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Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Perfect Remains: A Gripping Thriller That Will Leave You Breathless in Books
May 10, 2020
Think this book may have fallen victim to the too much hype before I read it syndrome, I kept hearing what a great procedural this was but as solid as it was it didn't blow my socks off.
Unusually, with a police procedure, I liked the main characters but found the actual story/case somewhat lacking. With a bit too much showing behind the curtain, I didn't find the investigation into the gruesome crime all that fascinating. The interesting side case was wrapped up too early and I'm just left hoping our intrepid French/Scottish investigator will have a better outing next time.
Unusually, with a police procedure, I liked the main characters but found the actual story/case somewhat lacking. With a bit too much showing behind the curtain, I didn't find the investigation into the gruesome crime all that fascinating. The interesting side case was wrapped up too early and I'm just left hoping our intrepid French/Scottish investigator will have a better outing next time.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Dying Light (Logan McRae #2) in Books
Feb 6, 2020
A successful return of this gritty Scottish police procedural.
I feel I could just copy a lot from my review of the first book in this series; Cold Granite. This was like tuning in to the second series of a program you liked and they haven’t changed much - thankfully. We still have a gloomy atmosphere but this time we are facing an arsonist and a dog killer so still horrific on the crime front. We have a police investigation, some internal politics and a bit of banter. All feels very BBC post 9pm drama and I loved listening to Steve Worsley’s narration in the audiobook version.
We do get a lot more of DI Steel in this book and this is welcome as she’s a vivid character. Can’t wait for the next season oh wait book I meant next book……….
We do get a lot more of DI Steel in this book and this is welcome as she’s a vivid character. Can’t wait for the next season oh wait book I meant next book……….
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2057 KP) rated A Stolen Child in Books
Jun 21, 2023
Murder and Kidnapping
Maggie D’arcy has completed her training and has officially joined the Garda in Ireland. While she waits for an opportunity to be promoted to detective, she is on patrol and is called to the scene of a murder. Not only does Maggie recognize it as an address she had been to a few days before after a domestic disturbance call, she also realizes that the victim had a toddler who is now missing. On loan to the detectives for this case, can Maggie find the child in time? Will her knowledge of the neighborhood help?
Maggie has been on quite a journey in this series, and it’s nice to see this natural step in her career. The plot starts strongly. While it does get a little uneven in the middle, things pick up when we get to several logical twists at the climax. I liked how Maggie’s knowledge of the neighborhood where the crime took place played an important part of the plot. The suspects come to life, and it is nice to see Maggie’s relationships grown, both personally and professionally. As a police procedural, this is a bit darker than the cozies I typically read, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. If you are looking for a solid police procedural set in Ireland, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Maggie has been on quite a journey in this series, and it’s nice to see this natural step in her career. The plot starts strongly. While it does get a little uneven in the middle, things pick up when we get to several logical twists at the climax. I liked how Maggie’s knowledge of the neighborhood where the crime took place played an important part of the plot. The suspects come to life, and it is nice to see Maggie’s relationships grown, both personally and professionally. As a police procedural, this is a bit darker than the cozies I typically read, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. If you are looking for a solid police procedural set in Ireland, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
ClareR (5542 KP) rated Lying and Dying (Josef Slonsky Investigations #1) in Books
Oct 10, 2018
Prague police procedural
Josef Slonsky is a detective in the Prague police force. He is called to the body of a woman who is discovered at the train station, murdered. His partner, Navratil, is a probationary officer, and seems a little bewildered by Slonsky's methods. To be fair, he has every right to be. Slonsky is irreverent, seems to be incredibly lazy, and therefore does as little as possible. But I think this is all very misleading. Underneath all this is a man who knows exactly what he is doing. He has served on the police force whilst Prague was the capital city in a communist country, and knows all about the systemic corruption.
