Detective Eve Bennet has one passion in her job: to find and eliminate the evil present in the polygamous sect she experienced as a child. In this book, she is faced with many of her deepest fears. A routine police stop of a vehicle reveals a dead body in the trunk and females from the religious community in the car who refuse to speak to the officer. Eve and her team are called to the scene when the police officer recognizes the connection to the team's special mission. Among the car's occupants is a young girl about twelve, who ignites Eve's determination to protect her and get to the bottom of the case. With her stepbrother no longer serving as the DA, Eve must deal with her step-father -- the source of much abuse she suffered as a child. It is an intense chase to find a murderer and save women who want out of the cult. I love Detective Eve Bennet and can't wait for her next case.

Gripping and addictive. Oppressive evil religious cult, shades of Handmaid's Tale in it's subjugation of women - lower than livestock to be bartered, auctioned, brainwashed, and abused. Almost claustrophobic in it's detail. Enter Eve Bennett - emancipated from the cult and now facing past 'family', cult leaders, women who refuse to speak, corrupt politicians - and her dedicated team, fighting the cult and corruption every step of the way.

In Holly S. Roberts' crime novel Pray for Her, Detective Eve Bennet navigates a chilling small-town mystery involving a polygamous community, unveiling a tapestry of suspense and emotion. The narrative, centered around the discovery of a body in a car trunk, propels Eve into a relentless pursuit of justice, all while grappling with her own haunted past. Roberts' strength lies in creating authentic characters, with Eve as a complex and resilient lead, surrounded by a supportive ensemble cast. The plot weaves a gripping tale, expertly balancing suspenseful twists with emotional depth. However, the portrayal of the oppressive polygamous lifestyle introduces a moral dilemma, adding complexity to the story. Overall, Pray for Her is a captivating addition to the Detective Eve Bennet series, offering a thought-provoking exploration of crime, redemption, and societal norms.

Another exciting thriller in the Eve Bennett series, filled with suspense and mystery from the first page. I really like the characterisation in this series, the team is tight and supportive of each other. The theme of polygamy and suppressed women is a bit uncomfortable but the plotting is good and well researched. There are plenty of twists and turns, with a very satisfying ending. A good addition to the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Pray for Her, the third novel to feature Detective Eve Bennett, head of a task force to root out corruption in the polygamous community of Hilldale, Utah.

When a car is stopped the police find a dead body in the boot. The two women and the child in the car refuse to speak, even to identify themselves. She eventually gets through to the child, Beth, and what she has to say is chilling. The body is identified as a high ranking member of the community and that brings danger to everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed Pray for Her, which is a fast paced, exciting read with plenty of twists and turns. It is told entirely from Eve’s point of view so the reader can ride the roller coaster of the case with her.

Eve escaped from Hilldale and its polygamous community as a teenager so she is ideally placed to understand it, if not be accepted. In fact by leaving she became an enemy and that danger is front and centre of the novel. It makes for a tense and exciting read.

There appears to be a power struggle in the sect, but it’s difficult for Eve and her team to work out who’s fighting or why as everyone is so secretive. A series of events and a little anonymous help gives them a better understanding, but they still have questions about who’s attacking them. The final showdown vindicates Eve’s instinct about the perpetrator, but even that is fraught with danger.

I find myself in a contradictory position with this novel. I love the plot and the way it is written as it is full of action and keeps the reader turning the pages feverishly to see what is coming next. On the other hand I absolutely loath the polygamous lifestyle with its patriarchy and subjugated women. I cheer when any of the vile men get their comeuppance. I don’t object in principle to polygamy if it’s an informed lifestyle choice, but what is portrayed in this community is poorly educated women forced to submit to their husband’s will from a very young (illegal) age and severely punished if they don’t. Yuk.

Pray for Her is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Holly S. Roberts has created one of the best female leads in Eve Bennet... and boy, what the author puts her lead detective through. This is the third in an absolutely freakin' fantastic series! Eve and her well-written, supporting team are back in Hilldale - called to investigate three women who have been pulled over - and they have a body in the trunk. The women are part of the polygamous community that Eve was part of as a young girl. The previous county attorney who she works with was her "brother"; he's since been replaced by his father - who was Eve's "father". Ms. Roberts does an exception job as she writes about Eve's discomfort with the Owens family. And, to make the situation more stressful, someone is shooting at her team - and hurts a member.. This book will keep you up way past your bedtime! Thank you to Bookouture for an advanced reader of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is Detective Eve Bennet Book 3 in the series and it’s another fantastic read. I absolutely love this series, definitely one of my favourite right now. Whilst this reads well as a stand-alone I recommend reading the series in order to understand the background to the characters, but also because it’s that freaking good. Eve is just a wonderful character. She was rescued from a sect by her mother as a child but not before being indoctrinated, physically and mentally abused and almost broken. But this was ‘normal’, this was how women were, and still are, treated. But now she is strong, fighting back against this evil society as a law enforcement officer. This author write trauma so well, there is a lot of distressing description which might upset some readers.

