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CSI Ally Dymond #2
Slaughterhouse Farm
A family secret worth killing for…
In the dead of night, 72-year-old Miriam Narracott is found wandering on Exmoor, holding a knife and covered in blood. Inside the family farmhouse lies the body of her adult son, Gabe.
CSI Ally Dymond is on compassionate leave, but when approached by the new DI, recently arrived from London and eager to have Ally's keen eye and local knowledge on the case, she finds herself being drawn back in.
With their only suspect Miriam unwilling – or unable – to talk, the team must dig into the family’s history to uncover a motive. Instead they find evidence that Gabe was involved with a criminal network, suggesting a completely different chain of events. But if Miriam isn’t the killer – then who is?
In the dead of night, 72-year-old Miriam Narracott is found wandering on Exmoor, holding a knife and covered in blood. Inside the family farmhouse lies the body of her adult son, Gabe.
CSI Ally Dymond is on compassionate leave, but when approached by the new DI, recently arrived from London and eager to have Ally's keen eye and local knowledge on the case, she finds herself being drawn back in.
With their only suspect Miriam unwilling – or unable – to talk, the team must dig into the family’s history to uncover a motive. Instead they find evidence that Gabe was involved with a criminal network, suggesting a completely different chain of events. But if Miriam isn’t the killer – then who is?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2023
39 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 27, 2023
Slaughterhouse Farm by T. Orr Munro, is a solid, multi-layered mystery plot with tantalizing sub-plots that will keep you guessing from start to finish!.
Late one night, at around 11 p.m., Miriam was found by tourists wandering about on Exmoor about a mile from the farm. She was holding a bloody kitchen knife, and had blood on her nightshirt. The blood on nightshirt matched the blood of her son Gabe, who had been murdered that night. Miriam is the prime and only suspect in the crime, but when CSI Ally Dymond is invited in on the case just to give thoughts, she initially rejects the invitation because she on compassionate leave. That is until she watches the news on TV that night and notices an important clue to the crime scene that everyone else seems to miss.
This is an intricate weaving between Munro’s first suspenseful offering in the series, Breakneck Point, with this thrilling mystery Slaughterhouse Farm - it’s brilliantly woven together in seamless perfection.
My thanks to NetGalley, T. Orr Munro, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
Late one night, at around 11 p.m., Miriam was found by tourists wandering about on Exmoor about a mile from the farm. She was holding a bloody kitchen knife, and had blood on her nightshirt. The blood on nightshirt matched the blood of her son Gabe, who had been murdered that night. Miriam is the prime and only suspect in the crime, but when CSI Ally Dymond is invited in on the case just to give thoughts, she initially rejects the invitation because she on compassionate leave. That is until she watches the news on TV that night and notices an important clue to the crime scene that everyone else seems to miss.
This is an intricate weaving between Munro’s first suspenseful offering in the series, Breakneck Point, with this thrilling mystery Slaughterhouse Farm - it’s brilliantly woven together in seamless perfection.
My thanks to NetGalley, T. Orr Munro, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2023
CSI Ally Dymond #2
In the dead of night, seventy-two-year-old Miriam Narracott is found wandering on Exmoor, holding a knife and covered in blood. Inside the family farmhouse lies the body of her adult son, Gabe. CSI Ally Dymond is on compassionate leave, but when approached by the new DI, recently arrived from London and eager to have Ally's keen eye and local knowledge on the case, she finds herself being drawn back in. With their only suspect Miriam unwilling - or unable - to talk, the team must dig into the family's history to uncover a motive. Instead, they find evidence that Gabe was involved with a criminal network, suggesting a completely different chain of events. But if Miriam isn't the killer - then who is?
Ally Dymond is investigating the murder of a farmer while trying to deal with her own personal problems. This is a fast paced read with lots of twists and it kept me on my toes. Along with the murder investigation we get another investigation into a suspected drugs ring. With strong likeable characters, I had no clue where this story was taking us. I liked the authors writing style. I was quickly pulled into this book, and it didn't let me go until the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #TinaOrrMunro for my ARC of #SlaughterHouseFarm in exchange for an honest review.
