Category: Crime, Thriller, Mystery

Dead Set by Will Carver (January David #3)

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Synopsis: Detective Inspector January David doesn’t love me. He loves his missing sister. He loves his job. But he doesn’t love me. Not in the way he should. I am his wife. I am still his wife. And I will do anything for him. No matter what I have to sacrifice.

Kat’s Rating:4/5

Kat’s Review: Okay my head hurts! I picked up Will Carver’s first book in the series Girl 4 and really enjoyed it. However what I realised very early on is that Carver writes in an unusual way. I have struggled with this since book one but ironically at the same time fallen in love with it a little bit. I know that may not make sense but if you have read one of his books you will know what I mean. I also think that this categorically does not work as a standalone, you HAVE to read the first two books in the series for this to make any kind of sense!

January David is a copper that has not just one issue but many. He drinks too much and is currently on sabbatical following the devastating events of the last book. His wife no longer even lives in the country yet she still haunts his thoughts. He also still obsesses over his missing and presumed dead sister. In addition to this, he has these visions. Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous, and there is one part of me that feels the same. But to describe them is just too difficult. They are more like dreams as well as visions when in reality they seem to be his past, present and future all haunting him. This is the element of these books that drives me crazy. However, as much as they drive me crazy the writing style makes you want to read, hence the reason I always end up enjoying them to a certain degree.

Whilst January sets off to New York to face a seemingly duplicate set of murders like the ones he has already solved, his colleagues are working on their own case involving the discovery of a young girls dead body. In terms of storyline that’s all I’m prepared to say but believe me when I say Will Carver gives you anything but straightforward.

There are many things you have to wrap your head around and there are no shortcuts around the gruesome nature of any of the murders. In addition to this Will Carver managed to write a chapter about a character in the present but talking in past tense (if that makes sense). Never before have I struggled to articulate so much on a book I have read. This one is certainly challenging to describe (to say the least). What I will say is this, I loved this book and much as it messed with my brain. I really, really like January and as for the ending, well don’t get me started.

Just when things are wrapped up and we finally start getting some answers, Will Carver throws a dose of uncertainty to the mix and left me wondering how long it will be until the next release. Overall this book is clever and brilliant, maybe a little too clever for me at times; but magnificent all the same. Sadly for me the parts where I am wrapping my head around ‘The Smiling Man’ (I’m not even going to go there and try to explain) mean that it just cannot get a 5 star from me. Other than that cannot fault it and in THE weirdest way I cannot wait to read the next book.

Killer Smile by R C Bridgestock (Jack Dylan#6)

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Synopsis: A killer with a macabre passion for human teeth stalks the residents of Harrowfield.

Three linked murders means Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Smythe is brought in to take ultimate charge of the serial murder investigation, and she is adamant on managing the task akin to a drama. Dylan has to dig deep to remain professional.

Chilling, ultimate and full of menace. There is dark suspicion that nobody is safe until the perpetrator is apprehended. Will the ring of steel wrapped around Harrowfield bring the psychopath to justice?

Coupled with the fact Dylan and Jen’s daughter Maisy is hospitalised with an undiagnosed serious illness; Jack is under pressure on all fronts.

On a happier note Jen’s dad Ralph, introduces the pair to his new lady friend but all is not as rosy as it seems three hundred miles away on the Isle of Wight, when her son brings the police to their door.

Dylan shares intelligence with The National Crime Agency which brings back a deep seated anguish of fallen colleague DS Larry Banks. Can he help them capture the boss of an international drugs cartel, and if so will it bring Dylan closure?

Kat’s Rating: 3/5

Kat’s Review: Well if you ever fancied being a copper and never got the chance, read this book. I loved it, as it was like your very own 2 weeks work experience with a Murder Squad. I was a little disappointed to realise this was the 6th book in the series. My followers know I love to read a series but like to start at the beginning and play catch up. I recently realised it isn’t humanly possible for me to always do this so took the plunge with this RC Bridgestock book. Luckily it didn’t seem to make too much difference that I hadn’t read the previous 5 in the series, although certain parts of me wish I had.

