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Veronica Lee Thriller #6
Her Darkest Night: A Veronica Lee Thriller
A Deranged Killer Waits in the Dark
When a vulnerable girl goes missing from Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, reporter Veronica Lee uncovers a serial killer’s dark secret of murder and madness.
As Willow Bay’s chief of police investigates the link between the girl’s disappearance and a violent fugitive on the run in South Florida, the bodies of two young women are recovered from the nearby Gulf of Mexico.
And after the vicious murder of a local girl leads to a surprising suspect, Veronica turns to a renown criminal psychologist to help her uncover the deadly secret that hides in the dark heart of a killer.
Written by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Mercy Harbor Thriller series
When a vulnerable girl goes missing from Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, reporter Veronica Lee uncovers a serial killer’s dark secret of murder and madness.
As Willow Bay’s chief of police investigates the link between the girl’s disappearance and a violent fugitive on the run in South Florida, the bodies of two young women are recovered from the nearby Gulf of Mexico.
And after the vicious murder of a local girl leads to a surprising suspect, Veronica turns to a renown criminal psychologist to help her uncover the deadly secret that hides in the dark heart of a killer.
Written by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Mercy Harbor Thriller series
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2021
219 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 24, 2021
Continuing with Melinda Woodhall's Veronica Lee series, this time we are put back on the storyline of Dante Roth who was part of the trafficking and drug group known as the Syndicate. Lately, they have been taking girls from the Belmont Psychiatric hospital, girls that are part of the state and those who wouldn't normally be missed. The thing is though that the latest girl they took even though she is part of the state - her real mother does care about her and will aim to get help from whoever she can which of course is our band of not-cops but great crime solvers. Emelia's mother heads to our favorite PI company Barker and Dawson. Meanwhile, Veronica Lee is dropping Skylar at the hospital for a day's stay to visit in the Art room where she hears them on a Code Grey lockdown and Emelia has gone missing. This sparks her journalistic mind and so we now have Veronica and Hunter on the case. Eventually of course, when it looks like foul play is at hand as Skylar witnesses a murder of a patient and she finds herself the main suspect, the actual police get involved and we get a guest appearance in this book by Leo Steele who we met first in the Mercy Harbor series. Can our band of misfit crime solvers figure out what's going on and prove not just Skylar's innocence but uncover a conspiracy and continue to unravel and convict more members of the Syndicate? Find out in another awesome thriller by Melinda Woodhall, who has also just written a spin-off series featuring the chief of Police Nessa which I am looking forward to reading.
June 25, 2021
A Veronica Lee Thriller book #6
I must have said this before...I am a huge fan of this author...This is my 10th book I read and all of them have kept me on my toes so captivated to see how the drama would develop and how the intensity in the action would totally immerse me that I would hate to put it aside and so far none were a disappointment. “Her Darkest Night” is on top of the list not only for its exciting build-up and the many twists we find but also for the dynamic and well-drawn characters that populate the pages some are recurring characters which play predominant roles and some new players to add to the thrill. Of course, each thriller has a fresh story and all are set in Willow Bay. Ms. Woodhall’s books are really addictive so be warned.
A little bit of the story
When a vulnerable girl goes missing from Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, reporter Veronica Lee uncovers a serial killer is behind the disappearance and chief of police is called to investigate the link between the disappearance and a violent fugitive on the run....I will not reveal more I hate when too much is given it tends to spoil the enjoyment (IMO).
Well-written, exciting story and a wonderful cast of good and evil characters what more can we ask...Another winner.
I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
I must have said this before...I am a huge fan of this author...This is my 10th book I read and all of them have kept me on my toes so captivated to see how the drama would develop and how the intensity in the action would totally immerse me that I would hate to put it aside and so far none were a disappointment. “Her Darkest Night” is on top of the list not only for its exciting build-up and the many twists we find but also for the dynamic and well-drawn characters that populate the pages some are recurring characters which play predominant roles and some new players to add to the thrill. Of course, each thriller has a fresh story and all are set in Willow Bay. Ms. Woodhall’s books are really addictive so be warned.
A little bit of the story
When a vulnerable girl goes missing from Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, reporter Veronica Lee uncovers a serial killer is behind the disappearance and chief of police is called to investigate the link between the disappearance and a violent fugitive on the run....I will not reveal more I hate when too much is given it tends to spoil the enjoyment (IMO).
Well-written, exciting story and a wonderful cast of good and evil characters what more can we ask...Another winner.
