Her Final Fall

Veronica Lee Thriller #2

by Melinda Woodhall

A Sadistic Killer Plots a Shocking Revenge

After a glamorous model plunges to her death from a Miami high-rise, investigative reporter Veronica Lee receives a horrifying video that reveals the killer's ruthless quest for vengeance.

State prosecutor Riley Odell is suddenly drawn into the murder investigation when her estranged sister seeks refuge in the small Florida town of Willow Bay.

And as the town's new chief of police scrambles to catch the killer before he claims another victim, the trail leads to a faraway grave that holds the clue to the twisted predator's shocking past.

But nothing can prepare Veronica Lee for the killer's final act of revenge as she confronts the man who vowed to take her life and destroy everyone she loves.

Written by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Mercy Harbor Thriller series

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2020

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Final Fall by Melinda Woodhall
This is the 2nd book in the Veronica Lee series and with each book I have come to know these characters and look forward to seeing what kind of trouble will find them and will tgey be lucky enough to survive...again...
Interesting story, great characters and definitely a page turner! The author knows how to keep your attention and leaves you waiting for the next in the series, looking forward to reading more from her. I received this book for free and leave my opinion voluntarily.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reporter Veronica Lee is recovering from what happened when she was taken hostage by serial killer Xavier Grayson. She is surprised to have a memory stick delivered to her home address with no details on the packaging as to where it had come from or who the sender was. After running a security check, she opens the files to see they record the death of a young woman. Veronica recognises the woman as a model who had plunged to her death from a building in Miami, but the files show that her death wasn't an accident or a suicide - she was murdered.

State prosecutor Riley Odell is surprised when her younger sister, Katie shows up in town. It turns out that the model who died was the estranged wife of Katie's older, married boyfriend, photographer Dex Tremaine. Dex is now the prime suspect for his wife's murder as he recently broke up with her to pursue his relationship with Katie, & Katie wants her sister's help. Riley advises them to speak to a lawyer but that's about the sum of it. When a second murder occurs, Dex is again a suspect, but when the killer tries to kill Veronica's mother, Ling Lee, blood evidence links him to some old cases & Xavier Grayson.

There are chapters from several points of view: Veronica, Nessa (Chief of Police), Riley, & Frankie (one of the private detectives) & some from the killer themselves. There are quite a lot of other characters as well, so I'm not sure this would work as a standalone, I think you would need to read the first book in this series to know who's who. Sadly, I think this is where I have to dispense with reading the rest of the series. The main plot itself was interesting, but it was frankly ridiculous to see experienced state prosecutor, Riley, not only refusing to admit a conflict of interest in one of the murders, but actually hiring private investigators behind the back of the Chief of Police, Nessa. If that's not enough, Veronica was also running her own investigation, no-one was talking to each other about what mattered & it just all beggars belief. I also hated the contrived stress in the relationships between Hunter & Veronica, & Riley & Vanzinger.

I could only rate this one 2 stars which is disappointing as I really liked the first book in the series. Mine is an outlier opinion though, so don't be put off if you were thinking of reading this series.

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would draw the chief of police, the detectives, investigative reporters, states attorney/ prosecutor together?

Only a serial killer ... and this one is a doozy!

The first victim was a beautiful model... she was pushed from the roof of a high-rise apartment. But she was a mistake .... and more bodies will fall .. literally.

He has a list, an agenda, and he's not going to stop until all the names are crossed off.

This is well written with a tightly woven plot filled with characters who are potential victims. They all have something in common ... and the killer is going after all of them .. and the people they are closest to.

There are twists and turns along the way .... the ending was explosive and unpredictable. This is second in the series and although easily read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend starting at the beginning. There are a few references to the first book which might lessen your interest if reading book 2 before book 1.

Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica Lee Thriller book #2

This one also joins the terrific stories have been reading lately. I am a huge fan of Melinda Woodhall and after reading the 4 books in her thrilling “Mercy Harbor” series, I stayed faithful. So when she started the Veronica Lee Thrillers I seized the opportunity to immerse myself once more knowing that Melinda’s plot would be well thought of and be suspenseful, will bring back some characters from her first series and would add wonderful players to captivate us and most of all by the end all the dots would be connected . “Her Final Fall “, is one story that grabs attention and hold you captive till you reach the conclusion. What a great addition to the Veronica Lee series.

I loved passing time with “Her Final Fall”, it is a story about murders, the hunted and the hunters. It all started after a glamorous model is pushed to her death from a high-rise balcony in Miami. Then the action moves to Willow Bay with Veronica receiving a video of the horrific act. The victim so happened to be the state prosecutor Riley Odell’s sister, making the crime very personal for all. The chase is on when chief of police suspects the killer is in town and will strike again.

Action packed drama, one that kept me glued to the pages. So many twists and turns along the way and what an unpredictable ending. I never suspected the whodunit, what a surprise this turned out to be. Well-done.

Although this second book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone, so no worries to start here but you will be tempted…..

I received a free digital copy of this crime fiction. This is a voluntarily review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this series isn't quite hitting the same spot as the Mercy Harbour series did with Eden Winthrop, I have been enjoying them as we are reunited with the majority of the same characters. In this series, our news reporter Veronica Lee is the main star. In Her Final Fall, it starts with a model falling to her death. We then jump to the small town and learn that the intended target was none other than Riley O'Dell's sister Katie. Katie has turned up in town asking for Frankie and Barker's help to help clear her boyfriend Dex's name as it was his wife who just died. The book then jumps to readers discovering that it is all connected to Xavier Greyson - the guy whom Riley had been chasing for over a decade and the one who died in Book #1. Xavier's brother has come to town and decided to kill everyone who he believes is responsible and those they love. Like the previous books, this one had lots of twists and turns including finding a little out about Veronica's father and how her mother escaped from him 25 years ago and tried to stay hidden. I am hoping this opens to a more prominent storyline in future books. We also saw a potential love interest forming for Frankie whom I love his character - he is one of my favourites and also looks like Veronica may get her own guy as he finally comes to his senses. Melinda Woodhall is the perfect author to read if you love authors similar to Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good thriller. I loved the storyline and the slow revelation of the killer's identity. There were so many characters with their own stories and I felt it all fitted nicely. The thing I loved the most was the number of strong female characters. These women are certainly fierce. I'd like to read more books in this series for sure.

I received an ARC of the book via Book Sirens.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, but I felt like it dragged a little in the middle of the book. The addition of new characters seemed understandable, but then again it also added to the slowness of the book. I’m hoping in the next book it will reveal why all these new characters were introduced. The case in this book personally involved Riley O’Dell and she played a more prominent character in this book than the star of the series, Veronica Lee in my opinion. So much happened in this book and I don't want to give too many details away. I liked how there were sparks flying between characters and love deepening between other characters. I like it when love wins and everyone finds their someone. Hopefully in the next book we can see more of the love birds and how everyone is doing. I was pleasantly surprised to see the bond forming between Riley and Frankie and it was nice that the two most unlikely characters to be friends and can help each other in their time of need. Frankie is a good guy and deserves his second chance. He is doing a great job at doing that in this book and hopefully someone other than his friends can see that. I felt like the case of Nick Sargent and what was going on with his cousin, Ivan, was implanted in this story for a reason, but after the case kicked off with Zander those two were forgotten. Hoping to find out what happens with them in the next book. I love the idea of Ling Lee running for mayor and having all women lead the town. So far all the men that have been leaders or have had prominent roles in the community have turned out to be killers so it is definitely time for the town to change who their leaders are. While this book can be read as a standalone, it would probably be best if you read the previous book in the series so you can best understand the storyline in this book. I am definitely intrigued to read the last book of the series to see what happens next in Willow Bay.

I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marylou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The plot kept you guessing and there were multiple twists. The characters were well portrayed and realistic. The suspense kept me reading and the book started off with a bang and just kept going. I will definitely be reading more of this author.