There is a real authenticity to this and it’s very clear that the two writers (husband and wife) both have the knowledge and experience of working within this sort of world. There are no revelations, visions, or lucky breaks…just pure police work. I liked the fact you got a decent balance between Dylan’s personal and work life, it was just enough to be 100% believable.

Dylan and his team are chasing a murdered who has an obsession with teeth. The descriptive police work and blow by blow accounts of the Post-mortem’s are refreshingly different (if that makes sense). The only criticism for me is that sometimes I felt it was lacking that extra oomph; however there was something original and refreshing about the real life approach (hence the ‘not quite’ 4 stars).

By the end, as much as I enjoyed reading this I (as usual) felt a bit disappointed I hadn’t read the previous 5. Don’t get me wrong you can certainly come in at this stage of the game and not miss anything, but I feel like following a series gives you time to connect with your characters. This is certainly a series I will be looking out for in the future. I actually think this would be a fantastic book for True Crime fans who maybe want to read something not too far fetched!

My Kind of Justice by Col Bury

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Synopsis: Newly-appointed DI Jack Striker, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, has a dark secret, one that would land him in prison.

Striker’s first case seems a straight-forward gang-on-gang slaying, until a notorious youth is found hanged. Before any chance to investigate, bodies begin stacking-up.

With the hot breath of the brass burning his neck, including hard-faced DCI Maria Cunningham who’s onto him, Striker knows this case will make or break him.  The media-dubbed ‘Hoodie Hunter’ mixes MO’s, leaving few leads, and Striker recognises the work of a highly-skilled vigilante killer. When Striker’s nephew is put into a coma, it becomes personal. Desperate, he runs an unofficial op’ with trusty colleagues, stunning DC Lauren Collinge and un-PC DC Eric Bardsley, placed in the line of fire.

The killer’s trail leads Striker into his own shady past, but will he catch the Hoodie Hunter before he or a colleague becomes the next victim?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I love finding new authors and I must say I will certainly be looking out for book 2 in this series. Jack Striker (LOVE this name) is a copper who as it seems throughout this book does a real job of a copper.  He doesn’t have visions, or a problem with authority…he just does his job. He sometimes doesn’t listen but other than that you get a real sense of a coppers job, even with the boring stuff thrown in. I really liked his colleague Bardsley, although I’m a little more unsure about Lauren Collinge.

It seems that in the North of England a vigilante of sorts is taking it upon himself to rid the city of the local hoodlums. However, before long it seems the killer is constantly one step ahead of Striker and he has to tread carefully as his past hasn’t always been so squeaky clean. Col Bury has been careful to make Striker not entirely without fault, but not a Superhero either. It makes for a great balance and makes him an incredibly easy character to read.

The story had pace from pretty early on and there were a few plot twists thrown in when trying to figure out the who and the why. I was pretty engrossed from early on and found myself hoping it stayed that way. Thankfully it did and I found myself racing through this book in a day and a half. I wouldn’t say it’s ground-breaking new story as sadly with this genre the story has been done in some sort of way by somebody already. However, what it was is a solid read and one that made me want to read the next instalment. Another new author for me to add to my list that’s for sure and I’m really looking forward to reading the next one.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

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Synopsis: With a missing girl in the news, Claire Scott can’t help but be reminded of her sister, who disappeared twenty years ago in a mystery that was never solved.

But when Claire begins to learn the truth about her sister, nothing will ever be the same.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: After reading the first few chapters of the new Karin Slaughter I wondered what was going on. Although it starts with a very pacey opening, I just couldn’t get into it. This in itself is slightly unusual. However, having now finished the book I think Karin Slaughter decided that if she injected the same amount of terror into the start as she did at the end, her readers may not make it through the book alive!

First off you need to understand that even though this book is not part of her brilliant Georgia series, it is by no means any less compelling. It’s also not short on violence and degradation, so if this isn’t your thing you may want to give it a miss. If it doesn’t bother you in the slightest with fiction, you really do need to go and get yourself a copy as soon as humanly possible.

Claire Scott is constantly reminded of her sister who disappeared twenty years prior and was never found. However, her life now seems to be in perfect order with a loving and successful husband and more money than you can shake a stick at. Claire’s other sister Lydia no longer has a relationship with Claire and their lives could not be further apart. Initially Lydia was the character I was more compelled to read about, however when the story really starts to take a shift, Claire became just as compelling if not more so.

