Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book

WILL ANOTHER GIRL BE ADDED TO A KILLER’S DEADLY COLLECTION?

In this gripping second book in the Mercy Harbor Thriller series, a ruthless serial killer, who has evaded detection for over a decade, is once again preying on Willow Bay’s most vulnerable women.  Can the unlikely killer be stopped in time to save Girl Eight?

Eden Winthrop turns to Detective Nessa Ainsley for help after a vulnerable girl goes missing, and together they discover that a prolific serial killer lurks in the shadows of their small Florida town.

Determined to stop the remorseless killer before he takes his next victim, Eden realizes that to catch the killer, and to save the life of an innocent girl, she must be willing to put her own life in danger.

And as Leo Steele works to earn Eden’s trust and win her heart, his investigation into his mother’s death uncovers a series of abductions and murders that span more than a decade and reveals the horrifying truth that lies behind his own tragic past.

330 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2019

456 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

Melinda Woodhall

41 books179 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
365 (57%)
4 stars
214 (33%)
3 stars
46 (7%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
285 reviews49 followers
December 18, 2019
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library

First, I would like to thank BookSirens and the author for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Second, I have to warn readers of the potential triggers that you will find in this book. There is discussion of kidnapping, murder, violence, and drug use. This may be distressing for some readers.

Girl Eight is the second book in the Mercy Harbor Thriller series. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first novel, The River Girls. Although the author provides brief explanations about the events in the first novel, much of the character development occurred in The River Girls.

In this second installment, Melinda Woodhall has crafted yet another edge-of-your-seat thriller. I didn't know I was capable of reading so fast. As the twists and turns emerged, I found myself reading faster and faster. A young woman has gone missing, and it is clear from the beginning who has abducted her. His accomplice, however, is a mysterious figure. The abductor and the accomplice have been working together for a decade, kidnapping girls whose disappearances will not draw much attention, if any.

Eden, Leo, and the detectives from the first book work together to determine whether an abduction has actually occurred and who is responsible, and suddenly, the action builds with increasing intensity as the pieces fall into place. My heart was pounding, and I was stressed out when the characters were not privy to clues that the author provided to me, as the reader. This book was a quick read (though, admittedly, I may have been speed-reading) and I completed it in just a few intense hours.

Less attention was paid to character development in this book, so I could not form the same level of attachment to the characters as I did in the previous book. The characters are an amazing group, and I was disappointed that this book focused almost entirely on the investigation and the action rather than the characters and their relationships. Had this book portrayed the same level of care devoted to the characters, it would have easily earned a five-star rating. (It is important to note that had I not read the first book and established a love for the characters, I likely would have rated this book with three stars.)

Tomorrow I will be diving straight into the third book in the series, and I am highly anticipating the release of the fourth book in the next week! So far, this series is highly entertaining and I am fully invested in reading all of the installments!
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,708 followers
July 13, 2019
He's done it 7 times already ... now he's ready for Girl # 8. The room is all ready for another occupant .... and he has his eye on the next victim. He's been active for well over a decade, so he's not worried now about getting caught.

Eden Winthrop who runs Mercy House teams up with Detective Nessa Ainsley when one of the vulnerable girls staying at the refuge goes missing.

And while Eden is pursuing a serial killer, Leo Steele is investigating his mother's death. That is where Eden, Leo, and Nessa collide....

This is second in a riveting thriller and while easily read as a stand alone, I highly recommend start with the first book. The pace is fast, suspense is nigh, and characters are deftly drawn. This is an excellent followup to THE RIVER GIRLS.

Many thanks to the author / BookSirens for the digital copy of this crime fiction. This has been read and reviewed voluntarily. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,515 reviews219 followers
November 22, 2019
I first discovered Melinda Woodhall through Book Siren, when I read River Girls. I enjoyed the story and was happy to receive a copy of the second book, Girl Eight, for review.

Girl Eight delivered a page-turning story, suspenseful mystery that kept me guessing for most of the story.

