Dana Rhodes is a woman who has gone through the fire. As a recovering methamphetamine addict, she has faced an uphill custody battle with her older sister Maggie. Understandably, because of her past it is hard for the family to trust her. When she and her son Kellan go missing everyone assumes the worst. Has Dana relapsed? Did she kidnap her son? Would she harm him?

When their bodies are found in a frozen grave what first appears to be an isolated murder-suicide starts to read like a totally different crime. FBI agent Nikki Hunt has an eye for detail and she quickly discovers that there is more to this crime than first meets the eye. Then, another boy around Kellan's age goes missing. He too was the subject of a custody battle. Two boys missing within the same timeframe. Could there be a connection? Nikki Hunt is not so sure but reporter Caitlin Newport is adamant that the cases are linked. Despite their past differences, Nikki keeps an open ear and goes where the evidence leads her.

As a character Nikki is smart and sensitive. She is a devoted mom who will drop everything at the drop of a hat to comfort her daughter. She shows compassion and empathy for the victims while doggedly pursuing her cases. Although I did not have the chance to read The Girls in the Snow before One Perfect Grave I felt that I knew Nikki. One Perfect Grave was a fast paced thriller that kept me hooked. I actually read this one in a day. I most certainly will be continuing with this series and recommend that you do too. Special thanks to Noelle Holten and Bookouture for granting me access to this book.

' One Perfect grave' the second book in the Detective Nikki Hunt series by Stacey Green has kept me flipping the pages feverishly and wanting to know who the culprit is.

When the dead bodies of an estranged mother and son are discovered by a victim of a freak accident....Detective Nikki Hunt is called in as she had been involved in the search for the son.
As she gets different versions of stories regarding the mother Dana Nikki gues on a journey to unearth the truth......that's precisely when another boy goes missing from a neighbouring county.....why do the cases seem connected ? Does Nikki find out what happened in Dana and her son's last moments?

This story can be read as a standalone even though I would have loved to know more about Nikki's past which keeps coming up through this story and the author gives enough details to not feel left out.
Her zeal and energy to find out about the case, her commitment to unearth the truth, her tender heart as she deals with her daughter lacy and the vulnerability that comes across her relationship with Rory are all well weaved in. The plot is twisted but the twists have kept me on the edge of my seat.

I look forward to the third book in the series.

If you love to read mystery thrillers with a team of detectives led by a female FBI officer and you love to wait till the last few pages to know the culprit then you should pick this book.

I thank the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for approving my request to read this story. The opinions expressed are all mine

This is the second book in the Nikki Hunt series and they keep getting more intense and exciting.

When the missing boy that Special Agent Nikki Hunt has been trying to find shows up dead along side his mother, it seems like a case of murder suicide. Then another child is reported missing in the area and the local journalist claims that the two cases are connected. Can Nikki find the second child before it is too late?

This is a fast paced page turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Last year I was able to read the first book in the Nikki Hunt series and it was a five star read for me ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture was able to read the second book by Stacy Green and I loved this one too.
Like the first book there are two crimes being investigated at once so it was a fast paced thriller which are my favourite kind of thrillers.
Agent Nikki Hunt is an FBI profiler but the profiling felt very thin in this book. I wish we could have seen Nikki use her skills a little more but I still enjoyed the mystery anyway.

While you can read this book as a stand alone I strongly suggest reading the first book in the series as this one gives away major plot details of the first which would spoil you being able to go back and read The Girls in the Snow.

If you need a new crime series that won’t disappoint, this is definitely a good choice.

One Perfect Grave is the second book in the police procedural series featuring Agent Nikki Hunt. Set in Stillwater, Minnesota, FBI Profiler/ Special Agent Nikki makes a very likeable agent. Nikki came back to Stillwater after twenty years of working away, and I first met her in book one, The Girls in the Snow.

In this instalment, Michelle is driving home one wintry, freezing night after spending the evening with her boyfriend when her car hits a patch of black ice and she spins off the road. As her vehicle nosedives into a snowdrift in a deep gully, she spots a young boy, partially frozen in the ice, and dials emergency services.

Nikki has been given the case of missing youngster Kellan Rhodes. She is woken very early by deputy Ron Reynolds. Acting Sheriff Miller from Washington County is calling her to the crime scene to investigate as it's in an area she knows well and he believes she may know the identity of the victim. When she arrives there are two bodies, confirmed as Kellan and his mother, Dana. Nikki, her new boyfriend, Ryan and many of the townspeople have been searching for them for two days. Then another child is reported missing and Nikki feels that the cases are connected.

This compelling and engaging story hotted up with alacrity. The characters were very well portrayed and protagonist Nikki has been created and developed wonderfully. Nikki is resourceful, intelligent and complex and there is a lot going on in her personal life.

