Ellie Reeves is a law enforcement official in a rural area of the Appalachian mountains. All she's ever wanted to be is a police woman, but she finds her current life stressful and confusing. Having just closed a major case, she is taking a few days off in hopes that the peace of the mountains will help her heal. As she travels a well known hiking trail, she discovers a young woman's body posed in death as the first line of the children's rhyme Monday's child.....As part of the investigative team, Ellie will discover this killer not only enjoys killing, he enjoys taunting Ellie with the murders so much that he has taken a policewoman and is holding her as one of his victims to come.

When Rita Heron launched the Ellie Reeve's series, she gave us a creditable character with a back story that will be explored through several books and set the stories in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States. But the wild, untouched areas are also excellent for killers to leave their victims with little chance of discovery and capture. The first two books have been excellent, it's going to be hard waiting to see what Ellie does next.

Wow, I think I’ve found a new favourite detective series!

Another gripping instalment from Detective Ellie Reeves - I just couldn’t put this one down. It had me guessing right until the end.

I’m looking forward to picking up the next one!

This is book two of the Detective Ellie Graves stories and I really enjoyed it. Det Reeves is still working in the Appalachian mountains and another serial killer is at large. As she begins to investigate her friend and colleague Shondra Eastwood disappears. Someone is stalking Ellie and Agent Fox returns to help her solve the case.
I think you do need to have read book one first as there are a lot of references to it in this story.
Can’t wait for book three.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5⭐

The last time, I read a book by Rita Herron was a few years ago, so, I jumped at the chance to read an early copy of Wildflower Graves, even though I haven't read the first book in the series. And I'm so happy that I did, as Wildflower Graves was an utterly compelling story. That caught my attention from the very first page, and I never once felt lost or confused having not read The Sleeping Dolls. But honestly, I'll definitely be going back and reading it, as this was a brilliant mystery. That was not only full of twists and turns, but it genuinely kept me guessing and with so many intriguing characters, including Detective Ellie Reeves, I was completely enthralled throughout.

Would happily recommend, especially if you're a fan of authors such as Kendra Elliott and Melinda Leigh.

We are back with Detective Ellie Reeves of Bluff County, still not getting along with Sheriff Bryce Waters, and paired up with FBI agent Derrick Fox again to hunt down yet another serial killer leaving bodies on the Applachian Trail, gruesomely laid out on beds of daffodils.
The book is remarkably similar to The Silent Dolls and in some cases this would have put me off. Yet there is something about Reeves and Fox and the way Herron writes that I just cannot resist. I was pulled into Wildflower Graves very quickly and just wanted to read on and on.
Why? Well, at times the detail is a little gruesome for my palate and I did feel quite uncomfortable reading about the cages and the depraved brutality of The Weekday Killer, but it does add to the sense of menace and need to catch him quickly.
The serial killer is following the tradional days of the week rhyme which starts with 'Monday's child is fair of face...'in the most macabre way. This means a new woman is killed on each day of the week and there really is no shortage of possible candidates or victims.
Hiram is incarcerared so it can't be him. Hiram features in book 1 of this series but there is sufficient recapping in places to make it possible to read this book without having read the first. There are lots of similarities though with The Ghost case and what is happening just several weeks later!
Are the team going to work together or is one of them the killer or helping the killer? Cord McClain, the ranger who patrols the Appalachian Trail either has the knowledge to assist or the background to be a suspect. Even the sheriff could be involved.
I loved the way there were plenty of suspects, with some actually being found guilty, just not of the Weekday murders. The reader is therefore kept guessing and trying to figure out who the killer is.
I also enjoy learning more about each character and in Wildflower Graves we learn a lot about Cord's dreadful childhood.
Ellie Reeves is always targeted and there is a strong personal element running through the investigation where her adopted parents are reviled by the local community for Hiram's sadistic behaviour (see book 1). Ellie hasn't been in touch with Randall and Vera since the explosive revelations and yet it isn't that simple letting go of the past.
I always know that Ellie will succeed but there is always a long and tough journey first. The Trail leaves me feeling intimidated and at the mercy of the elements. In book 1 there was an encroaching snow storm, and in this sequel there is a tornado!
Another suspense filled race against the clock to spare any more young women losing their lives at the hands of a madman, this is a book full of twists and shocks. Even at the close when you think order is restored, Herron treats you to another revelation.
I definitely think Wildflower Graves is a fitting sequel to The Silent Dolls and I happily devoured the book as quickly as I could. Trouble is, how long have I got to wait until book 3?
Having said that, I probably need the time to recover from the intensity of the chase and I am sure Ellie Reeves needs time to heal from the dreadful physical injuries inflicted upon her in her quest for justice!

Detective Ellie Reeves has a lot of healing to do, not to mention forgiveness. It's a long road she has barley begun to set her feet on when the unthinkable happens. Another killer is hunting in her home town and with no idea who she can trust it seems impossible to solve. Especially when her friend Shondra seems to be one of the victims. A thrilling read you won't be able to put down!

