210 reviews for:

Leave No Trace

Jo Callaghan

4.3 AVERAGE

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
informative mysterious medium-paced
challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

If I could give this one more than 5 stars then I probably would! 

I loved In the Blink of Eye so much, but there was a slightly edgier side to this one as Kat and Lock are now investigating a live case! So, I actually think this one was better. I laughed and cried, sat on the edge of my seat, bit at my nails 🤭 I just went through a whole range of emotions, and at the end I felt happy and satisfied that I'd just finished a brilliant book. 

Also, I love Lock (there I've said it, stop judging šŸ™„). I can't wait for for the next book šŸ˜‰
adventurous emotional funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Lost my reading mojo for a few days whilst feeling unwell so I picked my next read as one to get me back on track, and it is safe to say I picked well with the upcoming ā€˜Leave No Trace’ by Jo Callaghan.

DCS Kat Frank returns with AIDE Lock, the world’s first AI detective, pitting their skills of instinct and experience against logic. Combining them together is essential when the body of a man is found crucified at the top of Mount Judd and the duo undertake their first live case. When a second body is found, again affixed to a cross through crucifixion, it seems there is a serial killer on the loose. The Future Policing Unit is thrust into a hostile media frenzy as they desperately try to figure out the connection between the two victims, in a bid to try to stop the killer before they strike again. But do killers really stop unless they are made to?

I read the first book in this series, ā€œIn The Blink Of An Eyeā€, at Christmas (after being a little late to the party!) and knew I would need to read the sequel and wow, I wasn’t disappointed! This is just as good as the first book, if not better, thanks to the further character development and a gripping plot, one that you are drawn into from a very early stage and keeps you turning those pages till the very end. The storyline itself covers some intense descriptive prose of the killings and, whilst a little graphic, is vital in the background knowledge for solving the clues, the reveal coming out of nowhere.

The scene has already been set for the third title in the series (thanks to the ending of this one - no spoilers!) and, whilst I wasn’t initially sure about the AI concept in a book, my worries were unfounded and I found myself completely enthralled by the writing style and the way it draws you in. The character group bonds are definitely strengthened in this title and, I for one, am looking forward to seeing the development of this throughout the series. I am now fully invested in the relationship between Kat & Lock and can’t wait to find out more!

The only downside to this book? That I’ve read it already and now there’s a long wait till the next one! Can’t recommend this series enough, add both books to your TBR list now!
mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix

4.25ā­ļø


Kat and Lock Book 2

After a successful trial with Locke on a cold case Kat is keen to try a current case with Lock. Their first live case is the crucifixion of a man on the top of Mount Judd. 

There are small sections from an unnamed person giving a bit of psychological input, but not as much of the psychological aspect as the first book for me. 

This book explores both the positives and limitations of using AI. 

My favourite character by far is Lock, and I enjoyed his development during this book. 

I’m not sure why but this book didn’t grab me in the same way as the first book. I did feel that it upped the anti towards the end with a strong finish. Don’t get me wrong I still enjoyed it. 

If you enjoy traditional police procedurals with an edge give this series a try.  I enjoyed it, the ending tugged on my emotions. I’m keen to see what book 3 has to offer. 



adventurous dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I absolutely loved book one, it was one of my favourite books last year. So I was really looking forward to reading this book.

I love Kat and AIDE Lock, it was great to have them working together again and this time on a live case. The other members of the team work well along side too and are all likeable characters that bring something to the team.

There wasn’t as much humour in this book, but there was still some moments which made me smile. Lock takes everything so literally. 

The book was fast paced and the murder they are trying to solve is a very strange one. I won’t say too much to give anything away. But this was such a page turner for me I couldn’t put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat needing to know what was going to happen.

I had no idea who the killer was or how things were going to end. I already need book 3! I’m intrigued by that ending!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy.
mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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