In the dead of night, seventy-two-year-old Miriam Narracott is found wandering on Exmoor, holding a knife and covered in blood. Inside the family farmhouse lies the body of her adult son, Gabe. CSI Ally Dymond is on compassionate leave, but when approached by the new DI, recently arrived from London and eager to have Ally's keen eye and local knowledge on the case, she finds herself being drawn back in. With their only suspect Miriam unwilling - or unable - to talk, the team must dig into the family's history to uncover a motive. Instead, they find evidence that Gabe was involved with a criminal network, suggesting a completely different chain of events. But if Miriam isn't the killer - then who is?
Ally Dymond is investigating the murder of a farmer while trying to deal with her own personal problems. This is a fast paced read with lots of twists and it kept me on my toes. Along with the murder investigation we get another investigation into a suspected drugs ring. With strong likeable characters, I had no clue where this story was taking us. I liked the authors writing style. I was quickly pulled into this book, and it didn't let me go until the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #TinaOrrMunro for my ARC of #SlaughterHouseFarm in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2025
I binge-listened to T. Orr Munro's CSI Ally Dymond series.
Breakneck Point - Book 1
Slaughterhouse Farm - Book 2
Liars Island - Book 3
From Chapter One, I was instantly smitten with T. Orr Munro's protagonist, Ally Dymond.
She is whip-smart, deeply flawed, and refreshingly unpredictable.
"Breakneck Point" was my favorite title of the series.
"Liars Island" was a DNF: waaay too long and convoluted.
Although all titles are standalone reads, it is best to begin with Breakneck Point.
I listened to the audiobooks, expertly narrated by Olivia Mace, Joe Eyre, and Kris Dyer.
3.5 stars
May 18, 2024
What a fun mystery! I really liked how the author would often end chapters on a mini cliffhanger, and they were also good at making you think something happened, when actually something else entirely happened instead. It was also tricky to figure out the who-dun-it because just when you think it was solved, something else changed and then it wasn't. Despite the name it was not gory at all.
May 26, 2023
Ally is on sick leave after a major incident which involved her daughter and the death of a suspect..When a man is murdered at a local farm she is called back to add some expert opinion. The murder is particularly bloody and remarkable in that it appears to have been committed by the victim’s mother. Ally’s own life is in freefall; her daughter is still recovering from major medical trauma; Ally has personal demons to conquer and her best friend is dating man who has a history of physical assault..
I was introduced to Ally in Breakneck Point - the first in this series. She is a likeable but complex character with an interesting backstory; a single Mum who has fled an abusive relationship. I was looking forward to catching up with her story particularly after the incredible ending of the first book. Ally’s story is a major part of the attraction of reading this series. Professionally she’s a great detective, experienced, full of integrity..but on a personal level she appears to be falling apart and making some questionable decisions which added to the tension of the novel as you feel things are getting a little out of control. What is she capable of?
I also really enjoy the setting of this series. So many detective novels are set in urban areas and rural crime is rather ‘refreshing.’ Set in North Devon with scenery sweeping along the coastline, onto Exmoor and around towns like Bideford, policing is a very different experience, more intimate..with local knowledge like which doors farmers use informing the crime scene, and very localised crime including money laundering through cattle markets and illegal supply of meat..
The story built at the pace which I enjoy - I am always happy to mooch around the scenery and learn more about the central characters. It’s a pace which allows the author to establish a second narrative which involves a young girl called Miriam who became pregnant as a teenager and lost her baby and her boyfriend. We know this story links …but how? The pace also allows the author to establish a number of lines of enquiry and suspicion. And just as we are getting ready to point the finger, there’s a fire, and another murder and things really get tense.
An absorbing and very enjoyable read!
