Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk for an advance copy prior to publication in return for an honest review.

Wendy Dranfield is the queen of modern psychological crime. I've loved her books since the first Madison Harper crime novel.
With a background as a Coroners assistant, she knows how procedures are carried out, which makes for an informative and mind-blowing script. The stories relating to gruesome murders are knowledgeable, and this is what sucks the reader in.
'The Crying Girls' is yet another exceptional book, with so much to ponder and the detail of each stage laid out in a wonderful hidden pattern.
Each chapter is short, and this makes the reader think they can read "just one more," but the story is so addictive that "one more" chapter is never enough!

The Crying Girls (Detective Madison Harper Book 8) by Wendy Dranfield is a fast-paced and thrilling book.

I love this series and these characters. Although this book had some really sad moments and some disturbing scenes, the author weaved a gripping and intense thriller.

The story starts with a headless body being found in a trailer park creek. And a distraught mother is searching for her missing baby boy. Madison’s sense of duty drives her on, poring over cold case files and interviewing inhabitants of the trailer park near where the headless body was found. Madison is hunting for a missing child, a murderer, and a missing girl.

In addition to Madison pushing herself to the limits, Nate leaves as he is at a breaking point. I was a bit miffed with Nate leaving and also leaving Brody behind, but the more I read, the more it made sense for him to find some space and determine his next steps in healing. But poor Brody didn't understand why his owner was gone.

This story had some really good red herrings, twists and turns, and some shocking moments. The writing is solid, and the storyline is intense.

I'm looking forward to what's next for Madison and Nate and learning about Owen and his decision to leave college.

I would highly recommend starting this series from book 1. I would also recommend this author. A great series, The Crying Girls is an excellent addition to the Detective Madison Harper series.

#TheCryingGirls #NetGalley @bookouture

Another brilliant story in the Detective Madison Harper series.
Even though I'm getting better at catching clues to figure some things out before they're revealed, there are still twists that really surprise me, and following Madison's investigations is always enthralling.
As usual, I was also happy to catch up with what's going on in her personal life (and Nate's, although he was back to having really dark thoughts after the events of the previous book) and to see all the familiar characters (including the pets) again.
The parts written in the point of view of an abducted girl were really good too - full of horrible things (thankfully more alluded to than described directly), of course, but very well done.
Warning for people who haven't read the whole series yet: some references to past events inevitably spoil parts of previous books (not entire plots, though, and I think you'd still enjoy reading the other books later if you decide to read this one first).

Thank you to NetGalley and Wendy Dranfield for offering this ARC in exchange my review.

I’ve always been a sucker for a gripping psychological thriller, so when I stumbled upon “The Crying Girls” by Wendy Dranfield, I just knew it was going to be a good read. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The pacing of the story is spot-on. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Dranfield tossed in a curveball that left me reeling. Each chapter unveiled new clues and twists that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly flipping pages late into the night. It’s not just about the suspense or the mystery; there are moments that tug at your heartstrings and make you reflect on life, loss, and the importance of confronting our truths.
Overall, “The Crying Girls” is a compelling read that skillfully blends intrigue and emotion. If you're looking for a page-turner that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, I highly recommend diving into this one.

So excited to get an ARC of The Crying Girls! The best one yet!! Solid 5 star series, can't wait until 9!
The twists and turns were perfect.

Detective Madison Harper is investigating a gruesome crime – a victim found in the creek missing its head and hands. Clearly, the killer is hoping to keep the victim’s identity a secret, but Madison and the team are hoping that DNA will lead to a name. At the same time, Madison is looking into a cold case of a baby boy who went missing…18 months ago. However is it a cold case if the police were never contacted at the time? Madison struggles to understand how the boy’s mother is only now reaching out for assistance in locating the child. And with the boy’s mother having no friends, family, or even acquaintances to speak of, it’s going to be tough to find any kind of lead to go on. But Madison has never been one to back down from a challenge.

As if this isn’t enough to deal with, Nate has gone AWOL. He left Madison a note that he needed space and time alone, but what scares her is that he also left his phone and his beloved dog, Brody. And that is one dog that doesn’t appreciate his owner going rogue. She could really use Nate’s assistance with these investigations, and she’s torn between worry and anger when reflecting on his absence.

The reader sees from both points of view and it’s hard knowing that Madison has no idea what he’s up to. It seemed a bit of a stretch that he would just up and leave like that because of what happened in the previous case. Sure, it would affect him, but to that extent? That he would just up and leave without even talking to Madison about it? Especially when his actions were to protect her against someone truly evil. I mean, what if she was in danger now (she kind of always is!) and he was nowhere to be found – he would never be able to live with himself.

I know they’re just characters, but I’m so invested in Madison and Nate and I want them to work so bad! No more drama with these two! And Brody deserves to have them both by his side, no flaking out. Does it work out for the three of them? You’ll have to read the story to find out..

This is an action packed and intense story. It it well written and grabs your attention from the very beginning. That being sad, this is not for everyone due to the subject matter. I found myself cringing at times, yet unable to stop reading as I just had to know how it all turned out. I read this in all one sitting as I couldn't wait to see how Madison managed it all. There are several story threads going on in the beginning that eventually all come together. Nate is struggling with his mental health, there is a corpse washed up on a riverbank, and there is a missing child. It doesn't seem like it should go together and there are a few red herrings thrown in to distract you, but keep reading. There are a lot of twists and turns and I did not see the ending coming. Well done.

What a brilliant book in this series as usual, so much going on with plenty of mystery. All the characters were interesting with their own stories to tell.

I really missed Nate in this book but could see why he had to do what he did.

The ending was sad but everything was explained and brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

I look forward to number 9 in this series, well done Wendy on such a brilliant series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this great ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Missing babies, murders and your fiancée has also gone missing. Lots going on for Detective Madison Harper to solve. Lots of twists and turns along with family problems. I loved this book and this series. Can’t wait for more.

Detective Madison Harper is now engaged to PI Nate who disappears to try to come to terms with the fact that he killed a man in self defense. Madison doesn’t have a lot of time to dwell on his absence as a headless, handless body is found in Lost Creek and she has also taken on the cold case of an abducted baby. And then someone places a photo of a young girl on Madison’s windshield with the notation “Sofia, day 1”. Is there any connection among the cases or will Madison’s attention be spread thin trying to solve all of them?

There are mysteries to be solved here with some twists and unexpected revelations, along with family issues for both Madison and Nate. An engrossing read, there are some disturbing situations in this story with interwoven plot lines.

This is the eighth in the Detective Madison Harper series. It is the second I have read. Although it does work as a standalone, the main characters, who are damaged individuals striving to do their best, have back stories which are alluded to but not fully explained. While it doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment of this book, it does leave the reader wanting to know more about their histories.

Why this is one of my all time favorite series to read ,it's because of the plots and subplots and the personal lives of the detectives. It was tense and suspenseful,and always has me on edge with each turn of the page.

This was the first book I have read in the series but it was fine as a stand-alone. Plenty going on all through it. Great backstory about lives of the detectives. Enough twists and turns to keep me guessing as it was hard to keep up with them all. Look forward to the next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

A sixteen year old is riding home at midnight and is knocked over by a car. She is abused for hours, and her attacker leaves. Another car approaches and the driver stops.....she is saved...... or is she?
A baby vanishes and Detective Madison Harper is trying to solve the cold case. But she is herself in the midst of personal troubles, and there are her colleagues with problems.

I truly loved this book! There was so much going on, plots and subplots and the personal lives of the detectives. It was tense and suspenseful, unputdownable.
Madison was trying to solve a cold case of a baby disappearing without one clue. No forensic evidence, no suspects, not a thing. Even the house that the baby was taken from was demolished!
There was just one part that I felt wasn't wrapped up and solved. Was Kyle genuine? Was someone spying on Madison via the camera?

Totally a 5/5 star police procedural for me. Madison is one tough cookie!

So many good mystery/thriller reads recently. The Crying Girls was the latest that I’ve read. I greatly enjoyed it.

A cast of characters make this a story that is intriguing. Family and friends, along with those at work, keep the novel moving quickly. Secrets and red herrings keep the book mysterious. A page turner…a talented author…guessing helps…thanks Netgalley.

Well, the author certainly has filled Madison's plate to the brim with different cases waiting to be solved. On top of that she has a few issues in her personal life that keep her occupied too. 

Bur Madison would not be Madison if she would not tackle them all with the same determination and gusto uncovering the unsavoury truth. 

Shame on you, Nate. I do see your point of view, but really. Did you honestly think this was the best way to act? Tsssk. No, it wasn't. I have always liked you a lot, but now you have disappointed me and those who love you the most. Count your blessings we love you that much. ;)

There is a lot going on in this book and I loved how in the end, all the pieces fell into place. I had a great time uncovering one surprise after another and I had to pick up my jaw from the floor quite a few times.

What an utterly delicious but also deeply disgusting story the author created. I just could not stop reading. 5 stars don't seem enough.

Thank you

Grippingly unpredictable. Be prepared to put your life on hold! Taut and tense from the first page to the closing paragraphs……loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️