4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series by Rita Herron.

I remember Rita Herron from a long time ago when she wrote for Harlequin. Definitely one of my favorite authors from that time. I was so glad to see her go out on her own and put out bigger books. 

This was a fascinating read. The whole connection between the killer and Ellie not to mention the name they have given the killer: the Weekday killer. I had a few questions that were probably answered in book one but that didn’t keep me from enjoying the read. I look forward to more books in this series. I am now hooked.

Ellie gets pulled into the story when one of colleagues is captured by the killer and Ellie feels guilty since the madman is doing this to eventually get to her. The plot keeps you interested and the characters are so well crafted it feels like you are watching this on television and not just reading it.

New favorite series, for sure! Putting Herron on my must read list.

If you love a good  mystery, police procedural, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

I knew I’d love the second instalment as soon as I read the blurb. The first book in the Ellie Reeves series was an excellent start to a new series and was straight away a lover of it and knew I’d be impatient for additional books. 

This book was just as good as the first. With a gripping storyline and the same characters from book one I fell straight into another web of suspicious characters and with the familiarity of Ellie Reeves background I emerged myself in the follow up. 

It was an ambitious storyline with a serial killer that is out of control. What I loved was the killers MO. It was grim and gave a sadistic element to the story. 

The storyline in general was very good. With a great premise that was followed up at the end and all lines of suspicions confirmed. 

A great book two and can’t wait for book three in June after reading the blurb!

Detective Ellie Reeves, while hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, literally stumbles across the body of a young woman. She's laying on a bed of daffodils, a branch wrapped around her neck, wearing clothes that do not belong to her. Her lips have been sewn shut and a note is found inside her mouth....

Monday’s child is fair of face

And then she finds another body of a young woman ... left in the same condition as the first. Only the message is different....

Tuesday’s child is full of grace

So begins the hunt for a serial killer with an agenda ... a killing everyday for a week. One of Ellie's team members is taken ... and Ellie, herself, is a target.

Mesmerizing, exciting, gripping, riveting .... this one is chock full of action, with frequent changes of direction. There are varied suspects ... some rather closer than the detectives are aware. All the characters are solidly drawn. Ellie's backstory continues in this 2nd of the series, although it is easily read as a stand alone. But I highly recommend reading this series is order. No major cliffhanger .. but there is certainly room for another adventure for Ellie.

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

So many twists & turns. Looking forward to see what’s in store for Detective Ellie Reeves next. There so many things I need to know. I can’t wait for the next book.

Page turner that keeps on going!   Not your average "female detective with baggage and issues with male subterfuge" which is a common plot out there, and done to the extreme by some..  the author takes that theme and does a good job creating complex characters and real-world situations.  Yes, it's not common that detectives have serial killers in their family, but let's face it - this is a book!  That given, the whole "family serial killer" is framed well and creates and ominous threat, that I will be interested in following.   Strong and interesting cast of characters, good plot, some good surprises - definitely recommended and I will read more from this author.

I did not get a chance to read book one first but sure will after this.

This book was simply fantastic. From page one to the very last word you will be captivated.
It's full of thrills to keep you on edge and a mystery to solve too. Though it's my opinion you won't figure it out. There is a curve at the end you won't see coming. 
This was my first book by Rita Herron but I own two others and will be reading them. 
I look forward to many more. 
I have found a new author to stalk.

Thank you #NetGalley, #Bookouture, #RitaHerron for this ARC. 
5/5 stars and a very high recommendation.

This is a fantastic follow up book to the first in the Ellie Reeves series  

I lived book one so much and it captivated me from the start. And this book was no different. 

Ellie is faced with a haunting case very soon after the last and I loved seeing her and Derricks relationship blossom even more, and I cant wait to see what in store for the dynamic duo next time!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for a chance to read Wildflower Graves, book 2 of the Detective Ellie Reeves series by Rita Herron. After reading the first book, and loving it, I was looking forward to see what book 2 would have, and I was not disappointed. 
Detective Ellie Reeves heads into the wilds of the Appalachian Mountains when she wants to get lost––to forget the whispers chasing her and the past that keeps her up at night. She’s sick of having to prove herself to her small town.  While there she discovers a body of a woman, and a note...Monday’s child is fair of face.  Then someone sends her a  picture of her colleague, Officer Shondra Eastwood, with the words: Can you find her, Detective Reeves? This book ramped up the tension from the first book. Totally enjoyed it, and again, cant wait for the next one!

