Her Day to Die

Veronica Lee Thriller #5

by Melinda Woodhall

After a ruthless predator begins to stalk and kill unsuspecting newlyweds in Washington, DC, investigative reporter Veronica Lee decides to make the series of double homicides the chilling subject of her next big story. And when Veronica uncovers a link between the killings and a vicious crime syndicate, she draws the unwanted attention of its ruthless leader, inadvertently leading a cold-blooded killer to the small Florida town of Willow Bay. Unaware that she and the man she loves are next on the killer’s list, Veronica risks everything to stop the madman behind the series of senseless slayings before he strikes again. Written by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Mercy Harbor Thriller series

Genres: Thriller, Crime

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2021

Reviews

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems that no matter where our main female lead Veronica Lee heads, she always winds up in trouble and over her head with people out to kill her and stop her from what she loves. This book starts with a woman on the train and feeling like she was stalked; she arrives home and she and her husband are murdered. The book then jumps to our favorite news people Hunter Hadley and Veronica Lee, they are headed over to Washington DC as Hunter's mentor and friend Harley was found dead. While there, another murder happens and Hunter and Veronica end up at the crime scene of a serial killer named "The Hangman". Imagine their surprise when they run into Agent Charlie Day and Hunter's ex-fiancée Cassie. Cassie also reports on the crime which shows Hunter has a type. The other storyline happening is that Veronica is continuing to receive threats from the "syndicate" - the crime organization her father was involved in and that she has been trying to bring down by reporting on their crime. When a case of mistaken identity sees one of Veronica's friends killed, tension piles up as it looks like there is another killer in Willow Bay and again Veronica has a target on her back. Meanwhile, her relationship with Hunter gets a bit rocky when his past comes rolling back in threefold. Will Hunter go back to Cassie or is he happy with Veronica? Find out in another great thriller by Melinda Woodhall - Book #5 in the Veronica Lee Series. Like the other books, it can be read as a standalone but does work if you read her previous series Mercy Harbour and the other 4 books in the Veronica Lee series as each book builds from the previous novel.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Veronica Lee Thriller book #5

Veronica Lee, our fearless woman sleuth and loveable investigative journalist is once again the target of a serial killer. She has been on the front line for Channel 10 TV for some time exposing the Syndicate and their Boss for a series of horrific murders...they want to silence her once and for all. But on today’s news is a man known as the “Hangman” she needs to give all her attention to him....and from then on we are into a very captivating hunt....

I love how Ms. Woodhall set the stage for her story slowly but steadily adding intrigue and suspense along from dripping clues that leads and teases us in finding the whodunit to suddenly switch direction in order to keep us guessing and tuned in this the last drop unveils everything. The intertwining stories and the many threads are smoothly blended to make a story so captivating that I simply stayed prisoner glued to the pages till the surprising ending. What a page turner that gives us a fresh, fast-paced and well written story.

What not to love with the main characters, they are developing nicely and a joy to follow. We also have recurring ones from previous stories and of course the introduction of new ones to entertain us and they do an excellent job in doing so.

This book could be a stand-alone although I am glad to have been following the series from the start.

Fabulously enjoyable read

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Jessica Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! With every book I love this author more and more. This is the most suspenseful story yet and also personal relationships are really put to the test. There were a few times I wished Frankie had tried just a little bit harder for Peyton and felt like he gave up too easily or too soon but he never gave up completely. He still kept coming back and I know he loves her. Several of the characters experienced some truly awful things in this book but they were there for each other when it really mattered. So much of this book had me on the edge of my seat with the danger as well as the personal aspects and just anxious to see what happened next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

'How quickly things can change'

This dark and gritty thriller will chill you to the bone, blackmail, corruption, delusions and addictions all hamper the investigation, even when Veronica is targeted once again. Will they finally find out who is behind the Syndicate or is this another dead end?
A dark and deadly Kindle Unlimited read.

[KKEC Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published: March 16, 2021
Creative Magnolia
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Melinda Woodhall is the author of the new Veronica Lee Thriller series, as well as the page-turning Mercy Harbor Thriller series. In addition to writing romantic thrillers and police procedurals, Melinda also writes women’s contemporary fiction as M.M. Arvin.

