Rita Herron

The Ice Sisters by Rita Herron is a highly recommended investigative thriller and the tenth novel in the series featuring Detective Ellie Reeves.

On a hike to the lake, Detective Ellie Reeves has an accident which causes her to discover two dead little girls, twins. Ranger Cord McClain and Special Agent Derrick Fox rush in to find Ellie when she doesn't show up for Thanksgiving dinner at her parents, and they find both Ellie and the little girls. Back at the station later Ellie finds that no one has reported two girls missing.

At the same time a car accident near where the girls were found results in a woman, Barbara, being hospitalized. Barbara leaves the hospital before being interviewed but a DNA test confirms that she is the girls' mother, however, Barbara's home shows no sign of any children living there. The investigation seems to be stalled, and then another little girl goes missing.

This is an excellent well-written investigative thriller that will hold your complete attention. As the team searches for the killer, the short chapters from multiple points-of-view help to keep the pace fast while adding tension, complexities, and twists. There is more than one suspect who are all equally creepy.

Those new to the series should note that even though this is the tenth book in the series there is enough background information provided that it can easily be read as a standalone novel. Those who are following the series are going to relish this latest case and the final denouement.

The Ice Sisters is very highly recommended for the right reader but note that the subject matter, while about families who want their children, also involves the death of children which was a difficult topic for me and resulted in a lower recommendation. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
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The Sleeping Girls by Rita Herron is a highly recommended police procedural and the ninth book in the Ellie Reeves series. Ellie is again working with FBI Agent Derrick Fox and SAR Cord McCain.

Detective Ellie Reeves from the small town of Crooked Creek in the Appalachian Mountains investigates the case of missing fifteen-year-old Kelsey Tiller in nearby Red Clay Mountain. It seems she disappeared from her bedroom, but evidence shows she went outside via her window. Neighbors say they saw her with a secret boyfriend even though she is not allowed to date. Even though Kelsey is well-liked, evidence is found of teenage cyber-bullying toward her and her two friends. Before Ellie finds Kelsey, a heartbreaking picture is sent to her mother and another girl is missing.

During this same time "Digger" Darnell Woodruff is released from prison due to the work of the Innocence Project and true crime podcaster Caitlin O'Connor. He was convicted of killing his sister ten years earlier while sleepwalking. There may be similarities between Kelsey's case and what happened years ago, but Darnell has an alibi. Could he still be the perpetrator or is something else going on in Red Clay Mountain?

The writing is very good and the drama will hold your attention throughout. Readers will know from the first chapter that someone who does not have good intentions is watching Kelsey and her two friends. The narrative switches between the perspective of different characters, including the unnamed killer, creating tension and suspense while propelling the action forward. Short chapters with the different points-of-view help keep the pace fast and interest high. The ending is very satisfying.

The ongoing attraction and the tension it creates between Ellie and Cord is a plot thread for those following the whole series. This is only my second book from the series so, to be honest, I didn't really care. I was reading for the procedural and mystery rather than any romance. Readers can jump into the series and, as I did, read The Sleeping Girls as a standalone novel for the procedural, however, if you want a more complete picture of the characters personalities and the ongoing interaction between them you might want to start at the beginning.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader's copy. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
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this is my first read by this author. I enjoy a good romantic suspense novel and this was everything I look for. I liked the book, but in my opinion it was really dark. Very well written with a lot of attention to detail. It all turns out right in the end, with a lot of twists and turns. You can tell by the end of the story that there is more to come in the next book, however the writer does tie up all the ends concerning this story. I, however, will read the next story. If you decide on this book, be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat.… (more)