In this installment, Eden and Nessa are recovering the events of the previous book. Meanwhile, Joe, Eden’s love interest is working assiduously to find his mother’s killer and clear his father’s name. At around the same a young girl who is a resident at Mercy House, a facility for vulnerable girls has mysteriously disappeared. Eden is determined to find the girl, but time is not on her side as a hurricane is approaching, which would make the search difficult.

It was fun reuniting with the characters from the previous book. The dynamics of Leo and Eden’s relationship has changed. They have grown closer. Eden has finally opened up to Leo about the tragic incident from her past. Her fighting spirit and her willingness to protect the vulnerable at risk to herself came to light once again.

Nessa was juggling personal and work issues. I admired her strength and determination and as the only female in the unit she had a lot to prove. She proved to be good at her job. She was smart, observant and intelligent.

The villain was evil to the core. Hiding in plain sight, he was not someone you would have suspected of anything nefarious. Therefore, you can imagine my surprise when his identity was revealed. I loved that parts of the story were told from his POV. He may appear smart, but his arrogance would prove to be his downfall.

I found the mystery riveting and complex. Danger lurked at every turn. At first, it appeared that Leo’s investigation and Eden’s search for the missing girl were separate, but as the events unfold, the link between the two cases became clear. The two cases came together seamlessly giving rise to a suspenseful and twisty ride. This was not an easy book to put down. Every chance I got I read/ listened to it.

Narration
Melinda Carey narrated once again. My listening experience proved to be better this time around. Her southern accent didn't sound forced like in the previous installment. The pacing and tone was good and she brought the characters to life.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Fans of mystery and suspense will want to pick up this series. The books are best read in order as the lives of the characters develop over each installment.
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,602 reviews53 followers
January 12, 2020
Mercy Harbor Thriller book #2

I discovered this author not too long ago with “River Girls” book #1 in this series I found it so riveting that I couldn’t pass reading the 2nd installment and now I confess that I have an eye on book #3.

Eden Winthrop and detective Nessa Ainsley are the main characters in this series. In this latest our two players are recovering from the tragic events that occurred in the previous book. Trying to keep the vulnerable residents at Mercy House safe is not an easy task, so when one of the girls goes missing they discover that a serial killer may be lurking in the shadows. Not giving a second thought and determined to stop him at any cost they go all out and right into danger. 7 girls have already gone missing and now presumed dead. Has the killer set his mind on Girl Eight? Seems so…..

“Girl Eight” is definitely a page-turner, very suspenseful and one that it is hard to figure who is really behind the murders/kidnappings. As Eden pursuits the killer Leo Steele, a recurring character, investigates his mother’s death… The cases collide and as the events unfold the link between the two cases becomes clear but before we go any further I am warning you…. we are giving a very twisty ride to follow. What a story.

As for the characterization, we have a multitude of secondary players: investigators, officers of the law, doctors, some good guys and some not so good, all are drawn with a skillful hand to push forward this thrilling mystery. This story is tightly written, is action packed and moves at a steady pace. I was so into this story I had the hardness of time putting this book aside. Saying more will spoil the enjoyment so I say no more.

As the character development progresses with each installment, I suggest reading this series in order. But if you start here, you will definitely want to read “River Girl”, the first novel…

I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Tish.
1,532 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2021
Wow! Wow! Wow! This one started like a rocket and didn't slow down at all. So many questions were answered and so many bad people finally getting what they deserved. So many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect from one page to the next.
1,051 reviews11 followers
November 15, 2019
Having read the first book in the series, although they can all be read as standalone novels, I was really looking forward to this one and was definitely not disappointed. The main character, Eden Winthorp, runs a charity house for women who have suffered abuse in their lives and it is named after her dead sister, Mercy Harbor. In this book , one of the women, who was on the road to recovery suddenly disappears after being hospitalized due to a supposed overdose. However Eden is not convinced especially after the blood tests show nothing abnormal. She has also spotted a doctor who volunteers at the home, but who initially denies being there.....so what is going on? There is a severe hurricane approaching town too adding to the pressure on the local police and their resources.
The story is well paced and a page turner, and rises to an exciting climax . Thanks to Book Sirens for the free copy to review.
12 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2019
Crazy good story. Twists and turns kept me guessing. Loved the ending. This is Book Two in a series. Loved the first but the second was even better. Hoping for a third!
721 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2019
Five stars.very good enjoy how the truth can set you free

