Book 5 in the Chief Maggie Riley series.

I really enjoyed this book. It's told from different perspectives so it's full on. I was, however, left with a couple of questions. Hopefully one of them will be answered in a future book as there is a storyline that continues in each book. Looking forward to reading the next one.

When the body of Ruby Anderson is found in a burnt-out trailer, Chief Maggie Riley is called to solve the biggest case Coyote Cove has ever seen. Ruby supposedly drowned on a kayaking trip twenty years ago—how could she have been alive today?

For years there have been whispers about how Ruby died. There was one witness who swore they saw the river drag Ruby away. Ruby’s body was never found, and she was presumed dead.

But when the autopsy report is returned, Maggie makes a shocking discovery. It shows that Ruby never drowned at all. She’d been hiding in plain sight for the past twenty years. Who was she hiding from and why would they want her dead?

As Maggie unravels the web of lies around Ruby’s murder, she discovers that the witness to Ruby’s drowning is her closest colleague at the Coyote Cove Police Department. And they’re protecting a dark secret from Ruby’s past that Maggie must uncover before anyone else loses their life.

But how deep do the lies around Ruby’s death truly go? With no one to trust, Maggie needs to uncover a deadly secret alone and it lies at the heart of the police force. How much will she have to sacrifice to discover the truth?

I hadn't read the previous books in this series, but that didn't matter as there was enough backstory for me to read it as a stand alone. However, I will be going back to read the rest.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the dynamics of the key players.
This was twisty and tense in bits, but also very relatable. I'm curious to see what happened earlier in the series.
The small town USA setting was appealing as it leant weight to the dynamics of the characters. The story was told from two POVs - the chief of police 's and her fiancé's - both in the first person present tense.

I loved the way the two storylines were kept alive by this and look forward to find out what happens next.

Book 5 of the Chief Maggie Riley series by @thiswritersays is out now and is another fast paced crime thriller installment in the series.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I love and recommend everything that Shannon Hollinger writes. The Day She Died is no exception to this rule! This book takes us back to Coyote Cove and brings together all of the characters in Maggie’s life as they solve the latest murder in this rural area of Maine. I really enjoyed this read and I’m already ready for book 6 in the series 🖤

The Day She Died by Shannon Hollinger
Chief Maggie Riley #5

Tension undercurrents, secrets, and mysteries that revolve around an explosion, murder, an upcoming wedding, and small town dynamics ~ Great addition to the series

What I liked:
* Chief Maggie Riley: difficulties in her past, bright, capable, skilled detective, works with minimal staff, trust issues, engaged to Steve, loves her dogs, seems unsettled and unsure about a few things
* Steve Winters: Maggie’s fiancé, wealthy, wants to make Maggie happy, is away from Maggie as he tries to resolve something from his past
* The explosive first chapter that sets the stage for further crimes and murders that will take place
* The way Maggie and Kal tackle the police procedural aspects of the story
* The tension between Maggie and Sue and how it is resolved
* Kal Kinshore: Maggie’s lieutenant, supportive, strong, told Maggie why he came to Coyote Cove
* The bachelorette party and getting to know some of the women a bit better
* The cold case(s) that were solved
* Dean Larson: Fire Investigator, shows interest in Maggie, wonder if he may be a secondary love interest if Steve and Maggie don’t stay together, intriguing
* That though I read the ending I was still surprised by the twist and who the killer was
* Having to wait for the next book

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the impact domestic abuse and violence have on the entire family
* The way Maggie and Steve were keeping secrets and not communicating well

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

This is # 5 in the Chief Maggie Riley series, and while you don’t HAVE TO read the others to enjoy this one, I think you get the full effect of the characters if you start from the beginning of the series. The Day She Died is a high-stakes crime thriller with a gripping mystery (hello, a woman who supposedly died years ago is now found dead?! Plus Steve’s past? I need to know what happened!) but the characters are what really make this series! Maggie is an absolute bad ass, she takes no crap and she’s dogged and determined in her pursuit of justice, but deep down she’s also emotionally vulnerable. This book continues to peel back Maggie’s emotional layers, and I love watching her realize Kal and Sue are her found family. I already can’t wait for book # 6!

This latest in the #ChiefMaggieRileySeries is quick-paced & amazing! We get more of our strong female protagonist, Maggie, in her personal life and a riveting storyline that kept me reading until the thrilling end!

This book was so much more than a police procedural to me. I love that we get to see Maggie as more than just the woman in charge. She’s struggling with her relationship and what her fiance is dealing with. Her upcoming wedding and her female friendships play an important role in this book. Sue is one of the women she feels closest too, and to wonder what truly happened the day that her friend drowned, puts Maggie in the worst spot.

There’s so many questions around the Anderson family, and somehow Maggie figures out the whole convoluted mess.

I can’t wait for more Maggie Riley books.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.

This series always twists me inside out and provides twists and turns I don't see coming. The Day She Died still has me in knotted up. Chief Maggie Riley is always trying to do the right thing and is learning to let her self have friends. In the Day She Died we start out with an explosion and go nonstop. While she's trying to put all the pieces together, Steve (fiancé) is in Massachusetts trying to piece together everything from that fateful day in college. We learn more about Kai her deputy and Sue her Jack of all at the police station. Each has a good heart and have secrets. Coyote Cove seems to be one big secret and of course Maggie and Steve are still keeping things from each other, which is becoming frustrating, and the introduction of Larson has me going no no no! Argh I need to go unknot myself from this twisty tale with surprises. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. Released 4/14/2025 #TheDaySheDied #ChiefMaggieRiley #ShannonHollinger #Bookouture #NetGalley



Left at Facebook and Pinterest

BOOK: THE DAY SHE DIED
AUTHOR: SHANNON HOLLINGER
PUB DATE: APRIL, 2025
👮🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♀️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👮🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♀️
The only aspect I really liked about this book was the actual murder mystery that occurred. I enjoyed reading about how Maggie dealt with the case, turning over all the stones to get what actually happened despite her precarious mental state. The case of Ruby Anderson was a very sad one, especially for her kids, but the mystery was okay.
👮🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♀️
I've read the first two books in the series, and this is the fifth one. Because of this, I had a hard time understanding the changes in Maggie and Steve's lives. It was confusing, and it's what made me rate it lower. Anyway, Maggie and Steve are getting married soon, but Maggie feels undecided. But, the most annoying thing was Steve, I get that he's really guilty about what happened, but if he's so guilty, he should just come clean and confess to the police. It gets tired that what he has been worried about since the first book is still in the fifth book. And he didn't even get to the bottom of it!
👮🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♀️
I liked the mystery aspect, but Steve had better deal with his issue in the next book.
👮🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♀️

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was eagerly awaiting this book to be published as it’s one of my favourite series EVER!

So when you read this review it will already be available to purchase and to read for FREE via Kindle Unlimited.

The opening chapter had me on the edge of my seat, the anticipation and the shocks had me gripped.

What a welcome back to Coyote Cove.

This story is so intriguing, I was second guessing if this case was connected to Maggie & Steve or not and if it was then how?.

I especially liked how even though Maggie & Steve are apart we still get to see what the other is going through and how their story intertwines.

It was refreshing to catch up with all my favourite residents of Coyote Cove too.

If you love a captivating story that will leave you wanting more, then get this book on Kindle Unlimited ASAP.

The Day She Died by Shannon Hollinger is the 5th book in the excellent Chief Maggie Riley series. This latest book was superb and I loved reading more about the main character Maggie, and her latest case is full of surprises with twists and turns throughout.

A body is found in a burnt out trailer. Chief Maggie Riley is called to solve the biggest case in Coyote Cove has ever seen. The body is Ruby Anderson! she supposedly drowned on a kayaking trip twenty years ago. . . . . . . .
So, how could she have been alive today?

There has been whispers about how Ruby died for years now, and there was only one witness who swore they saw the river drag Ruby away with it. But, Ruby’s body was never found, and she was presumed dead by so many people.

However, when the autopsy report is carried out and returned, Maggie makes a shocking discovery. It shows that Ruby never drowned at all.

Where has she been or hiding for all these years?

Who and what was she hiding from?

Why would they want her dead?

Ohhhhh, so many questions and Maggie needs to find the answers! But, as Maggie unravels the web of lies around Ruby’s murder, she discovers that the witness to Ruby’s drowning, was her closest colleague at the Coyote Cove Police Department. They’ have been protecting a very dark secret from Ruby’s past that Maggie must uncover before anyone else loses their life.

Maggie need to go deeper into people around her lives to find out the truth about where and how Ruby died, she needs to uncover a deadly secret alone and trust No one especially around her!!!

WoW, this book was excellent from start to finish. If you have not read the other 4 books, it works well as a standalone but I do recommend you read all the books before, they will not disappoint.

I highly recommend this series.

How is it that Ruby Anderson’s body was found in an explosion at what appeared to be a meth lab? It’s very concerning, especially since Ruby was said to have died two decades previously, and hers was one of three bodies discovered. Moreover, someone very close to Coyote Cove’s Chief of Police, Maggie Riley, filed the police report, which is causing Maggie to question her trust in her friend.

Meanwhile, Maggie’s fiancé, Steve, is away and is dealing with his own drama. At the explosion site, something else was discovered that could definitely ruin Steve’s life and their future together. It’s a true nightmare all around. Maggie is in a constant state of fear, while Steve’s drama could have far-reaching consequences.

The drama for both Maggie and Steve is played out in alternating chapters, and this definitely kept me on tenterhooks for both Maggie and Steve. What an excellent police procedural by Shannon Hollinger and a great addition to a thrilling series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Wow! Maggie's latest case is compelling and full of surprises. I was hooked. Maggie is such a great character and this series continues to get better. I found myself second guessing everything.

The Day She Died by Shannon Hollinger is an exhilarating and masterfully crafted addition to the Chief Maggie Riley series, delivering a riveting blend of suspense, character depth, and relentless pacing.
This book was filled with so many twists and turns, and when you think everything is wrapped up, it keeps going! This is a fast read and was so good.

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The Day She Died by Shannon Hollinger is the fifth installment of the Chief Maggie Riley series. This is a gripping crime thriller that starts with a bang and does not slow down!

When Chief Maggie Riley is called out to a scene, all hell breaks loose when a trailer explodes right in front of her. What started as a suspected meth lab explosion soon dives deep into secrets that have been buried for decades. A woman who had died in the explosion should have already been dead. The victim had been declared dead twenty years ago after a tragic drowning accident. With her partner, Maggie will need to find out what really happened twenty years ago and how it is connected to the case today.

I definitely feel like this can be read as a standalone novel, but if you are the type of reader that needs the whole backstory to enjoy a series, then give the rest of the books a shot! Hollinger's writing is very concise and the characters are very well developed!! This was a quick read with lots of suspense, action, and secrets that had me hooked from the first explosive page!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Shannon Hollinger, and Bookouture for this ARC!! Publication date is April 14th 2025.

This is a great series but can definitely be read as a standalone! Great mystery! Love Chief Maggie Riley!

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a mystery full of twists and turns, and features a strong female lead. Chief Maggie Riley is tasked with investigating the case of Ruby Anderson, who was supposed to be dead but isn’t. I found that right from the first page, I was completely enthralled and couldn’t wait to see the final reveal. I read this as a standalone, but it was incredibly easy to jump right into the story, and I’m excited to read more about Maggie’s story in the previous four books.
She is such a complex and dynamic character who draws readers in and almost makes it impossible to put the book down. I particularly loved the dual narrative that switches between Maggie and Steve’s point of view. The transitions are seamless due to both characters being so well written; it’s easy to understand who the main focus is at any point in the book. These wonderful characters are a huge part of what makes this story so captivating and I loved reading about them. I highly recommend!
Thank you to Bookouture for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheDaySheDied #NetGalley

The Day She Died, the fifth book in Shannon Hollinger’s Chief Maggie Riley series, follows Maggie as she investigates the shocking death of Ruby Anderson, presumed drowned 20 years ago. When Ruby’s body is found in a burned-out trailer, Maggie uncovers secrets about her hidden past and suspects a colleague is hiding crucial information. As deception and buried truths emerge, Maggie must navigate betrayal within her own department in this gripping crime thriller.

I am usually not a fan of police procedurals, but this one pleasantly surprised me! I adored the characters Maggie and Kal, and admired Maggie’s humility throughout the story. I also enjoyed that there were chapters from her fiancé Steve’s POV, and he had his own arc in the story.
The one thing I struggled with while reading this was that there were so many characters to keep track of, and they all related to one another in some way, so I often got certain characters confused with others. I think I would have gotten more out of the story if there were less characters.

This was my first book from this author, and now that I’ve finished this one, I would love to go back and read the previous four books in the Chief Maggie Riley series. This one was a great book for my mystery and thriller lovers!

This is the 5th book in the series. I love her writing. This one is all about drama. I love her characters, and care what happens to them. I honestly couldn't put this one down.

Okay, y’all. Picture this: you’re living your small-town life, eating pie at the diner, when BAM—turns out the girl who drowned twenty years ago just turned up very dead in a burned-out trailer. Welcome to Coyote Cove, where the past doesn’t stay buried and apparently, neither do people.

Chief Maggie Riley is the one left holding the badge and the mess. She’s tough, sharp, and just tired enough to make her my new favorite fictional detective. When Ruby Anderson’s crispy remains are found, Maggie’s first question is the same as mine: Wait a second, didn’t this girl already die once?

What follows is a tangled mystery filled with small-town secrets, suspicious coworkers, and enough plot twists to make me question everyone—including my own neighbors. The writing is vivid without being fussy—I could practically feel the humid air off the river and smell the smoke from the trailer. And every time I thought I had it figured out? Nope. Shannon Hollinger pulled the rug out from under me like I was standing on a trapdoor.

Let’s talk about the suspense: it builds slow like a summer storm, then boom—lightning. The kind of story where you clutch your drink and mutter, “Oh no she didn’t,” at the page. I laughed, I gasped, I side-eyed every character. I mean, when your murder witness works with you at the police department? Trust issues, table for one.

This book has all the good stuff: a smart lead, juicy secrets, and twists that hit like a slap with a wet dish towel. If you’re into crime fiction with a heartbeat and characters who feel real enough to spill your tea with, The Day She Died needs to be on your TBR. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5

Thanks to Bookouture for this advance copy via NetGalley for this advance copy for my honest, voluntary review.

#TheDaySheDied #NetGalley