The eighth DCI Helen Grace investigation could be her last . . .
If you go down to the woods today . . . The last thing Tom Campbell remembers is camping in the New Forest with his girlfriend, Melissa. Now he is helpless, alone and consumed by fear, hunted through the woods by a sinister, masked figure... When Tom's body is found, displayed with grisly relish, Helen Grace takes the case. But before she can catch her breath, a second victim is taken - a serial killer is on the loose. You better not go alone . . . Something dark and deadly stalks the forest. Helen and her team must race against time to catch the perpetrator, before more blood is shed. But the hunt will take Helen back into the eerie twilit woods - and this time she might not make it out alive.
Book 8 in the Helen Grace series.
This has been a series I've loved, enjoyed every book and this one is no exception. Another good read. I flicked between reading and the audio of this book. Saturday morning started with blitzing the house, out came the headphones and I started with the audio, hours passed, non stop. It was great to be listening while doing things. Once I'd given up on being a responsible adult, out came the pj's and I sat chilling and reading it. It's brilliant being able to jump from audio to reading and doesn't half get you through a book quickly. Over 2 days this book was finished. Ready now for me to dive into the next one. Helen Grace is an amazing character. A woman who strives on determination and ambition to get done what is needed. Brilliantly set in the New Forest this book will have you on the edge of your seat. When Melisa and Tom set off for a lovely break, Camping. They didn't realise that Tom would never be going home with her. Waking to find him missing turns into hell for Melisa. It's down to Helen and her team to solve this one, but when a second body is found the Hunt grows. Is this case going to be the one that beats the team? Is there a link between the first and second body found? Do we have more that one killer or one sick induvial, the only way to find out is by reading the book. Personally for me if you haven't read any of the previous books i'd say you could start here, but you wouldn't get the full benefit of the characters history. I always find reading a series from the beginning is the best way. The twists are there, they will keep you guessing and keep you hooked. Turned into a really good read, although the pace is a little slower than previous books the story itself I found interesting. The narration in the audio book is good, easy to follow and easy to listen to, but couldn't help feeling some of the gruesome/tense parts were said in a neutral voice and didn't alway sound like you were following a thriller of a read.
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She Loves Me A woman's body lies in the road. At first it looks like a tragic accident. But when Helen Grace arrives on the scene it's clear she's looking at a coldblooded killing. But why would anyone target a much loved wife and mother? She Loves Me Not Across town, a shopkeeper is killed while his customers are left unharmed. But what lies behind the killer's choices? She Loves Me Who lives? Who dies? Who's next? The clock is ticking. She Loves Me Not If Helen can't solve this deadly puzzle then more blood will be shed. But any mistake and it might be her own ... Well the start of this book would certainly make me think twice about stopping to help someone in trouble. Should you? Shouldn’t you? Here we are back with the superb Helen Grace. Book 7, I recently had a big catch up with this series, and I have to say it’s one of the best book series I’ve read. I have enjoyed each and every single book, and just when you think they can’t get any better, out pops another Jaw dropper. If you have not caught up with this series yet, and have not read the last book yet, then please don’t continue with reading this review as it could spoil things for you. We kick off with action and this action continues the whole way through this books, I certainly enjoyed reading it. The start of the book sees Sonia, a probation office on her way to work, where she is flagged down by someone who looks to have been involved in an accident. Only to end up being killed. Helen Grace is also on her way to work, riding her new bike, a Kawasaki Ninja, which she has bought after receiving a hefty compensation pay out for wrongly being arrested and then sent to prison last year. She gave the rest of her compensation money to a local children’s charity – this just made me like Helen even more. So as I was saying on her way to work Helen notices someone lying in the road and pulls to a stop to help the lady, it’s clear as soon as Helen see’s her, this hasn’t been just a road accident, the lady has been shot, but there is no sign of a car. The only one Helen saw is the one that nearly knocked her off her bike earlier up the road. Shortly after this, it appears there is an incident at a pharmacists, could this be linked, is the death toll about to rise? Can Helen and her team connect the dots and figure out who the killer or killers are and what their motive for killing is before it’s to late? This book takes place over a 24 hour period. OH WHAT A DAY! What a story. This for me has got to be one of M.J. Arlidge best books yet. It’s gripping, fast, frenzied, breath taking, thrilling it’s one hell of a read with a good few OMG moments, I was hooked from the beginning right up to the last page. It’s exciting and scary at the same time, my god I need a week’s holiday after reading that. Product details
The battle is on… When gang leader Paddy O’Brien is stabbed in his brother’s famous nightclub, Manchester’s criminal underworld is shaken to the core. Tensions are running high, and as the body count begins to grow, the O’Brien family must face a tough decision – sell their side of the city to the infamous Boddlington gang or stick it out and risk losing their king. But war comes easy to the bad boys, and they won’t go down without a fight. So begins a fierce battle for the South Side, with the leading Manchester gangsters taking the law into their own hands – but only the strongest will survive… Two Manchester families. One runs the North one runs the South.