He's an amusing character though, and seems to have a (usually sarcastic) answer to everything. It's not until the near the end that we see another side to Slonsky. I still can't make up my mind as to whether the ending was rushed, or whether Slonsky really had just had enough. I hope it's the latter - it gives him a bit of an edge.
I enjoyed this book, and I will be reading the next one.
Many thanks to Sapere books for my copy to read and honestly review.
He's an amusing character though, and seems to have a (usually sarcastic) answer to everything. It's not until the near the end that we see another side to Slonsky. I still can't make up my mind as to whether the ending was rushed, or whether Slonsky really had just had enough. I hope it's the latter - it gives him a bit of an edge.
I enjoyed this book, and I will be reading the next one.
Many thanks to Sapere books for my copy to read and honestly review.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Right Behind You in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In Lisa Gardner’s next thriller following her runaway New York Times bestseller Find Her — Right Behind You sees the return of (now retired) FBI Profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife Rainie Conner who have now adopted Sharlah. Several years ago her older brother Telly Ray Nash killed their drunken father to protect them.
But when it appears that Telly has killed again, this time it can’t be for her protection, can it? Especially as it is later discovered he’s also killed his foster parents.
This story is a lot slower than other Lisa Gardner books. I still enjoyed it, but as the story unravelled I found myself more drawn to the relationships of families involved – the abuse that went on – the secrets and lies. It’s like the author has gone from fast-paced FBI police procedural crime novel to a character driven story. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just not what I expected.
Rainie and Quincy still make a great couple, the writing style is enjoyable and easy to read. It may be light on the FBI profile and police procedural aspects, but
Right Behind You still made for a great read because the characters were so endearing, and quite often physically and emotionally vulnerable.
I’m interested to see what Lisa Gardner’s next book (comes out Feb. 19 2019) titled NEVER TELL, is going to be like. It apparently features Detective D.D. Warren joining forces with vigilante Flora Dane to investigate the murder of known associate of Flora’s infamous kidnapper.
But when it appears that Telly has killed again, this time it can’t be for her protection, can it? Especially as it is later discovered he’s also killed his foster parents.
This story is a lot slower than other Lisa Gardner books. I still enjoyed it, but as the story unravelled I found myself more drawn to the relationships of families involved – the abuse that went on – the secrets and lies. It’s like the author has gone from fast-paced FBI police procedural crime novel to a character driven story. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just not what I expected.
Rainie and Quincy still make a great couple, the writing style is enjoyable and easy to read. It may be light on the FBI profile and police procedural aspects, but
Right Behind You still made for a great read because the characters were so endearing, and quite often physically and emotionally vulnerable.
I’m interested to see what Lisa Gardner’s next book (comes out Feb. 19 2019) titled NEVER TELL, is going to be like. It apparently features Detective D.D. Warren joining forces with vigilante Flora Dane to investigate the murder of known associate of Flora’s infamous kidnapper.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Truth or Die (D.S. Imogen Grey, #5) in Books
Jul 31, 2019 (Updated Jul 31, 2019)
Book #5 of DS Imogen Grey series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Truth or Die is the 5th book in the D.S. Imogen Grey series by Katerina Diamond. I did not realize it was part of a series until I was finished reading it. Reading the earlier books may help with understanding the characters and their behavior better, but it is not necessary. This book can stand alone.
DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles are partners who are very close in work and out. There is an attraction between them which is a storyline throughout the book and, according to reviewers on Goodreads, has been a slow-building theme woven throughout the entire series. However, the main storyline is the case they are investigating, the brutal murder of a college professor.
The cover has a warning indicating this is not for the faint-hearted. This is a fast-paced police procedural novel that is also a violent, dark, and graphic read. These scenes are not part of the book for mere shock value. They enhance the story and our understanding of the killer's thoughts and actions.
A 6th book is not listed on Goodreads, but I will be looking for it. In the meantime, I do plan to read the series from the beginning.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/30/19.
