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Bree Taggert #5
Dead Against Her
Sheriff Bree Taggert’s downfall is part of a killer’s cunning design in author Melinda Leigh’s novel of murder, lies, and revenge.
Called to an isolated farm to check on an elderly widow, Sheriff Bree Taggert finds a brutal double homicide. One of the victims is Eugene Oscar, the bitter and corrupt former deputy she recently fired.
Working with criminal investigator Matt Flynn, Bree discovers that she isn’t the only one who had a troubling history with Eugene. But someone doesn’t want Bree digging up the past. She becomes the target of a stranger’s sick and devious campaign calculated to destroy her reputation, career, family, and new relationship with Matt. To make matters worse, she’s the prime suspect in Eugene’s murder.
When her chief deputy goes missing while investigating the case, Bree refuses to back down. She won’t let him become the next victim. His life and her future depend on finding a killer nursing a vengeful rage.
Called to an isolated farm to check on an elderly widow, Sheriff Bree Taggert finds a brutal double homicide. One of the victims is Eugene Oscar, the bitter and corrupt former deputy she recently fired.
Working with criminal investigator Matt Flynn, Bree discovers that she isn’t the only one who had a troubling history with Eugene. But someone doesn’t want Bree digging up the past. She becomes the target of a stranger’s sick and devious campaign calculated to destroy her reputation, career, family, and new relationship with Matt. To make matters worse, she’s the prime suspect in Eugene’s murder.
When her chief deputy goes missing while investigating the case, Bree refuses to back down. She won’t let him become the next victim. His life and her future depend on finding a killer nursing a vengeful rage.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2022
5522 people are currently reading
7954 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Leigh
52 books21.9k followers#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,013 reviews
May 20, 2024
Dead Against Her
by Melinda Leigh is the fifth book in the Bree Taggert romantic suspense/police procedural series. Bree has been sheriff in her home county in upstate New York for a few months. The book is set in Grey’s Hollow in Randolph County. The sheriff’s department is asked to do a wellness check on an elderly widow. When Bree arrives, she finds two people dead. One of the victims is a corrupt former deputy Bree recently forced out of the department.
As Bree, part-time civilian criminal investigator Matt Flynn, and the rest of the department search for clues, they find that other people had trouble with the dead deputy. However, someone doesn’t want Bree to get answers. She becomes a target of efforts to destroy her reputation and career. When an officer disappears, she won’t back down.
Bree is smart, skilled, honorable, and determined. She joined law enforcement to help people and that is what she intends to do. Bree shows a lot of growth in this story and her character was more dynamic. Matt is a former sheriff’s deputy injured in the line of duty. He was going to start a K-9 training program, but his sister Cady is using the kennels for rescued dogs. Matt is a great investigator and loves dogs, including his retired K-9, Brody. Cady has common sense, teaches kickboxing and self-defense classes, and has good people skills.
The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some very tense scenes. The first chapter is chilling. It pulled me into the tale quickly and kept me rapidly turning the pages all the way to its shocking conclusion. The personal attacks and how Bree reacts to them gives readers greater insight into some of her strengths. The author has weaved another installment involving family, relationships, balancing work and family, romance, death, lies, hate, fear, trust, greed, refusal to work for a woman, and much more.
Overall, this book has twists, tension, violence, and relatable main characters. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, suspense, crime, action, and eventually some romance, then this is a series that I recommend. Besides this one, I’ve read the first three books and the prequel in the series. I accidentally skipped book four and plan to read it soon.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date May 17, 2022.
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My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
As Bree, part-time civilian criminal investigator Matt Flynn, and the rest of the department search for clues, they find that other people had trouble with the dead deputy. However, someone doesn’t want Bree to get answers. She becomes a target of efforts to destroy her reputation and career. When an officer disappears, she won’t back down.
Bree is smart, skilled, honorable, and determined. She joined law enforcement to help people and that is what she intends to do. Bree shows a lot of growth in this story and her character was more dynamic. Matt is a former sheriff’s deputy injured in the line of duty. He was going to start a K-9 training program, but his sister Cady is using the kennels for rescued dogs. Matt is a great investigator and loves dogs, including his retired K-9, Brody. Cady has common sense, teaches kickboxing and self-defense classes, and has good people skills.
The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some very tense scenes. The first chapter is chilling. It pulled me into the tale quickly and kept me rapidly turning the pages all the way to its shocking conclusion. The personal attacks and how Bree reacts to them gives readers greater insight into some of her strengths. The author has weaved another installment involving family, relationships, balancing work and family, romance, death, lies, hate, fear, trust, greed, refusal to work for a woman, and much more.
Overall, this book has twists, tension, violence, and relatable main characters. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, suspense, crime, action, and eventually some romance, then this is a series that I recommend. Besides this one, I’ve read the first three books and the prequel in the series. I accidentally skipped book four and plan to read it soon.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date May 17, 2022.
----------------------------------------
My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
March 6, 2023
the setup…
Grey’s Hollow Sheriff Bree Taggert is asked to do a welfare check on a widow living at an isolated farm. When she enters the house with the woman’s neighbor, Bree finds a gruesome sight. Not only has the woman been murdered but her son was also a victim. Bree’s second surprise was the identity of that man…Eugene Oscar, her former deputy sheriff who she had forced out.
the heart of the story…
Bree inherited a department that was formerly led by an extremely corrupt sheriff who ended up taking his life rather than face his consequences. He left behind a host of enablers that Bree continues to sift through and out. Her investigation of Oscar’s murder, along with his mother, immersed her deeply into that corrupt nest of conspiracy theorists, survivalists and others who were on the other side of law enforcement. Things got really nasty after she’s attacked using deep fake images that threaten her reputation. It got even scarier when her chief deputy was abducted, seeming as if she’s being assaulted from every angle. As insidious as it all was, it was equally fascinating to see the depths to which these groups will sink and the difficulty in combating their tactics.
the narration…
Traister was at her finest in this one as there were so many nasty characters hiding behind conventional veneers who she handled well. I especially enjoyed her storytelling skills as there were so many angles.
