I was thrilled to hear that a new DI Bernie Noel story was being written. So when I got a message from Joy asking if I'd like to be part of the reviewI was thrilled to hear that a new DI Bernie Noel story was being written. So when I got a message from Joy asking if I'd like to be part of the review team, of course I said yes!
And I can tell you now that I'm so glad I did. As Bernie Noel is back with a vengeance! After giving birth to her daughter Mira and having her partner Dougie take over her job at MCIT. It's now time for the pair to swap roles and for Bernie to return to MCIT while Dougie takes over parental duties.
But Bernie's boss has given her strict instructions to leave the station by 6:30 every evening.
However, that doesn't quite go according to plan.
As on her first day back, Bernie stumbles across a crashed car. That not only has a dead body in the driver's seat but also a dismembered body in the boot.
Which leads her and her team on the hunt for a killer. That has significant implications for Bernie. And as the case heats up and more bodies are discovered, Bernie is forced to revisit her past, specifically the case that left her physically scarred and transferred to Wiltshire Police.
Yet, Bernie soon realizes that the past may be the key to solving her current case, and that, unfortunately, police corruption may not be restricted to the Met.
And with a brilliantly paced storyline that had the perfect balance between the past and the present. Not to mention a captivating mystery. This was a crime that I had no chance of solving, and it was a great way to announce DI Bernie Noel's return! And I genuinely hope there is more to come, but if not, it was a cracking way to end things.
I would happily recommend Rewind and the DI Bernie Noel series to all. ...more
FBI Agent Beth Katz is back with a bang! And a case she has been determined to solve since being assigned to Rattlesnake Creek field office. That of hFBI Agent Beth Katz is back with a bang! And a case she has been determined to solve since being assigned to Rattlesnake Creek field office. That of her friend and colleague missing sister Ginny Styles.
And thanks to Beth's skills with a computer she is able to find a lead. One that has her believing Ginny is alive and well and living in a nearby mining town.
So, the pair with their boss's permission head off to see if Beth is correct. Yet, what they find is more than just Ginny Styles and her story is heartbreaking and shocking and sends Beth and Dax on a search for a paedophile ring that spans the globe.
However, mistakes are made and Ginny's husband/captor and another man are warned the FBI are on the warpath and so they escape kidnapping another girl in the process.
Which makes Beth and Dax, even more, determined to stop them.
But to do that they are going to need help. Especially as the ringleader is determined to stop them by any means necessary.
And with twists and turns, danger and suspense. This was a cracking read. That heart wrenchingly delves into the world of paedophilia, abuse and child slavery, and at times I found it hard to read. But I also couldn't put it down and I have to say this is my favourite of the series so far. And I can't wait for what happens next.
I would happily recommend this series to all. But please be aware abuse, child slavery, and paedophilia are a big feature of this storyline and maybe difficult for some to read. ...more
DI Grace Archer returns in an unflinching crime thriller. That is not only compelling but unafraid to go where very few crime stories go and highl4.5⭐
DI Grace Archer returns in an unflinching crime thriller. That is not only compelling but unafraid to go where very few crime stories go and highlight just how shitty the police can be when it comes to crimes against women, particularly sex workers and those on the fringes of society.
As Grace and DS Harry Quinn are in the midst of investigating a series of murders that span over thirty years. When a decomposing female body is found wrapped in a rug in the attic of a London home.
But just as the investigation gets underway, Grace and Harry are called to another crime scene. Where Grace is heartbroken to find a victim from an old trafficking case and friend Elena Zoroc murdered. And the cause and manner of death are similar to those of the body in the attic. Despite the fact that she was killed at least thirty years ago.
However, Grace and Harry have a new boss, and he has no interest in linking the two cases. So he assigns a DS who is wet behind the ears to handle Elena's case and instructs Grace to concentrate on the body in the attic.