I was introduced to Ally in Breakneck Point - the first in this series. She is a likeable but complex character with an interesting backstory; a single Mum who has fled an abusive relationship. I was looking forward to catching up with her story particularly after the incredible ending of the first book. Ally’s story is a major part of the attraction of reading this series. Professionally she’s a great detective, experienced, full of integrity..but on a personal level she appears to be falling apart and making some questionable decisions which added to the tension of the novel as you feel things are getting a little out of control. What is she capable of?
I also really enjoy the setting of this series. So many detective novels are set in urban areas and rural crime is rather ‘refreshing.’ Set in North Devon with scenery sweeping along the coastline, onto Exmoor and around towns like Bideford, policing is a very different experience, more intimate..with local knowledge like which doors farmers use informing the crime scene, and very localised crime including money laundering through cattle markets and illegal supply of meat..
The story built at the pace which I enjoy - I am always happy to mooch around the scenery and learn more about the central characters. It’s a pace which allows the author to establish a second narrative which involves a young girl called Miriam who became pregnant as a teenager and lost her baby and her boyfriend. We know this story links …but how? The pace also allows the author to establish a number of lines of enquiry and suspicion. And just as we are getting ready to point the finger, there’s a fire, and another murder and things really get tense.
An absorbing and very enjoyable read!
May 20, 2023
This is a great crime thriller.
When a woman is found wandering around with a knife dripping with blood, it’s not long before the Police find the dead body of her son.
Miriam is in deep shock and is unable to speak but is arrested for her son’s murder.
The DI on the case asks Ally for her help as she’s the best CSI she knows, however she’s still on compassionate leave. Ally can’t resist having a look at the crime scene though and opens up new lines of the investigation.
Ally keeps close to the investigation but will not agree to returning to work as she wants to put her daughter first.
There’s lots more happening in this book but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
This is a great read that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
When a woman is found wandering around with a knife dripping with blood, it’s not long before the Police find the dead body of her son.
Miriam is in deep shock and is unable to speak but is arrested for her son’s murder.
The DI on the case asks Ally for her help as she’s the best CSI she knows, however she’s still on compassionate leave. Ally can’t resist having a look at the crime scene though and opens up new lines of the investigation.
Ally keeps close to the investigation but will not agree to returning to work as she wants to put her daughter first.
There’s lots more happening in this book but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
This is a great read that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 25, 2024
An intricate crime novel, this moves fairly slowly as it layers up the multiple threads and then weaves them all together at the end. I still find Ally quite aloof and hard to like, but she is growing on me - in large part due to how she took in Jay and believed in him in this book. And now a few things have been resolved, I’m hopeful a certain relationship might begin…!
March 22, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my approval to read and reivew this book.
This is the gripping second novel in the CSI Ally Dymond series. CSI Ally Dyomnd is on compassionate leave and due to return to her CSI work in about 3 weeks following last year's incident with her daughter. She is approached by the new DI Harriet Moore to help with the investigation of Slaughterhouse Farm as Mariam Narrocott has been found at night on Exmoor with a knife in her hand. It turns out that her son, Gabe, is the victim. This is a twisty, gripping story with a well written story and full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the end. I will be recommending this book to my fellow book friends. Roll on Book 3!!
This is the gripping second novel in the CSI Ally Dymond series. CSI Ally Dyomnd is on compassionate leave and due to return to her CSI work in about 3 weeks following last year's incident with her daughter. She is approached by the new DI Harriet Moore to help with the investigation of Slaughterhouse Farm as Mariam Narrocott has been found at night on Exmoor with a knife in her hand. It turns out that her son, Gabe, is the victim. This is a twisty, gripping story with a well written story and full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the end. I will be recommending this book to my fellow book friends. Roll on Book 3!!
March 21, 2023
I enjoyed reading this. It's not a police procedural, but centres around CSI Ally Dymond and her community life in a Devon village. It follows on from the last book but can be read as a stand alone. There's lots of drama and twists and turns and I am looking forward to the next installment.
May 28, 2023
Thank you to #Netgalley and #HQ for the advance copy of #SlaughterhouseFarm by #TOrrMunro
This book follows on from Breakneck Point, the first in the series involving CSI Ally Dymond.
