What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Ellie Reeves #7
The Girl in the River
The body lay in the river, arms outstretched. Long brown hair swirled in all directions, flowing with the current of the water. Her eyes were wide open in death, pale pink lips parted in a scream.
Detective Ellie Reeves should be enjoying the wedding of her dear friend Mia Norman. But instead of celebrating, she is frantically searching for the missing bride. Something is terribly wrong—just hours ago, Mia was blissfully happy. Why would she suddenly vanish?
Bursting through the dressing room, Ellie finds it in disarray—chairs overturned, a perfume bottle shattered. Hiding in the bathroom is Mia’s six-year-old daughter Pixie, curled in a ball and sobbing her heart out. The little girl says she was locked inside when she heard a man’s voice, and her mother crying. “I just want my mommy back,” she pleads. Ellie vows to make that happen.
Turning the venue upside down, Ellie’s blood turns to ice when she reaches the riverbank. Someone is dead in the rippling water, floating beside a white veil. Ellie holds her breath as she turns the body over. It belongs to Tori, Mia’s bridesmaid, a gunshot wound in her back. Near the murder scene, Ellie discovers a button from a man’s shirt, and her friend’s engagement ring. The race is on to find Mia—before it’s too late.
When forensics come back, the investigation takes a dark turn. DNA proves that Mia was actually Jesse Habersham, a woman who went missing five years ago. Ellie is certain that Mia was running from someone. Did her past finally catch up with her?
Facing the most complex case of her career, Ellie is in a race against time. Can she uncover the truth before her friend is brutally killed? And when the murderer comes after innocent little Pixie, will Ellie save her from the clutches of death?
Detective Ellie Reeves should be enjoying the wedding of her dear friend Mia Norman. But instead of celebrating, she is frantically searching for the missing bride. Something is terribly wrong—just hours ago, Mia was blissfully happy. Why would she suddenly vanish?
Bursting through the dressing room, Ellie finds it in disarray—chairs overturned, a perfume bottle shattered. Hiding in the bathroom is Mia’s six-year-old daughter Pixie, curled in a ball and sobbing her heart out. The little girl says she was locked inside when she heard a man’s voice, and her mother crying. “I just want my mommy back,” she pleads. Ellie vows to make that happen.
Turning the venue upside down, Ellie’s blood turns to ice when she reaches the riverbank. Someone is dead in the rippling water, floating beside a white veil. Ellie holds her breath as she turns the body over. It belongs to Tori, Mia’s bridesmaid, a gunshot wound in her back. Near the murder scene, Ellie discovers a button from a man’s shirt, and her friend’s engagement ring. The race is on to find Mia—before it’s too late.
When forensics come back, the investigation takes a dark turn. DNA proves that Mia was actually Jesse Habersham, a woman who went missing five years ago. Ellie is certain that Mia was running from someone. Did her past finally catch up with her?
Facing the most complex case of her career, Ellie is in a race against time. Can she uncover the truth before her friend is brutally killed? And when the murderer comes after innocent little Pixie, will Ellie save her from the clutches of death?
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
2138 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Rita Herron
321 books938 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 12, 2025
This by far was one of my favourite books of the series!!
December 1, 2022
The wedding is only the beginning. Another gripping read from one of my favourite authors. This book had me sat on the edge of my seat, constantly holding my breath and I literally have no nails left. Yes this book is that good. So much tension and suspense and heart breaking. Another fantastic five star and a MUST READ for all readers of this genre. Loved loved it!!!!
October 26, 2022
Ellie is attending her new friend, Mia's, wedding when just before the ceremony she goes missing along with her bridesmaid, Tori. It looks like they were kidnapped, but Mia would never leave her daughter, Pixie, behind. As an investigator, Ellie and her team interview people and find out about Mia's past. They learn that she really is not who she claims to be. What is really going on here?
This was my first book by Rita Herron. It was a good detective mystery to spend the day reading. The chapters are very short and you'll find yourself flying through it rather quickly. I really enjoyed THE GIRL IN THE RIVER and I think if you like solving mysteries you will really enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted on my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This was my first book by Rita Herron. It was a good detective mystery to spend the day reading. The chapters are very short and you'll find yourself flying through it rather quickly. I really enjoyed THE GIRL IN THE RIVER and I think if you like solving mysteries you will really enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted on my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
January 23, 2023
The Girl in the River is Book 7 in the Detective Ellie Reeves series by Rita Herron. I thought I had read several in the series, but it turns out that this was my first. Having said that, I had no trouble jumping in at book 7 as the characters are solving a new case. Detective Ellie Reeves is a strong lead character who doesn't give up or give in. The book starts out with Ellie getting ready for the wedding of a local friend, Mia. Ellie is attending the wedding with her boyfriend, Derrick, who is a federal agent.
When Ellie and Derrick arrive at the wedding they're struck by the beauty of the setting. It's close to the river and the weather is perfect for an outdoor wedding. Mia is in the bridal room finishing up with her maid of honor, Tori, and Mia's 4 year old daughter, Pixie. Pixie is beyond excited to walk down the aisle tossing rose petals as she goes. She can't wait for Mia to marry Mark. Mark is such a nice man and has told Mia and Pixie that he wants to adopt Pixie once they're married. The three of them can't wait to be a family!
