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Hart's Ridge #1
Hart's Ridge
If Robyn Carr and Melinda Leigh had a book-baby, Hart’s Ridge would be it. Join Kay Bratt in this small town mystery series with cases to solve, and a small-town deputy determined to do it.
When five-year-old Molly walks into a gas station on the outskirts of town, alone and barely speaking, one sheriff’s deputy is determined to reunite her with her missing mother.
Nestled gently in the Blue Ridge mountains, Hart’s Ridge is a small and yet undiscovered quaint town. That is until you dig a little deeper and learn that no matter how perfect things look, every town has its secrets. Taylor Gray has lived there since she was a kid and has clawed her way out of poverty, foster care, and then the police academy to reach her dream of being in law enforcement.
However, the townspeople aren’t the only ones that she is committed to serve and protect. She’s also the unofficial caretaker of her father and adult sisters, a family fractured by tragedy and barely keeping it together. Her role is heavy and rarely appreciated, but she’ll stop at nothing to try to piece them back together one day.
The mother of a young girl is missing. Time is of the essence and Taylor plunges into the investigation, determined to find her and reunite mother and child. When the sheriff brings a familiar face in to take charge, things begin to unravel at a pace hard to keep up with, and what they find is every law enforcement officer’s worst nightmare.
Hart’s Ridge is a standalone novel and book one of the new Hart’s Ridge mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, International Best-Selling Author of Wish Me Home and the By the Sea series.
When five-year-old Molly walks into a gas station on the outskirts of town, alone and barely speaking, one sheriff’s deputy is determined to reunite her with her missing mother.
Nestled gently in the Blue Ridge mountains, Hart’s Ridge is a small and yet undiscovered quaint town. That is until you dig a little deeper and learn that no matter how perfect things look, every town has its secrets. Taylor Gray has lived there since she was a kid and has clawed her way out of poverty, foster care, and then the police academy to reach her dream of being in law enforcement.
However, the townspeople aren’t the only ones that she is committed to serve and protect. She’s also the unofficial caretaker of her father and adult sisters, a family fractured by tragedy and barely keeping it together. Her role is heavy and rarely appreciated, but she’ll stop at nothing to try to piece them back together one day.
The mother of a young girl is missing. Time is of the essence and Taylor plunges into the investigation, determined to find her and reunite mother and child. When the sheriff brings a familiar face in to take charge, things begin to unravel at a pace hard to keep up with, and what they find is every law enforcement officer’s worst nightmare.
Hart’s Ridge is a standalone novel and book one of the new Hart’s Ridge mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, International Best-Selling Author of Wish Me Home and the By the Sea series.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2022
9463 people are currently reading
12104 people want to read
About the author
Kay Bratt
61 books2,093 followersWriter, Rescuer, Wanderer
Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.
Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian.
Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.
In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.
As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.
Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.
Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.
Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian.
Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.
In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.
As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.
Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 610 reviews
February 2, 2023
Very engaging
I really loved this mystery. There is no romance in it either. I thought it was headed there but it never happened. I am totally involved with Taylor Gray right now and I can't wait to see whay happens next. There is a lot of males in her life beating their chests and hating women. It was sad. Everyone in her life has let her down except for two people. She raised her sisters and they treat her badly. She takes care of her abusive father and is honestly one of the best heroines ever. I hated that she was betrayed by the people who should have her back.
Story was about a little girl found wandering the road and them trying to find out who she was and what happened that she was found alone. She solved it single handedly with lots of push back from the male officers. I was very disappointed in one person in particular that she thought she could trust. Just sad.
I really loved this mystery. There is no romance in it either. I thought it was headed there but it never happened. I am totally involved with Taylor Gray right now and I can't wait to see whay happens next. There is a lot of males in her life beating their chests and hating women. It was sad. Everyone in her life has let her down except for two people. She raised her sisters and they treat her badly. She takes care of her abusive father and is honestly one of the best heroines ever. I hated that she was betrayed by the people who should have her back.
Story was about a little girl found wandering the road and them trying to find out who she was and what happened that she was found alone. She solved it single handedly with lots of push back from the male officers. I was very disappointed in one person in particular that she thought she could trust. Just sad.
January 5, 2023
I am a huge fan of Kay Bratt and have loved all of her books. I was so excited when I found out that she was starting a new series—a step outside her usual type of work—and I knew she would totally nail it. She just writes good stories. Period.
I absolutely loved Hart's Ridge and the character of Taylor Gray. She is respectable officer of the law who has to work hard for the respect and loyalty of her fellow officers. She had a tough life growing up and life hasn't gotten any easier for her as the lone female law enforcer in a small mountain community.
When a young girl is found wandering alone in her community, she takes personal responsibility to make sure this child is safe and returned to her family. But when someone from her past enters the investigation, things are suddenly out of her control.
Hart's Ridge is the perfect first book in what I know is going to be a wonderful, exciting series. I can't wait for the next installment. Highly recommend!