Although I wasn’t sure where the series was heading after the first one, a lot of the questions were answered in this second outing.
I didn’t realise CSI’s had so much involvement in the investigating of the crime, most crime books focus on the detectives. It is nice to read a book from a different prospective.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book follows on from Breakneck Point, the first in the series involving CSI Ally Dymond.
Although I wasn’t sure where the series was heading after the first one, a lot of the questions were answered in this second outing.
I didn’t realise CSI’s had so much involvement in the investigating of the crime, most crime books focus on the detectives. It is nice to read a book from a different prospective.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 20, 2023
This story was so well written and captures you hook, line and sinker straight away. Ally is a csi, she’s on leave because her daughter was groomed and nearly killed by a man whom no one else would investigar, ally took it further and saved her daughter. Now she’s considering leaving her job, she’s overprotective of her daughter due to past events and she avoids any chance of a love life.. then a new DI asks for her advice, her help and ultimately ally can’t stay away from her true calling
March 3, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ for an advance copy of Slaughterhouse Farm, the second novel to feature CSI Ally Dymond, set in North Devon.
72 year old Miriam Narracott is found wandering on a dark road with a knife in her hand and blood soaking her clothes. At her farmhouse her son Gabe is found stabbed to death. Ally is on compassionate leave after the events of the previous novel, Breakneck Point, but DI Harriet Moore, recently transferred from the Met, wants her local knowledge and keen forensic eye. With Miriam catatonic they have to dig in to the family history.
I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about Breakneck Point, but not one to judge a series by one book, I thought that I would try again. Slaughterhouse Farm is for me a much better read as it maintains more mystery, like no early revelations of who did what. I find a read more immersive if there is a need to know element to keep me turning the pages. Now, all the author has to do is improve the personality of Ally Dymond. I don’t like her and find her first person narrative grating. She’s controlling and thinks that she can do better than a roomful of seasoned detectives, when she can make some enormous blunders.
The plotting in the novel is good. There is the initial murder and all sorts of seemingly unrelated incidents that come together in a final big twist. I was surprised by the identity of the perpetrators (more than one crime), but disappointed that the perspicacious Ms Dymond didn’t clock on sooner, although that would have spoiled the outcome. Throughout the novel there are flashbacks to Miriam’s younger self. These are heartbreaking and, to be honest, the star of the show. I particularly liked the final twist in this story and mourned the waste of a life spent believing lies.
Slaughterhouse Farm is a well written thriller.
72 year old Miriam Narracott is found wandering on a dark road with a knife in her hand and blood soaking her clothes. At her farmhouse her son Gabe is found stabbed to death. Ally is on compassionate leave after the events of the previous novel, Breakneck Point, but DI Harriet Moore, recently transferred from the Met, wants her local knowledge and keen forensic eye. With Miriam catatonic they have to dig in to the family history.
I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about Breakneck Point, but not one to judge a series by one book, I thought that I would try again. Slaughterhouse Farm is for me a much better read as it maintains more mystery, like no early revelations of who did what. I find a read more immersive if there is a need to know element to keep me turning the pages. Now, all the author has to do is improve the personality of Ally Dymond. I don’t like her and find her first person narrative grating. She’s controlling and thinks that she can do better than a roomful of seasoned detectives, when she can make some enormous blunders.
The plotting in the novel is good. There is the initial murder and all sorts of seemingly unrelated incidents that come together in a final big twist. I was surprised by the identity of the perpetrators (more than one crime), but disappointed that the perspicacious Ms Dymond didn’t clock on sooner, although that would have spoiled the outcome. Throughout the novel there are flashbacks to Miriam’s younger self. These are heartbreaking and, to be honest, the star of the show. I particularly liked the final twist in this story and mourned the waste of a life spent believing lies.
Slaughterhouse Farm is a well written thriller.