I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 29, 2021
Reporter Veronica Lee has put her sister, Skylar, in the art therapy program hoping to help her PTSD. What Skylar has discovered is that someone is targeting teenage girls from the psychiatric hospital.
A girl has just been 'released' .. although no one knows ..or admits to.. who released her .. and where was she taken. Unknown to her caretakers at the hospital, she has kept a journal of suspicious happenings .. and she's got it hidden. Someone wants that journal ..and they're willing to do whatever it takes to get their hands on it.
As Willow Bay’s chief of police investigates the link between the girl’s disappearance and a violent fugitive on the run in South Florida, the bodies of two young women are recovered from te nearby Gulf of Mexico.
Another girl is murdered at the out-patient services of the hospital. Skylar is the prime suspect.
Although this is 6th in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I highly recommend starting at the very beginning. This series features strong women in various professions.
As are all books in this series, it is well written with a well-crafted story line. Suspense starts at the very first page and maintains a high level throughout leading to a surprising, unexpected conclusion. There is almost non-stop action and twists and turns keep the reader engaged.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this compelling crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
A girl has just been 'released' .. although no one knows ..or admits to.. who released her .. and where was she taken. Unknown to her caretakers at the hospital, she has kept a journal of suspicious happenings .. and she's got it hidden. Someone wants that journal ..and they're willing to do whatever it takes to get their hands on it.
As Willow Bay’s chief of police investigates the link between the girl’s disappearance and a violent fugitive on the run in South Florida, the bodies of two young women are recovered from te nearby Gulf of Mexico.
Another girl is murdered at the out-patient services of the hospital. Skylar is the prime suspect.
Although this is 6th in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I highly recommend starting at the very beginning. This series features strong women in various professions.
As are all books in this series, it is well written with a well-crafted story line. Suspense starts at the very first page and maintains a high level throughout leading to a surprising, unexpected conclusion. There is almost non-stop action and twists and turns keep the reader engaged.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this compelling crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 31, 2022
Once again I am amazed by the work of Melinda Woodhall. I will be so sad when this series ends as I have fallen so hard in love with these perfectly flawed characters. Ms Woodhall has an incredible talent in creating fast paced suspenseful thrillers with lovable characters, family, friendships, and even a little clean wholesome romance thrown in. The Veronica Lee Thrillers series is one of my all time favorites. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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November 18, 2021This was a new author for me, so that means I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series having said that I had no trouble reading this as a stand alone book. I found this to be and excellent read, and I am now a fan of this author. There were so many twists and turns in this book, that it kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I most definitely would recommend this book to others.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2021
I’ve been cruising through this series over the past week and while this was still a good book, I did not enjoy this one as much as the pervious books in the series.
Although the mystery was still solid (I absolutely did *NOT* unlock the identity of the bad guy before he was revealed, a first since starting this series), there were a few things that left me wanting more.
The story started out by introducing two girls who had gone missing from the psych facility, and the crews in Willow Bay went looking for them in their myriad investigative teams (this is one of my favorite things about this series - police, PIs, and investigative reporters all working together). I assumed they were dead, but in the end, they were found alive with no explanation as to what happened, other than what we already knew.
There was a moment when I could see what happened to Skylar coming and I actually shouted out, “please let this poor girl live her best life already!” I love her as a character, but this girl has been traumatized enough already. She’s not strong like her sister. I hope she gets to heal soon.
I also was surprised that the WBPD did such shoddy police work with their investigation of the murder at the psych facility. While their assumption towards the suspect propelled the story forward, some basic crime scene stuff would have had them not pursue that lead in the first place, and it might have been a more interesting story to try to get through to the witness without that person being the lone suspect.
I’m still going to read the next two because something that Woodhall does really well is that you give a damn about the characters. I find myself rooting for the protagonists and loathing the antagonists constantly. Plus, there is one detail toward the end that has me believing a loose end didn’t quite get tied up, and it was on purpose. Eager to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although the mystery was still solid (I absolutely did *NOT* unlock the identity of the bad guy before he was revealed, a first since starting this series), there were a few things that left me wanting more.
The story started out by introducing two girls who had gone missing from the psych facility, and the crews in Willow Bay went looking for them in their myriad investigative teams (this is one of my favorite things about this series - police, PIs, and investigative reporters all working together). I assumed they were dead, but in the end, they were found alive with no explanation as to what happened, other than what we already knew.
There was a moment when I could see what happened to Skylar coming and I actually shouted out, “please let this poor girl live her best life already!” I love her as a character, but this girl has been traumatized enough already. She’s not strong like her sister. I hope she gets to heal soon.