Truth or Die is the 5th book in the D.S. Imogen Grey series by Katerina Diamond. I did not realize it was part of a series until I was finished reading it. Reading the earlier books may help with understanding the characters and their behavior better, but it is not necessary. This book can stand alone.
DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles are partners who are very close in work and out. There is an attraction between them which is a storyline throughout the book and, according to reviewers on Goodreads, has been a slow-building theme woven throughout the entire series. However, the main storyline is the case they are investigating, the brutal murder of a college professor.
The cover has a warning indicating this is not for the faint-hearted. This is a fast-paced police procedural novel that is also a violent, dark, and graphic read. These scenes are not part of the book for mere shock value. They enhance the story and our understanding of the killer's thoughts and actions.
A 6th book is not listed on Goodreads, but I will be looking for it. In the meantime, I do plan to read the series from the beginning.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/30/19.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated A Cut for a Cut (Detective Kate Young #2) in Books
Jul 21, 2021
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Detective Kate Young is back in the second installment of Carol Wyer's Detective Kate Young series, A Cut for a Cut. To give a fair review, I read the first book in the series, An Eye for an Eye. Some books in a series can stand alone. With this one, you would benefit from reading the first book.
I am a fan of Wyer's two police procedural series, her DI Robyn Carter series and the Detective Natalie Ward series, and was excited about a new series.
Young is a damaged but determined detective who works with a small team. She is struggling to come to terms with her husband's murder, and her team begins to notice she is not on the top of her game when they are tasked with finding who is sexually assaulting then killing young women. The investigation hits home when one of the victims is a woman the team all know through work. All through this, Kate continues an unsanctioned investigation started in the first book.
Let me just say, if you are a fan of British police procedural and strong women characters, then this or either of Wyer's other two series are ones to read.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com.
Detective Kate Young is back in the second installment of Carol Wyer's Detective Kate Young series, A Cut for a Cut. To give a fair review, I read the first book in the series, An Eye for an Eye. Some books in a series can stand alone. With this one, you would benefit from reading the first book.
I am a fan of Wyer's two police procedural series, her DI Robyn Carter series and the Detective Natalie Ward series, and was excited about a new series.
Young is a damaged but determined detective who works with a small team. She is struggling to come to terms with her husband's murder, and her team begins to notice she is not on the top of her game when they are tasked with finding who is sexually assaulting then killing young women. The investigation hits home when one of the victims is a woman the team all know through work. All through this, Kate continues an unsanctioned investigation started in the first book.
Let me just say, if you are a fan of British police procedural and strong women characters, then this or either of Wyer's other two series are ones to read.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Midnight Man in Books
Oct 10, 2021
Deliciously creepy and full of tension.
I haven't read anything by Caroline Mitchell before but I was initially drawn by the cover and then intrigued by the blurb which sounded like something I would enjoy and, overall, I wasn't disappointed.
There are some great characters and a fabulous plot which combines urban legend, creepy house, serial killer, murder mystery, police procedural and the paranormal. The pace is pretty good and the twists and turns provided suspense from the start.
This is a good spooky read and certainly made a nice change to the usual crime thrillers and I have to give a thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I haven't read anything by Caroline Mitchell before but I was initially drawn by the cover and then intrigued by the blurb which sounded like something I would enjoy and, overall, I wasn't disappointed.
There are some great characters and a fabulous plot which combines urban legend, creepy house, serial killer, murder mystery, police procedural and the paranormal. The pace is pretty good and the twists and turns provided suspense from the start.
This is a good spooky read and certainly made a nice change to the usual crime thrillers and I have to give a thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Sakho & Mangane in TV
Feb 17, 2021
Completely bonkers Senegalese cop show. Stern, serious veteran Sakho is forced to team up with young Mangane, who is a bit of a rogue. 'I work alone!' they cry in outraged unison: but the captain decrees otherwise. So for a few episodes they tackle cases in traditional police-procedural style, albeit with an African twist (sample dialogue: 'must have been a ritual killing, his balls have been cut off').