I absolutely loved Hart's Ridge and the character of Taylor Gray. She is respectable officer of the law who has to work hard for the respect and loyalty of her fellow officers. She had a tough life growing up and life hasn't gotten any easier for her as the lone female law enforcer in a small mountain community.
When a young girl is found wandering alone in her community, she takes personal responsibility to make sure this child is safe and returned to her family. But when someone from her past enters the investigation, things are suddenly out of her control.
Hart's Ridge is the perfect first book in what I know is going to be a wonderful, exciting series. I can't wait for the next installment. Highly recommend!
February 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Hart's Ridge by Kay Brat, the first book in this new series. Hart's Ridge is a small Georgia town. Taylor Gray is a deputy with the sheriff's department, the only woman on the team. Not an easy task in an area where chauvinism and misogyny abound, yet Taylor loves her job. Despite coming from a dysfunctional family and being in and out of foster care, Taylor is dedicated, determined and strong-willed. She does have a temper that she struggles to keep under control. Taylor is pleased when the sheriff assigns her the responsibility of following-up on a case where a child was found alone and disheveled at a convenience store miles from town. Molly is the little girl's name, and Taylor is committed to helping her and locating her family or caregiver. From that point on, hold on because the story is filled with potential scenarios and possibilities. The story is very well written, and the characters quite belivable- some very likeable, some not at all. The only reason I gave Hart's Ridge 4.5 stars rather than five is that I was a bit disappointed with the ending as I wanted more resolution. The good news is there is a second book forthcoming, and I'm very excited to read it. Harts' Ridge is definitely an entertaining and worthwhile read; I recommend it.
June 4, 2024
“She was a woman of worth - but it was in her life lessons, not her possessions.”
I was gifted both the novella ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and book one, ‘Hart’s Ridge,’ from the Hart’s Ridge series through the author’s website and newsletter.
✔️Great setting: Hart’s Ridge = a small, quaint, undiscovered town in the Blue Ridge mountains
✔️Great protagonist: Deputy Taylor Gray = the only female on the police force, raised in Hart’s Ridge, survived foster care, looks after her aging father and adult sisters
✔️Great mystery: missing woman = a four-year-old child wanders into a gas station convenience store, mute and hungry
✔️Animal subplot: adoption of a rescue dog
It was tough getting through the novella, but in hindsight, it was a necessary part of understanding book one. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it and couldn’t wait to finish what I was doing to pick up the book again. This tells me that I’ve just found a great new series to start. I’m thankful not only for these freebies that introduced me to a great author and great series but also to read the quote below as it answered a question I had about a broken long-term friendship and took my burden away.
“Some people are so broken that they get mad at you for being whole.”
I was gifted both the novella ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and book one, ‘Hart’s Ridge,’ from the Hart’s Ridge series through the author’s website and newsletter.
✔️Great setting: Hart’s Ridge = a small, quaint, undiscovered town in the Blue Ridge mountains
✔️Great protagonist: Deputy Taylor Gray = the only female on the police force, raised in Hart’s Ridge, survived foster care, looks after her aging father and adult sisters
✔️Great mystery: missing woman = a four-year-old child wanders into a gas station convenience store, mute and hungry
✔️Animal subplot: adoption of a rescue dog
It was tough getting through the novella, but in hindsight, it was a necessary part of understanding book one. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it and couldn’t wait to finish what I was doing to pick up the book again. This tells me that I’ve just found a great new series to start. I’m thankful not only for these freebies that introduced me to a great author and great series but also to read the quote below as it answered a question I had about a broken long-term friendship and took my burden away.
“Some people are so broken that they get mad at you for being whole.”
August 18, 2023
Heartbreaking, Haunting and Heavenly
First of all, before you read this book, prepare yourself by getting an entire box of Kleenex. Not that this is a sad story, actually some parts are, but there are just beautiful moments that will make you cry.
Deputy Gray is the only female LEO on Hart's Ridge police department. And in this down home Georgia community, prejudice still runs rampant. The rest of the good ol' boys change in the locker room, and exchange gossip and tips on cases Gray has no access to because she's not a male.
Coming from a broken home, Gray knows what it's like to be on the outside. Her Father is a depressed drunk, mourning his wife and her sister, Lucy, who is the black sheep of the family. Gray and her sister bounced back and forth from foster home to foster home for years. Gray quietly tries to keep her Father alive while trying to locate Lucy who has disappeared into the seamy life. Gray sees Lucy's dark, sad eyes in her sleep.
While working night duty, Deputy Gray is out on the hilly roads. She gets a call about a very young girl, starving and mute, who has walked into a gas station convenience store. Gray finds a five year old girl, with virtually no clothes, stuffing her face with fast food hot dogs. Gray is quick to convince her Sheriff that this girl needs to be placed in a good foster home. She ends up at Miss Della's, Gray's own former home.
