The Taken Girls
Someone is watching them… When a missing teenage girl reappears unharmed but pregnant, the case falls to DI Edina Ogborne, the newest recruit of Canterbury Police. But Ed’s already got her hands full with a team who don’t want her, an ex who won’t quit, and terrible guilt over a secret from her past. As Ed investigates the case, she discovers Canterbury has seen this crime not once, but several times before. And when Ed and her detectives encounter missing historic police files, falsified school records, and Ed’s new lover as a prime suspect, it becomes clear that the system has been corrupted. Can Ed find the kidnapper behind these depraved crimes before he strikes again? Or has time already run out? Thrilled to be able to share an extract with you today.
Ed was surprised when Jenny opened the door to Lucy’s room. She’d expected they’d have to pick their way around a typical teenager’s bedroom. Instead, everything appeared to be in its appointed place. There were no pop posters. Delicate floral wallpaper covered the walls and the same pattern was continued on the duvet cover and pillowcase. A well-worn teddy bear was propped against the bed head. Other fluffy toys formed an orderly line under the window.
‘Check the wardrobe and bookshelf, Jenny. I’ll take the desk.’ Lucy’s laptop had been taken for forensic examination the previous evening. Now there was nothing on her desk except a blank pad of lined A4 paper and a pot with assorted pens and pencils. Ed turned her attention to the drawers, which contained other stationery items and a journal or diary with a small brass-coloured lock. She searched the drawers but failed to locate a key. ‘Anything interesting, Jenny?’ ‘Not in the wardrobe. You?’ ‘Nothing promising except for this.’ Ed waved the journal. ‘It’s locked but a bent paperclip should crack it. What’s on the shelves?’ ‘Her very neatly filed A-level notes, study guides, a complete set of the Harry Potter novels and a couple of box files.’ At that moment the simple lock clicked open. Ed riffled through the pages and sighed. ‘I thought it looked suspiciously new. The pages are completely blank. It’s not been used.’ Also thrilled to be sharing my thoughts.
So, what did I think of this book?
An interesting protagonist and a decent story line, once I had started and gotten into this book, I really enjoyed it. Learning about new characters, getting know what makes them tick, why they act the way they do, is always interesting when starting a new book. This book certainly makes you think the whole of the way through it. Although it felt a little unusual, it was very enjoyable. For a debut, I think the author has done exceptionally well and should be very proud of what they have achieved. Arriving in Canterbury, DI Edina ‘Ed’ Ogborne is a character very different to others, getting to know her was great. Thrown right into a case where a teenage girl is taken, kidnapped yet not harmed in anyway it seems. It also seems very odd that the kidnapper hasn't wanted to harm her. So why has he taken her. Well, all that is revealed from reading the book. It soon becomes apparent that this is not the first girl he has taken. It's down to Ed and her team to try and figure out what connections these girls have, what or who do they have in common, only then can things move forward and the case move on. I found this book to have some good twists and turns and seemed to move on at a decent pace, it wasn't to slow, but didn't race on with itself.
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Someone’s watching you…
Living in a beautiful home on the edge of a council estate, Kara Bannon can’t imagine what it’s like to have nothing. An eerie phone call plays on her mind and within three days she loses everything – her job, her home and Justin, the only person she thought she could trust. Alone and terrified, she makes a decision that will change her life forever. Suddenly she has to enter a new world – Prison. Revenge is not always so sweet… The gripping new gangland crime thriller from bestseller Kerry Barnes. Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Martina Cole and Jacqui Rose.
It's difficult to believe I only read my first Kerry Barnes book at the beginning of this year. This is now the 4th one I have read. I have to say from first reading 'Cruel Secrets' I was blown away with the talent this author has for writing.
