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Bree Taggert #6

Lie To Her

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Lies from the heart lead to a dangerously intimate case for Sheriff Bree Taggert in Melinda Leigh’s novel of revenge and fatal deceptions.

When a digital marketer is found murdered in his backyard—hands bound and face smothered by plastic wrap—Sheriff Bree Taggert and criminal investigator Matt Flynn respond to the call. Their investigation focuses on the man’s dating-app profile and the word liar carved into his forehead.

One day later, the killer strikes again.

Both victims are players in the internet dating scene. In their wake, they leave a trail of hurt—and angry—women. But Bree and Matt aren’t convinced the motive is as simple as it appears. Everyone they interview seems to be lying or hiding something.

As the list of suspects grows, the killer’s rage escalates, and he leaves a personal and deadly warning for Bree. They must act fast. Because someone Bree loves is targeted as the next to die.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2023

4805 people are currently reading
8188 people want to read

About the author

Melinda Leigh

50 books21.9k followers
#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.

WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 823 reviews
Profile Image for PamG.
1,312 reviews1,051 followers
June 11, 2024
Lie to Her by Melinda Leigh is the sixth book in the Bree Taggert romantic suspense/police procedural series. Bree has been sheriff in her home county in upstate New York for almost a year. The book is set in fictional Grey’s Hollow in Randolph County. Sheriff Bree Taggert and criminal investigator Matt Flynn respond to a call when a man is found murdered in his backyard with his hands and feet bound and plastic wrap around his face. Soon, the killer strikes again. Both victims use internet dating sites and have left behind a string of angry and hurt women. Every interviewee seems to be lying or hiding something or refusing to talk.

Bree is smart, skilled, honorable, and determined. She joined law enforcement to help people and that is what she intends to do. She has trouble delegating at times because it’s out of her control. She is also relentless, patient, and ruthlessly polite in political showdowns with the city commissioners. Bree shows a lot of growth in this story and her character was more dynamic. Matt is a former sheriff’s deputy injured in the line of duty. He was going to start a K-9 training program, but his sister Cady is using the kennels for rescued dogs. Matt is a great investigator and loves dogs, including his retired K-9, Brody. Cady has common sense, teaches kickboxing and self-defense classes, and has good people skills. Her role is reduced in this novel, but Chief Deputy Todd Harvey gets a larger role. His self-confidence is building.
The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some very tense scenes. The first chapter is from the killer’s perspective and is chilling. It pulled me into the tale quickly and kept me rapidly turning the pages all the way to its shocking conclusion. There are occasional other chapters from this antagonist’s perspective. Besides the investigation, readers get insight into Bree’s family dynamics and how that is changing. The author has weaved another installment involving family, relationships, balancing work and family, a slow-burn romance, murder, lies, trust, jealousy, betrayal, and much more.

Overall, this book has twists, tension, violence, and relatable main characters. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, suspense, crime, action, and eventually some romance, then this is a series that I recommend. Besides this one, I’ve read the five other books and the prequel in the series. I plan to read books seven and eight this month and am looking forward to reading book nine which will be published in early July.

I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date January 17, 2023.

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My 4.36 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,606 reviews1,335 followers
April 30, 2023
the setup…
Sheriff Bree Taggert and investigator Matt Flynn are called to a strange crime scene where the victim was bound and smothered with his face plastic wrapped and carved with one word. He was also a reptile collector, making the scene dangerous for law enforcement as well. The closest clue to a suspect was his robust activity on a dating app. As they’re pursuing that angle, another victim is discovered the next day in an almost identical manner, this time with a different word carved on his forehead. As they close in on a suspect, Bree receives a strange warning, causing her to wonder if she’s on the right track.

the heart of the story…
I am a fan of misdirection and there’s a lot of that here. But first I had to get around the snakes. My fear of them is beyond description so I had to claw through my own repulsion to stay focused (just a heads up!). We get the killer’s point of view early on and I’ve learned to pay close attention to subtle clues and doing that paid off, somewhat. That killer is clever and therein lies the misdirection at times.

