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Detective Ellie Reeves #2
Wildflower Graves
He looked at the photos of all the women who had to be punished. He’d already chosen the first five. He’d been talking to them for weeks. Watching them. Following them. He knew all their secrets––the secrets he would kill them for.
Detective Ellie Reeves heads into the wilds of the Appalachian Mountains when she wants to get lost––to forget the whispers chasing her and the past that keeps her up at night. She’s sick of having to prove herself to her small town.
But hiking in the endless miles of woods isn’t the escape she was hoping for. One night, as dusk falls, a gust of wind blows some petals on to Ellie’s path. Following the trail, she finds a golden-haired young woman dead on a bed of daffodils, with a note: Monday’s child is fair of face.
When Ellie emerges from the forest, there is a message on her phone. Someone has sent her a picture of her colleague, Officer Shondra Eastwood, with the words: Can you find her, Detective Reeves? Ellie is racked with guilt––while she was busy hiding from life a killer was on the loose, and he has taken her beloved friend.
The wilderness, and its shadows, are the perfect hunting ground for a criminal––but what does the sinister nursery rhyme mean? It soon becomes clear when another dead woman, Tuesday’s Child, is found.
Ellie is up against a serial killer who will claim a victim for every day of the week, and in the next twenty-four hours there will be another body. As this ruthless murderer closes in on her, can she save more innocent women––and Shondra––from his clutches? Or will he get to Ellie first?
Detective Ellie Reeves heads into the wilds of the Appalachian Mountains when she wants to get lost––to forget the whispers chasing her and the past that keeps her up at night. She’s sick of having to prove herself to her small town.
But hiking in the endless miles of woods isn’t the escape she was hoping for. One night, as dusk falls, a gust of wind blows some petals on to Ellie’s path. Following the trail, she finds a golden-haired young woman dead on a bed of daffodils, with a note: Monday’s child is fair of face.
When Ellie emerges from the forest, there is a message on her phone. Someone has sent her a picture of her colleague, Officer Shondra Eastwood, with the words: Can you find her, Detective Reeves? Ellie is racked with guilt––while she was busy hiding from life a killer was on the loose, and he has taken her beloved friend.
The wilderness, and its shadows, are the perfect hunting ground for a criminal––but what does the sinister nursery rhyme mean? It soon becomes clear when another dead woman, Tuesday’s Child, is found.
Ellie is up against a serial killer who will claim a victim for every day of the week, and in the next twenty-four hours there will be another body. As this ruthless murderer closes in on her, can she save more innocent women––and Shondra––from his clutches? Or will he get to Ellie first?
441 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2020
3245 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
Rita Herron
321 books938 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 208 reviews
November 13, 2020
This is the second book in the author’s new Ellie Reeves series. It is not necessary to read book 1 first but it does help with understanding the backstory. Only three weeks after the events of book 1 the Crooked Creek Police Department in Bluff County, Georgia, is once again immersed in a series of grisly murders. This time it’s young women. They are being found at various sites on the Appalachian Trail, on a bed of daffodils, with their throats cut and other signs of abuse. The killer sends Ellie taunting text messages asking if she will find the next one in time. Of course that doesn’t happen as there is nothing to go on and the women have nothing in common. What is certain is that more women will die at the hands of a killer the press has dubbed the Weekday Killer because of the rhyme that accompanies each of the murders.
Ellie is still struggling to come to terms with the perceived betrayal by her adoptive parents in trying to hide Hiram’s activities (the subject of the previous book), but to solve this case she will need to put that aside. Her constant introspection on this topic, while understandable, was nevertheless annoying after a while. I get it! On a positive note, FBI Special Agent Derrick Fox makes a welcome appearance again and is helping Ellie to view this case objectively. When Ellie’s fellow detective and friend, Shondra Eastwood disappears, Ellie goes into overdrive but can she find her friend before it’s too late? The story was very suspenseful, aided by all the clever use of misdirection by the author. I just didn’t know who to trust! There were also some clever twists - icing on the cake. This book will appeal to thriller fans and those who enjoy a gripping police procedural. It got very tense at times. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Rita Herron for providing me a copy to review. My opinions are my own. 4.5 stars rounded down.
Ellie is still struggling to come to terms with the perceived betrayal by her adoptive parents in trying to hide Hiram’s activities (the subject of the previous book), but to solve this case she will need to put that aside. Her constant introspection on this topic, while understandable, was nevertheless annoying after a while. I get it! On a positive note, FBI Special Agent Derrick Fox makes a welcome appearance again and is helping Ellie to view this case objectively. When Ellie’s fellow detective and friend, Shondra Eastwood disappears, Ellie goes into overdrive but can she find her friend before it’s too late? The story was very suspenseful, aided by all the clever use of misdirection by the author. I just didn’t know who to trust! There were also some clever twists - icing on the cake. This book will appeal to thriller fans and those who enjoy a gripping police procedural. It got very tense at times. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Rita Herron for providing me a copy to review. My opinions are my own. 4.5 stars rounded down.
November 15, 2020
Some time ago I read a book by this author and I liked it so much that I promised myself that I would read another one. And I was definitely not disappointed with this one. This is a very well written story.
I hadn't read the first book in this series, but that wasn't a problem. The characters we should know from the first book are fully developed and multi-dimensional, and we don't need to know the events of the first book to appreciate this. Ellie works well as the main character. The other characters are also interesting and more complex than it might seem. I also like the relationship between Ellie and Derrick. And that it's not exactly a romance. I am glad that when dealing with such a difficult case, they focus on their work and not on their feelings. I can easily wait for their relationship to develop in the next books. So far, I like how they work together so well, and the tension between them.
The plot is great too. This is a fast-paced story, and the short chapters fit perfectly here. I really like that the suspicions are spread quite evenly between different people and I didn't quite suspect who the villain was. But that's also because this person wasn't among the prime suspects at first. This is probably the only thing I would change; I wish this person was considered a potential murderer from the beginning. But I really liked all the twists and turns and there are really a lot of them. I couldn't guess many of thins things, so they surprised me, like the twist around chapter 110. The modus operandi of the murderer is also quite interesting and well thought out.
Even though this case has been solved, at the end of the book there are some peeks of a very interesting plot in the next book. Enough to interest me and not leave me feeling unsatisfied. And while waiting for the next book in this series, I will probably check other books by this author that I have an eye on.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn't read the first book in this series, but that wasn't a problem. The characters we should know from the first book are fully developed and multi-dimensional, and we don't need to know the events of the first book to appreciate this. Ellie works well as the main character. The other characters are also interesting and more complex than it might seem. I also like the relationship between Ellie and Derrick. And that it's not exactly a romance. I am glad that when dealing with such a difficult case, they focus on their work and not on their feelings. I can easily wait for their relationship to develop in the next books. So far, I like how they work together so well, and the tension between them.