Mia asks Pixie to use the bathroom before they head out for the ceremony as she doesn't want any interruptions. As Pixie is in the bathroom, Tori steps out to check on things. Mia looks out the window at the crowd gathered and she notices a man with his back to her. She becomes panicked and says to herself he's found me, how could he find me? As the groom and his best man, Liam, walk to their spots they're eager for the ceremony to start. Liam is Tori's husband and they're all good friends. The music is playing but no bride, bridesmaid, or flower girl appears. The pianist thinks they're just delayed so he starts the music over. Time continues to pass with no one appearing. Ellie tells Mark, the groom, that she'll go check on things.
When Ellie glances at Cord, a park rescuer, he knows that look and follows her towards the bridal room. When they open the door to the bridal room, chairs are knocked over, broken jewelry lies on the floor and looks as if it was yanked off someone's neck, and there's no one here. The door to the bathroom has a chair wedged under it and Ellie hears something. As she opens the bathroom door it's empty, but there's a definite noise. As Ellie goes the the shower, she opens the curtain to find Pixie curled into a ball and crying. Pixie is very upset and says that she heard a man's voice and yelling but couldn't get out of the bathroom to help. She wants her mommy, but Ellie has no idea where she or Tori is. Ellie calls for a forensics team and explains to the office what has happened. They leave the room to keep as much evidence undisturbed as possible.
Ellie goes back to tell Mark and the wedding guests what has happened. She asks Derrick to stay and wait for the forensics team while she and Cord head into the woods to search for Mia and Tori. There's a path that leads to the river, but Mia is terrified of the river and would never go towards it on her own. Mia's parents were killed when their boat exploded after pushing Mia and her sister Jo Jo overboard. They knew they were in trouble and were trying to save their daughters. Ever since then, Mia has hated the river. She even refused to have any wedding pictures taken by it. As Ellie catches up with Cord, he sees something in the water and decides to go in. He removes his shoes and jacket and makes his way towards the fallen log that has something caught on it. It looks like a wedding veil. He sees that it is a wedding veil and yells to Ellie that there's a body. He can't tell who it is because they're face down in the water. Ellie finds a canoe and paddles over to Cord. She asks him to turn the body over carefully. As he does they see that it's Tori, not Mia, and she's very much dead. She has a gash on the back of her head and a bullet hole in her back. There's no sign of Mia, but Ellie hears a motorboat in the distance. Could that boat have Mia on it? Why would someone kidnap Mia? She works at the garden center and helps people get their yards perfect.
Ellie finds a man's shirt button and Mia's engagement ring on the bank of the river. Once forensics has gone over things they find something really weird. Mia's DNA is coming back as a different person. Mia was actually Jesse Habersham, a woman who has been missing for 5 years! Jesse must have faked her death to get away from someone dangerous. Did that person finally find her? Ellie is very worried and knows her friend is in danger. She has to find her and quick! Who was Jesse and why did she want to disappear? Ellie has a tough case ahead of her and there will be many twists along the way. Will the man come back for Pixie? Is she in danger?
The Girl in the River sucks you in from the start and you'll be reading it well into the night. I loved this book and look forward to reading more books in the series. Rita Herron creates characters that you care about and you can't wait for more. The Ellie Reeves series will now be one that I have to read as soon as the next one is available! Whether you're a first time reader of the Ellie Reeves series like I am or a long time reader of the series, this book is good for both. Get this book and enjoy! I rate The Girl in the River 5 stars and look forward to book 8 in the series. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review. #TheGirlInTheRiver
When Ellie and Derrick arrive at the wedding they're struck by the beauty of the setting. It's close to the river and the weather is perfect for an outdoor wedding. Mia is in the bridal room finishing up with her maid of honor, Tori, and Mia's 4 year old daughter, Pixie. Pixie is beyond excited to walk down the aisle tossing rose petals as she goes. She can't wait for Mia to marry Mark. Mark is such a nice man and has told Mia and Pixie that he wants to adopt Pixie once they're married. The three of them can't wait to be a family!
Mia asks Pixie to use the bathroom before they head out for the ceremony as she doesn't want any interruptions. As Pixie is in the bathroom, Tori steps out to check on things. Mia looks out the window at the crowd gathered and she notices a man with his back to her. She becomes panicked and says to herself he's found me, how could he find me? As the groom and his best man, Liam, walk to their spots they're eager for the ceremony to start. Liam is Tori's husband and they're all good friends. The music is playing but no bride, bridesmaid, or flower girl appears. The pianist thinks they're just delayed so he starts the music over. Time continues to pass with no one appearing. Ellie tells Mark, the groom, that she'll go check on things.
