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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Stephen Berry is trying to jump off a bridge when a councillor stops him. Soon after he is found at the bottom of a cliff dead. DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are called in to find out if he jumped or was pushed.
As they dig more, more would be suicides are happening, but these ones are carefully created deaths -nothing like the impulsive suicide attempts they have been made out to be. Luc and Ava don’t know how close they are to the perpetrator, but he is gaining confidence with every life he takes.
This was amazing!!! Every time I think Helen Fields books can’t get any better they always do. I couldn’t put it down until I read the very last page. A really good thriller with characters from previous books who I have grown to love, I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As they dig more, more would be suicides are happening, but these ones are carefully created deaths -nothing like the impulsive suicide attempts they have been made out to be. Luc and Ava don’t know how close they are to the perpetrator, but he is gaining confidence with every life he takes.
This was amazing!!! Every time I think Helen Fields books can’t get any better they always do. I couldn’t put it down until I read the very last page. A really good thriller with characters from previous books who I have grown to love, I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Like normal, Helen Fields has written a spectacularly gruesome book. There were some scenes in this book that made me cringe it was that gruesome. That doesn’t happen often.
Luc Callanach and Ava Turner’s chemistry hits the highest point in this book, and it broke my heart at the end. I obviously don’t read these books for the romance, but I have been rooting for these two since the beginning. I’m glad they have their moment.
This book was written well, with you second guessing yourself throughout the whole book. I had one guess throughout the whole book was the suicide serial killer. Turns out I was right, but I did doubt myself continuously thanks to Fields superb writing style. As for the killing of the two men connected to Callanach, I would not have guessed that one at all. It didn’t even cross my mind.
I’m so excited to see where the series is going, especially with how this book ended. I just hope it doesn’t go miles away from the first 5 books. They have been consistent, and have all been fantastic reads.
Luc Callanach and Ava Turner’s chemistry hits the highest point in this book, and it broke my heart at the end. I obviously don’t read these books for the romance, but I have been rooting for these two since the beginning. I’m glad they have their moment.
This book was written well, with you second guessing yourself throughout the whole book. I had one guess throughout the whole book was the suicide serial killer. Turns out I was right, but I did doubt myself continuously thanks to Fields superb writing style. As for the killing of the two men connected to Callanach, I would not have guessed that one at all. It didn’t even cross my mind.
I’m so excited to see where the series is going, especially with how this book ended. I just hope it doesn’t go miles away from the first 5 books. They have been consistent, and have all been fantastic reads.
When I started to read this book, I did not realise that it was the fifth book in the series. That is completely my error but luckily it didn't impact the storyline at all; the only thing it did mean was that some things, events and people were mentioned that I didn't fully understand the relevance of because I hadn't read the others. But again, that is to no fault of the author.
I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series because I will always be hopeful for Ava & Luc to embark finally become a couple! The friendship they have is extraordinary and although not the main case or storyline, it's what I was always paying attention to.
The cases being investigated were SO GRIPPING and I truly did not see the culprit being who it was. There were so many well consealed facts that it was easy to see how the killer was so clever, meaning you'd never guess it was them. The detail that is conveyed into their planning and reasoning was truly well written, and fascinating to read.
The plots of deception and misslead were ingenious and everything in the last few chapters were conveyed with such urgency! I felt like I couldn't turn the page fast enough to see what was going to happen next. When the penny finally drops with Ava realise who the culprit(s) are I really felt like I, as the reader was racing along with her.
The novel also had a ring of truth to it, because it is so important to get help when you are not feeling right. It's brave to speak out and try to help yourself feel better.
I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series because I will always be hopeful for Ava & Luc to embark finally become a couple! The friendship they have is extraordinary and although not the main case or storyline, it's what I was always paying attention to.
The cases being investigated were SO GRIPPING and I truly did not see the culprit being who it was. There were so many well consealed facts that it was easy to see how the killer was so clever, meaning you'd never guess it was them. The detail that is conveyed into their planning and reasoning was truly well written, and fascinating to read.