The plot is great too. This is a fast-paced story, and the short chapters fit perfectly here. I really like that the suspicions are spread quite evenly between different people and I didn't quite suspect who the villain was. But that's also because this person wasn't among the prime suspects at first. This is probably the only thing I would change; I wish this person was considered a potential murderer from the beginning. But I really liked all the twists and turns and there are really a lot of them. I couldn't guess many of thins things, so they surprised me, like the twist around chapter 110. The modus operandi of the murderer is also quite interesting and well thought out.
Even though this case has been solved, at the end of the book there are some peeks of a very interesting plot in the next book. Enough to interest me and not leave me feeling unsatisfied. And while waiting for the next book in this series, I will probably check other books by this author that I have an eye on.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2023
4.5 Stars
Wildflower Graves was a fantastic follow-up to The Silent Dolls with an intriguing plot that ties directly into Ellie's past.
Detective Ellie Reeves' life has been spinning out of control since the revelation that her parents covered for a serial killer. To escape the whispers and stares, Ellie heads into the Appalachian Mountains for a break. But while hiking the trail, Ellie discovers the body of a woman laid out with a note suggesting she won't be the last. After emerging from the forest, Ellie is sent a photo of her friend, Officer Shondra Eastwood, making it clear the killer has taken her. With a killer on the loose and new bodies showing up each day, Ellie is in a race against the clock to find her friend before it's too late.
The premise of this book was very intriguing, someone is killing women and matching them up to characters in a poem. I found the concept fascinating particularly as the killer matches up the victims' personality traits to the poem. The fact the killer was able to uncover that much information about their victims in order to be able to do that was downright creepy. There were a few people presented throughout the book as suspects and I have to say I did not guess who the killer ended up being. I was so sure it was someone else until the final reveal came. Overall I thought the plot was suspenseful and the pacing was well done. The ending of the book had its share of surprises and I was happy with the way everything played out.
Ellie continues to be very affected by the reveals at the end of The Silent Dolls which definitely influence her actions throughout this book. She is still dedicated to her job but she has a lot of doubts about her ability to do that job when so much of the community has turned on her. I was glad the author included the difficulties Ellie was facing as to me it would have been very unrealistic for her to go on as if nothing happened.
FBI agent Derrick Fox returns and his relationship with Ellie has drastically changed after the last book. The pair are no longer open with each other and their working relationship is strained to say the least. The possibility of a romance between these two does seem to still be there, but the author will certainly have some difficulties getting past all of their issues. Ranger Cord McClain, who I was very intrigued by in The Silent Dolls, returns and I was happy to see we learned more about him as he is a very compelling character.
Overall Wildflower Graves was an amazing read and I am looking forward to the release of the next book in the series, The Burning Girls, later this year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Wildflower Graves was a fantastic follow-up to The Silent Dolls with an intriguing plot that ties directly into Ellie's past.
Detective Ellie Reeves' life has been spinning out of control since the revelation that her parents covered for a serial killer. To escape the whispers and stares, Ellie heads into the Appalachian Mountains for a break. But while hiking the trail, Ellie discovers the body of a woman laid out with a note suggesting she won't be the last. After emerging from the forest, Ellie is sent a photo of her friend, Officer Shondra Eastwood, making it clear the killer has taken her. With a killer on the loose and new bodies showing up each day, Ellie is in a race against the clock to find her friend before it's too late.
The premise of this book was very intriguing, someone is killing women and matching them up to characters in a poem. I found the concept fascinating particularly as the killer matches up the victims' personality traits to the poem. The fact the killer was able to uncover that much information about their victims in order to be able to do that was downright creepy. There were a few people presented throughout the book as suspects and I have to say I did not guess who the killer ended up being. I was so sure it was someone else until the final reveal came. Overall I thought the plot was suspenseful and the pacing was well done. The ending of the book had its share of surprises and I was happy with the way everything played out.
Ellie continues to be very affected by the reveals at the end of The Silent Dolls which definitely influence her actions throughout this book. She is still dedicated to her job but she has a lot of doubts about her ability to do that job when so much of the community has turned on her. I was glad the author included the difficulties Ellie was facing as to me it would have been very unrealistic for her to go on as if nothing happened.
FBI agent Derrick Fox returns and his relationship with Ellie has drastically changed after the last book. The pair are no longer open with each other and their working relationship is strained to say the least. The possibility of a romance between these two does seem to still be there, but the author will certainly have some difficulties getting past all of their issues. Ranger Cord McClain, who I was very intrigued by in The Silent Dolls, returns and I was happy to see we learned more about him as he is a very compelling character.
Overall Wildflower Graves was an amazing read and I am looking forward to the release of the next book in the series, The Burning Girls, later this year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
December 2, 2020
"The Weekday Killer"
"Monday's child is fair of face
Tuesday's child is full of grace
Wednesday's child is full of woe
Thursday's child has far to go
Friday's child is loving and giving
Saturday's child works hard for a living
And the child that is born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe, and good and gay"
"A blueprint for murder"
Oh Wow! This was such an excellent story! I just couldn't bear to put my Kindle into sleep mode for a few minutes, even when I needed to catch up with other day-to-day, much more boring chores!
It was a good job that this book was broken down into bite-sized chunks and I can safely say that a mere 150 chapters made it manageable, even for me! I had thought that having this many breaks in the story might make it a little disjointed, however every new chapter saw a relocation in the action, bringing the storyline up close and personal, with each and every page being fast-paced and action filled to the brim.
Ellie Reeves is the latest in a long line of fictional detectives with more than enough personal baggage to sink a small ship. However this series goes one step further, as both stories to date have featured cases which have revolved around Ellie and her family personally, so it's no wonder this small town is seemingly getting to experience far more than its fair share of death, murder, depravity, collusion and lying. And I'll let you into a little secret - this second case leaves things hanging by a thread, so look out for book #3. I know I am. Although whether her bosses are going to come to the conclusion that Ellie is more of a liability than she is worth, is anyone's guess. This story did however work great as a stand alone, as enough of the backstory was explained to keep me fully up to date, and that tantalising ending doesn't involve any real carry over conclusion, unless you're really nosy, like me!