But Grace and Harry are determined to continue their investigation. As the similarities are too significant to ignore and when podcaster Mallory Jones contacts Harry with another possible victim, Grace realizes she is right to follow her instincts and ignore her boss.
Yet the more Grace, her team, and Mallory dig, the more they realize just how letdown these victims were. As every linked disappearance or murder, they uncover just seems to have been ignored and forgotten about. With friends and loved ones dismissed and derided for bothering to care about missing young women who were living rough or working on the street.
But now Grace and Harry are determined to change that and get justice for them and their families. As well as hopefully shaming all those police officers who stood by and did nothing.
And with big twists and turns, including a killer I did not see coming. This was a riveting read. That was perfectly paced and extremely hard to put down. Which is why I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Zaffre and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of A Violent Heart. ☺️...more
The Twenty was one of my top three reads of 2023! So, I was super excited to get my hands on an early copy of The Puppet Master and honestly it did noThe Twenty was one of my top three reads of 2023! So, I was super excited to get my hands on an early copy of The Puppet Master and honestly it did not disappoint.
In fact, it delivered on every creepy and thrilling level. So much so, I'm now reading The Echo Man. Yes, even though I clearly know who the killer is.
But The Puppet Master starts with a bang or should I stay a splat!! As a young man falls into the path of an oncoming train and from the moment DCI Cara Elliot lets rip at a disgruntled and late commuter I was invested. And so was Cara as she decides to investigate the case even though everyone around her is sure it's just another suicide.
However, Cara is right to keep the case as the suicides keep happening and when the link between them ends up murdered Cara's worst fears are confirmed. There is another seriously sick serial killer on the loose.
But she and her depleted team are worn down and personal issues are clouding their judgement and now a puppet master is taking advantage and pushing them ever closer to the edge.
But who will fall?
And will any of the team be strong enough to survive another encounter with a killer determined to end as many lives as possible.
And with a killer I did not see coming. Edge of your seat moments and a level of graphic detail, I adored. The Puppet Master was a cracking read and that ending has left me wanting to know WTF is going to happen next!
Cheater returns readers to San Diego for a story that, although billed as romantic suspense is anything but.
As detective Kit McKittrick six months on Cheater returns readers to San Diego for a story that, although billed as romantic suspense is anything but.
As detective Kit McKittrick six months on from the case that made her name is back and she's still determined not to get romantically involved with Dr Sam Reeves.
However, it's getting harder and harder to avoid how he makes her feel. Especially when her latest case involves a murder at Shady Oaks Retirement Village. A place where Sam is a regular volunteer.
And it's a case that Kit and her partner detective Connor Robinson are determined to solve. After all, the victim has strong links to the homicide department.
Yet, as the case unfolds and the pair investigates more and more unanswered questions arise. As does the body count and it's clear someone at Shady Oaks knows a lot more than they are letting on.
But who could want a defenceless old man dead?
And how does all the other dodgy activity uncovered at Shady Oaks relate?
That's what Kit and Connor are determined to find out.
But will they manage it before Sam and the other residents he calls friends are put in even more danger?
And with an intricate and well executed storyline, really likable characters and the shoots of romance. This was a really gripping and enjoyable read.
But I did guess early on who was involved. Yet, I had lots of fun finding out if I was actually right, and I loved how it all came together.
And I have to say I've read almost all of Karen's stories and this is the first time I've ever figured out who a killer was!
I would happily recommend Cheater, the San Diego series and Karen's other stories to all.
My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Cheater....more
Detective Josie Quinn returns in a cracking story. That takes on a different twist to the ones that have come before.
As Josie decides to head to a retDetective Josie Quinn returns in a cracking story. That takes on a different twist to the ones that have come before.
As Josie decides to head to a retreat for intensive therapy in the wake of learning some devastating news and dealing with the death of her beloved colleague.
But she doesn't count on a blizzard or a fellow attendee being murdered and no way to contact Noah or any of her team.
