This is the third book in the series but my first one. It’s important to say that they can be read as standalones although I would advise that the remainder books in the series are read.

DI Ellie Reeves is chasing up on some personal problems. Meanwhile, a deranged killer is murdering and burning women on the first adding a call card to its kills. DI Reeves recruited the help of the FBI and will then be set up to chase this peculiar killer.

The plot was really interesting with several twists and really fast paced. It was difficult to put this book down until I actually finished the read. With plenty of drama and a really well thought timeline, I was really gripped trying to find out how it would all end up in the story.

DI Reeves is a really interesting character and I really enjoyed to see the interactions between her and other characters in the book. I look forward to hearing more about her history and life.

Overall, a rollercoaster of a thriller that I just couldn’t put down. I will definitely read the previous and future books in this series.

I would like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. This is the third book in this series but all three can be read as standalones.

Detective Ellie Reeves has been through the mill these last few months and life doesn't seem to be improving much for her. Ellie has a very determined streak. She won’t let anyone stop her from doing her job even if it puts her in danger. I think Ellie has incredible strength too, to stay in the town after everything that has happened can’t be easy.

The story flicks between Ellie, the killer and a few other POVs. I love different POVs as it really allows you to understand how the different characters are thinking and feeling. I think it gives a much more rounded story.

This book was fast-paced and had you on the edge of your seat. Who would the next victim be and what was the connection? Rita had me constantly worrying about the characters.

I was gripped from the first page, the chapters are short so it’s very easy to keep reading long past your bedtime. Rita had me so engrossed!

A thrilling read for all crime fans!

Ellie is still reeling from the double whammy of realizing that she is adopted, putting her whole life and her parents into question and the kidnapping and near-murder of her colleague and friend, Shondra. And the little town of Crooked Creek, still terrified by the gruesome murders by a serial killer who Ellie managed to discover, is now faced with the danger of wildfires.

Then a burnt body of a woman is discovered and it is surrounded by a circle of stones. Soon it is revealed that she was murdered and burnt and didn’t die in the wildfire. Ellie, realizes that the circle of stones around the body are of significance. Soon more bodies begin to turn up murdered, burnt and surrounded by a circle of stones.

Ellie enlists the help of FBI Special Agent Derrick Fox as she realizes that the victims though seemingly unrelated must have a common backstory and the Special Agent has access to bigger database.

A fast paced and suspenseful read, The Burning Girls, like the previous two books in the series touch on the “Shadow People” who live in the mountains and have an air of mystery about them. In this story one of these people comes forward and that made me want to cheer! There are many suspects including one of the victim’s father, the Reverend whose church he goes to, who runs a near cult. Then a couple who discover one of the bodies, comes into focus, when the man violently assaults his partner. Somehow, this becomes the key to start unraveling the mystery of the murders. It gets very personal when Ellie discovers there’s a link to her adoption story and these murders. When the local news journalist is kidnapped, Ellie goes into overdrive. Will she be able to save her? Will the murder be found?

The story was full of twists and turns, I just had to read the book straight through.

A chilling and gruesome thriller !!! Exquisitely written ! I highly recommend ! Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book ! Opinions are solely my own ! #Netgalley #Bookouture #TheBurningGirls

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book.

Loved this, just as I loved the previous books in the series and can't wait for more to come out.

5/5 :-)

The Burning Girls is the third instalment in the Detective Ellie Reeves series set in the isolated town of Crooked Creek, Georgia, nestled in the Appalachian mountains. Detective Ellie Reeves has a lot on her plate after finding out that she's adopted and that her whole childhood has been a lie; it's hit her hard and she's seriously struggling between what was real and what was not and to make everything worse the family home she grew up in has burned to the ground in the rampant wildfires. She has just been asked to attend the scene of a local wildfire, alongside Cord McClain a Member of Search & Rescue for Bluff County, where the scorched body of a woman has been located surrounded by a stone circle; there's no telling who she is at first glance as the body is burned so badly that identification is impossible. Ellie can't see this being an accident with the stones surrounding her so deliberately placed. She believes that it's a message from the killer. The almost-ashes are located at Winding Rock where Ellie must cover her face with a bandana due to the unsavoury stench of death. Looking for something to help ID the victim, she notices a broken string of tiny pearls scattered on the riverbank by the water's edge and a lone black shoe dangling from a thorn bush, the kind of shoe a woman might wear to an office or to dinner, but it isn't appropriate footwear for hiking a muddy mountain trail.