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Willow Bay once again has a serial killer on the loose and this time he is out for revenge. His agenda is an eye for an eye solution because he is looking for retribution for the murder of Xavier Grayson and will not stop until everyone on his list feels the loss like he has. Riley will be the first one to feel his wrath when her sister shows up in town for help. Little did she know she would be the start to the spiral of victims that will fall at the hands of this mysterious stranger plaquing the town.
The second installment to the Veronica Lee series is once again another great interlinking mystery with great characters to follow. There are enough characters to keep your mind satisfied and not too many side stories to side track you. Though it really irked me the way Riley and Veronica treated the men in their lives, it was believable to true life situations but did grow tiresome. You might be able to read this as a standalone but I would suggest you don't. There is character building in the first book (Her Last Summer) introducing you the characters and paving the path of their story lines.
This is an actual 3 1/2 ⭐ rating from me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so loving this series!! It seems to be getting better and better with each book that I read. Her Final Fall was suspenseful, exciting and tragic! The twists and turns kept coming out of nowhere and never gave me a chance to figure out the ending. And what an ending it was! I was speechless

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica Lee a reporter gets a flash drive of a murder taking place. Now she is in the middle of a murder investigation that needs to be stopped before someone else dies. Can she figure out who the killer is and why? This is a well-written story that keeps the reader involved until the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was somewhat overwhelmed by this book, there seemed to be such a plethora of characters, I wasn't sure that I would be able to keep them straight in my mind or that they would have something to contribute to the storyline. But within a very short space of time it became apparent that each was necessary to the tightly interwoven narrative. This is the second book in the series and I didn't feel disadvantaged by not having read the first book, although I will be adding it to my TBR pile.

I loved the developing relationships between the characters and the storyline had enough twists to keep my interest , a few little red herrings and an ending that gives the series plenty of room to continue forward. I look forward to other books in this series.

I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review, which I am happy to do

[Kathy Schouten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed reading this second book in the Veronica Lee series, especially since there were so many of the characters from Mercy Harbor in it. Well written and plenty of suspects to choose from.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow Bay is again the main setting for the 2nd book in this series featuring Veronica Lee, an investigative journalist with Channel 10. She is sent a horrifying video of a woman falling to her death. Having recently survived an encounter with a serial killer, it seems she’s being drawn into another murderous story.

This is another excellent thriller from this author, a real page turner, with great characters and a story that draws you in from the first chapter. I found myself holding my breath at times when the suspense almost got too much. Although this is a stand alone read, I was glad I’d read the first in the series before this one.

I received and ARC for free in return for an honest review.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second book in the series, it is probably better to read the first as you will have more knowledge of what is going on however the story still reads well as a stand alone. We follow reporter Veronica Lee again chasing the news stories on two models deaths/murders which are too close to home to be just accidents. As the previous perpetrator of similar murders is now dead, the police are struggling to figure out who until the get a partial dna match. Slightly slow to begin with as the scenes are set however once that's done, the reader is carried along at a good speed to the finale....and I didn't guess who it was - always a good sign for me! I really enjoy reading Melinda's books and look forward to the next one.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC to review which is a voluntary one.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again Ms. Woodhall has written a terrific story that is mostly ruined for me by poor execution. So what did I like and dislike about the book? Let's see:

Likes-great characters that are more than two dimensional that I enjoyed "spending time with". A great description of the setting that gives the story a feeling of realism and a good foundation. A very twisted mystery with an abundance of red herrings. The ability of the reader to know what the "bad guy" is doing and thinking without ever knowing who it is until the ending. Ms. Woodhall uses a "criminal name" for the killer without ever revealing his/her "hiding in plain sight" name. Plenty of action with cooperation between the various groups working the crime-law enforcement, PIs, and the media. It was nice to see these groups working together instead of antagonistic as has become the norm.