Now, hold on to your hats, because the trouble is just starting. Author Kay Bratt writes with great sensitivity for people and animals who have been abused. I think I highlighted half of the book. The author reflects often on the journey from a victim to a thriving survivor.
What I loved most was the plethora of red herrings, the way you are certain you know who dunnit until you find out who really is the perpetrator. Endings that sneak up on me are my favorite part of reading.
Villany has a large place in the story, from seemingly good policemen with ulterior motives; town officers not working for the best of the citizenry; and just flat out evil people. The tension builds as the plot reveals up to the explosive ending. Great book.
First of all, before you read this book, prepare yourself by getting an entire box of Kleenex. Not that this is a sad story, actually some parts are, but there are just beautiful moments that will make you cry.
Deputy Gray is the only female LEO on Hart's Ridge police department. And in this down home Georgia community, prejudice still runs rampant. The rest of the good ol' boys change in the locker room, and exchange gossip and tips on cases Gray has no access to because she's not a male.
Coming from a broken home, Gray knows what it's like to be on the outside. Her Father is a depressed drunk, mourning his wife and her sister, Lucy, who is the black sheep of the family. Gray and her sister bounced back and forth from foster home to foster home for years. Gray quietly tries to keep her Father alive while trying to locate Lucy who has disappeared into the seamy life. Gray sees Lucy's dark, sad eyes in her sleep.
While working night duty, Deputy Gray is out on the hilly roads. She gets a call about a very young girl, starving and mute, who has walked into a gas station convenience store. Gray finds a five year old girl, with virtually no clothes, stuffing her face with fast food hot dogs. Gray is quick to convince her Sheriff that this girl needs to be placed in a good foster home. She ends up at Miss Della's, Gray's own former home.
Now, hold on to your hats, because the trouble is just starting. Author Kay Bratt writes with great sensitivity for people and animals who have been abused. I think I highlighted half of the book. The author reflects often on the journey from a victim to a thriving survivor.
What I loved most was the plethora of red herrings, the way you are certain you know who dunnit until you find out who really is the perpetrator. Endings that sneak up on me are my favorite part of reading.
Villany has a large place in the story, from seemingly good policemen with ulterior motives; town officers not working for the best of the citizenry; and just flat out evil people. The tension builds as the plot reveals up to the explosive ending. Great book.
May 29, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Are parts of it hard to read. Yes. Taylor Gray is the lone female deputy in her small town sheriff’s department and as such, is treated abominably by many members of the department. Even in this supposedly enlightened age this kind of behavior certainly still occurs and female officers have to navigate through it the best they can to do their job. The portrayal of Taylor’s adopted dog Bernard touches your heart. I like the fact that the storyline has a true crime element to it even though we’re reading fiction.
January 16, 2023
If you’ve ever read any of Kay Bratt’s book, you know she pours her life experiences into her book. This book is no different. This is her first mystery series and I anxiously look forward to the next one. If you are looking for an escape from heavy, dark thrillers or light romances, give this a try. This was just the break I needed!
Visit Hart’s Ridge, a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Deputy Taylor Gray is a female in a man’s world. Do your job and don’t complain. She’s called to investigate a little girl that wandered into a convenience store. As a product of the foster care system herself, Taylor takes this child to heart and makes it her mission to find her mother. What looks like child abandonment quickly turns into so much more. Taylor quickly finds people will do anything to further their career and derail hers. Many characters are introduced with so many layers to them that I look forward to seeing what Ms. Bratt has up her sleeves. Thoroughly enjoyed Bernard and Taylor’s growing love.
I received an ARC of this book. Opinion is mine alone.
Visit Hart’s Ridge, a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Deputy Taylor Gray is a female in a man’s world. Do your job and don’t complain. She’s called to investigate a little girl that wandered into a convenience store. As a product of the foster care system herself, Taylor takes this child to heart and makes it her mission to find her mother. What looks like child abandonment quickly turns into so much more. Taylor quickly finds people will do anything to further their career and derail hers. Many characters are introduced with so many layers to them that I look forward to seeing what Ms. Bratt has up her sleeves. Thoroughly enjoyed Bernard and Taylor’s growing love.
I received an ARC of this book. Opinion is mine alone.
August 21, 2023
Hart's Ridge is the first book in a new series by Kay Bratt that features a female police deputy in a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is the only woman on the police force and has to be better and smarter than the men just to get recognition for her work. The other members of the police force seem to be united against her because they don't think that being in the police department is a good job for a woman. Unfortunately even her own family is not supportive of her career so she has to work hard to prove herself in all aspects of her life.
Taylor Grey is a tough woman who has taken care of her three sisters and her alcoholic father. Her hope is that sometime, somehow, her fractured family will come together.
As the novel begins, a five year old girl walks into a small store by herself. Dirty and hungry, she won't tell anyone who she is or where she came from. Taylor is determined to unite her with her mother and does all she can to locate her. Will she succeed in uniting Molly's family like she wishes she could unite her own family or will small town secrets keep her from being successful? It's a really roller coaster ride for her to try to solve this case.