One Perfect Grave was an extremely compulsive read with plenty of action, mystery, crazy plot twists, and a family and community that were not as they appeared. Stacy Green's writing was a good fit for me and I believe she excels when it comes to character development. I was glued to the pages and I didn't want to put this book down as I was desperate to know the outcome of the story. As the tension snowballed in this edge-of-your-seat read, the story bounded towards the resolution, the suspense culminating in a surprising finale. Going forward, I’m very keen to read more in this exciting series. A very highly recommended crime-thriller.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

The 2nd in the series. Nikki is still dating Rory and feeling guilty about events covered in the first book. A mom and her son are found murdered and as Nikki and her team work on that another boy goes missing and Catlin the reporter insists they are related. Sometimes things happen a bit to easily in this series but it is enjoyable and I did not predict who the killer was.

I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

One Perfect Grave by Stacy Green is the second in the FBI Agent Nikki Hunt series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
 

Series Background:   (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Nikki Hunt is an FBI Agent whose parents were murdered when she was young.  She helped put away Mark Todd for their murder, but 20 years later, discovered he was innocent, and fought for his release.  She is now dating Rory, Mark's younger brother.  Family dynamics are awkward.  She has a young daughter, and an ex-husband who still loves her.  Nikki heads the BAU unit based out of St. Paul Minnesota.  Her team consists of Crime Scene Analyst Courtney Hart and Agent Liam Wilson.

 
My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When the bodies of Dana Rhodes and her 9 year old son Kellan are found at the bottom of a ravine, Nikki has to re-think the case.  It was originally thought that Dana had kidnapped her son  because she couldn't get custody because  of a failed drug test.  But would she kill herself and her son?  And why, after being clean for so long, would she sabotage her chances of getting custody of Kellan?  Everyone, other than her sister, believes the drug test was wrong.

When journalist Caitlin Newport tries to get Nikki to looking into another missing boy, Nikki isn't sure. Caitlin always has her own agenda, and Nikki almost lost her life when working with her in the past. As well, the Department looking after that case does not want Nikki's involvement.  But Caitlin is pushy.

On  personal level, Nikki considers her relationship with Rory to be private, but her ex-husband is suspicious, and Rory wants things to progress further.  However, his family wants nothing to do with the woman who put their older son in jail for 20 years. 

Nikki has her hands full.

 
My Opinions:   
The second book in this series was just as good as the first.  I love Nikki and her team.  I'm even starting to like Caitlin.   I love the fact that Nikki drops everything when her daughter needs her.

The plot was entertaining, and although I had guessed the perpetrator early on, the motive eluded me (my thoughts went to paternity).  I liked the twist with Caitlin, though I saw that one coming too.  The fact that I had guessed a number of the outcomes did not detract from the story. 

The book was a fast and easy read, which kept me interested from start to finish.

Oh, and I love the cover.

Can't wait for the next one!

Absolutely thrilling. Love this author and this series. Addictive. Impressive. Fast paced. Believable characters. Just overall brilliant. Highly recommend this one.

One Perfect Grave is book 2 in the Nikki Hunt series. What a wonderful thriller it is! It’s a fast paced, action packed, emotional page turner. It’s “unputdownable”!! It’s so full of suspense and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review

This is the second book in the Nikki Hunt series and I think I like it better than the first one. She is investigating a mother and son found dead by the side of the road. Not long into the investigation, she receives a tip of another missing child.

The author does a good job balancing the two investigations along with Nikki’s personal life. And I liked learning more about the returning characters. While I did figure out the villain, it didn’t spoil the enjoyment of the book.

I recommend both of these books for any crime lover.

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via NetGalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I LOVED the first book in this series so I was very excited to see what Nikki Hunt was up to this time. While this is the second book you could read this as a standalone.

Nikki is still recovering from the events of the first book. She has decided to volunteer in the search for Kellan and his mother. Nikki is as determined and shrewd. She doesn't let any detail go unnoticed. Some detectives would have left this one as a suicide and not found the real killer.

Nikki has a great team around her. Liam and Courtney are very detail-oriented. Both work well with Nikki and are not afraid to tell her to take some rest!

This case had so many strands it needs a board and some string to get it all worked out. At first, it seemed like nothing was connected but as the book progressed everything came together. I found that I raced through this book. Before I knew it I was already halfway through! Stacy's writing is so addictive and easy to read.

I honestly cannot wait for Nikki Hunt #3!

One Perfect Grave is a suspenseful mystery that’s brilliantly developed to invest you in likeable characters and a sensitive case that’s full of potential suspects.

I read the first book in the series, The Girls In The Snow, last month in anticipation for the release of this next one. But although I really liked it, I wasn’t completely invested. This second instalment definitely grabbed my full attention, though, and I’m already eager for more.

