When the FBI links a series of brutal murders to a charismatic self-help guru, criminal psychologist and ex-profiler Bridget Bishop returns to the Bureau’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, determined to unravel the motive behind an unseen predator’s insatiable urge to kill.
Racing against time to unmask the killer before he takes another victim, Bridget makes a terrifying discovery, shedding new light on the killer’s shadowy past.
And as the investigation closes in, the killer sets his sights on those closest to Bridget, setting off a chain of events that will draw her into the darkest corners of the evil predator’s twisted mind.
Book Two in the chilling new thriller series by Melinda Woodhall, author of the Mercy Harbor Thriller Series and the Veronica Lee Thriller Series.
This is another exciting page-turner. “Taken by Evil” is a story that grabs from the outset and doesn’t let you go till you flipped the last page. Ms. Woodhall is an excellent storyteller that loves to plunge her players into hot water and give her readers a race against time before another gruesome murder is committed. Criminal psychologist and ex-profiler Bridget Bishop is one again asked to assist the Bureau’s behavioral Analysis to unravel the motive behind a series of brutal murders linked to a charismatic guru.
After reading 18 books, I earn the right to be called a faithful fan and I assure you I plan to stay so for a long time. The story in this latest is very engaging and is played out by well-defined characters. Of course Melinda Woodhall added a second nail-biting drama to give us a buzz. No fear keeping track of the two, they are distinct and well-penned. The narrative is lively and the engaging pacing keeps the entertainment active. I was fulling absorbed from the moment I open the book. Well-done, well-said.
Thank you Melinda.
I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
As readers, we all have authors that we see as our must-reads whenever they release a new book. One of them for me is Melinda Woodhall. I have always enjoyed her thrillers and I love how over all her series; she connects the characters. In this particular series, our crossover characters are our FBI agents Tristan Hale and Charlie Day, along with Opal - our ME and Viv - all of these characters we have seen in other series by Melinda Woodhall. Taken by Evil has a couple of wonderful storylines our main one being the guest motivational speaker Tate Evans. Tate is all about leaving the past in the past, which makes sense after what he went through as a child but someone from his past who people assumed was dead is back with a vengeance. Back when Tate was young, he was sent to live on a boy's ranch, and here he met Champ who also suffered abuse at the hands of the ranch leaders. Champ sees Tate as the whiny boy and trying to brush over the past like it didn't happen, so he starts killing females at Tate's shows. What happens though when Bridget's best friend ends up a target? Can Bridget who vowed never to go back to the FBI after her PTSD with serial killers, take the giant step and help the FBI track down their mysterious killer in a way only she can. Without giving away spoilers, I finish with that if you loved TV shows like The Prodigal Son and Do No Harm, then you will enjoy Taken by Evil by Melinda Woodhall. I am now excited to see what else this author brings to the plate as I have now read her entire booklist.
(4.5) Book 2, and gobbersmacked with the ending. Great twist and so much can be pulled from day to day life of so many people, including the side story. Make you stop and think. Loved watching Bridget (Psychologist who left the FBI BAU and helps out) evolve, those are always wins. I have not read previous series, is Vivian (works with the FBI) in any of them? Lord a mercy what is going on with that woman? Shake my head. I am so waiting for the back story of Halo (another FBI agent) when its his turn. Love the two steps forward one step back between Bridget and Santiago! Come on you know you can relate. This is not an instant in your face, its the actual building of a friendship, maybe more. I think Gage (Bridgets ex boss) is now going to have his hands full and I see changes coming for them all. So excited to get on board and see where the next twisted story takes us. Thank you for the arc book sirens and Melinda Woodhall. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
Taken By Evil, is the second book in the Bridget Bishop series. I have really enjoyed getting to read this authors books. I found this to be a interesting thriller, with quite a twist to the storyline. I have enjoyed getting to know Bridget and watching her character grow. I hope there will be many more books in this series. I certainly would recommend this book to others.
I received and ARC from BookSirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bridget Bishop is a former FBI profiler who stopped doing that job after the last case she helped solve. It was really just too much for her, so she is working in an office. But when a friend asks for her help with his godson, she can't refuse him. Then she gets involved in another case with the FBI, due to a close friend of hers. This story shows the reader how mental health issues could be very real. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The wait for this book was well worth it. This was a great story and was the best of the series so far. Great suspense and a mystery that was a page turner. The characters were well developed with interesting personalities. I can't wait for the next book!