the bottom line…
There was a lot of ugliness here and I liked how Bree met the challenges while figuring out who and what was most important to her. It guided her decision making, keeping her from succumbing to the futility of fighting invisible attackers who make false accusations that stick. The fact that this mirrors real life was chilling. I was riveted by the story and liked how the investigation flowed, including the appearance of characters from past connected series. It’s not all wrapped neatly with a bow, which made it all the more authentic. Still loving this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Grey’s Hollow Sheriff Bree Taggert is asked to do a welfare check on a widow living at an isolated farm. When she enters the house with the woman’s neighbor, Bree finds a gruesome sight. Not only has the woman been murdered but her son was also a victim. Bree’s second surprise was the identity of that man…Eugene Oscar, her former deputy sheriff who she had forced out.
the heart of the story…
Bree inherited a department that was formerly led by an extremely corrupt sheriff who ended up taking his life rather than face his consequences. He left behind a host of enablers that Bree continues to sift through and out. Her investigation of Oscar’s murder, along with his mother, immersed her deeply into that corrupt nest of conspiracy theorists, survivalists and others who were on the other side of law enforcement. Things got really nasty after she’s attacked using deep fake images that threaten her reputation. It got even scarier when her chief deputy was abducted, seeming as if she’s being assaulted from every angle. As insidious as it all was, it was equally fascinating to see the depths to which these groups will sink and the difficulty in combating their tactics.
the narration…
Traister was at her finest in this one as there were so many nasty characters hiding behind conventional veneers who she handled well. I especially enjoyed her storytelling skills as there were so many angles.
the bottom line…
There was a lot of ugliness here and I liked how Bree met the challenges while figuring out who and what was most important to her. It guided her decision making, keeping her from succumbing to the futility of fighting invisible attackers who make false accusations that stick. The fact that this mirrors real life was chilling. I was riveted by the story and liked how the investigation flowed, including the appearance of characters from past connected series. It’s not all wrapped neatly with a bow, which made it all the more authentic. Still loving this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
April 18, 2022
The main character, Sheriff Bree Taggert, is investigating the double murder of the former sheriff, who retired in disgrace, and his mother. There are several possible explanations, but finding the murderer is made difficult by the fact that most of the suspects are lying or hiding something. And of course, Oscar was neither a good man nor a policeman, so the list of people who wished him badly goes on and on.
I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series, but that wasn't a problem at all. Although there are a lot of characters in this story who share some complicated relations, I found out who's who very quickly. So you can safely read this book without knowing the previous ones.
I found Bree a fully formed and multi-dimensional character even though it was my first encounter with her. About her past and her current, unusual family situation, I know just enough to be interested, while wanting to read previous books and learn more. Bree is a strong woman who in this book, in addition to investigating the murder of her predecessor, has to deal with false accusations that are extremely harmful to the woman. I well understood Bree's frustration at this situation.
The book is fast-paced and has some interesting twists. Unjust accusations and an attempt to ruin Bree's reputation raise the stakes and add an additional, very interesting plotline. They also make it easier to feel a bond with the main character who has to deal with this difficult situation.
I've had an eye on this series for a while and am now even more encouraged to go back and read earlier books about Bree.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series, but that wasn't a problem at all. Although there are a lot of characters in this story who share some complicated relations, I found out who's who very quickly. So you can safely read this book without knowing the previous ones.
I found Bree a fully formed and multi-dimensional character even though it was my first encounter with her. About her past and her current, unusual family situation, I know just enough to be interested, while wanting to read previous books and learn more. Bree is a strong woman who in this book, in addition to investigating the murder of her predecessor, has to deal with false accusations that are extremely harmful to the woman. I well understood Bree's frustration at this situation.
The book is fast-paced and has some interesting twists. Unjust accusations and an attempt to ruin Bree's reputation raise the stakes and add an additional, very interesting plotline. They also make it easier to feel a bond with the main character who has to deal with this difficult situation.
I've had an eye on this series for a while and am now even more encouraged to go back and read earlier books about Bree.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2022
Having already read books 1-4, I couldn't believe so many people had read Dead Against Her. Effective 10-26-21, there was one review, 657 ratings and a 3.65 rating on Goodreads. I did not see the story available on NetGalley where I usually get my ARCs so I contacted the author by email. Effective 10-26-21, per Ms. Leigh, "ARCs of Dead Against Her are not yet available. At this time, there are no reviewers who have actually read the book."
~~~~~
The story is finally available on NetGalley as of March, 1, 2022 and I read it in less than 36 hours. I enjoyed it that much .
Chapter One started off with a bang. Literally. From there on out, Sheriff Bree Taggert had her hands full.
My advice is if you haven't already read the first 4 stories in this series, start with Cross Her Heart. Each story has a rock-solid mystery with a good amount of suspense. The MCs slowly expand their relationships. You will understand Bree's strengths and why she's committed to her unusual family and job.
Bree was both gutsy and stubborn while solving the twisty mystery with the help of Investigator and boyfriend Matt Flynn, her personal assistant Marge, Chief Deputy Todd and her loyal lawmen and women. Even the canine dogs elevated the plot.
I admit there were some nail-biting moments when I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Let's just say, 'nuf said.
Thank you to NetGalley, Melinda Leigh and Montlake for allowing me to read an arc in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~
The story is finally available on NetGalley as of March, 1, 2022 and I read it in less than 36 hours. I enjoyed it that much .
Chapter One started off with a bang. Literally. From there on out, Sheriff Bree Taggert had her hands full.
My advice is if you haven't already read the first 4 stories in this series, start with Cross Her Heart. Each story has a rock-solid mystery with a good amount of suspense. The MCs slowly expand their relationships. You will understand Bree's strengths and why she's committed to her unusual family and job.
Bree was both gutsy and stubborn while solving the twisty mystery with the help of Investigator and boyfriend Matt Flynn, her personal assistant Marge, Chief Deputy Todd and her loyal lawmen and women. Even the canine dogs elevated the plot.
I admit there were some nail-biting moments when I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Let's just say, 'nuf said.
Thank you to NetGalley, Melinda Leigh and Montlake for allowing me to read an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2022
When it rains it pours. Trouble, that is, not rain. And Bree Taggert is up to her lovely neck in a passel to troubles. All right, enough with the all the tried and, in this case true, clichés. Bree has her hands full with several nasty things going on at the same time and I love how she is depending on Matt as her partner more and more. I love that their relationship is growing and that Bree is no longer hiding her feelings for him. A small part of her hard as nails persona is cracking and, even though she is still very much the woman in control she is sharing more of her burdens with Matt.
