A Predator is Stalking Summerset County, and He's Looking for His Next Angel Determined to put her painful past behind her, FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn welcomes her assignment to a Major Crimes task force in Washington, D.C., hoping that she and her search and rescue dog Ludwig can make a fresh start.
But as Bailey settles into a new life a thousand miles north of her hometown of Belle Harbor, a vicious predator is stalking the quiet coastal community, preparing to take another life. A life that was once near and dear to Bailey’s heart.
When a disturbing call summons her back to South Florida, Bailey must come to terms with the past while tracking down a sadistic serial killer who is determined to destroy her future.
Book One in the new FBI mystery thriller series by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller Series and the Veronica Lee Thriller Series.
FBI Agent Bailey Flynn is just days into her new job when she gets a phone call from home. Her former police partner, Detective Emma Walsh, has been missing for a few days. Concerned about Emma, Bailey flies back to Florida to help in the search. But when Emma's body is found on the beach, the missing persons case has turned into a homicide. Bailey decides to stay and help the police with their murder investigation. It soon becomes apparent that Emma may have been killed by a person she was investigating in a series of murders of young women.
Melinda Woodhall is a new author for me. I liked her writing style. Bailey was in the middle of the missing persons search by Chapter 2. Many of the supporting characters are introduced during the search for Emma. I liked Bailey and I liked Emma's current partner, Det. Jimmy Fraser, who was upset that he didn't even know that she was missing.
There were a handful of suspects in this story. I never did figure out who was behind the murders until it was revealed. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. My rating: 4 Stars.
Book#1, in Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series
Melinda no doubt has found her perfect formulae and is sticking to it when it comes to giving us suspenseful and intriguing stories. In this new series we find the same beat her other series have given us. A heroine with a painful past who may or may not be an officer of the law, gruesome murders to pick interest, a vicious predator to hate, exciting plot full of action to please us and she never forgets to set the stage in a small town and always ads icing on the cake by introducing a smart dog and why not an handsome man to boot.....oh yes, not forgetting a plot that holds attention from start to finish and characters to die for....awe another winner.
In a few words:
FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn is hoping that she and her search and rescue dog Ludwig can make a fresh start and start a new life in Belle Harbor. It was not meant to be: a vicious predator is stalking the coastal town. The life of someone dear to Bailey was taken..... Bailey needs to put the past behind and track down this killer before he strikes again.....
I was pinned to this story and I zipped through it in no time. Well-said, Well-done
I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Melinda Woodall’s Vanishing Angels, the first book in the Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series, sets the stage for a riveting and emotionally charged journey into the world of FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn. With its seamless blend of suspense, psychological depth, and well-crafted characters, this novel promises to captivate fans of the genre from the very first page.
The plot of Vanishing Angels is meticulously constructed, revolving around Bailey Flynn’s quest for a fresh start with the special crimes task force in Washington, D.C. However, her hopes for a new beginning are shattered when a sinister predator begins to terrorize her former hometown of Belle Harbor. The story gains momentum as Bailey is drawn back to South Florida, forced to confront her traumatic past while racing against time to stop a sadistic serial killer.
Woodall excels in creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The tension is palpable, and each twist and turn in the investigation is expertly timed to maintain suspense. The dual timelines—Bailey's new life in Washington, D.C., and her return to Belle Harbor—are skillfully woven together, adding layers of complexity to the story. The integration of Bailey’s search and rescue dog, Ludwig, adds a unique and endearing element to the narrative, highlighting the bond between handler and canine in high-stakes situations.
Character development is one of the standout features of Vanishing Angels. Bailey Flynn is a protagonist with depth and nuance. Her strength, resilience, and vulnerability are portrayed with authenticity, making her a character readers can root for. Her struggle to overcome past traumas while facing new threats is compelling and relatable. The secondary characters, from her colleagues on the task force to the residents of Belle Harbor, are well-drawn and contribute significantly to the story’s emotional depth and realism.
