Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Her Second Death by Melinda Leigh Series: Bree Taggert #0.5
Published by Montlake Romance on December 7, 2021
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
When a man is shot in the head, Bree Taggert and her new partner, veteran detective Dana Romano, respond to the call. They break the news to the victim’s ex-wife and learn the estranged couple’s five-year-old daughter was supposed to have been with him. What starts as a murder investigation quickly morphs into a desperate search for a missing child. The case stirs memories of Bree’s own traumatizing childhood. To find the little girl, Bree will have to relive her own terrifying past.
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. I would read this series itself in order as they are excellent and both the world and relationships continue to develop.
Her Second Death is a wonderful surprise as a prequel in the series. We are shown the early days of when Bree and Dana are partners, with Dana mentoring Bree. It’s clear how strong and capable Dana is, allowing Bree to express her opinions and contribute to the investigation. Bree is definitely competent from the start. I like seeing how they work and support each other.
Their skilled investigation shows the best of police detectives, what they should be. They are compassionate to the victims and families, even if they are not perfect people, and protective of the innocent. Bree and Dana do the right things in looking for the lost Lena. I loved this view of the start of their partnership.
Interview with Author Melinda Leigh
Detective Bree Taggert is one of your most popular characters. What is it about her that makes readers come back for more of her story?
Bree is strong and smart, but she’s also flawed and vulnerable. She begins the series as an excellent homicide detective but personally empty. A horrific childhood tragedy distanced Bree from her family and made her a loner. Her sister’s murder triggers the desire to change that. Bree takes on her sister’s case—and her sister’s kids. Bree sees her own childhood reflected in her niece and nephew and is determined not to let them grow up as damaged as she is. In order to do that, she needs to make herself vulnerable. In accepting responsibility for the children, she starts her own road to healing.
I believe readers want to root for her. They want to see her overcome her violent backstory. She often does what is right, not what is easy or comfortable. In each book, she not only solves a murder, she also makes a small step toward healing, with readers cheering her on.
You have published five books in this series so far, but in Her Second Death you write a prequel story. What made you want to show Bree on one of her first homicide cases?
I wanted to show the evolution of Bree’s professional life before she begins her personal journey. She is a complex character, and I’ve enjoyed exploring all aspects of her development.
In Her Second Death, Bree is assigned to investigate a violent crime. Tell readers a bit about the case and how she and her new partner Dana Romano work to find the killer.
Bree begins the story as a brand-new homicide detective. She and partner investigate the crime in the usual fashion, but Bree brings her own past to the table. She provides unique insight that helps her solve the case.
Bree finds a personal connection to this crime almost immediately. What effect does her own early family tragedy have on her handling a missing child case?
The case immediately strikes a familiar—and disturbing–cord in Bree. But she can’t allow her personal discomfort to interfere with the investigation. She’ll have to relive her past to solve the case.
What is next for Bree?
The next Bree Taggert novel, Dead Against Her, will be released in May. In it, Bree will need to face a more recent demon, the murder of a former deputy with whom she has a personal disagreement. When she took over the job of sheriff, Bree inherited some misogynist deputies from the previous, corrupt sheriff. In Dead Against Her, this conflict comes to an explosive and violent head.
Excerpt:
Which matched the times on the surveillance video. “Detective Romano?” Reilly called. “CSU is here.”
As soon as the ME removed the body, the crime scene unit would take over.
“Do we have a next of kin for the victim?” Romano asked.
Reilly nodded. “He’s married to Kelly Tyson.”
“Let’s go notify Mrs. Tyson.” Romano turned back toward their vehicle. Once behind the wheel, she rubbed her palms together, then pulled a pair of leather gloves from her pocket and tugged them on.
In the passenger seat, Bree blew on her freezing hands. Romano peeled away from the curb.
“Wasn’t a robbery.” Bree rolled the facts around in her head. “They left cash in Tyson’s wallet. Also, they didn’t take the car. Drug deal gone sour?”
“We have no idea what happened, other than a guy got shot.”
“You don’t like any of those theories?” Bree asked.
Romano shot her a direct look. “I like evidence, not theories.”
Tour Giveaway:
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-Fall
I only read the first book in the series before listening to this one so it’s great seeing your perspective, having read all to date. I’m really happy with the start so far. Wonderful review, Anne💜
It fits in well with the series and I enjoyed it. I do find it harder to write something non-spoilery about a shorter book though. Thank you.
I loved getting this prequel and seeing Dana in action as a police detective and a younger Bree, of course.
Me too! This series is just a huge favorite.
I really love this series, too! 🙂
It’s a recent start but so so good.
I’ve not started this series yet but Bree really does sound like a great character. I can see why she’s so popular with readers.
I love Bree and this whole series. The first book was a 5 heart read for me so the series impacted me from the start.
I haven’t read any of the Bree Taggart series, but I’d like to after reading the novella. Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed the series.
It’s a must read series. I recommend it highly.