It all starts with a wellness check on an elderly woman called in by a concerned neighbor. What Sheriff Bree Taggert finds are two dead bodies. The elderly woman is dead and so is her son, former deputy Eugene Oscar, who left the department under a cloud of corruption.
During the initial investigation, Bree finds is that there is no shortage of suspects for the murders including the woman's brother, an antigovernment group - The Hudson Huntsmen, and the Sheriff herself. Facing intense scrutiny, Bree is forced to give up the investigation, but that doesn't mean she is quitting the hunt for the killer, especially when her chief deputy has gone missing and everything she holds dear is on the line.
My thanks to Montlake, Publisher, and Melinda Leigh, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
It all starts with a wellness check on an elderly woman called in by a concerned neighbor. What Sheriff Bree Taggert finds are two dead bodies. The elderly woman is dead and so is her son, former deputy Eugene Oscar, who left the department under a cloud of corruption.
During the initial investigation, Bree finds is that there is no shortage of suspects for the murders including the woman's brother, an antigovernment group - The Hudson Huntsmen, and the Sheriff herself. Facing intense scrutiny, Bree is forced to give up the investigation, but that doesn't mean she is quitting the hunt for the killer, especially when her chief deputy has gone missing and everything she holds dear is on the line.
My thanks to Montlake, Publisher, and Melinda Leigh, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
October 17, 2025
Sheriff Bree Taggert stops at an isolated farm to do a welfare check when she discovers the bodies of two murder victims. Both were tied to chairs. One victim is the elderly lady who owns the farm. The other is her son, Eugene Oscar, a former Deputy who Bree recently forced out of the Sheriff's Department. Bree and her investigator, Matt Flynn, discover that there were several people who hated Eugene Oscar. As Bree sifts through Oscar's past, she learns that someone has posted a fake porn video where her face was super-imposed over the actress. This leads to public calls for her resignation. On top of that, some people believe that Bree may be the person who killed Oscar.
The fifth installment in the Bree Taggert series is a winner. The continuing characters are very likeable and feel like family. Bree is trying to find a killer while the locals are pointing fingers at her for something she didn't do. I was happy to see the people who work under her did not believe the stories. They had her back during this trying time. I thought the identity of the killer was easy to figure out, but I ended up being wrong. I was very surprised when I learned who pulled the trigger. My rating: 5 Stars.
The fifth installment in the Bree Taggert series is a winner. The continuing characters are very likeable and feel like family. Bree is trying to find a killer while the locals are pointing fingers at her for something she didn't do. I was happy to see the people who work under her did not believe the stories. They had her back during this trying time. I thought the identity of the killer was easy to figure out, but I ended up being wrong. I was very surprised when I learned who pulled the trigger. My rating: 5 Stars.
January 4, 2026
Never did I ever think I'd be this hooked to a police procedural! There's just too much to love about Bree, her story, and all the connections she's making.
A fellow deputy is found dead on a goat farm. The foulest of play is afoot. Bree is getting harassed with deep-fakes and by the tabloids. Forensic details are woven really well into the dialogue and scenes. Bree and her partner have to go to the autopsy room as part of their investigation. Leigh takes her time describing the darkness and tension of charged scenes like the cold morgue, really facing head on trauma that is present for a homicide detective. The details that are included are informative and not obvious. There's just the right amount of humor.
What brings this series to a 5 stars is that along with the above, the author is also connecting the storyline to overarching themes. There is juxtaposition between work and home where Bree has to be confident, even indignant as a Sheriff, but at home with family she is vulnerable and unsure. She is parenting her nephew, and there is a close bond there. They are connected through something more than just their shared trauma. Bree is struggling with her ability to work and parent and even questions what would happen if she loses her job due to the tabloid harassment. The author also explores how people respond to big trauma differently. The impact of trauma is not something that is glazed over in order to present fun action scenes. Bree's and her family's trauma is really being investigated or exhumed. Her past is being unpacked, and she is often in danger but finding safety with loved ones.
More great representation of canines and other animals (goats). Good dogs get an elk-antler.
4.8/5
A fellow deputy is found dead on a goat farm. The foulest of play is afoot. Bree is getting harassed with deep-fakes and by the tabloids. Forensic details are woven really well into the dialogue and scenes. Bree and her partner have to go to the autopsy room as part of their investigation. Leigh takes her time describing the darkness and tension of charged scenes like the cold morgue, really facing head on trauma that is present for a homicide detective. The details that are included are informative and not obvious. There's just the right amount of humor.
What brings this series to a 5 stars is that along with the above, the author is also connecting the storyline to overarching themes. There is juxtaposition between work and home where Bree has to be confident, even indignant as a Sheriff, but at home with family she is vulnerable and unsure. She is parenting her nephew, and there is a close bond there. They are connected through something more than just their shared trauma. Bree is struggling with her ability to work and parent and even questions what would happen if she loses her job due to the tabloid harassment. The author also explores how people respond to big trauma differently. The impact of trauma is not something that is glazed over in order to present fun action scenes. Bree's and her family's trauma is really being investigated or exhumed. Her past is being unpacked, and she is often in danger but finding safety with loved ones.
More great representation of canines and other animals (goats). Good dogs get an elk-antler.
4.8/5
May 31, 2022
Great installment in the Bree Taggert series. The only reason why I didn't give this 5 stars was that Bree was being ridiculous about how the video with her images would not affect things as sheriff. It just felt very naïve for a detective that worked in Philadelphia and has seen a lot of things. I also thought that parts of the book didn't even make any sense. The whole militia movement subplot could have been cut honestly. That said, the book characterization, writing, and flow worked very well. And it's nice to see Bree and Matt taking their relationship public.
"Dead Against Her" follows Bree as she goes to a farm house to conduct a wellness check. She doesn't realize upon entering though that she is going to find and elderly woman murdered and a former deputy, Eugene Oscar, tied up and murdered too. Followers of the series will know the issues Bree had with Eugene (FYI I loathed this character) and though she didn't care for him, is determined to find out who killed him and the woman at the scene that she and Matt find out is Eugene's mother. Along with that though is that someone is releasing deep fake videos of Bree involved with sex acts. And Bree is getting harassing emails from someone threatening to rape her. With the local council starts to demand that Bree start addressing these issues, she tries while also trying to solve the murders.