Tensions are high, when Paddy O'Brien is stabbed in his brothers night club. It isn't long before Paddy decides its time for out, and his long Suffering wife is expected to go along with anything he says. "you say jump, we say how high" But things are never straight forward and there will be a few spanners thrown into the works through out the story. An interesting read with a few twists you really didn't expect. It keeps engrossed and wanting more. Some brilliant character throughout this book, some are more likeable than others, but certainly interesting. I seem to have has a phase of reading books in and around Manchester and I find they really add to a story for me, as I can really visualise a lot of the places. This book certainly kept my interest and I was surprised, ok more than surprised on the way it ended. It all seemed to come together brilliantly. It's a gritty read. It's certainly different from the last book I read by Marnie Riches and different in a very good way. I will certainly be reading book 2 when that come out, It will be interesting to see where things go.
Six book series. Available from Amazon
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Helen Grace was one of the country's best police investigators. Now she's behind bars with the killers she caught. Framed for murder She knows there is only way out: stay alive until her trial and somehow prove her innocence. Locked up with a killer But when a mutilated body is found in the cell next door, Helen fears her days are numbered. A murderer is on the loose. And she must find them. Before she's next . . .
5/5
If you have not read the previous books please do not read this review as it may spoil it for you. Personally i would say if you are going to read this book, then it's best if you have read the previous books. 1Eeny Meeny 2Pop Goes The Weasel 3The Doll's House 4Liar LiarSeptember 5Little Boy Blue 6 Hide and seek I've been playing a big catch up with this series and read books 4, 5 and 6 in a short space of time. It was great because as each book finshed, I could dive right into the next one without having to wait. What's not great is i'm now up to date which means I have to wait for more books to be written/published. I have really grown to like Helen Grace, and throughout this book I was rooting for her. Helen is locked up, after being framed for murder. But the real killer is still out there, and what the hell can Helen do while she's inside. Could this be the end of Helen Grace? It's an outstanding read, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Keeps you guessing and guessing some more, because although you know why Helen is in prison (especially if you read the previous book) You are not prepared for what happens in there. I'm worried about giving to much away so i'm going to shut up and just say MY GOD this is a series you really should be reading if you like a good crime thriller, with likeable characters. ENJOY
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'Helen Grace is one of the greatest heroes to come along in years' JEFFERY DEAVER ***** There are some fates worse than death . . . Called to a Southampton nightclub, Detective Inspector Helen Grace cuts the duct tape from the asphyxiated victim and discovers she knows him. A man from the double life she has concealed from her superiors, Helen is determined to find his murderer - while keeping their relationship hidden at all costs. When a new victim is found, Helen works around the clock to stop her life unravelling. She'll do anything to solve this case - but dare she reveal her own darkest secrets and lose everything? And would even that be enough to stop this killer? Well that's book 5 read, and if i'm honest I have nothing but praise for this series. It's difficult to believe each time you read one of these books that the next one could be any better, but that is exactly what seems to be happening. This is the fifth book in the Helen Grace series, a series I’ve grown to really enjoy. I’m a little behind with the series, but that’s not such a bad thing as been able to read this one as soon as I finished book four, and I can now read book 6 without having to wait. As I said it’s a series I’ve really grown to like, I like the characters and I like how each case is different. If you haven’t read any of this series, then I really can recommend it. But I would say read it from book one, you could probably get away with reading it on it’s own, but I think you get a better feel for the story if they are read in order. It really is more interesting when you have followed the characters and got a feel for their back history. I always feel when I’ve followed a series as though I personally know the characters, and this is certainly the case here. I enjoy the character that is Helen Grace; she’s very different, I would say unique. But I really do like her, and the way she works. She’s been good friends with Charlie, who has also appeared in each book, and this time I think their friendship is really tested, especially so as Helen can’t seem to open up and tell her the truth. In this book we have a complex case involving murder of someone Helen knows from her past. It’s tough for Helen, and she can’t decide if to reveal that she knows the victim or not as it would then lead to her admitting what she likes to do in her free time. And Helen really does like to keep her private life PRIVATE. Helen’s arch enemy the Journalist Amelia is also out for war with Helen. After their recent truce it now seems like the gloves are off again, and it’s all out war. The ending of this book really hits you and I actually feel a little smug here, because by being behind in this series, I can now go on to read the next one. I received the book via Netgalley, so thank you for approving my request. The views in this review are only my thoughts.