the narration…
I’m still loving Traister’s storytelling skills and how she creates character distinctions. I’ll always opt to listen to this series.

the bottom line…
This was a gnarly, cleverly designed mystery that kept me thinking throughout. Bree and her family continue to bond and grow stronger, even including Matt as part of that unit, along with their menagerie of pets. The danger was a bit close to home this time, heightening the tension dramatically. I’m enjoying the balance between the character development, mystery, romance and excitement, all woven together to create a pretty compelling listening experience. 4.5 stars

(Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,307 reviews3,478 followers
January 19, 2023
Now that’s a fast paced read!

I haven’t read all the books in this series but I can tell you this: you can pick up any book and enjoy it as a standalone.

Cos the characters are really dynamic; the plot is thick and twisted; also check out for the subtle romance!

I like the writing so much. The first few pages starts like we are in the midst of a very fast paced thriller. And that’s what impressed me.

This perfect rating is for the absence of any slow part (which is very important for me to enjoy a suspense/thriller).

I love this book more as it sticks to the blurb and the blurb is exactly what you get for the plot.

But I say all the fun is in trying to save the character you care about while reading a book in which someone is trying to kill them!

Thank you, Montlake, for the advance reading copy.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,985 reviews98 followers
April 26, 2023
Spencer LaForge was found dead in his home. His hands and feet were bound. His head was wrapped in plastic wrap. The word "Liar" was carved in his forehead. Sheriff Bree Taggert and Investigator Matt Flynn focus their investigation on Spencer's dating app. He was a serial dater who left a long line of scorned women behind. When a second body is found the next day, the victim's head also wrapped in plastic; Bree and Matt go in search of a serial killer.

I enjoyed this addition to the Bree Taggert series. The author ramped up the tension in this investigation with the inclusion of rattlesnakes at the crime scenes. I hate snakes. I was on the edge of my seat every time Bree and Matt entered a room, wondering what they would find.

There were only a few suspects in this mystery. Early in the story, I zeroed in on one person who I thought was the killer, but changed my mind as the investigation went on. Though parts of the mystery were predictable, I enjoyed this story overall. My rating: 4.5 Stars.


Profile Image for Brooke (B for Books).
846 reviews32 followers
January 6, 2026
Snakes! Why'd it have to be snakes!?

Once again, Bree's criminal investigation gets intertwined with her personal life. Recurring and constant push and pull between resilient/confident cop on duty, vs. her the more vulnerable and domestic aspects of her self. Love that the ongoing themes tie all these books together.

A repeat murder and potential serial killer was profiling women on online dating apps. The suspect interviews are precise and filled enough just criminal law details to give context, and never preachy. There continues to be great representation of how animals communicate. We've added new animals to the mix this time!

Bree and Matt adopt a horse for their farm in upstate New York to help her late sister Erin's children and their recovery. Horses are so therapeutic so I loved how the how family including Bree's brother Adam joins together and they let the kids choose the name "Beast" for their new giant horse. And of course, the dogs continue to have an awesome role investigating criminal activity in the field, as well as offering fun silly companionship at home.

As the murder investigation continues, it also turns into a case of animal cruelty. Yes, someone involved in the homicide was buying, selling, and hoarding illegal reptiles including some very poisonous and dangerous snakes. And the snakes end up have a huge role. There was a good amount of humor, and Bree and Matt's romance continues to grow at a steady pace.
Profile Image for Anne.
299 reviews98 followers
January 22, 2023
I’ve read all of Melinda Leigh’s books, so I guess it was about time to hit upon one that didn’t work for me.
2.5 rounded up.

What didn’t work:
• 98% Predictable
• 2% for the convenient twist
• Bree & Matt lost their chemistry
• WAYYYY to much explaining to the reader what’s going on which lead to a ton of repetition
• SNAKES 🐍


BREE LOST HER BADASSERY.
She constantly questioned everything she was doing. I miss her being BRAVE and strong. It’s like she second guessed herself for the whole ride.