May 18, 2023
After reading Breakneck Point, Ally's first outing, I had some niggles which I hoped were mostly concerned with it being a first in series. I am happy to say that this follow up was, for me, a much better book and the niggles have all pretty much been resolved.
We start with a weird situation. 72 year old Miriam Narracott is found wandering at night on Exmore by a family driving past. They stop to help but are shocked to see she is holding a knife and covered in blood. Police are called etc etc and it eventually turns out that back at the family farmhouse where she lives, lies the dead body of her son Gabe. Open and shut case? It would seem so but Miriam is not talking.
After the shenanigans of the previous book, Ally is on compassionate leave. When she does return though, it will be under new DI Harriet Moore, freshly arrived from London and completely green in the local knowledge that they will need to get to the bottom of what happened. So Ally is invited back to consult. An invitation that is initially rejected until she spots something the investigating team have all missed...
This is well plotted and that plot ably executed. Despite what I said above I am still not quite 100% sold on Ally but I am not giving up on her. I have a love/hate relationship with quite a few main characters and we mostly do eventually get there. Two outings is nowhere near enough to judge completely.
The crime is interesting and intriguing and kept me on my toes throughout. I tried to guess but soon gave up as futile and just sat back and enjoyed the ride. It contains all the usual twists and turns, secrets, lies and dysfunctional behaviour that you'd expect from a book of this genre.
It also takes a turn that I never saw coming...
All in all, a decent follow up book which leaves me eager for more. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start with a weird situation. 72 year old Miriam Narracott is found wandering at night on Exmore by a family driving past. They stop to help but are shocked to see she is holding a knife and covered in blood. Police are called etc etc and it eventually turns out that back at the family farmhouse where she lives, lies the dead body of her son Gabe. Open and shut case? It would seem so but Miriam is not talking.
After the shenanigans of the previous book, Ally is on compassionate leave. When she does return though, it will be under new DI Harriet Moore, freshly arrived from London and completely green in the local knowledge that they will need to get to the bottom of what happened. So Ally is invited back to consult. An invitation that is initially rejected until she spots something the investigating team have all missed...
This is well plotted and that plot ably executed. Despite what I said above I am still not quite 100% sold on Ally but I am not giving up on her. I have a love/hate relationship with quite a few main characters and we mostly do eventually get there. Two outings is nowhere near enough to judge completely.
The crime is interesting and intriguing and kept me on my toes throughout. I tried to guess but soon gave up as futile and just sat back and enjoyed the ride. It contains all the usual twists and turns, secrets, lies and dysfunctional behaviour that you'd expect from a book of this genre.
It also takes a turn that I never saw coming...
All in all, a decent follow up book which leaves me eager for more. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 27, 2023
Late one night 72 year-old Miriam Narracott is found wandering Exmoor with a knife in her hands and covered in blood. When the body of her son Gabe is found on the kitchen floor of the farmhouse they shared, Miriam is the prime suspect for the murder, the only problem is that Miriam is unable to tell the detectives what actually happened on this fateful night.
CSI Ally Dymond is still on leave following the catastrophic events which took place in the first book in the series and we pretty much pick up Ally's life just a few short months after Breakneck Point ended, so that those who are familiar with Ally's story will understand her reticence about returning to work or of leaving her teenage daughter alone for long.
As with the first book, the story moves along at a cracking pace especially when a new DI approaches Ally for the expertise of her local knowledge and her ability to get right into the centre of the action. Slaughter House Farm is a tense and intricately plotted thriller which has everything I have come to enjoy in this author's books, there are twists and turns aplenty, more than enough secrets and sub-plots to keep you guessing, and at its heart is CSI Ally Dymond, a feisty investigator, who, regardless of her wish to live a quiet life seems to get swept up in intrigue and danger.
There is much to enjoy in this crime series, which has the possibility to run and run and whilst Slaughter House Farm can be read as a standalone, it does make sense to start with Breakneck Point.
CSI Ally Dymond is still on leave following the catastrophic events which took place in the first book in the series and we pretty much pick up Ally's life just a few short months after Breakneck Point ended, so that those who are familiar with Ally's story will understand her reticence about returning to work or of leaving her teenage daughter alone for long.
