Review of Cross Her Heart (Bree Taggert, #1) by Melinda Leigh
I dove into Cross Her Heart by Melinda Leigh with the giddy enthusiasm of a child tearing into birthday presents. Leigh is an author I’ve come to trust, and her gripping narratives always seem to transport me into a world that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. As the kickoff for her Bree Taggert series, this book reaffirms my belief that Leigh has an innate ability to weave suspense and emotion into a captivating story.
The premise is tantalizing: Detective Bree Taggert returns to her dark, complicated past after the tragic death of her sister, Erin. With her sister’s husband, Justin, missing and suspected of murder, Bree finds herself not just grappling with the loss, but also stepping into a complex web of family trauma, addiction, and danger. It’s a multi-layered exploration that reminded me why I love a good mystery—there’s always more than meets the eye.
From the start, I immediately felt a sense of familiarity with the setting. It’s the same universe as the Scarlett Falls trilogy and the Morgan Dane series. For fans of Leigh, this is like catching up with old friends, spotting delightful cameos and references. However, if you’re new to the author’s work, rest assured you can dive right in without feeling lost—a testament to her strong storytelling.
The characters are richly drawn and intricately flawed. Bree is a powerful presence; she wrestles with her difficult past while trying to find her sister’s killer. Her partnership with Mike Flynn, a retired K-9 deputy, adds a compelling dynamic. Both Bree and Mike have their personal demons, yet they find in each other a kindred spirit, which makes their journey together all the more engaging. The slow-burn attraction between them is beautifully handled—Leigh allows it to simmer gently instead of forcing it to rush along, which only deepens the emotional stakes.
Leigh’s writing style is deceptively simple, allowing the complex narrative to unfold effortlessly. The pacing kept me on my toes, with enough twists to keep the plot fresh and exciting. I appreciated that the investigation was woven with layers of family grief and past tragedies. As I read, I found myself riddled with questions about motives and possible culprits; the author dropped just enough clues to keep me guessing until the very end. The moment of revelation left me reeling in both surprise and admiration for Leigh’s clever plotting.
A personal highlight was the surrounding cast of characters, including Bree’s niece and nephew, and her former partner Dana, who provides support through delicious home-cooked meals. Each character added richness and depth, making the world feel alive. There were moments of levity amidst the tension, and those flourishes made the read all the more enjoyable.
After finishing Cross Her Heart, I felt invigorated—not just by the thrill of the mystery, but by the emotional depth of the characters. It’s an engaging start to what promises to be an exciting series. If you love romantic suspense and well-developed plots, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here.
In conclusion, Cross Her Heart is perfect for readers who appreciate a gritty story with heart. It’s a blend of thriller and emotion that resonates long after you’ve turned the last page. Reading this as a buddy read with my friend Anne from Books Are My Heart added to the experience—sharing theories and reactions brought an extra layer of enjoyment. I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment in Bree Taggert’s journey!
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