This powerfully intense, multi-layered, well constructed and developed story, moved along at a breakneck pace, hardly allowing me time to draw breath before the next tumultuous event was discovered and called in to the investigating team. The air was constantly tense, as suspicion fell on first one, then another of this divided team, which left me emotionally drained and constantly playing catch-up. I had worked my suspect list down to two names quite early on and had guessed, with certainty in my own mind, which one had committed the crimes, not long after. However watching everyone else play catch-up was both fun and excruciatingly painful, as the bodies began stacking up - Oh! if only they could hear me, some of this anguish and pain might have been saved - or so I thought!
But wait! - both of my named suspects were suddenly proved innocent, as yet another twist in the tale was uncovered which threw me completely off track, leaving me totally at the author's mercy, which in all fairness, it transpired I had been, right from the word go! Author Rita Herron masterfully owned this storyline right from the very first line and she never lost control, even down to that final tantalising teaser line. She is clearly a consummate exponent in the art of storytelling, supremely confident in which direction she wants to lead her readers at all times, and is able to throw in red herrings and blind alleys, seamlessly and at will, without breaking the pace or integrity of the plot, just by ramping up the tension a notch or two. At one point, just that little nudge and twist in the story, was enough to send shivers down my spine and make me certain that I shall never look at an undertaker in quite the same way ever again (even though in a previous line of work, I was in daily contact with more than one funeral home), now I just can't get the vivid image that Rita so carefully constructed, out of my head!
Rita also writes with a beautifully descriptive and genuine sense of time and place. The compelling, visually descriptive narrative, meant that I could close my eyes and imagine myself in amongst those dark forbidding Appalachians, just as the impending storm drew ever closer. That feeling of being alone, open to the elements and at the total mercy of a crazed killer, wondering all the time if it was me he was coming for next, or if I was going to be the person to stumble upon the next body!
The multi-faceted characters were flawlessly well drawn and defined. Each one was emotionally complex and had baggage and a past which haunted them, making them quite difficult to read and connect with. They all had reasons to dislike and distrust other members of a team which really needed to work as a cohesive unit, meaning that the air was full of tension, suspicion and mistrust for much of the time, although in all fairness, none of them ever really took their eye off the ball for too long, with the possible exception of the one person who should have known better and not let their personal feelings and ego get in the way of the job in hand. As a result of some very complex and damaging family dynamics, Ellie herself often comes under suspicion during the course of this investigation, although she has estranged herself from her parents, in order to maintain some distance and further the career which she loves. However, when push comes to shove and a tough and resilient Ellie finds herself captive rather than captor, resulting events cause her to take stock and re-evaluate her position somewhat. Compromise might yet be too strong a word, as Ellie decides that blood is thicker than water, however exactly how she is going to reconcile her feelings for family, with the reaction of the community she serves, has yet to be established. There have been so many lives lost and families destroyed, can forgiveness and inclusion ever happen for Ellie, or is the job she has fought so hard to win for herself, doomed to be taken from her?
This storyline had it all, great characters, an amazing plot and a lovely armchair travellers journey through some fantastic scenery!
"Monday's child is fair of face
Tuesday's child is full of grace
Wednesday's child is full of woe
Thursday's child has far to go
Friday's child is loving and giving
Saturday's child works hard for a living
And the child that is born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe, and good and gay"
"A blueprint for murder"
Oh Wow! This was such an excellent story! I just couldn't bear to put my Kindle into sleep mode for a few minutes, even when I needed to catch up with other day-to-day, much more boring chores!
It was a good job that this book was broken down into bite-sized chunks and I can safely say that a mere 150 chapters made it manageable, even for me! I had thought that having this many breaks in the story might make it a little disjointed, however every new chapter saw a relocation in the action, bringing the storyline up close and personal, with each and every page being fast-paced and action filled to the brim.
Ellie Reeves is the latest in a long line of fictional detectives with more than enough personal baggage to sink a small ship. However this series goes one step further, as both stories to date have featured cases which have revolved around Ellie and her family personally, so it's no wonder this small town is seemingly getting to experience far more than its fair share of death, murder, depravity, collusion and lying. And I'll let you into a little secret - this second case leaves things hanging by a thread, so look out for book #3. I know I am. Although whether her bosses are going to come to the conclusion that Ellie is more of a liability than she is worth, is anyone's guess. This story did however work great as a stand alone, as enough of the backstory was explained to keep me fully up to date, and that tantalising ending doesn't involve any real carry over conclusion, unless you're really nosy, like me!
This powerfully intense, multi-layered, well constructed and developed story, moved along at a breakneck pace, hardly allowing me time to draw breath before the next tumultuous event was discovered and called in to the investigating team. The air was constantly tense, as suspicion fell on first one, then another of this divided team, which left me emotionally drained and constantly playing catch-up. I had worked my suspect list down to two names quite early on and had guessed, with certainty in my own mind, which one had committed the crimes, not long after. However watching everyone else play catch-up was both fun and excruciatingly painful, as the bodies began stacking up - Oh! if only they could hear me, some of this anguish and pain might have been saved - or so I thought!
But wait! - both of my named suspects were suddenly proved innocent, as yet another twist in the tale was uncovered which threw me completely off track, leaving me totally at the author's mercy, which in all fairness, it transpired I had been, right from the word go! Author Rita Herron masterfully owned this storyline right from the very first line and she never lost control, even down to that final tantalising teaser line. She is clearly a consummate exponent in the art of storytelling, supremely confident in which direction she wants to lead her readers at all times, and is able to throw in red herrings and blind alleys, seamlessly and at will, without breaking the pace or integrity of the plot, just by ramping up the tension a notch or two. At one point, just that little nudge and twist in the story, was enough to send shivers down my spine and make me certain that I shall never look at an undertaker in quite the same way ever again (even though in a previous line of work, I was in daily contact with more than one funeral home), now I just can't get the vivid image that Rita so carefully constructed, out of my head!
Rita also writes with a beautifully descriptive and genuine sense of time and place. The compelling, visually descriptive narrative, meant that I could close my eyes and imagine myself in amongst those dark forbidding Appalachians, just as the impending storm drew ever closer. That feeling of being alone, open to the elements and at the total mercy of a crazed killer, wondering all the time if it was me he was coming for next, or if I was going to be the person to stumble upon the next body!
The multi-faceted characters were flawlessly well drawn and defined. Each one was emotionally complex and had baggage and a past which haunted them, making them quite difficult to read and connect with. They all had reasons to dislike and distrust other members of a team which really needed to work as a cohesive unit, meaning that the air was full of tension, suspicion and mistrust for much of the time, although in all fairness, none of them ever really took their eye off the ball for too long, with the possible exception of the one person who should have known better and not let their personal feelings and ego get in the way of the job in hand. As a result of some very complex and damaging family dynamics, Ellie herself often comes under suspicion during the course of this investigation, although she has estranged herself from her parents, in order to maintain some distance and further the career which she loves. However, when push comes to shove and a tough and resilient Ellie finds herself captive rather than captor, resulting events cause her to take stock and re-evaluate her position somewhat. Compromise might yet be too strong a word, as Ellie decides that blood is thicker than water, however exactly how she is going to reconcile her feelings for family, with the reaction of the community she serves, has yet to be established. There have been so many lives lost and families destroyed, can forgiveness and inclusion ever happen for Ellie, or is the job she has fought so hard to win for herself, doomed to be taken from her?