Kay Bratt gives her readers a book full of interesting characters, a page turning plot and a main character who wants to appear to be strong but is a really caring person. And, of course, there is a lovable rescue dog!
The second book in the series - Lucy in the Sky - will be published in February, 2023.
Taylor Grey is a tough woman who has taken care of her three sisters and her alcoholic father. Her hope is that sometime, somehow, her fractured family will come together.
As the novel begins, a five year old girl walks into a small store by herself. Dirty and hungry, she won't tell anyone who she is or where she came from. Taylor is determined to unite her with her mother and does all she can to locate her. Will she succeed in uniting Molly's family like she wishes she could unite her own family or will small town secrets keep her from being successful? It's a really roller coaster ride for her to try to solve this case.
Kay Bratt gives her readers a book full of interesting characters, a page turning plot and a main character who wants to appear to be strong but is a really caring person. And, of course, there is a lovable rescue dog!
The second book in the series - Lucy in the Sky - will be published in February, 2023.
February 13, 2023
Why the high rated reviews?
I was at 35% when I thought of putting this down. I should have. Taylor is a door mat in more ways than one. In her personal as well as work life. To a degree that made me cringe! What a horrible role model for other females!!! Good Lord woman, stand up for yourself just once!!!!! The whole finding the dog's previous owner...seriously?? This went on WAY longer than it should have. Also, there are a couple of red herring story lines in there that just angered me. Mentioned, but zero follow up! I should have listened to myself and put it down at 35%. I do NOT understand why this book has so many high reviews.
I was at 35% when I thought of putting this down. I should have. Taylor is a door mat in more ways than one. In her personal as well as work life. To a degree that made me cringe! What a horrible role model for other females!!! Good Lord woman, stand up for yourself just once!!!!! The whole finding the dog's previous owner...seriously?? This went on WAY longer than it should have. Also, there are a couple of red herring story lines in there that just angered me. Mentioned, but zero follow up! I should have listened to myself and put it down at 35%. I do NOT understand why this book has so many high reviews.
May 30, 2024
Bernard aka Diesel💚💔 Male 🐖 characters😠👎
First let's get my aggression out! WTF people?!? How is it possible to still read and I'm sure its still a popular consensus in real life in some places to treat women as less than males bc of her gender?!? Not one male in this book besides Cecil and her dog Treat Taylor aka Officer Gray like she mattered, like she was equal and a valued member of society and the police force! Every single male was an egotistical male chauvinist pig piece of poop! Even Shane her supposed bff! I kept waiting for Taylor to grow a pair and but everyone in their place but did that ever happen?!? NO! She's assaulted in her own home, she is verbally abused at work and is treated like a leper with all the good ole boys, she's treated a as a nuisance by her family even though she's the only one helping any of them and she's trying to hold them all together! Gahh this book just made me angry on behalf of all women especially women in male dominated fields! 😠
What I liked...Bernard aka Diesel! Oh my heart!! Della Ray such a good soul! Little Molly💔 the mystery of why Molly was alone and where was her mama?!? All good parts but sadly between the anger over all the BS Taylor allows, the ending leaving open who gets Molly? Will Taylor confront the idiots or move on? Will Taylor find Diesels first daddy? So many unanswered questions and honestly reading is supposed to be relaxing and the majority of this book p!$$3d me off! Strong women who has put up with enough BS from inequality that I don't want to read about it! The next book is Lucy's and I didn't like her in this book so why do I want to continue on in this series?!?! Unless it gives me the answers I seek from book one and even then I'm doubtful!
New to me author.
A little advise women to women...create strong women characters! Show your readers characters they can strive to be like. Show them strong women they can emulate or see themselves in your characters, not portray doormat characters that never stand up for themselves and allow horrific things to happen to them and not seek justice! This is not what we want our young girls/women to keep getting reinforced that this is normal treatment!
1.5 stars for the mystery, Cecil and Diesel! Free with K.U. ✌
First let's get my aggression out! WTF people?!? How is it possible to still read and I'm sure its still a popular consensus in real life in some places to treat women as less than males bc of her gender?!? Not one male in this book besides Cecil and her dog Treat Taylor aka Officer Gray like she mattered, like she was equal and a valued member of society and the police force! Every single male was an egotistical male chauvinist pig piece of poop! Even Shane her supposed bff! I kept waiting for Taylor to grow a pair and but everyone in their place but did that ever happen?!? NO! She's assaulted in her own home, she is verbally abused at work and is treated like a leper with all the good ole boys, she's treated a as a nuisance by her family even though she's the only one helping any of them and she's trying to hold them all together! Gahh this book just made me angry on behalf of all women especially women in male dominated fields! 😠
What I liked...Bernard aka Diesel! Oh my heart!! Della Ray such a good soul! Little Molly💔 the mystery of why Molly was alone and where was her mama?!? All good parts but sadly between the anger over all the BS Taylor allows, the ending leaving open who gets Molly? Will Taylor confront the idiots or move on? Will Taylor find Diesels first daddy? So many unanswered questions and honestly reading is supposed to be relaxing and the majority of this book p!$$3d me off! Strong women who has put up with enough BS from inequality that I don't want to read about it! The next book is Lucy's and I didn't like her in this book so why do I want to continue on in this series?!?! Unless it gives me the answers I seek from book one and even then I'm doubtful!