Briefly, in the sect town of Hilldale the police stop a car and find a dead body in the boot. The two adult women and 12-year-old child in the car refuse to speak. Eva and her team are given the case and Eve gets some information from the child, Beth. But tragedy strikes when a bullet is aimed at Eve and hits one of her colleagues and Eve is shocked when a face from her past reappears.

I thought this was great. Fast paced with so much going on, some good twists and turns and great characters. Seeing how Eve struggles with the memories of her past was heartbreaking as is the treatment of the women in this sect. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in a day. Great police procedural.

Although this book is a work of fiction, I believe the unfolding story reflects true-to-life events. It is good to have awareness of some of the evils of mens' hearts. This one reveals polygamy and a whole lot of other 'bad' associated therewith, perpetuated from nefarious religious beliefs' perspectives. The author doesn't mince words. It is great that this also reflects good, as in Detective Eve Bennet and her team. This is Book 3 in the series. I feel that it is ok as a stand alone book but it would have been great to have read the previous two for context.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

November 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

A Gripping Masterpiece with a Fearless Female Lead

"Pray for Her (Detective Eve Bennet Book 3)" by Holly S. Roberts is a five-star thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. Roberts delivers a knockout punch with a storyline that is not only suspenseful but also deeply emotional, thanks to the brilliant portrayal of Detective Eve Bennet.

Eve Bennet, the fearless female lead, steals the show. Her character is a tour de force—complex, resilient, and haunted by personal demons from her childhood. Roberts skillfully navigates Eve's internal struggles, weaving them seamlessly into the fabric of the plot. As Eve grapples with her past, the reader is taken on an emotional rollercoaster, making her a protagonist you can't help but root for.

What sets this book apart is not just the riveting crime at its core, but the tight-knit and cohesive team that supports Detective Eve Bennet. The dynamics among the team members add layers to the narrative, showcasing their loyalty, camaraderie, and unwavering commitment to justice. It's refreshing to see a well-rounded ensemble that enhances the overall reading experience.

The plot itself is a brilliant tapestry of suspense and mystery. From the chilling opening scene with a terrified little girl forced to dig a grave to the discovery of a body in the trunk of a car, each twist and turn is expertly crafted. Roberts keeps the tension high, revealing just enough to keep readers guessing without giving away the entire puzzle.

As Detective Eve Bennet digs deeper into the case, the stakes rise, and the narrative takes unexpected turns. The author's ability to maintain a perfect balance between plot development and character exploration is commendable. The story unfolds with precision, building to a crescendo that left me breathless.

"Pray for Her" is not just a crime thriller; it's a testament to resilience, strength, and the enduring power of confronting one's past. Holly S. Roberts has crafted a masterpiece that seamlessly blends heart-pounding suspense with poignant character development. This book is a must-read for anyone craving a thrilling, emotionally charged ride. I eagerly await the next chapter in Detective Eve Bennet's journey

Thanks to Ms Roberts, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great Eve Bennet book. I loved this book and this series. Eve grew up as a future Sister wife and had knowledge about how the sect works. When there is a dead body discovered in the trunk of the car the women driving will not say a word. Eve’s brother and father show up in the book and bring back bad memories to her. Lots of twists and turns and a satisfying ending. Highly recommended.

It was well worth reading! The storyline was very interesting, it sucked me in and had me glued to my Kindle! Definitely don't miss out on this one! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

I am really liking the Eve Bennet series of books. I enjoyed the style of writing. A solid four star read. Great premise. Good characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing Would definitely read the next novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

Book 1 and 2 made a big impression on me. I know next to nothing about the polygamist community and I am shocked to read about how they live their lives or rather how men dictate how women and children have to behave and they don't hesitate to come up with the cruelest of punishments if they dare to disobey.

Those stories really stick and I am glad to see there are women brave enough to leave that kind of life and start afresh.It must be hard on them, because they are suddenly part of a world they don't know and they have to adapt which is not the easiest thing to do. It's good to see there are shelter they can depend upon for help.