The plots of deception and misslead were ingenious and everything in the last few chapters were conveyed with such urgency! I felt like I couldn't turn the page fast enough to see what was going to happen next. When the penny finally drops with Ava realise who the culprit(s) are I really felt like I, as the reader was racing along with her.
The novel also had a ring of truth to it, because it is so important to get help when you are not feeling right. It's brave to speak out and try to help yourself feel better.
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Helen Fields, and Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
In a series that keeps finding new ways to impress, Helen Fields captivates the reader’s attention yet again. While on a short holiday from work, DI Luc Callanach finds himself at a care facility, where he comes face to face with one of the residents, riddled with dementia. The reason for the visit is to allow Callanach to confront one of the two men who raped his mother many years ago. Barely able to hold his emotions in check, Callanach wants to make it clear that he will never forget the horrible things his mother was forced to endure, even if he may be facing his biological father at present. Upon returning to Police Scotland, Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are called out to a crime scene next to a castle wall. They are baffled to discover why they might be involved in what appears to be a clear-cut jump. How quickly suicide turns into a homicide, as some of the injuries discovered in the post-mortem are surely the work of someone else. Seeking to better understand the victim’s backstory, Callanach and Turner learn he visited a counselling centre to help with suicidal thoughts, but this brings them no closer to understanding what took place. When a second victim turns up dead with another suicidal presentation, Callanach and Turner wonder if there is a killer on the loose, seeking to turn thoughts into action. Meanwhile, the man Callanach visited turns up dead the same day as the aforementioned visit, smothered with a pillow. Could Callanach have taken out his aggression on a man who could not fight back? DCI Turner seeks to keep her underling’s ties to the victim off the radar, but does wonder if a temporary leave may help from muddying the waters too much. When a third victim is discovered, Callanach and Turner know that they must act fast, not only finding the killer, but also honing in on potential targets before their psychological worries cause a loss of life. Might there be someone lurking in the shadows who acts as a conduit for those who seek death already, or perhaps someone with a sinister game-plan, seeking only pawns in their sadistic adventure. Another stellar addition to the series that will have readers rushing to learn more. Recommended for those who have come to enjoy the nuances of the series, as well as those who love multi-layered police procedurals.
I remember randomly stumbling upon Helen Fields and this series, seeing much of the hype it was getting. As soon as I allowed myself a chance to delve in, I was hooked. From its interesting cases through to its characters who offer multi-faceted approaches to make the narrative even better, there is something for everyone . DI Luc Callanach again takes centre stage in this piece, working through some of the revelations of his personal life, while also trying to advance his career in Police Scotland. Series fans will know he is the ‘pretty boy’ of MIT, but his dedication and determination are second to none. His ongoing interaction with his friend (and now superior) DCI Ava Turner gives the reader something to enjoy as a secondary storyline in this novel, serving as character development for both. Ava Turner proves to be an interesting character in her own right, offering the story new and interesting flavours as she seeks to come to terms with a handful of conflicting emotions as they relate to Callanach. Turner is also trying to keep her team together, even as the commanding officer looks for any holes to tear her apart. With interesting characters who serve in many capacities, Fields keeps the reader’s attention throughout, helping to enrich the story’s growth. The story was a wonderful spin on the usual police procedural, with a killer whose intention is to offer a ‘shove’ for someone already on the precarious edge of life. Adding some development in the Callanach saga can only have interesting fallout for the protagonist, in this and future novels. One can hope that there are more books in this series, whose momentum never stops.