New to me author.
A little advise women to women...create strong women characters! Show your readers characters they can strive to be like. Show them strong women they can emulate or see themselves in your characters, not portray doormat characters that never stand up for themselves and allow horrific things to happen to them and not seek justice! This is not what we want our young girls/women to keep getting reinforced that this is normal treatment!
1.5 stars for the mystery, Cecil and Diesel! Free with K.U. ✌
December 10, 2024
Although I really enjoyed the suspense and mystery of this story, there are just too many loose ends. I don't think I should have to read 7 or 8 more books to get the answers!
That being said, Deputy Taylor Gray is an awesome investigator. However, she is disrespected and betrayed, at every turn, by the macho, racist, and creepy deputies she is forced to work with.
Still don't know the full answer, as to why 5 year old, Molly, was walking down a dark road, barefoot and alone.
May 30, 2025
This book started well and I was intrigued, but at about the halfway mark I lost interest and that’s where it fell flat for me. I honestly think this is more about me than it was in the book as I see the many positive reviews for this book. I’ve been a big mood reader lately, so I thought this was just the wrong time. And seeing as many readers enjoyed this book and other books by this author I’m willing to try another book by this author. So don’t let my thoughts put you off from picking this book up because most likely you’ll enjoy it like many other readers have.
February 19, 2025
DNF
This review js gonna sound really mean but it just is what it is okay? I have to be honest.
I really had high hopes for this book based on the reviews. What the heck happened? Did she pay you guys to post 5-star reviews? I’m genuinely confused.
I got almost halfway through. I tried, I really did; I wanted to like this book so badly. Where do I even begin? I feel like literally nothing happened in the first 1/3 of the book. All the characters are so flat and one-dimensional, and I felt like every other paragraph was a random infodump and we kept circling back to her sad childhood SO MUCH that I stopped caring about it. The third-person narrative did not do the writing any favors, either. I’m sorry but I seriously feel like the author just woke up one day and decided to become an author without ever having written a single paper in school or done even one class on creative writing. Or perhaps never having read a book for themselves? The writing was just so BLAND and made me want to scream out of boredom every time I picked it up. I couldn’t relate to the main character at all and I felt like it was this “woe-is-me, life is hard because I’m a woman bleh” narrative. Like, say, her casually mentioning in the first couple chapters that the reason she got a dog is because she JUST got sa’d by someone who broke in her house, but won’t tell anyone what happened to her because her coworkers “won’t take her seriously”??? What the heck kind of opener is that guys? I just can’t even with this book, I really did give it all the chances I could but I could not finish it. Don’t talk to me I am not taking questions on this
This review js gonna sound really mean but it just is what it is okay? I have to be honest.
I really had high hopes for this book based on the reviews. What the heck happened? Did she pay you guys to post 5-star reviews? I’m genuinely confused.
I got almost halfway through. I tried, I really did; I wanted to like this book so badly. Where do I even begin? I feel like literally nothing happened in the first 1/3 of the book. All the characters are so flat and one-dimensional, and I felt like every other paragraph was a random infodump and we kept circling back to her sad childhood SO MUCH that I stopped caring about it. The third-person narrative did not do the writing any favors, either. I’m sorry but I seriously feel like the author just woke up one day and decided to become an author without ever having written a single paper in school or done even one class on creative writing. Or perhaps never having read a book for themselves? The writing was just so BLAND and made me want to scream out of boredom every time I picked it up. I couldn’t relate to the main character at all and I felt like it was this “woe-is-me, life is hard because I’m a woman bleh” narrative. Like, say, her casually mentioning in the first couple chapters that the reason she got a dog is because she JUST got sa’d by someone who broke in her house, but won’t tell anyone what happened to her because her coworkers “won’t take her seriously”??? What the heck kind of opener is that guys? I just can’t even with this book, I really did give it all the chances I could but I could not finish it. Don’t talk to me I am not taking questions on this
December 12, 2022
Kay Bratt is one of my favorite authors. She is a wonderful storyteller. This book is a bit of a departure from her usual as it is a mystery with the main character, Taylor, as a policewoman, but oh so good! The best part is that it’s the first in a new series, so there will be other books to enjoy. I look forward to discovering more of Taylor’s story and getting to know other characters better too. Of course, there is a wonderful dog in the story. Get ready to fall in love with Bernard (or should I say Diesel?) He’s a smart, strong, brave boy. You will fall in love with him too.