Although a slow starter, Karin Slaughter has once again written an absolutely outstanding book. I was literally on the edge of my seat and there were so many twists in the story I may as well have been on a real rollercoaster. There were times I actually held my breath, before realising I really wouldn’t make it to the end of the book if I did that. By the end of the book I realised that Karin Slaughter is quite simply a genius. This was without a doubt one of the most hair raising books I’ve read this year. It’s certainly a stomach churner (especially with content) but one that I wouldn’t swap for all the tea in China!!!! A MUST READ!!!!!

The Murder Bag by Tony Parsons (Max Wolfe #1)

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Synopsis: Twenty years ago seven rich, privileged students became friends at their exclusive private school, Potter’s Field. Now they have started dying in the most violent way imaginable.

Detective Max Wolfe has recently arrived in the Homicide division of London’s West End Central, 27 Savile Row.

Soon he is following the bloody trail from the backstreets and bright lights of the city, to the darkest corners of the internet and all the way to the corridors of power. As the bodies pile up, Max finds the killer’s reach getting closer to everything – and everyone – he loves. Soon he is fighting not only for justice, but for his own life …

Kat’s Rating: 3/5

Kat’s Review: Okay, I have to admit I found this a little tough going. There was nothing wrong with the story, and I certainly liked the main character but there were things that just didn’t work for me in this debut crime novel by Tony Parsons’. It’s clear that Tony Parsons has a fabulous career as a writer, but for me there were parts of this book that felt disjointed. This book centres on a group of privileged school boys who are now grown men, and it seems being killed one at a time. This had all the ingredients to be a cracking read, but it seems there were parts that just weren’t right to make it the perfect dish.

I didn’t dislike the main character Max Wolfe, but with the crime genre, I prefer to gain snippets of their private lives with the sole focus being on the murder or crime that has been committed. In this book it seems the balance is largely on Wolfe’s private life. There is also one particular point regarding Wolfe’s ex-wife which grated on me. I don’t want to add spoilers but you are led to believe one thing and then it becomes apparent it’s another, and this didn’t sit right with me. There also seems to be a large emphasis on Max Wolfe’s daughter. I have nothing against family being involved in the story, but this seemed like overkill.

I also felt like there were elements to the writing where you were getting into the flow of one thing, and then it abruptly stops and moves on to something different. I think this is the reason it feels so dis-jointed. Aside from those negatives, I liked the story and they crime side of it was good, it was just overshadowed for me by too much of his personal life. Having said that, many authors like to give you a solid starting point for a character in book 1, hence the reason we get so much information on Wolfe’s personal life.

I will certainly be looking to read book 2, and hope that the latter is the reason for the heavy sway on Wolfe’s life rather than his job. Overall this wasn’t a bad book, just too unmemorable. Fingers crossed book 2 is a better read.

I am Death by Chris Carter (Robert Hunter #7)

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AN EVIL MIND was Chris Carters’s most acclaimed novel to date, described by the Daily mail as: ‘A chilling, compulsive portrait of a psychopath, and proves that Carter is now in the Jeffrey Deaver class.’ It spent three weeks in the Sunday Times top ten and received brillant reviews and sales.

This terrifying new standalone thriller reunites Hunter and Garcia in their most explosive case to date

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I have been seriously converted in a short space of time having not picked up his first book in the series until 2013. I made sure that I caught up in record time and always seem to be eagerly awaiting the next book. I was really looking forward to I Am Death, and wondered whether we would see the return of Hunter’s partner Garcia. For those that maybe haven’t read him before I would seriously suggest going back and starting at the beginning as this series is absolutely brilliant, Chris last book An Evil Mind scored a solid 5/5 from me even though Garcia didn’t feature in the book. Thankfully we see the return of him in this one and I am dead chuffed as it didn’t seem right without him.

Although this book features both of them, it is being marketed as a stand-alone novel. In this latest outing Hunter and Garcia are called upon when women are being abducted and found dead following torturous scenes. I have always found Chris Carter’s books to be extremely graphic, so if you aren’t a fan of this kind of thing you may want to steer clear. As usual there are questions surrounding how the killer is managing to abduct these women with no trace. Hunter and Garcia are as always religiously dedicated to tracking the killer down.