I like how good people who wanted make.good.things happen and find.truth in.all.they found themselves and to bring and to justice! Very good enjoy it thank you for this great book!
Profile Image for M. Romero.
29 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
Really enjoyed this follow-up to The River Girls. All the great characters are back and dealing with more conniving criminals. Hope there's more to come for Eden and Nessa! Definitely recommend.
63 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2020
Firstly I would like to thank BookSirens for providing me with a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This is my second attempt at reading a Mercy Harbour novel by Melinda Woodhall. I recently read and reviewed the first book in the series The River Girls. I was not completely sold on the first book but was intrigued to see how one of the characters, Leo, would hopefully be developed further and his backstory be more fleshed out. This second novel did certainly involve a delving into Leo’s plot and the end provided answers and a sense of closure of the past events that had obviously affected Leo quite badly. However instead of concentrating on investigating the cold cases the storyline also involved a present day investigation. A girl had disappeared from the rehab centre run by Eden, the main character from the first novel. Eden just doesn’t do it for me, I constantly question her decisions and actions, she just doesn’t come across as believable for me. This novel was crammed full of amazing coincidences, everybody seemed to be linked. The chances that the cold cases all linked to the present day case was somewhat unbelievable. I again found the author’s writing style to be very easy to read and again I would have enjoyed more emphasis on the crime solving side of things, more depth to both Nessa and Simon’s investigations. Again there was a smattering of romance between Eden and Leo and even a hint at further possible romance between two other characters. I am not a massive fan of romance in thriller/crime novels, I like my storylines to be somewhat darker. Perhaps that was the problem for me with this novel, everyone was so perfect, beautiful inside and out, that just isn’t my thing. Please note that I definitely appear to be in the minority of not raving about these Mercy Harbour novels, everyone else seems to thoroughly enjoy them, so maybe I am too harsh a critic, but surely books along with music should always be totally down to personal opinion and this review is certainly only my opinion.
Profile Image for Tracy Wood.
1,266 reviews28 followers
August 22, 2019
After the horrific events which have, for far too long, torn Eden Winthrop's life apart she has finally had a peaceful few months working with victims of domestic violence in her Mercy Harbor Foundation and opening Hope House to help those trying to recover from substance abuse. Her friend, Detective Nessa Ainsley, has just returned to work after being injured in the line of duty and it's to her Eden turns when one of her new residents disappears without trace.

While Eden and Nessa are concerned about the missing girl, Leo Steele is finally on the trail of his mother's killer after clues were discovered linking her death to that of another woman and he is determined to finally clear his late father's name.  As discoveries in both cases reveal more that links them together he and Eden realise there is far more happening than either of them could have ever imagined and the danger is getting closer and far more personal.

This is another tightly written, action packed story which has all the main characters from the first book and moves the underlying story arc on in very a very satisfying way. The procedural aspects gel well with the less official investigation Leo and his team undertake and Eden shows far more of her strength  of character which I really enjoyed.

The main case was complex and intriguing with a deliciously evil antagonist who kept me guessing throughout. There are mini reveals which move the story along at breakneck speed while giving the reader insights which raise the tension with almost every page turn. I read late into the night needing to find out everything but also not wanting it to end as it was such an exciting read.

I received a copy of this book for free thanks to BookSiren and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who read the first book or enjoys a good thriller. There are spoilers however, so it's probably best to read these books in order. I can't wait to devour the next one.
Profile Image for Mary.
406 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2019
Someone has been killing young women in Willow Bay over the last few years, and new evidence has surfaced in the cases of Natalie Lorenzo and Helena Steele, two women that had been murdered earlier, that may tie them into a current serial killer case the Willow Bay police are working on.