Fans of mystery thrillers will find much to love in Vanishing Angels. Woodall’s writing is both evocative and precise, creating a vivid sense of place and atmosphere. The depiction of Belle Harbor, with its coastal charm and underlying menace, enhances the overall tension of the narrative. The forensic details and investigative procedures are portrayed with accuracy, adding credibility and immersion to the story.
What sets Vanishing Angels apart is its exploration of deeper themes such as redemption, the impact of the past on the present, and the enduring fight for justice. Woodall deftly delves into Bailey’s psyche, exploring her motivations and fears, which adds a rich psychological dimension to the thriller. The antagonist is equally well-crafted, with motivations and actions that are chillingly plausible, making the conflict between Bailey and the killer intensely personal and engaging.
Vanishing Angels is a compelling and masterfully written debut in the Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series. Melinda Woodall has created a protagonist and a narrative that are both memorable and addictive. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and relentless suspense, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre. Woodall has established herself as a formidable voice in thriller writing, and readers will undoubtedly be eager to follow Bailey Flynn's future adventures.
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the 1st story and begins with the murder of Det. Emma Watson, a friend of Bailey. Bailey in Washington D.C at the FBI building. She receives a call from her mother that is missing. Bailey then heads home along with Ludwig her dog partner to search for Emma. Upon arriving, she goes to the beach and begins her search. Ludwig is given the scent for a jacket Emma wore. Ludwig then leads Bailey to where Emma is buried in the sand. When the M.E. has arrived and after examining the body, he mentions that the wound is like those of others that he has seen. It then begins to look like this is now a serial killer type case.
Once the search begins for Emma's killer, she receives word that she can work the case and receive help from the Miami office. As the case goes along, a list of suspects is developed and they then started interviews. There isn't a great deal of information coming until the discovery of a wallet which leads to a discovery of a witness. Using information from the witness, they proceed to a house where the supposed killer lives. Upon arriving, there is another body discovered with the same M.O.
With the last killing and the supposed killer cleared, they started eliminating suspects. Once a connection was found that tied to all of the victims, Bailey discovered a suspect and at the same time an FBI profiler using data found by examining locations from on Emma's phone, a possible killer was identified. Bailey receives a call regarding her sister and heads to a location. Meanwhile, a group of police were dispatched to the suspected killer's house where it was discovered he was gone.
To find out exactly why Bailey went to the location given by the caller, what was discovered, who helped bailey when she got there and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.
This was the first time I've read Ms. Woodhall's work, but it won't be the last. Everything worked in this story. The lead character, Bailey, was well enough fleshed out to fit into the storyline but still has history left to be explored in future installments. I enjoyed the inclusion of the dogs. Being a dog lover, it was nice to see. I liked the subtle homage to 'Silence of the Lambs' with the butterfly and moth collection scene. And, I liked the small detail that explained why Bailey was not required to mention her ankle holster in her final report.
The story itself was mostly unique, but the idea of falling back on religious reasons for murder, without deeper justification in the narrative, seems a bit uninspired.
There were a few miscues that pushed me out of my reading zen moments. Like, who would ever describe commercial flying as being a '… soothing hum and gentle vibration.'? And what TV of today does not have a remote? And why are all the major female characters described as attractive? Are there no less-comely attorneys or detectives or reporters?
On a purely technical side, there's a scene at an autopsy where the initial view of the body has the eyes being open, while the ME records during his exam that the eyes are closed.
Chapter Thirteen has a typo,
"He'll see you know,…" It should read, "He'll see you now… "
Chapter Thirty-nine has a typo (I think).
"You think the information we collected from Hearst's computer will be enough to convict him?"
I think it should read "… convict her?"
This book was a fun read. I look forward to the next chapter in Bailey's career.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a brilliant start to a new series from Melinda Woodhall.