And as the snow hits the remaining attendees become more and more suspicious and supplies start to run low.
So Josie's only hope is her husband Noah someone she's refused to speak too for days.
But Noah knows something's not right and is determined to get Josie off the mountain before danger can strike. Only danger is much much closer than either of them could have ever of imagined.
And with a locked room mystery at the heart of this story. Not to mention twists, tension and intrigue. This was a cracking read. That I genuinely found hard to put down and it's a story I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Face Her Fear. ...more
The Devil You Know is another addictive, funny, full on crime thriller. From the brilliant Neil Lancaster.
Who delivers top-notch coppers and villains The Devil You Know is another addictive, funny, full on crime thriller. From the brilliant Neil Lancaster.
Who delivers top-notch coppers and villains you just don't see coming.
As DS Max Craigie and his team are back ready to route out more corruption in Police Scotland. However, what they don't expect is a new DCC out to clip their wings and bring them under control.
But Max's boss the occasionally obnoxious DI Ross Fraser isn't having any of it and is ready to fight back.
And he soon gets his chance.
When Max learns from an outside source that one of the remaining Hardies is willing to grass to the police about a missing person and the conspiracy to kill her. As long as Max and his colleagues are kept well out of it.
However, they know a Hardie will never grass and try to warn against making the deal.
And they are soon proven right.
Which opens a whole can of worms and a thrilling cat and mouse chase to catch a mysterious influential figure known as 'The Ace'. Who always seems to be one step ahead.
And with twists you won't see coming and characters you can't help but love. This is a story I genuinely couldn't put down and one I'd thoroughly recommend to all.
My thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Devil You Know. ...more
I'm a massive fan of author D.K. Hood and her Kane and Alton series. So, I was extremely excited to read this new and intriguing series, and I can4.5⭐
I'm a massive fan of author D.K. Hood and her Kane and Alton series. So, I was extremely excited to read this new and intriguing series, and I can honestly say it didn't disappoint.
As FBI Agent Beth Katz is unlike any character I've come across before and I was hooked from the moment she rescued an abducted young girl by killing the perpetrator before calling it in and making out she was just arriving on scene.
Yes, Beth Katz is a serial killer and if you've read the Kane and Alton series you'll know she's actually one we've met before!
But Beth has made a mistake as her latest kill has not only caught the eye of M.E. Shane Wolfe but her superiors. Who think she is struggling after dealing with too many homicides in such a short amount of time.
And so Beth is transferred to the Rattlesnake Creek field office in Montana to partner with maverick agent Dax Styles.
And her first thought is: will she be able to keep her killer tendencies under wraps?
Yet, that soon becomes the least of her problems when two girls disappear and the pair land in the world of human trafficking, prostitution and murder. And a killer that reminds Beth of an old case.
And with great twists, intriguing characters and a few shocks along the way. This was a fantastic introduction to Beth Katz and D.K Hood's new series and I can't wait to jump in to Shadow Angel next.
I would definitely recommend this story to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Dark Angel. ...more
DCI Matilda Darke is back in another gripping prequel story which I read in just one sitting it was that good!
As Matilda, Sian and new team member DC DCI Matilda Darke is back in another gripping prequel story which I read in just one sitting it was that good!
As Matilda, Sian and new team member DC Rory Fleming are called in when a body of a teenage girl is found in the boot of a car.
And the case soon gets weird. As the victim (Daisy) was reported missing by her mum along with her friend Andrew. Whom she was supposed to be meeting and who Sian swears she recognises. She just doesn't know where from.
But it doesn't take long for the team to learn why Sian knew his face. As Matilda's husband James arrives with shocking news.
News that turns the investigation on its head and has Matilda looking to the past and questioning everything. Especially when Adele reveals that Daisy died of natural causes.
So why make it look like murder?
And where is Andrew now?
That's what Matilda is determined to find out. Even if that inadvertently means putting herself and James in danger.