This storyline had it all, great characters, an amazing plot and a lovely armchair travellers journey through some fantastic scenery!
December 1, 2020
Detective Ellie Reeves heads into the wilds of the Appalachian Mountains when she wants to get lost and forget all the whispers chasing her and the past that keeps her up at night. She’s sick of having to prove herself to her small town.
But hiking in the endless miles of woods isn’t the escape she was hoping for. A gust of wind blows some petals on to Ellie’s path. Following the trail, she finds a golden-haired young woman dead on a bed of daffodils, with a note: ‘Monday’s child is fair of face.’
When Ellie emerges from the forest, she receives a message on her phone. Someone has sent her a picture of her colleague, Officer Shondra Eastwood with a challenge to find and save her before it’s too late.
Ellie is up against a serial killer who will claim a victim for every day of the week. Ellie needs to figure out who the killer is and save Shondra before he gets to her first.
I was so glad to read this one! I really loved the first book in this series and this was equally good as well!
It continues from where the first book ended but that’s just to give a slight background. The main characters are well written, Ellie is definitely one of my favourites . Also, there are so many twists throughout the plot that it keeps you guessing right till the end.
I tried to guess who the killer was but I just got it wrong. There were so many victims (one for each day of the week), I just wanted to know more about them and why were they chosen. The end was definitely an exceptional twist that I didn’t see coming.
Overall an excellent read. And I also loved the way the end was left hanging with a hint of what to expect next, that makes me even more eager to read the next book in the series. The secrets just keep getting better.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
But hiking in the endless miles of woods isn’t the escape she was hoping for. A gust of wind blows some petals on to Ellie’s path. Following the trail, she finds a golden-haired young woman dead on a bed of daffodils, with a note: ‘Monday’s child is fair of face.’
When Ellie emerges from the forest, she receives a message on her phone. Someone has sent her a picture of her colleague, Officer Shondra Eastwood with a challenge to find and save her before it’s too late.
Ellie is up against a serial killer who will claim a victim for every day of the week. Ellie needs to figure out who the killer is and save Shondra before he gets to her first.
I was so glad to read this one! I really loved the first book in this series and this was equally good as well!
It continues from where the first book ended but that’s just to give a slight background. The main characters are well written, Ellie is definitely one of my favourites . Also, there are so many twists throughout the plot that it keeps you guessing right till the end.
I tried to guess who the killer was but I just got it wrong. There were so many victims (one for each day of the week), I just wanted to know more about them and why were they chosen. The end was definitely an exceptional twist that I didn’t see coming.
Overall an excellent read. And I also loved the way the end was left hanging with a hint of what to expect next, that makes me even more eager to read the next book in the series. The secrets just keep getting better.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
November 20, 2020
After the shocking revelations in the previous book, detective Ellie Reeves is in therapy to deal with the lies and deceit of her parents. Not only does the whole county looks down and condemns the behaviour of their former sheriff, many people see Ellie as just as guilty as her parents. There are many protests in town and Jess receives some very unpleasant mail. She decides to let go of all the negativity and sets out for a good long hike along the Appalachian Trail. She doesn’t get very far though, as she almost stumbles on the body of a young woman that’s left amidst a bed of wild daffodils. The victim has her mouth sewn shut; her throat slashed, wears odd make-up, and is dressed as if ready to attend a funeral. Later Jenny receives messages from the killer. He’s killing young woman according to an old nursery rhyme ‘Monday’s child’, which covers all days of the week. The next day, another victim is found. As if to up the stakes, Ellie gets a very distressing phone call from her friend and colleague Shondra Eastwood, saying that she’s been held by the ‘Weekday-killer’ as he’s been dubbed. Captain Hale asks assistance from Derrick Fox from the FBI who also helped them in their last case.
This is the second book in the series and although you can read it on its own, it does lean rather heavily on the events of the first story. So, I advise reading the books in order to have a full grasp of the importance of the first investigation and its implications.
The story is mainly told from Ellie’s POV, but some short ones are told by Shondra from the cage in which she’s held or by the killer. We get snippets from Cord and an unnamed woman as well.
There was already a lot of tension and all sorts of vibes between Cord, Ellie, and Derrick. Both men have protective feelings towards Ellie but there are other issues that complicate their relationship with each other and with Ellie as well. Then there is also the bad relationship with Ellie’s boss, the new sheriff. One of the things she resents is his misogynistic attitude as well as the fact that her father endorsed him as his successor instead of her.
All this tension and stress complicates not only the investigation but creates distrust and suspicions. The author puts a lot of effort into her clues that make everyone into a possible murderer. Cord was already chiefly suspected in the first book, is now made suspicious enough for an arrest, but in other parts, it’s clear that he can’t be the killer because he’s chasing him. Or isn’t he?
The story keeps twisting and turning until the very end. The tension and suspense are kept high all along. The end was well found, but somehow a bit of a disappointment. But there is more to come as not all questions and mysteries are resolved. I can’t wait to find out what the writer has still to say.
I found one stupid mistake in the book. When Wednesday’s Child is found, they smell something murky, like a dead animal and that leads them to the body. But the body is still warm enough for the killer to be close enough by, to be chased.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided me with; this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
This is the second book in the series and although you can read it on its own, it does lean rather heavily on the events of the first story. So, I advise reading the books in order to have a full grasp of the importance of the first investigation and its implications.
The story is mainly told from Ellie’s POV, but some short ones are told by Shondra from the cage in which she’s held or by the killer. We get snippets from Cord and an unnamed woman as well.
There was already a lot of tension and all sorts of vibes between Cord, Ellie, and Derrick. Both men have protective feelings towards Ellie but there are other issues that complicate their relationship with each other and with Ellie as well. Then there is also the bad relationship with Ellie’s boss, the new sheriff. One of the things she resents is his misogynistic attitude as well as the fact that her father endorsed him as his successor instead of her.
All this tension and stress complicates not only the investigation but creates distrust and suspicions. The author puts a lot of effort into her clues that make everyone into a possible murderer. Cord was already chiefly suspected in the first book, is now made suspicious enough for an arrest, but in other parts, it’s clear that he can’t be the killer because he’s chasing him. Or isn’t he?