After a devastating turn of events in her life Bailey Flynn left behind her hometown, and the PD where she worked, to start a new life as an FBI Special Agent in Washington DC. A phone call from her controlling mother had Bailey rushing back to her home town of Belle Harbor, an ex friend of Bailey, Detective Emma Watson, Emma who she thought was her best friend, Emma with whom she had shared everything, Emma who had betrayed her in the cruellest way, Emma who was now missing.
Bailey knew that she and her Search and Rescue dog, Ludwig were needed…..Ludwig did his job but he and Bailey were too late, Emma was dead.
After a conversation with the Medical Examiner Bailey was worried, the ME had noticed certain peculiarities between Emma's murder and three recent autopsies that he had performed on young women, the same MO and apart from Emma, the same macabre trophies……….Bailey had a serial killer on her hands, the FBI were now involved, she would be staying with her reluctant sister for a while longer.
As this story unfolds, the body count escalates, Bailey desperately needed a lead but all the paths were twisted, most leading to dead ends, the suspects were many, the clues few.
When someone close to Bailey is in mortal danger, Bailey doesn't hesitate, she doesn't have time to wait for backup, Bailey once again puts her life on the line, will help arrive ? will it be too late ? who would find her ?
This is an edge of your seat story that is difficult to put down and I can't wait to see what develops between Bailey and PI Dalton West.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
A Detective is missing, and a mutual acquaintance calls Agent Bailey Flynn to come home and help find her. It turns out this is just the tip of the iceberg, and a serial killer is roaming the area. Flynn must face her ghosts from the past and find him before he kills again.
The plot, while not overly intricate, is delightfully unpredictable. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it difficult to guess who the murderer is. It's a chilling reminder of how little it takes to push certain individuals over the edge, turning them into killers.
As readers, we're left with only a superficial impression of the main characters. We don't get to know them as deeply as we might like. However, Bailey's mental struggle with her previous case and her return home is palpable, drawing us in.
Two things bugged me about this story. The first was how many points of view it is told from. I think I counted eight different POVs, if not more: agent, officer, medical examiner, murderer, witness, sister, ex-fiancee, PI, etc. Understandably, multiple POVs are an efficient way to give the reader more details, but this was too many for my taste.
The second issue I had (more of a minor annoyance) was how loose-lipped many of the characters were about confidential information to people who had no business knowing any of it.
As a reader who enjoys mysteries and thrillers, it is always nice to find a new author of good quality. The issues I had with this story were minor, and I will read more of the books about Bailey Flynn. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vanishing Angels is book one in the Bailey Flynn mystery series! It was an excellent beginning with a strong and determined MC with a troubled past that she must face head on in this book to bring a former friend's killer to justice. This was no small task and Bailey had to face the judgement and humiliation of going home to help the man who basically left her nearly standing at the alter to marry her best friend two weeks before the wedding. Debi’s was a crushing blow that completely altered the course of Baileys life as she picked up the pieces and recreated herself in a determined effort to move forward and never look back. However, fate had other plans when she receives a call that her former best friend is missing and her ex boyfriend and community need her help to find her former friend and police partner.
Bailey who had since moved forward by applying to the FBI and moving to DC started a new career as a canine handler in the special crimes division found herself undoubtedly qualified to help with this disturbing and deeply troubling case as Bailey tried to navigate being impartial in a case drought with painful memories.
Bailey the ever present professional came through stronger than ever and helped solve a car that had far reaching consequences beyond one murder pulling her back into her home town with a case far beyond what it first appeared.
I can’t wait for book two and I’m thrilled to follow Bailey continue to navigate a treacherous case with unanswered questions. Very well written and I highly recommend it!
This book is good and I can not wait to read the rest of the 4 book series. Vanishing Angels is the first book in the Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series. Bailey has disappointed her parents and became a police officer instead of following the family and becoming a lawyer. She is now an FBI agent in Washington D.C. and does an outstanding job with the search and rescue team along with her SAR dog Ludwig. Bailey has just gotten word that her former friend and Detective Emma Watson is missing back in her home town of Belle Harbor. So she gets permission to go home and help with the investigation.