At Mercy Harbor, Eden Winthrop has added drug treatment programs to her curriculum, wanting to expand the help available to vulnerable young women. Reggie Horn had been instrumental in helping with staffing, and towards that end, had brought in Dr. Bellows as a volunteer counselor for the young women in the drug treatment program. Kara Stanislaus, a participant in the program, had overdosed and was sent to the hospital, and then disappeared from the hospital in the middle of a hurricane.

Detective Nessa Ainsley is surprised that Kara had overdosed, and was stunned when she turned up missing, knowing that the young woman had been determined to complete the program and get back home to her family. The hurricane currently drenching Willow Bay leaves Nessa lost for backup, but she finds her former partner, Barker, and attorney Leo Steele, who wants desperately to clear his father’s name and find out who really killed his mother.

There are many twists and turns in this book, with a lot of police action and human drama and pain, and it just amazes me how dirty cops get protected better than the people they’ve sworn to protect. It’s a fascinating book that keeps you guessing up till the end.

My thanks to BookSirens and to the author and publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joanna.
327 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2019
I was given this as an ARC from Booksirens in trade for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Mercy Harbour series but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first book but I will be going back to read it, although it didn't stop me from understanding what was happening in this second book.

In this book, we meet Eden Winthrop, she's running Mercy House providing refuge to women in need following the death of her sister.

After Eden finds one of the vulnerable girls in her room apparently suffering a suspected overdose; she goes to see her in the hospital only to find the girl's missing. Eden knows there's something wrong so she turns to Detective Nessa Ainsley for help and together they start asking questions not knowing what's lurking in the shadows of their small Florida town.

Meanwhile, Leo Steele whilst working to earn Eden’s trust and win her heart, is also determined to find his mother's real killer and clear his father's name. But his investigation uncovers a series of abductions and murders that span more than a decade and reveals the horrifying truth.

I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down and I loved the twists that you don't see coming. It's fast paced with lots of suspense.

I'll definitely be going back to read the other books in the series.
1,251 reviews
September 9, 2019
This is the first Melinda Woodall book that I have read but I hope that it won't be the last.

I love a book that grips you from the first page and this one certainly does. Eden Winthrop runs Hope House, a rehabilitation unit where young people are encouraged to rebuild their lives.

Eden becomes increasingly worried when Kara, a young girl who appears to have conquered her demons is found unconscious after allegedly, according to Dr Belling, taking an overdose of Methadone. Eden doesn't buy into this theory, she has faith in Kara and when Kara disappears from the hospital without a trace, Eden requests help from her boyfriend, lawyer Leo Steel, and retired detective Pete Barker. As the story unfolds it becomes evident that the missing girl could be connected to seven murders that have happened over a decade, one of which is Leo's mother and that a ruthless killer is on the loose....could Kara become girl eight. Leo is hell bent on solving the mystery of his mother's killer and finding Kara alive.

I don't want to give any spoilers, I will just say that this story contains horrific murders, abductions, intrigue, twists and turns and gentle romance. I can honestly say that I didn't see the twist at the end coming. A thoroughly enjoyable book that I couldn't put down

I received an advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
January 18, 2022
Kara had conquered her demons with drug addiction only to be found unconscious from a drug overdose. After being admitted into the hospital she disappears. While others think Kara has disappeared to return to her addiction, Eden's gut feeling tells her different. She has faith in Kara and knows she wants to complete the program and return to her family.
Eden seeks help from her friends and discovers that the missing girl is related to other cases that expand over a decade including the death of her boyfriend's mother. Who is the serial killer?
The author spins a web of lies and deception with unexpected turn of events that will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing who the serial killer is.
Flawless characters. Excellent plot. Masterpiece.
Even though this is a standalone I do recommend reading The River Girls first.
I strongly recommend this series.
Thank you BookSirens for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,379 reviews30 followers
December 9, 2019
Girl Eight is the second book in the Mercy Harbor series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. It is fast paced with plenty of twists and turns. It seemed a little slow at first, but once I got into it, I was hooked. Looking forward to reading #3, Catch the Girl. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews102 followers
January 11, 2021
Willow Bay, Fl. Ace walked in the locked room turned on the light & woke Fiona Walsh up.
She was # 7.
Doc had called Ace & said girl # 8 would be delivered within the next few weeks.
One mistake & he’d end up in jail in Raiford.
Willow Bay Dairy farm. Ace picked up the shovel & refilled the hole.
Mercy Harbor Foundation addiction treatment facility. Eden Winthrop (administrator, acute anxiety D/O) went to