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THE FOURTH DI HELEN GRACE THRILLER BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR M J ARLIDGE 'Helen Grace is one of the greatest heroes to come along in years' JEFFERY DEAVER In the dead of night, three raging fires light up the city skies. It's more than a tragic coincidence. For DI Helen Grace the flames announce the arrival of an evil she has never encountered before. Because this is no firestarter seeking sick thrills, but something more chilling: a series of careful, calculating acts of murder. But why were the victims chosen? What's driving the killer? And who will be next? A powder keg of fear, suspicion and dread has been laid. Now all it needs is a spark to set it off . .
5/5
This is the fourth book in the Helen Grace series, a series I’ve grown to really enjoy. I’m a little behind with the series, but that’s not such a bad thing as I’ve decided now when reading books that are part of a series, I’m going to read the whole series before I start anything else. So I now get to start the next book in the series. And trust me it’s only a good thing, because the way ‘Liar Liar’ ended, I NEED TO READ THE NEXT ONE. And I need to read it NOW. I have to say, this is another bloody good read. The fourth in a series that is by far proving to be one of the best series of books I’ve read, and believe me I’ve read a lot. It has you hooked the whole way through. And what I enjoyed is the short chapters as it means you just have to give one more chapter a go. I seem to have read this at the right time of year as it’s based around December. Set in Southampton Helen Grace is back with a new case, Charlie Brooks is back from maternity leave, and trying to juggle mummy hood and work. The case for the team this time is what appears to be an arsonist. 3 fires have been set, all in a very short time scale, and the team are wondering if and why they are all linked, it’s not just homes, its businesses too. It soon becomes clear when the second night another 3 fires are started, that they are certainly linked, but can Helen and her team figure out who or why before any more fires are started. I love Helen and Charlie in these books, they great coppers, and I like the way they work and engage with each other, in work and outside. I like how we are still learning about Helen’s private life and Charlie’s home life as she struggles working now she has a little one. I love how with each book the author manages to find new and interesting things to write about, and not one of the books feels samey as any other. Helen has a new boss in this book, and the way this book went I think we’ll be hearing a lot more of him real soon. This book will have you gripped the whole way through, read to spit you out at the end with an ending you just didn’t see coming. Bravo M J A... Brilliantly done. I’d love to tell you a lot more, but luckily for me I have Little Boy Blue waiting on my kindle for me to start. So I’m off to read. Buy it, Enjoy it.
A young woman wakes up in a cold, dark cellar, with no idea how she got there or who her kidnapper is. So begins her terrible nightmare.
