I love a book that has an intriguing opening prologue that sets the tone, even if it takes a while to figure out where the event falls in the importance of the story. That is the case with What He Did, the latest release from J.G. Roberts.
From the opening scene, this book had me hooked. I think I was also drawn in because we are a football (soccer) family, so I was interested in that aspect of the plot. But, even if it hadn’t been a significant point, I still would have enjoyed this story.
I thought the author did a fantastic job of revealing clues as the investigation proceeded; I appreciate when an author takes the time to plan things so that the reader can try to solve the case along with the characters. That is what occurred in this book. I dislike when all of the information comes across at once, making the Detective (or Investigator, or whatever position) look like a genius.
That doesn’t happen in this book. Detective Rachel Hart follows multiple leads, and the investigation branches in several different directions, just like a proper case would in real life. This means that either the author has first-hand knowledge of the process, or took the time to do extensive research. Either way, it makes for a much more interesting read.
I also appreciated the red herrings that the author threw in for the reader. There were more than a few moments where I switched my mind about who was who (and who was responsible for something occurring). I read a lot of crime thrillers (and my husband is law enforcement), so I am always excited when an author keeps me on my toes.
The subplot of Rachel’s personal life fit into the plot neatly, which isn’t always the case. Although, I do think that there is more to be revealed in future books if the ending is any clue. This is the second book in the Detective Rachel Hart series, and aside from a few references to a previous case, it can be read as a stand-alone. That being said, I have already downloaded the first book in the series, and eagerly await the next installment.
What He Did by J.G. RobertsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The second book in the Detective Rachel Hart series can be read as a standalone, and it is quite the page-turner. The author does an outstanding job of allowing the reader to follow the case along with Rachel, while also throwing in a few twists along the way that keep it interesting. While the investigation aspect is well-done, the personal side of Rachel’s life is also realistic. Although I did figure a few things out before Rachel did, the author kept me engaged right up to the final page. An excellent crime thriller to pick up! For a full review, please see my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of this book.
View all my reviews
Author Bio
Julia was born in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, and began her career as a professional singer/dancer. This enabled her to travel the world in her late teens storing up experiences she has since included in her writing. Following roles as a hostess on The Price is Right and a member of the Beadle’s About ‘hit squad’ in the 1980s, she became a TV Presenter and filmed features for Sky Sports before launching the QVC shopping channel in 1993 where she still presents today. Having always wanted to write, she penned her first book, a memoir sold on QVC, in 2013 and has since written four full length novels, two novellas and several short stories.
Links
- http://www.juliarobertsauthor.com/
- @JuliaRobertsTV