I’m cool with not having to believe in everything and se OTT events, but it’s a small town. Dating pool is tiny but ALL the gorgeous people use the same dating app? 🤷🏻‍♀️


What does work:
Easy to read story
Likable characters
Horses 🐎
ML knows how to write suspense and action scenes (which is left mostly to the end this time)
Popcorn 🍿 Thriller/Honda Civic Reliable (@Pink)

I see two new Bree books in the queue within the next year. Hoping it all comes together again. Melina Leigh was the reason I got KU in the first place. Her Morgan Dane series is still my favorite.
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,676 reviews1,689 followers
December 28, 2022
Bree Taggert #6

When a digital marketer is found murdered in his backyard - hands bound and face smothered by plastic wrap - Sheriff Bree Taggert and Criminal Investigator Matt Flynn respond to the call. The investigation focuses on the man's dating-app profile and the word liar carved into his forehead. The killer strikes again. Both victims are players in an internet dating scene. In their wake, they leave a trail of hurt and angry women. But Bree and Matt aren't convinced the motive isn't as simple as it appears.

I haven't read any of the other books in this series. Bree and Matt are called to the scene of a murder. Within twenty-four hours, they are investigating another murder with similarities. This story if filled with suspense, red herrings and its action packed. Bree is one tough lady. There's a lot going on in this story. I was guessing all the way to the end. I liked the authors writing style. This book can be read as a standalone.