They find Emma's body with the help of Ludwig partially buried in a sand dune. It does not take them long with the help of the Medical Examiner to realize that they have a serial killer on their hands and it is up to Bailey to track him down before he strikes again. Along with her sister Cate a District Attorney for the city and a task force they work to solve the mystery. There is Private Investigator, Dalton West that is helping with the case as well. He has helped in the past with some of the serial killers other victims.
So will Bailey find the serial killer before he kills again? Will Bailey and the very handsome PI Dalton West get together and become friends? What will the future bring?
I got this book from Book Sirens and will be very happy to leave my review.
Melinda doesn’t disappoint in this new series about an FBI agent named Bailey Flynn. She heads down to Florida to look into an old friends unexpected death. It's complicated as the friend kind of stole her man that she was going to be married to in a couple weeks. But regardless she died a violent death and both the friends, and her ex wanted answers.
Lots of emotions in that alone, but also with Baileys family always pushing her away from being an FBI agent to a lawyer. Mom is piece of work, dad not much better but she gets along with Cate her sister. As they work through the friend's death the discovery of a serial killer she was hunting and likely killed by sparks Bailey to stay and solve the case.
She uses her dog Ludwig and friends to help hunt the killer. They along with Argus, the data guy from Bridget Bishop series, begin to narrow the pool of possible suspects.
Got to read the books to find out what happens but Bailey and a guy who likely saved her life, Dalton appear to be hitting it off and I look forward to many more Baily Flynn books. This book is as good as all the rest of Melinda's books, and I'd highly recommend reading it. It's fast paced and very hard to put down once you start. Remember you've been warned clear out the time to read it.
If you’ve read the Bridget Bishop series than you’ll probably remember Bailey Flynn who made a cameo appearance with her SAR dog Ludwig. In this series she takes the lead. She gets notice that her former partner and best friend who her former fiancé left her for is missing. She immediately leaves DC where she’s moved for a fresh start and goes back home to Belle Harbor to help find her. When they find Emma dead a whole new investigation opens up and the horrid acts the killer committed make all involved eager to catch them. And so begins the hunt for a serial killer the FBI, locals and a rather persistent PI are all hoping that they can find the right clue to unmask the murderer before they find another victim. I’m a huge fan of the Bridget Bishop series and now I am equally keen on this new series. Bailey is an intriguing character whose past is filled with disappointment and self recriminations. Her parents are wow and her sister is a star. Loved the supporting cast and the cameos from some familiar faces. I’m eager to get to know these new players and to see what crimes they solve together. If you’re a thriller fan than this is definitely a series you’ll want to check out! I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Series: Vanishing Angels, #1 - Interesting, intriguing, and immersing with a good pace, well written story lines, and good characters made this a hard to put down read. Clean language and no graphic details. Source: BookSirens. 5*
Frankie Dawson P.I. Mystery Thriller Series: His Soul to Keep, #1 - I am surprised by how interesting and intriguing this book was by an author new to me. The story lines and the interesting variety of characters kept me glued to the pages. There was no stupidity and no ridiculous hollywood-style drama, but well written events and dialog. The way the story ended had a bit of magic feel or predictability to it, but it released the tension of this steady paced, intense story. Luckily, I have the next book lined up TBR. Source: BookSirens. 5*
His Heart of Darkness, #2 - Not sure, which is the better story but both are well done. Like His Soul, His Heart is well written, fast paced with good, likeable characters, and a twist. This story picks up near the time the His Souls ends. Just as hard to put down as HSTK. I was happy to find this author has more books written. Yay! Source: BookSirens. 5* Frankie Dawson P.I. Mystery Thriller Series end.