“Now it’s time for you to keep your promise.”

Once again, secrets find their way to Willow Bay, and our favorite team has to figure out how to save the day. Except for this time, the life on the line is Veronica’s, and the killer is stopping at nothing to silence her forever.

This book featured everyone we have gotten to know throughout this series. It was nice seeing all of the characters get a bit of the spotlight.

I felt like this book's plot was much faster-paced with less filler than the previous books. The puzzle pieces were all laid with such care, and the suspect list was so well played. When I started to think I knew who the killer was, another twist would change my mind.

I feel like the characters all had a lot of growth in this book. There was a lot of insight and internal dialogue throughout that showed just how far they have all come since book one.

I enjoyed the build-up and the fact that there was quite a bit of action in this book. The list of characters is long, but everyone is so well defined and filled out. I think there is a lot of possibility for spin-off series with these characters. I hope this isn’t the last time we will read about Willow Bay.

I felt like the ending was a tad rushed; there could have been some more build-up and some more pomp and circumstance involved, but overall I am satisfied with how things ended.

It seems the sun will shine again in Willow Bay.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the brilliant "Veronica Lee thrillers" and although it is a fantastic standalone I sincerely suggest reading the books in sequence to obtain the most enjoyment, visiting Willow bay is like visiting old friends.
The syndicate are wrecking havoc and the body count is escalating, Veronica Lee, investigative journalist and front woman for Channel 10 TV station is determined to expose them and find out who "The Boss" is, they are determined to stop her......her life is in their sights.
A series of horrific double murders by a man know as "the hangman" was taking over the news, the murders were getting closer to home, could there be a connection?
Hunter Hadley, part owner of Channel 10 and Veronica's boyfriend was determined to protect her but Veronica was a free spirit on a mission.
When Cassie Grant, Hunters ex fiancé was thrown into the mix Veronica is worried, why had Hunter never mentioned her?
Melinda Woodhall has a knack of drip feeding clues leading her readers in different directions, I lost count of the dozens of suspects, it was very difficult to separate the good guys from the bad guys and I was kept guessing until the very end.
This book is action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat with the nail biting suspense, a well deserved five stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance encounter at a friend’s funeral in Washington, DC, leaves Veronica Lee with a potential job offer and a target on her back. Veronica’s crime beat reporting in Willow Bay, Florida, had caught the attention of Tyler Wolfe, owner of a news station. Knowing that her boyfriend Hunter wouldn’t approve of her leaving Willow Bay, she kept the job offer quiet, though the situation at Channel Ten was getting more and more difficult to deal with. Getting to see the DC station report on the latest serial killer, dubbed The Hangman because of his manner of killing, was interesting to Veronica, and not just because of meeting Hunter’s former fiancée, also a reporter for Tyler Wolfe.

This is the fifth book in a series, and though it can be read as a stand-alone, keeping up with the characters can be difficult without their back stories. Veronica is strong-willed, even stubborn, about tracking down a story and then reporting on her findings, but sometimes her stubbornness can get in the way of her happiness. As always, I enjoyed my trip to Willow Bay, and hope to visit again sometime soon.

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

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Ms. Woodhall has created an intense, suspenseful story. Her characters are authentic, unique, and feel like people you could meet on the streets of your own hometown. Her 'bad guys' are characters you really love to hate and the revelation of who they are usually comes out of left field. I say 'usually' because for the first time in five books I actually figured out who the 'bad guy' was before the end of the book. And this 'bad guy' really got on my last nerve. He is another level of crazy, which only made his downfall that much sweeter.
One of my favorite things about the series is the feeling of community that Ms. Woodhall creates with her location and her characters. Even though the characters don't all stay in Willow Bay and may travel around the country, they always come back home. And even those characters who don't live in Willow Bay seem to have a place in their hearts for the people and the town. This makes the Veronica Lee Mysteries a special type of series, in my opinion. One that you shouldn't miss.
I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion. I want to thank them and Ms. Woodhall for the opportunity to read and review Her Day to Die.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

As always, Melinda does not disappoint!!