Kara Stanislaus’ (20+, drug-addict resident) room to remind her of the appointment with Dr. Adrian Bellows (therapist, group leader, retired USAF).
911. She had taken all of the bottle of Methadone.
She was given Naloxone but to no avail.
Reggie Horn (MHF director) was notified.
Willow Bay General Hospital ER. Eden followed the ambulance.
Leo Steele (son, Eden’s BF, defense lawyer,) handed Detective Pete Barker (widower, Willow Bay PD) & Detective Frankie Dawson (Willow Bay PD) he Natalie Lorenzo (drug-addict client) & Helena Steele case files.
5/2006, Willow Bay. Natalie was killed in the Old Canal Mote, & Helena Steele (mother, social worker) was killed 2-wks later in her own bed.
Room # 324. Kara had regained consciousness & had been moved.

Eden & Dr. Bellows (Hope House volunteer) came to check up on her.
Nurse Morgan was staring at an empty bed.
Leo went to speak with Dr. Bellows.
Officer Andy Ford (Willow Bay PD), Officer Fordham, & Officer Eddings had secured the area.
Detective Nessa Ainsley (WBPD), Detective Simon Jankowski (Nessa’s partner, divorced), Dr. Iris Nguyen (ME), Alma Garcia (Willow Bay PD Sr. CST), & Wesley Knox (Jr. forensic tech) had arrived at the crime scene.
Ace was eating Bay Subs & Grub & keeping an eye on Kara Stanislaus.
Penelope Yates (social worker) was later found with her throat slit.
Mayor Hadley had come to see Chief Douglas Kramer (Vinny’s bio-father, military dishonorably discharged).

Will the killer be found & brought to justice?

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written murder mystery book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters & facts to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Author; Creative Magnolia; ARC; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Jessie.
256 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2020
Wow! This book kept me on my toes and up late at night! I had to keep reading one more chapter to see what happened next in this book. This book was a little disturbing (since there are people in world like that), entertaining, and left me with a book hangover. Eden Winthrop and Detective Nessa Ainsley have their hands full in this book and with the help of Leo, Jankowski, Barker, and many others, they are able to save day and tie up loose ends. A few new faces make their appearance in this book as well as you get to know others a little bit more. Apart from this book being about a serial killer, you get the sense of community and family with the people in Eden and Nessa's circle. It adds to the small town charm of Willow Bay. Even though Eden is still a little fragile from the events that happened in the last book and the death of her sister, Mercy, she is still strong enough to seek justice for the women, who can't fight for themselves and their lives alone. I admire that about Eden and all those who work in Eden's profession. The twists and turns in this book threw me for a loop and by the end of the book, I was in shock. I figured the bad guy would get caught, but the evidence, the revelations, who the bad guy was, etc. it just blew my mind! I mean it was HIM! I don't want to give anything away or give any spoilers because this book is worth the read. This book set so much up for the next book (I hope at least) and I can't wait to dive right into that one with the potential for a couple new romances and possible plots for the next books. This book can be read as a standalone, but I love how its part of a series with each book leading up to the next. I recommend this book and this series for anyone who needs a good read to get caught up in.

