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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
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:
Complicated
After returning home from a trip, Sara Prior listens to the messages on her answering machine, and hears the exact moment that her husband is brutally murdered, after leaving her a confusing final message. Determined to find out what happened, Sara starts putting the clues together, but it soon becomes clear that some things are just better left alone...
This was not for me. It sounded really good, but it didn't live up to my expectations and didn't really draw me in at all. I think part of the reason for this is because this is the fourth book in a series - something that I didn't realise until I was reading the acknowledgements at the end. The fact that this is part of a series is not mentioned anywhere on the cover.
All that being said, this was well-written. It was action-packed from the beginning and full of twists and turns. The tension kept building until the secret was revealed at the end, but again, this didn't really have the massive impact that it should have. I finished it just for the sake of finishing it, to be honest.
This was not for me. It sounded really good, but it didn't live up to my expectations and didn't really draw me in at all. I think part of the reason for this is because this is the fourth book in a series - something that I didn't realise until I was reading the acknowledgements at the end. The fact that this is part of a series is not mentioned anywhere on the cover.
All that being said, this was well-written. It was action-packed from the beginning and full of twists and turns. The tension kept building until the secret was revealed at the end, but again, this didn't really have the massive impact that it should have. I finished it just for the sake of finishing it, to be honest.
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.
⠀⠀
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.
⠀⠀
I was kindly gifted this book by Zaffre books and Readers First.
⠀⠀
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.
⠀⠀
I was kindly gifted this book by Zaffre books and Readers First.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I made the mistake of reading this first, not realising my audible had mixed them up and this was book 4. The story itself was good however it relates back a lot to other cases/issues which I didn't know the details of. I think had I noticed earlier or knew the back story it would have been a stronger score.
If yiu do read these books, do them in order.
If yiu do read these books, do them in order.
I’ve very much enjoyed this series, set in Liverpool, and following the investigations and personal story of DS Nathan Cody. This one was much more about Cody and his past (you really should read the others to follow the plot) and it almost felt like half a book, since its ending wrapped up only half the story - obviously another sequel must be on the cards! Fast paced, lots of action and good dialogue throughout.
I received a free eARC of the book but that has in no way influenced my review.
If you’re new to damppebbles then there is one thing you should know. I LOVE (LOVE, LOVE!) the DS Nathan Cody series from David Jackson. It’s one of my two absolute favourite, must read, OMG there’s a new book coming out – put life on hold, series. I have been a huge fan of Cody and Jackson’s brilliant writing, since the first book. You can check out my reviews of the first three here: A Tapping at My Door, Hope to Die and Don’t Make a Sound.
I’ve given every single book in this series five out of five stars so far, so that’s a lot of pressure on Your Deepest Fear. I won’t keep you in suspense; this is another blinder of a novel which I devoured. And, of course, another cracking five-star read. You just can’t go wrong with the DS Cody series.
I love the relationship between DS Cody and his DC, Megan Webley. The plots Jackson selects for his books are always exciting and total page-turners, but his characters (and I’m including the supporting characters here too) are absolutely outstanding. They live and breathe in my head as Jackson paints the scene for me. Cody and Webley are my absolute favourite fictional crime-fighting duo – without a doubt.
The pair have been through a lot together (including being a couple at one point) and the chemistry between them really adds to the books. I did miss Megan a little in Your Deepest Fear. She was very much present and part of the main storyline but the focus of the novel meant that the interaction between the two wasn’t at the forefront of the story. Flipping heck, this one was Cody’s battle and oh boy, he fought it alone.
And what a battle it was! If you’re new to this series then Your Deepest Fear can be read as a standalone as Jackson provides enough background that new readers should have a good idea of what has gone before. But by coming straight in at book four you will be missing out. Do yourself a favour and just purchase all four books in the series in one hit (it must be payday soon, right?). You can thank me later
If you’re new to damppebbles then there is one thing you should know. I LOVE (LOVE, LOVE!) the DS Nathan Cody series from David Jackson. It’s one of my two absolute favourite, must read, OMG there’s a new book coming out – put life on hold, series. I have been a huge fan of Cody and Jackson’s brilliant writing, since the first book. You can check out my reviews of the first three here: A Tapping at My Door, Hope to Die and Don’t Make a Sound.