So Bree at times will drive you a little crazy in this. The deep fake videos read as terrible and grim. And when they go viral she doesn't even think about warning her niece and nephew about them. Let alone that others will see it and reporters may ask questions about it. This subplot does allow us to see Morgan again so can't complain. I will say though that until Bree talks to Morgan, it seems like she was going to just continue and ignore how things look. This isn't the first time in the series where Bree mentions she hates politics and just wants to be sheriff, but the old one was corrupt and Bree has to worry about getting re-elected someday.
Matt was solid in this. He kind of drove me crazy in other books because he didn't seem to grasp how things could look for Bree if their relationship got out. Now in this one, it is revealed and he realizes what it means for her and finally gets it. I actually liked their romance in this one more. It's still a quiet one though and so if you are looking for any love scenes, there's not one included in this installment.
The other characters like Matt's sister and Bree's chief deputy are given their own third person points of views and it definitely added to this book.
The writing was great and it was interesting to see how all the pieces came together in the end with the first two murders that started off the book. The whole militia plot point as I said above just seemed like it could have waited until another book.
I definitely enjoyed the ending and we get to see Bree and Matt taking their relationship to a more public level with the press, friends, and fellow law enforcement.
"Dead Against Her" follows Bree as she goes to a farm house to conduct a wellness check. She doesn't realize upon entering though that she is going to find and elderly woman murdered and a former deputy, Eugene Oscar, tied up and murdered too. Followers of the series will know the issues Bree had with Eugene (FYI I loathed this character) and though she didn't care for him, is determined to find out who killed him and the woman at the scene that she and Matt find out is Eugene's mother. Along with that though is that someone is releasing deep fake videos of Bree involved with sex acts. And Bree is getting harassing emails from someone threatening to rape her. With the local council starts to demand that Bree start addressing these issues, she tries while also trying to solve the murders.
So Bree at times will drive you a little crazy in this. The deep fake videos read as terrible and grim. And when they go viral she doesn't even think about warning her niece and nephew about them. Let alone that others will see it and reporters may ask questions about it. This subplot does allow us to see Morgan again so can't complain. I will say though that until Bree talks to Morgan, it seems like she was going to just continue and ignore how things look. This isn't the first time in the series where Bree mentions she hates politics and just wants to be sheriff, but the old one was corrupt and Bree has to worry about getting re-elected someday.
Matt was solid in this. He kind of drove me crazy in other books because he didn't seem to grasp how things could look for Bree if their relationship got out. Now in this one, it is revealed and he realizes what it means for her and finally gets it. I actually liked their romance in this one more. It's still a quiet one though and so if you are looking for any love scenes, there's not one included in this installment.
The other characters like Matt's sister and Bree's chief deputy are given their own third person points of views and it definitely added to this book.
The writing was great and it was interesting to see how all the pieces came together in the end with the first two murders that started off the book. The whole militia plot point as I said above just seemed like it could have waited until another book.
I definitely enjoyed the ending and we get to see Bree and Matt taking their relationship to a more public level with the press, friends, and fellow law enforcement.
May 2, 2022
Wow! I was held completely captive with this installment in the series. It touched on everything I love about these characters as well as giving me some dynamic drama and danger. I didn’t want to look away from the page for even a moment!
I love the way Bree has gradually changed to a place where her priorities have switched and deep in her heart she now tends to those things that matter most. It previously felt as though she had to struggle to remind herself of what was important while she is now living it without a second thought. She remains strong, able to handle the bad guys and fierce while also appreciating the softer things in life.
Whether it was this particular story, or having read the previous books in the series, it seemed that I got a really good feel for Matt’s character. I connected with him in a way I had not done so in earlier books. I loved his continued protective ways with Bree, even when they were just thoughts he would not allow himself to act on.
I’ve been negligent in commenting on the way this author brings certain characters to life in a way that I feel as though I’m standing right there with them. Those particular characters are the dogs. I absolutely love the way they are projected from the pages. While they never steal the story, they add so much charm to it I can’t imagine these books without them.
This was a fast paced, wild action ride with villains I never saw coming and a couple of storylines that ran me through a gauntlet of emotions.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I love the way Bree has gradually changed to a place where her priorities have switched and deep in her heart she now tends to those things that matter most. It previously felt as though she had to struggle to remind herself of what was important while she is now living it without a second thought. She remains strong, able to handle the bad guys and fierce while also appreciating the softer things in life.
Whether it was this particular story, or having read the previous books in the series, it seemed that I got a really good feel for Matt’s character. I connected with him in a way I had not done so in earlier books. I loved his continued protective ways with Bree, even when they were just thoughts he would not allow himself to act on.
I’ve been negligent in commenting on the way this author brings certain characters to life in a way that I feel as though I’m standing right there with them. Those particular characters are the dogs. I absolutely love the way they are projected from the pages. While they never steal the story, they add so much charm to it I can’t imagine these books without them.
This was a fast paced, wild action ride with villains I never saw coming and a couple of storylines that ran me through a gauntlet of emotions.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
March 7, 2022
This was a real cool crime-fiction and I enjoyed every bit of it. Ashamed to admit that I haven’t read the first four books in the Bree Taggert series, not that it hampered my understanding of the characters or their backstory at all, but I at least know what I’ve missed and got to cover up.
Leigh cooks up a delicious homicide/chase story which has several heart-stopping moments while also giving us a fair insight into the main characters’ minds. Bree Taggert stands out throughout the book - she makes an excellent protagonist with the right bit of confidence, hesitation, anger and warmth. She’s not perfect and that’s what makes her so relatable. Everyone else: Matt, Todd, Cady, Dana, Juarez, and even Jim were able to drill a hole in my heart with the roles they played.
I only wish there was more to the Mastermind - more to their story. The climax, even though well-written, left me wanting, like something was left out unexplained. I need a proper closure! 😕
Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake and Melinda Leigh for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: May 17th, 2022.
4/5🌟.