And with Michaels signature twists, shocks and humour. Not to mention a happy reminder of characters past. This was a cracking unputdownable read and reminder of just what an awesome series this is. ...more
Two Little Souls is book nine in the fantastic Detective Casey White series and this one picks up right where book eight left off. With Casey and boyfTwo Little Souls is book nine in the fantastic Detective Casey White series and this one picks up right where book eight left off. With Casey and boyfriend Jericho rescuing two terrified children out at sea in a life raft and who have witnessed their parents murder.
However, with no idea where they came from or their parents names. Casey and Jericho can't do anything, except, get them safely to shore and seek urgent medical help.
But it doesn't take long for Jericho's former Marine Patrol colleagues to call with news that the boat they escaped from has been found. And the scene is worse than anything Casey could've imagined.
Yet, she and her depleted team including Jericho, M.E. Samantha, investigator Tracey and Nichelle who is technically now an FBI Agent are determined to get answers.
And they soon do.
As the female victim is identified as Detective Sara Roth from the NYPD. But when Casey contacts her captain she receives some shocking news.
News that has her certain a serial killer has found their way from New York to the Outer Banks and Casey is soon proven right.
As another body is discovered killed and displayed using the same MO as the NY killer.
And now the race is on, and as danger stalks ever closer Casey is going to have to pull out all the stops if she is to stop a desperate killer and keep two traumatised children safe.
And with heart pounding twists, and a killer I didn't see coming. This was a cracking read, that I've spent every spare moment reading and honestly I couldn't get enough!
I would happily recommend Two Little Souls to crime fiction fans everywhere.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Two Little Souls. ...more
The Cutting Season is my first introduction to author M.W. Craven and Detective Sergeant Poe. As well as his nerdy but very skillful sidekick Tilly BrThe Cutting Season is my first introduction to author M.W. Craven and Detective Sergeant Poe. As well as his nerdy but very skillful sidekick Tilly Bradshaw. And what a fabulous introduction it is!
As The Cutting Season is a short story that has everything mystery, humour and even a little bit of gore! And I loved that it involved a gang called the hole in the wall gang and had characters with names such as Fatty Scraps, Tony Two-Men and Pop 'n' Crisps.
And honestly I was hooked from beginning to end and am definitely going to read all of the other stories in this series I've missed out on.
I would happily recommend this fantastic quick read to all!!...more
After being completely hooked by both The Twenty and The Puppet Master, I thought it was about time I read Sam Hollands masterful debut: The Echo Man.After being completely hooked by both The Twenty and The Puppet Master, I thought it was about time I read Sam Hollands masterful debut: The Echo Man.
Yes, I know it means I already know who the killer is. But honestly it doesn't matter; the story is that good.
As its deliciously dark, disturbing and graphic. Which I bloody love.
Yet, on top of that, it's unrelenting in its pace, shocks and twists. And it's so well researched. Not to mention the characters are completely fallible and I found it compelling to read.
Furthermore, as debut thrillers go, this is probably the best one I've ever read....more
As a psychologist who treats court-ordered clients. What would you do when one of them starts revealing plausible details about a long unsolved serialAs a psychologist who treats court-ordered clients. What would you do when one of them starts revealing plausible details about a long unsolved serial murder case?
That's the problem facing Doctor Samuel Reeves. Who knows his client is a pathological liar. But he occasionally says something that raises the hairs on his neck and feeling he has no choice, Sam has to act.
So he reaches out anonymously to Detective Kit McKittrick. A homicide cop with an uncanny ability to solve cold cases and a history that makes her the perfect choice to help.
Only thanks to client confidentiality Sam can't reveal his client's name. Which immediately makes him Kit's number one suspect.
And as the investigation unfolds and the stakes rise. Sam starts to believe his only option is to hunt for answers himself.
But Kit is one determined detective and will stop at nothing to uncover a killer who has been active for at least twenty years.
