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theirresponsiblereader's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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What’s Drown Her Sorrows About?
A new deputy investigates a report about an abandoned vehicle and calls Bree for backup, the owner left her home three days earlier after a fight with her husband and hasn’t been seen since. He’s been waiting for her to cool down and hasn’t been worried about her—it’s not the first time this has happened. But given the state of her vehicle, the deputy and Bree fear the worst and begin searching the area. They soon discover the body of a woman who looks like she jumped off a bridge into the river—they presume it’s the missing woman, but can’t be sure because of the body’s condition.
Once it’s determined that the woman has been murdered—Bree and her investigator, Matt, get to work—was she killed by her husband? Was it her sister—driven by repeated disagreements on how to deal with their mother’s medical bills? Was it her temperamental boss with the shifty-looking business practices?
Throw in her continued adjustment to a domestic life and helping her niece and nephew process their grief, learning how to be the top banana in a Sheriff’s Department (including having to work with deputies that aren’t interested in doing things by the book; the beginning of a secretive romantic relationship with Matt who happens to work for the department as a consultant)—and you’ve got yourself a novel.
Chief Deputy Todd Harvey
Something that struck me in the last book, but jumped out to me here, and bugged me throughout—Leigh isn’t doing right by at least one of her supporting characters—Chief Deputy Todd Harvey. We’re told that Todd was one of the non-corrupt members of the department under the previous sheriff; he tried to do right by Matt during his troubles, and he’s been super supportive and helpful to Bree. He knows the area—and the politics—and yet he’s basically Detectives Ryan and Esposito—he’s around to deliver exposition, deliver timely information, get warrants, etc. That’s all.
There’s a pretty similar dynamic to Bree/Matt in the Walt Longmire books with Sheriff Longmire and his undersheriff, Moretti—those two are at the forefront of the cases, doing most of the work that the reader sees with other members of the department playing supporting roles. But even there, Saizarbitoria, Double Tuff, or even the new hire whose name escapes me at the moment, get to do more than deliver exposition or do behind-the-scenes work. If they appear in a book, there’s something that they bring to the story beyond delivering messages or warrants.
Ol’ Todd deserves better. Let him sit around and participate in the brainstorming. Let him handle an interrogation, or find the missing evidence, etc. Just give him any kind of storyline. Bree’s old partner, now housemate, serves a similar role on the homefront—and Leigh started to give her a story in this one, so I know it’s possible.
Series Timeline
We’re told that this book starts roughly four months after the murder of Bree’s sister. That doesn’t seem like enough time.
It may be about the right time frame for Bree’s niece, and you could argue that it’s about right for her older nephew. They’re still adjusting, still grieving, still trying to figure out how to behave in school, etc. But you mean to tell me that in four months, Bree’s closed two major cases (with one more underway), settled into her new job, started a (secret) romantic relationship, hired some new deputies, and is getting the runaround from elected officials about her budget? I just don’t buy it. That’s not enough time.
Another way to look at it is: you’re telling me the spate of murders in the last four months doesn’t have them throwing money at her to crack down on the crime stats?
Does this really affect me or my enjoyment of the book? Not really, but every time they bring it up I have to stop and think about it for a minute before shrugging and moving along. It’d be great if that part wasn’t necessary.
So, what did I think about Drown Her Sorrows?
This is another engrossing and entertaining read from Melinda Leigh. Once you get the setup for the novel, the pages just melt away. I always finish these faster than I expect to and am surprised when they end.
There’s something effortless in the prose and engaging about the characters and stories. Sure, I have quibbles and questions about some of Leigh’s choices after I put the book down. But while I’m reading (other than the Todd stuff), they don’t register with me, and I’m just wanting to find out what happens next and if I was right about the killer’s identity. The reveals are satisfying, the twists are well-delivered, and the herrings are just the right shade of red to keep you guessing.
These are fast and fun books, you should check them out. So far, these work as stand-alones or entries in a series, so you’re probably safe to jump in at any point.
grlmoon78's review against another edition
4.0
Great book, writing and mystery interesting characters Melinda never disappoints in thrillers. The story was had great pacing and kept me guessing until the end.
luffy79's review against another edition
5.0
Examining Drown Her Sorrows after reading (and thoroughly enjoying) it feels like an autopsy within an autopsy. This is a book that draws inspiration more from shows than other books. It has a movie like quality to it. I went along with the plot despite what I felt about its plausibility.