Wickedly wonderful! FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn's first installment is quite the hit, in my opinion. Bailey has just been rewarded with a new assignment on the Major Crimes Task Force in Washington, D.C. far away from her home and the bad memories. She needs a new location and new scenery to heal from her past wounds, both personally and professionally. She and her search and rescue dog, Ludwig, are quite good at their job, and Bailey is happy. That is until she learns there is an evil predator quietly stealing the lives of young women in her hometown of Belle Harbor, Florida. When one death hits a little too close too home, she and Ludwig head to Belle Harbor to offer assistance.
There are all sorts of possible suspects and plenty of scummy people to point a finger at, but there is only one killer (which I never suspected). The fear is well-played and the intensity is well-controlled and exciting at the same time. This one was twisty, thrilling, dark and dangerous. I give this high marks for a new series, and I cannot wait to read more about Bailey Flynn and company in upcoming books.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vanishing Angels is the first book in the new FBI Mystery Thriller series featuring Special Agent Bailey Flynn and her trusty furry sidekick, Ludwig. It’s a small town mystery thriller that keeps you on your toes while turning page after page trying to solve the crime and find out what happens next.
Someone or something is unknowingly wrecking havoc in Belle Harbor and when someone from Agent Bailey Flynn’s past goes missing, she decides it’s time to head home and figure out what happened. Trying to face the past and navigate the future back at home, she is dealt with obstacles and a new case to solve. But when the body count starts to rise, it’s a race against time to find out who the killer is.
A brand new series means a brand new cast of characters and I enjoyed getting to know this cast. I loved seeing Bailey and Ludwig’s relationship in this book- learning how they met and started working together. I did see some potential romances and/or friendships blossom and can’t wait to see how they turn out in the next book.
If you are looking for a good small town mystery to get lost in, this is the book for you. It’s an easy fun read and will have you rooting for the good guys at the end. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
The first book in the series Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller, it gives us the context on the characters, their past and the relationships they have built together. I believe the writer, Melinda, has improved a lot from her other book and series and has found a voice that speaks for herself. I found this book perturbing, which is actually good in a thriller; and the mystery and twists keep happening at a good pace. The story itself narrates Baily Flynn return to her hometown after she fled to work with the FBI when her fiancée broke up the wedding to actually marry her best friend. When this very best friend shows up dead while investigating a deeply twisted investigation, Bailey along with her German shepherd dog Ludwig, needs to go back and find the killer. Story pace is very good; it is quick and moves on its own accord. It makes it a fast reading and I was surprised at its ending and the development of it. I also found most of the characters to be well developed and not properly black and white, but they have shades in their personality, they have background and they evolve within the story. I hate when baddies are bad and goodies are good, plainly put.
I received an advance review copy for free from book sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*Vanishing Angels* is an engrossing start to the Bailey Flynn series that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. As a fan of procedural mysteries, I found this book thoroughly entertaining, blending intriguing characters with a plot that keeps you guessing.
Bailey Flynn is a compelling protagonist, whose dedication and keen insight drive the narrative forward. The storyline is well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep even seasoned mystery readers on their toes. The procedural elements are meticulously detailed, making it a satisfying read for those who appreciate the genre.
While there were a couple of inconsistencies, they did not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book. Instead, they added to the complexity of the story, making it a more engaging read. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of tension and reflection.
Overall, *Vanishing Angels* is a strong debut in what promises to be a captivating series. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the rest of the Bailey Flynn series and seeing where Melinda Woodhall takes this intriguing character next.
A Predator is Stalking Summerset County, and He's Looking for His Next Angel Determined to put her painful past behind her, FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn welcomes her assignment to a Major Crimes task force in Washington, D.C., hoping that she and her search and rescue dog Ludwig can make a fresh start.
But as Bailey settles into a new life a thousand miles north of her hometown of Belle Harbor, a vicious predator is stalking the quiet coastal community, preparing to take another life. A life that was once near and dear to Bailey’s heart.
When a disturbing call summons her back to South Florida, Bailey must come to terms with the past while tracking down a sadistic serial killer who is determined to destroy her future.