Dr. Bridget Bishop is pulled back into the FBI to profile a serial killer for the BAU.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Taken by Evil is Book 2 of The Bridget Bishop series. I received an ARC from BookSirens for voluntarily leaving my review. Thank you.
I didn’t enjoy book 2 as much as I did book 1 but I still really love and enjoy Melinda Woodhall’s books. I’ve been following her for many years.
Some of the things that I did enjoy about this book are definitely her writing and great storytelling. She is great at writing plot twists, mystery and suspense. With this book I did feel like I knew who the killer was though. I do enjoy her characters as well.
What I didn’t enjoy was something I find happening in quite a few books, by many authors. I get really annoyed by the character’s going off on their own and putting themselves in danger. There were several instances where that happens and it just honestly drives me crazy.
Despite that, I still liked this book, but that’s why it’s not a 5 ⭐️ rating for me. I’m happily off to start reading book 3.
Before I leave you, I do want to say that I would recommend all of Melinda’s books!
As always, my Fellow Goodreader’s , Happy Reading and/or Listening.📚🎧💜
Be mindful that this is a thriller and at times can be a bit graphic. The explanations of crime scenes and the like are accurately portrayed. Now on to the review. This is one wild and disturbing case. It delves into the mind of a deeply traumatized person and how that trauma turned them into a killer. Bridget is once again drawn back into the fold of the BAU and profiling this time for a very personal reason to try and protect her bff. What we as the reader get is a twisty, thriller at times highly disturbing yet always engrossing as we follow the investigation in real time and watch the hunt for a killer. An absolute must read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the second installment to the Bridget Bishop series, you are whisked away on another fast passed case which Bridget is thrown into unexpectedly again. Bridget goes along on a trip with her friend to see an uprising life changing entrepreneur youtuber and of course there is a case that follows shortly after. Bridget is a very likable character and you find yourself totally invested with her ongoing throughout the story. The reading is a even pace and the characters chemistry is like watching your favorite tv show unfold. This is the second book I have read by this author and I have others on standby to read next. If you like a good thriller/mystery pick up this author. You would not be disappointed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bridget has not returned to work at the FBI but offers her help when a case of a serial killer appears in the media and she discovers that her closest friend might be in danger. This story has a lot of twists and turns, some dead-end leads, a little bit of romance, and a very unexpected ending! If you enjoy mystery/thriller stories this is a good one to download and read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this ARC through Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The is the 2nd book in the series and begins with Bridget going to a series with her friend Daphne. She is not into this type of show, but she is going to support Daphne. As it turns out the show's star and the subject that is covered plays a major role in the story.
The story also includes a sub-plot where Bridget is asked by the BAU supervisor to perform a court review of his godson, Russell. The reason that Russell needs this is to submit a report to the court that will be the basis for what punishment Russell will face for bringing a gun to school. As she is doing this, she also receives a request to assist a task force looking into the deaths of women who were killed after attending the show led by the star that Bridget went with Daphne to.
So far there have been a total of four women killed and the only thing in common was that they sll attended a show at one of the tour's stops. Trying to pin down a suspect was hard and it wasn't made any easier by the impedoment that the star's manager created. As time went by, they were able to finally find a clue that gave them a starting point. This went back to a killing of a judge which was now a cold case.
To discover the importance of this clue, what other events also resulted besides thhe women's deaths and how Daphne played a role in the killer's discovery, then you need to read this book. It is a winner.
The second book in this series delivers suspense on a platter that has the reader engaged from the beginning. Enjoyed this second book with protagonist Bridget as she works with BAU and FBI to track down a serial killer with ties to the past. An action packed read from start to finish. My only 2 downsides was a swear word around 70% mark and the fact that I had guessed the identity of the killer. But still a great read to get lost in.
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is the second book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous book in this series to help with your enhancement of this book. This is a well written story where the author did a great job of attention to details that her story come to life on each page. The characters are relateable and made the story easy to read. I also enjoyed how the twists and turns had me coming back for more and guessing on what would happen next. There is great growth with not only the characters but the plot as well. This is a fast paced, engaging story that is full of action and will keep you on your toes. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this sereis. I highly recommend this book.
