DS Tyler from the Cold Case Review Unit is delivered an anonymous note that talks about a past crime. He chases down leads and discovers a link to the disappearance of an MP’s wife two decades earlier. Months later, Tyler is injured and his colleague DC Mina Rabbani is informed about the case…
Sleeping Dogs is the 4th book in the DS Adam Tyler series of police procedurals. It is not necessary to read the earlier books as there is enough information to catch up on personal events and development. However, if you were going to read the series then I would advise reading books 2 and 3 consecutively as they have continuous plotlines.
A mysterious note sets Tyler on a course that sees him seriously injured. Now his colleagues Mina and Doggett need to work out what leads he followed into danger. The book is written in the two timelines and they gradually converge as the plot progresses. The use of the different timelines slows down the pace but gets the readers’ brains scrambling to guess at the connections between past and present.
This book has a very different feel to the last book, partly due to the narrative style of the timelines but also due to Tyler being unconscious in the present day so Mina is much more prominent. I enjoyed this book more and more as it progressed and Tyler and Mina separately make huge discoveries about the past.
We also see the experiences of Ruth, and her interactions in both timelines. This increases the tension as we feel sympathy for her as she is a vulnerable person but must have a connection to Tyler and the case. The characters are very naturally and authentically portrayed which brings them to life.
Sleeping Dogs is an intriguing crime novel with great characterisation.
Book blurb:
THE LIES OF THE PAST . . .
When an anonymous tip lands on his desk, DS Adam Tyler is intrigued in spite of himself. The disappearance of a young mother twenty-four years ago was big news, but the case was never solved – this tantalizing new lead is something he simply can’t ignore. But the letter has set in motion a dangerous chain of events, and Tyler’s search for the truth soon leaves him fighting for his life.
. . . LIVE IN THE PRESENT
With Tyler out of action, DC Mina Rabbani must step up to lead the Cold Case Review Unit in his absence, retracing Tyler’s steps and uncovering his secrets to figure out what he was working on. But as she begins to put the pieces together, the case starts to hit frighteningly close to home. Without DS Tyler to protect her, Mina realises that now she’s the one with hard choices to make.
A murdered girl. A missing girl. An escaped abduction victim. DC Morgan Brookes has had a busy morning where the crimes keep stacking up. Could there be a connection?
Two Broken Girls is the 13th book in the Morgan Brookes series of crime thriller/police procedurals set in the Lake District.
The day begins badly with the discovery of a murdered college student. Then another student arrives at the police station to report her best friend missing. On the way to investigate, Morgan is in a car crash swerving to avoid a third student who runs into the road begging for help. The police are stretched as they attempt to solve three crimes simultaneously.
I absolutely raced through this book, couldn’t put it down (my only complaint is that it was over too soon). The plot is fast paced, chapters short and the characters felt authentic and real. Developments happen quickly and there were some great twists which kept me guessing. Most of the book is written to show the police investigation but there are also some chapters from the killer’s perspective to increase tension and mystery.
The dynamic between the police characters sparkles and fizzes with humour, respect and compassion. There are several references (but no spoilers) to previous victims to show the continuing emotional effect on the police characters. Morgan is a great detective and her fearless attitude to policing gets her into the thick of the action and puts her frequently in danger!
Two Broken Girls is a very enjoyable police procedural and crime thriller with fab lead characters.
Sweat trickles down the girl’s spine as she dances around her bedroom. The curtains blow open and a gust of hot, humid air comes through the window. She has no idea she is being watched from the street below. The dainty chain around her neck will soon be his. Another keepsake. His second broken girl.
On the banks of the River Rothay, as the first rays of sunshine hit the fast-flowing water, Melody Carrick’s body lies lifeless, red strangulation marks where her gold cross necklace used to hang. Detective Morgan Brookes is certain the killer was surprised by early-morning dog walkers, and she won’t rest until she unearths the evidence she needs to stop his next attack.
But before Morgan has a chance to attend the post-mortem, seventeen-year-old Paige Evans rushes into the police station claiming her stepfather Alan kidnapped her best friend. He has an old wooden box full of jewellery that she believes are trophies. Morgan’s blood runs cold: Melody’s necklace is tangled up in the chains.
Morgan races to Alan’s home, but on the way, she spots a young woman stumbling out of a nearby forest. She’s not Paige’s missing friend. Disorientated, with ropes cutting into her wrists and tears running down her face, the girl claims to have been abducted and then suddenly set free. By a man who looks nothing like Alan.
Chasing the most twisted killer of her career, can Morgan discover the connection between these terrible crimes? With two girl’s lives already in ruins, can she find the latest innocent victim this monster has hidden in time?
Author Bio
Helen Phifer is the Bestselling writer of the hugely popular Annie Graham, Lucy Harwin, Beth Adams and her current series featuring Detective Constable Morgan Brooks published by the fabulous Bookouture.
She lives in the busy town of Barrow-in-Furness surrounded by miles of coastline and a short drive from the glorious English Lake District.
Helen loves reading books that scare the heck out of her and is eternally grateful to Stephen King, Dean Koontz, James Herbert and Graham Masterton for scaring her senseless in her teenage years. Unable to find enough scary stories she decided to write her own and her debut novel The Ghost House released in October 2013 became a #1 Global Bestseller.
