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I am huge fan of Carol Wyer’s writing; you can read any of my reviews of the Natalie Ward series for proof of that (just go to the search bar on my blog and type in “Natalie Ward” – there are too many to link here).

So, of course, I was very excited to see that she is introducing a new series with this book. It marks the debut of Detective Kate Young. Right off the bat, I could tell that she would be another great character to get behind.

Ms. Wyer specializes in main characters who are strong, intelligent, and good at their jobs, but who have messy personal lives and the same character flaws that real people exhibit. That’s one of the strengths of her multiple series: she writes characters who are relatable.

In some ways, I think that Kate is one of her most complex yet.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2LdJpdV
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/35y4g2j

We know from the beginning that she experienced a traumatic event on the job, and the prologue sets up that there are several repercussions from that event.

What follows is an intricately plotted story in which Kate’s personal demons impact the investigation that she is called upon to undertake. Kate struggles but still knows she needs to do the job and do it well.

However, she soon realizes that there is more to both sides (personal and the investigation) and they actually may be intertwined. And that somebody may be manipulating both for their own personal reasons.

It was just sooooo good!

I liked the way that Ms. Wyer related the incident that affected Kate’s status in the department. The flashbacks throughout gave the reader the pieces of the puzzle but also illustrated Kate’s fragmented state of mind. It was very effective.

Likewise, I thought the investigation allowed for just enough guesswork to keep it interesting but still realistic and true to life. As it is a new series, there is the usual introduction of the main characters and laying groundwork for future books.

But it’s all very natural and doesn’t feel forced, as in “here’s another character and here’s their backstory.” That’s another strength of the author – the organic way that people are introduced, as if the reader is just dropped into a fully-realized world.

It was when the two paths crossed, and Kate put the pieces of the bigger puzzle together, that the author really showed her skill – it was truly woven together into a page-turning story.

Oh, and that title? Genius. You’ll know why when you read the book.

Honestly, it’s a helluva start to the new series and I cannot wait to follow Kate’s next case! Five stars, all the way.

About Carol Wyer:

USA Today bestselling author and winner of The People’s Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer writes feel-good comedies and gripping crime fiction.

A move from humour to the ‘dark side’ in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in LITTLE GIRL LOST and demonstrated that stand-up comedian Carol had found her true niche.

To date, her crime novels have sold over 750,000 copies and been translated for various overseas markets.

Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing ”Irritable Male Syndrome’ and ‘Ageing Disgracefully’ and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines ‘Woman’s Weekly’, featured in ‘Take A Break’, ‘Choice’, ‘Yours’ and ‘Woman’s Own’ magazines and the Huffington Post.

She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr Grumpy… who is very, very grumpy.

When she is not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.

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