Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Shadow Falls, the first in the Detective Madison Harper series, I jumped at the chance to read Cry For Help. It’s just as good as the first one; having teamed up, united in their anger against corrupt police officers, Nate Monroe and Madison are back in Madison’s old home town of Lost Creek, called back by the shocking murder of Madison’s ex-girlfriend. Before they even arrive there’s a second death, though, a sixteen-year-old girl, and Madison can’t help but suspect it has to be connected.

Nate has less of a part to play in this story, and I did feel the lack somewhat, because I got to really like him in Shadow Falls. This is very much the story of Madison’s vindication and reunion with her son, though, as well as really filling in all the details on her background, so I suspect the next book is likely to return to Nate’s story.

I think it would be possible to read this without having first read Shadow Falls; enough backstory is given to thread the stories together, but I would definitely recommend reading Shadow Falls first as Nate doesn’t come off all that sympathetic a character in this one. Having really got to know him in the first book I felt more accepting of his actions as they made sense considering his backstory. Former cadaver dog Brody also gets a significant part to play here, and I like the bond developing between him, Nate and Madison.

I’m interested to see what’s next for this group. It seems apparent that Madison now has incentive to stay in Lost Creek, but will Nate? She’s gained the ability to help him now in ways she couldn’t before, to pay him back, so maybe he’ll stick around, but I quite liked the ‘travelling investigators’ aspect of the story. We’ll see how things change, but I’ll definitely be looking out for the next book in the series, because I’m really enjoying it. Five stars.

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series so I was very excited to get back to this story. 

If you haven’t read book one you can read this as a standalone as there’s enough background given to catch you up. 
This book had me tense from the beginning. I was already nervous for Maddison and what she was going to find when she returned to her home town. I knew it wouldn’t be pretty but it was a lot worse than I imagined. 

Wendy did an excellent job of keeping me hooked. I needed to know who really killed Ryan Levy, who killed Stephanie and what happened to Nikki. So many people have suffered in such a small town. The story is complex without being confusing. It’s clear there are links but what they are is a real mystery. 

There was a big focus on Maddison in this story which I enjoyed but I really hope that we get to focus on Nate in the next book. His story is far from finished. I know Wendy has already written the next book and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

This novel, Cry For Help by Wendy Dranfield is the second instalment in the Detective Madison Harper series. Madison, along with Nate, a Private Investigator, returns to Lost Creek, Colorado for the first time since her conviction for manslaughter to find her son, Owen and look into the murder of her former lover, Stephanie Garcia. Just before she arrives, teenager Nikki Jackson is found dead on a Ferris wheel thought to be a suicide, her arms sliced right down to the wrists but Madison thinks Nikki could have been murdered and that it may link to Stephanie’s death.

There's a lot going on in this book and I found myself fully absorbed in the plot and entertained for hours. Myriad questions invaded my mind as I flew through the pages, as desperate for answers as Madison. The constant action meant there was never a dreary moment and even though there were several different investigations and sub-plots happening, I still managed to keep track of occurrences and developments due to Wendy Dranfield's adept execution. I was taken on an eye-popping, complex, intriguing, gnarly journey full of surprises and red herrings that kept me fully engrossed. The terrific, shocking ending made me gasp and I'm really excited to read more in this series, going forward. It was a pleasure to read Cry For Help and I highly recommend it.

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

Holy SMOKES 😳

This series is absolutely flippin fantastic, AMAZEBALLS. So much action, soooo many twists and turns y’all are gonna get whiplash. I can’t wait for more. I NEED more.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It's a killer (no pun intended!) follow up to Shadow Falls!

I am not typically a fan of PI novels, BUT this one is absolutely, 100% worth the read. Madison & Nate are both deeply jaded but extremely likeable characters, and this book explored a ton of backstory on Madison while simultaneously advancing her storyline with Nate. I loved the way they fleshed out Madison's past and the tale of corruption and family ties is well constructed and makes for a very quick read. 

While writing this review, I noticed that neither of the Amazon descriptions of the book include Nate. I think that's a bad choice. Nate is an interesting character and plays a critical role in both books. I think that he is the reason this book stands out from the hundreds of other Detective/PI stories out there. These two and their past experiences with injustice and their restrained vigilante approach is what I find most interesting. This book explained a lot of Madison's issues and hopefully allows her to get some of her life back, but I sincerely hope that the next book either follows Nate and explores his  backstory, or at least includes him in Madison's rebuilding. It would be a mistake to let him ride off without her.