The story keeps twisting and turning until the very end. The tension and suspense are kept high all along. The end was well found, but somehow a bit of a disappointment. But there is more to come as not all questions and mysteries are resolved. I can’t wait to find out what the writer has still to say.
I found one stupid mistake in the book. When Wednesday’s Child is found, they smell something murky, like a dead animal and that leads them to the body. But the body is still warm enough for the killer to be close enough by, to be chased.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided me with; this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
November 8, 2020
Detective Ellie Reeves nightmare continues when a new killer dubbed the Weekday Killer takes her friend and fellow officer Shondra. This killer is as diabolical as her half brother Hiram. He is an expert at throwing Ellie and the police off by framing those close to her.
When Ellie's past was revealed in the previous book it opened up a Pandora's box that we still haven't seen the full repercussions of that yet. Hopefully book 3 will shed more light on where Ellie came from and that she can survive it both emotionally and physically.
When Ellie's past was revealed in the previous book it opened up a Pandora's box that we still haven't seen the full repercussions of that yet. Hopefully book 3 will shed more light on where Ellie came from and that she can survive it both emotionally and physically.
December 12, 2020
Brilliant! Fantastic plot, great characters. She's maintained the suspense well through the entire book, and we get an inkling of the perpetrator only at the end. Ellie and Derrick, wow wonder if that's on the cards,?
This is going to be a series, with individual plots but intertwined characters and back story. My suggestion to anyone wanting to read this , do start with her first o the series - Silent Dolls.
Recommended: 👍 👌 👏
This is going to be a series, with individual plots but intertwined characters and back story. My suggestion to anyone wanting to read this , do start with her first o the series - Silent Dolls.
Recommended: 👍 👌 👏
December 7, 2020
The book had me holding my breath, knowing the killer had already chosen the women based on a rhyme that gave me the horrors when I read it. Detective Ellie Reeves was back again with the Appalachian Mountains as yet the setting of this book. Author Rita Herron wrote another fast-paced thriller with a complete police investigation.
On a hike to the mountains, Ellie found a woman posed on a bed of daffodils and soon came to know that her colleague Shondra was missing. That led to the beginning of the investigation which rushed down the pages at breakneck speed. The book did continue, in some sections, from the previous one, but that didn’t matter to me as I didn’t remember much of the first book. Maybe Ellie’s introspection could be brought down a notch.
Ellie, as a cop, was etched well in this book as the killer went one step ahead and came too close to her as if mocking her, challenging her to find him. I had a few suspects, but none really came to light as the author enveloped the story in another twist and caused me to rethink. It was obvious the devious mind writing this had already thought of how the readers might surmise and so kept a step ahead. Now that I thought about it, much like the killer.
The motive for the kill was beyond me to understand and I stayed awake just to know the killer and reasons for the murders. And as most thrillers went, the end was a twist that twisted me around in an inverted twist. Go figure the alliteration.
Overall, it was quite an exciting read with a kickass cop and a killer who murdered by the days of the week every 24 hours. The race was on!!
On a hike to the mountains, Ellie found a woman posed on a bed of daffodils and soon came to know that her colleague Shondra was missing. That led to the beginning of the investigation which rushed down the pages at breakneck speed. The book did continue, in some sections, from the previous one, but that didn’t matter to me as I didn’t remember much of the first book. Maybe Ellie’s introspection could be brought down a notch.
Ellie, as a cop, was etched well in this book as the killer went one step ahead and came too close to her as if mocking her, challenging her to find him. I had a few suspects, but none really came to light as the author enveloped the story in another twist and caused me to rethink. It was obvious the devious mind writing this had already thought of how the readers might surmise and so kept a step ahead. Now that I thought about it, much like the killer.
The motive for the kill was beyond me to understand and I stayed awake just to know the killer and reasons for the murders. And as most thrillers went, the end was a twist that twisted me around in an inverted twist. Go figure the alliteration.
Overall, it was quite an exciting read with a kickass cop and a killer who murdered by the days of the week every 24 hours. The race was on!!
December 17, 2020
Detective Ellie Reeves, while hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, literally stumbles across the body of a young woman. She's laying on a bed of daffodils, a branch wrapped around her neck, wearing clothes that do not belong to her. Her lips have been sewn shut and a note is found inside her mouth....
Monday’s child is fair of face
And then she finds another body of a young woman ... left in the same condition as the first. Only the message is different....
Tuesday’s child is full of grace
So begins the hunt for a serial killer with an agenda ... a killing everyday for a week. One of Ellie's team members is taken ... and Ellie, herself, is a target.
Mesmerizing, exciting, gripping, riveting .... this one is chock full of action, with frequent changes of direction. There are varied suspects ... some rather closer than the detectives are aware. All the characters are solidly drawn. Ellie's backstory continues in this 2nd of the series, although it is easily read as a stand alone. But I highly recommend reading this series is order. No major cliffhanger .. but there is certainly room for another adventure for Ellie.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Monday’s child is fair of face
And then she finds another body of a young woman ... left in the same condition as the first. Only the message is different....
Tuesday’s child is full of grace
So begins the hunt for a serial killer with an agenda ... a killing everyday for a week. One of Ellie's team members is taken ... and Ellie, herself, is a target.
Mesmerizing, exciting, gripping, riveting .... this one is chock full of action, with frequent changes of direction. There are varied suspects ... some rather closer than the detectives are aware. All the characters are solidly drawn. Ellie's backstory continues in this 2nd of the series, although it is easily read as a stand alone. But I highly recommend reading this series is order. No major cliffhanger .. but there is certainly room for another adventure for Ellie.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 23, 2020
I liked the first book in the series, but I honestly didn’t really care for this one. It is basically a re-written version of the first book. There were several details and scenarios that happened in both books. Ex: One person is suspected of the crimes in both books. Ellie has been the target in both books.
One thing that extremely annoyed me in this book is when Ellie gets home and notices her light out again. She hears movement outside and yet she still goes inside and gets in the shower. Much to my not surprise, she was attacked. Obviously, we all knew it was going to happen, so I don’t think that shows she’s a very good detective.
I didn’t guess the killer because we weren’t given many clues to the person it ended up being. I guessed right away who the “therapist” was going to be. So half and half on the surprise factor.
If I read the next book, I definitely need a better plot and more originality. And for it to not be so long, as this one seemed to drag on.
One thing that extremely annoyed me in this book is when Ellie gets home and notices her light out again. She hears movement outside and yet she still goes inside and gets in the shower. Much to my not surprise, she was attacked. Obviously, we all knew it was going to happen, so I don’t think that shows she’s a very good detective.
