Midnight Ridge is book 12 in Rita Herron's Detective Ellie Reeves series. Detective Reeves receives a call regarding an apparent suicide on Midnight Ridge. Upon arriving at the scene, Ellie discovers the body of sixteen-year-old Minnie Benton. At first, it appears that she jumped from the cliff. However, a thorough investigation reveals evidence of murder.
As the investigation unfolds, Ellie discovers a connection between Minnie's death and two previous apparent suicides involving teenage girls. The similarities point to the presence of a serial killer.
The situation becomes even more precarious when Ellie learns that Minnie left behind a baby who cannot be found. Matters escalate further when a young mother and her infant also go missing. Ellie now faces the daunting task of tracking down a killer while racing against time to locate two missing babies before it's too late.
Herron penned a tale riddled with suspense and laced with emotional threads. The atmospheric setting created a chilling backdrop, and the villain's POV added an extra layer of tension and intrigue. The mystery kept me engaged throughout, and I found myself eager to uncover the truth behind the murders and disappearances.
Alongside the mystery and suspense, the characters grapple with personal issues. The storyline that stood out most was Ranger Cord's. As Ellie's partner, he struggles with the fear that a secret from his past could destroy the relationship they have built together.
While the mystery was compelling and the suspense well executed, there were moments when the pacing slowed, particularly during the investigative portions.
Despite this minor issue, Midnight Ridge was an enjoyable and engaging read. If Herron's goal was to keep readers invested and turning the pages, then she definitely succeeded. The story kept me on my toes from start to finish and delivered a satisfying blend of suspense, emotion, and mystery.