Great story, great characters, and even though I had an idea of who it might be, I still couldn't narrow it down!

The Syndicate has been a thorn in many's side in Willow Bay, I am hoping that the Boss is finally on the way to being taken down, I am totally invested to find out who it is and all the other little nuances that Melinda manages to weave into her stories.

What is getting a bit frustrating, and which I see as the only negative in a lot of positive, is that the perpetrators should be brought to a better kind of justice, in my opinion, so perhaps she will do that in her next book? Others who have read all her books from this series, including the Mercy Harbor series, will perhaps understand my frustration.

A great series so far, really loving the characters, such rich character development. Interesting villains, and their stories behind what they do - whether it is demented or not, and good plot twists, although I did see the one big one coming just before it was revealed.

Highly recommended!!

[JT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series I have read. I enjoyed it from the opening lines. That being said, I am a bit disappointed in myself for even thinking that I could embrace the entire book as a standalone with 4 previous books in the series. It was not impactful in a negative manner. Yet, as an avid reader I am once again hooked on a series by Melinda Woodhall. I read a previous series and was as impressed and engaged as I am with this Veronica Lee series. The emotional angst, the very real issues that folks face that are portrayed in this novel just touch the tip of the iceberg when looking at all the moving parts of this story line. The many threads and how they intertwine both obviously and imperceptibly make this a page turner of the first order. I am going head to the Kindle store and read the other 4 books. I want to catch everything I missed. I loved this book and hope you find Veronica's tenacity and vulnerability as engrossing as I did. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Veronica Lee series. She is an investigative journalist who has had the luck, good or bad, to come across serial killers, or at the very least become one of their targets. She is still trying to find the head of the Syndicate, who she tangled with in the last book. She is receiving threats to her safety and that makes her feel that she must be getting somewhere with her investigations. Then another serial killer strikes and she finds she’s drawn into it again.

This is a stand-alone read but I’m glad I read at least the previous book. All of the characters are developing nicely, I particularly like Finn, Frankie and Gracie. This is fast paced and well written, and, always a joy, I didn’t guess who the villains were. It covers a lot of ground, murder, serial killers, drugs, blackmail to name but a few. A cracking good read.

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

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three couples have been killed by the same killer. The press has dubbed the killer The Hangman. Veronica Less is an investigating reporter for Channel Ten newsroom. There have been threats to the newsroom and to Veronica, in particular, warning them to stop her and her South Florida Crime Watch Reports. The station manager doesn't want the police involved, so Finn Jordan seeks the help of Barker and Dawson Investigation. When a girl that resembles Veronica is pushed in front of an oncoming train, maybe it is time to take the warnings seriously. Who is behind them? Someone knows who the Hangman is and is using him for his own personal killer. As the noose tightens on the Hangman, will he be stopped or will he continue his murderous ways? Who else will die and why? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst this could be read as standalone, it’s actually the 5th book in an excellent crime detective series. I highly recommend reading them in order to enhance the enjoyment of the story and understand the character’s backgrounds.

This is another gripping gritty crime novel with twists and turns. Many familiar characters are back with the ongoing criminal arc in the backstory. The main characters are extremely likeable as are Winston the cat and Gracie the wonder dog. Gracie has saved many a life and deserves the best doggies treats her humans can buy for her. The storyline is a really good one, with another serial killer at large and other criminals featuring in the story. Highly recommend it and finished it one sitting.

Thank you to the Author, Publisher and BookSirens for the advanced reader copy. I’m voluntarily reviewing and giving my unbiased opinion of a complimentary eARC.

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Day to Die, A Veronica Lee Thriller, Book Five is fast paced, intense and intriguing. This latest book in the series, does not disappoint the reader. The story is well written and kept my interest while Veronica investigates the death of a young woman and ‘hangman’ murders. The threats and push back that Veronica receives while following through to report her stories move the plot forward in a very realistic way.

Not having read the first three books of the series, I struggled with some of Veronica’s insecurities regarding her relationship with Hunter as well as her lack of confidence as a reporter. I did go back and read the complete series.

