🔍 Book Review: Her Second Death: A Short Story by Melinda Leigh (Kindle Edition, Bree Taggert #0.5)
A gripping prequel that introduces readers to a compelling new heroine—Melinda Leigh sets the stage for her bestselling Bree Taggert series with a suspenseful, emotionally charged short story.
🧠 Overview
Published in December 2021, Her Second Death is a 47-page novella that serves as the origin story for Detective Bree Taggert, a character who would go on to anchor a popular crime thriller series. The story begins with Bree on her second day as a homicide detective, partnered with the seasoned and no-nonsense Dana Romano. When a man is found shot in his car, the case quickly escalates into a search for a missing child—the victim’s five-year-old daughter, Lena.
As Bree and Dana dig deeper, the investigation stirs painful memories from Bree’s own traumatic childhood, forcing her to confront emotional wounds while racing against time to find the missing girl.
🔍 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🕵️♀️ Strong female lead: Bree is smart, intuitive, and emotionally complex—a refreshing protagonist in the crime genre
- 👮♂️ Police procedural with heart: The story balances investigative detail with personal stakes
- 🧠 Trauma and resilience: Bree’s past adds depth and vulnerability to her character
- ⏱️ Fast-paced suspense: The short format keeps the tension tight and the stakes high
“What starts as a murder investigation quickly morphs into a desperate search for a missing child… Bree will have to relive her own terrifying past to find the little girl.”
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.08/5 from over 8,000 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s tight pacing, emotional depth, and strong character introduction
- 🧾 Ideal for fans of Melinda Leigh or newcomers looking for a quick, satisfying entry point into the Bree Taggert series
- 💬 “A great way to meet Bree and get a taste of the series. Suspenseful, emotional, and well-written.”
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At under 50 pages, it’s a one-sitting read—best approached as a teaser for the full series
- 📚 Series continuity: Works as a standalone, but sets up character dynamics and tone for future books
- 🔞 Dark themes: Includes murder, child endangerment, and psychological trauma—recommended for mature readers
🏁 Final Verdict
Her Second Death is a tense, emotionally resonant prequel that introduces Bree Taggert with grit and grace. Melinda Leigh’s storytelling is sharp and engaging, making this Kindle edition a must-read for fans of character-driven crime fiction and fast-paced thrillers.