TW: Murder, Goriness, Assault, Kidnapping, Suicide, and Sexually explicit threats.
PS: I loved the dogs! True heroes 🐶
Leigh cooks up a delicious homicide/chase story which has several heart-stopping moments while also giving us a fair insight into the main characters’ minds. Bree Taggert stands out throughout the book - she makes an excellent protagonist with the right bit of confidence, hesitation, anger and warmth. She’s not perfect and that’s what makes her so relatable. Everyone else: Matt, Todd, Cady, Dana, Juarez, and even Jim were able to drill a hole in my heart with the roles they played.
I only wish there was more to the Mastermind - more to their story. The climax, even though well-written, left me wanting, like something was left out unexplained. I need a proper closure! 😕
Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake and Melinda Leigh for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: May 17th, 2022.
4/5🌟.
TW: Murder, Goriness, Assault, Kidnapping, Suicide, and Sexually explicit threats.
PS: I loved the dogs! True heroes 🐶
April 8, 2022
this was the first book I've read from this series but it didn't make understanding of the characters hard at all. I've read books by Melinda Leigh before and I love her way of writing. a very fast read and deliciously mysterious. no doubt I'll read the previous four books. definitely recommend the series. perfect perfect,
lots of thanks to NetGallery for providing me this amazing mystery,
lots of thanks to NetGallery for providing me this amazing mystery,
January 29, 2024
Dead Against Her was another amazing installment in the Bree Taggert series with a case that threatens Bree's career.
When Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to a wellness check on an elderly widow, Bree expects to possibly find the woman has passed away. She did not expect to find the woman brutally murdered alongside her son Eugene Oscar, the disgraced deputy Bree recently fired. Working with criminal investigator Matt Flynn, Bree begins digging into Eugene's background leading to her becoming the target of a deranged killer. With her reputation and career on the line, Bree throws everything she has into the investigation. After her chief deputy goes missing, Bree refuses to back down and will do whatever it takes to find him before it's too late.
Dead Against Her opens with the murder of Eugene and his mother before we jump forward a bit to Bree finding the bodies after a neighbor calls in a wellness check. It was interesting seeing Eugene's character again, although only briefly alive, as I hadn't expected it after he was fired in a previous book. As Bree begins digging into his life, she starts to uncover some shady connections tied to the reason he was fired in the first place. I was surprised by the direction some of the leads went and their connection to some mishandled cases in the sheriff office's past. After Todd goes missing, the pace really picks up as Bree needs to find him before he ends up the killer's next victim. The ending was well done with the perfect blend of action and suspense.
Bree continues to be a great main character and I like how far she's come since the first book. A lot of this book is Bree doing damage control after someone releases fabricated evidence that she has a shady past. She finds herself having to fight to keep her job while also investigating the murders. Being pulled in two directions certainly makes things harder for Bree but I liked that she accepted help to resolve things. That help came in the form of Morgan Dane, a character I was delighted to see again as I loved the books following her character. We also get some great moments between Bree and Matt and I like how solid their relationship is.
Overall Dead Against Her was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for great suspense books.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
When Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to a wellness check on an elderly widow, Bree expects to possibly find the woman has passed away. She did not expect to find the woman brutally murdered alongside her son Eugene Oscar, the disgraced deputy Bree recently fired. Working with criminal investigator Matt Flynn, Bree begins digging into Eugene's background leading to her becoming the target of a deranged killer. With her reputation and career on the line, Bree throws everything she has into the investigation. After her chief deputy goes missing, Bree refuses to back down and will do whatever it takes to find him before it's too late.
Dead Against Her opens with the murder of Eugene and his mother before we jump forward a bit to Bree finding the bodies after a neighbor calls in a wellness check. It was interesting seeing Eugene's character again, although only briefly alive, as I hadn't expected it after he was fired in a previous book. As Bree begins digging into his life, she starts to uncover some shady connections tied to the reason he was fired in the first place. I was surprised by the direction some of the leads went and their connection to some mishandled cases in the sheriff office's past. After Todd goes missing, the pace really picks up as Bree needs to find him before he ends up the killer's next victim. The ending was well done with the perfect blend of action and suspense.
Bree continues to be a great main character and I like how far she's come since the first book. A lot of this book is Bree doing damage control after someone releases fabricated evidence that she has a shady past. She finds herself having to fight to keep her job while also investigating the murders. Being pulled in two directions certainly makes things harder for Bree but I liked that she accepted help to resolve things. That help came in the form of Morgan Dane, a character I was delighted to see again as I loved the books following her character. We also get some great moments between Bree and Matt and I like how solid their relationship is.
Overall Dead Against Her was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for great suspense books.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
April 12, 2022
Even though this newest book by Melinda Leigh is #5 in a series, I was able to read it as a stand-alone. Sheriff Bree Taggert discovers a mother and son brutally murdered and works at solving the case. She finds herself in a big “mess” with someone who is trying to ruin her reputation. It’s fast paced and I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to other books in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2022
Melinda Leigh’s latest Bree Taggart novel is a BANGER!
The story is fully fleshed out so there’s no need to worry if you’ve not read the prior books (I recommend them!). This story had action, intrigue, current topics and it touches on our places with our families. Every time you think you “know” who this person is that villain is, Leigh throws a ringer at you. With more than one possibility it’s awesome follow the action into the reveal.
Leigh tangles us up in her characters. We are always rooting for several characters at once, each with their own side of the story and with some, a side story. (I see potential for new series!)
It’s a fun to read a strong storyline with LIKABLE CHARACTERS, no wasted words or scenes, little items you miss are clues. Sometimes you have to suspend your beliefs but that’s part of fiction.
My FAVORITE PART of any Melinda Leigh book is her KICK ASS, FEMALE LEAD CHARACTER !!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you for not including weak women in your books.
PLUS ! She included Morgan Dane, my favorite series of all her books. Though, Bree’s adventures are better than the one before.
The story is fully fleshed out so there’s no need to worry if you’ve not read the prior books (I recommend them!). This story had action, intrigue, current topics and it touches on our places with our families. Every time you think you “know” who this person is that villain is, Leigh throws a ringer at you. With more than one possibility it’s awesome follow the action into the reveal.