When Ellie glances at Cord, a park rescuer, he knows that look and follows her towards the bridal room. When they open the door to the bridal room, chairs are knocked over, broken jewelry lies on the floor and looks as if it was yanked off someone's neck, and there's no one here. The door to the bathroom has a chair wedged under it and Ellie hears something. As she opens the bathroom door it's empty, but there's a definite noise. As Ellie goes the the shower, she opens the curtain to find Pixie curled into a ball and crying. Pixie is very upset and says that she heard a man's voice and yelling but couldn't get out of the bathroom to help. She wants her mommy, but Ellie has no idea where she or Tori is. Ellie calls for a forensics team and explains to the office what has happened. They leave the room to keep as much evidence undisturbed as possible.
Ellie goes back to tell Mark and the wedding guests what has happened. She asks Derrick to stay and wait for the forensics team while she and Cord head into the woods to search for Mia and Tori. There's a path that leads to the river, but Mia is terrified of the river and would never go towards it on her own. Mia's parents were killed when their boat exploded after pushing Mia and her sister Jo Jo overboard. They knew they were in trouble and were trying to save their daughters. Ever since then, Mia has hated the river. She even refused to have any wedding pictures taken by it. As Ellie catches up with Cord, he sees something in the water and decides to go in. He removes his shoes and jacket and makes his way towards the fallen log that has something caught on it. It looks like a wedding veil. He sees that it is a wedding veil and yells to Ellie that there's a body. He can't tell who it is because they're face down in the water. Ellie finds a canoe and paddles over to Cord. She asks him to turn the body over carefully. As he does they see that it's Tori, not Mia, and she's very much dead. She has a gash on the back of her head and a bullet hole in her back. There's no sign of Mia, but Ellie hears a motorboat in the distance. Could that boat have Mia on it? Why would someone kidnap Mia? She works at the garden center and helps people get their yards perfect.
Ellie finds a man's shirt button and Mia's engagement ring on the bank of the river. Once forensics has gone over things they find something really weird. Mia's DNA is coming back as a different person. Mia was actually Jesse Habersham, a woman who has been missing for 5 years! Jesse must have faked her death to get away from someone dangerous. Did that person finally find her? Ellie is very worried and knows her friend is in danger. She has to find her and quick! Who was Jesse and why did she want to disappear? Ellie has a tough case ahead of her and there will be many twists along the way. Will the man come back for Pixie? Is she in danger?
The Girl in the River sucks you in from the start and you'll be reading it well into the night. I loved this book and look forward to reading more books in the series. Rita Herron creates characters that you care about and you can't wait for more. The Ellie Reeves series will now be one that I have to read as soon as the next one is available! Whether you're a first time reader of the Ellie Reeves series like I am or a long time reader of the series, this book is good for both. Get this book and enjoy! I rate The Girl in the River 5 stars and look forward to book 8 in the series. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review. #TheGirlInTheRiver
December 1, 2022
This is a brilliant crime series and this is one of the best so far.
Ellie is at her friends wedding but when she doesn’t show up to say her vows, Ellie knows something is wrong.
She finds Mia’s daughter, Pixie, terrified in the bathroom but she didn’t see who took her Mum.
Ellie and Derrick begin the search for Mia and come across a nasty family who seem to be running a nearby town.
Ellie is determined to find out what’s happening in this town as all the locals seem terrified to speak to her.
With Mia missing and bodies being found, time is running out fast.
This is a brilliant crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
If you’ve not read this series then pick up book one now - you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Ellie is at her friends wedding but when she doesn’t show up to say her vows, Ellie knows something is wrong.
She finds Mia’s daughter, Pixie, terrified in the bathroom but she didn’t see who took her Mum.
Ellie and Derrick begin the search for Mia and come across a nasty family who seem to be running a nearby town.
Ellie is determined to find out what’s happening in this town as all the locals seem terrified to speak to her.
With Mia missing and bodies being found, time is running out fast.
This is a brilliant crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
If you’ve not read this series then pick up book one now - you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 16, 2022
The Girl in the River by Rita Herron is the seventh book in the brilliant Detective Ellie Reeves series. This has been a series that has been a 5 star read and it has everything with Twists and turns throughout. With a great story line for every book Rita has written, its fast paced and a brilliant page turner. Detective Ellie Reeves is Just a fantastic character. I have loved this series and all the characters.
I highly recommend this series. They do not disappoint x
I highly recommend this series. They do not disappoint x
December 13, 2022
Thank you to both Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Girl in the River.
2.5 Stars, rounded up.
Facing the most complex case of her career, Ellie is in a race against time. Can she uncover the truth before her friend is brutally killed? And when the murderer comes after innocent little Pixie, will Ellie save her from the clutches of death?
Boy am I an outlier!! I see that most readers have absolutely loved The Girl in the River. Unfortunately, I struggled with many parts that I considered to be unrealistic. In addition, I felt the book had a bit too much young adult angst.
It's true what they say: You can't please everyone all the time. Be sure to read ALL the reviews, because this series has a huge following. It's just not for me.
2.5 Stars, rounded up.
Facing the most complex case of her career, Ellie is in a race against time. Can she uncover the truth before her friend is brutally killed? And when the murderer comes after innocent little Pixie, will Ellie save her from the clutches of death?
Boy am I an outlier!! I see that most readers have absolutely loved The Girl in the River. Unfortunately, I struggled with many parts that I considered to be unrealistic. In addition, I felt the book had a bit too much young adult angst.