I would like to thank #NetGallay #Montlake and the author #MelindaLeigh for my ARC of #LieToHer in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS).
1,906 reviews329 followers
July 18, 2022
Effective 10-26-21: Melinda Leigh's Lie To Her, a story that will be published in 2023, is still being written at this time! Ms. Leigh told me in an email that "the manuscript won't even be finished for several more months". And yet there are 620+ readers on Goodreads who have rated the story and 2 who actually wrote a brief review! Sadly, the story is currently rated at 3.69. Unbelievable.

~~~~~
It goes without saying, I enjoy Bree Taggert and all the secondary characters necessary in her life. When an arc was finally released in July, 2022, I jumped on it. If I could mention one thing, if you considered reading this book, please ignore the premature ratings.

The story opened with a somewhat different premise than her earlier stories. I won't give it away, but it caused me to think outside of the box and I am glad I did. I guessed the 'baddie' soon upon introduction, but it did not ruin the suspense. Ms. Leigh wrote the plot with plenty of twists and when Bree, Matt and Todd were doing their jobs, I felt I was alongside of them.

I also loved reading more about Dana, Kayla, Luke, Adam, the dogs, horses and cats. Yes, you read it right: the dogs, horses and cats. They added a homey touch to the story. Like Dead Against Her, I read from cover to cover in less than 36 hours.

Keep Ms. Taggert's stories coming, Ms. Leigh!

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Anita.
2,660 reviews223 followers
January 17, 2023
This is a wonderful series and I love seeing how Bree has built a new life from the rubble of her past. These are stories of mystery, for sure, but also of the resilience of the human spirit and how the love of family and friends can indeed heal all wounds.

Sheriff Bree Taggert is facing Christmas and soon after the first anniversary of her sister's death. She feels the loss every day and knows that her niece and nephew do too. She has done everything possible to repair the damage that their mother's death has brought, but is it enough? Is she enough?

Now Bree must shift focus and concentrate on murder. The body of a digital marketer is found in his backyard by his date. It soon becomes known that the handsome man was a player and serial internet dater, never staying with one woman for long. Motive for murder or just the actions of a douchebag?

Then another body is discovered. Same MO and the same dating practices. Someone is venting their rage on these men and Bree and Matt have to decide who is lying and discover the true motive behind the murders.

My thanks to Montlake, Publisher, and Melinda Leigh, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,629 reviews378 followers
May 30, 2024
Lie to Her was another fantastic addition to the Bree Taggert series with a case centered around online dating.

After a digital marketer is found murdered in his backyard, Sheriff Bree Taggert and criminal investigator Matt Flynn begin their investigation by looking into the man's life. When another man is killed the next day, Bree and her team race to find the link between the victims in the hopes it will lead to the killer. Knowing the motive may not be easy to uncover, Bree turns her focus to the men's dating histories after it is discovered they were both heavy users of dating apps. But with a trail of hurt women, the suspect list continues to grow. And when the killer escalates by leaving a personal warning for Bree, the team must act fast before someone Bree loves becomes the next victim.

Lie to Her opens with the first victim's murder and I found myself intrigued, wanting to know why the killer targeted the man. It was clear the killer had heavily researched his victim so I was curious how they would end up being connected to him. The investigation picks up pretty quickly after the murder although there isn't a lot for Bree and her team to go on. With the second victim turning up so quickly after the first, it's clear the killer has a plan. I liked the urgency the second victim created as that helped with the pacing of the story. The dating app angle opened up some interesting avenues of investigation which I enjoyed watching the team explore. The ending was very well done with the perfect mix of suspense and twists to keep you guessing on how everything would turn out.

Bree continues to be a great main character and I enjoy watching her work. Her skills have come a long way since the first book and I like that she now has a solid team backing her up. She is still dealing with some lingering issues that come with being a woman in charge but I like how she handles those. Her relationship with Matt continues to be fantastic and I love how solid things are between them. There was a scene where the two go buy a couple horses that was incredibly sweet and I like that Bree has come far enough she can let herself enjoy little moments like those.

Overall Lie to Her was an excellent read and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the series, Catch Her Death, soon.

**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Trisha.
316 reviews127 followers
September 13, 2022
I love the Bree Taggert series and this was another welcoming addition. Serial killer on the loose killing men who use dating apps to 'use' women - yesssss! I mean, wow! Melinda Leigh is constantly elevating her crime game and this time she has dedicated chapters from the POV of the killer. Great storytelling, well-written characters and the addition of Bree-Matt’s relationship and family situation makes the book even more comforting and warm in the midst of all the murders. I’m sold!

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: January 17th, 2023.