The following day another body is found by teenagers at Moody Hollow, the place of choice for local kids to hang out, and as the body still has identifying features the youngsters are able to recognise her as a girl from their school and a silver necklace engraved with her name speeds up the process. 18-year-old Katie Lee Curtis was lying face down against the rocky ground in the middle of another stone circle. She has contusions to the face and a broken arm and ankle. Even with soot and ashes covering her face, Ellie saw Katie’s nose was crushed and lips bloody as if teeth were broken. But when they head to inform her parents, Ellie senses something isn't quite right about the domestic situation. Then more bodies are discovered proximate to a circle of stones and Ellie must attempt to find the common thread between the victims if she is to identify and apprehend the ruthless serial killer before they strike again. This a compulsive, adrenaline-pumping, absorbing read with an interesting and complex investigation and a twisty-turny journey towards the end. Telling it from switching perspectives allows for wider views of the situation and Herron uses this to create a large suspect pool with many potential motives making it quite unpredictable. An exciting, immersive and pacy tension-filled procedural and an entertaining piece of escapism. Highly recommended.

I love this series!
Book 3 and the story gets off to a quick start with the body of a young girl found burned in a circle of stones.
There’s wildfires in the area but it’s soon determined that she’s been murdered.
Ellie gets a frosty reception from her family and her gut tells her they’re hiding something.
Soon more bodies are discovered and have been left in a circle of stones again so Ellie has her hands full.
I loved the way this story linked in with Ellie’s past and the previous books. I feel I’m getting to know her more and more with each book.
There’s a nail biting conclusion to this story that will definitely have you on the edge of your seat.
This is a series that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Book 3 in this brilliant series. Although this can be read as a stand alone I highly recommend reading them in order. Apart from being great books you'll get the full picture of Ellie's life.

This book was full of twists and turns to keep you guessing and the plot was heart breaking.

I was hooked from the start and can't wait for the next book.

Another fast paced mystery featuring Detective Ellie Reeves. I’m really enjoying this series. So many twists and turns on the cases she solves. Plus the thread that runs through the books about her past. I’m really looking forward to the next book. PS…I’m a Cord fan.

I received this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am absolutely in love with this series. I love Ellie, and think she’s a strong, badass character. I’m so interested in finding out about her background, the next book in the series can’t come out soon enough!! I really hope Ellie and Derrick get together, they deserve each other.

I enjoyed this book and although it was a little gruesome at times, it is a very complicated mystery and well worth the read. Women are being murdered then set on fire by a monster. The monster has a “list” of ones that need to die and after killing them leaves them to be found. Detective Elle Reeves is on the hunt for the killer who leaves no evidence behind. As the body tally rises, Elle is trying to understand how the victims are connected. Meanwhile, Elle is still searching for information on her birth mother. As she reaches out to the social worker who handled her adoption, she learns that the she has disappeared. DNA results will provide more questions than answers as Elle enlists assistance from Special Agent Derrick Fox. A woman who survives a vicious attack provides Elle with evidence that may lead her to an evil that has been perpetuated for years. The story continues to twist and turn as the killer has one final murder victim…Elle. Will she survive and find her birth mother? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Book release date 10th June 2021
Book 3 in the Detective Ellie Reeves series!

Poor Ellie I know she's a detective bit gosh what a few months it's been for her, just getting over the week day killer she finds herself with another brutal serial serial killer on her hands. Probably the most brutal of them all. With the killer burning it's victims up on the mountains Ellie finds her self struggling to find out what the link is. Who better to call in then Special Agent Derrick Fox.

I must say I have loved this series and I am so glad that I have read the first two books as I would of been quite lost otherwise. So I completely recommend that if you haven't read the first two books that you do and that you don't read this review!!

Ellie must be the most unlucky detective out there. For a small mountain town there is a ridiculous number of serial killer's I must say. But I can't help but love these books.
Ellie decides it's time to look for her birth parents and contacts the social worker who dealt with her original adoption. But she's missing and guess where she turns up? When she finds out the social working rushed out the office with a bunch of files she can't help but wonder if hers was one and if so does this mean she set the events in motion?


I love how Rita uses the moulins as the scenes of her crimes as well as writing in the weather, we've had snow, a tornado and now wild fires. I am learning a lot about different weather conditions it must be said. However I love how the crimes scenes are woven in so well. With the women being set alight it's brutal.

What I enjoyed even more about this installment is we get to follow Maybel's storyline as well. She's locked in some sort of room and she has her baby with her, she believes she's in danger. It's a really interesting storyline. I must say it took me a while to work out the twists. It was a totally different feel to the first two books and I loved them all but I loved this one a little bit more.