Before Ellie can even try and wrap her head around the tragedy she had gone through and how much it has changed the way she looks at her family - she once again finds her in the middle of a sadistic serial killer’s game. When women’s bodies begin to be found staged along the trails, it is clear that this killer has one thing in mind. He wants to punish women for their mistakes, and he wants to make Ellie suffer in any way that he possibly can. As if all of that isn’t enough, Ellie is being hunted by another killer who has a personal axe to grind.

It’s hard to tell what the future has in store for Ellie. But one thing is for sure, it’s not going to be easy.

I adore this author, the previous book blew me away so I was instantly excited to hear this one was coming. I adore the way this author writes- I instantly become pulled in and addicted to what is taking place.
The cover is instantly enough to grab my attention, the colours are beautiful and scream at me to pick this one up. I adore how stunning and aesthetically appealing this one is.
This is completely unique to anything i've read previously and a serial killer killing off victims based on a nursery rhyme is completely different to anything i've read before. I have absolutely loved how dark and gritty this one has been.
The author has really kept me guessing during this one. I love this book and the characters in this series are so likeable. I have loved revisiting them in this book and really need more after reading this wonderful book.
A definite five star read. I have loved this one.

"Wild Flower Graves" is a wonderful follow up to Rita Herron's last novel "The Silent Dolls" where the reader was introduced to Detective Ellie Reeves. Trying to recover from the tragedies in the first book in the series, the main character Ellie decides to go off on her own camping for a couple of days to find some solace. She is in a vulnerable emotional place. During a hike, Ellie discovers the body of a young woman posed amongst flowers in such a way that the scene appeared ritualistic. From here, the reader is led on a mystery with many twists and turns which keep guessing until the very end of the novel which still leaves you with some questions that will definitely have you eager for the next installment. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved getting to revisit with the characters from the last book as they continue to develop. If you enjoyed the first book in this series, you will definitely won't be disappointed in this new adventure.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Wildflower Graves by Rita Herron that I read and reviewed.
This was the second book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series series and it picked up right where the first one left off so I would highly recommend that you read the first book in the series so you are not lost and you have all the back information that you need.
Now for this book it was an excellent second book for the series. I enjoyed how it picked up from the first book and Ellie had to deal with the aftermath of the fallout of what happened to her and her family. In this book she had another case that she was related and she had to deal with the pain in her life and the anger the town was feeling for her and her family. This book kept you guessing who the killer was until the end and it also sets the reader up for what might be coming next. I can’t wait to see where Herron takes these characters and this series.
Wildflower Graves gets five out of five stars!

SUPER police procedural with interesting characters, great plot & lots of intrigue to keep you guessing as to the identity of the brutal murderer of all these women. This is the 2nd in the series & I have already purchased the 1st. (The Silent Dolls) RECOMMEND totally. Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank You Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC! This book review is based on my complete honest opinion.

This is the continuation of the Detective Ellie Reeves' series. The first book, The Silent Dolls, was really good that it had me reading up till night--it was really good. So when this second book came along, I was excited too and couldn't wait to read it. And I must say, I was not disappointed.

A man is murdering women brutally each day, based on the infamous nursery rhyme. And he is specifically targeting Ellie as he tells them where the women's bodies are. Ellie must find out the "Weekday Killer" and then the search for the killer became more urgent when the killer kidnaps Deputy Shondra Eastwood and Ellie realized that time is running out before he kills Shondra.

I was so hooked into the story! It was intriguing, gripping as if I was riding in a roller coaster ride with Ellie Reeves. It had me at the edge of the seat and I read it in one go! A truly fast paced psychological thriller, that will keep you awake at night, scary and gruesome too some parts, and doing guessing games as to who would be the so called killer. I really enjoyed this book and I felt this book is better than the first book. Of course, while Ellie is investigating the serial killer case, she has to deal with how the town is coping with the fact that her parents had been almost helping Hiram, the killer in the first book and how she is dealing with her relationship with her adopted parents.

Overall, I had to say--I was not disappointed. It had me guessing at the end, which I really like, quiet a page turner with tons of twists and turns you will not expect and had you keep awake at all night wanting more--completely worth five stars in my opinion!

Even better than book one, this one will draw you in and won't let go. I love Ellie. She's complex, determined, and the kind of heroine you want to root for. The case is dark and full of action and suspense. We see more development of not only Ellie, but Derrick and Cord as well. I didn't care for either by the end of book one but now I don't know which one I like more. And I really love to hate Bryce. Then there is Hiram. One of the creepiest bad guys I've ever read. That ending left me on pins and needles. I can't wait for the next one!

A serial killer killing off his victims based on a nursery rhyme. Such an interesting premise, and even though it’s the second book in a series I jumped on it. There’s quite a bit of recap and follow up of what happened in the previous book, but it was like, all in fast forward and imo it lost the intensity of what happened.

I think it has so much potential and could have been better. The imagery, and the forensics part was great, but third-person narration which is used quite a bit in this book took all the feel from what was happening and made less of what could have been very intense and gritty, I found it so hard to connect with any of the characters. Also, some of the things that happened early on felt so out of the police character it put me off. I really, really wanted to like this one, and I did, but for the most part, it failed to grip my attention.