You don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one as Green does a brilliant job of summarising the events that took place. I would definitely recommend reading it still as it’s a big occasion in Nikki’s life, but you will get a good idea of what happened and what led Nikki back to her hometown.

Either way, Green spends a lot of time getting you investing in the characters by allowing you get to know them both at work and at home. We get to see many sides to Nikki’s life which is what makes her so compelling, and it’s no wonder she’s becoming a character that so many people are excited to follow. But all of the supporting characters are developed just as well too. We even get to know Caitlin more in-depth this time, who wasn’t easy to get along with in the first book. But you’ll certainly see a different side to her now, and it’s these well-crafted relationships that will keep you so engaged.

So far, both of these books have shocked me at the end with the revelation of the killer, with The Girls In The Snow yet again taking me by complete surprise. There are many twists and turns and potential suspects to keep you guessing, as Green manages to hold off right until the very end to give anything away, bringing together two crimes in a well-paced and clever way.

The underlying theme of missing and exploited children is a heartbreaking one but it’s comforting to know the lengths that some crime units go to to bring these children home. I think the killer’s life needed unravelling a little more at the end as a lot of what was said was just speculation so I wanted their actions to be laid bare, but the author’s note at the end gives it a touching conclusion.

The only disappointing thing about this book is that a certain subplot from the first book isn’t picked up on. This elusive character only gets a brief mention, but I’m really hoping that the next book will give him the focus that fans of this series are no doubt craving. It’s a great ploy by Green as we’re going to keep coming back for more to see Nikki solve the case that’s been haunting her for five years now, but I would have liked for him to be mentioned again at the end–maybe a hint that we’re going to meet him sometime soon? Because I don’t imagine that he’s going to only be a background character for much longer, as our interest in him may not last another instalment if his inclusion is neglected again.

So there are plenty of reasons to look forward to another Nikki Hunt book, especially since this second instalment is a vast improvement on a book that I really enjoyed already. And I have the feeling that they are only going to get better!

If you’re looking for a fresh, new detective to follow or just for a captivating thriller with expert police procedural, Nikki Hunt is definitely a series that I would recommend.

I'm on the blog tour for his on 27th Feb so my reviews will all be live then.

This was a great book. I feel like that needs to be said first because so many mystery books I have read lately have not held my attention like this one did. I’m not going to describe the plot, that is all laid out perfectly by the publisher.

Firstly, One Perfect Grave is the second book in the Nikki Hunt series. However, reading the first book is not a requirement to understand this one. Plot points are mentioned but there is still enough mystery that I plan on reading the first book in the series.

What I really enjoyed about this book is that it really focused on the case. I enjoyed that it made reference to the previous book and relationships were developed between the two and throughout this book. These were mentioned, but not the main focus of the book. Each relationship played a part within the plot of this, or helped explain certain actions. Enough to humanize characters but not overwhelm the plot.

Nearly every interaction or plot point was worth reading. In many novels you can skip a paragraph or two but I paid attention during this book because the details were important. Whether it was from a previous case, the current overlapping cases or the history, these points helped drive the plot of this book.

Did I guess the culprit? Eventually. But it took me longer than most books to settle on one. Many twists, turns and possible suspects, each with a great motive and possibility. This book was fast paced but it was a perfect pace. You didn’t become lost because each revelation helps this come full circle.

This was a great mystery book and I look forward to the rest of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book to review. This review is my own opinion.

One Perfect Grave is one haunting tale by Stacy Green. Second book in the Nikki Hunt Series again make you want Special Agent Nikki Hunt on the case if it involves you or someone you love. Smart, clear headed but also caring makes this character exceptional.

Double murder or murder suicide is the question until another child is also missing. The race is on to solve the case, and find the kidnapped boy but problems arise of what is truth and who can be trusted. Fast-moving highly suspenseful, outstanding book from the beginning black ice to the concluding doorbell ringing.

Fans of Lisa Gardner and Linda Castillo will want to add Stacy Green to their list of must read authors.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this book from #netgalley for an honest review with no spoilers. I really enjoyed it even though I hadn't read the first book in the series, I was easily hooked. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy suspense and crime.

My thoughts:
Another breathtaking read. The second in the Nikki Hunt series by Stacy Green. It's fantastic!

Kikki Hunt is back on the case in another heart stopping case. This time a young boy and his mother are both dead. Who could do such a horrible thing and can Nikki and her team find out and stop a killer in his tracks.

This book takes you on a pulse pounding ride that will have you holding your breath until the very end. This book is edge of your seat thrills. From the very beginning I was hooked. I couldn't read fast enough. I have to admit that I did figure out who the bad guy was but that in no way took from this story. It's just that good.