I am glad I saw that this was the second book. I went and downloaded the first book in the series and read it before I read this one. I believe it helped me understand some of the people in the book better. I have to say that Ellie is one tough chick!! The things the author buts this cop though, and that she still comes back for more! The  FBI agent, Derrick Fox and Ellie work well together, I could not believe the twist and turns of this book! It ended in a way that I hope we will see more of Ellie, Derrick and Cord (Bryce can fall off the AT) I really enjoyed this and thank the author and NetGalley for the change to read it early

The book had me holding my breath, knowing the killer had already chosen the women based on a rhyme that gave me the horrors when I read it. Detective Ellie Reeves was back again with the Appalachian Mountains as yet the setting of this book. Author Rita Herron wrote another fast-paced thriller with a complete police investigation.

On a hike to the mountains, Ellie found a woman posed on a bed of daffodils and soon came to know that her colleague Shondra was missing. That led to the beginning of the investigation which rushed down the pages at breakneck speed. The book did continue, in some sections, from the previous one, but that didn’t matter to me as I didn’t remember much of the first book. Maybe Ellie’s introspection could be brought down a notch.

Ellie, as a cop, was etched well in this book as the killer went one step ahead and came too close to her as if mocking her, challenging her to find him. I had a few suspects, but none really came to light as the author enveloped the story in another twist and caused me to rethink. It was obvious the devious mind writing this had already thought of how the readers might surmise and so kept a step ahead. Now that I thought about it, much like the killer.

The motive for the kill was beyond me to understand and I stayed awake just to know the killer and reasons for the murders. And as most thrillers went, the end was a twist that twisted me around in an inverted twist. Go figure the alliteration.

Overall, it was quite an exciting read with a kickass cop and a killer who murdered by the days of the week every 24 hours. The race was on!!

Everything is the same for Ellie - she still is hurting from her parents betrayal and her brother being a murderer. When, once again, women begin to disappear, Ellie doesn't know how to handle the feelings of distrust and fear. Special Agent Fox gets assigned to her case and now Ellie has to deal with her feelings for him too. And if that's not enough, her friend and colleague Deputy Shonda Eastwood is also gone missing. I highly recommend this series and promise, you will not be able to put either one of the books down.

Wildflower graves by Rita Herron.
Book 2 of Detective Ellie Reeves. 
Wow a brilliant read.  Even though I haven't read book 1 I still enjoyed this book.  I loved Ellies character. I had no clue who the killer was until I was told by Rita.  When the killer was revealed everything started to make sense.  I will be reading book 1. I am hoping there will be a book 3. 5*. Highly recommended.

BOOKWORMS REVIEW: 
A book you wont be able to put down...nor even want to. Detective Ellie Reeves is back and has as treacherous a case as ever to crack. Theres a psycho on the loose,with a twisted agenda. Hes killing women by following a childhood rhyme. Donned the 'weekday killer'.. his victims are chosen,tortured & murdered going by 'Mondays child is fair of face...' etc. A new victim for each day. 
On a walk one night Ellie receives a text asking if she can save her friend Shondra. Whilst Ellie was dealing with her own demons and hiding from life,The killer got her. The heat was already on for Ellie and her colleagues,with not all the citizens of the town forthcoming with information as she finds out. She must save these women,and find out who is picking these women off, one by one,day by day..and she must save her friend. 
A gripping and nail biting story of dark and twisted proportions.

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was very excited to see what Ellie got up to this time. As mentioned this is the second book in this series but it can be read as a stand-alone. 

This case was very personal. The killer targets Ellie, taunting her from the very beginning. He knows that she will feel guilty, that she will think it's her fault that he killed those women. He blames Ellie for the way his life turned out and now its time for her to pay. 

There were so many suspects in this case but there was no real evidence against any of them. This left Ellie and the team running all over the place and always a step behind. this killer was sadistic, ritualistic and cruel. 

This book is very well written. Ellie is the main POV but there's also the POV of a few other characters. I like reading different POV's. I find getting into different heads helps to give a more rounded story. The pace is spot on. The chapters are very short which makes it really difficult to put down. Rita did an excellent job of drawing out my emotions. I felt extremely nervous as Ellie put herself in danger again. 

While this case may be solved this book ends with some hints as to there being more in store Ellie in future books. I am very excited to see what happens next.

I am so pleased that I was given the opportunity to read Wildflower Graves, the second instalment in Rita Herron's Detective Ellie Reeves series as it was a truly tremendous crime mystery and it did not disappoint!

The pacing moved along with alacrity and I loved the exciting plotline. Ellie Reeves is in the wilds of the Appalachian Mountains for some much needed escapism and to forget all of her nightmares. Out hiking at dusk she finds a young woman dead on a bed of daffodils along with a note containing a rhyme. When Ellie emerges from the forest, she reads her phone messages, one of which is a picture of her colleague, Officer Shondra Eastwood, with the words: Can you find her, Detective Reeves?

Full of thrills and totally addictive, it held my attention from the very first chapter. Wonderfully executed by Rita Herron, the story is told primarily from Ellie’s viewpoint, interspersed with descriptions of the unnamed killer’s actions and the thoughts of other characters are dotted here and there. Wildflower Graves was sinister, chilling, macabre and multifaceted. Ellie is a likeable central character with a pronounced sense of justice on behalf of the victims, as well as determination and plenty of grit. Rita Herron's clever writing continued to wow me, resulting in my refusal to put this book down until the end! This brilliant story had me confounded as to the perpetrator's identity until the glorious reveal. I'm already excited and eager for book three. Very highly recommended.

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

For Detective Ellie Reeves latest case, we see her up against one of the most terrifying serial killers. Dubbed the weekday killer who leaves a chilling calling card with each of his victims, Ellie and the team have their work cut out for them in trying to stop the killer before he strikes again.

It was good to be reunited with Ellie again and I felt her lingering pain as she still tries to come to terms with the events that occurred in The Silent Dolls, which still has the townsfolk against her. We see her resolve put to the test again as the case becomes personal, when her friend, Deputy Shrondra Eastwood goes missing.

Once again the Appalachian Mountains are front and centre and have been brought to life so beautifully, although tainted with these new gruesome murders. They have become a significant character on their own, have been depicted so vividly and are the perfect backdrop to accompany the story.

Whilst Rita Herron gives the reader good background into the events in book one, I would still recommend you starting with The Silent Dolls first before Wildflower Graves, to fully immerse yourself in the series. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

Wildflower Graves is the perfect addition to the Detective Ellie Reeves series. It is a fast paced, actioned packed, dark and graphic read that will get your heart pumping. A real page turner in every sense of the word and that ending! I need the next book stat! It was a pleasure to read and review Wildflower Graves, which I highly recommend.  

Thank you to Rita Herron, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Wildflower Graves, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

The second exciting mystery for Detective Elle Graves. Elle finds the body of a murdered woman as she is hiking the trails. She is still dealing with her last case and the ramifications that it had on her family. Now she finds herself back in the spotlight. When she receives a phone call that her fellow officer, Shondra Eastwood, has been kidnapped, the race is on. When another woman is murdered, they realize that they have a serial killer stalking the town. At times the murder descriptions are a little grim, but the story has more twist and turns up until the very end. The killer has no conscience and continues taunting Elle with notes and calls. Will she be able to take him out before she herself becomes a victim? I thought I knew who the killer was, but the ending came as a complete surprise. I am looking forward to the next book in the series as Elle has a family decision to make…what will she do? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Buckle up, put on your big panties, turn on the lights, lock the doors and always be aware of your surroundings.  Suspenseful, thriller, gut wrenching, emotional and family, yes family.  I asked to read this arc based on the premise.  I love thrillers.  This did not disappoint.  I did not pay any attention to the fact this was book 2.  The author does a fantastic job of making sure you can read this as a stand alone.  If you do get a chance I would suggest reading book 1 first, just based on what is referenced it will  flesh out, creepy suspenseful thriller in its own right.  The horror that Ellie feels, the pain and gut wrenching that Shonda feels are expressed so that you feel them.  The trail is twisty, turning, red herrings here and there, I had no clue who the culprit was. There was a jaw dropping moment towards the end, and the ending itself left me scrambling to see when the next book was coming out.  No, not a cliff hanger, just a hint of what could be coming down the road.  Well done!  Thank you Rita Herron, Bookouture and NetGalley.  I am hooked.  I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

“The Weekday Killer”

“Monday’s child is fair of face

Tuesday’s child is full of grace

Wednesday’s child is full of woe

Thursday’s child has far to go

Friday’s child is loving and giving

Saturday’s child works hard for a living

And the child that is born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe, and good and gay”

“A blueprint for murder”

Oh Wow! This was such an excellent story! I just couldn’t bear to put my Kindle into sleep mode for a few minutes, even when I needed to catch up with other day-to-day, much more boring chores!

It was a good job that this book was broken down into bite-sized chunks and I can safely say that a mere 150 chapters made it manageable, even for me! I had thought that having this many breaks in the story might make it a little disjointed, however every new chapter saw a relocation in the action, bringing the storyline up close and personal, with each and every page being fast-paced and action filled to the brim.

Ellie Reeves is the latest in a long line of fictional detectives with more than enough personal baggage to sink a small ship. However this series goes one step further, as both stories to date have featured cases which have revolved around Ellie and her family personally, so it’s no wonder this small town is seemingly getting to experience far more than its fair share of death, murder, depravity, collusion and lying. And I’ll let you into a little secret – this second case leaves things hanging by a thread, so look out for book #3. I know I am. Although whether her bosses are going to come to the conclusion that Ellie is more of a liability than she is worth, is anyone’s guess. This story did however work great as a stand alone, as enough of the backstory was explained to keep me fully up to date, and that tantalising ending doesn’t involve any real carry over conclusion, unless you’re really nosy, like me!

This powerfully intense, multi-layered, well constructed and developed story, moved along at a breakneck pace, hardly allowing me time to draw breath before the next tumultuous  event was discovered and called in to the investigating team. The air was constantly tense, as suspicion fell on first one, then another of this divided team, which left me emotionally drained and constantly playing catch-up. I had worked my suspect list down to two names quite early on and had guessed, with certainty in my own mind, which one had committed the crimes, not long after. However watching everyone else play catch-up was both fun and excruciatingly painful, as the bodies began stacking up – Oh! if only they could hear me, some of this anguish and pain might have been saved – or so I thought!

But wait! – both of my named suspects were suddenly proved innocent, as yet another twist in the tale was uncovered which threw me completely off track, leaving me totally at the author’s mercy, which in all fairness, it transpired I had been, right from the word go! Author Rita Herron masterfully owned this storyline right from the very first line and she never lost control, even down to that final tantalising teaser line. She is clearly a consummate exponent in the art of storytelling, supremely confident in which direction she wants to lead her readers at all times, and is able to throw in red herrings and blind alleys, seamlessly and at will, without breaking the pace or integrity of the plot, just by ramping up the tension a notch or two. At one point, just that little nudge and twist in the story, was enough to send shivers down my spine and make me certain that I shall never look at an undertaker in quite the same way ever again (even though in a previous line of work, I was in daily contact with more than one funeral home), now I just can’t get the vivid image that Rita so carefully constructed, out of my head!

Rita also writes with a beautifully descriptive and genuine sense of time and place. The compelling, visually descriptive narrative, meant that I could close my eyes and imagine myself in amongst those dark forbidding Appalachians, just as the impending storm drew ever closer. That feeling of being alone, open to the elements and at the total mercy of a crazed killer, wondering all the time if it was me he was coming for next, or if I was going to be the person to stumble upon the next body!

The multi-faceted characters were flawlessly well drawn and defined. Each one was emotionally complex and had baggage and a past which haunted them, making them quite difficult to read and connect with. They all had reasons to dislike and distrust other members of a team which really needed to work as a cohesive unit, meaning that the air was full of tension, suspicion and mistrust for much of the time, although in all fairness, none of them ever really took their eye off the ball for too long, with the possible exception of the one person who should have known better and not let their personal feelings and ego get in the way of the job in hand. As a result of some very complex and damaging family dynamics, Ellie herself often comes under suspicion during the course of this investigation, although she has estranged herself from her parents, in order to maintain some distance and further the career which she loves. However, when push comes to shove and a tough and resilient Ellie finds herself captive rather than captor, resulting events cause her to take stock and re-evaluate her position somewhat. Compromise might yet be too strong a word, as Ellie decides that blood is thicker than water, however exactly how she is going to reconcile her feelings for family, with the reaction of the community she serves, has yet to be established. There have been so many lives lost and families destroyed, can forgiveness and inclusion ever happen for Ellie, or is the job she has fought so hard to win for herself, doomed to be taken from her?

This storyline had it all, great characters, an amazing plot and a lovely armchair travellers journey through some fantastic scenery!

I love this series! 
I really enjoyed being back in the Appalachian Mountains with Detective Ellie Reeves but just knew a murder would soon follow. 
The killer in this book is particularly twisted as he lays the dead body on daffodils, cuts their throat and then wraps bramble round their necks. 
Ellie stumbles across the first victim whilst taking some time out up in the mountains. She’s soon back to work trying to find the killer. 
As more bodies are found the FBI are called in and Agent Derrick Fox is back in Ellie’s life. 
He’s still struggling after the last case and with Ellie’s parents in the same town, he finds it hard at first. 
The town have ganged up on Ellie’s parents and soon their lives are in danger too. 
Sheriff Bryce is his usual annoying self and makes a few decisions that cause problems for Ellie. 
Hiram seems to be pulling the strings behind the killer but are they on the right track?
Shondra has also been abducted and Ellie and the team face a race against time to save her. 
This is a fast paced book and I raced through the final few chapters desparate to know how it would end. 
With that ending, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.