Dislikes-as noted above, more typos than I could shake a stick at. Very limited explanation of character background, appearance, etc. I think because this series is a spin-off from another series Ms. Woodhall was trying to prevent there being a lot of repetition from the other books. Unfortunately, that creates a problem for readers (like me) who haven't read the other books. I had limited knowledge of the characters' background, age, or appearance. I felt that I was at a disadvantage because of that. I think I would have been more engaged with the characters if I had had some of that information. Then, one of the red herrings Ms. Woodhall used to keep me guessing (which she is very good at) was not resolved by the end of the book. They were just forgotten and not addressed again. That was a bit disappointing. The books are becoming a bit formulaic. There is a murder, everybody is trying to find the guilty party, and the killer is someone who is either involved with the investigation in some way or is a prominent member of the town.

I hope that Ms. Woodhall will address some of these issues in future books because she is a great writer and can create one more intriguing story. A little more attention to detail and this would have been a solid 5-star rating.

I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion. I would like to thank them and Ms. Woodhall for the opportunity to read it.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Channel 10 reporter Veronica Lee is working at home on a story that is sure to garner attention throughout Willow Bay, but her focus is diverted by a delivery man setting a box on the step. Veronica carefully inspects the package, with a handwritten address and no return, and opens it to discover a USB flash drive. Plugging the flash drive in to her computer, Veronica is horrified to watch the painful death of a young woman who has been thrown over the side of a fifty-story building.

Riley Odell, a prosecutor for the district attorney is made aware of this threat, but is distracted by the arrival of her sister Katie and her new boyfriend, the husband of the woman thrown over the railing. Trying to protect her sister turns out to be futile, as Katie becomes the next victim of the killer, thrown over a bridge railing with a noose tied around her neck. Veronica’s mother Ling, a respected high school principal, is attacked in her office. It’s up to Chief of Police Nessa Ainsley and her team of detectives to determine if these cases are related or random, and to ensure the safety of the residents of Willow Bay.

I love a good thriller, with a little kidnapping thrown in, a touch of murder, smart people working to solve the case, and a bad guy that isn’t too easy to figure out. This book covers all those bases. Veronica is a smart, strong character, and I enjoyed her determination and drive. I’m waiting impatiently for the next book, where hopefully Ling Lee will be elected mayor and flush out the corruption and cronyism that detracts from the wholesome atmosphere of Willow Bay.

My thanks to BookSirens and to the publisher and author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, though it would be beneficial to read the first book.

The story focuses on the a series of murders starting with the death of a glamorous model and the shocking video of it taking place ending up on the doorstep of investigative reporter, Veronica Lee's house, the town of Willow Bay is once again thrust into the claws of a serial killer.

Riley Odell is the State Prosecutor and is drawn into the murder investigation when her sister turns up in Willow Bay seeking refuge for herself and her boyfriend. The married man she's been seeing and husband of the model that was murdered. Questions start being asked about his past.

And as the town's new chief of police scrambles to catch the killer before he claims another victim, the trail leads to a faraway grave that holds the clue to the twisted predator's shocking past.

But nothing can prepare Veronica Lee for the killer's final act of revenge as she confronts the man who vowed to take her life and destroy everyone she loves.

I really enjoy Melinda Woodhall books. And this one was no different. It was full of suspense, twists and turns that had me hooked from the start. I did find the relationship elements between some of the characters a little frustrating but this didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. I do hope that in future books in the series there is more development of characters like Veronica's mum, Frankie etc. and that the relationship woes are a thing of the past.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melinda Woodhall is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and this book has only added to that.

Although this can be read as a standalone I sincerely think that readers would get more enjoyment from reading the first book in Veronica Lee the series first.

Willow bay is just recovering from a series of grizzly murders, the whole town heaved a sigh of relief when the murderer was shot by a member of the police department, bringing an end to all their fears........or has it ?

Tina Tremaine, a young model was pushed to her death from the top of a high rise building.