3.75/5🌟.

TW Gory murder details, serial killing, traumatic flashbacks from the past including details of homicide.
Profile Image for Diana.
254 reviews69 followers
July 25, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up … because I love this series.
Trigger warning: snakes … they always scare the heck out of me! LOL
Off to a slow start for me. It took almost halfway. I did enjoy the horses. Especially Matt’s new ‘Beast’. Love and family dynamics were packed in making it a welcome addition to the series.
Shout out to the publisher and NetGalley for the book!
Profile Image for Obsidian.
3,240 reviews1,143 followers
July 11, 2022
Please note I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.

So this was a fantastic read in the Bree Taggert series. Maybe because this is the first one where Leigh decided to have us follow the murderer the way we did. I was honestly surprised by the reveal of who it was too (which I always love) and loved the back and forth chapters following Bree and Matt via third person point of view to the first person point of the view of the murderer. It also had me kind of going well they sucked with the victims, but you feel some pity for the people they left behind. I loved that this one took on the world of online dating (did that, have the t-shirt, it's bad out there) and how love can quickly turn to hate. I gave this a very enthusiastic 5 stars.

"Lie to Her" takes place several months after the events in the last book. Bree has come out in public that she is dating Matt. She's trying to deal with the fact that her niece and nephew are going to experience their first Christmas without their mother. She's worried about them and wants to spend some more time with them, but of course murder calls. Bree is called to a scene where a man is found with his head wrapped in plastic with his hands and legs tied. An investigation into the man's past shows he could have made some of the women he dated angry (he was a three date max person) or it could have been his slightly estranged brother. But when another man is found dead a day or so later, it appears that Bree and Matt may be dealing with a serial killer. 

So per usual the main mystery/murder is our focus. We get a few "I love yous" between Bree and Matt. But honestly, is anyone else getting any heat here? We do get a fade to black sex scene, but it just feels a bit like their relationship is not the main draw to things at all. I mean if you are going to do romantic suspense, I would just like to see more of the 'romance' if possible. And I hate that we hear things as a reader that they have discussed. For example, it's brought up they discussed that there would be no displays of affection between them at work. Reasonable right? But I would have liked a scene with them even discussing that. I sometimes forget they are a couple except when Matt frets about their lack of time with Bree. At the end though it seems like their relationship is moving into a new direction, so we will see.

The relationship between Todd and Cady which was welcomed, I felt a bit letdown about. We don't get to really see them together outside of a quick scene. Am I asking too much? Do I just want hot and heavy sex scenes? I don't know.

The main mystery though of who is killing these men who are just kind of awful with regards to how they treat other women though was great. I was very curious on how Leigh would wrap this up and I enjoyed the ride. I did not enjoy the snakes though. Yeah if you have a snake phobia, you may want to skip this one.

The writing/dialogue was great and I really loved the flow of this book. 

The setting of this one always has me intrigued. I love that this book takes place in the same time/place as Scarlet Falls and the Morgan Dane series. I think I just like books more when they link up to other series that the author writes. You get to see older characters pop up which is always nice. You don't get a pop up in this one like the last book though. 

The ending left things on a hopeful note for the entire Taggert clan as well as Matt and his family too. 
Profile Image for Foxy Vixen.
320 reviews11 followers
August 15, 2025
Well, Bree and Matt are out solving crimes again. The bodies are piling up faster than they can count them!
My advise I take away from this is, stay away from dating apps and rattlesnakes. Much prefer the BEAST!
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,385 reviews899 followers
January 17, 2023
I was first introduced to this character in the Widow’s Island series and I was instantly taken with her. Bree’s background is troubled and she’s a complicated heroine that’s tough as nails but with a heart that’s learning how to expand and open itself up to so much more. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a shorter story such as the ones previously. I was thrilled to find out that this was a much deeper story with a strong mystery and a variety of characters that may or may not be the “bad guy”.


https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/40139752_2011145248929646_3726509734216335360_o-1024x768.jpg


This was a fast paced read that never slowed down. The romance skirts just at the edges of everything else that is happening and I love those snippets so much. Bree’s family has wormed its way into my heart and the mystery kept me guessing. I appreciated that once the author revealed who the villain was, the story didn’t quickly wrap up. There was so much more going on and I was on the edge of my seat through it all.

Mostly heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books402 followers
January 20, 2023