This story had me on the edge of my seat rooting for Nikki to find things. It's a great read. What would you do if your child was in danger and you was the only one who could save him? Or if no one believed you when you said things were not as they appeared? You would definitely want the best of the best on the job. Most of the characters from the first book are back and things are pretty intense when another child goes missing. I felt so bad for some of the characters in this story and hated a few also. There were some that you wanted bad things to happen too. At least I did. But I also rooted for the parents and grandparents in this story.

This is the second book in the Nikki Hunt series. I can't wait for the third. I know it will be another edge of your seat ride also. Stacy Green certainly knows how to tell a story that will keep you up late, turning pages, and crying your eyes out too. It's honestly that good.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #StacyGreen, #Bookouture for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book.

5/5 stars and another high recommendation.

Another great read in the Nikki Hunt series.
Nikki is called when a woman and child’s body is found in the snow after a car lost control on the ice.
It’s discovered that despite looking like suicide, the woman was murdered but it’s a mystery what happened to her son.
Nikki starts investigating and finds out that Dana had been fighting to get custody of her son from her sister Maggie.
She was about to get custody when she failed a drug test, but all is not what it seems.
Caitlin contacts Nikki about a missing boy and at first she can’t help as it’s not in her jurisdiction but later evidence comes to light that changes everything.
Things are going well with Nikki and Rory and she’s building up to the next step where he meets her daughter.
This is a gripping crime thriller that well and truly had me hooked.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

One Perfect Grave is the second instalment in the FBI Special Agent Nikki Hunt series, set in Stillwater, Minnesota. It's a treacherous Sunday evening on the roads around Stillwater and Michelle is driving home from spending time with her boyfriend. The ice is coming down in sheets leaving black ice everywhere and making it a tricky task to see the lane ahead clearly. She reaches Valley Creek Bridge and passes it with ease. Only a couple miles now from home she unwittingly accelerates against a spot of black ice and ends up careening dangerously off the road before landing in a deep gully. She calls 911 and the dispatcher informs her they are sending both a sheriff's deputy and paramedics to her spot on old Stagecoach Road, but before she can finish the call Michelle passes out after discovering two dead bodies sitting in a lake of blood at the bottom of the old bridge. One a young boy, partially frozen in the ice. It isn't long before Acting Sheriff Miller from Washington County calls Nikki in to the crime scene to investigate as it's a neck of the woods she knows well and he believes he already knows the identities of the victims. They are soon confirmed as nine-year-old Kellan Rhodes and his mother, Dana, who Nikki, her new beau, Ryan, and many of the townspeople had been scouring the local area for over the weekend.

Kellan was reported missing on Friday evening and because Dana, a recovering methamphetamine addict, had lost custody of him three years ago it is suspected that she effectively took him at the end of school. It is speculated that he could've died as the result of an accident or at his own mother’s hand before she slashed her wrists. Dana's older sister, Maggie, and her husband were eventually given custody of Kellan embroiling the whole family in a hostile and deeply strained relationship. But when another custody embittered child vanishes from a neighbouring county, can Nikki and co get to the bottom of happened? This is a compulsive and captivating read with plenty of action, mystery, crazy plot twists and a family and community that is not what it seems. The fact that it involved mass toxicity, betrayal and animosity was sad to see and it is clear the impact custody battles have on the parents, the child and the wider family unit. I enjoyed learning more about Nikki who is a complex personality with plenty going on in her personal life to keep you engaged. The way the multilayered plot unravels and the two crimes become intertwined is well thought out and kept me riveted throughout. It's a propulsive and absorbing addition to a gritty series that is swiftly becoming unmissable. Highly recommended.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of One Perfect Grave, the second novel in the Nikki Hunt series by Stacy Green. Nikki has been on the hunt for a missing boy, Kellan and the mother who disappeared with him; when the remains of two bodies are found in an open grave along a desolate highway in Stillwater, Minnesota, Special Agent Nikki Hunt knows exactly who they are. When another child is reported missing, local journalist Caitlin Newport claims the cases are linked: Zach Reeves was taken away from his own mother in a custody battle, just like Kellan was. Does Nikki go along Caitlin theory? The more Nikki digs, the stranger the evidence becomes. I really enjoy this series, and like the characters in it, especially Nikki. She is strong, but is not perfect. She is dedicated to her job, has a messy personal life but is loyal. I cant wait for the next book!

One Perfect Grave by Stacy Green is the 2nd book in the Nikki Hunt mystery series, and another great addition. Nikki Hunt is a special agent with the FBI who has returned to her home town of Stillwater Minnesota. Nikki left Stillwater twenty years ago after her family was murdered. When two bodies are found in the snow, one a missing boy that Nikki had been looking for, and his mother. It looks like a murder suicide, but Nikki is not convinced. Wow, I really enjoyed this book! There are so many twists and turns that kept me reading. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book and book one, if you enjoy a thrilling mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.