I am truly thankful that a twitter friend messaged me and told me I needed to read 'Cruel Secrets' that I would really enjoy it, because if he hadn't told me, then I would not have gone on to read some of the other books and I wouldn't have read this one yet. Deceit, compared to Kerry's other books, for me felt like a little bit of a slow starter, building up gradually getting you familiar with characters and surroundings. Engaging you slowly into a story that explodes and becomes gripping. I bought the Audible copy of the book so I could read when I felt like reading, and then continue to listen when I had things I needed to do. I flew through my whole house cleaning away while listening, and didn't feel as though I'd been cleaning. I loved listening it. I have to say though the accents done in the audio book at times really felt like I was listening to characters from EastEnders. Brilliantly done. The tale of how life can change in a heartbeat. Not only for you, but for those around you. Who can be trusted, who should you believe. I have to say the twists in this book were first class, just brilliant. I really wasn't expecting what I read. Kerry has a great knack for engaging the reading, dragging you into the pages, becoming part of the story yourself. There was some great turns in this story, that I just didn't see coming. Brilliantly put together tale of 'deceit'
1964 - London
Dolly Vincent is born to an East End gangster but is sent away for her own protection. Mad Mick is hell bent on his revenge and will stop at nothing to kill her. Estranged from her family, she becomes a successful barrister, but after defending a young Italian man she finds herself caught up in a secret held by a high court judge. Tortured and left for dead she flees London and heads to New York. Only the Vincents know where she is, but even they don't know the truth. 1990 Francesca is back to face her demons but this time she is not alone. One woman three names My thoughts. - Where do I start?
I'd seen a few reviews on this book, and quite a lot of hype about on social media and kept thinking, I really need to read these books.
I received a credit for audible and decided to get this book on audio. What a brilliant read/listen it turned out to be. the narration is first class, the voice change, the accents all just perfectly done. This mad it a really easy book to listen to and get lost in. I got through my housework without feeling that dreaded feeling about what is facing you. This book took my mind off everything I was doing, and my kindle went everywhere with me so I could listen, I flew through the ironing, I went on walks and all the while enjoyed having someone reading to me down my ear. So what did I actually think of the book. Well it's first class, I just loved it. A brilliant story, fantastic characters and the start of a series I know I will certainly get through in no time. This is the second book I've read by Kerry Barnes the first one I read was 'Cruel Secrets' and I was seriously impressed with the writing. This book is just as impressive, and it doesn't take long before you are lost in the pages, loving and hating characters, Kerry Barnes has done a cracking job of engaging you with these characters. We follow the life mainly of Francesca, from her growing up as a child, a twin, to her becoming the woman that she does, a very ruthless woman. Francesca is a brilliant character and one I know I'm going to enjoy reading about in future books. Believable and likeable I found myself rooting for her in all she did. I can see a difference in the writing in this book from the later book I have read, so I know the writing just get's better and I'm looking forward to seeing that in the next books in this series. If East end gangland books are your thing then you'll bloody love this book. Kerry Barnes is certainly going to up there with some of the best writers in this genre, and I look forward to seeing her success. I can't wait for more books. #1 Best Seller
A missing child. A desperate mother. And a house full of secrets.
Two years ago, Julia lost her family in a tragic accident. Her husband drowned trying to save their daughter, Lily, in the river near their rural home. But the little girl’s body was never found—and Julia believes Lily is somehow still alive. Alone and broke, Julia opens her house as a writers’ retreat. One of the first guests is Lucas, a horror novelist, who becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to Lily. But within days of his arrival, the peace of the retreat is shattered by a series of eerie events. When Lucas’s investigation leads him and Julia into the woods, they discover a dark secret—a secret that someone will do anything to protect… What really happened that day by the river? Why was Lily never found? And who, or what, is haunting the retreat? From the bestselling author of Follow You Home and The Magpies comes his most terrifying novel yet.