I also was surprised that the WBPD did such shoddy police work with their investigation of the murder at the psych facility. While their assumption towards the suspect propelled the story forward, some basic crime scene stuff would have had them not pursue that lead in the first place, and it might have been a more interesting story to try to get through to the witness without that person being the lone suspect.
I’m still going to read the next two because something that Woodhall does really well is that you give a damn about the characters. I find myself rooting for the protagonists and loathing the antagonists constantly. Plus, there is one detail toward the end that has me believing a loose end didn’t quite get tied up, and it was on purpose. Eager to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2021
Book six in the brilliant "Veronica Lee Thriller" series and it's another winner.
"He's an evil man, he takes girls nobody wants and she is helping him, he might come for me "
Emelia Shaw was a patient at the Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, she knew things and she had to write them in her secret journal, someone needed to know.
When Emelia disappeared, as had other girls before her, no one seemed to notice, no one seemed to care. Emelia had been in Foster care, but it was her distraught birth mother who demanded action in finding Emelia, when nothing was happening she hired private detectives to search. As more girls were disappearing and the body count was stacking up it became clear that human trafficking had reared it's ugly head once again in Willow Bay.
Everything seemed to be pointing to the involvement of Belmore Hospital, Chanel 10 investigative journalist and front woman, Veronica Lee was desperately worried, her sister Skylar was recovering from an horrific experience that nearly cost her her life and left her traumatised, she was attending art therapy classes at Belmore Hospital, could Skylar be in danger again.
This story follows the uncovering of an evil chain of events, murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment , psychopathic killers, this book has it all, there is a never ending supply of suspects and a twist at the end that I didn't seem coming. This is a standalone book but I would urge any reader to read the series in sequence to get the most enjoyment and meet the colourful characters and the truly evil ones that Melinda Woodhall brings to life. A definite page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
"He's an evil man, he takes girls nobody wants and she is helping him, he might come for me "
Emelia Shaw was a patient at the Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, she knew things and she had to write them in her secret journal, someone needed to know.
When Emelia disappeared, as had other girls before her, no one seemed to notice, no one seemed to care. Emelia had been in Foster care, but it was her distraught birth mother who demanded action in finding Emelia, when nothing was happening she hired private detectives to search. As more girls were disappearing and the body count was stacking up it became clear that human trafficking had reared it's ugly head once again in Willow Bay.
Everything seemed to be pointing to the involvement of Belmore Hospital, Chanel 10 investigative journalist and front woman, Veronica Lee was desperately worried, her sister Skylar was recovering from an horrific experience that nearly cost her her life and left her traumatised, she was attending art therapy classes at Belmore Hospital, could Skylar be in danger again.
This story follows the uncovering of an evil chain of events, murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment , psychopathic killers, this book has it all, there is a never ending supply of suspects and a twist at the end that I didn't seem coming. This is a standalone book but I would urge any reader to read the series in sequence to get the most enjoyment and meet the colourful characters and the truly evil ones that Melinda Woodhall brings to life. A definite page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
June 24, 2021
Published: May 31, 2021
Creative Magnolia
I received this book for free, and I leave my 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.
“That was all strictly off the record.”
Veronica Lee once again finds herself in the middle of a dangerous situation, only when the accused is near and dear to her. As the facts start rolling in and the lead players in Willow Bay start figuring out just what is going on- they learn they might be too late.
This series is so well done. The characters are all so dynamic and well-developed. We are introduced to a few new characters, and we get to know our favorites a bit more.
This novel wasn’t as intense as the last, but it was still well done. The depths of this ring are so deep, and I love how intricately laced everything is. When you think it’s all falling apart, it suddenly comes together.
I enjoyed the build-up, and I found the twists well done. This was a terrific installment in this series, and I hope there are more books in this series. There are so many beautiful characters and so many avenues that could be explored.
A quick and satisfying read, this book was equally as captivating as the previous in the series. Who knew a sleepy town could be so full of dangerous situations?
Creative Magnolia
I received this book for free, and I leave my 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.
“That was all strictly off the record.”
Veronica Lee once again finds herself in the middle of a dangerous situation, only when the accused is near and dear to her. As the facts start rolling in and the lead players in Willow Bay start figuring out just what is going on- they learn they might be too late.
This series is so well done. The characters are all so dynamic and well-developed. We are introduced to a few new characters, and we get to know our favorites a bit more.