This is the second book in the Bridget Bishop series and it looks like this series is another winner from Melinda.
Someone is murdering women who are attending events on a tour by Tate Everest. Bridget has a personal connection as her friend Daphne is totally captivated by Tate and is determined to attend the events. At the same time, she has her hands full evaluating young Russell Malone who is traumatised after the death of his father and is clearly hiding something.
I found this a total page-turner and a riveting read. I particularly liked the ending! Can't wait to read the next one in this thrilling series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bridget is talked into going to see Tate Everest at one of his seminars by her BFF Daphne. Daphne is smitten with the man and has seen all of his YouTube podcasts. There is plenty of action and drama to read, some romance, and the ending is happy. Very highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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 read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Thank you to Book Sirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. I love anything that Melinda Woodhall writes, and this one was no exception. She always has strong female lead characters in her books, and this one is former BAU profiler, Bridget Bishop. She is now in private practice, but she is often called to consult on serious cases where her expertise is invaluable. Tate Everest is handsome, charismatic You Tuber who has made a name for himself with his pseudo psychology. His followers are almost cult like. Now it appears someone is following his tour and killing women at each of his stops. Tate has a terrible secret that shaped his life, and it appears it has cone back to haunt him. I am really enjoying getting to know these characters in this series. I am really pulling for Bishop and Santino’s possible romance.
This was an awesome twisty thriller with an ending that will leave your mouth hanging wide open! Melinda Woodhall is a master mystery writer with a psychological twist. If you like a great mystery and psychological thriller, this one will not disappoint. Pull up a chair and prepare to sit for awhile because you will not want to get up until you finish this book!
Taken by Evil Bridget Bishop: Book 2 by Melinda Woodhall is a great serial killer thriller. Grabs you from the very beginning. Bridget agrees to go see a motivational speaker with her best friend Daphne to show her support. Daphne has been through a lot and thinks this guy is great. It turns out women who are attending these shows are starting to disappear. Bridget, who is criminal psychologist, is asked to return to the BAU to help find this killer. I feel this second book is a little more fast paced and exciting than the first. But it could just be that the first one had to spend a little more time introducing the characters than this one needs to do. It was hard to put down. Surprising twists with a great ending. Left me wanting more. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the Character growth and how intelligent and tenacious Bridget is. I seriously hope she gets less reckless but either way it always works out n she gets the bad guy. Love the plot twists simply great writing!
I'm loving the "Bridget Bishop" series by Melinda Woodhall - this is the second in the series. It has everything you come to expect from the author - fabulous characters that develop as the series build, a gripping story line that has you in its clutches from page 1, and a few twists that will keep you guessing. I can't wait to see what comes next in book 3 of the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second book in this new series and I was even better than the first one. I did figure out where the plot was headed but that was ok it was still a fabulous ride. Love getting to k ow these characters more and can't wait for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Taken by Evil is the second book in Melinda Woodhall’s new Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller series. The story is filled with multiple twists and turns. The FBI’s task force is searching for the killer of women who are following a self help personality! Bridget Bishop, criminal psychologist, is asked to return to the BAU to help the task force. Who is killing these women? And why is the killer targeting them? Bridget is also asked to evaluate a teen who went to school with a gun. Why is this boy afraid? Why did he believe he needed the gun? Melinda Woodhall has once again written a fantastic, suspenseful page turner. This is a great new series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another hit new series by Melinda Woodhall, I am loving Bridget Bishop and welcoming seeing familiar faces from previous series.
People flocked to see handsome Tate Everest on his tour, his loyal video followers hung on his every word, he spoke passionately about PTSD, leaving the past behind, burying it and walking forward.
Bridget had been a Behavioural Analysis Unit profiler until working with serial killers had begun to affect her health and she knew that burying anger and fear was wrong but her friend Daphne was an ardent follower and had persuaded Bridget to go with her to watch Tate Everest mesmerise his zealous followers.
Young women were being murdered and always after a Tate Everest show, Bridget didn't want yo go back to BAU but she was the best at what she did and she couldn't stand by and watch more women being brutally murdered.
Bridget had to work this round another case, the son of a dead colleague was in trouble and Bridget had to break down the barriers that Russel had built in order to keep him out of juvenile detention but things weren't looking good.