As Christmas nears and Bree is worried how her nephew and niece are going to deal with their first holiday without their parents, she and Matt get the call to a new weird murder scene and it looks like a ‘woman scorned’ might be a lethal if old adage. Melinda Leigh is a gifted romantic suspense author who continues to deliver each and every new release.

Lie to her is the sixth of the Bree Taggert romantic suspense series. The relationships between Bree and Matt and their extended family and friends makes this a good series to read in order even if each book presents a new and twisting murder mystery to solve.

Blending home life and new career where Bree has moved from being a big city cop to a country small town sheriff to care for her murdered sister’s children on their home farm and striking up a relationship with Matt, a former K-9 Sheriff’s deputy turned sheriff’s department contracted investigator, Bree and Matt along with Todd and the rest of the department are confronted with a baffling crime and a clever well-planned killer.

The reader knows a little more than the investigating team because the opening chapter and a few along the way are from the killer’s point of view. For instance, the victim in the first chapter is a guy who lies to the women he dates through a dating app about his job and pretends to want a relationship only to get into the women’s panties before he ‘catch and releases’ to keep playing the field. He meets a gruesome end from someone set on revenge. Bree and Matt work out that the guy being a player is a strong motive, but then so is expensive illegal reptiles that are found to be involved.

This time, the case gets close to home for Bree and she needs to solve the case to save someone close to her because the killer has decided to kill two birds with one stone when revenge against a list of certain people includes payback to a sheriff who is getting too close to the truth.

I enjoy how these stories blend a good personal story for Bree and Matt including their relationship and time with the family along with a smart police procedural murder mystery. The series is connected to earlier Scarlett Falls and Morgan Dane series, but can be read alone featuring a gutsy, but smart woman cop and her dedicated, respectful and equally smart partner who also happens to be her love interest. Romantic suspense fans really need to slip this book/series onto their stacks.

I rec'd an eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Jan 18th.

Buddy Read with Anne at Books of My Heart
Profile Image for Natasha Niezgoda.
936 reviews244 followers
August 31, 2023
3.75 rounded up ⭐️

First and foremost, I adore this series! This installment was just a littttttttle disjointed. It’s getting a little “murder, she wrote-y” with all the murders always posing a threat on Bree and her family.
Profile Image for Bridget.
2,789 reviews132 followers
January 28, 2023
Lie to Her is the 6th book in a series by Melinda Leigh, an author I simply adore. Bree Taggert is Sheriff of Randolph County, New York. The plot, as always, is a great suspenseful mystery that keeps me guessing till the end. As with Melinda Leigh's other novels, this one offers a complete package - a complex storyline, characters' backstories, and a wonderful writing style that is straightforward and easy to read. I really enjoy slipping within the pages of her books and getting behind a tough, but intelligent main player like Bree Taggert. This novel was a fantastic, solid mystery and I continued to warm to both Bree and Matt. It was well-told and it had me glued to the pages as I was desperate to know the outcome of the story. With some misdirection the compelling plot was brilliantly executed, the well-defined characters and underlying currents being the main highlights, all building up to a suspenseful ending. I love a good murder mystery with a hint of romance, and this one definitely didn't let me down. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Montlake Romance via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Beccabeccabooks.
933 reviews33 followers
February 3, 2023
Whoa. The sixth installment of the Bree Taggert series has suddenly turned up a notch!! If the killer's point of view isn't enough to pull you in, the obscure calling card will. There's nothing more dangerous than a few loose rattlesnakes to get your heart racing, right?

Ugh. Someone is stalking then suffocating those players who misuse dating apps. Before they go for the kill, the victims are stunned, gagged and bound with cable ties. What really turns my stomach is after their heads are secure in a cling wrap cocoon, the murderer carves a message into their forehead. Gross, huh?

This person is clever though. By methodically staying one step ahead of the police, it's near impossible to be caught out.

How do you catch a smart serial killer?

By being smarter of course.

As usual, Melinda's writing captivated me from the beginning. Aside from the grittiness, there's plenty of wholesome content to warm your heart such as family time on Bree's farm. There's a tinge of sadness due to the first Christmas without Erin (Bree's sister) but everyone is adapting and has mended fragile relationships. It's a real joy to see how far Bree, Adam, Jake and Kayla have come in their soulful journey one year on!

Two more books are in the works and I can't be more excited!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,516 reviews159 followers
August 17, 2023
Lie to Her
4 Stars

Sheriff Bree Taggert and criminal investigator, Matt Flynn, respond to the death of a man in an apparent home invasion. However, evidence quickly suggests that his murder was related to his use of a dating app. When another man is murdered in a similar way, Bree and her team are forced to admit that they may have a serial killer on their hands, a killer whose most recent target hits too close to home.

***Trigger Warning***
There are numerous references to snakes in this book.