It's true what they say: You can't please everyone all the time. Be sure to read ALL the reviews, because this series has a huge following. It's just not for me.
November 22, 2022
A wedding turns into a hunt for the bride. Ellie Reeves is all dressed up and not chasing bad guys. But that doesn't last long when her friend suddenly disappears right before walking down the aisle and in the search for her, Ellie finds the bridesmaid murdered.
Ellie is then on the hunt to figure out what happened as Mia has a young daughter who is devastated that her mom is missing.
Lots of twist and turns in the discovery. Always there to help is FBI Agent Derrick Fox who is still dealing with the fallout of his military's friends suicide and Ranger Cord McClain who is struggling to keep his romantic feelings of Ellie a tight secret. This triangle seems to be itching closer to a revelation..
Ellie is then on the hunt to figure out what happened as Mia has a young daughter who is devastated that her mom is missing.
Lots of twist and turns in the discovery. Always there to help is FBI Agent Derrick Fox who is still dealing with the fallout of his military's friends suicide and Ranger Cord McClain who is struggling to keep his romantic feelings of Ellie a tight secret. This triangle seems to be itching closer to a revelation..
December 3, 2022
Detective Ellie Reeves is back excited to attend her friend Mia's wedding. Until the worst happens....
The bride goes missing.
And she hasn't got cold feet.
But where is she? And who was the man Mia's daughter Pixie heard before she disappeared?
That's what Ellie needs to find out and fast. Especially when the maid of honour Tori turns up dead in the river someplace Mia would always avoid.
And when Ellie and FBI Agent Derek Fox go to search Mia's house the next day. They find it ransacked and pictures of the happy couple burned.
Then Ellie is given a lead. But it's one that creates more questions than answers and when Cord calls with shocking news the case becomes even more complicated.
And with big twists, lots of shocks and surprises and a confrontation you won't expect. This was another fantastic addition to a series that has genuinely got better and better.
And with the Cord, Ellie and Derek dynamic getting more and more complicated. I truly can't wait to find out what happens next.
I would highly recommend The Girl in the River and the series itself to crime fiction fans everywhere!
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
The bride goes missing.
And she hasn't got cold feet.
But where is she? And who was the man Mia's daughter Pixie heard before she disappeared?
That's what Ellie needs to find out and fast. Especially when the maid of honour Tori turns up dead in the river someplace Mia would always avoid.
And when Ellie and FBI Agent Derek Fox go to search Mia's house the next day. They find it ransacked and pictures of the happy couple burned.
Then Ellie is given a lead. But it's one that creates more questions than answers and when Cord calls with shocking news the case becomes even more complicated.
And with big twists, lots of shocks and surprises and a confrontation you won't expect. This was another fantastic addition to a series that has genuinely got better and better.
And with the Cord, Ellie and Derek dynamic getting more and more complicated. I truly can't wait to find out what happens next.
I would highly recommend The Girl in the River and the series itself to crime fiction fans everywhere!
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
December 4, 2022
The Girl in the River by Rita Herron is a highly recommended detective thriller and the seventh book in the series featuring Ellie Reeve.
Detective Ellie Reeves is at the wedding of her friend Mia Norman when the bride mysteriously disappears, leaving her four-year-old daughter Pixie behind. It soon becomes clear that Mia along with Tori, her bridesmaid, were abducted. Tori's body is found in the river, but Mia is gone. As the investigation continues, it is discovered that Mia is actually Jesse Habersham, a woman who went missing five years ago right after her wedding. This complicates the case and the investigation considerably.
In this complicated case, the chapters are short, action packed, and move quickly, so the pace is like lightening and pages will fly by. As more information is uncovered, the mystery and the questions grow, as do injuries. Everything feels like a race against time to discover what happened and why, before someone else is killed or injured. Ellie must use all her wits and determination to discover the information she needs to figure out what is going on and why it is happening in order to solve the case. There are numerous twists throughout the narrative and several times I had to set disbelief aside.
There are a lot of characters in this intricate novel and I did have to pause a couple time to figure out who was who. This is my first Ellie Reeve novel and I felt like it can be a stand alone, but there were times when I wished I had more background information on the characters and their relationships. The plethora of characters also means the development of each character was limited and it is assumed previous novels provided more character development. Of course, the appeal of the novel is the perplexing case and the adrenaline rush experienced while trying to get to the resolution.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/1...
Detective Ellie Reeves is at the wedding of her friend Mia Norman when the bride mysteriously disappears, leaving her four-year-old daughter Pixie behind. It soon becomes clear that Mia along with Tori, her bridesmaid, were abducted. Tori's body is found in the river, but Mia is gone. As the investigation continues, it is discovered that Mia is actually Jesse Habersham, a woman who went missing five years ago right after her wedding. This complicates the case and the investigation considerably.
In this complicated case, the chapters are short, action packed, and move quickly, so the pace is like lightening and pages will fly by. As more information is uncovered, the mystery and the questions grow, as do injuries. Everything feels like a race against time to discover what happened and why, before someone else is killed or injured. Ellie must use all her wits and determination to discover the information she needs to figure out what is going on and why it is happening in order to solve the case. There are numerous twists throughout the narrative and several times I had to set disbelief aside.