I received an ARC copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.
Profile Image for Julianna Shields.
48 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2020
Girl Eight is the second installment of the Mercy Harbor Thriller series. A dairy barn has 8 stalls, only one that is empty. There is a serial killer loose in Willow Bay. A young woman goes missing from the Hope House, an addiction treatment facility. There is also a hurricane barreling down on the small Florida town. Can Eden and the authorities beat the storm and the killer before it is too late to save Kara?

In this second book in the series, we are reacquainted with some familiar characters from the first book as well as a few new ones. The story arc builds to a crescendo and then fades out slowly as loose ends are tied up. The story is a little slow in the beginning but quickly grabbed my attention. I found myself not wanting to put it down because I had to find out what happened next.

The impending storm gets stronger and stronger as the detectives are closing in on the killer, adding to the excitement and angst as the story moves along. I appreciated how the author used the storm to build suspense and then let it die out as the story gets close to the conclusion.

Parts of the story seemed a little far fetched to me and there was a lot of repetition, but it was still a page-turner. As I got to the end, I found myself looking forward to the next book in the series.

This book is recommended to those who like a good mystery with a lot of suspense and a hint of romance. If you will be triggered by violence or language, it might not be the book for you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,665 reviews340 followers
December 31, 2020
Eden is back along with Leo Steele and the pair have been spending a lot of time together since solving a murder and saving Eden's niece Hope. Now with the running of her newest center "Hope Centre" caring for addicts wanting to get clean as though Eden couldn't save the Stacey's, Jessica's, or Brandi's of the world - she can at least try and save others wanting to get clean like Kara. The book then jumps to Ace who has killed and buried seven girls so far and looking for an Eighth girl which is where Kara comes in. Working at the center is Doctor Bellows aka Doc and he gets the girls for Ace. He has been getting away with what he has been doing for years, but that's only because he has never quite met someone like Eden who is like a dog with a bone. The last time he did a long time ago, that person got killed along with a few others. In Girl Eight, we have two storylines - the current kidnapping of Kara and Leo and his associates trying to solve the cold cases of two deaths that were talked about in The River Girls - Book #1 including Helena Steele's - Leo's mother. Also, this new case is about to blow up for the local Mercy Harbor Police as corruption and dirty cops come rising to the surface. I am looking forward to reading the later books in this series as I want to find out what happened to Pat Barker's daughter Taylor who he hasn't heard a peep out of for the past three years since his wife passed. If you are looking for a new female mystery author to sink your teeth into, then check out Melinda Woodhall and her Mercy Harbor Series.
351 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2023
Girl Eight is the second book in the Mercy Harbor Series written by Melinda Woodhall. It can be read as a standalone book but having previously read the first one I recognized some connections between the two. There are a few characters that carry over from one book to the next but each book contains a different case.

So far each of Woodhall's series seem to contain some overlapping characters that you have met in previous series but now focus on a different character while still involving earlier characters. If you read them in order you become acquainted with them and see more of their development. I discovered them several series late so have found myself somehow reading the latest series before the beginning. Once I discovered that I went back to the beginning and am reading toward the later ones so I can certainly attest to the standalone readability of each book.

I have grown quite fond of the characters in these series and enjoy seeing them pop up in the books. It is fun reading them with another character taking point in the story. Girl Eight while having characters I enjoy also threw some surprises at me. There were a couple of 'I didn't see that coming moments'. It was a definite page turner. When I thought I knew where the story was going I would discover I didn't know after all. I was absolutely floored at the conclusion. I am absolutely going to read the next in the series as well as the rest of them that I have yet to read.

I was fortunate to have received a review copy of this book. This is my honest opinion given voluntarily.
Profile Image for Natasha.
414 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2020
This is the second book of the series and can be read as a stand-alone. That said, I recommend this book be read after The River Girls. There are references to the previous storyline, that are spoilers if you haven’t read the first book yet and the backgrounds of the characters were well developed in the first novel.

The story picks up shortly after the River Girls. We again meet all of the characters from the last novel, and a couple of new characters. Eden is better at managing her anxiety in this book and is moving forward. We also learn more about the other characters.

