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An evening out for DS Ava Merry turns to murder when 2 people are found stabbed through the heart. The investigation uncovers plenty of secrets but which ones relate to the case?

Merry and Neal are two very likeable police detectives in a great team of colleagues. Both feel slightly awkward about their rank as they consider all the others to be friends rather than subordinates. There is romantic tension between Merry and Neal which adds an extra dimension of interest to the book.

The murders are brutal but there is not too much graphic detail or forensics. The focus is on the investigation and interrogation, the gathering of clues and statements then sifting through to work out the relevance.

I did guess the killer’s identity despite the red herrings designed to mislead us, but I had no idea on motive until it was revealed at the end of the book. The plot is well planned and executed to hold the reader’s interest throughout and the narrative style is easy to read.

This is the 6th book to feature this police team but the first that I have read. There are occasional references to previous cases and past events but they do not require the reader to have read the others in the series.

MURDEROUS SECRETS (Merry & Neal #6) by Janice Frost

Looking for a totally gripping crime mystery which you won’t want to put down?

DISCOVER THE NEW CRIME THRILLER FROM BEST-SELLING AUTHOR JANICE FROST

TWO BRUTAL SLAYINGS AT A BARN DANCE

Detective Ava Merry goes to a forties-themed dance at Northfields Farm on Valentine’s Day. A young couple, Nick and Samantha are found murdered. Nick is found in a wartime ambulance with and Sam is found stabbed multiple times in the glamping tent they were staying in. DS Ava Merry is confronted by a man fleeing the tent. Who is he and is he really innocent?

SECRETS THAT SOMEONE WILL KILL TO KEEP

Then another frenzied murder ups the stakes still further. Can DS Ava Merry and DI Jim Neal expose the killer?

Great for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham.

PRAISE FOR JANICE FROST

“A very good storyline with so much happening in the family to keep the reader engrossed.” Viv

“Really enjoyable read.” Nerys

“Good entertaining read, with heart in the mouth moments.” Carole

“A fast-paced mystery with plenty of suspects.” Barbara

“I just had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next.” Dawn

THE DETECTIVES

DS Ava Merry is a young policewoman, recently promoted to detective sergeant. She is fitness

fanatic with a taste for dangerous relationships. DI Jim Neal is single dad who juggles his

devotion to his job with caring for his son.

DS MERRY & DI NEAL SERIES

Book 1: DEAD SECRET

Book 2: DARK SECRET

Book 3: HER HUSBAND’S SECRET

Book 4: THEIR FATAL SECRETS

Book 5: DIRTY SECRETS

Book 6: MURDEROUS SECRETS