There are a lot of characters in this intricate novel and I did have to pause a couple time to figure out who was who. This is my first Ellie Reeve novel and I felt like it can be a stand alone, but there were times when I wished I had more background information on the characters and their relationships. The plethora of characters also means the development of each character was limited and it is assumed previous novels provided more character development. Of course, the appeal of the novel is the perplexing case and the adrenaline rush experienced while trying to get to the resolution.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/1...
December 7, 2022
Detective Ellie Reeves is about to watch her friend Mia get married. Ellie is really happy for Mia and also Mia’s young daughter Pixie. Shockingly, Mia suddenly disappears, as does one of her bridesmaids, Tori. Everyone is in a panic, and Ellie is determined to discover what happened. When a body is soon discovered near the river, Ellie’s blood runs cold. It is Tori. But then, where is Mia?
Ellie is on the case with a bunch of immediate questions. What happened, why was Tori killed, and where is Mia? Furthermore, as Ellie starts to investigate, she learns that Pixie heard the voice of a man just before her mother went missing. As the case begins to unfold, Ellie discovers somethings shocking. Mia was actually an assumed name because she was Jesse, who has been missing for five years. Why did Mia change her name? What happened five years ago and how does it tie into Mia’s disappearance now?
This story quickly turns into one of secrets and conspiracies. In order to discover what happened to Mia, Ellie must uncover the past and as she is doing this, the reader of this compelling story is given privy to what was going on with Mia before she disappeared back then and why she actually changed her name. Time might be running out for Mia, and Ellie must connect the past with the present if she has any hopes of finding Mia alive.
While this mystery slowly unravels, there is a side story that ties into Ellie, Ranger Cord and FBI agent Derrick. While this is a very intriguing crime thriller, that side story about Ellie‘s relationships with both men and her future remained a curiosity for me. Could this apparent love triangle be coming to its end? Then we cannot forget about little Pixie and how she is faring with her mother being missing especially when the past begins to clash with the present.
What another compelling read by Rita Herron! This story hit the ground running and never once lost traction. Although there was more than one story being told, everything continued to tie together but still left me in great suspense as to what was going on with Mia, her past and why she disappeared previously. For a truly remarkable book, you can’t go wrong The Girl in the River as well as the previous titles in the series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/f-p82dDRMHg
Ellie is on the case with a bunch of immediate questions. What happened, why was Tori killed, and where is Mia? Furthermore, as Ellie starts to investigate, she learns that Pixie heard the voice of a man just before her mother went missing. As the case begins to unfold, Ellie discovers somethings shocking. Mia was actually an assumed name because she was Jesse, who has been missing for five years. Why did Mia change her name? What happened five years ago and how does it tie into Mia’s disappearance now?
This story quickly turns into one of secrets and conspiracies. In order to discover what happened to Mia, Ellie must uncover the past and as she is doing this, the reader of this compelling story is given privy to what was going on with Mia before she disappeared back then and why she actually changed her name. Time might be running out for Mia, and Ellie must connect the past with the present if she has any hopes of finding Mia alive.
While this mystery slowly unravels, there is a side story that ties into Ellie, Ranger Cord and FBI agent Derrick. While this is a very intriguing crime thriller, that side story about Ellie‘s relationships with both men and her future remained a curiosity for me. Could this apparent love triangle be coming to its end? Then we cannot forget about little Pixie and how she is faring with her mother being missing especially when the past begins to clash with the present.
What another compelling read by Rita Herron! This story hit the ground running and never once lost traction. Although there was more than one story being told, everything continued to tie together but still left me in great suspense as to what was going on with Mia, her past and why she disappeared previously. For a truly remarkable book, you can’t go wrong The Girl in the River as well as the previous titles in the series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/f-p82dDRMHg
December 4, 2022
(4.5) Auto-buy. Arc or no arc - auto buy! I love this series. Each book has its own intense mystery fraught with suspense and underlined with relationships. Relationships that have their own mystery:)
This can be read as a standalone but you miss all the layers, the growth, the set backs. I have to say the blurb here shares a lot of information. I am glad I did not read that, it meant some of what transpired was a surprise to me. WIN. As the story unfold we travel several paths that lead to one twisty heart wrenching conclusion. It also made me wonder if some of this is happening in the United States. I imagine it is. I was misled in the beginning and that always intrigues me. I love watching Elle (detective)grow and believe in herself. I am a little anxious to her love life and I think she is too! Derrick(FBI)is dealing with the continuous fall out of his partner. I am not thrilled with Derrick, I understand but I am not 100% on board. What about Cord our search and rescue. Lord what that man has gone through. We still don't have the complete story on what transpired, the darkness. I want so much for him. We also have secondary character Lola who finally opened her own eyes ( at the ending she tells Elle to wise up and open her eyes) and is on her way to a happy ending so she can continue to be a strong secondary character. Another great book that calls for a comfy chair and your cuppa. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Thegirlintheriver #ritaherron #bookouture #netgalley
This can be read as a standalone but you miss all the layers, the growth, the set backs. I have to say the blurb here shares a lot of information. I am glad I did not read that, it meant some of what transpired was a surprise to me. WIN. As the story unfold we travel several paths that lead to one twisty heart wrenching conclusion. It also made me wonder if some of this is happening in the United States. I imagine it is. I was misled in the beginning and that always intrigues me. I love watching Elle (detective)grow and believe in herself. I am a little anxious to her love life and I think she is too! Derrick(FBI)is dealing with the continuous fall out of his partner. I am not thrilled with Derrick, I understand but I am not 100% on board. What about Cord our search and rescue. Lord what that man has gone through. We still don't have the complete story on what transpired, the darkness. I want so much for him. We also have secondary character Lola who finally opened her own eyes ( at the ending she tells Elle to wise up and open her eyes) and is on her way to a happy ending so she can continue to be a strong secondary character. Another great book that calls for a comfy chair and your cuppa. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Thegirlintheriver #ritaherron #bookouture #netgalley
November 5, 2022
Dang, small towns can be brutal. So many secrets and shady characters in The Girl in the River by Rita Herron.