I didn’t guess the killer because we weren’t given many clues to the person it ended up being. I guessed right away who the “therapist” was going to be. So half and half on the surprise factor.
If I read the next book, I definitely need a better plot and more originality. And for it to not be so long, as this one seemed to drag on.
November 12, 2020
This was good! I mean, GREAT! Had no clue who the killer was - lots of suspects, lots of wrong guesses ... this one kept me guessing the whole time. Book 2 did not disappoint and I can’t wait to see what happens with Ellie in book 3. I would recommend reading this series in order - the backstory is important for this book, as it picks up where book one ended.
Fast read that keeps you hooked with all the twists and turns! Definitely recommend.
Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for this eARC. Loved it.
Fast read that keeps you hooked with all the twists and turns! Definitely recommend.
Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for this eARC. Loved it.
November 11, 2020
Detective Ellie Reeves the second book in the series
Hiram the serial killer is now behind bars and three weeks on Ellie's parents are still getting hounded after their cover up.
the serial killers pattern goes back two decades named as the ghost, Ellie is now under a therapist her parents had lied to her all her life and crooked creek and media wont leave her alone she has to decide where to go now will she seek out her true parents.
At the reflection pond she finds a womans body and starts getting unknown texts that follow every day starting with mondays child is fair of face, who is doing this? and why? a dead womans body is found daily and its a race against time for the team. he or she is taunting Ellie.
this book sent my stomach in knots, chilling read right through, some parts are not for the faint hearted, but I was hooked reading it all. and do hope the author will deliver much more of the books in the series.
Hiram the serial killer is now behind bars and three weeks on Ellie's parents are still getting hounded after their cover up.
the serial killers pattern goes back two decades named as the ghost, Ellie is now under a therapist her parents had lied to her all her life and crooked creek and media wont leave her alone she has to decide where to go now will she seek out her true parents.
At the reflection pond she finds a womans body and starts getting unknown texts that follow every day starting with mondays child is fair of face, who is doing this? and why? a dead womans body is found daily and its a race against time for the team. he or she is taunting Ellie.
this book sent my stomach in knots, chilling read right through, some parts are not for the faint hearted, but I was hooked reading it all. and do hope the author will deliver much more of the books in the series.
December 13, 2020
So many twists & turns. Looking forward to see what’s in store for Detective Ellie Reeves next.
November 17, 2020
I realised as soon as I was into the first chapter that I was reading the sequel of a previous book. The characters are already formed and interact well with one another, showing previous relationships and a backstory. And this is okay, there is enough spoken dialogue and internal dialogue that explains both the action and the denouement of the first book.
I liked the story, it is a good plot with an even pace, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. And I did like the author’s narrative writing style.
There were only a couple of things that disappointed me: the dialogue sometimes (and it is only sometimes) is written in a ‘telling style’, as though as an explanation to the reader. And, although the outdoor settings are evocative, occasionally there is unnecessary repetition. The initial descriptions are excellently written, but then there are extra clauses that aren’t needed and so slow down the action.
However, this doesn’t happen in the sections which describe the “Cold. Steel. Bars.” the last place the victims know. ( I try not to give spoilers in my reviews – it’s a little difficult here) Suffice it to say, these well written settings are both sinister and chilling to read.
I found the explanation of the symbolism of wild flowers and nature fascinating; it’s obvious the author has researched this extensively and has cleverly interwoven them with the story.
All in all, I enjoyed the read and have no reservations in recommending this book to readers of crime fiction.
I liked the story, it is a good plot with an even pace, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. And I did like the author’s narrative writing style.
There were only a couple of things that disappointed me: the dialogue sometimes (and it is only sometimes) is written in a ‘telling style’, as though as an explanation to the reader. And, although the outdoor settings are evocative, occasionally there is unnecessary repetition. The initial descriptions are excellently written, but then there are extra clauses that aren’t needed and so slow down the action.
However, this doesn’t happen in the sections which describe the “Cold. Steel. Bars.” the last place the victims know. ( I try not to give spoilers in my reviews – it’s a little difficult here) Suffice it to say, these well written settings are both sinister and chilling to read.
I found the explanation of the symbolism of wild flowers and nature fascinating; it’s obvious the author has researched this extensively and has cleverly interwoven them with the story.
All in all, I enjoyed the read and have no reservations in recommending this book to readers of crime fiction.
March 25, 2022
I enjoy this series. It’s great at throwing me off. It’s nice to not know the bad guy from the beginning. And I’m curious about Ellie’s history.
November 18, 2020
A serial killer killing off his victims based on a nursery rhyme. Such an interesting premise, and even though it’s the second book in a series I jumped on it. There’s quite a bit of recap and follow up of what happened in the previous book, but it was like, all in fast forward and imo it lost the intensity of what happened.
I think it has so much potential and could have been better. The imagery, and the forensics part was great, but third-person narration which is used quite a bit in this book took all the feel from what was happening and made less of what could have been very intense and gritty, I found it so hard to connect with any of the characters. Also, some of the things that happened early on felt so out of the police character it put me off. I really, really wanted to like this one, and I did, but for the most part, it failed to grip my attention.
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley, author, and publishers. Pub Date 1st Dec, 20. All opinions are my own.
I think it has so much potential and could have been better. The imagery, and the forensics part was great, but third-person narration which is used quite a bit in this book took all the feel from what was happening and made less of what could have been very intense and gritty, I found it so hard to connect with any of the characters. Also, some of the things that happened early on felt so out of the police character it put me off. I really, really wanted to like this one, and I did, but for the most part, it failed to grip my attention.
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley, author, and publishers. Pub Date 1st Dec, 20. All opinions are my own.
January 21, 2023
Gave it a shot..
I read book 1 and book 2 of this series but ultimately I don't think it's working out. I gave book one a decent rating assuming the series would improve but after this book it is just tired. The lead detective is too personally targeted at all times and clearly the series is structured for that to continue AND for a person being targeted she spends a lot of time on her own and at the mercy of whoever feels like knocking her on the head. This character has been knocked out from head injury at least six times at this point... I can't act like that's normal anymore.
I read book 1 and book 2 of this series but ultimately I don't think it's working out. I gave book one a decent rating assuming the series would improve but after this book it is just tired. The lead detective is too personally targeted at all times and clearly the series is structured for that to continue AND for a person being targeted she spends a lot of time on her own and at the mercy of whoever feels like knocking her on the head. This character has been knocked out from head injury at least six times at this point... I can't act like that's normal anymore.