April 6, 2023
My Musings
Just when I anticipated the plot was warming up, then the next scene would fall flat. I really wanted to love this book but it didn't happen. The protagonist is very well developed but not intriguing enough to keep me enmeshed. Happy reading!
Just when I anticipated the plot was warming up, then the next scene would fall flat. I really wanted to love this book but it didn't happen. The protagonist is very well developed but not intriguing enough to keep me enmeshed. Happy reading!
March 5, 2023
This doesn't even come close to a "Robyn Carr" or a Melinda Leigh" book. Good hook, but far from the truth.
June 10, 2025
This is a properly complex mystery that mixes up the standard sequence of events. The potential love interest isn't introduced until almost 40%. The lead character isn't a detective, but she is inherently curious and clever, which annoys her colleagues. Most of the side characters are fleshed-out, with only one really falling into a stereotype. The mystery is resolved but there are still a few loose ends left for future stories.
The writing is good, but the re-arranged plot is what kept me interested.
The writing is good, but the re-arranged plot is what kept me interested.
July 6, 2024
This was my first book by Kay Bratt, and it was such a nice surprise. I loved this story and was absolutely hooked from the first page! The small town mysteries are believable, the characters are also credible, and I am now on my third book in this series. My new, favorite author!
January 19, 2023
I love Kay Bratt's books. They always leave me feeling so good and so happy. This one was no different except I was crying at the end. Of course if you've read it you know why. That letter just about did me in.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It's about a young woman named Taylor. She's a cop and good at her job. When a big case lands in Hart's Ridge she's on the case. She leaves no stone unturned. Despite the way the other males in her department treat her she is tough. She's resilient. And she's stubborn. She won't give in to their antics. Clint is the worst of course. He tends to hate female cops. Taylor is also taking care of her dad as best she can and looking for her youngest sister. Her life is a mess but she doesn't give up easy. She's full of heart and caring. I think I would have told my dad to get lost after the kind of life he gave his daughters. Taylor practically raised them on her own. Their mother died so it was up to her. Between that and going into foster care many times it's a wonder she had feelings for anyone. But she does. And she is very smart. Very good at her job and, well she is just tender hearted in so many ways.
I didn't care for Clint or Shane. Shane came across as so nice and a good friend but I just didn't like him. Something is just not right with him. That's my thoughts so no spoiler here. I just feel we will hear more about him and something that happened. Clint is obvious. He's a jerk. The one character that I fell for completely was Bernard. When you find out his story you will love him even more. He's the best. He's also a dog. A big beautiful dog that has so much to offer. I think he and Taylor are a great match.
This book takes you on a mystery hunt for a missing woman. A missing young woman who's daughter turned up at a store alone. Something has happened and it's up to Taylor and Shane to find out what. To find her and reunite them. Her mother is a piece of work but her sister is great. The sister is likable but not the mother. I liked how Taylor handled the mother. It was a bit comical in ways but also got Taylor in a bit of trouble with her boss.
Kay has written a great story here. It has several things going on and each is perfectly handled by Taylor. It's one that will give you a chuckle then make you cry those big ugly tears. It is different from her other books that I have read. I loved this book. It's my new favorite by one of my favorite authors ever.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It's about a young woman named Taylor. She's a cop and good at her job. When a big case lands in Hart's Ridge she's on the case. She leaves no stone unturned. Despite the way the other males in her department treat her she is tough. She's resilient. And she's stubborn. She won't give in to their antics. Clint is the worst of course. He tends to hate female cops. Taylor is also taking care of her dad as best she can and looking for her youngest sister. Her life is a mess but she doesn't give up easy. She's full of heart and caring. I think I would have told my dad to get lost after the kind of life he gave his daughters. Taylor practically raised them on her own. Their mother died so it was up to her. Between that and going into foster care many times it's a wonder she had feelings for anyone. But she does. And she is very smart. Very good at her job and, well she is just tender hearted in so many ways.
I didn't care for Clint or Shane. Shane came across as so nice and a good friend but I just didn't like him. Something is just not right with him. That's my thoughts so no spoiler here. I just feel we will hear more about him and something that happened. Clint is obvious. He's a jerk. The one character that I fell for completely was Bernard. When you find out his story you will love him even more. He's the best. He's also a dog. A big beautiful dog that has so much to offer. I think he and Taylor are a great match.
This book takes you on a mystery hunt for a missing woman. A missing young woman who's daughter turned up at a store alone. Something has happened and it's up to Taylor and Shane to find out what. To find her and reunite them. Her mother is a piece of work but her sister is great. The sister is likable but not the mother. I liked how Taylor handled the mother. It was a bit comical in ways but also got Taylor in a bit of trouble with her boss.