Leigh tangles us up in her characters. We are always rooting for several characters at once, each with their own side of the story and with some, a side story. (I see potential for new series!)
It’s a fun to read a strong storyline with LIKABLE CHARACTERS, no wasted words or scenes, little items you miss are clues. Sometimes you have to suspend your beliefs but that’s part of fiction.
My FAVORITE PART of any Melinda Leigh book is her KICK ASS, FEMALE LEAD CHARACTER !!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you for not including weak women in your books.
PLUS ! She included Morgan Dane, my favorite series of all her books. Though, Bree’s adventures are better than the one before.
May 17, 2022
This book started off with a bang, the twists and turns of this book kept me reading. I just couldn’t guess who it was and with the other story running alongside made this book really enjoyable. The ending was brilliant. Loved this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 18, 2022
3.5⭐️ rounded up
It had a slow start and sometimes felt forced but the last half picked back up and leveled out to a pretty good book. Revenge, greed, and murder makes for a high energy read as it builds to a satisfying and expected conclusion. Photoshopping porn images on someone else’s body on purpose just to ruin a career is scary! So evil. Always great to catch up with Bree, Matt, the deputies … and of course Brody the lovable pup. Not to be missed!
It had a slow start and sometimes felt forced but the last half picked back up and leveled out to a pretty good book. Revenge, greed, and murder makes for a high energy read as it builds to a satisfying and expected conclusion. Photoshopping porn images on someone else’s body on purpose just to ruin a career is scary! So evil. Always great to catch up with Bree, Matt, the deputies … and of course Brody the lovable pup. Not to be missed!
August 1, 2022
DEAD AGAINST HER, the fifth installment in Melinda Leigh’s Bree Taggert series, is just as riveting and touching as the previous four. Bree is a tough female sheriff in a rural upstate New York community who was born to an abusive father. When her sister, Erin, was murdered, she returned to her roots to raise Erin’s children with the help of her now-retired ex-partner, Dana Romano.
This time, a double homicide is only the beginning of Bree’s troubles. Eugene Oscar, a former deputy who hated Bree, is found murdered, along with his mother. Shortly thereafter, deep-fake videos and pornographic photos appear that have been Photoshopped to include Bree’s face with the aim of discrediting her. Local media has a field day expressing their faux shock, completely ignoring her insistance that they are not real. During the course of the investigation, evidence links the victim and some of the suspects to a local militia group. Not uncommon in such pseudo-military groups is a propensity for violence and extreme misogyny.
Reading the books in this series is wonderful on many levels. The murder mystery is always well done and thrilling, there is lots of action, and the characters are well developed and authentically imperfect. But Leigh also addresses some of the challenges that women face during these occasionally trying times. Females in positions of power understand what Bree goes through as she encounters deputies who hate working for a woman, undermine her authority, and leak information that is to her detriment. Other women have been the subject of deep-fake videos and received hate letters and emails with pornographic images and horrifying threats. We see how biased some media can be in reporting such issues, choosing to share information without verifying any of it.
While this fifth entry does work as a stand-alone novel, there is much character development that happens throughout the series. Those opting not to read all the books are missing out on seeing how clever Leigh's writing is as she develops Bree’s relationships with her niece and nephew; her deputies; and Matt Flynn, a former deputy who now consults with the sheriff's office, along with his K-9, Brody. In short, DEAD AGAINST HER fulfills readers' expectations on multiple levels: it's exciting, emotional and intellectually thoughtful.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
This time, a double homicide is only the beginning of Bree’s troubles. Eugene Oscar, a former deputy who hated Bree, is found murdered, along with his mother. Shortly thereafter, deep-fake videos and pornographic photos appear that have been Photoshopped to include Bree’s face with the aim of discrediting her. Local media has a field day expressing their faux shock, completely ignoring her insistance that they are not real. During the course of the investigation, evidence links the victim and some of the suspects to a local militia group. Not uncommon in such pseudo-military groups is a propensity for violence and extreme misogyny.
Reading the books in this series is wonderful on many levels. The murder mystery is always well done and thrilling, there is lots of action, and the characters are well developed and authentically imperfect. But Leigh also addresses some of the challenges that women face during these occasionally trying times. Females in positions of power understand what Bree goes through as she encounters deputies who hate working for a woman, undermine her authority, and leak information that is to her detriment. Other women have been the subject of deep-fake videos and received hate letters and emails with pornographic images and horrifying threats. We see how biased some media can be in reporting such issues, choosing to share information without verifying any of it.
While this fifth entry does work as a stand-alone novel, there is much character development that happens throughout the series. Those opting not to read all the books are missing out on seeing how clever Leigh's writing is as she develops Bree’s relationships with her niece and nephew; her deputies; and Matt Flynn, a former deputy who now consults with the sheriff's office, along with his K-9, Brody. In short, DEAD AGAINST HER fulfills readers' expectations on multiple levels: it's exciting, emotional and intellectually thoughtful.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
August 31, 2023
4.25 stars! LOVE LOVE LOVE this series! Cannot wait for the next installment to come out in January! This was such a great Kindle Unlimited find!!!!
May 18, 2022
Sheriff Bree Taggert has grown so much since the first book. She needed all her strength and focus with this case when the entire world seemed to aim all their vicious arrows straight at her. I love how the author brings another formidable character into the picture for a brief interaction (Morgan Dane Series), because it adds to Sheriff Taggert's arsenal. Yes, a lot of personal and professional growth in this book for a great character. Melinda Leigh always delivers.
July 14, 2022
An excellent read - when a book can make me angry about the characters and their actions, that's a good thing!
I don't give out 5 stars very often, but this book hit all the check marks!
I don't give out 5 stars very often, but this book hit all the check marks!
April 24, 2023
Dead Agaiinst Her
4 Stars
When a former deputy who resigned in disgrace is the victim of a homicide, Sheriff Bree Taggert learns that she is only one of many who had reason to dislike the man. The suspects range from an ex-wife, a fellow officer, an angry parolee, and various family members. The investigation is further complicated when Bree is targeted by a twisted stranger who threatens to ruin not only her reputation but her family and fledgling romance with Matt Flynn. When her chief deputy vanishes, Bree vows to stop at nothing to locate him and apprehend the killer.
