Published by: Thomas & Mercer (30th August 2018)

ISBN: 978-1503903142

Source: Netgalley 

Rating: 5*

Synopsis: 

DI Amy Winter is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her highly respected police officer father. But when a letter arrives from the prison cell of Lillian Grimes, one half of a notorious husband-and-wife serial-killer team, it contains a revelation that will tear her life apart.

Responsible for a string of heinous killings decades ago, Lillian is pure evil. A psychopathic murderer. And Amy’s biological mother. Now, she is ready to reveal the location of three of her victims—but only if Amy plays along with her twisted game.

While her fellow detectives frantically search for a young girl taken from her mother’s doorstep, Amy must confront her own dark past. Haunted by blurred memories of a sister who sacrificed herself to save her, Amy faces a race against time to uncover the missing bodies.

But what if, from behind bars, Grimes has been pulling the strings even tighter than Amy thought? And can she overcome her demons to prevent another murder?

Review :

I have been feeling rather spoilt of late with the number of incredible female lead characters I've had the fortune to read, and DI Amy Winter is no exception! Although she appears somewhat of a closed book at times, the way this particular case interweaves with her childhood forces her to open up. She's a fascinating, multi-faceted character, deftly supported by an array of other characters that play their part in building the story.

The way Amy's background pertains to the main case is intricately plotted, down to the very last detail. I enjoyed the amount of focus on the police personnel's home lives, it really brought the characters to life as well as satisfying my nosey streak! There were plenty of surprises that I didn't expect including one huge one. I thought I had it all worked out, but I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong! I'm a huge fan of the author's work, and am really looking forward to the next outing for DI Amy Winter. I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley; this is my honest review. 

Published by: Thomas & Mercer (1st March 2018)

ISBN: 978-1503948983

Source: Netgalley 

Rating: 5*

Synopsis: 

Emma’s darkest secrets are buried in the past. But the truth can’t stay hidden for long.

Emma is a loving wife, a devoted mother…and an involuntary killer. For years she’s been hiding the dead body of the teacher who seduced her as a teen.It’s a secret that might have stayed buried if only her life had been less perfect. A promotion for Emma’s husband, Alex, means they can finally move to a bigger home with their young son. But with a buyer lined up for their old house, Emma can’t leave without destroying every last trace of her final revenge…

Returning to the shallow grave in the garden, she finds it empty. The body is gone.

Panicked, Emma confesses to her husband. But this is only the beginning. Soon, Alex will discover things about her he’ll wish he’d learned sooner. And others he’ll long to forget.

Review:

Ooh, I do love to get well and truly stuck into a book by Caroline Mitchell...which is precisely what I've done with Silent Victim as it's now a little past 4 in the morning and I've been reading solidly for the last several hours! I simply couldn't go to sleep until I got to the end of the book and found out what happened! 

I've been a fan of the author since her first book, and thoroughly enjoy both her crime/police procedural novels and psychological thrillers. Regardless of genre, Caroline nails the plot, drawing you in with ease and making it look effortless. Her clever attention to detail, combined with an intelligent style of writing weave the intricate details together exquisitely. 

There are such complex characters in this deliciously dark tale! Emma is wonderful. Luke...what can I possibly say? Alex, Theresa and Josh all support well. I can't give any more details without any spoilers! Just when you think you have worked a character out... it all gets turned on its head. Masterful Mitchell at her best!

Silent Victim is a fast-paced, on the edge of your seat, biting your nails kinda book. It's dark, shocking, a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns that has you clinging on for dear life! Brilliant! 

Thanks to Caroline Mitchell, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy.

Published by: Thomas & Mercer (1st October  2017)

ISBN: 978-1542046596

Source: Author provided review copy

Rating: 5*

Synopsis: 

When Ella Longfield overhears two attractive young men flirting with teenage girls on a train, she thinks nothing of it—until she realises they are fresh out of prison and her maternal instinct is put on high alert. But just as she’s decided to call for help, something stops her. The next day, she wakes up to the news that one of the girls—beautiful, green-eyed Anna Ballard—has disappeared.

A year later, Anna is still missing. Ella is wracked with guilt over what she failed to do, and she’s not the only one who can’t forget. Someone is sending her threatening letters—letters that make her fear for her life.

Then an anniversary appeal reveals that Anna’s friends and family might have something to hide. Anna’s best friend, Sarah, hasn’t been telling the whole truth about what really happened that night—and her parents have been keeping secrets of their own.

Someone knows where Anna is—and they’re not telling. But they are watching Ella.

Review:

Oh WOW! It's almost 4.30 in the morning and I've just finished reading I Am Watching You.  I've got no idea where the last few hours have gone - I've been utterly engrossed. Gripped. I'm in shock. What an ending! Teresa Driscoll you are a sorceress! 

Each character in this book is so integral in their own way, and they are all so brilliantly written. I could waffle on for ages about each of them, but that would make such a long (and boring) review...I'll just mention that I adore Ella, she's so beautifully written.

I really like how the story unfolds throughout the book, and how we learn more about each of the character's involvement. There are some real surprises along the way, the story is intelligently written and you just have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Hands down, I Am Watching You  is the best book I've read so far this year. It's utterly compelling. I urge all my fellow crime fans to read it!  Special thanks to Teresa Driscoll for providing the review copy. 

Publication Date: 26th May 2015

Publisher:  Thomas & Mercer

ISBN: 978-1477830628

Source:  NetGalley

Rating: 5*

Synopsis: 

When one of the notorious Johnson brothers is murdered and a bag of money goes missing, a deadly game of cat and mouse is set in motion.

DS Allie Shenton and her team are called in to catch the killer, but the suspects are double-crossing each other and Allie has little time to untangle the web of lies.

As she delves deeper into the case, things take a personal turn when Allie realises she is being stalked by the very same person who attacked her sister seventeen years ago and left her for dead.

Set over forty-eight tension-filled hours, Only the Brave is the latest gut-churning book from acclaimed author Mel Sherratt.

My Review:

I'm beginning to fall in love with DS Allie Shenton. She's such a complex and intelligently written character, it's impossible not to adore her. Gutsy, with such innate skills of detection, Allie attacks her latest case with gusto. 

The cleverly interwoven plot with Allie's stalker is chilling. I could hardly turn the pages fast enough as I devoured this brilliantly compelling novel. I found it utterly enthralling, unputdownable.

If you're looking for a police procedural with a difference, you need to discover Allie Shenton!

*I received a free copy ,via NetGalley, in return for my honest opinion, for which I'd like to thank the publishing team*