This particular book had me extremely squeamish in places and this is not normally something that bothers me all too much. However, some scenes were pretty harrowing and I found myself wishing it would hurry up and finish. Although I definitely enjoyed this book and am pleased to see the return of Garcia, I felt like it wasn’t quite as good as his previous books. The writing, characters and suspense is all there. For me however, this storyline didn’t grab me as much as other books he has written. This is certainly still a firm favourite when it comes to series of books and I will still look forward to the next one in the series.

The Domino Killer by Neil White (Joe and Sam Parker #3)

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Synopsis: When a man is found beaten to death in a local Manchester park, Detective Constable Sam Parker is one of the investigating officers. Sam swiftly identifies the victim, but what at first looks like an open and shut case quickly starts to unravel when he realises that the victim’s fingerprints were found on a knife at another crime scene, a month earlier.

Meanwhile, Sam’s brother, Joe – a criminal defence lawyer in the city – comes face to face with a man whose very presence sends shockwaves through his life. Joe must confront the demons of his past as he struggles to come to terms with the darkness that this man represents. Before long, Joe and Sam are in way over their heads, both sucked into a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse that threatens to change their lives for ever…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I have read a couple of Neil White’s books but chose this as I thought it was a standalone. What I didn’t realise was this is book 3 in a new series featuring Sam and Joe Parker. Luckily having not read the first two made no difference as there is plenty of background on the characters and relevant parts of the storyline so you don’t feel you are missing anything. Sam Parker the first brother is a Manchester copper, and a family man. His brother Joe is a criminal prosecutor and although the brothers remain loyal to each other you can tell from the early stages things are strained between them.

Sam is called to a man that had been beaten to death in a park and it takes little time to identify the victim. However what baffles Sam is that the victim’s fingerprints were also found on a knife at an old crime scene. What seems like an innocuous enough discovery, is actually a huge problem which starts to open a can of worms for everybody involved. Sam is on the other side of town having been called to a station to represent a client. Meeting that client , also starts a chain of events that Sam has no control over.

It’s difficult to say too much more about the storyline as to do so ruins it somewhat for people that haven’t read it yet. What I will say is that both Sam and Joe’s past comes back to haunt both of them and it invariably leads to both of them taking ricks that may cost them everything. Joe was definitely my preferred character of the two, but Sam was certainly readable…just a bit prickly. I also liked the introduction of Joe’s colleague Gina. It seemed like as the story progresses there just cam another layer of questions.

This was certainly a very enjoyable book and packed full of action. Although not necessary I wish that I had read the first two in the series to give me a bit of background on Sam and Joe. A very enjoyable read and I will look forward to the next one

That Night by Chevy Stevens

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Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Toni and her boyfriend, Ryan, were wrongly convicted of the murder of her younger sister. Seventeen years later, she’s out on parole and back in her hometown, but she’s struggling to adjust to a new life on the outside. Ryan is convinced he can uncover the truth; her mother still doesn’t believe Toni’s innocent; and the former high school girls who made Toni’s life miserable may have darker secrets than anyone can imagine. Before Toni can move forward, she must take a terrifying step back to her past to find out the truth and clear her name, before it’s too late.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: Having never read Chevy Stevens I was looking forward to reading another new author. I have heard nothing but good things about her and the synopsis for this one sounded great! The introduction shows us Toni as an adult having served a long sentence for the murder of her sister. She is getting ready for her release and is preparing herself to go back into not only society, but the town she once lived in.

The second chapter then takes us back to Toni’s youth and we begin to get an understanding of her younger years. We also meet her young boyfriend Ryan, her parents and Sister Nicole. It took me only a couple of chapters to become immersed in the story and I found myself wanting to know what had gone on in the past. The switch between present and past was done pretty well and it was easy to follow with each chapter seemingly leading closer to the truth.

I certainly like the way Chevy Stevens writes and it was easy to follow and had enough mystery interweaved that it held your attention. There were a couple of minor sticking points, but nothing enough for me to really be that bothered. I thought I had it figured out and the plot is seemingly straightforward, but actually it wasn’t until much later in the book that the penny finally dropped about the reasons why.