Nearby, the body of another young woman is discovered buried on a remote beach. But the dead girl was never reported missing - her estranged family having received regular texts from her over the years. Someone has been keeping her alive from beyond the grave. For Detective Inspector Helen Grace it's chilling evidence that she's searching for a monster who is not just twisted but also clever and resourceful - a predator who's killed before. And as Helen struggles to understand the killer's motivation, she begins to realize that she's in a desperate race against time . . . My Thoughts 5/5 Book 3 in the Helen Grace series. I recently re read book 1 to refresh my memory as it was a while since I read it, I then jumped into book 2, followed not so long after by this book 3. I'm loving this series. Helen Grace is just a top notch character, she's not perfect, she's not faultless, she's just human. A very interesting and sometimes complex character. A number of things going on in this book, what seems to be a kidnap, then a body found by a child digging on the beach and this is just the start of the book. It grips you by your collar right from the off. Helen has her work cut out here, not only figuring out what the hell is going on and why, but trying to build up her new team. It's clear she misses her work colleagues who for one reason or another are no longer part of her team. But she needs to move on, and develop this team into something good, steady and ready for anything. Helen and her Superintendent just don't always seem to be singing from the same sheet and there is tension between them. Is it jealousy or just two people who cant seem to agree. I can see this as it grows and grows becoming a must read series of books for many crime thriller fans, me included. I don't know how all these amazing authors manage to write book after book that keeps you hooked and wanting more, but by god i'm glad they do. A huge thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for my review copy of this book. Series Helen Grace 1. Eeny Meeny(2014) 2. Pop Goes the Weasel(2014) 3. The Doll's House(2015) 4. Liar Liar(2015) 5. Little Boy Blue(2016) 6. Hide and Seek(2016) Have you read this book? or any of the others in the series. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you would be interesting in featuring as a guest reviewer please use the contact me form at the top of each page.
Book 2 in the Helen Grace series.
A man's body is found in an empty house. His heart has been cut out and delivered to his wife and children. He is the first victim, and Detective Inspector Helen Grace knows he will not be the last. But why would a happily married man be this far from home in the dead of night? The media call it Jack the Ripper in reverse: a serial killer preying on family men who lead hidden double lives. Helen can sense the fury behind the murders. But what she cannot possibly predict is how volatile this killer is - or what is waiting for her at the end of the chase... 5/5 Wow. This book certainly has a whole lot of action packed into it. Having just re read the first book, Eeny Meeny (which I would recommend if you are going to read, read them in order) I thoroughly enjoyed book one, but this one just blows it out the water. So much going on, you just want to continue reading, and once I started it, it really didn't take me long to finish as I had to read it ever time I got chance. To say I'm a little behind on this series is a bit of an understatement. But I do have the next 3 books on my Kindle waiting for me to start them, and I'll be diving into book 3 real soon, that's for sure. This book just flowed along brilliantly, with more than enough to keep you interested. A brilliant follow up to the first book, and I think it's safe to say this is going to be one hell of a series of books. If you have read book one, then you will Know Helen Grace is certainly a complex character. She has Flaws, Drive, Ambition and a past she's not to keen on. She also has BALL's, she is not afraid to challenge things, and deals with her stresses of her job and her life in a very different way to how other Book detectives deal with things. she's certainly not your normal head for the pub and get wasted kind of copper, after a bad day. Once you start this book, then I think you should put all plan's on hold. As you will not want to do anything but read it. Have you read this book? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
4/5
I have to say, having had this on my kindle for some time, I kept meaning to get around to reading it. I'm glad i finally did, as I really enjoyed it. Eeny Meeny Introduces us to DI Helen Grace. I love getting to know new characters, and feel in this book we get to see a fair amount of Helen and what drives her, what she has gone through and how she copes. She's certainly different in the sense she doesn't cope by drowning her self in drugs or alcohol. he has her own way of venting, and releasing her stresses. Helen and her team are out to try and solve a Murder, but how many Murders will be committed before they figure out the how's and why's. And what will Helen do, or feel when she discovers they may be personal and aimed at her. Can she figure out the link, and find out who the killer is before anymore innocent people are killed? I thought this book was very well put together and very cleverly written, It also seemed slightly different from the normal crime/detective style of books I enjoy reading. There was just something a little bit different about it, that helped make it into a very good read. The characters are good, and a couple I couldn't decide if I liked or not. And kept changing my mind on them as I got further into the book. I have book 2 ready to read on my kindle and think it is going to be another great read, and something I will be reading in the very near future. |
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