Broken Angels

by Gwyn Bennett

Pub Date: 3 May 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Apr 2023

My Recommendation

 

Dr Harrison Lane, from the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit is called to a crime scene where a young boy is laid out in the rotting leaves, with an inside down cross, candles burning and a Latin inscription on his chest.  Dr Lane is a an expert in this field and his enquiries take him to a graveyard where he has a flashback to his own unusual childhood.  He has been to this graveyard before with his mother shortly before she died.  Not long after, another child does missing and Dr Lane needs to battle his own demons while trying to locate the missing child befor the killer strikes again.
A refreshing take on a crime novel, I really enjoyed Dr Lanes character and can see more details unravelling as the series continues.  Gritty crimes to keep the readers hooked, desperate to know who the killer is and what made them commit such a heinous crime.  5 stars to Gwyn Bennett.

 

The Twenty

by Sam Holland

Pub Date: 11 May 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 13 Apr 2023

My Recommendation

 

DCI Adam Bishop is called to a warehouse we’re a grizzly scene greats him.  A body is discovered, then while working the scene, more bodies are unearthed.  All having a numerical number nearby.  Dr Romily (also Adams ex-wife) sees a connection to a series of killings years ago.  However the killer was caught and still behind bars.  Who is committing these latest crimes?  
The book can be read as a standalone, but lots of characters and references from the Echo Man are made and could be beneficial to read that book first.  Any book following the Echo Man will always be in the shadows, sadly The Twenty is not quite as compelling but still a really enjoyable read. It is dark in content and plenty of twists to keep you reading on.

 

Death on Cromer Beach

by Ross Greenwood

Pub Date: 26 Apr 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 13 Apr 2023

My Recommendation

 

Detective Ashley Knight is introduced to us with a spine tingling crime scene.  Two bodies have been found on Cromer beach, one decapitated, the other was buried up to their neck and left for dead.  Soon the body count grows and it really is a race against time to find the killer before anyone else is harmed.  
It is good to have a new detective series.  This dialogue was quite long and drawn out in places, but made a gritty read.  Some scenes were quite graphic, perfect for any Chris Carter fans!

 

After That Night

by Karin Slaughter

Pub Date: 22 Jun 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 13 Apr 2023

My Recommendation

 

Sara Linton, medical examiner, is giving evidence in a trial where the victim was raped and subsequently died.  As the case draws to an end, the mother of the defendant (who knows Sara from their university days) reveals there may be more then this case to look into.  Sara’s partner, GBI Agent Will Trent and work partner Faith are investigating a similar attack.  With the revelation made by the defendants mother, Sara can’t help think that these recent attacks are linked to her own experience 15 years prior, where Sara too was attacked and left for dead.  
So good to have Sara, Will and Faith back.  Amanda too!! This is a corker of a storyline and truly is one where you can’t put it down.  Quite a raw subject by the writing is compelling, the plot and characters are so well developed.  An epic read.

 

Eleven Liars

by Robert Gold

Pub Date: 30 Mar 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 12 Apr 2023

My Recommendation

 

Journalist, Ben Harper notices the local derelict church is on fire and see someone fleeing the scene.  DC Dani Cash is involved in finding out who set the church alight and when a skeleton is discovered within the grounds, the case take a very personal turn for Dani.  This enquiry leads to Dani’s world to come crashing down around her.  Without spoiling the plot, it is hard to describe the plot further.
After the success of Twelve Secrets, I felt Eleven Liars was a weaker second book.  Told from Bens point of view, he is instigator in the investigation.  Some of the characters need a bit more development, I’m hoping the third book will reignite the intrigue of book 1.

 

Murder in the Family

by Cara Hunter

Pub Date: 20 Jul 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 12 Apr 2023

My Recommendation

 

In 2003, step father, Luke Ryder was brutally murdered in the family home.  No one was ever charged with his murder.  Now 20 years on, stepson Guy Howard, an acclaimed film maker, brings together other family members and experts to discuss to case and the ongoing of that particular night.
A lots of revelations that went untold at the time are exposed, providing plenty of twists and an very interesting plot.  
The format of different social media within the kindle edition made it difficult to read at times, but doesn’t deter from an original read.

 

The Bone House

by Caroline Mitchell

Pub Date: 25 Apr 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 12 Apr 2023

My Recommendation

 

The third instalment set in the eerie town of Slayton, where a pram is dredged up from the lake and the shocking discovery a skeleton of a baby tied down.  Detective Sarah Noble heads up the case to find out what has led to such a brutal ending for the infant.  New mother, Cora comes forward with information and discloses she grew up in The Bone House and the darkness form there is close by.  
A macabre tale where strange goings on are not uncommon in Slayton.  The layers build up to a rather anticipated conclusion.  Caroline Mitchell never fails to provide an entertaining read.