4.5*
What a great read this was. I found right from the opening pages I was reading in anticipation of something happening. What a spooky little read this was, I really did think something was going to jump out of my kindle at some point. This is easily one of those books that once you start, you know you are rarely going to be putting it down until it's finished. I managed to read the first 60% of the book while I was being a good girl and resting. Unfortunately the school decides it has to close and i'm expected to go collect my child, or i'd probably have gotten it finished that afternoon. It really does become difficult to put down. I felt it was quite a different read for me, but different not in a bad way. I liked the characters in this book I thought they all went well together to help build the story. I especially liked Lucas, he seemed a determined character once he got something in his head, he had to act on it. The plot was brilliantly done, Lucas has gone to a writing retreat. A beautiful relaxing getaway at this retreat in Wales. It is to help him focus and concentrate on writing his latest book. Nyth Bran seems like the perfect place for this. Only the perfect place to relax is certainly not what it turns out to be. The Retreat is run by Julia, who is widowed after her husband dies 2 years ago, her daughter also went missing at the same time. Convince she is still alive Julia clutches at anything that will get her answers. Lucas becomes very distracted while at the Retreat, and is interested in the tale of how Julia's daughter went missing. There seem to be some odd goings on at the Retreat and it's not the quiet chilled out place he was expecting. Things are happening in this old house, and no one seems to have any answers as to why. What a fantastic edge of your seat, hold your breath read this was. I found at times I really was holding my breath, it gets creepy in parts and as I said earlier i really did think something might just jump out at me. It's not a super scary book, so please don't let me put you off reading it. It has a great story line with a slightly spooky element. Well worth reading. Eye for an Eye: A DI Jessica Daniel Novel 12 by Kerry Wilkinson @kerrywk #JessicaDaniel #EyeForAnEye7/1/2018
In bestselling crime author Kerry Wilkinson's Eye for an Eye, DI Jessica Daniel is tasked with multiple investigations while facing demons from her past.
Seventeen years ago, Damian Walker abducted five women because the voices in his head told him to. Now he has been declared sane and is about to be released back onto Manchester’s streets with a new identity. But within hours, there is another attack similar to his previous ones. Walker has proof it’s not him – but is he reliable, and, if so, who is trying to frame him? DI Jessica Daniel and her chief are given a parallel task to the main investigation: Keep an eye on Walker – but that’s not all Jessica has to do. Rock star Blaine Banner is playing a series of homecoming gigs but is convinced someone’s trying to kill him, while a bride-to-be is picketing the police station, demanding someone finds her missing fiancé. All the while, faces from Jessica’s past are watching and waiting. Someone wants a word . . .
4.5/5
I love the Jessica Daniel series, I have followed this series right from book 1, and each new book is eagerly awaited. I still can't believe we are at book 12. Kerry Wilkinson certainly has a knack to story telling. Jessica is still getting involved in everything that is thrown her way, she is a brilliant and believable character. I also enjoy the banter as well as the serious side of her and her work colleagues. Jessica is work, work, work because it's the only thing that keeps her active, keeps her mind from wandering to where she doesn't want it wandering. Things are going on is Jessica's private life and the only way she can deal with them, is by not thinking of them and she pushes everything to the back of her mind, she gets stuck into work to avoid having to face the reality of what is happening. Rock star Blaine Banner is playing in town, but he's convinced someone is out to kill him. He seam's to think Jessica is his personal officer investigating for him. Although he's a huge mega star Jessica just doesn't see the interest others see, and I really liked the way Jessica was around him. Is someone trying to kill him or is his drug and drink fuelled lifestyle just playing tricks on his mind. Along side this Damian Walker a convicted murderer is released with a new identity that he doesn't want. Jessica is tasked to Keep an eye on him. However not long after his release another murder is committed, similar to the murders he was convicted of. Has he murdered again, because he seems to have some sort of proof that it wasn't him. Could this be wrong, or has a sick killer been released onto the streets of Manchester. I really can't wait for more from this series. Another exceptional story, a read to get your teeth into. Wilkinson has a great knack for telling a great story and he's certainly done that here. If you like a great series then this one is well worth reading, and it's worth reading the books in order. I'm not saying you have to, but for a series its always worth starting at book 1. Happy reading. The Lost Child: A gripping detective thriller with a heart-stopping twist (Detective Lottie Parker Book 3)
Product details
They placed me in here and threw away the key. I look down at the gown they’ve put on me. I want my own clothes. I don’t know how long I’ve been here. An elderly woman is found murdered in her own home, and Detective Lottie Parker and her partner Detective Boyd are called in to investigate. When they discover that the victim’s daughter is missing as well, they start to fear for the safety of the whole family… Two days later as a nearby house is set on fire and with the body count rising, Lottie and her team begin to unpick a web of secrets and lies, as the murders seem to link back to a case investigated by Lottie’s father before he took his own life. With little knowledge of what really happened to her father, Lottie knows this is a case that could give her some answers. But how much does she want to know? The killer has already made his next move. Can Lottie face her own demons and uncover the truth before another life is taken? The Lost Child is a thrilling page-turner from the bestselling author of The Missing Ones and The Stolen Girls that will have you guessing right to the very last page. Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Angela Marsons and Robert Dugoni.