Although this book deals with a new crime, I would recommend reading the whole series. The adventures are well worth the time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Veronica Lee series, and the series gets better with each book. Veronica is her usual stubborn, determined self which has resulted in a job offer and also a target on her back. The Syndicate are determined to shut down her reporting once and for all.

Alongside this, a killer dubbed The Hangman is killing couples. Of course, both stories end up intertwining which just adds to the overall story and tension.

I like the characters in this series a lot, and love Gracie the dog! Just when you think there is an end in sight in the book, while there is of sorts, there are some things left hanging which makes me want to grab the next book as soon as possible. The final twist in the end though was something I definitely did not see coming!

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

[Eunice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve now plowed through the first 5 books of the Veronica Lee series in as many days and I’m still thoroughly enjoying them. This one felt like it was setting up the next story more than it was its own, but it was still rather enjoyable. Once again, reporter Veronica Lee finds herself the target of a deranged killer, although his motive for going after her is different than his other victims, which also keeps you guessing.

The things I liked most about this book were consistent with what I enjoyed with the previous ones - the intertwining storylines of multiple mysteries along with the subterfuge that has you double checking details, trying to figure out the killer’s identity and she leaves you guessing right until the very end.

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

[Bette Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fifth book, young married couples are being hung to death in their homes in the DC area. Why does this involve our Florida team? Veronica and Hunter were attending a funeral in DC. While there, they run into Hunter’s old boss and end up going to the scene of another dual murder. While at the scene, Veronica is seen and the action moves back to Florida. Meanwhile in Florida another leader has arisen in the underground world of drugs and trafficking. The Boss is still able to direct his many gang members, so the syndicate is still running as normal.
All hands-on deck are needed to solve the murders and who is the new leader. The author writes her stories with lots of twists and tense scenes. She is a master at keeping you thinking and reading until the very end. Thanks to BookSirens for the copy of this book.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent offering from Melinda Woodhall in her Veronica Lee series. This starts with Veronica and Hunter attending a funeral in Washington, and finds them drawn into a story about a serial killer who's targeting married couples. Returning home Veronica wants to do a story on the killer but meets resistance from her station manager. But why? The author weaves the strands together, leaving the reader guessing as to who is the killer, and how the elusive Syndicate is involved. Hunter and Veronica have their own issues, which could come between them for good. Will their relationship survive? And will Veronica's investigation into the Syndicate be her last.

I received this book as an ARC from the author, in return for providing an honest review

[Jane Verco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become a huge fan of Melinda Woodhall’s “Veronica Lee” series. The book captivates you right from the start, and “Her Day to Die” is no exception. The regular characters who have developed well through the series have become just as important in the storyline as the lead character, Veronica Lee, and it is nice to have some of these characters in sidelines to the main plot as they develop relationships which flow through the storyline, alongside Veronica’s determined quest to make things right both for her family and for the town of Willow Bay. Yet again an action packed plot, which I found very hard to put down. Thank you to BookSirens for a complimentary e-book, which I have reviewed voluntarily.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thriller in the Veronica Lee series. It just keeps getting better and better. After attending a funeral, Veronica has to face her insecurities when it comes to her relationship with Hunter and his previous lover. Again, too head strong to listen to anyone she finds herself embroiled in a thrilling murder mystery, unwilling to let go even though her life might be in danger. What a wonderful series this has been. Tons of action and fingers pointing everywhere as regards to suspects. I enjoy not only Veronica but the cast of supporting characters surrounding her and the little hiccups in their lives as well. Looking forward to #6.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wasn’t anything I expected. It was so much better, twisted, and I loved every word. It just might be my favorite Veronica Lee book to date! I didn't even read the blurb on the book, I just clicked to get the book because I know with every book Melinda writes, I will like and be blown away by the story. I was sucked in by the first page and on the edge of my seat, reading page after page trying to figure out what comes next.

There are no spoilers in this review because I feel like you should read this book and get all caught up in the twisted and surprising details yourself. I definitely got my mystery crime thriller fill with this book and I wished the book didn’t end.