Then, halfway through the season and with virtually no warning, a villain with magic powers turns up, one of the characters likewise reveals he has occult abilities, and from this point on the show is stuffed with demons, zombies, evil magicians, strange cults, and so on: the police captain is told that rather than an elite crime task force, she's now running a secret paranormal investigation squad (not that she bothers to tell anyone on the team).
To say it's wrong-footing is a serious understatement, and I would love to know what was going on behind the scenes on this show (it's like Starsky and Hutch turns into The X Files mid-run), but it's colourful and pacy with interesting characters (I particularly enjoyed the perpetually-wasted police pathologist). The quality control, script-wise, is a bit iffy in places, but it obviously scores very highly on the 'what the hell am I watching...?' front.
Then, halfway through the season and with virtually no warning, a villain with magic powers turns up, one of the characters likewise reveals he has occult abilities, and from this point on the show is stuffed with demons, zombies, evil magicians, strange cults, and so on: the police captain is told that rather than an elite crime task force, she's now running a secret paranormal investigation squad (not that she bothers to tell anyone on the team).
To say it's wrong-footing is a serious understatement, and I would love to know what was going on behind the scenes on this show (it's like Starsky and Hutch turns into The X Files mid-run), but it's colourful and pacy with interesting characters (I particularly enjoyed the perpetually-wasted police pathologist). The quality control, script-wise, is a bit iffy in places, but it obviously scores very highly on the 'what the hell am I watching...?' front.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Sweet Little Lies in Books
Aug 26, 2018
Sweet Little Lies was billed as a thriller in Book of the Month's description, but it's more of a police procedural. I hadn't read one before, though I watch plenty of them on Netflix - they're a bit of a guilty pleasure! It was interesting having one in book form. It's not my typical fare, but I did enjoy it, far more than I probably would have enjoyed a true thriller. It's got all your typical parts of a police procedural - older family man cop, ball-busting female chief who isn't as bitchy as she first appears, troubled main character who snapped on a case, police psychiatrist, puzzling case, lying witnesses. All we're really missing is a partner who isn't actually a cop but somehow worms his way into cases anyway.
I'm conflicted about Cat herself. I like her - but I disagree with some of her decisions. I think she should have come clean about her connection to the case immediately. She doesn't because she's trying to protect her dad, but why? She spends most of the book talking about how much she dislikes him! Her entire family dynamic is pretty weird. They have issues.
I really enjoyed the writing of this book. The pacing was excellent - slow enough to absorb each new reveal properly, but fast-paced enough that the action rolls along. Goodreads says the book is "Cat Kinsella #1" implying it's the start of a series. I'll have to keep an eye out for them. For a debut novel, I am impressed at the level of writing, pacing, plot, and characterization. There's a lot of threads in this book that get gathered together at the end and tied up nicely, with only one escaping. That worried me until I discovered it's the beginning of a series; the one loose thread makes sense in that context.
While I didn't like this one quite as much as Goodbye, Paris, it's still another great pick from Book of the Month.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
I'm conflicted about Cat herself. I like her - but I disagree with some of her decisions. I think she should have come clean about her connection to the case immediately. She doesn't because she's trying to protect her dad, but why? She spends most of the book talking about how much she dislikes him! Her entire family dynamic is pretty weird. They have issues.
I really enjoyed the writing of this book. The pacing was excellent - slow enough to absorb each new reveal properly, but fast-paced enough that the action rolls along. Goodreads says the book is "Cat Kinsella #1" implying it's the start of a series. I'll have to keep an eye out for them. For a debut novel, I am impressed at the level of writing, pacing, plot, and characterization. There's a lot of threads in this book that get gathered together at the end and tied up nicely, with only one escaping. That worried me until I discovered it's the beginning of a series; the one loose thread makes sense in that context.
While I didn't like this one quite as much as Goodbye, Paris, it's still another great pick from Book of the Month.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com