I am so pleased that I set this challenge to read new authors as Chevy Stevens is certainly an author that is interesting to read. I have already got her next book lined up and can’t wait to get started. This author is certainly one I would recommend and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Those We Left Behind by Stuart Neville (Serena Flannigan #1)

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Synopsis: When 12-year-old Ciaran Devine confessed to murdering his foster father it sent shock waves through the nation.

DCI Serena Flanagan, then an ambitious Detective Sergeant, took Ciaran’s confession after days spent earning his trust. He hasn’t forgotten the kindness she showed him – in fact, she hasn’t left his thoughts in the seven years he’s been locked away.

Probation officer Paula Cunningham, now tasked with helping Ciaran re-enter society, suspects there was more to this case than the police uncovered. Ciaran’s confession saved his brother Thomas from a far lengthier sentence, and Cunningham can see the unnatural hold Thomas still has over his vulnerable younger brother.

When she brings her fears to DCI Flanagan, the years of lies begin to unravel, setting a deadly chain of events in motion.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

My Review: Well, well, well…looks like I’ve been missing out. When I had the opportunity for an early copy of a Stuart Neville book I decided to take it as I haven’t got around to reading his other stuff. It also looks to be the start of a series of books featuring CDI Serena Flannigan so I figured also a good place to start. I am SO glad I made that decision because this book was an absolute corker. Disturbing alright, but a corker all the same.

Serena Flannigan is a bloody fabulous woman. Although a lot of leading women have problems with authority, Serena is not one of them. She just has a huge chip on her shoulder and an attitude the size of a house. I LOVED her from the get go. Paula Cunningham is at the other end of the police spectrum and is a probation officer dealing with newly released prisoners. She was also a great character and seemed like she was constantly teetering on the edge of alcohol! The story centres around two brothers that have spent time in prison for the murder of their Foster Father. Ciaran and Thomas are quite frankly bewildering and disturbing characters to read, it’s also what makes them almost addictive reading.

As Ciaran is released Paula Cunningham is allocated as his probation officer. However, Serena  is pulled into the mix as Paula needs her input on the sort of character Ciaran is. Serena was part of the initial investigation into the murders and as the story progresses we are taken back in time to when she interviewed and investigated both Ciaran and Thomas. The story gets more and more involved and if I’m being honest I really didn’t want to put it down. It keeps building in pace and towards the end I wondered if anybody was going to make it intact.

Stuart Neville is an author that wills tick in my memory now that’s for sure. An absolutely brilliant start to what I hope is an ongoing series. An absolute corker of a book and one that will have you gripped from start to finish! Can’t wait to see what’s next for Serena Flannigan.

No Other Darkness by Sarah Hilary (Marnie Rome #2)

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Synopsis: Two young boys. Trapped underground in a bunker. Unable to understand why they are there.  Desperate for someone to find them. Slowly realising that no-one will…

Five years later, the boys’ bodies are found and the most difficult case of DI Marnie Rome’s career begins. Her only focus is the boys. She has to find out who they are and what happened to them. For Marnie, there is no other darkness than this…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

My Review: I loved Sarah Hilary’s debut novel, so much so that I moved straight onto Book 2 which was released in April.  DI Marnie Rome and her colleague DS Noah Jake are back together and investigating the discovery of two young children found in a hidden bunker. The opening chapters describing the murder scene are creep enough but you get that cold dark feeling seeping into your bones, when you realise this will not be a straightforward case.

In this second instalment, aside from the main storyline, I love the fact that we are getting snippets of information about the two main characters Marnie and Noah. I feel like you are getting to know them that little bit more with each book they appear in. The main storyline features some rather harrowing issues but they are dealt with brilliantly and you don’t feel like things are forced down your throat. What starts as a missing children’s case opens up a can of worms and before you know it there is so much more going on.

Another thing I really liked was the way your thought process follows you down one path and then Hilary pulls the twists out of the bag like only a Magician can do. I was left wondering a couple of times how I didn’t figure things out. Loads of plot threads keeping you entertained from start to finish and the writing and characters keep you wanting more. This is certainly going to be on my list of ‘must-read’ series. This is another fabulous new author to add to my ever growing list, and one that I would highly recommend.