rock-a-Bye Baby

Author Luke Murphy pens genius to the reader with “Rock-a-Bye Baby,” a complicated criminal-genre that ultimately leaks evidence of potential “Edgar.” I really liked it.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2 reviews
July 10, 2019
Another great read from Luke. The ending just kept me wanting to know more! Looking forward to reading more releases in the future.
1 review
July 20, 2019
What a great read! Getting to know Charlene Taylor better in this book was a welcome experience. The story provided a great mix of believable characters and intense action. Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Susan.
2 reviews
September 23, 2019
A page turner that follows Kiss and Tell. You think you have it all figured out, but at the last minute it takes another exciting turn! Well done Luke Murphy!
Profile Image for Viv Daley-Braith.
4 reviews
December 2, 2019
Great book.?holds your interest!!

Love them! Enough detail to hold your interest but not too much! Will recommend to all my reader friends! Investigators are interesting!
Profile Image for Melinda Steigerwald.
10 reviews
May 13, 2020
Great Read

Almost got me! Charlene is a great character and it’s impossible not to root for her. This was a well crafted story that was very hard to put down.
25 reviews
July 3, 2020
This was a terrific book. The best one so far. I would highly recommend anyone to read this book. I enjoyed it from the the first page to the last. Easy to read and read in just a few days.
17 reviews
August 15, 2020
Thrilling until the very end. The topic was also a bit different from other crime stories - a very interesting and intense thriller!
Profile Image for Sharon Blair Scott.
376 reviews6 followers
December 24, 2020
I liked it, with the twists and turns of the story. It kept me involved. However, not as good as the first Charlene Taylor book.
549 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2020
This is a twisty, suspenseful mystery with some pretty compelling characters. Charlene Taylor pulls herself together a bit more in this second book of the series, but some of her issues still make it hard to really like her as a character. The story is engaging with a satisfactory ending. And Sharon Huff continues to perform well.

NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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