Kay has written a great story here. It has several things going on and each is perfectly handled by Taylor. It's one that will give you a chuckle then make you cry those big ugly tears. It is different from her other books that I have read. I loved this book. It's my new favorite by one of my favorite authors ever.
January 9, 2023
This book has everything that mystery lovers like me enjoy. There is a kick butt female protagonist who is constantly being used by others because she is so kind and giving. Taylor is a deputy with the sheriff’s department in Hart’s Ridge and is put on the team to solve the murder of Joni Stott, a young woman who was just going through their small town. The action is fast-paced and non-stop with some real twists and surprises. Based on a true crime, the story had me mesmerized as I tried to figure out who would kill Joni and leave her young daughter to wander around on the back roads. The characters are realistic and I particularly liked Taylor and her outlook on life. She even adopts a dog because she wants to help him and knows that he needs a person. This is a book that is heartwarming and tear-jerking and also has a really well-written mystery included. The characters are not all likable but they are all true-to-life. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series that will feature Taylor’s sister Lucy who has a tendency to disappear. So much mystery is in this family’s history! Inquiring minds just want to know what makes this family the way they are and why they are so dysfunctional. Loved the story, loved the characters and can’t wait for more!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All 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 author. I was not required to write a positive review. All 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.”
January 5, 2023
Oh my gosh, everything Kay Bratt writes is worth reading. I’ll bet I could even find joy in reading her grocery list! Hart’s Ridge is a little different than any of her previous books. It’s like she’s stepping out and trying a new genre and boy has she succeeded. I loved this story! It has a little bit of everything and it just pulled me in and left me wanting more. Something about it reminded me of Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. This story takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains in a little town called Hart’s Ridge. The first book centers around the life of Taylor Gray who is a town deputy on a force that is strictly all male. Life as the only female deputy is hard especially with all the prejudices and ribbing from her other co-workers. Thanks to the fact that Taylor has had a really hard younger life, she has learned to be tough and handle anything that comes her way. A little girl is found abandoned when she wanders up to a convenience store and the mystery of where she came from and who she belongs to is the basis of the storyline. Throughout the story you are introduced to several characters, many local townspeople and I’m hoping to learn more about them in the future books. This is definitely a series that I look forward to reading and I’m sure other readers will enjoy it too. I’d like to thank Kay Bratt for inviting me to read an early arc and I’m anxious to see where the next book in the series will take me. I’m giving this a 5 star rating and I look forward to revisiting Hart’s Ridge very soon!
January 7, 2023
HART’S RIDGE is the first book in the new Hart’s Ridge mystery series by Kay Bratt. I have previously read and loved many of this author’s women’s fiction books. Hart’s Ridge is a little different from those in that it is a true crime/police procedural, but it still has all the elements of wonderful storytelling that I know to expect from Kay Bratt. Taylor Gray is a sheriff’s deputy in Hart’s Ridge, a small town in the Blue Ridge mountains. Taylor grew up in Hart’s Ridge, digging her way out of poverty, a broken family and foster care to become one of very few women with her role in law enforcement. Taylor carries a lot of baggage from her own difficult past and still feels responsible to care for her alcoholic father and three adult sisters. When a five-year-old little girl named Molly wanders into a gas station on the outskirts of town, alone and unspeaking, Taylor is determined to find out who Molly is, why she is alone and what happened to her family. As the story unfolds, Taylor and her adopted rescue dog, Bernard, attempt to unravel a troubling mystery with dire consequences. Despite being a crime story, this book was moving and full of heart. I became fully invested in the characters and I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series. Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy for early review.
December 11, 2022
I sped through this book, the first in a new series (Yay!) by Kay Bratt.
Kay is such a talented author with fiction that spans different genres, and this one gives a cosy mystery crime thriller kind of vibe.
Taylor is a Deputy in a small town called Hart's Ridge. Her past weighs heavy on her day-to-day duties as a member of the local police force, especially when small children are involved.
A small girl wandering into a local convenience store, alone, hungry and distressed, brings out the mama bear in Taylor as she tries to find answers as to where this little girl has come from.
Taylor's innate sense of what appears right or wrong helps her to solve a huge mystery, all while dealing with her own pretty dysfunctional family; her alcoholic father and three younger siblings, one of whom keep going missing.
And her canine companion, Barnard, is an interesting soul with a back story of his own that Taylor fights hard to find out.
I was fully invested in the story and cannot wait to read the next one!
Kay is such a talented author with fiction that spans different genres, and this one gives a cosy mystery crime thriller kind of vibe.
Taylor is a Deputy in a small town called Hart's Ridge. Her past weighs heavy on her day-to-day duties as a member of the local police force, especially when small children are involved.
A small girl wandering into a local convenience store, alone, hungry and distressed, brings out the mama bear in Taylor as she tries to find answers as to where this little girl has come from.
Taylor's innate sense of what appears right or wrong helps her to solve a huge mystery, all while dealing with her own pretty dysfunctional family; her alcoholic father and three younger siblings, one of whom keep going missing.