Eve is one tough cookie and she leads a team who are as dedicated as she is. But each time they are called for a crime that was committed in the polygamist community, they put their lives in danger. Eve, being an apostate, is always a thorn in the eye of the leaders, because they are aware she can make people talk who normally would not dare to.

This time is no exception and even though this current situation frightens her more than any before, she keeps on going.

This author's books always make me realise how good life is when you are your own boss. Very gripping and filled with emotions, the author wrote another winner. 5 stars

Thank you

Pray for Her by Holly S. Roberts starts off with Detective Eve Bennet being called in to investigate a body found in the trunk of a car. She’s struck by the women’s calm demeanor. No stranger to the secretive local community, Eve knows the women won’t speak to her, but she’s sure she can get the young girl to tell her what happened.

I feel sad whenever I come to the end of a Detective Eve Bennet book. I really love these characters, and I'm learning so much about the fundamentalist community.

Eve is a great character as she is flawed but strong and believable in her actions and dialogue. All the characters are good in this series.

This book (and books 1 and 2 in the series) is very addictive and, as stated, an "absolutely gripping crime thriller."

I have read the previous 2 books in the series. This is a great addition and continues to develop the characters and bring light to the polygamist community.

Start this series from book 1; you won't be disappointed. Holly S. Roberts is masterful in her writing style that engages the reader and brings the scenes and characters to life.

Pray for Her is a gripping story with lots of false clues, tension, and suspense to keep you reading well into the night. I cannot wait for the next book!!

A must-read and a series I would highly recommend.

#PrayforHer #NetGalley @bookouture

I want to start my review by saying this is the best thriller series I’ve read this year. I can’t even tell you which book I enjoyed most. I plan to reread them and see if I can pin it down. Pray For Her takes us to the one person in Eve’s past that she is frightened of. I didn’t think anyone could be more terrifying or creepier than Aaron but Holly Roberts is great at developing a warped character and racking up the suspense. I was blown away by the ending and didn’t see it coming. Great Job! These are must read books and I’m so glad I found this author. Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley. Please bring us more Eve Bennet.

Book #3 Detective Eve Bennet series. It is great to return to Eve, Clyde, Collin, Ray, Bina and Tamm. They return to Hildale to investigate why are 2 women and a girl in a car with a dead body! We learn that Beth, a 12 year old is due to marry one of the towns people and she was in the car with her future Sister Wives as a test. Eve is shocked to learn that William Owens is now the County Attorney and along with Sheriff Jackson, they seem to be at the root of the case the team are investigating. The plot is so dark and twisted with the character descriptions of the womenfolk and their outdated ways The story if full of plot twists and the ending came as a shock for me! Hope this a book 4 coming! I will recommend this book!

Another absolute knock out. This series is so good. It’s twisted, creepy on a level I just can’t explain and unputdownable. Every book gets better and better. I have this soft spot for Eve and her team.

Once I started I could not stop reading. There’s part of me when I read this series that gets me so annoyingly jazzed because of the antiquated way women and children are treated. It’s such an interesting, fast paced and unique crime thriller series. I can’t wait for more.

This is book #3 in the Detective Eve Bennet series and it's another great addition to the series!! Once you start this book, you will be reading all day. I started this book early in the morning and I did finish that night. I couldn't put it down. Eve is once again involved in the murder of a member of the cult she was in her youth. I love this series because it is so different from any other mystery I have read in a very long time. The storylines in each book have you captivated. I would recommend reading every book in the series . It's so worth it every book is so good. I will keep on reading this series as long as Holly Roberts keeps writing this series! Love it !!

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Holly S Roberts and Pray For Her is another gem for the collection.

There is nothing to dislike about this book. I knew before I delved in that this would be a completely addictive and fantastic read. I definitely wasn’t wrong.

The return to Eve and the team has been a very welcome one. I loved them in the previous books and have loved delving into another case with them. This one is as dark and addictive as the previous. Roberts has an unpredictability in her work and that makes a completely phenomenal story for readers.

This book introduces us to Beth, a young girl who has been sold into the community and instantly involved in unpleasant circumstances. A case begins to unravel that brings Eve and the crew back to Hilldale. This is where this really starts to unfold.

As a reader, this is a case which is unpredictable. I had no idea how this was going to play out. This is a book which I have been completely unwilling to put down. This is a brilliantly written and well thought out book. The pace is perfect and I am so excited to see what may come next from Roberts.

This is an author who is on my must read list. I only need a title to know I want to read. This is another fantastic read. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and series to other readers.