I’ve given every single book in this series five out of five stars so far, so that’s a lot of pressure on Your Deepest Fear. I won’t keep you in suspense; this is another blinder of a novel which I devoured. And, of course, another cracking five-star read. You just can’t go wrong with the DS Cody series.
I love the relationship between DS Cody and his DC, Megan Webley. The plots Jackson selects for his books are always exciting and total page-turners, but his characters (and I’m including the supporting characters here too) are absolutely outstanding. They live and breathe in my head as Jackson paints the scene for me. Cody and Webley are my absolute favourite fictional crime-fighting duo – without a doubt.
The pair have been through a lot together (including being a couple at one point) and the chemistry between them really adds to the books. I did miss Megan a little in Your Deepest Fear. She was very much present and part of the main storyline but the focus of the novel meant that the interaction between the two wasn’t at the forefront of the story. Flipping heck, this one was Cody’s battle and oh boy, he fought it alone.
And what a battle it was! If you’re new to this series then Your Deepest Fear can be read as a standalone as Jackson provides enough background that new readers should have a good idea of what has gone before. But by coming straight in at book four you will be missing out. Do yourself a favour and just purchase all four books in the series in one hit (it must be payday soon, right?). You can thank me later
Sara is just back to her empty home, from a trip to visit her family in Denmark, when she sees a message flashing on her answer phone.
It is an enigmatic message from her estranged husband, Matthew, which ends with the sound of a bloodcurdling scream. Sara is no stranger to danger, having been in the Danish military and spent time in war zones, so she is not afraid to head straight over to her husband's home in the middle of the night to see if he is alright.
Sara finds Matthew's house locked and silent, but when she breaks-in, it is clear that someone has ransacked the house. What also becomes clear is that Matthew is dead - nailed to the floor in one of the upstairs rooms. Sara knows that Matthew was going through a difficult time, but why would anyone want to murder him - especially in such a gruesome way?
Detective Sergeant Nathan Cody is in a bad way. He has recently been part of a case involving a child abduction, which has gone badly and ended up with him being in hospital. His boss is worried about his mental state and has ordered him to seek counselling. When Cody turns up at the murder scene, his boss refuses to let him in to see the body, as she is concerned about the effect this might have upon him,and she is right to be anxious.
When Cody interviews Sara, he is struck by how calm and composed she is, but he believes she has had no part in the murder of her husband - not that his team of fellow officers are so easily convinced. Sara claims she does not know what Matthew's last message to her means, and that she cannot be of any help to the police. Cody feels a kinship with Sara - he recognises that they may be similar underneath, menaing both of them are them willing to go their own way to search for the truth, and he is inclined to let her do so without his interference.
As it happens, Sara is more than capable of pursuing her own investigation into Matthew's death. Her investigation will lead her into dangerous waters.
Cody has problems of his own, that he cannot share with anyone. A spectre from his past has appeared. A malevolent criminal from a previous case, which cost the life of his partner, is playing games with Cody. Games which may cost him his job.
The stakes are high in this game of life or death...
This is a tightly plotted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. It is deliciously twisty, gruesome, gripping and hugely enjoyable. I read it in one glorious sitting.
I did not realise when I started this book, that it is actually part of a series about DS Nathan Cody. This is book four in the series.
I will certainly be going back and reading the previous three books, which I am hoping will be as twisted and spine-chilling as this one.
It is an enigmatic message from her estranged husband, Matthew, which ends with the sound of a bloodcurdling scream. Sara is no stranger to danger, having been in the Danish military and spent time in war zones, so she is not afraid to head straight over to her husband's home in the middle of the night to see if he is alright.