This novel wasn’t as intense as the last, but it was still well done. The depths of this ring are so deep, and I love how intricately laced everything is. When you think it’s all falling apart, it suddenly comes together.
I enjoyed the build-up, and I found the twists well done. This was a terrific installment in this series, and I hope there are more books in this series. There are so many beautiful characters and so many avenues that could be explored.
A quick and satisfying read, this book was equally as captivating as the previous in the series. Who knew a sleepy town could be so full of dangerous situations?
June 17, 2021
I enjoy a good thriller, mystery, crime story as well as the next guy. No, probably much better, truthfully. I have loved a good detective story, since my earliest recollection of them was the Nancy Drew Mystery Series. I am also a huge fan of a series of this genre, which Melinda Woodhall’s Veronica Lake is just that. What’s a bit unusual is that Veronica isn’t a “girl detective”, cop, private investigator or anything really in the wide world of law enforcement, she’s a TV reporter. Nonetheless, Veronica Lake fills me with the same anticipation, enjoyment, and satisfaction as the completion of Nancy Drew did in my much younger days. In installment #6, Her Darkest Night, Lake and her half-sister are recovering and learning to live together after finding each other and learning that their common father was a serial killer. If that wasn’t enough, there are still other bad guys on the loose in Willow Bay. However, the Police Chief, FBI and a very likeable, if seemingly bumbling, private investigator are all working to bring these human traffickers to justice. With an assist from Lake and her boyfriend that’s precisely what happens. Another fine entry into this series. Thanks, Book Sirens and Melinda Woodhall
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2021
Once again Ms. Woodhall has created an un-put-downable mystery. She plays so well on our human fears of being under someone else's control when Veronica's half-sister, Skylar is remanded to Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. It's only supposed to be for art therapy, but things are never that simple in Willow Bay.
I think one of my favorite things about this series is the feeling of community that exists between the characters. Everyone is looking out for those around them and not just wrapped up in themselves. These are unique, relatable, authentic characters who, after six books, have come to feel like friends and family. There is plenty of action and suspense and as usual, the revelation of who the 'bad guys' were is a total surprise. I mean, this one really caught me off-guard.
My only concern with the book is that the overreaching arc that has been going on for the six books of the series has presumably come to a close. I'm afraid this will be the end of the series and I'm not ready to lose contact with the friends I've made in Willow Bay. I sincerely hope Ms. Woodhall has other plans for them.
I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion. I would like to thank them and Ms. Woodhall for the opportunity to read and review Her Darkest Night.
I think one of my favorite things about this series is the feeling of community that exists between the characters. Everyone is looking out for those around them and not just wrapped up in themselves. These are unique, relatable, authentic characters who, after six books, have come to feel like friends and family. There is plenty of action and suspense and as usual, the revelation of who the 'bad guys' were is a total surprise. I mean, this one really caught me off-guard.
My only concern with the book is that the overreaching arc that has been going on for the six books of the series has presumably come to a close. I'm afraid this will be the end of the series and I'm not ready to lose contact with the friends I've made in Willow Bay. I sincerely hope Ms. Woodhall has other plans for them.
I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion. I would like to thank them and Ms. Woodhall for the opportunity to read and review Her Darkest Night.
June 20, 2021
I enjoyed really this novel which explores PTS, mental health and vulnerability. An intriguing story with believable characters.
Having enjoyed reading a 'Mercy Harbor' novel by Melinda Woodhall, I was keen to review this book in the Veronica Lee series by the same author. Although this is part of a series, I enjoyed it as a stand alone novel.
Veronica, a well known tv news personality becomes closely involved with Belmont Forensic Psychiatric Hospital when her vulnerable sister, Skylar, attends art therapy day classes. The story unfolds with rumours of young female in-patients disappearing, followed by a violent murder and the hunt for a top ten FBI most wanted criminal.
Can Veronica, daughter of the town mayor, use her links with the WBPC, private investigators and journalists to protect her sister and uncover the story behind the missing young girls? Can undercover FBI agent Santino finally capture the elusive Rex Bentley?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Having enjoyed reading a 'Mercy Harbor' novel by Melinda Woodhall, I was keen to review this book in the Veronica Lee series by the same author. Although this is part of a series, I enjoyed it as a stand alone novel.
Veronica, a well known tv news personality becomes closely involved with Belmont Forensic Psychiatric Hospital when her vulnerable sister, Skylar, attends art therapy day classes. The story unfolds with rumours of young female in-patients disappearing, followed by a violent murder and the hunt for a top ten FBI most wanted criminal.