And with extremely intriguing and likable characters. A complex, captivating storyline. Not to mention twists and turns. This was a fantastic read and introduction to a new department and city and I'd one hundred percent recommend it to others.
I was kindly provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review...more
Twelve years ago Noah Palmer left home for a training session. Hours later he was found in Box Hill woods, murdered with a pentagram carved into his bTwelve years ago Noah Palmer left home for a training session. Hours later he was found in Box Hill woods, murdered with a pentagram carved into his body. The fourth victim of a killer who was never found.
But DCI Rob Miller has had a breakthrough. As a teenager who was caught up in a moped robbery is a partial match to DNA found on Palmers body.
Only the answer to who's DNA it is; isn't the one Rob and his team were expecting. And as they reopen the case and search for the killer. They soon find themselves up against a wall. As their new boss DCI Hodge doesn't want them investigating certain people. And when it becomes clear that Palmers murder is a copycat. Rob is told in no uncertain terms to shut down the case.
Then another murder happens and Rob quickly learns of a connection between the victim and Noah Palmer. But afraid his boss will stop him investigating he decides to keep quiet until the connection can't be denied.
But then DCS Hodge is suddenly suspended and replaced and everything changes. As Rob finds himself in hot water and with his girlfriend Jo expecting and ready to give up her job. Rob knows he's going to have to toe the line and do whatever is necessary to keep his.
However, he also believes in justice and is determined to find out who really killed Noah Palmer.
And with a gripping storyline and plenty of twists. This was a fantastic read. That had me hooked from page one and I would highly recommend this story and series to all. As it's up there with the best crime fiction I've read this year....more
DCI Rob Miller is back with a bang and about take on possibly the most significant case of his life certainly the most personal. When he's called to aDCI Rob Miller is back with a bang and about take on possibly the most significant case of his life certainly the most personal. When he's called to a crime scene in the early hours leaving his exhausted girlfriend Jo and four-month-old son Jack at home.
But when his boss Superintendent Mayhew arrives and orders him and his team off the case. Rob rebels, and takes a risk he would never ordinarily take. As he has to know what happened and is determined to find this killer no matter the cost.
However, this case and Robs workload soon become much more complicated. When a teenager is found on the south bank beaten and shot to death. And as the team dig. They find themselves immersed in the murky world of OCGs, human trafficking and drug running.
And with fantastic pacing, big twists and a killer you will not expect. This was a story I could not put down! And it's one I would 100% recommend to all....more
DI Rob Miller is back now acting DCI and dating his NCA colleague DCI Jo Maguire after ending his marriage to Yvette.
But the pair don't have much timeDI Rob Miller is back now acting DCI and dating his NCA colleague DCI Jo Maguire after ending his marriage to Yvette.
But the pair don't have much time to bask in their new relationship. As Rob is about to take on his biggest case yet. As eleven-year-old Katie Wells has disappeared on her way to school and Rob has been put in charge of finding her. And he soon has his first piece of evidence when her backpack is found weighted down in the local reservoir.
However, this opens a can of worms. As Jo's sister Rachel disappeared twenty years ago in Manchester in similar circumstances. With her backpack later found weighted down. And she's not the only one, and as the pressure mounts; more missing girls are identified. Then bones are found and so is Katie.
But what does Katie's disappearance have to do with bones found and who is killing these girls?
And with a fast-paced, twisty storyline. This was a terrific read. That I genuinely couldn't put down and I would definitely recommend it and the series to crime fiction fans everywhere!...more
DI Rob Miller is back seven months on from the Suffolk Stalker case. His career at a standstill thanks to the care he's had to provide to his now 4.5⭐
DI Rob Miller is back seven months on from the Suffolk Stalker case. His career at a standstill thanks to the care he's had to provide to his now wife Yvette. Who suffered more than anyone during that period.