Detective Ellie Reeves is supposed to be enjoying her friend's wedding. But when the bride, Mia, goes missing and her maid of honor is found dead in the river, Ellie is in a race to find out what happened before it's too late.
I liked the short chapter format and how each ended on a subtle cliffhanger. Rita Herron writes such good characters and is a solid storyteller.
The story was intense, with many twists and edge-of-your-seat action. The only implausible thing that struck me was that two trained law enforcement officers were overtaken by one woman, who got the upper hand on them even though they had come up on her and the law enforcement had the advantage. Besides that minor thing, the story was well-written. The ending has me anticipating the next installment!!
I would recommend this series and this author.
#TheGirlintheRiver #NetGalley @bookouture
Detective Ellie Reeves is supposed to be enjoying her friend's wedding. But when the bride, Mia, goes missing and her maid of honor is found dead in the river, Ellie is in a race to find out what happened before it's too late.
I liked the short chapter format and how each ended on a subtle cliffhanger. Rita Herron writes such good characters and is a solid storyteller.
The story was intense, with many twists and edge-of-your-seat action. The only implausible thing that struck me was that two trained law enforcement officers were overtaken by one woman, who got the upper hand on them even though they had come up on her and the law enforcement had the advantage. Besides that minor thing, the story was well-written. The ending has me anticipating the next installment!!
I would recommend this series and this author.
#TheGirlintheRiver #NetGalley @bookouture
December 6, 2022
This non stop action packed story is a great series edition. Detective Ellie Reeves is attending her new friends wedding when the unthinkable happens the bride disappears. It’s a scramble for Elli to find her before it’s to late. As she’s following leads she stumbles upon way more than she bargained for.
“I heard him say she was more beautiful than any flowers we carried,” Mrs. Hinton said with a note of wistfulness.
Meanwhile Derik is called away more and more. I’m still processing how I feel about that. The ending has me really looking forward to the next book and what that could mean.
“I heard him say she was more beautiful than any flowers we carried,” Mrs. Hinton said with a note of wistfulness.
Meanwhile Derik is called away more and more. I’m still processing how I feel about that. The ending has me really looking forward to the next book and what that could mean.
December 5, 2022
It’s spring time in Crooked Creek. A season of marriage and murder. Ellie spends an inordinate amount of time in the water in this newest release.
A bride is missing and Ellie has to figure this twisted case out. It’s insidious, horrific, and dark.
There are many strands that make up the story. It takes awhile for them to converge, but it’s an incredibly intricate story.
Ellie takes a licking and keeps on ticking, as usual.
The ending gave me hope that the man I want Ellie to end up with will happen. However, Herron does like to toy with me and stretch this out.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
A bride is missing and Ellie has to figure this twisted case out. It’s insidious, horrific, and dark.
There are many strands that make up the story. It takes awhile for them to converge, but it’s an incredibly intricate story.
Ellie takes a licking and keeps on ticking, as usual.
The ending gave me hope that the man I want Ellie to end up with will happen. However, Herron does like to toy with me and stretch this out.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
December 5, 2022
This suspense novel is absolutely riveting. With multiple layers and numerous possible scenarios, the short chapters in this book kept me totally engaged and enjoying every minute I spent with Detective Ellie Reeves. Her quest to find her friend Mia who disappeared at her own wedding is one that seems to be fruitless at first and then a frantic search for the truth when Mia’s young daughter Pixie becomes a target. Beginning with the wedding that never happened because of Mia’s disappearance, this book held me totally enthralled and guessing what was going on that she would leave her groom and her daughter behind. When the maid of honor turns up floating in the river, dead from a gunshot wound, I suspected that Mia was going to follow her in her terrible death. I just had to keep reading to find out if Mia and Pixie would be reunited and have a happily ever after. The whodunit plot element was puzzling and kept me guessing as more and more possible villains were added to the scenario. The prologue was very important although I didn’t know it until later in the book and I loved when I started figuring out how everything tied together. With red herrings galore, this book was unputdownable and a definite invitation to me to go back and read the other books in the series. This book can be read as a standalone, but the enjoyment I got from it deserves to continue by reading the previous books in the series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
November 30, 2022
Detective Ellie Reeves Book 7. And I think it's the best one so far.