Book One in the new FBI mystery thriller series by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller Series and the Veronica Lee Thriller Series
Thank you to BookSirens for sending, me a PDF copy of this book.
I definitely enjoyed this, watching the characters grow and grieve was in places heartbreaking. I'm happy Bailey and Co caught the villain.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Melinda Woodhall book and I’m so grateful that I was introduced to Vanishing Angels. I received a free ARC of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
When I learned there was going to be some search and rescue dogs in the story, I was sold.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Melinda’s good at suspense and she kept me guessing. She’s also great at leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait to start book 2! I’m excited to see what happens next.
I do want to say that I really do like the main characters Agent Bailey and her SAR dog Ludwig (funny name). She’s one of those kinds of characters that Melinda loves to put in her books. A great heroine, with a rough past, fighting for justice.
The villain was pretty trippy and I came nowhere close to solving this one! I also really enjoyed her other characters, some more than others.
I would strongly recommend this book!
As always my fellow BookReaders, happy reading and/or listening!📚🎧
What a joy to read a novel that focuses on strong women, with a few crack in th veneer of life, Our heroine is a strong woman. She has made a major change in her life and has relocated a 1000 miles to the north.
FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn welcomes her assignment to a Major Crimes task force in Washington, D.C Moving to a new location is a little more difficult for her as that comes baggage. Her baggage is a little different that others as she is a team of two. She comes with her search and rescue dog Ludwig. This a new beginning for the both of you
As she begins to settles into a new life a hometown of a vicious predator is stalking the quiet coastal community, preparing to take another life. A life that was once near and dear to Bailey’s heart.
Just as Bailey begins to settle in to her new life she receives a call to return home., Bailey is called home to track down a sadistic serial killer. Taking on this project may end her life as she knows it now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vanishing Angels, the first book in the Bailey Flynn series by Melinda Woodhall, follows FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn as she returns to her hometown of Belle Harbor, South Florida to investigate the disappearance of her former best friend and police partner.
The story, told from multiple points of view, sees Bailey forced to confront her past while on the hunt for a twisted and brutal serial killer terrorizing the area.
While the plot itself is relatively straightforward without too many complex twists and turns, the sheer number of characters introduced throughout the novel can make it challenging at times for the reader to fully connect with and relate to the protagonist, Bailey Flynn.
Additionally, despite being billed as a suspense thriller, the book is surprisingly light on edge-of-your-seat action sequences and pulse-pounding moments of terror.
Vanishing Angels serves as a solid series debut that establishes Bailey Flynn's world and backstory, but leaves room for more intense thrills and deeper character development in future instalments.
The start of a new series by this author is always something to celebrate. This time it’s the turn of FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn and Ludwig, her search and rescue dog, who fly back to Baileys home town, when her ex best friend is reported missing.
Bailey is an interesting character, drawn back to a place she was desperate to get away from, to search for her friend, who betrayed her by stealing her fiancé. She has a strained relationship with her mother, who is always on her case about the danger of her job. As always with this author, it’s very well written, plotted and paced, with several suspects and red herrings. I loved Ludwig, and also Baileys relationship with her old mentor, who she feels she let down very badly. Add a hint of romance, in the shape of a local PI, and we’ve got a great start to this series, can’t wait for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you BookSirens and Creative Magnolia press for this ARC. I received this copy for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book! It is the first of a new series with FBI agent Bailey Flynn and her search and rescue dog, Ludwig.
Bailey goes back to her hometown when she discovers her ex best friend has gone missing. While looking into Emma’s disappearance, she and Detective Fraser discover this death is connected to 3 other similar murders.
I really liked Bailey. Her character was believable as an FBI agent- her thoughts, actions, etc. I loved the dog! The different paths they looked into to find the killer, and the other characters- her sister, another PI, the MD- were all written very well. I read this very quickly, and when the killer was revealed, I felt it was explained very well. I look forward to reading the next installment!