Kudos, Madam Fields, for another wonderful novel. I cannot wait to see where you will take DI Luc Callanach in the near future.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
In a series that keeps finding new ways to impress, Helen Fields captivates the reader’s attention yet again. While on a short holiday from work, DI Luc Callanach finds himself at a care facility, where he comes face to face with one of the residents, riddled with dementia. The reason for the visit is to allow Callanach to confront one of the two men who raped his mother many years ago. Barely able to hold his emotions in check, Callanach wants to make it clear that he will never forget the horrible things his mother was forced to endure, even if he may be facing his biological father at present. Upon returning to Police Scotland, Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are called out to a crime scene next to a castle wall. They are baffled to discover why they might be involved in what appears to be a clear-cut jump. How quickly suicide turns into a homicide, as some of the injuries discovered in the post-mortem are surely the work of someone else. Seeking to better understand the victim’s backstory, Callanach and Turner learn he visited a counselling centre to help with suicidal thoughts, but this brings them no closer to understanding what took place. When a second victim turns up dead with another suicidal presentation, Callanach and Turner wonder if there is a killer on the loose, seeking to turn thoughts into action. Meanwhile, the man Callanach visited turns up dead the same day as the aforementioned visit, smothered with a pillow. Could Callanach have taken out his aggression on a man who could not fight back? DCI Turner seeks to keep her underling’s ties to the victim off the radar, but does wonder if a temporary leave may help from muddying the waters too much. When a third victim is discovered, Callanach and Turner know that they must act fast, not only finding the killer, but also honing in on potential targets before their psychological worries cause a loss of life. Might there be someone lurking in the shadows who acts as a conduit for those who seek death already, or perhaps someone with a sinister game-plan, seeking only pawns in their sadistic adventure. Another stellar addition to the series that will have readers rushing to learn more. Recommended for those who have come to enjoy the nuances of the series, as well as those who love multi-layered police procedurals.
I remember randomly stumbling upon Helen Fields and this series, seeing much of the hype it was getting. As soon as I allowed myself a chance to delve in, I was hooked. From its interesting cases through to its characters who offer multi-faceted approaches to make the narrative even better, there is something for everyone . DI Luc Callanach again takes centre stage in this piece, working through some of the revelations of his personal life, while also trying to advance his career in Police Scotland. Series fans will know he is the ‘pretty boy’ of MIT, but his dedication and determination are second to none. His ongoing interaction with his friend (and now superior) DCI Ava Turner gives the reader something to enjoy as a secondary storyline in this novel, serving as character development for both. Ava Turner proves to be an interesting character in her own right, offering the story new and interesting flavours as she seeks to come to terms with a handful of conflicting emotions as they relate to Callanach. Turner is also trying to keep her team together, even as the commanding officer looks for any holes to tear her apart. With interesting characters who serve in many capacities, Fields keeps the reader’s attention throughout, helping to enrich the story’s growth. The story was a wonderful spin on the usual police procedural, with a killer whose intention is to offer a ‘shove’ for someone already on the precarious edge of life. Adding some development in the Callanach saga can only have interesting fallout for the protagonist, in this and future novels. One can hope that there are more books in this series, whose momentum never stops.
Kudos, Madam Fields, for another wonderful novel. I cannot wait to see where you will take DI Luc Callanach in the near future.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
Never a dull moment when Callanach & Turner run two investigations in this series.
A man wanting to jump off a bridge is talked down but days later found dead.
Luc has vengeance on his mind visiting one of his mother's past employers. A new DI joining the team can't help but give Luc the heads up he was the last person. To see a victim alive.
Coincidences?
In the close friendship Luc & Ava have formed, one too many saving of ass's means high emotions so are they looking at the crimes in the right way.
No DC Salter in this one (I liked her) but she was replaced with a plucky young lady who I am sure will become a great asset to the Edinburgh MIT.
DS Lively is still barking but not as loudly as Superintendent Evil Overlord who had many good oneliners to deliver in her spiky punchy way.
And Lance, when will he ever learn?
Great read which upped the expectations readying us for Perfect Dark.
A man wanting to jump off a bridge is talked down but days later found dead.