Ellie is very excited to be attending her friend Mia's wedding. Everyone is waiting patiently for the bride to appear. But as time goes on Ellie starts to worry. Has Mia got cold feet? Setting off to the bridal suite to locate Mia and her Maid of Honour instead she finds the room in disarray and Mia's 4 year old daughter locked in the bathroom. Fearing the worst a search of the grounds are carried out. And then the devastating news a body has been found in the river.
I was gripped from page one of this book and devoured it in one day. Full of drama and emotion with a fast paced plot this book will have you hooked.
Will happily recommend to all crime genre fans.
Ellie is very excited to be attending her friend Mia's wedding. Everyone is waiting patiently for the bride to appear. But as time goes on Ellie starts to worry. Has Mia got cold feet? Setting off to the bridal suite to locate Mia and her Maid of Honour instead she finds the room in disarray and Mia's 4 year old daughter locked in the bathroom. Fearing the worst a search of the grounds are carried out. And then the devastating news a body has been found in the river.
I was gripped from page one of this book and devoured it in one day. Full of drama and emotion with a fast paced plot this book will have you hooked.
Will happily recommend to all crime genre fans.
January 26, 2023
Solito bel libro, con un finale che in parte è una sorpresa per quanto riguarda i colpevoli. Devo dire che l'ultima frase mi ha un po' scombussolata perché sembra che la questione su chi sia "la dolce metà" della protagonista non sia risulta, come invece speravo... L'azione si svolge in gran parte in una piccola cittadina vicina a quella della protagonista, che risulta essere ancora peggio di quest'ultima: sembra quasi che ogni località abbia i suoi segreti e i suoi mostri sui Monti Appalachi!
June 21, 2024
Another 5 star read from this brilliant author!!
January 10, 2023
2 & 1/2 stars. Struggled, but couldn't honestly raise to 3 stars. Disappointed.
October 9, 2023
A page turner
This one is number 7 in the series and is one of the best. A woman disappears at her own wedding and sets off a search that leads to a nearby town that’s run by a rich family. That mysterious family seems to have a hold on many of the residents there and Detective Elle Reeves has to figure out what that hold is and the connection to the missing woman. Lots of twists and turns in this one. I enjoyed it. It’s different from the previous books in that it’s not taking place on the Appalachian Trail, but rather down near the river, beyond that this book is quite similar to the others in the series. I did enjoy it.
This one is number 7 in the series and is one of the best. A woman disappears at her own wedding and sets off a search that leads to a nearby town that’s run by a rich family. That mysterious family seems to have a hold on many of the residents there and Detective Elle Reeves has to figure out what that hold is and the connection to the missing woman. Lots of twists and turns in this one. I enjoyed it. It’s different from the previous books in that it’s not taking place on the Appalachian Trail, but rather down near the river, beyond that this book is quite similar to the others in the series. I did enjoy it.
December 13, 2022
Love this author and adore this gripping series. And this book is just wow! Addictive and gripping, a really unputdownable, thoroughly entertaining page turner. Really loved this one.
December 6, 2022
This was actually the best one in the series in my opinion. This series is good but not as fast paced as I usually read. Once this hit its stride I needed to know what was going on in this small town. I do like Ellie’s grit and tenacity when solving a crime, there’s something that keeps me coming back to this series.
Also I need this Cord, Ellie, Derrick thing to wrap up. I feel bad for Cord and Ellie needs to wake up. Lol. Derrick is half in, half out. Just my opinion.
The over all story was good and kept me wanting more. I was rooting for Mia & Pixie.
Also I need this Cord, Ellie, Derrick thing to wrap up. I feel bad for Cord and Ellie needs to wake up. Lol. Derrick is half in, half out. Just my opinion.
The over all story was good and kept me wanting more. I was rooting for Mia & Pixie.
October 31, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Detective Ellie Reeves really has her hands full in this fast paced, action filled book. I could not stop reading it! The twists and turns just keep coming as she races to find her friend Mia before it’s too late. The love triangle between Ellie, Derrick and Cord is coming to a head and hopefully gets resolved in the next book. A must read romantic thriller!
ARC provided by NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for honest review.
Detective Ellie Reeves really has her hands full in this fast paced, action filled book. I could not stop reading it! The twists and turns just keep coming as she races to find her friend Mia before it’s too late. The love triangle between Ellie, Derrick and Cord is coming to a head and hopefully gets resolved in the next book. A must read romantic thriller!
ARC provided by NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for honest review.
November 22, 2022
The Girl in the River (Detective Ellie Reeves #7) by Rita Herron grabbed my attention. I like Detective Ellie Reeves's character and enjoyed this latest book. If you have not read the previous books, you still will be able to follow the characters and story.
