Reviews

Your Deepest Fear by David Jackson

maggiebooks's review

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4.0

For a long time I didn't read any thrillers and this one put me back on track! David Jackson definitely knows how to catch the readers attention.
Right from the beginning there is a brutal murder. I was hooked from the moment I read about this death. I just wanted to know more! It's the kind of book that you just want to keep reading because is has always a fast pace flow and it has always something interesting happening. The characters in this story are also very interesting! Normally I don't feel this way when reading thrillers. They are boring and dull sometimes. I would say three of the main characters of this book have really unique personalities and have a captivating past. Cody and Sara both have strong stories that make the reader interested about them, and that makes the story stand out from the typical investigation trope.
This book is not a 5 star read because it could be a lot more developed and I would love to read more details.
Overall it was a fun read and a book that I will recommend to people who love this genre.

justanotherpageturner's review

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3.0

This story initially starts with Sara, who finds her husband tortured and brutally murdered after finding a spine-tingling message on her answerphone. The discovery of the body is a pulse-racing moment and Jackson doesn’t hold back with his description of this gruesome and haunting murder. The characterisation was good- with their strong personalities and added friction between officers on the case it was likely to be a fantastic read. However, I felt somewhat deflated after reading this, especially when it had bags of potential (the story wasn’t even focussed on the murder mentioned). I definitely feel there were a few things that let this book down and why I rated it only 3 stars.
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Firstly, although this was a series it read well as a stand-alone story and you had enough information about long-standing characters that it didn’t matter if you’d not read previous books. With that being said the author didn’t conclude the story in any way or allude to any possible ending that you can establish yourself- one thing I absolutely hate in a book! Secondly, I found the overall story to be rather unrealistic and too far-fetched to be believable: the clown aspects and the blow-by-blow accounts of Sara Prior’s fights just didn’t do it for me! However the biggest flaw for me we was there were no real viable suspects for me that potentially could have been either the killer, Waldo or both; as a reader I love to have some characters within the story who could be involved so I feel part of the story as it unravels. The redeeming aspects for the book that allowed me to give it 3 stars (as opposed to my initial rating of 2) was the small surprise towards the end and the fact that Jackson writes with a good pace. Overall, not my favourite read- I think I would have enjoyed this more if the focus of the story was the murder investigation as opposed to DS Cody’s personal demons.
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I was kindly gifted this book by Zaffre books and Readers First.

librariangeorgia's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this one. This one was a bit more case-focused than Cody-focused though I do feel like he still had a fair bit of character development. I hope there's more books to come as it doesn't feel like the series was completely wrapped up by the end of this book.

noveldeelights's review against another edition

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5.0

Your Deepest Fear is the fourth instalment in the DS Nathan Cody series and … bloody hell! I’m in need of a drink. Or an oxygen tank. I feel absolutely drained.

This book is a little different from its predecessors, in that it isn’t all about Cody. Sara Prior’s estranged husband is found brutally murdered at his home, his naked body nailed to the floor. Due to events from the previous books, Cody finds himself somewhat sidelined in this investigation but not to worry, because we have a kick-ass and fierce Sara Prior who will dig deep and try to figure out what happened to her husband.

Meanwhile Cody is being taunted by his biggest nemesis. The clown. This person is by far one of the creepiest and most chilling characters I’ve ever met. Manipulative, pulling Cody’s strings and playing games … there is just no way of knowing what he’ll do next. Only that it won’t be anything good.

I do so love it when an author has no qualms whatsoever in putting their main character through the wringer, and the reader right alongside with him. After three books, I, as the reader, have become incredibly invested in Cody. The reader is aware of his struggles and issues and to see him suffer even more, to be pulled down to the depths of despair, utterly broken … well, it hurts. Now, don’t despair! If you’re new to this series, you can read this as a stand-alone. There is enough background to fill you in on what went on before but not so much that it’ll bore fans of the series to tears. It’s a tough balance to achieve but I feel David Jackson managed it perfectly.

I kept expecting Sara’s and Cody’s investigations to converge at some point but when they did, I was not at all prepared for what happened. Mind blown to smithereens! Just awesome! Part of me was happy in finally getting some answers, the other part has so many questions that I don’t even know where to start.

Your Deepest Fear is dark, disturbing and insanely tense. It’s so fast paced, it almost felt relentless at times and left me in desperate need of a breather. My heart was pounding, my hands were clammy and I was trying extremely hard to figure out how it would all end. Obviously I’m not telling you that but I will say that it has left me wanting more and I have no doubt it will have the same effect on you!

What an incredible addition to an already outstanding series! I dare say this is even the best one yet and I urge you all to read this series, if you’re not doing so already. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait to see where David Jackson takes DS Nathan Cody next.

mandylovestoread's review against another edition

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4.0

Another gruesome and dark book, veey fast paced. Not my favourite of this series but I enjoyed it. Poor Cody, he really is broken isn't he

jennl's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5

the_lawyer_librarian's review against another edition

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4.0

Brutal, fast-paced and chilling – this one was an insanely tense read and I couldn't put it down! The first few chapters are ruthless and throw you straight into the action. It is more than a police procedural – there are mysteries, thrills and brilliantly developed characters. I haven’t read the first four in the series, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of this one and I will definitely check out the others in the series. I enjoyed the multiple POVs, as it gave different insights into the story, with the pieces falling into place as more answers become apparent. Sara is a great character, she is matter of fact, but also very vulnerable. Matthew appeared to be a sweet and meek man and it is unclear who would wish to hurt him. Cody is struggling with PTSD, but he spends the book facing his fears. Overall, I can’t wait to try the remainder of this series.

syren1532's review against another edition

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5.0

This series just gets better and better. Fantastic!

angle223's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5

betherly's review against another edition

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4.0

Harrowing is one word for this book. There are moments that honestly pushed me to my limit which I think shows tribute to how talented this author is that I care enough about Cody’s story to keep on reading just to know what happens to him!

This book is the first time where the events of the case Cody is working on and his personal life become fully integrated and that is fairly clear from right at the beginning. I would say of all the books this is the more predictable in that way although “predictable” is a laughable word to use when even then there are so many twists and turns thrown in as well.

There is very little I can say about this book without giving things away or being overly gruesome without context. It is a worthwhile read though but it lost a star for the sheer willpower it took me to push through certain parts - and yet still worth it and still worth a 4 star review! I cannot wait for the 5th book to be released and will read it as soon as it comes out.