4.5/5
The Lost Child is book 3 in the Lottie Parker series. A series well worth reading. And as I always say the series is better when read in order, but that again is just my opinion. It's not so long ago I read the first book by this very talented story teller, and here I am reading book 3. It's safe to say, each book get's better and better, as we learn more about the characters it really helps build up the stories. I'm loving the character of Lottie Parker. This is one of those stories though that it could be so easy to say to much about the story. I'm worried of giving to much away so will just keep it brief. When Tessa Ball is found murdered, its down to Detective Lottie Parker and her partner Detective Boyd to investigate. They soon discover that the victim’s daughter is missing as well, they start to fear for the safety of the whole family. The investigation takes them on huge journey, and it turns up a lot more along the way. Lottie certainly puts in the work, a mother and a Detective this is one busy woman. How she copes is not ideal and Lottie really does have some serious issues, this I find makes her a much more realistic character. We also learn a lot more in this book about Lotties mother and father, and the back history of what has happened is thrilling. This is another great read, and I really do feel that this series of books will become huge, the more we get to know the characters, the more interesting the books seem to be. Detective Alex Cross is back to solve the most baffling and terrifying case of his career Alex Cross’s niece, Naomi, is missing. Cross fears the disappearance could be linked to a string of recent abductions and murders. Two brilliant and twisted killers, operating on opposite sides of the country, are collaborating and competing, encouraging each other to perpetrate increasingly horrific crimes. Cross must hunt down these two brutal masterminds – not only to rescue his niece, but also to save the lives of the many others still in danger… It's no secret that I am a huge James Patterson fan, and when book 1 and 2 come up on netgalley for reviews I decided it was time to re visit the early Alex Cross series.
I had previously read these books years ago, way before I even thought leaving a book review was something important. So after being approved to read them I dived right in. Getting to know the wonderful Alex Cross all over again has been great, but I have to admit I like the more mature Alex Cross in his later books. He's the sort of detective if you were ever to need a crime solving you would like to think it would be by a real life Alex Cross. I've secretly wanted over years, Alex Cross, Michael Bennett and Lyndsay Boxer to work a case together. How awesome would that be. I love the short chapters is JP's books, as it makes it easy to say just one more chapter, just one more chapter. You fly through these books no problem. The stories, the cases, the personal lives of the characters really draw you in to each page. This book like most of his others are brilliant. I would recommend anyone who likes a good crime thriller to read this series. And to make things even better I would start right at the beginning, that way you would have over 20 books to get stuck into. And it's great fun following Alex on his life journey.
Title - The Stolen Girls
Author - Patricia Gibney Format - Kindle Source - Netgalley Published 6th July 2017 by Bookouture The young woman standing on Lottie’s step was a stranger. She was clutching the hand of a young boy. ‘Help me,’ she said to Lottie. ‘Please help me.’ One Monday morning, the body of a young pregnant woman is found. The same day, a mother and her son visit the house of Detective Lottie Parker, begging for help to find a lost friend. Could this be the same girl? When a second victim is discovered by the same man, with the murder bearing all the same hallmarks as the first, Lottie needs to work fast to discover how else the two were linked. Then two more girls go missing. Detective Lottie Parker is a woman on the edge, haunted by her tragic past and struggling to keep her family together through difficult times. Can she fight her own demons and catch the killer before he claims another victim? The Stolen Girls is a gripping and page-turning thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.
