Dead Silent continues the story of Calladine and Bayliss through another gruesome case. As this series is shaping up to be a full series of rather short-but-enjoyable police procedurals, I couldn't help but wonder whether the focus was not a little too much on the personal lives of the main characters.

Both their personal lives are rather a mess, and Calladine has a lot of problems with his cousin also. The case was interested and kept me reading, but it never really stood out.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I couldn't put this one down, I'm sorry it took me so long to start it! I've long been a fan of Helen H. Durrant's Calladine and Bayless books, but this is my first DI Greco. I can safely say this can be read as a standalone or an entry into the series, I wasn't lost at all, any prior references are explained enough that they're not a distraction.

First off, I have to say that Durrant is skilled in drawing in a reader completely into the world she creates, making the book so much more than a gripping mystery (as if that wasn't enough!), but also the frequently messy lives of the very compelling and realistic (if not flawed) characters. You end up with not only a thrilling case that keeps you turning pages, but also the can't-turn-away-train-wreck that is Greco's personal life. I like Greco, he's unemotional and methodical, traits that frequently cause problems with interpersonal relationships. Reading this, I was reminded Olympia Dukakis's line from Moonstruck ("Can I give you some advice? Don't s**t where you eat.") and boy, is that relevant to this book. Still, I felt for Greco, it was clear he was being pushed into something he didn't want and that never ends well.

But it's the case that takes front and center in the book, it got off to a running start with a body found at a music festival by a young woman before turning to the murders of two young men who got more than they bargained for when they burgled a house. The quick pace and many twists and turns kept me greedily turning page after page and that surprise ending left me gasping. An excellent read from start to finish, something I always expect from this author and definitely recommended for fans of gritty crime fiction.

Dead Wrong introduces us to detectives Calladine & Bayliss in the start of a new series of police procedurals. A lot has been said and done in that genre so it is difficult to stay original but they make nice quick reads.

The balance is a little bit too much towards the personal life of Calladine, which couldn't really interest me. The case was not that complicated but kept my interest. I've got some other books in the series as well, and will read them at some time.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

DEAD & BURIED a gripping crime thriller ...

More bodies and unsolved crimes in a small Pennine town near Manchester. DCI Callandine and some of the other members of the team from the other books in the series are on the case plus an abrasive woman from another division who is there temporarily, working on a different angle. These stories work best if you read the other books in order. I liked some of the characters but that Callandine is a one with his women - don't know how he does it! This is a gripping tale and not too violent, ideal for the more sensitive souls amongst us and would make a good holiday read.

DARK HOUSES a gripping detective thrille...

Three and a half stars
Another case for DCI Stephen Greco and the team. Two young girls have been killed in a particularly cruel and horrible way by someone without an ounce of kindness or goodness. You would not want to come across this particular individual - ever! Greco is still not a people person but is trying his best, both at work and at home. Although this book began with a good pace, it definitely went up a gear or two later as the team began to piece it all together. I found myself racing through the pages in my haste to see who had done it and why. I've enjoyed all this authors' books and this is no exception - perfect for those who enjoy crime/police novels.