Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Drown Her Sorrows by Melinda Leigh Series: Bree Taggert #3
Published by Montlake Romance on March 16, 2021
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 316
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
When Sheriff Bree Taggert discovers the body of a young woman floating near the bank of the Scarlet River, a note in her abandoned car suggests suicide. The autopsy reveals a different story. Holly Thorpe was dead long before she dropped off the bridge and hit the water.
As Bree and her investigator Matt Flynn delve into the case, secrets in Holly’s personal life complicate their efforts to solve the murder. Holly left behind a volatile marriage, an equally divisive relationship with her sister, and an employer whose intimate involvement with Holly was no secret. Each one has a motive for murder.
When Holly’s sister is terrorized by a stalker’s sick prank, and the prime suspect turns up dead, everything Bree was sure of is upended and her case goes off the rails. When the killer strikes close to home, Bree and Matt must race to solve the murders before one of their own becomes the next victim.
I have loved every book in this Bree Taggert series. I have also enjoyed the author’s Morgan Dane and Scarlet Falls series which are very loosely related to this one. They are earlier but do not need to be read first. Drown Her Sorrows focuses on a complex case and Bree’s expanding relationships.
I am not going to rehash details of the previous books which are excellent reads. I would read these books in order. The world development and family history is not covered in depth here because it is in the earlier books. Many of the characters, particularly at the sheriff’s department, and most of the politics of Bree’s position are also not part of the primary story.
The murder investigation is very tricky and layered. The obvious suspects seem to have alibis, and the more they look at the victim’s life the more things they find which don’t make sense. Just when you think you know, then there’s another murder. So it was not easy to solve this as a reader. Bree and Matt work these cases together. Bree takes on the most dangerous parts and continues to work even when injured to make sure things are handled properly and completely.
Another aspect woven into the story is Bree’s personal journey. She has grief from her sister’s death, adjusting to her new demanding work, taking care of her sister’s two children, her fears and her expanding relationship with Matt, and her brother, Adam. She makes progress in so many ways. I don’t know how she deals with everything, with intelligence and poise; I am so impressed with her.
I am thrilled to say it looks like there will be at least three more books in this amazing series. The next release is Right Behind Her in September 2021. I really can’t wait!
About Melinda Leigh
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A life-long lover of books, she started writing as a way to preserve her sanity while raising her kids. Over the next few years, she learned a few things about writing a book. The process was much more fun than analyzing financial statements, and she decided to turn her hobby into a career. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. She is a RITA® Award Finalist and has earned three Daphne du Maurier Award nominations, two Silver Falchion Awards, and a Golden Leaf.
Melinda holds a 2nd degree belt in Kenpo Karate. She’s dabbled in Arnis stick fighting, studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and taught women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two kids, a couple of shelter dogs and two rescue cats who clearly run the show. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Spring
Bree sounds like a great character, and I love well developed mysteries that aren’t so easy to solve. This sounds so good!
This series is top notch. I’ve loved every book. And dogs.
I’m determined to start this series next month, especially since I finish up her Morgan Dane series this month. Excellent review, Anne?
Thank you! If you like Morgan Dane, I think you will like this. Bree is darker and more police procedural but I love it so much.
The mystery was a stunner for me and I loved being part of Bree’s world and seeing how things were at the job and with family. Yay for more!
Yes I loved it and I appreciate so much the buddy read with you. Another perspective is often very helpful. Thank you.
I enjoyed the books I tried by this author
I’ve really enjoyed all her series I have read.
This really sounds like something that I would like. I really need to read more of her work. Great review!
Thanks. I’ve really enjoyed everything I have read from her but this series has been exceptional from the start.
This sounds like an excellent series, thanks for sharing your review Anne!
I enjoy all her series but these are my new favorites.
I’ve read and enjoyed this author is the past and this sounds like a series I’d really like. I’ll have to add this to the list. Wonderful review, Anne!
This is my favorite series of hers. I hope you get to enjoy it.