November 26, 2020
We are back with Detective Ellie Reeves of Bluff County, still not getting along with Sheriff Bryce Waters, and paired up with FBI agent Derrick Fox again to hunt down yet another serial killer leaving bodies on the Applachian Trail, gruesomely laid out on beds of daffodils.
The book is remarkably similar to The Silent Dolls and in some cases this would have put me off. Yet there is something about Reeves and Fox and the way Herron writes that I just cannot resist. I was pulled into Wildflower Graves very quickly and just wanted to read on and on.
Why? Well, at times the detail is a little gruesome for my palate and I did feel quite uncomfortable reading about the cages and the depraved brutality of The Weekday Killer, but it does add to the sense of menace and need to catch him quickly.
The serial killer is following the tradional days of the week rhyme which starts with 'Monday's child is fair of face...'in the most macabre way. This means a new woman is killed on each day of the week and there really is no shortage of possible candidates or victims.
Hiram is incarcerared so it can't be him. Hiram features in book 1 of this series but there is sufficient recapping in places to make it possible to read this book without having read the first. There are lots of similarities though with The Ghost case and what is happening just several weeks later!
Are the team going to work together or is one of them the killer or helping the killer? Cord McClain, the ranger who patrols the Appalachian Trail either has the knowledge to assist or the background to be a suspect. Even the sheriff could be involved.
I loved the way there were plenty of suspects, with some actually being found guilty, just not of the Weekday murders. The reader is therefore kept guessing and trying to figure out who the killer is.
I also enjoy learning more about each character and in Wildflower Graves we learn a lot about Cord's dreadful childhood.
Ellie Reeves is always targeted and there is a strong personal element running through the investigation where her adopted parents are reviled by the local community for Hiram's sadistic behaviour (see book 1). Ellie hasn't been in touch with Randall and Vera since the explosive revelations and yet it isn't that simple letting go of the past.
I always know that Ellie will succeed but there is always a long and tough journey first. The Trail leaves me feeling intimidated and at the mercy of the elements. In book 1 there was an encroaching snow storm, and in this sequel there is a tornado!
Another suspense filled race against the clock to spare any more young women losing their lives at the hands of a madman, this is a book full of twists and shocks. Even at the close when you think order is restored, Herron treats you to another revelation.
I definitely think Wildflower Graves is a fitting sequel to The Silent Dolls and I happily devoured the book as quickly as I could. Trouble is, how long have I got to wait until book 3?
Having said that, I probably need the time to recover from the intensity of the chase and I am sure Ellie Reeves needs time to heal from the dreadful physical injuries inflicted upon her in her quest for justice!
The book is remarkably similar to The Silent Dolls and in some cases this would have put me off. Yet there is something about Reeves and Fox and the way Herron writes that I just cannot resist. I was pulled into Wildflower Graves very quickly and just wanted to read on and on.
Why? Well, at times the detail is a little gruesome for my palate and I did feel quite uncomfortable reading about the cages and the depraved brutality of The Weekday Killer, but it does add to the sense of menace and need to catch him quickly.
The serial killer is following the tradional days of the week rhyme which starts with 'Monday's child is fair of face...'in the most macabre way. This means a new woman is killed on each day of the week and there really is no shortage of possible candidates or victims.
Hiram is incarcerared so it can't be him. Hiram features in book 1 of this series but there is sufficient recapping in places to make it possible to read this book without having read the first. There are lots of similarities though with The Ghost case and what is happening just several weeks later!
Are the team going to work together or is one of them the killer or helping the killer? Cord McClain, the ranger who patrols the Appalachian Trail either has the knowledge to assist or the background to be a suspect. Even the sheriff could be involved.
I loved the way there were plenty of suspects, with some actually being found guilty, just not of the Weekday murders. The reader is therefore kept guessing and trying to figure out who the killer is.
I also enjoy learning more about each character and in Wildflower Graves we learn a lot about Cord's dreadful childhood.
Ellie Reeves is always targeted and there is a strong personal element running through the investigation where her adopted parents are reviled by the local community for Hiram's sadistic behaviour (see book 1). Ellie hasn't been in touch with Randall and Vera since the explosive revelations and yet it isn't that simple letting go of the past.
I always know that Ellie will succeed but there is always a long and tough journey first. The Trail leaves me feeling intimidated and at the mercy of the elements. In book 1 there was an encroaching snow storm, and in this sequel there is a tornado!
Another suspense filled race against the clock to spare any more young women losing their lives at the hands of a madman, this is a book full of twists and shocks. Even at the close when you think order is restored, Herron treats you to another revelation.
I definitely think Wildflower Graves is a fitting sequel to The Silent Dolls and I happily devoured the book as quickly as I could. Trouble is, how long have I got to wait until book 3?
Having said that, I probably need the time to recover from the intensity of the chase and I am sure Ellie Reeves needs time to heal from the dreadful physical injuries inflicted upon her in her quest for justice!
November 11, 2020
Detective Ellie Reeves the second book in the series
Hiram the serial killer is now behind bars and three weeks on Ellie's parents are still getting hounded after their cover up.
the serial killers pattern goes back two decades named as the ghost, Ellie is now under a therapist her parents had lied to her all her life and crooked creek and media wont leave her alone she has to decide where to go now will she seek out her true parents.
At the reflection pond she finds a womans body and starts getting unknown texts that follow every day starting with mondays child is fair of face, who is doing this? and why? a dead womans body is found daily and its a race against time for the team. he or she is taunting Ellie.
this book sent my stomach in knots, chilling read right through, some parts are not for the faint hearted, but I was hooked reading it all. and do hope the author will deliver much more of the books in the series.
Hiram the serial killer is now behind bars and three weeks on Ellie's parents are still getting hounded after their cover up.
the serial killers pattern goes back two decades named as the ghost, Ellie is now under a therapist her parents had lied to her all her life and crooked creek and media wont leave her alone she has to decide where to go now will she seek out her true parents.
At the reflection pond she finds a womans body and starts getting unknown texts that follow every day starting with mondays child is fair of face, who is doing this? and why? a dead womans body is found daily and its a race against time for the team. he or she is taunting Ellie.
this book sent my stomach in knots, chilling read right through, some parts are not for the faint hearted, but I was hooked reading it all. and do hope the author will deliver much more of the books in the series.
January 28, 2021
Ho divorato anche questo... E come la protagonista a un certo punto ho dubitato di tutti e tutto, o quasi. beh, a parte Derrick... Come nel libro precedente, nel finale c'è quasi un lancio alla storia successiva, ma stavolta mi tocca aspettare che esca, accidenti.
May 24, 2024
Another smasher by Rita Herron absolutely love these books! Highly recommend
February 18, 2021
Another Gem from Rita Herron. A must read for those who love A good Thriller.