Harriet ‘Harry’ White continues her work replying to Sherlock Holmes’ correspondence. Mostly she sends a polite letter to decline further involvement but the arrival of a telegram sparks the whole bank’s interest. A writer is suffering from bizarre symptoms, possibly driven mad by a curse…
The Cursed Writer is the second book in The Baker Street Mysteries. I have previously read and reviewed the first book The Missing Maid. There is enough information to catch up on Harry’s situation and no spoilers about the criminal plot although some personal plot strands do lead on from those in the initial story.
This book has the feel of The Hound of the Baskervilles, as confirmed in the author’s note at the end. The desolate fens and the fears of the supernatural are effectively evoked. Plus the book features a large dog!
The style of writing is easy to read and I liked the twists of Harry’s investigation. There is a classical feel to the plot and I was kept guessing. I like the personality of Harry; she is a fab lead character full of compassion and gumption. Her caring side comes through clearly in this book as she sees the adversity faced by others. There are also lighthearted moments and the overall tone of the book is warm.
The Cursed Writer is an enjoyable historical cosy mystery.
The Cursed Writer
Harriet White is no stranger to odd correspondence. Ensconced in the basement of the Baker Street building society, her job is to reply to the mail they receive on behalf of Sherlock Holmes.
But while letters to the fictional sleuth may be plentiful, telegrams are rare, and so when she receives one describing the grave situation of celebrated author Philip St John, her interest is piqued. The writer describes St John as being consumed by terror, seeing ghostly apparitions on the fens, and only at ease in the company of his loyal wolfhound.
Before long, Harry finds herself in Cambridgeshire under the guise of being Holmes’ assistant. The residents of Thurmwell Manor believe their master is cursed. Harry is sure there must be a logical explanation, but inside the echoey halls of the grand gothic house, her confidence in science and reason begin to crumble…
Can Harry solve the mystery before the fens claim their next victim?
Join Harriet White in 1930’s London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett.
Holly Hepburn writes escapist, swoonsome fiction that sweeps her readers into idyllic locations, from her native Cornwall to the windswept beauty of Orkney. She has turned her hand to cosy crime inspired by Sherlock Holmes himself. Holly lives in leafy Hertfordshire with her adorable partner in crime, Luna the Labrador.
A figure skater is found dead in her dressing room after a gala. Detective Amanda Steele was in the audience so is first on the scene. The deceased is the niece of a friend which gives an extra incentive for them to catch the killer. A handwritten message shows the murder was personal…
Her Deadly Rose is the 12th book in the Detective Amanda Steele series of crime thrillers set in America. There are no spoilers about previous cases but Amanda’s personal life and relationships have developed over the series.
Michaela Glover was a skater with a bright future. But that is abruptly ended when she is killed backstage with a cunning killer using her peanut allergy to murder her. Amanda and her partner Trent begin to look for motive and face a variety of suspects.
Amanda has issues in her private life to contend with as well as the murder investigation. She has a romantic tension with her partner while her boyfriend is talking about wanting a baby. Meanwhile the trauma of her past and that of her adopted daughter are also prominent in her mind.
The book begins with a prologue from the killer’s perspective so we are instantly drawn into the narrative. The style of writing is easy to read and the chapters are reasonably short to push the plot and the investigation onwards. I was kept guessing as so many characters seemed to have a potential grudge and have to be eliminated through tireless and dedicated police work.
Her Deadly Rose is an enjoyable crime thriller with a strong female lead.
The girl’s lifeless body lies next to a scattered bouquet of crimson roses, the petals around her head like tiny pools of blood. Gripped in her hand is the note that came with the flowers, sent by someone who wanted her dead.
When champion figure skater Michaela Glover returns to her hometown of Woodbridge for a special performance, Detective Amanda Steele is part of the cheering crowds. But when Michaela is discovered dead in her dressing room after the show, Amanda is the first to investigate the shocking scene.
There is no sign of foul play, and the room is overflowing with flowers from Michaela’s adoring fans. But Amanda’s heart stops at the sight of a few roses tied with black ribbon and a note that reads “You’ll be sorry”. And when forensic tests reveal the ribbon was laced in something Michaela was deathly allergic to, Amanda is certain this is cold-blooded murder.
Desperate for a lead, Amanda dives into Michaela’s life to find out who could possibly want this sweet girl dead. She soon discovers that despite having a glittering future ahead of her, Michaela had a troubled past, and was surrounded by people jealous of her success.
When someone close to Michaela is discovered brutally murdered, Amanda is terrified there could be yet more innocent victims to follow. Can she uncover the twisted killer’s identity before they strike again?
A completely gripping crime thriller that will have you racing through the pages! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.
Author Bio
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CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.
Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.
She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.
The dogs are never knowingly helpful! Simple chores become much tougher when they get involved! As you can see, I started folding the towels and Chas climbed on. I started another pile and Wurzel joined in. Wurzel has also run off with the washing ball, pegs and socks this week.
Have you seen the new maths and music lessons on Duolingo? I find the maths quite tricky due to the way it subitises but the music course is fab (except for the timing which I struggle with). I have been able to read sheet music since I learned the recorder at infant school so I think it is fab for teaching the notes for beginners like Zach.