This is a relatively fast paced book with twists and turns as we unravel the clues to the killer. Whilst we think we know who the murderer is, there may be still a surprise by the end. Eden is the first to suspect that something is wrong, however this book is more an ensemble/team sleuth story. “Girl Eight” seems to centre and better cement Willow Bay’s own adult version of the Scooby gang. I look forward to the next book in the series and see the progress of this team working together on the next murder case. Melinda Woodhall writes a thrilling police procedural murder mystery.

Thank you to Melinda Woodhall and BookSirens for the copy of the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing the ARC and all opinions are honest and my own.
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,575 reviews21 followers
April 25, 2021
Mercy Harbor book two Girl Eight is absolutely excellent. I am big fan of this author having first found her when I read the Veronica Lee series.

This series starts off with a fast paced page-turner turner that kept me deeply engaged.

Eden Winthrop and detective Nessa Ainsley are very well developed and intriguing characters. I love the dynamics and the slowly formed trust these women develop as they become determined to solve the tragic murders in a normally a quit peaceful community.

I can't say enough about Girl Eight this is a fantastic page-turner, very suspenseful and it kept me guessing about who was behind the murders/kidnappings.

As Eden pursuits the killer Leo Steele, a recurring character that is both a complication and a comfort to Eden through a long-standing past that is fraught with it's own tension and dynamics tries to help as the cases seem to somehow tie to his own mother’s death.

This book is well written, action packed and moves at a steady pace. Definitely a great series and I will soon begin Catch the Girls. The next book in the series.

I feel many of the books can be stand alone but I highly recommend reading the books in order otherwise you miss crucial character developments that really lend to the overall storyline and story Arc.

I loved the narrator truly well done!
Profile Image for Stephanie (the nerdy princess).
592 reviews41 followers
July 17, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in an exchange for an honest review.

I first discovered Melinda Woodhall through Book Siren, when I read River Girls. I enjoyed the story and was happy to receive a copy of the second book, Girl Eight, for review.

Ms. Woodall delivers a page-turning story, super suspenseful, and a great mystery that will keep you guessing for most of the story.


A young woman has gone missing, and it is clear from the beginning who has abducted her but who is helping is the real question. The abductor and the accomplice have been working together for a decade, kidnapping girls whose disappearances will not draw much attention.

At Mercy Harbor, Eden Winthrop has added drug treatment programs to her curriculum, wanting to expand the help available to vulnerable young women. After Eden finds one of the vulnerable girls in her room apparently suffering a suspected overdose; she goes to see her in the hospital only to find the girl's missing. Eden knows there's something wrong so she turns to Detective Nessa Ainsley for help.

Leo Steele whilst working to earn Eden’s trust and win her heart, is also determined to find his mother's real killer and clear his father's name.
Profile Image for Barbie.
128 reviews
April 3, 2021
Suspenseful mystery. This is a stand alone, but it draws heavily on the previous book. The characters' emotional distress connects to past tragedies. I like the variety of personalities and how their flaws are not shown as weaknesses but provide opportunities for growth. As the mystery unfolds, the reader is privy to background details of the criminals, but not all is revealed until the surprise identity of the main culprit at the end. While the details of the mystery are discovered, the searching characters also realize things about themselves and their relationships. The epilogue points the characters toward the possibility of a future story. I would like to follow these characters into a future story to see what happens next for them. I enjoyed the interesting plot and characters. There are some disturbing crimes and gory scenes, but I feel like they fit in this story. I noticed editing errors throughout the text, mostly placement or omitted words. These errors do not negatively affect the storytelling, but prevent the polished feel of a well edited text. Thanks to the author for a complimentary advance copy of this title through Book Sirens. I will definitely read other titles from this author.
Profile Image for David (on hiatus).
119 reviews23 followers
December 21, 2021
This is the second book in Melinda Woodhall's excellent (so far) Mercy Harbor Series. You don't have to read the first one to read this one, plot wise, but I highly recommend it as there is character growth between the two books.