As always, Leigh has written a well-paced and action-packed police procedural. The mystery is intriguing, and it is entertaining to follow along as Bree uncovers the clues. That said, it is possible to guess the culprit when certain facts are revealed, and there is also a definite conflict of interest with Bree investigating the murder of a man she tried to fire; something that is indicated in the book itself.
In terms of the romantic elements, Bree and Matt's relationship is on track, and there are also delightful hints at a romance between . Hopefully, there will be more page time for them in the future.
On a final personal note - the aspects are very disturbing and make my skin crawl. The fact that there are such sick and twisted people out there is scary, and their ability to destroy someone's life so quickly and so easily is horrifying.
Overall, a strong addition to the series and Leigh's plotting and characterization are improving.
4 Stars
When a former deputy who resigned in disgrace is the victim of a homicide, Sheriff Bree Taggert learns that she is only one of many who had reason to dislike the man. The suspects range from an ex-wife, a fellow officer, an angry parolee, and various family members. The investigation is further complicated when Bree is targeted by a twisted stranger who threatens to ruin not only her reputation but her family and fledgling romance with Matt Flynn. When her chief deputy vanishes, Bree vows to stop at nothing to locate him and apprehend the killer.
As always, Leigh has written a well-paced and action-packed police procedural. The mystery is intriguing, and it is entertaining to follow along as Bree uncovers the clues. That said, it is possible to guess the culprit when certain facts are revealed, and there is also a definite conflict of interest with Bree investigating the murder of a man she tried to fire; something that is indicated in the book itself.
In terms of the romantic elements, Bree and Matt's relationship is on track, and there are also delightful hints at a romance between . Hopefully, there will be more page time for them in the future.
On a final personal note - the aspects are very disturbing and make my skin crawl. The fact that there are such sick and twisted people out there is scary, and their ability to destroy someone's life so quickly and so easily is horrifying.
Overall, a strong addition to the series and Leigh's plotting and characterization are improving.
April 14, 2025
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Mystery / Suspense
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Melinda Leigh's Dead Against Her is the Fifth installment in the author's Bree Taggart series. The story begins when Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to a wellness check at an isolated farm, expecting to find an elderly widow in need of assistance. Instead, she discovers a brutal double homicide, one victim being Eugene Oscar, a corrupt former deputy she recently tried to fire from her department. As Bree teams up with criminal investigator Matt Flynn—her professional partner and romantic interest—she uncovers a tangled history of grudges tied to Eugene.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Mystery / Suspense
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Melinda Leigh's Dead Against Her is the Fifth installment in the author's Bree Taggart series. The story begins when Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to a wellness check at an isolated farm, expecting to find an elderly widow in need of assistance. Instead, she discovers a brutal double homicide, one victim being Eugene Oscar, a corrupt former deputy she recently tried to fire from her department. As Bree teams up with criminal investigator Matt Flynn—her professional partner and romantic interest—she uncovers a tangled history of grudges tied to Eugene.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
May 18, 2022
5.0 stars. The suspense in this book was a seat gripper in the last part of the story with the final chase on to find the killer(s). Best book of the series thus far. Even with the perfect ending I'm thrilled book 6 will come out earlt next year. Can't wait for more.
March 9, 2022
Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.
This story begins in a shocking way: from the killer's point of view. We witness the crime around which it´s going to revolve the plot, and the author does it in such a way that she hooks you with amazing ease.
An outstanding beginning.
From this point on, we meet again with Bree, Matt and a whole cast of (by now) old acquaintances. I was really looking forward to seeing them again.
As always, Ms. Leigh writes suspense like no other. Despite the facts that (to me) there were too many active fronts, and that (as usual with this author) the family drama is always plenty present, I have not been able to stop reading with a certain eagerness. I needed, needed to know how it all was going to end. There had come a time when I almost forgot that a crime was being investigated. I was hooked on everything going on around it. That's how good this author is.
The romance, at this point, is more a travel companion than a protagonist. The relationship is fully established now and the author lets us glimpse another romance.
Perhaps the only downside is that the ending did not feel enough… categorical. I wanted to see Bree putting some characters in their place, but of course, that would go against the very essence of this heroine…
I have said it before and I´ll say it again: It doesn't make sense to start reading this series for this installment. They are so good and entertaining. Better start at the beginning.
e-ARC kindly provided by Montlake via Netgalley.
Esta historia comienza por todo lo alto: desde el punto de vista del asesino. La autora nos hace testigos del crimen sobre el que va a girar toda la trama y lo hace de tal manera que te engancha con una facilidad pasmosa.
Un comienzo de 10.
A partir de ahí, volvemos a reencontrarnos con Bree, Matt y todo un elenco de ya viejos conocidos. Estaba deseando de volver a verlos, la verdad.
Como siempre, Ms. Leigh escribe el suspense como nadie. A pesar de que me ha parecido que había muchos frentes abiertos, y a pesar de que (como ya es habitual con esta autora) el drama familiar está siempre presente, no he podido dejar de leer con cierta ansia. Necesitaba, necesitaba saber cómo iba a acabar todo. Ha llegado un momento en el que casi olvidé que se estaba investigando un crimen. Estaba enganchada a todo lo que lo rodeaba. Así de buena es esta autora.
El romance ya a estas alturas es más un compañero de viaje que un protagonista. La relación está completamente asentada y la autora nos deja entrever otras relaciones.
Quizás la única pega es que el final me ha parecido poco tajante. Yo quería ver a Bree poner en su sitio a algunos de los personajes, pero claro, eso iría en contra de la propia esencia de la protagonista…
Lo he dicho con anterioridad y lo vuelvo a decir: No tiene sentido comenzar a leer esta serie por esta entrega. Es muy buena y muy entretenida. Mejor empezar por el principio.
This story begins in a shocking way: from the killer's point of view. We witness the crime around which it´s going to revolve the plot, and the author does it in such a way that she hooks you with amazing ease.
An outstanding beginning.
From this point on, we meet again with Bree, Matt and a whole cast of (by now) old acquaintances. I was really looking forward to seeing them again.
As always, Ms. Leigh writes suspense like no other. Despite the facts that (to me) there were too many active fronts, and that (as usual with this author) the family drama is always plenty present, I have not been able to stop reading with a certain eagerness. I needed, needed to know how it all was going to end. There had come a time when I almost forgot that a crime was being investigated. I was hooked on everything going on around it. That's how good this author is.