But Rob is determined to get his career back on track and he soon gets the opportunity when a man is found stabbed to death in his home in Hounslow. Yet, it's a case that quickly becomes complicated when the victim is identified and his links to a county lines drug gang revealed. Which means Rob has to work with his ex DCI Jo Maguire. Who is now at the National Crime Agency.
However, the pair don't have much time to talk. As another body has been found and this one has no ties to the drug operation. And so Rob begins to look at other connections and when a third victim is found. A connection is realised. But time is running out to find the killer before they can strike again.
And with fantastic pacing, plenty of twists, and a killer I did not expect. This was a brilliant read. That I genuinely found hard to put down and one I would happily recommend to all....more
The Thames Path Killer introduces readers to DI Rob Miller. Who is about to get his big break two years after joining the MIT team at Putney.
As a 4.5⭐
The Thames Path Killer introduces readers to DI Rob Miller. Who is about to get his big break two years after joining the MIT team at Putney.
As a young woman, recently engaged is brutally attacked, raped and strangled. On her way home from work.
And immediately Rob is under pressure. Not just to find the killer, but at home too. As his fiancée Yvette isn't happy about the hours he'll be working as SIO.
But Rob is determined to catch this killer, especially when he strikes again. And when DCI Jo Maguire and her MIT Team are also put on the case. Rob is reluctant yet happy to have the help.
And he and Jo soon realise they'll need to search closed cases as well as open ones if they're to have any chance of finding this killer.
However, the killer has someone new in their sights. Someone extremely close to home and so the race is on to find them before they strike again.
And with fantastic pacing, great characters and a killer you will not see coming. This is a cracking introduction to Detective Rob Miller and I can't wait to read more!
I would happily recommend The Thames Path Killer to all....more
The Twenty is my first introduction to author Sam Holland. But I do have The Echo Man on my bookshelf and after devouring this story. I will definitelThe Twenty is my first introduction to author Sam Holland. But I do have The Echo Man on my bookshelf and after devouring this story. I will definitely be reading it very very soon!
As The Twenty is a deliciously dark, complex, gripping and twisted story featuring major crimes detective DCI Adam Bishop. Who is called to a crime scene. The likes of which no one on his team has ever seen before.
A scene that includes numerous dead bodies each with a roman numeral assigned to them and Adam is immediately concerned that this killer is using the numbers as a way to count their kills.
What he doesn't expect is his ex-wife arriving on his doorstep claiming she knows who the killer is.
Yet, Adam is having none of it. Only he comes to regret that decision when the killer strikes again and again. And somebody close to the team is targeted.
But as the hunt intensifies the killer becomes even more barbaric and dangerous and absolutely no one is safe not even DCI Bishop himself.
And with macabre crime scenes, big twists and an ending I did not see coming. This was a fantastic read. That had me reading long into the night! And it's a story I would 100% recommend to others!!
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Twenty. ...more
Karen Rose returns with a brand new story set primarily in New Orleans and introducing a new set of characters and boy is it a cracker!!
As New OrleansKaren Rose returns with a brand new story set primarily in New Orleans and introducing a new set of characters and boy is it a cracker!!
As New Orleans is full of good cops and bad cops and the problem for PI Molly Sutton is she isn't sure which are which anymore.
After a bruising time as an SBI Agent in North Carolina, Molly now lives and works in the big easy for her old Marine Commander Burke Broussard where she is asked to take on an investigation that hits close to home. As celebrity chef Gabe Hebert desperately needs help when his dad Rocky a former homicide detective is found dead in what the NOPD are calling a suicide.
Yet, Gabe has concrete proof otherwise and as the pair team up to uncover who killed Rocky and why they come across a trail of corruption that goes far beyond the NOPD.
And with danger round every corner, great pacing, compelling characters and twist, after twist, after twist. This really was a brilliant read and I truly hope there will be more stories to come from this fabulous group of characters in the future.
I would highly recommend Quarter to Midnight to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**...more
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