Dangerous Midnight: A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller Book Ten

by Melinda Woodhall

A Killer Hides Under the Cover of Darkness, Waiting for Midnight to Take His Next Victim

When a wealthy widow returns to her quiet hometown of Everston Creek, Florida seeking a fresh start, her new life is brutally ended by the impulsive act of a remorseless killer.

After evidence at the crime scene links the murder to a serial predator known as the Midnight Caller, Special Agent Bailey Flynn joins the investigation only to discover another dead body much closer to home.

As the search leads Bailey into the dark heart of the Florida Everglades, she races to unravel a deadly web of deception and betrayal, determined to stop the sadistic killer before time runs out and another innocent life is lost.

Book Ten in the new FBI mystery thriller series by Melinda Woodhall, author of the Bridget Bishop FBI Mystery Thriller Series and the Veronica Lee Thriller Series.

322 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2026

Reviews

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Midnight opens with a gripping and unsettling scene that immediately sets the tone for a tense, fast‑moving mystery. Melinda Woodhall wastes no time plunging readers into danger as Alana Duvall’s seemingly ordinary day—celebrating the opening of a new library wing—spirals into deception, abduction, and ultimately murder. The prologue alone delivers the kind of shock that makes it impossible not to keep reading.

The murder of Alana Duvall isn’t just a single crime—it’s tangled up with cryptocurrency secrets, extortion threats from the mysterious “Midnight Caller,” and the return of a dangerous con artist and suspected killer, Bryson Taft. The overlapping investigations give the story momentum and keep the stakes high from the beginning.

Bailey Flynn continues to be a strong and compelling protagonist. She’s intelligent, determined, and grounded, and I enjoyed seeing the investigative team dynamics between Bailey, Sharma, and Griff. The inclusion of Bailey’s personal life—her family interactions and relationships—adds warmth and balance to the darker elements of the story.

Another highlight is the Florida setting, especially the eerie atmosphere around Everston Creek and the Everglades. Woodhall does a great job creating a sense of place—the rural roads, looming storms, and swampy landscape add tension and mood that perfectly match the unfolding investigation.

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, though at times the number of characters and threads can feel slightly overwhelming. Still, the multiple plot lines also make the mystery feel bigger and more complex, which fans of procedural thrillers will likely enjoy.

Dangerous Midnight is a solid addition to the Bailey Flynn series. It delivers suspense, twists, and an intriguing central mystery while continuing to develop the recurring characters readers have come to know.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book# 10

The evidence found at a crime scene links the murder to a serial predator known as the Midnight caller prompting FBI Agent Bailey Flynn to join the investigation into the tragic death of an unfortunate wealthy widow that was seeking a fresh start in Florida. As Bailey search the Florida Everglades, she found herself into a race to stop a sadistic killer before another dead body is found….

A Killer Hides Under the Cover of Darkness, Waiting for Midnight to Take His Next Victim

What can I say, once more Ms. Woodhall entertains by giving us not only a suspenseful story but one that will keep us guessing till the very last moment. Indeed, this story is engaging and hard to put aside for any thrill seekers. Who wouldn’t be captivated by a story that is concise and doesn’t beat around the bush by adding words to stretch the drama.

Leave it to Baily and her K9 partner, Ludwig, to team up with the local police and save the day. This story is a page-turner with a little more gore than the previous installments but why not after all it is a murder investigation…..

We do have recurrent players in Dalton, Cate and Sharma and some new players in minor roles to entertain us. A good story has side bars this latest gives us an update on Cate’s latest saga…..The family interactions and relationships add warmth to a somber tale.

One thing Ms. Woodhall has a formula that works very well although some may find the plots are becoming somewhat repetitive through time. I find them entertaining…..

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melinda Woodhall’s latest entry in the Bailey Flynn series is another page-turner, and the identity of the killer/blackmailer was very surprising.

The reveal of the criminal was several paragraphs of one person talking and could have been broken up a little with another person’s reactions. There also was a bit more gore than I needed, which is why I’m giving this four stars.