Can Veronica, daughter of the town mayor, use her links with the WBPC, private investigators and journalists to protect her sister and uncover the story behind the missing young girls? Can undercover FBI agent Santino finally capture the elusive Rex Bentley?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2021
In this, the sixth book in this series, Melinda Woodhall doesn’t disappoint . Veronica Lee, ace reporter, is now helping to take care of her sister, Skylar, who survived life with their killer father. Unfortunately, things don’t go well for either of them as an old adversary comes to town.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are all developing really well, the plotting as always is excellent and the dialogue is cracking. It’s lovely to just dip back in to life in this town, with Nessa having a new baby, Veronica a new sister and the network a new manager, who doesn’t get much of a look in this time. But hopefully we’ll hear more about her in the next in this series. I’m glad I’ve read the previous books, as it feels like I’m reading about old friends but a new reader would still find it a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are all developing really well, the plotting as always is excellent and the dialogue is cracking. It’s lovely to just dip back in to life in this town, with Nessa having a new baby, Veronica a new sister and the network a new manager, who doesn’t get much of a look in this time. But hopefully we’ll hear more about her in the next in this series. I’m glad I’ve read the previous books, as it feels like I’m reading about old friends but a new reader would still find it a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2021
This is book 6 in the series and quite possibly the best one yet. Some children have gone missing from a psychiatric facility in Willow Bay, although 1 of them, Emilia, was apparently released. Emilia's mother is begging the police to investigate her disappearance and also engages Frankie and Barker to look into it.
This story begins with the abduction of Emilia so it grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. It also seems that there are several people with vested interests in seeing more youngsters sent to the facility, as well as the continuation of the storyline involving the Syndicate.
Skylar is sent to an art therapy group in this hospital and this brings Veronica into the story.
I read this in less than a day as I couldn't bear to stop reading. Wondering what book 7 will entail now, and hopefully not very long to wait.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story begins with the abduction of Emilia so it grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. It also seems that there are several people with vested interests in seeing more youngsters sent to the facility, as well as the continuation of the storyline involving the Syndicate.
Skylar is sent to an art therapy group in this hospital and this brings Veronica into the story.
I read this in less than a day as I couldn't bear to stop reading. Wondering what book 7 will entail now, and hopefully not very long to wait.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2021
Melinda Woodhall continues her Veronica Lee series with another rollercoaster read. The net is closing in on The Syndicate, the organised crime organisation that is causing fear and trepidation among the residents of Willow Bay and beyond.
The disappearance of young women from a local psychiatric institution initially does not ring any alarm bells ~ well, the girls are disturbed, so it's only to be expected, right? Wrong, and when Veronica's sister Skylar is a person of interest in the death of a resident and ends up committed by the court you know that Veronica and the other crime fighting residents of Willow Bay will be drawn into the investigation.
I love how the author takes time to develop each of the characters, not simply focusing on the main protagonist and having the others act as fillers, all of the characters have an input into the storyline.
I received a free advance review copy of this book and I am voluntarily posting a review
The disappearance of young women from a local psychiatric institution initially does not ring any alarm bells ~ well, the girls are disturbed, so it's only to be expected, right? Wrong, and when Veronica's sister Skylar is a person of interest in the death of a resident and ends up committed by the court you know that Veronica and the other crime fighting residents of Willow Bay will be drawn into the investigation.
I love how the author takes time to develop each of the characters, not simply focusing on the main protagonist and having the others act as fillers, all of the characters have an input into the storyline.
I received a free advance review copy of this book and I am voluntarily posting a review
July 9, 2021
I have been waiting for this book to come out ever since I heard about it. I didn’t know what to expect since I didn’t read the blurbs, but I can say that this book does not disappoint! Her Darkest Night is exactly what you know and love from a Melinda Woodhall book. It has the suspense, twists, turns, surprises, and the devoted search for the truth that Veronica vows to figure out. This book is the sixth book in the Veronica Lee series and while it is a standalone, I highly suggest that you read the books in order.
Veronica and Skylar are trying to move on from the aftermath of their father’s death and discovering his connection to the Syndicate. They are faced with another reason to worry and stay on alert when girls start disappearing from Belmore Hospital. It’s supposed to be a safe haven and a place where healing and facing one’s fears is protected. Little did they know, there is much more than healing going on around them and in the town.
One of the things I love about Melinda’s books is the character development that keeps going as a new book is introduced in the series. I enjoyed reading about my favorite Willow Bay members and how we get to know the secondary characters a little bit more. I have been wanting to see Leo Steele ever since the Mercy Harbor series ended. I’m so glad he is in this book. It’s like the Mercy Harbor and Veronica Lee books have intertwined in this book and I love it.