All the characters from the first book are back but while the first one concentrated on Eden Winthrop, this one mainly features Leo Steele and his drive to find the truth, "I want the truth!" on who murdered his mother. His tale intertwines with Eden's drive to find a girl who has gone missing....... And into the lair of a serial killer.

And what follows is another excellent book by Melinda Woodhall. It is excellently paced with a evil character who is truly evil and scary. I also loved the growth of Eden Winthrop and how far she has come with overcoming her PTSD and anxiety from the first book. I love it when characters grow from book to book.

If I were to nitpick anything it would be that some of the dialogue wasn't as sharp and flowing as the first book. It was only apparent in a few spots but the excellent story made up for it.

In short, another excellent addition to the Mercy Harbor Series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Andrew.
716 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2023
In book 2 in this series Eden seeks to find a girl who has gone missing but it looks as though a serial killer is preying on her and others. Can Eden with the assistance of her friends come to her rescue before it is too late?

Like with book 1 in the series I felt this book took a while to get going but once it had I was totally hooked and didn’t want to put this book down. Eden is a strong central character, who you buy totally into, and in this book she is supported by a strong secondary group of characters. I feel it is these people that make this series. It has quickly become a favourite of mine.

As the story progresses good tension is built up in the story, and there are a good few surprises and twists that occur as the story unfolds. Melinda does a good job of building this tension and the closing scenes of the book leads to a number of people finding themselves at great risk, none more so than Eden. The question is can she save Girl Eight and stop the killer, and will she survive her attempt to do so.

I would strongly recommend this book, the series and based on this, the author. I can’t wait to get to book 3 in this series. A five star series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Eadie Burke.
1,982 reviews16 followers
November 25, 2023
WILL ANOTHER GIRL BE ADDED TO A KILLER’S DEADLY COLLECTION? In this gripping second book in the Mercy Harbor Thriller series , a ruthless serial killer, who has evaded detection for over a decade, is once again preying on Willow Bay’s most vulnerable women. Can the unlikely killer be stopped in time to save Girl Eight? Eden Winthrop turns to Detective Nessa Ainsley for help after a vulnerable girl goes missing, and together they discover that a prolific serial killer lurks in the shadows of their small Florida town. Determined to stop the remorseless killer before he takes his next victim, Eden realizes that to catch the killer, and to save the life of an innocent girl, she must be willing to put her own life in danger. And as Leo Steele works to earn Eden’s trust and win her heart, his investigation into his mother’s death uncovers a series of abductions and murders that span more than a decade and reveals the horrifying truth that lies behind his own tragic past. The characters in this book are the same as the first book. It’s a fascinating book that keeps you guessing until the very end. Many twists and turns that keep the police action moving. If you like action packed books then you will love this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Seefeldt.
30 reviews
July 24, 2019
Who will be Girl Eight and what is going to happen to her?

This is the second book in The Mercy Harbor series and I did not have the pleasure of reading the first book. In this book, Eden turns to her friend Nessa Ainsley to help her find a resident of Hope House who appears to have gone missing. They find their path crosses with Leo Steele as he searches for his mother's killer to clear his father's name.

As an advanced reader copy from Book Sirens, I found this book to grab my attention from the beginning with a lot of action between two story lines until they finally intersect to one common goal. It might have been an easier read if I had read the first in the series with many references to prior events that are not fully explained, although, this did not detract from enjoying the story lines on their own.

This is a book I recommend and will be looking to read more in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Edi.
579 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2019
I am rounding up a solid 3.5 to 4 stars. In order to have a full understanding of these characters it would be best to read the first book. The characters would seem shallow without prior knowledge of their back story and history together. It is a fast paced book and hard to put down once you get into the story. There are a few twists and turns but I don't believe that the question of the crime motivation was addressed fully. I was a little disappointed in the extremely unlikely event of a helicopter being used in a hurricane. But, remember, it's fiction! Not as spell binding or unpredictable as book one but it is a good read.

I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review. Thanks to the author,publisher,and Book Sirens for the advanced copy.

The opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.