I must say the FBI must not mind lending special agent Derrick to small mountin towns because he is back! Now I personally want to marry this guy but that isn't why I like him so much. I love the way he cares so hard about Ellie the way he wants to always protect her, what I love even more is how badass Ellie is because she doesn't need protecting. I think the two work so well together on all levels that although its bizarre that an FBI agent can just go to this small town and fight crimes I don't even care that much about the logistics because the stories wouldn't be the same without him.


I am really enjoying following Ellie's storyline. Her clear anguish over her push and pull feelings towards her parents is clear. I love how raw the storyline is and that we literally jump right back into the personal storylines. She is the kind of female protagonist every good crime book should have because although she clearly does have man drama, that isn't the focus of her life (granted a crooked dad, crazed serial killer brother and a mum who knew about it is enough drama for any one person).

The search for this latest killer has us finding out a little more about this small town and its residence. I enjoy that we get to read about a new 'section' of this society in each book. We seems to focus in on a religious group, which I found fascinating. Honestly I got it all wrong with where they fitted in but then it's great to not know where the storyline is going from the get go.

Like with all crime thrillers it's hard to give a clear brief overview of the case without giving to much away. But I promise you will be pleasantly surprised at how this one turns out. Once you do prepare to feel a little bit sick and alot of empathy.

We also get to be part of the week day killers aftermath with the lovely deputy still struggling to cope after being held captive and trying to work out who she can and can't trust. Her relationship with Ellie is not good, let's be honest I probably would blame her too even knowing deep down its not her fault.
Then we have our lovely mountain rescuer. His clear love and admiration towards Ellie is obvious, that is to everyone except Ellie. It's interesting reading how the dynamics between him and Derrick have changed since book one.

As always we flip between Ellie and Derrick for each chapter. I love reading for our characters very own point of view. It feels like you are more personally connected to the characters. Both protagonist are written so well and have their very own unique ways of seeing things that it is very easy to distinguish which chapters belong to them. For once as well they don't seem to have all the answers so we truly get to work the case with them.

In summary would I recommend this book? Yes I would and I do. I one hundred per cent say if you haven't read books 1 and 2 that you should. This book doesn't work well as a stand alone yet it fits in so nicely as a series. If you are fans of the Lisa Regan Josie Quinn series, Carla Kovach Gina Harte series or the Katherine Casey Clara Jefferies series then with out a doubt you will love this series as it's like all three mashed together. This isn't for light reading although a page turner it is still graphic and touches on sensitive subject areas. But it's done with respect and understanding. I am so excited for book four as the series keeps getting better espically with how this book ended we have now had the scene set for how Ellie's personal life is about to take a huge turn. 5+ stars 🌟 my favourite so far.

Thank you to Netgalley, Rita Herron and bookature for the advanced digital copy of the burning girls in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.

The Burning Girls – Rita Herron

I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from #Netgalley & Bookouture in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit Netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!!

It’s summertime in the sleepy Appalachian town of Crooked Creek, and Detective Ellie Reeves has been summoned to the scene of a wildfire, where the body of a woman has been found, surrounded by a circle of stone and burned beyond recognition. In addition to this new investigation, Ellie has some personal business to work through - she has recently learned that she was adopted.

Furious with her parents, and heartsick over the ‘lie’ of her childhood, as well the recent destruction of her family home in a fire, Ellie is trying to sort out all of her options. A call to the social worker goes unanswered – and the next day, Ellie learns that the social worker has seemingly disappeared, and a search of her home yields no clues as to where she might have gone.

The next day, a second body is found by some teenagers, also burned and surrounded by a ring of rocks. Readily identified by the teens who found her, Ellie and her team hope to make some progress in the case as they go to notify her parents. In doing so, Ellie is troubled by the family dynamics she sees and leaves the home with more questions than answers.

As the investigation kicks into high gear and another body is discovered, Ellie calls on an old friend, FBI Special Agent Derrick Fox to assist. As the investigation begins to yield more information, including some unexpected DNA findings, the team finds themselves with more questions than answers. An arrest in an unrelated assault leads to a possible break in the case, and Ellie and her team find themselves in a race against time – and a killer who will stop at nothing…

Another great new series find thanks to Netgalley & Bookouture! This novel takes off running and doesn’t let up until the last page is turned. While easily read as a stand-alone, the references to prior traumatic events have be anxious to read the preceding books of the series! I will be anxiously awaiting the next installments in Ellie’s story!