The romance, at this point, is more a travel companion than a protagonist. The relationship is fully established now and the author lets us glimpse another romance.
Perhaps the only downside is that the ending did not feel enough… categorical. I wanted to see Bree putting some characters in their place, but of course, that would go against the very essence of this heroine…
I have said it before and I´ll say it again: It doesn't make sense to start reading this series for this installment. They are so good and entertaining. Better start at the beginning.
e-ARC kindly provided by Montlake via Netgalley.
Esta historia comienza por todo lo alto: desde el punto de vista del asesino. La autora nos hace testigos del crimen sobre el que va a girar toda la trama y lo hace de tal manera que te engancha con una facilidad pasmosa.
Un comienzo de 10.
A partir de ahí, volvemos a reencontrarnos con Bree, Matt y todo un elenco de ya viejos conocidos. Estaba deseando de volver a verlos, la verdad.
Como siempre, Ms. Leigh escribe el suspense como nadie. A pesar de que me ha parecido que había muchos frentes abiertos, y a pesar de que (como ya es habitual con esta autora) el drama familiar está siempre presente, no he podido dejar de leer con cierta ansia. Necesitaba, necesitaba saber cómo iba a acabar todo. Ha llegado un momento en el que casi olvidé que se estaba investigando un crimen. Estaba enganchada a todo lo que lo rodeaba. Así de buena es esta autora.
El romance ya a estas alturas es más un compañero de viaje que un protagonista. La relación está completamente asentada y la autora nos deja entrever otras relaciones.
Quizás la única pega es que el final me ha parecido poco tajante. Yo quería ver a Bree poner en su sitio a algunos de los personajes, pero claro, eso iría en contra de la propia esencia de la protagonista…
Lo he dicho con anterioridad y lo vuelvo a decir: No tiene sentido comenzar a leer esta serie por esta entrega. Es muy buena y muy entretenida. Mejor empezar por el principio.
May 16, 2023
The sheriff's office has been called for a wellness check on a widow and her son living on an isolated farm. When Bree arrives she finds a brutal double homicide. One of the victims is Eugene Oscar, the bitter and corrupt former deputy she recently fired and the other is his mother. Suddenly Bree becomes a suspect herself. Bree calls in Matt Flynn to help with the investigation. Was Oscar the target? As the investigation begins, Bree becomes the target of someone who is trying to destroy her reputation and career. Posting pornographic pictures with Bree's face, the story of the deaths takes a backseat to the new scandal. Bree discovers that Oscar had others who would have loved to see him dead, so there were a lot of trails to follow. The case is taken from Bree and sent to the state investigators, but when her chief deputy disappears, she won't sit back and let something happen to him.
As in all the books in this series, it was a fast paced, suspenseful and gripping story. There are plenty of red herrings and twists. With various storylines and investigations happening simultaneously, I wasn't sure who was responsible for what. I gained new respect for Bree, the way she dealt with the false accusations, fake photos and innuendos was amazing. Every book, I see a new side and strength to this wonderful protagonist. I have to add a note about some of the corrupt people we have seen in these books. Oscar was a nasty man and I was glad that he got fired in the last book, we all know Karma can come back to bite you and it sure did. This one had me on the edge of my seat more than once and I didn't know who was responsible until the end. I definitely recommend you pick this book and series up if you enjoy a good Crime Thriller/Police Procedural. If you enjoy audiobooks, I recommend this one as Christina Traister once again narrates this book with enthusiasm, emotion and great voices adding to the suspense and my enjoyment of the book.
As in all the books in this series, it was a fast paced, suspenseful and gripping story. There are plenty of red herrings and twists. With various storylines and investigations happening simultaneously, I wasn't sure who was responsible for what. I gained new respect for Bree, the way she dealt with the false accusations, fake photos and innuendos was amazing. Every book, I see a new side and strength to this wonderful protagonist. I have to add a note about some of the corrupt people we have seen in these books. Oscar was a nasty man and I was glad that he got fired in the last book, we all know Karma can come back to bite you and it sure did. This one had me on the edge of my seat more than once and I didn't know who was responsible until the end. I definitely recommend you pick this book and series up if you enjoy a good Crime Thriller/Police Procedural. If you enjoy audiobooks, I recommend this one as Christina Traister once again narrates this book with enthusiasm, emotion and great voices adding to the suspense and my enjoyment of the book.
December 21, 2022
There was a lot going on in this one, the sad thing is how hate was at the base of most things. It seems like there are quite a few in the community that want to see Bree fail and are doing whatever it takes to turn people against her. I'm glad that, that didn't work in the end.
The crime in this one quickly spun out of control, literally, as Bree had to hand over the case to the state. It sucked that so many police officers were involved, although the bad ones were quickly weeded out and got what was coming to them. It was touch and go with one at the end, so crazy how things happened, but lucky that Bree and Matt were there to save the day.
The ending was good, the big event to raise money for the K9 unit with Bree's dress leaving no question as to what was real and what was not. I also loved how Bree's nephew's camping issue was solved, a win all the way around.
The crime in this one quickly spun out of control, literally, as Bree had to hand over the case to the state. It sucked that so many police officers were involved, although the bad ones were quickly weeded out and got what was coming to them. It was touch and go with one at the end, so crazy how things happened, but lucky that Bree and Matt were there to save the day.
The ending was good, the big event to raise money for the K9 unit with Bree's dress leaving no question as to what was real and what was not. I also loved how Bree's nephew's camping issue was solved, a win all the way around.
November 1, 2023
Riveting from beginning to end. Consider me addicted to this series. So many unexpected twists and turns were why I had powered through this book in two days. I had to get to the end. Melinda Leigh never disappoints.
December 12, 2023
Not my favorite but it was nice seeing Matt and Bree again.
The plot was a bit complex or I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it.
The plot was a bit complex or I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it.
June 4, 2024
Bello come tutti gli altri della serie, avvincente sia nella trama gialla, sia nel racconto delle vicende personali di Bree e di tutti gli altri personaggi, che ormai per me sono diventati amici.
March 3, 2022
4.5 stars RTC
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