Veronica Lee, an investigative reporter and front for Chanel 10 TV was sent a video of the last horrendous seconds of Tina's life, Veronica had a sinking feeling that the evil was still around in Willow Bay.

There is no way a short synopsis can convey the action, the suspense, the fear that you will find between the pages of this book.

The gruesome murders stack up, the police department is in meltdown, the town is governed by self seeking, corrupt men and the fear is palpable.

The evil perpetrator is among them but who is he ? I didn't find out until the end, this book is a real page turner, the sweet romances off set the evil, a well earned 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review which I have given

[Edi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though part of a series it can be read easily as a stand alone. I have read the other books and forgotten some of the plot. There is enough background provided without having read the other books. However, you will want to read the others if you stumble on this one first. Characters are realistic and likeable and it's a fast moving story that will hold your attention. Just enough mystery,thriller and a little romance included. Jacket cover gives good description,no need for a book report here.

I was provided an Advanced reader copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book.

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Her Final Fall, we find reporter Veronica Lee working on a story at home when she receives a package. With a flash drive. With scenes from a horrific murder.

Faced with yet another killer who thinks he’s too wily to be caught, Veronica, the state prosecutor, and the chief of police, are hot on his trail; anxious to stop him BEFORE he claims his next victim. Because there is no doubt that he will.

Woodhall has done it again with Her Final Fall! Do we have a killer back from the dead? A copy cat? Simple revenge? As in volume one, the suspense is so thick you could slice it! I loved seeing these characters again. Their interconnection is key to the way the narrative flows, and I am thrilled knowing there will be more stories to come.

This is a great standalone read but read Her Last Summer first; it will give you that feeling of knowing and being invested in these great characters, and it will impel you to keep coming back for more.

[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

[Romaine Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Veronica receives an unmarked package from a delivery man little did she know that the package would open up Pandora's box.
A serial killer has risen from the grave...or has he? His targets are the ones closest to his victims. Revenge.
Even though this could be read as a standalone I recommend starting from the first book. Action packed drama, suspense and mystery that will keep you glued to the pages.
Riley
Frankie is still my favorite character.
Thank you BookSirens and the author for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. This series highlights an investigative reporter who all too often ends up in the killers crosshairs. Fast paced with likable characters and a well plotted mystery, this book was impossible to put down.

There’s a serial killer on the loose in Willow Bay and he seems to have a dna match to another killer. Is he a copycat or worse?

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who could it be.

This was a good story but at times it was a little hard to keep up with. A fault I have with many author's is they go back and forth with usage of people's names. Either stick with a first name or the last name, but not both. The back and forth makes following a bit harder to do. This installment was slightly less exciting as book 1. I do advise reading book one to better understand book two.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic addition to the veronica Lee series. I really enjoyed this first book and this one did not disappoint! Plenty of interesting twists and turns ans had enough action to keep me engaged in the story-line. I was surprised by killer's identity and I love that the story kept me guessing.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series and will continue to read it. I definitely recommend this book.

I received this book from BookSirens for an honest review.

[Teri Griffis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ebook from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review. Hold on to your seats! This book will take you on twists and turns like Space Mountain. You won't know what's coming and you won't believe it when it does. This is one of the most intriguing thrillers I've read this year. The writing and characterizations are exceptional. As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope you do too. 📚📚

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story has a good plot, however, I could not really enjoy reading it. Maybe it's the sometimes slow pace or the lack of information on some of the characters. I understand the author is still building up the series, so I believe I might better enjoy further books in the series. The book is, nevertheless, entertaining, and makes easy reading.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite your nails suspense.

This latest novel about the residents of Willow Bay will keep you up at night and reading until the end. Previous books have introduced you to the main characters, you don’t know who the next victim will be or who is the killer. Excellent plot and characters in both series set in Willow Bay.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. It’s a great addition to the Veronica Lee series. The is so much drama and suspense. I was hooked from the first page. The plot is entertaining and exciting. I recommend this series if you like the crime thriller genre. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review