When I started this book, it late at night and my memory was foggy as to who some characters were so I did get a little confused in the beginning of this book. I had a hard time getting all the pieces straight in my head on what happened to some characters and why they were in this book and I had to go back to my notes to refresh my memory. I didn’t have a chance to re-read the last book before this one came out and you don’t have to in order to read this book. Each book in the series is a standalone, but if you read them in order (starting with Her Last Summer), they do make a little more sense.

I love all the characters and how each book further develops them, their lives, and have you invested in each one of them. Even though this is the 5th book in the series, I feel like there is so much more to find out about each one of them and to see how the other blooming relationships prosper. I am intrigued to see if some of the new characters will be around to stay or if they were just in this book.


I definitely hope this isn’t the last of the series because I feel like there is more mystery and crime solving for Veronica Lee, Frankie Dawson, and the rest of the town of Willow Bay. The Veronica Lee book series would be a great TV series so Netflix, pick this book series up. I recommend this book, the rest of the books in this series and the Mercy Harbor series.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a quick and easy read. It takes some work to sort out all the characters and their somewhat fluid roles in a series of double murders dubbed "the Hangman Murders." There were quite a few surprises along the way. In addition to the Hangman Murders, there is a drug cartel called "the Syndicate" operating and even when the reader identifies a bad guy, it is not clear their affiliation or motivation. Some pretty sleazy characters turn out to be sleazy, but not criminal.

If you enjoy complicated mysteries tinged with romance, you'll probably enjoy working your way through this one.

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

[Edi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery thriller in a series of the little town of Willow Bay and a reporter named Veronica Lee. It could be read as a stand alone but I believe this one would be best if read as part of the series. The series is a

"good read" so you will not be disappointed. Lots of twists and turns and holds your interest. The jacket cover gives adequate information about the book so I'll not repeat nor give spoilers. Read and enjoy!

I was proved an advanced reader copy but was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and BookSirens for allowing me to read this book.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Veronica Lee series, although it reads well as a standalone. As usual nothing is straightforward in Willow Falls for the investigative reporter. We flit between here and DC in this book, uncovering murders as we go along. Melinda has the ability to merge the unpleasant with the everyday lives of people and delves into the personal and personalities of the main characters as the book flows along. I read this book in a day, urgently wanting to find out what going to happen next and would hasten to add that I found this book the best one yet in the series.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC to review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Day to Die is Book 5 in A Veronica Lee Thriller by Melinda Woodhall. There is a serial killer that is targeting newly wedded couples which the press is calling Hangman. Veronica Lee is investigating the double murders and a vicious crime syndicate. This brings a serial killer to Willow Bay, Florida and someone is putting pressure for Veronica to cancel her Crime Watch investigations. The serial killer is much closer than anyone knows. Melinda Woodhall has written an exciting thriller and an exciting story. I found the ending to be surprising and perfect. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but.....

Yes, this was another good Veronica Lee twisted, intriguing, newsworthy thriller.... But for some reason the amount of characters and different government agencies, bad guys, good guys, killers, black mailers government officials, drug dealers, news reporters, that were involved sent my comprehension abilities into overdrive trying to keep it all straight. I truly enjoy this type of interconnecting stories but this one seemed like a convergence of .... Nope, can't even come up with an analogy. Still a good series to follow.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Readers prepare for round 5 of Syndicate Vs Veronica Lee and Willow Bay. Only this time Veronica is targeted as old and familiar faces trek back and forth between D.C. and Willow Bay. Protecting Veronica is difficult as there are misunderstandings and they are also hunting down the newest threat, who is far from a game, Hangman. Hold on as the noose tightens. But who will it find, Veronica or the Boss of the Syndicate?

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most recent addition to the Veronica Lee series. It is a well written story with well developed characters and a well plotted mystery.

Veronica Lee has continued her crime series trying to take down a human trafficking syndicate which is also involved in drug sales. The syndicate wants her shut down by any means available.

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

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for this free ARC.

As with all of this authors books, I was completely immersed in the storyline before I finished the first chapter.

This is book 5 in the series featuring Veronica Lee. The pace of the book is fast and keeps you interested from start to finish.

Even though this book is part of a series it can be read independently.

I look forward to reading more from this author hopefully in the near future.