This story follows Bridget, along with special agents Charlie Day and Christian Hale, her ex boss Terrence Gage and not forgetting deputy marshal Vic Santino. There are more twists than a corkscrew, there is action in spades and page turning suspense, red herrings are thrown out and guesses as to the outcome change with every chapter.
Melinda Woodhall has done it again, brilliant storyline, wonderful characters, explosive ending and of course the "will they won't they" element with Bridget and Vic Santino. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Taken By Evil is a mystery thriller about a killer who preys on the followers of the self-help YouTube sensation, Tate Everest. He travels the country and posts videos on how people who suffer from PTSD, depression, and or trauma can overcome their fears through his methods of videos, support groups, retreats, and seminars. It is up to Dr. Bridget Bishop to assist the BAU and FBI to figure out who the killer is and how to prevent anymore lives lost.
The mystery, the profiling, and the investigation that happens in this book were so incredibly fascinating, gripping, and puzzling. I couldn’t put this book down it was so good! So much happens in this book and it all comes together perfectly at the end. I thought the last book was great, but this one is so much better. I was a little disappointed when this book ended because I wanted more. I can’t wait for the next book in the Bridget Bishop series to come out. I have so many questions and can’t wait to see how things pan out for Bridget, the BAU, and the FBI.
I highly recommend this book and this series as well as the other books in the author’s back list.
Melinda Woodhall’s second entry in the Bridget Bishop series is well-paced, and mixes suspense with a police procedural. Bridget is helping the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit find a serial killer, and one of the team’s agents is trying to help the wife and son of a good friend who was killed by someone else. The identity of the second killer was surprising. Bridget and the other returning characters are mostly likable. There is another character in the book who is repeatedly described as having “catlike eyes”, and after the first two times, it didn’t need to keep being repeated. I enjoy Ms. Woodhall’s work and will continue to read this series. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, what a great read!!! Have read quite a few of Melinda's books and she never disappoints. This just may be my new favorite by her. Suspense at its best. Who is the SOS shooter? How many will die before this serial killer is caught? Can murders from the past be the key to the present day murders? Will the FBI be able to figure out the motive for the murders before it's too late? While Bridget is working with the FBI, as a profiler, she can't neglect her private practice and works with a troubled youth. Can she gain his trust before her court appointed evaluation is due? You actually get 2 stories in one. You will never see the twists coming at the end. Hold on to your seat, they will shock you. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.
Having read a number of other books by this author, I was expecting it to challenge my mind. I was not disappointed. All books by this author contain enough clues to figure out who the guilty party is, and why, but you are still amazed at the end when the killer is revealed. It always makes sense and you kick yourself for not working it out. Having said that, I thought I knew what was going on and who was committing the murders quite early on and was surprised that I was right. As well as the main intriguing story, there is a side story which is not connected in any way. However, it somehow adds to it rather than detracting from it and that part left me guessing to the end.
As expected, this book is well thought out, well executed and will keep you enthralled until the last page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This femme novelist and awesomely wonderful storyteller has it all going on! What an accomplished woman. Sorry, I'll never give the story line away, but suffice to say, it was a very engaging read; great characterization, plot, narrative... Well, everything we've come to expect and enjoy from this talented author. Have really taken a liking to Dr. Bridget and can't wait to see more of 'hunky' Santino in her future! Way to go girl, again, and keep em coming ~ pretty please, and thank you!
Another winner from Melinda Woodhall. The second in the Bridget Bishop series picked up shortly after the first, with many of the same characters making a welcome return. Having said this, I think this could easily be read as a stand alone if you've not read the first book. As always with her books, the plot moved along at a good pace, and the various threads melded well together. Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review. I would really recommend all of her books.
Taken By Evil, the second novel in the Bridget Bishop series, is a great mystery thriller. A sadistic killer may be hunting for his next victim, but Dr. Bishop will return to the BAU to help solve this case, especially as she believes her best friend may be in the killer’s crosshairs. And if you think this is the only case in this book….Melinda Woodhall adds another nail-biting mystery. The characters are fantastic, the plot very interesting, and the descriptions quite vivid in this page-turner. A very exciting read filled with twists and turns that had me glued to my seat. I look forward to the next chapter in Bridget Bishop’s tale. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.