I have so much to say about this book, but I don’t want to spoil anything in this review. So you have to read this book yourself- go ahead and one click, download it, or add it to your ever growing TBR list because its worth a read. Despite the tragedy in this book, I feel like the book gives a sense of hope, redemption, and love. Hope: That those who have been affected by the Syndicate and their affiliates can deal with what they put them through. Redemption: For those who have been wronged can work towards making things right. Love: It’s everywhere in this book. For instance, it’s in in how Veronica devotes herself in helping Skylar heal, how all the Willow Bay detectives vow to keep their fellow neighbors safe, and how all my favorite characters have each other’s back.
I highly suggest this book and the other books in the Veronica Lee series and the Mercy Harbor series. I hope this isn’t the end fo the series as I know there is more to said and done in Willow Bay. Can’t wait to find out when the next book comes out!!!
Veronica and Skylar are trying to move on from the aftermath of their father’s death and discovering his connection to the Syndicate. They are faced with another reason to worry and stay on alert when girls start disappearing from Belmore Hospital. It’s supposed to be a safe haven and a place where healing and facing one’s fears is protected. Little did they know, there is much more than healing going on around them and in the town.
One of the things I love about Melinda’s books is the character development that keeps going as a new book is introduced in the series. I enjoyed reading about my favorite Willow Bay members and how we get to know the secondary characters a little bit more. I have been wanting to see Leo Steele ever since the Mercy Harbor series ended. I’m so glad he is in this book. It’s like the Mercy Harbor and Veronica Lee books have intertwined in this book and I love it.
I have so much to say about this book, but I don’t want to spoil anything in this review. So you have to read this book yourself- go ahead and one click, download it, or add it to your ever growing TBR list because its worth a read. Despite the tragedy in this book, I feel like the book gives a sense of hope, redemption, and love. Hope: That those who have been affected by the Syndicate and their affiliates can deal with what they put them through. Redemption: For those who have been wronged can work towards making things right. Love: It’s everywhere in this book. For instance, it’s in in how Veronica devotes herself in helping Skylar heal, how all the Willow Bay detectives vow to keep their fellow neighbors safe, and how all my favorite characters have each other’s back.
I highly suggest this book and the other books in the Veronica Lee series and the Mercy Harbor series. I hope this isn’t the end fo the series as I know there is more to said and done in Willow Bay. Can’t wait to find out when the next book comes out!!!
June 26, 2021
Her Darkest Night: A Veronica Lee Thriller, book six of the series, is another page-turning thriller written by Melinda Woodhall. Set in Willow Bay, Florida, reporter Veronica Lee uncovers a problem at Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital when one young women is found dead and another goes missing. Veronica continues her quest in stopping the syndicate from trafficking of young women and drugs, but half-sister Skylar’s confinement in Belmore makes her mission even more desperate and personal.
Ms. Woodhall continues to provides entertainment with will developed characters while she takes the reader on a fast paced, nail biting and suspenseful journey filled with abduction and murder while Veronica and law enforcement work to identify the primary players. She has become one of my favorite authors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ms. Woodhall continues to provides entertainment with will developed characters while she takes the reader on a fast paced, nail biting and suspenseful journey filled with abduction and murder while Veronica and law enforcement work to identify the primary players. She has become one of my favorite authors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2021
Book Sirens eARC. Veronica Lee and her younger sister are the daughters of a violent psychopath and Skylar especially suffers from aftermath trauma. When she enrolls her in an art therapy counseling program at Belmore, the local psych hospital, she discovers young girls are going missing. Her friend Nessa, the local police chief, is also searching for a missing girl. They begin to suspect human trafficking. Add in a FBI task force after a most wanted mobster you have the recipe for a fast paced multi level thriller. This was the 6th in the series and I sometimes struggled keeping the many characters and their connections to each other clear. I had a hard time getting into it but Woodhall always delivers a solid plot with some unexpected twists. I would recommend beginning with the early entries but overall a good read.
July 15, 2021
Chilling!
The nightmare continues....they may have made a huge dent in the Syndicate in the last book, but key members escaped, and they with new accomplices are continuing with the heinous crimes that haunt your nightmares.
This book is a continuation of a plot, so to fully understand it you will need to have read previous books in the series. It would be difficult to follow as a standalone, but the whole series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
We have appearances by all our favourite characters from the series Veronica (obviously) but also Hunter, Skylar, Frankie, Santino, Nessa and so many more. This book may chill you to the bone, but it is a horror you cannot put down, you have to keep reading, to turn the next page and the next as you hope and pray that eventually justice will finally be served.
The nightmare continues....they may have made a huge dent in the Syndicate in the last book, but key members escaped, and they with new accomplices are continuing with the heinous crimes that haunt your nightmares.
This book is a continuation of a plot, so to fully understand it you will need to have read previous books in the series. It would be difficult to follow as a standalone, but the whole series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
We have appearances by all our favourite characters from the series Veronica (obviously) but also Hunter, Skylar, Frankie, Santino, Nessa and so many more. This book may chill you to the bone, but it is a horror you cannot put down, you have to keep reading, to turn the next page and the next as you hope and pray that eventually justice will finally be served.
June 29, 2021
This author is among my favorites in the broad mystery genre. This Veronica Lee series is particularly interesting. And while it is a series, that just means a group of books with a cadre if the same characters. Each book is a stand alone story, no cliff hangers -- there's enough suspense in each book, there's no need to hang on to a cliff.
Charming protagonists, truly dreadful antagonists, crazy strong personalities make for a fun read, even when the book is a bit gory. I admit to being a fast reader, but I think this book has enough energy to hold your attention even over a week or more. Me, I rarely take more than a day or two to devour a novel by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Charming protagonists, truly dreadful antagonists, crazy strong personalities make for a fun read, even when the book is a bit gory. I admit to being a fast reader, but I think this book has enough energy to hold your attention even over a week or more. Me, I rarely take more than a day or two to devour a novel by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 20, 2022
Yet another fantastic addition to Melinda Woodhall’s “Veronica Lee” series. Full of great characters who we have come to know so well in previous books in the series, we continue to delight in blossoming relationships which add a soft balance to the events which continue to plague Willow Bay, as Dante Roth and “the Syndicate” persist in their human trafficking operations. As usual, Veronica’s persistence, along with many police, FBA and journalist characters who we have come to know in previous books in the series, eventually bring this evil Syndicate’s business to a halt. Lots of character twists that will leave you guessing right to the end. Who knows what will come next for Veronica Lee? Thank you to BookSirens for a complimentary e-book, which I have reviewed voluntarily.
July 1, 2022
Her Darkest Night by Melinda Woodhall is the 6th book of the Veronica Lee series. Another gripping thriller in this amazing series. Young girls are being sentenced to Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital at an unusual rate and now they are disappearing and dying. Veronica Lee’s sister Skyler was just sentenced to Belmore and Veronica is terrified something will happen to her.
Lots of twists and turns and you will never guess who the bad guy is. Although this book could be read and enjoyed as a standalone, you will get so much more out of it if you read the complete series. You will grow to love the characters and you feel like you know them. Picking up the next book in the series it like seeing an old friend. It feels familiar, comfortable.
A captivating mystery full of suspense and a surprising killer that will leave you wanting more. Melinda Woodhall has quickly become my favorite author.
I received a copy of this book from BookSirens and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
Lots of twists and turns and you will never guess who the bad guy is. Although this book could be read and enjoyed as a standalone, you will get so much more out of it if you read the complete series. You will grow to love the characters and you feel like you know them. Picking up the next book in the series it like seeing an old friend. It feels familiar, comfortable.
A captivating mystery full of suspense and a surprising killer that will leave you wanting more. Melinda Woodhall has quickly become my favorite author.
I received a copy of this book from BookSirens and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
October 5, 2024
In the 6th installment, Skylar, Veronica’s step-sister has started an art therapy class at Belmore, a local psychiatric hospital. After one of the sessions, Skylar discovers another student murdered, goes into shock, and does not react or talk to anything. As there are no other clues right away, and she is a suspect, the judge rules that she should be remanded to the hospital for evaluation.
Meanwhile, Nessa, the Chief of Police is investigating another child who has gone missing from the same hospital. Two other children are found in the area bay. Are all of these connected? Who is behind this chaos. It will take the whole team to figure this one out.
A great thriller. Love the characters and the settings. Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this book.
Meanwhile, Nessa, the Chief of Police is investigating another child who has gone missing from the same hospital. Two other children are found in the area bay. Are all of these connected? Who is behind this chaos. It will take the whole team to figure this one out.
A great thriller. Love the characters and the settings. Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this book.
June 21, 2021
Without doubt this is the best book in the series so far and they're all great. Although the protagonist is prominent in the story there are actually multiple protagonists, each with their own well developed personality and backstory. Most of the characters are like able but the antagonists are definitely the people you love to hate. That's one of the things I really enjoy about this authors work, there is no middle ground. There are the white hats and the black hats. The storyline is well developed and the mystery full of suspense. A very satisfying read.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
August 11, 2021
Being the daughter of a psychopath serial killer Skylar has witnessed and been through so much in her young years. Now living with her step sister Veronica she begins to move forward.
Until....
She goes to Belmore Psychiatric Hospital to seek counseling as an outpatient. There she is accused of murdering one of the girls but did she?
I'm a huge fan of Melinda Woodhall!
Every time I read one of Veronica Lee's series I feel like I'm visiting my family. I never have to go back and try to remember a character.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Until....
She goes to Belmore Psychiatric Hospital to seek counseling as an outpatient. There she is accused of murdering one of the girls but did she?
I'm a huge fan of Melinda Woodhall!
Every time I read one of Veronica Lee's series I feel like I'm visiting my family. I never have to go back and try to remember a character.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 11, 2021
Veronica Lee is wondering if putting her half-sister Skylar in the art therapy program at Belmore Outpatient Pavilion to help with Skylar's PTSD. Her doubts are turned into fear when she finds out there is a missing girl from Belmore Psychiatric Forensic Hospital. But this isn't the only girl that is missing. As she and others investigate the missing girl they find out that an FBI most wanted man is there in Willow Bay and he knows where the Boss, a very dangerous mafia leader is. Veronica should have listened to her fears in this story! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 22, 2021
I loved this book. The series of Veronica Lee thrillers seem to get better and better, and reading a new book in the series is a joy.
In this book, girls are going missing from a secure hospital in Willow Bay, and it's not long before Veronica is again dragged into the middle of a murder enquiry.....but this time her sister is the chief suspect.
The pace of the book is good, and the various viewpoints all add to the drama.
A really enjoyable read, thanks to Booksirens for sending me a free copy to read.
In this book, girls are going missing from a secure hospital in Willow Bay, and it's not long before Veronica is again dragged into the middle of a murder enquiry.....but this time her sister is the chief suspect.
The pace of the book is good, and the various viewpoints all add to the drama.
A really enjoyable read, thanks to Booksirens for sending me a free copy to read.
July 7, 2021
Overall 4.5*
When I read the first 'Veronica Lee' book, I have to admit that I wasn't convinced that the series would be as good as the 'Mercy Harbor' one, however I am so glad that I stuck with them as each one is just gets better and better. In this story we have missing young women from a local psychiatric hospital and as Veronica's sister is currently there, she has a vested interest in finding out why. There are lots of questions to be asked and the story carries the reader along with it with the usual twists on the way.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC to review.
When I read the first 'Veronica Lee' book, I have to admit that I wasn't convinced that the series would be as good as the 'Mercy Harbor' one, however I am so glad that I stuck with them as each one is just gets better and better. In this story we have missing young women from a local psychiatric hospital and as Veronica's sister is currently there, she has a vested interest in finding out why. There are lots of questions to be asked and the story carries the reader along with it with the usual twists on the way.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC to review.
July 12, 2021
Beneath the small town charm of Willow Bay an insidious evil persists. Veronica Lee is endeavouring to move forward after startling and harrowing events of the previous book(s). Her recently discovered half sister Skylar continues to grapple with the traumas she endured. I love the varied characters in this series. some a little damaged, some resilient, and many determined to eradicate the criminal elements seeking to blight their town. Melinda Woodhall has created an ensemble of characters that have nuance, leading to even more possibilities.
August 21, 2021
For those of you who have read both the Mercy Harbour and Veronica Lee series, the characters and plot line will be very familiar to you. Whilst this potentially could be read as a standalone, it works best read in the series sequence to understand the back stories of all the characters. This story hooks you from the first chapter and I really enjoyed the plot twist at the end of the story.
Thank you to the Author and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read, review and give my honest opinion of a complimentary digital ARC.
Thank you to the Author and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read, review and give my honest opinion of a complimentary digital ARC.
March 21, 2022
Another great book in the Veronica Lee series that deals with human trafficking, a fugitive that is on the US Marshals most wanted list. The story takes you on a thrilling roller coaster ride with ups and downs, twists and turns that you won't expect. The syndicate is in Willow Bay causing havoc at every turn. The FBI and US Marshals come in to help search for Dante Roth and find out what happened to the missing girls.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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