The who-dun-it style mystery is well-plotted, and Leigh skillfully evokes the reader's empathy and sympathy for the victims despite their objectionable behavior. There is also some excellent misdirection although it is possible to figure out the killer's identity if one is paying attention.

Bree and Matt's personal relationship takes a back seat, but there are several delightful moments with their families and friends. It is wonderful to see them all coming together into one cohesive group.

In sum, this definitely the best installment in the series so far. I look forward to the next book, which releases in September.
Profile Image for Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey).
1,528 reviews483 followers
January 20, 2023
This was a good read. Bonus, I didn’t guess the killer until it was given as a choice. That’s a good thing.

Unfortunately, that’s where the good stops. Now for the bad.

SPOILERS AHEAD

For me as a reader (this personal to me), if a book is grounded in reality, the plot, cast of characters, setting all need to be plausible to whatever reality the author has chosen.

So here I am listening to a story about a small town where one character talks about how small the dating pool is (makes sense), but the crime is about beautiful people dating each other in this small town/county.

One really stunningly beautiful woman per Matt (but of course Bree is better) finds, not one, not two, not three, not four, but five handsome guys to date where another character complained about how small the dating pool is.

Then another gorgeous woman model finds work modeling all the time in this small town to sustain her life.

And all these gorgeous people in this small town use an app to date. Really, lol.

Then there is the typical black character in this case a woman described as having short close crop hair. Why is it that white authors always feel the need to describe black women with short crop hair or braids. I’ve never met a black woman with short crop hair and I don’t live in a small town. It’s not the average hair style for a black woman. Not even real Tv stars, celebrities or musicians look like that on average. So why???

And it’s been a year and six books filled with murder in a small town. Isn’t it time to move?

But what really pissed me off was Bree. She’s a selfish lover/girlfriend. Matt is in the hospital and she leaves why? Adam wasn’t hurt and didn’t need her. The kids would understand if she stayed. Hell, she could have left in the morning like she always does if she stays at Matt’s. But she left. Then in the morning did she check on Matt’s condition? Nope. Last we heard, they slowed the progression of the venom not eradicated it. So she checks on Adam and not Matt and eats pancakes. Then after, she goes to the hospital right? Nope. She goes into work without checking on Matt.

And what does Matt do when he miraculously shows up later, after complaining about her not spending more time with him unless it’s work? He decides to include the kids with their vacation plans. I have kids. I go places with out them. But fine. He’s a nice guy, but she’s not worth it. I’m shipping Matt with Farrah.

Will I read the next one? Probably because it will be a year and I would have forgotten this until after I’ve bought the next audiobook and started to listen. But if Bree doesn’t chance for the better, we will have to part ways.
Profile Image for Anne - Books of My Heart.
3,868 reviews226 followers
January 6, 2023
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I have loved this Bree Taggert series from the beginning.  It is in the genre of police procedural which is a favorite for me.  But the great development of complex characters with attention to both their professional life and personal one is a key. There is the mystery of the investigation which I always enjoy.  But it is well blended with personal issues, relationship and family growth.  I also have to dream about Dana's cooking.

The murder investigation seems to be a serial killer angry at men who hookup through dating apps and lie to the women in multiple ways.   Bree and Matt look into different people who use the apps to try to learn much more about their victims, but men keep dying.  Things get dicey and there is a threat to Bree's family, but they eventually solve the case.

On the personal side, Bree and Matt handle the aspect of their relationship being public now. That includes being very professional at work.   Adam, Bree's brother is connecting more with his niece and nephew, and getting more involved with the family.   I loved the horses they got for more riding in the family.

I have also enjoyed the author's Morgan Dane and Scarlet Falls series which are very loosely related to this one.  They are earlier but do not need to be read first. I would read this series itself in order as they are excellent and both the world and relationships continue to develop.  I look forward to the next addition to the Bree Taggert series in 2023 Catch Her Death,  because I have loved every book in the series.

 
Profile Image for Adanna.
926 reviews
January 20, 2023
Bree and Matt are again chasing a serial killer in Grey's Hollow. Two murders in two days -- both men who use dating apps and are known to be players. Someone Bree loves is the next target, so Bree and Matt must quickly work through a long list of suspects and many lies to catch the killer.

Lie to Her is well-paced and intriguing. While this book isn't as twisty as others in this series, I enjoyed how Bree and Matt worked together to solve the case. I couldn't put down my Kindle as I read the final chapters due to the dramatic, suspense-filled ending!