Sara finds Matthew's house locked and silent, but when she breaks-in, it is clear that someone has ransacked the house. What also becomes clear is that Matthew is dead - nailed to the floor in one of the upstairs rooms. Sara knows that Matthew was going through a difficult time, but why would anyone want to murder him - especially in such a gruesome way?
Detective Sergeant Nathan Cody is in a bad way. He has recently been part of a case involving a child abduction, which has gone badly and ended up with him being in hospital. His boss is worried about his mental state and has ordered him to seek counselling. When Cody turns up at the murder scene, his boss refuses to let him in to see the body, as she is concerned about the effect this might have upon him,and she is right to be anxious.
When Cody interviews Sara, he is struck by how calm and composed she is, but he believes she has had no part in the murder of her husband - not that his team of fellow officers are so easily convinced. Sara claims she does not know what Matthew's last message to her means, and that she cannot be of any help to the police. Cody feels a kinship with Sara - he recognises that they may be similar underneath, menaing both of them are them willing to go their own way to search for the truth, and he is inclined to let her do so without his interference.
As it happens, Sara is more than capable of pursuing her own investigation into Matthew's death. Her investigation will lead her into dangerous waters.
Cody has problems of his own, that he cannot share with anyone. A spectre from his past has appeared. A malevolent criminal from a previous case, which cost the life of his partner, is playing games with Cody. Games which may cost him his job.
The stakes are high in this game of life or death...
This is a tightly plotted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. It is deliciously twisty, gruesome, gripping and hugely enjoyable. I read it in one glorious sitting.
I did not realise when I started this book, that it is actually part of a series about DS Nathan Cody. This is book four in the series.
I will certainly be going back and reading the previous three books, which I am hoping will be as twisted and spine-chilling as this one.
I’m a huge fan of the DS Nathan Cody series, and when I saw that there was a new installment I was thrilled! It felt like I had been waiting for AGES for it, but it was definitely worth it!
Your Deepest Fear sees Cody investigating a murder where the bereaved wife is displaying rather unusual tendencies. Not upset when she should be, and quite secretive at times. This leads Cody to thinking there is more than meets the eye with Sara. The reader gets glimpses into Sara’s train of thought, and as she becomes almost vigilante-like in her quest for justice for her murdered husband, even Cody is pulled into it unknowingly.
Parallel to this, and I’m mindful of spoilers here, Cody has his own problems. Issues in his past have led him to experience some emotional turmoil, and he’s still feeling the effects. Terrifyingly, his past is coming back to haunt him in a big way in Your Deepest Fear.
I’ve never seen him as vulnerable as he is in this book, and it works really well. You get a deeper insight into how his mind is working almost overtime to keep on top of everything and processing what’s happening around him in this book.
Your Deepest Fear is a supremely satisfying thriller. It gives you the creeps, pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let you go until the bitter end. It is clever, dark and downright scary.
I LOVED IT!
Highly recommended, as always!
Your Deepest Fear sees Cody investigating a murder where the bereaved wife is displaying rather unusual tendencies. Not upset when she should be, and quite secretive at times. This leads Cody to thinking there is more than meets the eye with Sara. The reader gets glimpses into Sara’s train of thought, and as she becomes almost vigilante-like in her quest for justice for her murdered husband, even Cody is pulled into it unknowingly.
Parallel to this, and I’m mindful of spoilers here, Cody has his own problems. Issues in his past have led him to experience some emotional turmoil, and he’s still feeling the effects. Terrifyingly, his past is coming back to haunt him in a big way in Your Deepest Fear.
I’ve never seen him as vulnerable as he is in this book, and it works really well. You get a deeper insight into how his mind is working almost overtime to keep on top of everything and processing what’s happening around him in this book.
Your Deepest Fear is a supremely satisfying thriller. It gives you the creeps, pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let you go until the bitter end. It is clever, dark and downright scary.
I LOVED IT!
Highly recommended, as always!
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes