Widow Lake is the 8th book in the Ellie Reeves series and although it it only the second one I have read, I highly recommend this series. The book opens with a missing child in a campground and Ellie, her team and the SAR team led by Cord McClain all head out to look for her. She is found by the little girl in the cabin next door and all seems to be fine, but they see a man all in back skulking around in the woods. While on the search, they find a submerged car with a body in it and that opens up a cold case. Ten years earlier, a young woman and her child disappeared and it was her car they found. The body was a male, not her. Where was Amy Dean and her daughter Paisley? As Ellie investigates, she finds other co-eds have been murdered in the same way. Is there a serial killer out there that has been hunting for ten years? There is a serial killer behind bars waiting for execution and the signature of these other kills is similar. Are they communicating and how are they doing it? This case will have Ellie and her team running circles around each other.

Wow, this was one action packed crime thriller. As the reader, we can see some of what is going on, but this was a complicated case. There is more than one killer, but who are they? Lorna Bea, the twelve year old girl who was in the middle of everything is a sweetheart. My heart broke for that little girl who was kept so isolated. I knew who she was from the start, but her full story is heartbreaking. Ellie's team works so well together and I really enjoy seeing them anticipate each other's moves and what to do next. Ellie was in danger a few times in this one and my heart was in my throat more than once. I don't want to give anything away, so will say no more about this story. This is a fast moving, gripping, chilling and twisty crime thriller. The conclusion was shocking and jaw dropping and left me wanting more. I know I have said it before, but I NEED to go back and read the books in this series that I have missed, it was that good.

I started on Book 8 without reading the rest and I think this is totally fine as a standalone. Very short chapters which I think most of us will enjoy (400ish pages and 148 chapters).

Widow Lake is multi-pov with flashbacks and it’s probably the first detective series I have read where the story isn’t just focused on Ellie the detective, but also follows the suspects, the victims, and other supporting characters. There are just a few plot twists because the suspects are already identified but those you probably wouldn’t have guessed. Don’t mind me while I go pick up the other 7 books!!

Widow Lake is the eighth book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series. I found it easily read as a standalone, but for more context I'm planning to start from the beginning.

Although I have no children myself, I always find cases where there's a missing child, whatever their age maybe, always hits harder.

This is the first book I've read by Herron and I really enjoyed it. It's fast paced page from the first page, the plot is well written and the characters realistic and entertaining.

Rita Herron returns with her newest release in the Detective Ellie Reeves series, Widow Lake. Read on and learn the reason this series would be perfect for readers of crime fiction and police procedurals. 

Widow Lake by Rita Herron is book 8 in the Detective Ellie Reeves series. Each book works well on its own, as a different case is featured in each. Although this is the second book in the series I have read, I encountered no issues in catching up with the character’s personal lives.

When the story began, Ellie and her team, along with search and rescue, were searching for a child who went missing from a campground. From that moment, the story pulled me in and kept me on tenterhooks until the end. The search for the missing girl led to  gruesome discoveries in the lake and shed.  Discoveries which led to the reopening of a ten-year-old missing person case. As Ellie and her team investigates, they made several more chilling discoveries. The discoveries have them puzzled as the modus operandi mimics that of a serial killer currently on death row. The question on everyone’s mind is there a copycat and what’s the connection to the serial killer in prison?

Widow Lake took me on a chilling journey filled with suspense and action. Now Ellie faces the complicated task of unravelling all the evidence, and the things uncovered during this process were shocking. The perps are many and not knowing their identity presented a challenge. However, Ellie is not one to give up and she will not stop until the truth reveals itself.

As mentioned before, the story had me on the edge of my seat. The story, with its chilling details, moved quickly and delivered several twists and turns, with a jaw dropping conclusion.

With such a conclusion, I am curious to learn what’s next in store for the characters. Readers who enjoy police procedurals will get a kick out of this series.

Widow Lake by Rita Herron is the eighth book in this brilliant Detective Ellie Reeves this has been an incredible series that only has just got better and better. Rita has a way of writing that will have you gripped! Once you start reading this series you will be hooked from the very first few pages and you will want more, especially as these book have so many cleverly put together twists and turns.

I highly recommend this Detective Ellie Reeves series another 5 star book. This was the Best one so far. I loved it.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC. This is my honest opinion.

If you haven’t read a lot of my reviews, let me tell you that I am such a fan of the crime series that Bookouture publishes. They’ve done a bang up job of publishing a great set of series and this is one on that list.

There are multiple cases going on that keep the team hopping. And multiple layers including a cold case, trying to get information from a serial killer before their execution and a group of crime fan fanatics. While this may seem like a lot, the stories are woven together in what I assume is a normal case load for investigators and are easy to follow. The twists kept me guessing and the quick pace pulled me in and never let go. I like the balance of work and personal life in this series and the little bit of romance sprinkled in. I’m quite fond of Ellie and her take no prisoners attitude as she works tirelessly to bring justice for the victims. A strong female lead that is very relatable.

And that ending. How long until the next book is out? If you’re a fan of crime series and haven’t read this series, what are you waiting for? And if you are already a fan of the series, you will love this instalment.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was SO happy to be back with Detective Ellie Reeves and the gang in Crooked Creek, the book title had me more than intrigued.

Ellie is back with harrowing case, a four year old has gone missing, as she starts to investigate she soon learns it could be connected to a murder and a missing two year old girl that happened ten years ago.

We also have another storyline going on that involves FBI Special Agent Derrick Fox and notorious serial killer called The Southside Slasher which also intrigued me.

This was a fast paced book with many layers to it that kept entertained, I enjoyed the last quarter the most because thats when it really got to the action and the conclusion

It ended on some HUGE cliffhangers that set up the next book nicely.

#ritaherron has little competition for chilly, nail biting suspense.
Told via dual narrative - a little girl living with her father and grandmother, new to Widow Lake. And Ellie of course.
Ellie meets up again with Cord - already in the forest, struggling with his mental health; Derrick quick to assist as well.
Complications ensue - not just with this case but Ellie has her own.

Another great read in the Detective Ellie Reeves series! A lot of characters are introduced in this one, and it was a bit confusing at first, but all came together in the end!

The mystery was as engaging as ever. Ellie is a dogged investigator and works through the latest mystery with her usual tenacity. I really love Derek and I think he brings out the best in Ellie. This story once again weaves the past into the tapestry of the current case and Ellie’s backstory is an intriguing one. I recommend reading the books in order to fully appreciate the full picture. However, it could be read as a Stan alone if you’re dipping into the series to see if it’s a good fit. I recommend this series to fans of police procedurals and I thank Ms Herron, the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars

Oh my goodness! Rita Herron just knocks it out of the park, AGAIN! This was a fabulous read. So dark and dripping with tension and twists. Great and creepy book with an amazing storyteller.
Characters were all so well developed. I felt all the emotions of being right smack dab in the middle of the book.
Highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book

If you love complex thrillers, then you will definitely want to read this story. There many threads woven throughout starting with the disappearance of a little girl and then the discovery of a car and body in the lake. The little girl is found. After testing, it is determined that the body was a male killed 10 years ago. I love how the story is written in short chapters that keep you wanting to read and find out what is going to happen next. Yes, there are quite a few characters but they are needed for the storyline and eventually they get tied together. This is my favorite of this series so far and I'm looking forward to the next book.

Book 8 in the Detective Ellie Reeves series. And what a cracker it is. Full of drama, tension, emotions and twists you absolutely won't see coming. I was hooked from start to finish.

If you want a book to keep you reading way past your bedtime then this is it.

Wow, what a story! Widow Lake by Rita Herron took me on a thrilling ride from start to finish. From the very beginning, I was captivated and there wasn't a moment to catch my breath. The narrative unfolded like a roller coaster, constantly keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The plot was incredibly intricate, with so many twists and turns that I couldn't predict what would happen next. I found myself questioning everything and trying to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters. The character of Lorna Bea intrigued me, with her overprotective father and the mysterious circumstances of her life. It was heartbreaking to see her restricted from doing anything or meeting new people.
As the story progressed, the situation only grew more dire for Lorna Bea, Ellie, and Cord. The author masterfully heightened the tension, making it impossible to put the book down. Every chapter brought new challenges and obstacles for the characters to overcome, and I was genuinely invested in their well-being.
And the ending... I can't even find the words to describe it. It left me stunned and craving more. Everything was left in complete disarray, and it's clear that there is so much more to unravel in the next book. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the series.
In summary, I highly recommend Widow Lake and the entire series. Rita Herron has crafted a thrilling and immersive story that will keep you hooked until the very end. If you're a fan of fast-paced, suspenseful novels with complex characters and unpredictable plot twists, this book is a must-read.

A great addition to the Ellie Reeves series. This one keeps you guessing right to the end. I can't wait for the next one.

Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for the eARC.

A complicated mystery with layers that will keep you guessing until the final pages. Amy Dean and her little girl are missing, or have they simply left town? The Slasher, a serial killer, is due to be put to death, but officers question him about two other murders. Detective Ellie Reed is called to Widow Lake to search for a missing four-year-old girl. Before they can initiate a full search, the little girl is found, in a shed, by an older girl. The older girl, twelve-year-old Lorna Bea, was told not to leave the cabin and now is in trouble with her father. Lorna Bea wants a normal life, but everything she owns is in one box as they more often and quickly. Searchers find buried bones in the shed and a car registered to Amy Dean is pulled from the lake, but inside, a man’s skeleton. An evil has been directed at women in the area by men who enjoy the dangers of the dark web. How many women have they killed and who is their mentor? I enjoy this series, but for me, there was almost too much story, too many characters and an unresolved issue at the end. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

It’s hot and sultry in Ellie’s home turf. But events are about to become stone cold as a serial killer appears to be on the loose. Ellie, Cord, and Derrick race to figure out who is committing these heinous crimes as bodies keep popping up in and around Widow Lake.
The focus wasn’t so much on Ellie’s personal life but on the characters involved in the case.
I processed the clues as the team did. The story kept me on my toes and I was happy for the ending that involved a child who just wanted to be loved.
However, I’m in agony at the cross roads Herron left with Derrick, Cord, and Ellie!!!!!

Bonus star alert! 6/5! This was an edge of your seat whole body rush thriller of epic proportions. So fast paced and every one bring a new twist or turn. The characters are ones we have grown to love and are so well done. I could not put this down. I read this in one sitting. Jaw dropping and heart stopping moments with every new surprise. A stunner of a story. Absolutely bloody brilliant. A must must read. My favourite in this series so far. Top Notch

Hot, sticky, and reunion time at the local university.
A little girl, Betsy, goes missing at a cabin at Widow Lake, and thankfully is found quickly. While the team is searching Cord find a submerge car with at body, and that sets off a very intense search. Then a serial killer escapes prison and is headed to Widow Lake.
Read in almost one sitting, very hard to put down.

4.5 stars

Widow Lake sees Ellie Reeves tasked with investigating the latest mystery to befall this small town.

As we have come to expect, there are numerous players who all have some connection to the crimes that unfold, before being brought to a conclusion by this tenacious Detective and the team that supports her.

Short chapters guide the reader through various parts of the ongoing inquiries, often producing more questions than answers.

The story is compelling and holds your interest from the first page to the last. Along the way suspicions will arise and you may just be lucky to have a smidgen of the puzzle correctly figured out...but then again maybe not!

Rita Herron writes a crime and investigation novel that will keep you guessing all the way through.

Despite this only being my third Ellie Reeves case, I continue to be intrigued as new crimes come to light.

I can't wait to see what case will land on Ellie Reeves lap next!