In addition to Bailey, Dalton, and Cate, I enjoyed a new character, Margo Laine. I hope Margo will be included in future stories, either as a main character or as an addition to this series. Looking forward to whatever Ms. Woodhall does next!

This is the 10th book in the Bailey Flynn series, but works fine as a standalone.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good addition to the Bailey series. The storyline kept my pages turning.
I’m still enjoying the main characters, and the new ones introduced here fit in well - Margo was a standout for me.
I do find Sabrina a bit frustrating… I’d love to see her do something other than sneaking around and eavesdropping to get her stories. I like seeing the progression of Cate and Mason's relationship. Bailey and Dalton's relationship feels a bit stagnant, so I’m hoping for a bit more movement there soon.
One thing I really like about this series is how each book ties up loose ends from earlier ones, which makes it feel more connected overall.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of intrigue, this twisting storyline that brought blackmail and murder together kept me guessing until the end. The characters were relatable, each with their own agenda and the multiple twists had me hooked from the start.

There were several times when I thought I'd found the culprit, only to have another twist of fate yank it out from under me. A clever plot, centred around the root of all evil and one that will keep the pages turning.

Although Dangerous Midnight by Melinda Woodhall is the tenth in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

If you love crime novels with a mix of local and national law enforcement that provides the unexpected, then you are sure to enjoy this book.

I am grateful to the author and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this eARC and leave this review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author plunges us into action right from the get go. A bloody murder of slicing throats seems to be their MO. (and their favorite way to kill quickly). I admit, each time it came , I wasn't ready for the gore and gushes of blood expertly described. Lol.

Too many corrupt people getting kickbacks even high up in BLUE!!! SOME MOB CONNECTIONS. Can it be stopped?

Intense gripping, and unputdownable read.. This one was over much too quickly for me.

I love Baikey's tenacity and perseverance for justice. She's sharp as the knifes used. I was shocked to see who and why all this. Another great mystery , with kidnapping murder, and blackmail all for greed What a wild storyline !! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special Agent Bailey Flynn, along with Ludwig, are drawn into assisting the murder investigation of a wealthy widow. Add into the mix her ongoing investigation of the Midnight Caller, and her boyfriend’s investigation in to the disappeared of a woman, you have a very twisted, detailed and absorbing read. The other usual characters are back too, with Baileys sister Cate 7 months pregnant; Mason, Cates husband, being very busy with autopsies of a number of people the police and FBI are interested in in. As always a really good read, great plot lines, l am in awe of the way everything dovetails into a very satisfying conclusion. Roll on the next in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are already at the tenth book in the series which still feels as refreshing as ever. It starts off brilliantly ensuring you're immediately hooked and never lets go.

I loved the chase of the Midnight Killer who seems to revel in blackmailing people and then killing them when they have no more use for them. We eventually find out who it is, but we don't really. The true reveal of the killer was a total surprise and brilliantly done. I liked how things got tied up at the end and the various changes that are taking place leaving me curious as to what comes next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Di Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give this one three-and-a-half stars, but I've rounded it up because, for pure escapism, this and all of the previous books in the series are well worth it, even though the plots are becoming slightly repetitive and formulaic. This plot is more of a stand-alone than some of the others, which made it a little easier to read. However, my dissatisfaction in this episode of Bailey Flynn's adventures was more with the characterisation: I found everyone to be rather over-the-top; from the minor characters to Bailey, reactions and actions weren't wholly realistic. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fast-paced, tense book in the Bailey Flynn series. I think it would work as a standalone, although it is probably more enjoyable for readers of the earlier books.

There are twists and surprises as one might expect. It may be bloodier than most books in the series.

I did not give a fifth star as it seemed like there was too much going on at times. And I found the character of Sabrina more annoying than usual. But Sabrina redeemed herself as the cases neared conclusion. Also, I usually am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series when I finish one. That is not the case here.