Vanishing Angels by Melinda Woodhall (Bailey Flynn Book 1) is a very enjoyable mystery thriller and a great start to a new series. The author's descriptions made you feel part of the action and involved in the scenery.
The only issue I had was the disjointed punctuation, which made the reader believe a new speaker was talking when it was usually the same person talking. This made the reading a bit abrupt and transitioned. Also, the chapters should have the point of view (POV) person identified, as there are alternating POVs in the story.
Overall, it was an emotional thriller with heart-pounding scenes and good twists. I liked Bailey as a character. She was relatable and determined. I liked how the story unfolded and the author's writing style.
I would recommend this book and this author. I look forward to reading more from this author and this series.
Once again Ms. Woodhall has created a world that draws in her readers with wonderful, realistic characters, plenty of action, unexpected revelations, a promise of romance, and dogs! All the things that make this reader happy. Ms. Woodhall's writing style is easy to read, not over-blown, and while her subject matter can be a bit disturbing (the nature of the genre after all) she doesn't go out of her way to shock or greatly disturb her readers. Since this is the first of a new series there wasn't a lot of overlapping of characters from previous series, but I hope there will be in future books. It is always fun to have a character you are already familiar with show up in a new series. If you haven't read anything by Ms. Woodhall I suggest you correct that deficit in your life as soon as possible.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
I am an ARC reader this is my honest opinion. I enjoyed this book. I like Melinda Woodhall's writing. The plot of this book involves characters whose lives are entwined in fairly complicated ways. A psychopathic local drug dealer, part of a larger organisation, unknowingly, by his cruelty, is apparently causing the deaths of a series of young women. But local county police forces would rather preserve tourism than collaborate and advertise the murders. When a policewoman becomes a victim, FBI agent Bailey Flynn Flies in to investigate even though she was very bad!y treated by the dead policewoman and her husband. There are a few twists to the plot, some easier to see than others. The characters are realistic and the story enough to keep the reader turning the pages. I'm looking forward to Book 2
Melinda Woodhall has give us a new series featuring FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn. When a detective and ex-friend of Bailey's goes missing, she heads home to see what she can do in aiding the search. I have not read a Melinda Woodhall book that I did not thoroughly enjoy. Each series featured a different strong female protagonist. All of them are unique and surrounded with many strong characters. Woodhall writes as if she has sat and listened to these characters giving testimony, their rendering at her hands is that full bodied. I know that this series is going to be as beloved, to me, as all the others. To be savoured as I go along, and then awaiting the next course as in a fine dining experience. I look forward to the next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series, which speaks volumes about the writer, the storyline, and the plot. I found the story engaging, especially (as a dog handler ) when I discovered Bailey's partner and sidekick is Ludwig, her German Shepherd scent dog. Within the confines of the book, Bailey's past and present are cleverly revealed, leaving me hooked on finding out what was about to happen.
The family histories of the characters, Cate (her sister), Bailey's mother, and Bailey are believable. After all, no one's family is perfect and their differences explain Bailey's reluctance to return home.
Her hometown of Belle Harbour pulled her home not to visit but to find the serial killer, leaving me curious about what else would happen to keep her from returning to Washington, D.C. I received an advance review copy to read and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Vanishing Angels is book 1 of an exciting new series in which FBI AGENT Bailey Flynn is introduced! Bailey is a remarkable search annd rescue agent who was expected by her family to become a lawyer. She choose law enforcement and is harassed by her mother who lives in fear of the risks faced by those in law enforcement.
When an old friend disappears, Bailey comes back to Belle Harbor from DC to help in the search. Emma Welsh, the missing Belle Harbor police officer sets in motion the possibility of an undetected serial killer in Summerset County. Along with her sister Cate Flynn, Bailey and a task force search to find the answers.
Vanishing Angels engages the reader with danger, intrigue and subterfuge. Melinda Woodhall has a winning new series.