This is the third book in a series, I didn’t realize that until I started reading and felt like I was late to a party. It can definitely be read (and enjoyed) as a stand alone but I think would be even better to read the series in order..I’m going back to read the first two! I love all the twists and turns, the author is so talented in making the expected turn out to make you question whether or not it will be true. This would make an excellent tv show!

Yowza!!! Twists and surprises, Look over the shoulder moments - check, pull feet off the floor and make sure all the lights are on - check and check. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading book 1 and 2 for the understanding of Detective Ellie Reeves growth. Its like having cake without the frosting. Some dark moments are handled with taste, Some twists taunt the imagination. A fast paced thriller wrapped within a mystery. Excellent read and highly recommend. Thank you Net Galley. Bookouture and Rita Herron for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. No solicitation happened in this house. :)

This is a very solid story, fast and keeping you on the edge of your seat.

The main character of this series is Detective Ellie Reeves. She is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to act quickly. Although at times she may be a little too insistent in her pursuit of her plans. In this book, she has to solve the case of a serial killer who murders in a very unusual way and sets fire to the bodies of his victims. At first glance, the victims seem to have nothing in common, but at some point, it looks like the case may be related to events in Ellie's past.

The whole idea is very interesting and quite original. Especially when we find out what all victims have in common. I found this idea really fascinating. The story is fast-paced, and a lot is going on. Usually, I don't like in my book’s chapters written from too many points of view, but here it didn't bother me at all. Probably because the chapters are very short, so we come back to the storyline we started a moment ago after just a minute or two. All this together creates a very coherent story.

However, I do not recommend this book to people who are particularly sensitive to violence against women and who avoid the subject of rape, non-consent, and brainwashing or gaslighting in their books.

I have read the previous book in this series, but it is not obligatory. This book can be read as stand-alone, even though there is a continuation of some of the threads from the previous two books. Ellie was adopted, and this issue is a constant theme in both this book and the previous one, at some point there is also a possibility that it may play a role in the story. We also meet a group of characters from the previous book. But I think readers who haven't read the two previous books in this series will have no problem figuring out who's who, everything is explained briefly, though without revealing too many details.

I will definitely read the next book in this series as well.

The remote town of Crooked Creek has barely recovered from its most recent tragedy when wildfires tear through the mountains. Detective Ellie Reeves is grappling with her own heartbreak––she has just discovered she was adopted and that her childhood was a lie. Ellie is called to a river where a body has been found. She spots a lone woman’s shoe caught in a nearby tangle of vines, and a pearl necklace scattered by the water’s edge. The remains are surrounded by a circle of stones, which Ellie is certain means something. Then less than a day later another body turns up & the town is left in tatters. A young girl with dark hair lies dead, surrounded by stones, smoke drifting in the air. Thanks to an engraved silver necklace, Ellie identifies the body as eighteen-year-old Katie Lee Curtis, and the diary she finds hidden under the teenager’s mattress could get her close to the killer.
This is the third book in the series & another well written engrossing read, it could easily be read on its own. I love Ellie who fights for the underdog & she’s well liked. The pace is very good & never lags & I found myself drawn into the book & read it in a couple of sittings, it kept me on the edge of my seat even though I found parts stretched my credibility but these didn't impinge on my enjoyment
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

It is not a good time for Detective Ellie Reeves and the town of Crooked Creek.
Ellie is dealing with the emotional knowledge of finding out that she is adopted. Plus there are wildfires threatening the town and a body has been found in the woods burned beyond recognition. Originally thought the person was caught in the wildfire, it is discovered that they obviously had been murdered as a circle of stones surrounds the body. More burned bodies of women are found in the same manner and as Ellie digs into what the women had in common, she learns her past could be involved.
This thoroughly enjoyable book by Rita Heron provided action on page one and moved relentlessly to its twisted end.Detective Reeves is a formidable protagonist that is not too hardened to show her feelings and is courageous enough to hunt down a killer.I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley And Bookouture. This review and comments are my honest opinion.

A gripping, well written mystery that is full of twists and turns. I was hooked from the first page until the very last and was surprised by the ending and who the killer is. I'll for sure be reading more books by Rita Herron!

4.5⭐

The Burning Girls is a gripping, well-written and paced mystery. That is full of tension, twists and intrigue. As Detective Elle Reeves returns to investigate a series of murders that are seemingly unrelated. That is until the first victim is identified, and as Ellie digs deeper she starts to learn some disturbing truths not just about the victims and their families, but a local church, and herself.

And I was hooked and honestly, I couldn't put this story down or turn the pages fast enough, especially as the story reached its conclusion and the killer was revealed.

Would happily recommend.