Luc has vengeance on his mind visiting one of his mother's past employers. A new DI joining the team can't help but give Luc the heads up he was the last person. To see a victim alive.
Coincidences?
In the close friendship Luc & Ava have formed, one too many saving of ass's means high emotions so are they looking at the crimes in the right way.
No DC Salter in this one (I liked her) but she was replaced with a plucky young lady who I am sure will become a great asset to the Edinburgh MIT.
DS Lively is still barking but not as loudly as Superintendent Evil Overlord who had many good oneliners to deliver in her spiky punchy way.
And Lance, when will he ever learn?
Great read which upped the expectations readying us for Perfect Dark.
I went into this not knowing it was the fifth in a series, so I don't have the same long-standing relationship with the characters as others who have read the previous books. There is a bit of exposition in the first few chapters to get you up to speed, but it's somewhat abrupt and there's a lot of plot holdover that you're expected to swallow if you're just jumping in. In hindsight I would have started at book 1, but it didn't make the experience impossible to deal with.
More than just past events, there's established character relationships that, for me, didn't really come together. Luc and Ava's relationship makes zero sense to me. She's his boss, but he is incredibly condescending, controlling and at times creepy to her. Some of their interactions are too inappropriate to be believable for even a workplace romance, so as a reader to be asked to believe they're not romantically involved, but just have a really close friendship, is too much. Maybe they earned this in the previous books, but there was no payoff with them as a standalone.
Luc isn't the only one who is weirdly territorial about his boss. Apparently another officer and a witness just can't help themselves and immediately have to try to disrupt a working relationship with her and act on their attraction to her. Between the two cops white-knighting for her favor and the doctor hitting on her mid-interview...there's a lot of below the surface misogyny to take in. And Ava chides herself for "giving off signals" to these men--No girl! Don't say that!
As for the murders and premise itself, I thought it was a really interesting idea. A killer targeting people who had failed suicide attempts like a bitter grim reaper--very intriguing! I liked how there were entire chapters devoted to going into the mindset of the suicidal victims before they died. You really get to see them as people instead of as just bodies waiting to be discovered. And the psychological unravel of the killer is something
I definitely didn't see coming.
I liked it on the whole, but the investigative angle more so than the interpersonal conflict.
*Thanks to Avon Books U.K. & Netgalley for an advance copy!
More than just past events, there's established character relationships that, for me, didn't really come together. Luc and Ava's relationship makes zero sense to me. She's his boss, but he is incredibly condescending, controlling and at times creepy to her. Some of their interactions are too inappropriate to be believable for even a workplace romance, so as a reader to be asked to believe they're not romantically involved, but just have a really close friendship, is too much. Maybe they earned this in the previous books, but there was no payoff with them as a standalone.
Luc isn't the only one who is weirdly territorial about his boss. Apparently another officer and a witness just can't help themselves and immediately have to try to disrupt a working relationship with her and act on their attraction to her. Between the two cops white-knighting for her favor and the doctor hitting on her mid-interview...there's a lot of below the surface misogyny to take in. And Ava chides herself for "giving off signals" to these men--No girl! Don't say that!
As for the murders and premise itself, I thought it was a really interesting idea. A killer targeting people who had failed suicide attempts like a bitter grim reaper--very intriguing! I liked how there were entire chapters devoted to going into the mindset of the suicidal victims before they died. You really get to see them as people instead of as just bodies waiting to be discovered. And the psychological unravel of the killer is something
I definitely didn't see coming.
I liked it on the whole, but the investigative angle more so than the interpersonal conflict.
*Thanks to Avon Books U.K. & Netgalley for an advance copy!