One of my favorite aspects of this Bree Taggert series is how we see Bree's growth as part of each installment, but it doesn't overpower the main storyline. In the previous book, Dead Against Her, we saw Bree settling in as sheriff, aunt/guardian, and girlfriend. Well, she needed every bit of that new contentment to deal with the challenges in this case. It was nice to see those around her finding their footing too.

I continue to love every book in this series. I can't believe there are only two more left!

I received an early copy of this book from Montlake and NetGalley. This voluntary review reflects my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Bronwyn.
1,473 reviews37 followers
September 20, 2023
DNF @68% - enough to give it a rating. I have decided that I need to part ways with this author. The only thing I find interesting is the relationship between Bree and Matt and the family they are building with their mutual families. I would happily read a contemporary romance about these two, but I am finding that this author is lacking in the mystery/suspense genre for me.

There were several parts of this book where I felt I was reading a forensic textbook. That’s not my kind of fun. I don’t need to read about how quickly a body loses its core temperature. I don’t need to learn about all the mortises there are and how long they last. Rigor mortis, algor mortis, liver mortis, etc. I don’t want a manual. As a “bonus”, we are also treated to a lesson on snake bites and what to do if we’re ever bitten. 🙄

I’m sure there are plenty of readers who enjoy this stuff, and if it were presented in a better way I might even agree. But it was stated in a dry, perfunctory manner and didn’t flow with the story. I also find that when this author includes chapters from the killer’s POV, it detracts from the story. It creates weak spots in the book. My favorite book in this series (#4 Right Behind Her) ditched the killer’s POV and it was a major improvement. It’s a shame it was included in this book.

I love you Bree and Matt, but I’m no longer impressed or interested in reading anything else by this author.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,656 reviews178 followers
August 2, 2023
Lie to Her is the 6th book in the Bree Taggert series and it was another winner for me. Sheriff Bree Taggert and her partner criminal investigator, Matt Flynn answer a call where a man is found dead in his yard. He is bound, has plastic wrap around his head, thus smothering him and the word "Liar" has been carved in his forehead. His body was found by a woman who was invited for dinner, their third date after meeting on a dating app. He has said he was a digital media marketer, but it is quickly revealed that is a lie. Zeroing in on his dating profiles and apps, the team try to find out who might be holding a grudge. The next day, someone else is killed in the same way. Do they have a serial killer on their hands? As they investigate, they find out that many of their suspects are lying and they are running out of time.

This was another gripping, twisty Bree Taggert story. The book opens with the murder of a man in his own home. It pulled me in right away. The first victim was a scammer who lied about his profession and romanced the women he met, then once getting what he wanted, he dumped them with no warning. He was also a breeder of reptiles, especially snakes. Eww, gross. I will say this fact comes in to play later in the story and scared the bejesus out of me. As with many of Melinda Leigh's books, we get the killer's POV, but don't know who it is until late in the story. This one was out for revenge and when it becomes apparent that either Bree or someone she cares about is in danger, I wanted to speed up the audio to get to the conclusion quicker (I didn't because I wanted to understand the story, no chipmunks for me). I did figure out a couple of things before the reveal, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment or the thrilling conclusion to this one. I continue to love Bree, her family and friends. I love the way they support one another, are there when needed and almost read each other's minds. As they develop more of a family unit, it is great to see how they accept Matt as part of the family and I love all the four legged family members and what they add to the family and story. This is a romantic suspense, crime thriller, family drama book that I highly recommend, better yet, start at the beginning and enjoy the whole series. I have been enjoying listening to this series, narrated by Christina Traister. I love the voices she uses for the various characters and she adds just enough expression and emotion to make this a wonderful book to listen to. If you enjoy audiobooks, I recommend this one, but I'm sure it will be just as good if you read it.
Profile Image for Sue Plant.
2,322 reviews32 followers
January 11, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exciting book in my favourite series

dating apps and snakes what more could a person ask for...

the victims are zipped tied and heads wrapped in cling film, a horrible death but its the dating app that gives bree and her team their first clue

could they have a serial killer in their midst

as bree and her team work to find out who the perp is before the next victim get killed all hands are on deck but is the investigation going to get more personal than it already is.....

ohhh think i learnt as much about snakes as i want to... but this one is gripping stuff

love this series and cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series
Profile Image for Katie Sheridan.
216 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2023
“I should name him FOMO. He has a serious fear of missing out… but you know what? Beast does fit him best.”

•••
I love this series so much. That is all.
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