And her canine companion, Barnard, is an interesting soul with a back story of his own that Taylor fights hard to find out.
I was fully invested in the story and cannot wait to read the next one!
September 25, 2023
a mixed review
This book -
Positives:
Loved the dog story line and wish it had opened up earlier in the story so we could enjoy the dog storyline more.
Premise of the story
Loved the girl/cop makes good and lives her career goals
Hated-
There is no resolution to how Taylor is treated by every single man in her life. ( one exception)
She is continually walked on by each character in the book, allows it to happen and nothing in the story line gives her any relief. It’s like she has no backbone to stand up for herself.
So….. I’m going to read on in the series and let you know if this gets better/ resolved. I do not enjoy
reading about smart women getting treated like crap and allowing it to the extent it’s ridiculous !
This book -
Positives:
Loved the dog story line and wish it had opened up earlier in the story so we could enjoy the dog storyline more.
Premise of the story
Loved the girl/cop makes good and lives her career goals
Hated-
There is no resolution to how Taylor is treated by every single man in her life. ( one exception)
She is continually walked on by each character in the book, allows it to happen and nothing in the story line gives her any relief. It’s like she has no backbone to stand up for herself.
So….. I’m going to read on in the series and let you know if this gets better/ resolved. I do not enjoy
reading about smart women getting treated like crap and allowing it to the extent it’s ridiculous !
January 21, 2023
OMG! This book was so very good! I love this author’s books! This is book one in a new series and I can already tell it’s going to be a great series. I really liked Taylor, she’s so strong considering what her early life was like.
It’s a good mystery and I’m looking forward to reading the next ones. I can’t wait to see what happens with Lucy( I do want to shake her)
Thanks to the author for the early copy
It’s a good mystery and I’m looking forward to reading the next ones. I can’t wait to see what happens with Lucy( I do want to shake her)
Thanks to the author for the early copy
August 28, 2023
Great Start to a series
I really liked this book. It was a great start for the series. Men are jerks but I love Bernard. I can't wait to read the next book.
I really liked this book. It was a great start for the series. Men are jerks but I love Bernard. I can't wait to read the next book.
September 12, 2023
Great read!
September 13, 2025
Duty
The main character in this book is bogged down with duty; as a daughter, sister, deputy of the law and now a dog owner. She does not have time to live her own life because she's so busy doing for everyone else. I think Hart's Ridge Is a great start to a long series. There are enough unanswered questions to make me want to read more but yet the answers needed to solve this mystery were there. This was an easy read with a relatable life story that many women have lived. Will I read the next book in the series? Probably at some time but I don't feel an absolute necessity to do it right now. Just someday, when I'm ready to go back to a small town and read more about Taylor's .....
The main character in this book is bogged down with duty; as a daughter, sister, deputy of the law and now a dog owner. She does not have time to live her own life because she's so busy doing for everyone else. I think Hart's Ridge Is a great start to a long series. There are enough unanswered questions to make me want to read more but yet the answers needed to solve this mystery were there. This was an easy read with a relatable life story that many women have lived. Will I read the next book in the series? Probably at some time but I don't feel an absolute necessity to do it right now. Just someday, when I'm ready to go back to a small town and read more about Taylor's .....
July 14, 2024
Ho visto questa copertina e me ne sono innamorata! Mi dà un gran senso di pace ed è strano, visto che questo è un giallo. Soft, ma pur sempre un giallo. La protagonista è un deputy sheriff e sinceramente non so come faccia a convivere con dei colleghi così str..., a parte uno e lo sceriffo. Poi ha appena adottato un cane e ho quasi pianto a leggere la lettera del precedente padrone. Ho già comprato il libro successivo perché l'avevo trovato in offerta e sono proprio contenta perché questo mi è piaciuto e sono rimaste in sospeso un paio di questioni che riguardano la famiglia della protagonista.
December 4, 2025
Not having read anything by Kay Bratt before I had no idea what to expect, and I did get this book for free so the bar was low, but it was one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a very long time.
I love a troubled main character and Deputy Taylor Gray has a host of issues; a mysterious fire, three sisters with their own variety of problems, an alcoholic father and town inhabited by characters galore.
When a young child shows up alone in Hart’s Ridge Taylor sets out to find her family no matter who she angers. Butting heads with her sheriff and a pain in the neck deputy she solves the case with skill.
Bratt has put together a compelling first in a series. I’m looking forward to more.
I love a troubled main character and Deputy Taylor Gray has a host of issues; a mysterious fire, three sisters with their own variety of problems, an alcoholic father and town inhabited by characters galore.
When a young child shows up alone in Hart’s Ridge Taylor sets out to find her family no matter who she angers. Butting heads with her sheriff and a pain in the neck deputy she solves the case with skill.
Bratt has put together a compelling first in a series. I’m looking forward to more.
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