4.5/5
The Stolen Girls (Detective Lottie Parker #2) I have started book 2 pretty much as soon as I finished book 1 as I was lucky enough to grab an early copy of this book via Netgalley. So big thanks to Bookouture for allowing me the chance to read this. Well, right back into the thick of things is Lottie Parker. After having some time off work following the events of her previous case. (Book 1, so I won't put any spoilers) Lottie now has work to do, and her first case is ready for her. A woman's body has turned up when a contractor for digging the roads, discovers it on one of his digs. It's again a race for finding out the truth, and how this body got here. It's also a race before any more bodies turn up. And yes it's not long before another is found. Pressure on Lottie and her to team to find a link. I don't want to give to much away regarding the story line, and feel if I say anymore it might spoil it for readers, and we all hate spoilers, don't we? So what I will say is this is another brilliant read, intresting and keeps you wanting to read more. I think any crime fan's should give these books a go and find yourself a new series of books to read. There are so so many new authors bringing books out at the moment, it's hard sometimes to decide weather to stick with what you know or dive in and try something new, with these two books I can safely say i'm glad I dived in. I think Patricia has done a great job so far with the first two book. I love the fictional town of Ragmullin, I love the name. lol. I really do like the characters, Lottie while struggling to work and bring up 3 teenage children, seems to manage (just about) Sometimes she's just winging it and needs to maybe take a closer look at what is going on under her nose. I think there is a great balance between the characters doing their work, and the characters personal lives. I really feel I got to know Lottie and Boyd a little more in this book along with Lottie's family and I really am looking forward to more from this author.
Title - The Missing Ones
Author - Patricia Gibney Format - Kindle Source - Bookouture via Netgalley The hole they dug was not deep. A white flour bag encased the little body. Three small faces watched from the window, eyes black with terror. The child in the middle spoke without turning his head. ‘I wonder which one of us will be next?’ When a woman’s body is discovered in a cathedral and hours later a young man is found hanging from a tree outside his home, Detective Lottie Parker is called in to lead the investigation. Both bodies have the same distinctive tattoo clumsily inscribed on their legs. It’s clear the pair are connected, but how? The trail leads Lottie to St Angela’s, a former children’s home, with a dark connection to her own family history. Suddenly the case just got personal. As Lottie begins to link the current victims to unsolved murders decades old, two teenage boys go missing. She must close in on the killer before they strike again, but in doing so is she putting her own children in terrifying danger? Lottie is about to come face to face with a twisted soul who has a very warped idea of justice. Fans of Rachel Abbott, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni will be gripped by this page-turning serial killer thriller, guaranteed to keep you reading late into the night.
My Thoughts
4.5/5 What a great start to what can only be a very promising series. I love finding new authors, and Patricia Gibney is certainly going to be an author to look out for. I was amazed when I realised this was Patricia's Debut novel. You would never believe that when reading it. We are introduced to Detective Lottie Parker, and I have to say right away I liked her. A single mother of 3 teenagers and working a very stressful job, what isn't to like. Add to that the fact she also gets things wrong then she's going to be a brilliant character to follow. Alongside her is Boyd and their working partnership as well as their personal one needs working at, lol. I loved the banter between them, and the way they interacted with each other. Some great characters, that are going to be interesting as we go further into the series and each character develops. It's a tough story to cover but covered very well. A very interesting read, something to get your teeth into. Well worth giving it a go, I'm lucky enough to have the next one to start right away, and I'm looking forward to it.
Four bodies are found in a luxury hotel
The first is a man who checked in under a false name. Two are in a room next door, full of surveillance equipment. And the fourth is the house maid, who saw too much. Detective Lindsay Boxer is sent in to investigate and hunt down an elusive and dangerous suspect. But when her husband Joe goes missing, she begins to fear that the suspect she is searching for could be him. As the case gets ever more complicated and personal, San Francisco is suddenly faced with an atrocity no one will ever forget.
I'm a huge fan of JP and especially of his book series. The Women's Murder Club, The Alex Cross series and the Michael Bennett series.
I got a little behind with this series and as book 16 in The Women's murder club was released I thought it was time I read book 15 before I bought book 16. As usual I wasn't disappointed. I know a lot of his books are receiving a lot of critical comments recently over just how much of them JP actually writes or just put's his name to. Personally I'm not really bothered. As long as I can carry on reading them and enjoying them then that is all that matters to me. As usual this one, kept me interested. Kept me wanting more and needing to read on more. Lindsay Boxer is a character that over 15 books I've grown to love. She's an amazing character. And I'm very eager to read the next book after the way this one ended. |
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