I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent murder mystery crime thriller. FBI agent Bailey and her K9 partner, Ludwig, are working with the local police to solve several murders. Plus, the author has a few other interesting subplots occurring throughout the story which kept me flipping pages to the end. I love Bailey's character, she is down to earth, a dedicated public servant, loyal and smart. Beware, there are some gory scenes, which is to be expected in a crime thriller. I always look forward to the next in this series, which I highly recommend.

I received a free advance copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've been following Melinda Woodhall's two series, Bridget Bishop FBI profiler and this one, Bailey Flynn, FBI agent based in Belle Harbour, Florida. This book, like the previous books is full of twists and a surprise or two, plus action adventure and a psychopathic murderer. I love following series where I can get to know all the characters well, like this one. Ms Woodhall is very descriptive - to the extent that I could almost smell a particularly awful smell in a particular situation. The story is interesting enough for me not to want to put the book down until I'd finished it. And I love the dogs!

[Faith Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still love the series
I love how the stories connect characters or cases
From previous books. I’m still having a hard time “warming up “ to Bailey not sure why. I don’t have this issues with her other series. And could we please have a little more affection between Bailey and Dalton? It feels like she always chooses work over him. This slow slow burn is killing me ! lol I mean her sister has gone from crush-dating -marrying and having a baby and Bailey just made it to living with Dalton.

But I still look forward to each new book

[Lorelei Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It had lots of suspense. I found it hard to put the book down because the story was so engaging.

The story is about a serial killer who is targeting wealthy widows and the investigation to catch him.

The author has a nice concise writing style. She provides helpful descriptions of the settings and characters. The plot and characters are easy to follow.

If you like suspenseful stories that are hard to put down, you may want to read this book.

I received a free advance reader copy of Dangerous Midnight. The opinion that I express is my own.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Midnight is Book 10 in A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller by Melinda Woodhall. Alana was murdered and the evidence leads the FBI to a serial killer called the Midnight Caller. Melinda Woodhall writes exceptionally good mystery/thrillers and I loved this book. I was on the edge of my seat. Don't miss this fantastic mystery. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Carol O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book in the series and after having read this, I will go back and read the first nine. Fast-paced, creepy bad people, an annoying reporter and well-developed main characters, I couldn't put it down until I read the last few words. A thriller for sure with unexpected surprises along the way! I've slid comfortably into cozy mysteries so it was a refreshing switch back to my usual genre. Thanks to BookSirens for providing this copy.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another fantastic addition to an already outstanding series. I was actually able to figure out the culprit myself, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable. I truly can’t get enough of Melinda Woodhall’s books: the engaging writing style, well developed characters, and compelling plots keep me hooked every time. I wholeheartedly recommend her work to anyone looking for a great read.
I received a review copy and I'm leaving a volutary and honest review.

[Trudie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s done it to me again. I had no idea who the murderer was, even though all the clues are there. I’m really enjoying this series and the books keep getting better and better. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hands down one of the best books of this series. The plotting was tight, the story well written, and the identity of the killer came out of left field. The characters were all well developed, even those playing minor roles. The killer was definitely a gotcha moment in the book. A very satisfying read.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Farah Rk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! This book was an absolute page-turner, kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The suspense was relentless, though I would have loved a bit more gradual unfolding of the mystery. Definitely a gripping read!

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the tenth book in the Bailey Flynn FBI series. Bailey is on the trail of a serial killer known as the Midnight Caller. The identity was a total surprise that I didn’t see coming. The plot’s mystery and suspense was intense. A great read.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story may be read as a stand alone however it is such a great series I would recommend the rest too. Good addition to this series and a great tale with a very unexpected twist at the end too. Overall 4.5*

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another nail-biting book in the Bailey Flynn series, Dangerous Midnight, will keep the reader on the edge of their seats. Bailey Flynn has a unique ability exploring crimes to expose corruption within the justice system while solving murders, extortions and tracking wanted criminals. Dangerous Midnight involves not only the local police officers, but also FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn and FBI resources to find the answers to solve their cases. Frequently, Bailey encounters extremely dangerous and life threatening situations.

Dangerous Midnight is fast paced with multiple twists and turns. An extremely good read.