Based on the USA, this novel is written from a third person perspective and the major protagonists are Detective Madison Harper, Nate and Detective Mike Bowers. The benefits of the third person perspective are that it helps you see a larger view of what’s going on and you get to know more characters, what they’re thinking and what they’re doing. It seems like you’re going to get to see the whole scenario and not miss much.

An addictive and persuasive plot that had several layers of mystery and crimes to keep the reader guessing. It started right in the action and kept you rolling on a roller-coaster suspension journey. The timeline skipped from the present to the past at just the right moments gently to feed the reader with details on what just happened in the appropriate amount.

With three unsolved murders, there remains tension throughout the book, until we know who is the actual culprit.

The writing style and character portrayal is wonderful, and I really enjoyed that. However, I loved the first part, Shadow Falls, more than this one.

I read and enjoyed the first of the Madison Harper books. But this book is one that you need to have time to sit down, buckle your seat belt and hold on! I didn't want to put the book down. I would think I had certain things figured out, but then there was a twist and off we go in another direction. I am looking forward to the next book! 

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. Any opinions are my own!

This is the second book in the Detective Harper's series and the first one I have read by Wendy Dranfield. It can be read as a standalone but I am definitely going to read "Shadow Falls", the first one in the series. 
This book is action packed and I was quite absorbed in the story. The plot is really interesting and I kept second guessing everything. Fast paced and with suspense galore as well as really well described and with interesting characters, it was quite difficult to put it down.

Really intriguing and packed with suspense, I am looking forward to future books and will definitely read the 1st one in the series. 

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

Cry for Help is the second title in the Detective Madison Harper series, and if possible, this story kept me even more involved with Madison and Nate as they once again work together to solve a heinous crime, but also discover more about the past as well. I wasn’t expecting the series to get this increasingly intense with each story, yet the search for the truth of Nikki’s murder, the links found, and the personal revolutions for Madison kept me captured as I read this one long after I should have been asleep.

I try to give away even less about the core of a story when it’s a Mystery – that genre you should really be discovering clues and experiencing the mystery for yourself firsthand. Yet, all you really need to do before purchasing is read that cover description blurb to know that this is going to be an amazing journey to find a killer and answers.

While I’m a firm believer in reading any series from the beginning, if at all possible, Cry for Help could stand on its own in many ways as the reader is given enough background within the dialogue and narrative to fill in the major points necessary – I still believe you’d get more involved and have a deeper understanding of the characters if you’ve read Shadow Falls first… but that’s only an opinion, you do what works for you.

As Madison and Nate return to her hometown after learning of the death of someone once close to Madison, they’ll also be facing down the same police department that turned on Madison years ago, years spent in prison and having her son, Owen, placed in the foster care system. While Madison is still searching for her son, coming home isn’t the easiest thing she’s done but it’s necessary if she’s ever to find the answers she seeks.

There are connections in Cry for Help that will slowly be revealed, with lots of twists and turns along the way with the occasional red herring tossed in as well. This is a gripping, gritty Mystery/Suspense story, one that often asks more questions than we have answers for… yet. The action begins almost immediately, the killer is vicious and devious, the clues lead to unexpected places, there is the feeling of something just out of view waiting to pounce upon the reader as well. I was completely engaged in Madison’s return to her hometown. (as a side note: don’t read this in the wee small hours of the morning, in a quiet house if you have a cat – just take my word on that, talk about jumping out of my own skin! -thanks, Leia.)

We’re introduced to additional characters and it will be interesting to see if any will be in the next Detective Madison Harper novel – and I do need the next one, right now. This is a truly addictive series that can easily take over your imagination and your need to know more.

This review is vague on purpose (I ended up deleting about a third of this review as I was starting to tell the story and that is not allowed in my reviews). So, yes, this is a story that I easily got caught up in, that I wanted to talk about (but couldn’t), and I’m anxiously awaiting word on when the third story will be revealed to a now dedicated reader of this series. If you love a really good, chilling Mystery/Suspense story then you’ll want to pick up Cry for Help right now. You won’t regret it.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Bookouture via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Madison and Nate are back. In this story, they visit Lost Creek, Madison’s hometown, to try and find out who framed her. It soon becomes clear that the residents don’t want Madison there. However, she is determined to try and find answers despite the hostile reception. She also is trying to solve 2 cases, an ongoing case and a personal one that involves someone dear to her. Above all, she is seeking to find her son, Owen, whose location was concealed after her imprisonment.