Mia and her bridesmaid Tori go missing on Mia's wedding day! Little Pixie is hidden in the closet and will only tell Ellie that she heard a man's voice in the room. A frantic search begins on the property and Ellie sees a body floating on the edge of the river. I could not believe that a beautiful character in the book series died in The Girl in the River. Unexpected secrets are revealed as the story progresses!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book. The publication date is December 13, 2023.
Mia and her bridesmaid Tori go missing on Mia's wedding day! Little Pixie is hidden in the closet and will only tell Ellie that she heard a man's voice in the room. A frantic search begins on the property and Ellie sees a body floating on the edge of the river. I could not believe that a beautiful character in the book series died in The Girl in the River. Unexpected secrets are revealed as the story progresses!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book. The publication date is December 13, 2023.
December 3, 2022
Detective Ellie Reeves should be enjoying the wedding of her dear friend Mia Norman. But instead of celebrating, she is frantically searching for the missing bride. Bursting through the dressing room, Ellie finds it in disarray chairs overturned, a perfume bottle shattered. Hiding in the bathroom is Mia’s six-year-old daughter Pixie, curled in a ball and sobbing her heart out. The little girl says she was locked inside when she heard a man’s voice, and her mother crying. Turning the venue upside down, Ellie’s blood turns to ice when she reaches the riverbank. Someone is dead in the rippling water, floating beside a white veil. Ellie holds her breath as she turns the body over. It belongs to Tori, Mia’s bridesmaid, a gunshot wound in her back. Near the murder scene, Ellie discovers a button from a man’s shirt, and her friend’s engagement ring. When forensics come back, the investigation takes a dark turn. DNA proves that Mia was actually Jesse Habersham, a woman who went missing five years ago.
The seventh outing for Ellie & it could easily be read on its own. Another fast paced engrossing read, I found myself drawn in at the beginning & a few breath taking hours later I’d finished it. The characters have depth & were believable & the pace is fast. There are twists & turns, revelations & drama. I was on the edge of my seat & the pages flew by. It also looks like the relatioship between Ellie, Cord & Derrick is coming to a head. Roll on the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The seventh outing for Ellie & it could easily be read on its own. Another fast paced engrossing read, I found myself drawn in at the beginning & a few breath taking hours later I’d finished it. The characters have depth & were believable & the pace is fast. There are twists & turns, revelations & drama. I was on the edge of my seat & the pages flew by. It also looks like the relatioship between Ellie, Cord & Derrick is coming to a head. Roll on the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 5, 2022
The Girl in the River gives us another enthralling case full of mystery, intrigue and wrongdoings that Detective Ellie Reeves adopts as her latest mission.
Leaving no stone unturned, Ellie is determined to solve this awful crime but little does she know just how complex this particular case will turn out to be.
If you're like me and like to read to the end of a chapter, this novel will definitely suit you. Filled to the brim of short, impactful chapters The Girl in the River will prove to be a truly compelling read.
You'll be kept guessing all the way through as more and more incidents are added to the bigger picture, making the reader wonder if they can possibly be related!
Fear not, by the time you reach the end you'll see everything tied up in the shiniest handcuffs as the guilty parties pay the price for their crimes.
Despite being the 7th book in this particular series it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone easily.
A must read for crime thriller readers.
Leaving no stone unturned, Ellie is determined to solve this awful crime but little does she know just how complex this particular case will turn out to be.
If you're like me and like to read to the end of a chapter, this novel will definitely suit you. Filled to the brim of short, impactful chapters The Girl in the River will prove to be a truly compelling read.
You'll be kept guessing all the way through as more and more incidents are added to the bigger picture, making the reader wonder if they can possibly be related!
Fear not, by the time you reach the end you'll see everything tied up in the shiniest handcuffs as the guilty parties pay the price for their crimes.
Despite being the 7th book in this particular series it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone easily.
A must read for crime thriller readers.
January 15, 2023
Rita Herron is an excellent storyteller and I love her books!
Ellie is enjoying being at the wedding of her friend Mia. Only, it turns out that Mia isn't actually Mia at all, she is someone else. And when she disappears, leaving her little girl behind, Ellie is on the case. Can she reunite Pixie with her mum? And figure out why Mia changed her identity?
A twisty, turny mystery, brilliantly told, as always.
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Ellie is enjoying being at the wedding of her friend Mia. Only, it turns out that Mia isn't actually Mia at all, she is someone else. And when she disappears, leaving her little girl behind, Ellie is on the case. Can she reunite Pixie with her mum? And figure out why Mia changed her identity?
A twisty, turny mystery, brilliantly told, as always.
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
December 13, 2022
it’s amazing
Look I love this book. But the love triangle, please let it end. It’s well written and a page turner. It keeps your heart in you mouth.
Look I love this book. But the love triangle, please let it end. It’s well written and a page turner. It keeps your heart in you mouth.
December 9, 2022
So exciting!
What an incredible book. The storyline was really unique and I enjoyed every page. It definitely was a non-stop thriller and it looks like maybe some serious romance may be coming our way in the future. I really hope so.
What an incredible book. The storyline was really unique and I enjoyed every page. It definitely was a non-stop thriller and it looks like maybe some serious romance may be coming our way in the future. I really hope so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews