Audiobook: Narrated by Christina Traister

Christina Traister delivered a stellar performance. Her narration captures both the tension of the investigation and the emotional undercurrents of the characters, keeping the story gripping from start to finish. She gives each voice just enough distinction without overdoing it, making it easy to follow while fully immersing me in the suspense.

There are stories with twists, and then there are stories with characters who are twisted. This book delivers both. Melinda Leigh once again pulls readers deep into Sheriff Bree Taggert’s world with a case that’s equal parts chilling and addictive. What begins with a brutal murder soon spirals into a tangled web of suspects, secrets, and shocking betrayals. I loved the way this author layered the suspense, keeping the tension sharp with every revelation. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, the story veered, proving that the most dangerous twists aren’t always in the plot, they’re in the people. A fast, gripping read that left me satisfied and already eager for the next installment.

This was such an addicting listen! The mystery behind Kelly and who was behind her murder pulled me in and I was eager to try to figure out who was behind it. Another murder happens and it’s similar to Kelly’s and it’s pointing to one of their suspects. Not everything is as it seems. I really enjoy the moment’s when we get to see Bree and Matt with their niece and nephew. It just warms my heart and makes them so realistic. I love how Bree was able to work on her trauma and push through it in this one. It was really a sweet moment between the two. It melted my heart. The narrator, Christina Traister, does a phenomenal job bringing Bree, Matt, and the other characters to life. Her tones and inflections were spot on, especially during the high emotion scenes. She really captured those emotions and made the story feel real. I had my eye on the suspect but there was a small twist that I didn’t see so that’s always exciting. I was also happy to see some familiar faces in this book as well! I’m very excited for what's to come.

A very special thanks to Brilliance Audio + Netgalley for the gifted ALC.

I didn't realize this was part of a series but it was so good that I'm hooked and will start from the beginning as I really enjoyed the characters, the story and writing but it should also be noted that it is written in such a way that if you haven't read the previous books you aren't completely lost either which is great if you are only interested in a one off; I however am really looking forward to starting this series from the beginning! Thanks so much :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!

A gripping addition to a consistently strong series! But, can be read as a standalone. It’s a fast paced, character-driven thriller with high stakes and an ending that hits hard.

Melinda Leigh continues to impress with Beyond Her Reach, the latest installment in the Sheriff Bree Taggert series. I’ve come to expect tightly plotted, emotionally layered mysteries from Leigh, and this one does not disappoint.
The story opens with a brutal murder that rocks Randolph County. A young mother, Kelly Gibson, is found slain in her home. With no shortage of suspects (a cheating ex-husband, a creepy neighbor, and a shady online date, to name a few), Bree and her partner, Matt Flynn, find themselves racing against time. Just when things seem to settle, another woman is murdered, raising the stakes even higher.

What I love about this series, and especially this book, is the balance between suspense and heart. Bree’s home life with Matt, her niece, and her nephew brings warmth and depth to her character. Her growing ease around dogs (despite her initial fear) adds another layer of growth, and yes there’s even a heroic four-legged moment that stole my heart.

The mystery itself is twisty and engaging, with enough red herrings to keep me guessing. The small town dynamics, internal politics (looking at you, Madeline Jager), and the camaraderie within Bree’s team make the story even richer.

Add this one to your TBR shelf!

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

The Bree Taggert series has been a strong hit with me from the beginning, as have most books from this author. I read mostly in ebook but have tried audio more recently. I was excited to find Beyond Her Reach has characters from the Morgan Dane series.

I enjoyed reading as I have every book in this series. I love the characters, the building of a family, the growth of Bree both personally and professionally, the working dogs, the farm animals, and the smart police investigations.

On the police side, a woman is found brutally murdered. She was separated from her husband, just starting to date again. Her children are all off to college, so she is a stay at home mom with all the children out of the nest. So her husband wants a younger model and all the money. Suspects initially include the husband, the new beau, and the enamored neighbor. But then more women are killed.

Bree also has to deal with the political entanglements of a board member to get funding for a new canine unit. This entails all the press conferences. Bree really wants the second canine officer and really needs another deputy. Quite the growth for someone with a lifelong fear of dogs.

Personally, Bree has found a home with her sister's children, Luke and Kayla, her brother Adam, her partner Matt and his family, and Dana, her old partner from Philly. They have made a comfortable, well working family on the small farm, enjoying their horses, the dogs, the library and Dana's great cooking. She also learns more about her mother.

I will always be thrilled by another release and more to read in this world.

Narration:
The narrator is the usual one for this series. I was comfortable with her performance even though I sort of had my own voices in my head since I have usually read the ebooks. The narration added to the emotional tone and enhanced my enjoyment. I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.

If you enjoyed TV shows like True Detective or the Netflix hit Untamed, then this audiobook is right up your alley.

The story centers on Bree Taggart, a determined sheriff delving into the brutal murder of a woman in her hometown. It’s a gripping, fast-paced mystery that pulls you in from the start.

The plot is engaging, with well-developed and compelling characters that add real depth. It truly felt like you were right there, step by step, unraveling the case. Plus, the narrator brought it all to life with an outstanding performance.

Beyond Her Reach is another fantastic installment in the Bree Taggert series, and the audiobook makes it even better. I’ve loved following Bree’s journey, and this book reminded me exactly why: the mix of suspense, heart, and character growth is so well balanced.

The mystery was tightly plotted with plenty of twists, and I stayed hooked from beginning to end. What really shines, though, is how Melinda Leigh continues to develop Bree and the people around her, they feel real, flawed, and worth rooting for.

The audiobook narration is excellent, capturing the tension of the investigation while bringing out the emotional undercurrents of the story. It made the experience even more immersive, and I couldn’t stop listening.

If you’re already a fan of the series, this one will not disappoint. And if you’re new, you’re in for a treat. Beyond Her Reach is suspenseful, emotional, and another must-read (or must-listen) from Melinda Leigh.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a suspenseful story that kept you guessing. I’ve never been disappointed by Melinda Leigh. The narrator did an excellent job. She voiced the make and female parts well and that isn’t easy to do.

Oooh you know I love a strong FMC. Bree Taggert is the Sheriff investigating the murder Kelly Gibson. The suspect is Kelly’s ex-husband. Bree’s BF, Matt, also work for the Sheriff’s office – and I love the dynamic between the two. The police start investigating and think it’s probably Kelly’s ex-husband. But, then another woman is killed.

I didn’t realize this is book 10 of a series! It gave me enough background that for me it read as a standalone, but I’m going back to read the series from the start.

I really enjoyed this one. RECOMMEND

Thank you #NetGalley for the complimentary copy of #BeyondHerReach in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another solid suspenseful read by Melinda Leigh along with great narration by Christina Traister.
The Bree Taggert series continues with an investigation of murders in a suburban town. It begins with a brutal murder of a woman, in her home. As they pursue investigating a list of suspects, another murder occurs and they start to piece together the connections they are seeing. The author keeps us guessing with a whodunnit vibe as she and Matt talk to the suspects.
I was happily surprised to see Morgan Dane enter the story as a defense attorney for one of the suspects. It added more mystery to the story as Morgan works to prove her client innocent.
Meanwhile, as Bree gets closer to finding the killer she becomes a target and an attempt is made on her life. This ratchets up the tension of the story even more. As it all unfolds I was taken by surprise when the killer is revealed! Well done.
I enjoy and appreciate the female main characters being strong, intelligent women in power in Leigh’s books.

I received an arc from NetGalley and Brilliance Audio and leave this review voluntarily.

Another GREAT installment of the Bree Taggert series!

I never get enough of these books! Beautiful stories of family and friendship in a small town paired with murder mysteries and thrilling crime stories that keep you on your toes! The mystery plot took so many turns and I reallyyy didn't see that coming at the end!

I continue to love Matt and Bree, and the family they have found/built.

Can't believe I have to wait until January for the next book!!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an ALC of this audiobook - all opinions are my own!

5⭐️ 0🌶️ 4🎧

I love this series so much! I could read 100 of these and never get bored.

Melinda is such a genius when it comes to crafting her murder mysteries. I figure the killer about half the time and I was so close this time.

Bree and Matt make me so incredibly happy. I love how they are true partners to each other in both their personal and professional lives. Their friends and family also bring me so much joy and I love how their family keeps growing as friends start dating their family members.

It was so nice to see so much of Morgan and Lance. I loved that Morgan even got some POV chapters. I’ve missed them and am glad they are doing well.

I loved the audiobook. Christina Traister always does such a wonderful job narrating.

I don’t know what I’m going to do until January 2027. The wait for the next book might kill me but the good news is I can always do a reread.

Thank you to Melinda and Brilliance Audio for this

5 ⭐ 0 🌶️ 5 🎧

The worst part about catching up in a series you're loving, is getting caught up and waiting for Beyond Her Reach was not fun... But so dang worth it. This may be my favorite Bree book to date with an intriguing mystery and a twist that left me slack jawed. It had me hooked from the very start.

I really enjoyed getting more Morgan and Lance, especially her POV. I hope we get to continue to see more of them because they add such a fun element to the story, especially when she's the suspect's lawyer.

Matt + Bree = 4 Eva <3

The audio was great as always. Christina Traiser does such a wonderful job with these characters and I really enjoyed this listen. Thank you so much to Brilliance Audio and Montlake for my advanced copies!

The book was enjoyable, it had a good story. The book kept my attention throughout. I liked how the author ended the story. I liked how it wasn't easy to predict who the killer was

Gah!! This has GOT to be the best book in the Bree Taggert series! This book seriously has it ALL! There’s crime, murder, blood, car chases, planted evidence, shootings, Sheriff gets attacked, K9 pursuits, romance, love, siblings, family, animals, implied sex, heart. I was lost in this book! It has 5-stars all around for me!