This story is narrated through multiple POVs with Madison being the main narrator. I loved the different angles and the new characters introduced in this installment. Madison and Nate have totally grown on me. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between the 2 and their backgrounds make this quite a unique police procedural.

Cry for Help has everything that makes a crime thriller entertaining. It has well crafted characters and MCs who I enjoy rooting for. The case is complex and the action, non-stop. The twists are jaw-dropping and the ending definitely left me yearning for book three. I cannot recommend this one enough.

Thrilling, tense and addictive. A transporting and absolutely brilliant read. So glad I discovered this author and this series. Each book gets better and better. I am absolutely hooked. After the perfection that is this book cannot wait for the next in this amazing series.

My emotions are all over the place! I have spent most of this book, reading with baited breathe as we finally find out what happened to Madison, I was even crying through some of it! Some of the events clicked into place before Madison and Nate got there but some didn’t until the final showdown. Boy, this was cataclysmic, the shock waves will take a while to die down with this one.

I have felt so much anger for Madison and the injustice she has had to experience. I was so angry with what happened and the repercussions left me empty. I felt angry for one character, even though she was innocent, as there was just no fight, in the end, it was all too bleak for her and it was hard to see how freely her decision was made. I just wanted to jump in and help in some way.

This really is one intense book, again with the timelines, of Nikki’s past and the present day but given this time the insight into other characters add to the intensity. We see just how deep deception can run, how one bad mistake can lead you down a dark path with no way of getting off the track. The manipulation of people and the fear that someone can hold over your life can be crippling and sadly it plays a part here.

So much I want to talk about but I have to gloss it over. I didn’t read the blurb so I had no idea what was to come, I just knew it would be good. It was better than good, it was mind-blowing, it was breathtaking and it shocked me. I was lying there with my hand over my mouth trying to read the words quicker as I was soaking up the information in front of me. The plot is like a spaghetti junction with so much going on and so much interlinking, however, none of it was convoluted, it all made sense and was easy to follow. However, I did not like the path we were going on.

God, this series is just phenomenal and I love that there are potentially at least 5 books in this series. I am not sure how it will pan out now but I just know Nate and Madison need to stick together. I know everything is up in the air but I need them to stick out in the long run. I mean we still have Nate’s storyline to go yet and as much as this one was emotional, I fear it will be worse with Nate.

This is a book I could not put down and in all honesty, I did not want to put it down. It blew me away. I can not wait for the next one for sure. Wendy astounds me each time I read something of hers and she confuddled me again. What a read!!

4.5 stars 
Cry for help it’s my first book by the author and now I have to go back and read at least the first story in the series because I absolutely loved this novel. 
Right from the first page, I got engrossed in this mystery and couldn’t put it down so much so that I’ve read it in one sitting. 
The plot was so interesting and I needed to know what happened in the past and who is the killer now as well as why is she unfairly accused of a murder that she had nothing to do with her. 
I enjoyed the family drama and even the dog help that played a big part in the story. 
Twisted and gripping, a must read crime thriller that many lovers of the genre will enjoy.

EXCEPTIONAL crime thriller with great characterization including Brody ( the retired police dog)  Superbly written in a suspenseful plot keeping expectations high until the terrific finale. I have read #1 Shadow Falls & eagerly await #3 in this series. Enjoyed immensely & RECOMMEND both absolutely. Thanks to  NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC in return for my honest review.

Oh what a fantastic book! I thought book 1 was good but this is even better. I would highly recommend you read Book 1 first as, apart from being a great book, this one carries on where that left off. 

I was hooked from the start and didn't want to put it down. 

A fantastic plot that was full of twists. It kept me guessing til the very end.

I won't hesitate to recommend this fantastic author to everyone who likes this genre.

I cannot wait to read what Madison and Nate get up to next.

I got up at 630 am today to finish this book! Worth it! 
Madison returns to Lost Creek - desperate to prove her innocence and wrongfully convicted for her friend and fellow officer's death.  
As well as the vicious murder of her ex girlfriend,  Stephanie. 
Nate and Brody drive her to Colorado- lending much needed support and assistance in solving the mystery.  
Not to mention what happened to Madison's son? 
Excellent suspense.  Family drama. Twists.  
Highly recommend.

I loved the first book in this series and the second one is even better!
Madison and Nate are heading to Lost Creek to find the person who framed her for murder and to try and find her son. 
When they arrive, they discover a teenage girl’s body had been found on the fairground, and it’s not clear if it was suicide or murder. 
Madison is dragged into the Police station under suspicion of murdering her ex and thanks to Nate’s contacts, her attorney gets her released. 
This is a fast paced crime thriller with lots going on and it really builds to an exciting conclusion. 
I was pleased to see Brody the dog was still with them and he definitely helps out in this book. 
I loved the way this book ended and will definitely be reading the rest of the series when they’re out. 
The characters are so likeable and really make you get behind them, especially with the past that Nate and Madison have had. 
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Cry for Help is the second instalment in the Detective Madison Harper series. It begins in September 2012 with Detective Harper is tending to her ten year old son, Owen, at her home in Lost Creek, Colorado, when she receives a visit from Detective Don Douglas from Lost Creek Police Department. She opens the door and is quickly handcuffed. She is being arrested for the murder of Officer Ryan Levy, whom she shared a shift with that day, a mere five days into her role as a detective. Fast forward seven years to July 5, 2019 and convicted criminal Ricky Gregor, a maintenance manager at Fantasy World amusement park in Lost Creek, finds the slumped body of a teenage girl in one of the Ferris wheel cars while cleaning. Her arms have been slit right down to the wrists and she sits in a pool of her own blood. Meanwhile, Madison, who had recently finished serving her time, receives a call from Detective Mike Bowers who informs her that her ex-girlfriend Stephanie Garcia had been killed, so she starts the journey from Northern California to Lost Creek, a journey of thirteen hundred miles, after seven years away, with six of those spent imprisoned for a manslaughter she didn't commit. But she's also heading back there to find out who framed her and why. She contacts former death row prisoner Nate Monroe who spent seventeen years inside for a murder he didn't commit and had won a large settlement when his conviction was overturned.

Nate had agreed to help her clear her name and find her son after she aided him in finding a girl missing from a summer camp. He has even given her a trial period working for him as a Private Investigator. When they arrive they get involved in the case involving the murdered teenage girl, Nikki Jackson, as she happens to be Owen's girlfriend. Can Madison and Nate get to the bottom of who and why someone framed her, who and why Stephanie was killed and exactly what happened to Nikki? This is a compulsive and scintillating procedural with an action-packed, complex plot, which features several intermingling threads, and there's never a dull moment as Dranfield keeps you on your toes. Madison and Nate's interesting backstory is fed to the reader in digestible chunks throughout so as not to overwhelm and it works well; I was fascinated with the situation Madison finds herself in and it was a refreshingly original personal story. There is certainly plenty to get your teeth into with a complex plot but it never gets confusing as it is expertly woven. I loved the mix of murder case and personal mission to discover who and why someone framed her for murder. The fact that it's told from various perspectives allows you to become more immersed in the goings-on and makes it fully rounded. This is a high-octane, edge of your seat read made all the more authentic by the research the author has carried out to make the procedures true to life. Highly recommended.

Be ready to loose sleep as you stay up all night to dive head first into this rollercoaster ride of a story!

This is the second book in the series and picks up right where the last one finishes. Madison and Nate are on their way to Madisons home town, but what horrors await her when she arrives?
This is a fast paced, well written story that you just can’t put down. Secrets are unravelled as you progress and you won’t see the many twists coming. 
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, but I have to say this one is even better, it pulled me in and didn’t let go until the early hours of the morning!
What I also loved about it was how being the second book in the series, it didn’t waste time recapping everything like so many books do, it presumes you have read the first and jumps straight into the next adventure as though you were just starting a new chapter.
I can definitely see this series continuing and can’t wait to see where the lives of Madison and Nate head. 

Well done Wendy Dranfield, such a fantastic follow up to Shadow Falls, can’t wait for the next book in the series!! 

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and most importantly the author, for the chance to read this book, in exchange for an honest review.

This second book in the Detective Madison Harper series picks up just a short time since the last book. Madison and Nate solved their last case. They are now back in Colorado, in the town where Madison was wrongly convicted of murder and lost her life to what she believes was a set-up. To others, her return is in response to the murder of her former girlfriend, Stephanie. Madison was named in the will to inherit the girlfriend's house, and she is prepared to make arrangements for Stephanie's funeral. Unfortunately, her hometown is not hospitable to her return. The police immediately bring Madison in on the suspicion that she murdered Stephanie, even though she was in CA. From there, Madison and Nate struggle to stay off the police's radar, to endure the locals' hatred, and to find out information about the location of Madison's son. It's a twisty plot with lots of "false" answers, but Madison and Nate refuse to give up. The surprise ending makes you want to know what the future holds for both of them.