The author must have done something ingenious to neutralise my complaints, so now I do admit it, I got none. The pernicious events that result from the murder are not far reaching. The small world created by Melinda Leigh will never be original, sprawling, imaginative, or modernist. Instead it is full of people who want to do their best at what they are good at. Solving crimes for some, and committing them for others. This cat and mouse game breathed life in the proceedings.
I tend to think of my taste in books as 'true' in some ways. That is pure hokum, but the illusion of being right is so pleasant. At the very least, I dislike certain books because they annoy me in subjective ways. But the reason I like Drown Her Sorrows is a pure one. It is very fun to read. Writing a fun book is very laborious but the inspiration of doing it correctly is more like luck. Just as a sense of humor that is not strong hatches a good joke now and then... well that seems more like luck. I think I'm going to reread this book soon.
The author must have done something ingenious to neutralise my complaints, so now I do admit it, I got none. The pernicious events that result from the murder are not far reaching. The small world created by Melinda Leigh will never be original, sprawling, imaginative, or modernist. Instead it is full of people who want to do their best at what they are good at. Solving crimes for some, and committing them for others. This cat and mouse game breathed life in the proceedings.
I tend to think of my taste in books as 'true' in some ways. That is pure hokum, but the illusion of being right is so pleasant. At the very least, I dislike certain books because they annoy me in subjective ways. But the reason I like Drown Her Sorrows is a pure one. It is very fun to read. Writing a fun book is very laborious but the inspiration of doing it correctly is more like luck. Just as a sense of humor that is not strong hatches a good joke now and then... well that seems more like luck. I think I'm going to reread this book soon.
jcb820's review against another edition
4.0
A solid page turner, no question, and a nicely crafted atmosphere make this a good read. I'm definitely going to check out other books in this series.
whatjenreads's review against another edition
4.0
I quickly grew to love this detective series and when book 3 landed in my inbox, I immediately dove in! This series is action packed and led by fierce, strong, and intelligent Sheriff Bree Taggert.
In book 3, Sheriff finds the body of a young woman floating near the river. As she begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the death, the tangled web of deceit begins to reveal itself.
This was suspenseful and kept me on my toes! The conclusion was shocking and left me delighted. Reuniting with the characters was an added bonus, as I have quickly become invested in their lives. I love this series and this installment was no exception! 4.5 ⭐️ My thanks to @amazonpublishing for the advance reader!
In book 3, Sheriff finds the body of a young woman floating near the river. As she begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the death, the tangled web of deceit begins to reveal itself.
This was suspenseful and kept me on my toes! The conclusion was shocking and left me delighted. Reuniting with the characters was an added bonus, as I have quickly become invested in their lives. I love this series and this installment was no exception! 4.5 ⭐️ My thanks to @amazonpublishing for the advance reader!
yetanothersusan's review against another edition
4.0
Sheriff Taggert (Bree) has her hands full after a suicide is determined to actually be murder. Then after a second murder occurs, things get even more confusing. I liked the extra little twists along the way and glimpses of Bree's personal life. Ms. Leigh always does a great job of balancing story and character development in her books and this one was no exception. I know these are categorized as "romance" books but I truly appreciate how well-rounded the stories are and that the romance plays second fiddle to a really good mystery that keeps me engaged! I can't wait to see what is next for Bree and Matt!
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
stasha2006's review against another edition
5.0
Drown Her Sorrows by Melinda Leigh
Book #3 in the Bree Taggert series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love this series. I actually this this is the best book so far since I feel a connection with the characters.
Sheriff Bree Taggert is called to the scene of a body identified as Holly Thorpe. At first it seems to be a suicide, but this case is nothing as it seems. Everyone and no one seems to be the number 1 suspect. Investigator Matt Flynn and his K9 Brody dive into the case while Matt can’t help the feelings building for Bree. Then a crime hits close to home and leaves then both in a frantic state. They have to solve this murder and fast.
Book #3 in the Bree Taggert series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love this series. I actually this this is the best book so far since I feel a connection with the characters.
Sheriff Bree Taggert is called to the scene of a body identified as Holly Thorpe. At first it seems to be a suicide, but this case is nothing as it seems. Everyone and no one seems to be the number 1 suspect. Investigator Matt Flynn and his K9 Brody dive into the case while Matt can’t help the feelings building for Bree. Then a crime hits close to home and leaves then both in a frantic state. They have to solve this murder and fast.
courtlane's review against another edition
5.0
This is easily one of my favorite series/authors and this book definitely did not disappoint. I’m just sad it’s over and can’t wait for the next one!