Ok if Callanach and Turner dont get together at the end of the next book i'm going to be absolutely livid
Thank you NetGalley, Helen Fields and Avon Books UK for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Stephen Barry is ready to end his life by jumping off a bridge when a suicide prevention counselor convinces him that his life is worth more. But a week later Stephen is found dead at the bottom of a cliff and Ava and Luc are investigating whether he jumped or was forced off the side of the cliff. As they investigate, more supposed suicides start rolling in and they are gruesome unlike any other suicide attempt before them. Little do the detectives know, but the killer is gaining confidence with every kill and won’t stop unless put behind bars.
I love these novels so much and I can’t help but look forward to every installation of Ava and Luc! This novel was no different from all the others; it was quick paced, gruesome and interesting. I flew through it and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, another death would throw a wrench into my prediction. I love Ava and Luc’s characters and how their relationship progresses through each and every novel. This novel was my favorite so far of all the others in the series and I was heartbroken with the ending and can’t wait to see what the next one brings. I need Ava and Luc to be together, I don’t think I have ever rooted for two people to be together in my life! I would definitely recommend picking up this novel if you enjoy a good detective procedural novel!
Out April 18th!
Stephen Barry is ready to end his life by jumping off a bridge when a suicide prevention counselor convinces him that his life is worth more. But a week later Stephen is found dead at the bottom of a cliff and Ava and Luc are investigating whether he jumped or was forced off the side of the cliff. As they investigate, more supposed suicides start rolling in and they are gruesome unlike any other suicide attempt before them. Little do the detectives know, but the killer is gaining confidence with every kill and won’t stop unless put behind bars.
I love these novels so much and I can’t help but look forward to every installation of Ava and Luc! This novel was no different from all the others; it was quick paced, gruesome and interesting. I flew through it and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, another death would throw a wrench into my prediction. I love Ava and Luc’s characters and how their relationship progresses through each and every novel. This novel was my favorite so far of all the others in the series and I was heartbroken with the ending and can’t wait to see what the next one brings. I need Ava and Luc to be together, I don’t think I have ever rooted for two people to be together in my life! I would definitely recommend picking up this novel if you enjoy a good detective procedural novel!
Out April 18th!
For my full review, go to:
https://www.leahsbooksandcooks.com/post/perfect-crime
I’ve read the other 4 and loved them, but I’d suggest reading them in order or it could get confusing. I accidentally read book 4 first, and it referenced events that happened in book 1. I wasn’t reviewing or blogging at that time, so you’ll have to trust me when I say that these books are normally WAY out of my comfort zone when it comes to creepy-scary.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book has many references to suicide attempts and mental health issues, there are gory and gruesome descriptions of murders. There is one erotic scene, plenty of profanity, one reference to rape, mentions of substance use, infidelity, and migrant exploitation.
While the other books in the series were much scarier and creepier, this one was still an enjoyable read. It didn’t have the immense gore and elements that led me to double check my locks at night before bed, but it had the trade-off of increased emotional aspects. I still loved the writing and I’m highly emotionally invested in the series. There was one aspect towards the end that didn’t feel genuine to me, as it involved a bit of sloppy police work, but I still plan on devouring the next book as soon as possible.
https://www.leahsbooksandcooks.com/post/perfect-crime
I’ve read the other 4 and loved them, but I’d suggest reading them in order or it could get confusing. I accidentally read book 4 first, and it referenced events that happened in book 1. I wasn’t reviewing or blogging at that time, so you’ll have to trust me when I say that these books are normally WAY out of my comfort zone when it comes to creepy-scary.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book has many references to suicide attempts and mental health issues, there are gory and gruesome descriptions of murders. There is one erotic scene, plenty of profanity, one reference to rape, mentions of substance use, infidelity, and migrant exploitation.
While the other books in the series were much scarier and creepier, this one was still an enjoyable read. It didn’t have the immense gore and elements that led me to double check my locks at night before bed, but it had the trade-off of increased emotional aspects. I still loved the writing and I’m highly emotionally invested in the series. There was one aspect towards the end that didn’t feel genuine to me, as it involved a bit of sloppy police work, but I still plan on devouring the next book as soon as possible.