March 23, 2025
I think it would be a good idea to read these in order as there are spoilers from the first book and also continuing themes that you would benefit from the background
3.75⭐️ rounded up!
3.75⭐️ rounded up!
August 3, 2025
too long and full of red herrings in this graphically violent tale of abduction and torture.
November 30, 2020
Ellie Reeves goes into the Appalachian Trail for some space and hiking. The exposure of her parents' secret, potentially harboring a serial killer of young girls, brought Ellie under the scrutiny of the town - assumptions she is as guilty as her parents, questioning her ability to be a police officer.
While hiking the trail, Ellie stumbles upon a recently murdered young woman - posed, with a nursery rhyme.
Ellie is pulled into the investigation, along with Special Agent Derrick Fox. Will they be able to stop the killer before there is a victim for each seven days?
I did not read the first book in the series - the author did a great job summarizing past events to provide context as well as reminders for those who had.
I just didn't feel this book - I skimmed until about 80% through. The author did a great job withholding the identity of the killer. There were few clues until the end of the book to lead to the culprit.
While hiking the trail, Ellie stumbles upon a recently murdered young woman - posed, with a nursery rhyme.
Ellie is pulled into the investigation, along with Special Agent Derrick Fox. Will they be able to stop the killer before there is a victim for each seven days?
I did not read the first book in the series - the author did a great job summarizing past events to provide context as well as reminders for those who had.
I just didn't feel this book - I skimmed until about 80% through. The author did a great job withholding the identity of the killer. There were few clues until the end of the book to lead to the culprit.
March 9, 2022
Wildflower Graves was a fairly good book. I liked the story surrounding the abductions of the women and the sinister nature of it all. However I did have one issue with it and it is a spoiler or slightly one so (And MY reviews NEVER contain spoilers so you know its annoyed me)....
So yeah, the whole spoiler thing above really annoyed me at this book then became a 3, maybe 3,5 stars read. Sorry.
So yeah, the whole spoiler thing above really annoyed me at this book then became a 3, maybe 3,5 stars read. Sorry.
August 17, 2021
To be honest, didn't think the book was special and didn't enjoy the end.
The story itself its nice but could have been a lot more "page-turner" or interesting.
The story itself its nice but could have been a lot more "page-turner" or interesting.
December 31, 2020
Monday's child is fair of face. But the woman that has been murdered no longer looks so fair. Tuesday's child is discovered next. Will Detective Ellie Reeves be able to stop the killer before the rhyme is complete and seven women are dead...?
OMG what a book! Wildflower Graves is a wonderfully gruesome thriller. It is the second in the Ellie Reeves sereis from Rita Herron but I have not read the first. I suggest that you read the first, not just because I assume the writing style and plot are as good as this one, but due to the multiple references to plots twists and the conclusion of the last book.
Ellie Reeves is struggling both personally and professionally due to the outcome of the previous case. Relationships have been left in tatters and she is being hounded by the media. Now a serial killer is contacting her, taunting her with the dead women she could not save. I liked Ellie's character and could understand her troubled emotions in relation to her family and colleagues.
The majority of the book shows us the police perspective but there are some chapters that give us insight into the victims and killer. We then share Ellie's desperation to find her friend Shondra who is being tormented by the killer but is still alive.
My own personal preference is for short chapters and this book has those. My eyes gobbled up the plot as it races along. The use of the weekdays for the killings meant that events occur quickly and you can feel the tension as the police attempt to find clues.
Overall, I loved Wildflower Graves and will now track down the first book in the series even though I know the outcome!
OMG what a book! Wildflower Graves is a wonderfully gruesome thriller. It is the second in the Ellie Reeves sereis from Rita Herron but I have not read the first. I suggest that you read the first, not just because I assume the writing style and plot are as good as this one, but due to the multiple references to plots twists and the conclusion of the last book.
Ellie Reeves is struggling both personally and professionally due to the outcome of the previous case. Relationships have been left in tatters and she is being hounded by the media. Now a serial killer is contacting her, taunting her with the dead women she could not save. I liked Ellie's character and could understand her troubled emotions in relation to her family and colleagues.
The majority of the book shows us the police perspective but there are some chapters that give us insight into the victims and killer. We then share Ellie's desperation to find her friend Shondra who is being tormented by the killer but is still alive.
My own personal preference is for short chapters and this book has those. My eyes gobbled up the plot as it races along. The use of the weekdays for the killings meant that events occur quickly and you can feel the tension as the police attempt to find clues.
Overall, I loved Wildflower Graves and will now track down the first book in the series even though I know the outcome!
November 17, 2020
I realised as soon as I was into the first chapter that I was reading the sequel of a previous book. The characters are already formed and interact well with one another, showing previous relationships and a backstory. And this is okay, there is enough spoken dialogue and internal dialogue that explains both the action and the denouement of the first book.
I liked the story, it is a good plot with an even pace, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. And I did like the author’s narrative writing style.
There were only a couple of things that disappointed me: the dialogue sometimes (and it is only sometimes) is written in a ‘telling style’, as though as an explanation to the reader. And, although the outdoor settings are evocative, occasionally there is unnecessary repetition. The initial descriptions are excellently written, but then there are extra clauses that aren’t needed and so slow down the action.
However, this doesn’t happen in the sections which describe the “Cold. Steel. Bars.” the last place the victims know. ( I try not to give spoilers in my reviews – it’s a little difficult here) Suffice it to say, these well written settings are both sinister and chilling to read.
I found the explanation of the symbolism of wild flowers and nature fascinating; it’s obvious the author has researched this extensively and has cleverly interwoven them with the story.
All in all, I enjoyed the read and have no reservations in recommending this book to readers of crime fiction.
I liked the story, it is a good plot with an even pace, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. And I did like the author’s narrative writing style.
There were only a couple of things that disappointed me: the dialogue sometimes (and it is only sometimes) is written in a ‘telling style’, as though as an explanation to the reader. And, although the outdoor settings are evocative, occasionally there is unnecessary repetition. The initial descriptions are excellently written, but then there are extra clauses that aren’t needed and so slow down the action.
However, this doesn’t happen in the sections which describe the “Cold. Steel. Bars.” the last place the victims know. ( I try not to give spoilers in my reviews – it’s a little difficult here) Suffice it to say, these well written settings are both sinister and chilling to read.
I found the explanation of the symbolism of wild flowers and nature fascinating; it’s obvious the author has researched this extensively and has cleverly interwoven them with the story.
All in all, I enjoyed the read and have no reservations in recommending this book to readers of crime fiction.
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