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley, author, and publishers. Pub Date 1st Dec, 20. All opinions are my own.

I have read the previous book in the series and having really enjoyed it I was looking forward to this. The story was compelling, edge of the seat stuff. I felt it was a little farfetched sometimes but overall I enjoyed it.

A brilliant disturbing and gruesome thriller with many twists and turns ! Unputdownable !!! Exquisitely written ! I highly recommend this amazing book ! Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book ! #Netgalley #Bookouture #WildflowerGraves

I realised as soon as I was into the first chapter that I was reading the sequel of a previous book. The characters are already formed and interact well with one another, showing previous relationships and a backstory. And this is okay, there is enough spoken dialogue and internal dialogue that explains both the action and the denouement of the first book.

I liked the story, it is a good plot with an even pace, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. And I did like the author’s narrative writing style.

There were only a couple of things that disappointed me: the dialogue sometimes (and it is only sometimes) is written in a ‘telling style’, as though as an explanation to the reader. And, although the outdoor settings are evocative, occasionally there is unnecessary repetition. The initial descriptions are excellently written, but then there are extra clauses that aren’t needed and so slow down the action.

However, this doesn’t happen in the sections which describe the “Cold. Steel. Bars.” the last place the victims know. ( I try not to give spoilers in my reviews – it’s a little difficult here) Suffice it to say, these well written settings are both sinister and chilling to read.

I found the explanation of the symbolism of wild flowers and nature fascinating; it’s obvious the author has researched this extensively and has cleverly interwoven them with the story.

All in all, I enjoyed the read and have no reservations in recommending this book to readers of crime fiction.

This new Ellie Reeves mystery is a non-stop, heart-pounding experience. Still recovering from the previous case that caused Ellie to question everything about her childhood, a new serial killer has emerged. This time the killer is taking young women, torturing them, and leaving their dead bodies posed in ritual ways at spots along the Appalachian Trail. The killer has decided to taunt Ellie with text messages about the women. When Ellie realizes that the perp took her dear friend and colleague, Shondra, the pressure to find her intensifies the search. The case requires her to work with Special Agent Fox again, and the tension between them does not stop them from being a good team. As one suspect after another turns out to be a false lead, Ellie's life is put on the line. How will it all end? Who is behind this violence? It keeps you guessing until the end. I can't wait for the next book!

Some time ago I read a book by this author and I liked it so much that I promised myself that I would read another one. And I was definitely not disappointed with this one. This is a very well written story.

I hadn't read the first book in this series, but that wasn't a problem. The characters we should know from the first book are fully developed and multi-dimensional, and we don't need to know the events of the first book to appreciate this. Ellie works well as the main character. The other characters are also interesting and more complex than it might seem. I also like the relationship between Ellie and Derrick. And that it's not exactly a romance. I am glad that when dealing with such a difficult case, they focus on their work and not on their feelings. I can easily wait for their relationship to develop in the next books. So far, I like how they work together so well, and the tension between them.

The plot is great too. This is a fast-paced story, and the short chapters fit perfectly here. I really like that the suspicions are spread quite evenly between different people and I didn't quite suspect who the villain was. But that's also because this person wasn't among the prime suspects at first. This is probably the only thing I would change; I wish this person was considered a potential murderer from the beginning. But I really liked all the twists and turns and there are really a lot of them. I couldn't guess many of thins things, so they surprised me, like the twist around chapter 110. The modus operandi of the murderer is also quite interesting and well thought out.

Even though this case has been solved, at the end of the book there are some peeks of a very interesting plot in the next book. Enough to interest me and not leave me feeling unsatisfied. And while waiting for the next book in this series, I will probably check other books by this author that I have an eye on.

This is the second book in the author’s new Ellie Reeves series. It is not necessary to read book 1 first but it does help with understanding the backstory. Only three weeks after the events of book 1 the Crooked Creek Police Department in Bluff County, Georgia, is once again immersed in a series of grisly murders. This time it’s young women. They are being found at various sites on the Appalachian Trail, on a bed of daffodils, with their throats cut and other signs of abuse. The killer sends Ellie taunting text messages asking if she will find the next one in time. Of course that doesn’t happen as there is nothing to go on and the women have nothing in common. What is certain is that more women will die at the hands of a killer the press has dubbed the Weekday Killer because of the rhyme that accompanies each of the murders.

Ellie is still struggling to come to terms with the perceived betrayal by her adoptive parents in trying to hide Hiram’s activities (the subject of the previous book), but to solve this case she will need to put that aside. Her constant introspection on this topic, while understandable, was nevertheless annoying after a while. I get it! On a positive note, FBI Special Agent Derrick Fox makes a welcome appearance again and is helping Ellie to view this case objectively. When Ellie’s fellow detective and friend, Shondra Eastwood disappears, Ellie goes into overdrive but can she find her friend before it’s too late? The story was very suspenseful, aided by all the clever use of misdirection by the author. I just didn’t know who to trust! There were also some clever twists - icing on the cake. This book will appeal to thriller fans and those who enjoy a gripping police procedural. It got very tense at times. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Rita Herron for providing me a copy to review. My opinions are my own. 4.5 stars rounded down.