As with the first book, the story moves along at a cracking pace especially when a new DI approaches Ally for the expertise of her local knowledge and her ability to get right into the centre of the action. Slaughter House Farm is a tense and intricately plotted thriller which has everything I have come to enjoy in this author's books, there are twists and turns aplenty, more than enough secrets and sub-plots to keep you guessing, and at its heart is CSI Ally Dymond, a feisty investigator, who, regardless of her wish to live a quiet life seems to get swept up in intrigue and danger.
There is much to enjoy in this crime series, which has the possibility to run and run and whilst Slaughter House Farm can be read as a standalone, it does make sense to start with Breakneck Point.
March 26, 2023
Four point five stars for this book from T Orr Munro. Having read Breakneck Point I was happy to read and review this for HQ Stories and it proved just the distraction I needed in hospital.
It begins with an old woman, Miriam Narracott, found wandering on the moor at night by some tourists. She is carrying a knife and on closer inspection is covered in blood. Miriam is unable to explain herself to the police so they must investigate what happened without her help.
CSI Ally Dymond is on leave and some what ostracised by her colleagues (see book 1 when her daughter is attacked) but a new D I, freshly arrived from London calls her into the case, anxious to have a fresh pair of eyes on it and knowing she is not part of the old boys network as she was happy to speak out against inappropriate behaviour. Against her better judgement Ally becomes more and more involved with the case which seems to grow exponentially as she gets involved.
Some very clever and devious plotting from the author, with gritty and realistic characters and a great sense of place. Fast paced and twisty and absorbing reading.
With thanks to Netgalley, HQ Stories and T Orr Munro for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
It begins with an old woman, Miriam Narracott, found wandering on the moor at night by some tourists. She is carrying a knife and on closer inspection is covered in blood. Miriam is unable to explain herself to the police so they must investigate what happened without her help.
CSI Ally Dymond is on leave and some what ostracised by her colleagues (see book 1 when her daughter is attacked) but a new D I, freshly arrived from London calls her into the case, anxious to have a fresh pair of eyes on it and knowing she is not part of the old boys network as she was happy to speak out against inappropriate behaviour. Against her better judgement Ally becomes more and more involved with the case which seems to grow exponentially as she gets involved.
Some very clever and devious plotting from the author, with gritty and realistic characters and a great sense of place. Fast paced and twisty and absorbing reading.
With thanks to Netgalley, HQ Stories and T Orr Munro for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
May 19, 2023
Slaughterhouse Farm by T Orr Munroe is an absolutely gripping contemporary crime novel that I just could not put down. It is the second book in the CSI Ally Dymond series but can be read as a stand-alone. I cannot wait to read more books in this outstanding series.
The action is set in Devon. Whilst the countryside can be beautiful, there are some gruesome discoveries that are at odds with the natural beauty.
Trauma can be hard to heal from. It may last a lifetime. A life has been blighted since a teen, being fed lies by those who should know better.
Mothers protect their offspring – and not always in the way we expect.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. The leading lady is believable as she is perfectly flawed. We see her desire to protect, her huge heart that gives second chances and her tenacity to seek out the truth. I found her capacity for empathy extremely moving in the closing scene.
T Orr Munroe has created a fabulous intricate plotline that was well executed and thought out. My attention was grabbed from the start and held throughout.
I look forward to reading much more by this fabulous author.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in Devon. Whilst the countryside can be beautiful, there are some gruesome discoveries that are at odds with the natural beauty.
Trauma can be hard to heal from. It may last a lifetime. A life has been blighted since a teen, being fed lies by those who should know better.
Mothers protect their offspring – and not always in the way we expect.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. The leading lady is believable as she is perfectly flawed. We see her desire to protect, her huge heart that gives second chances and her tenacity to seek out the truth. I found her capacity for empathy extremely moving in the closing scene.
T Orr Munroe has created a fabulous intricate plotline that was well executed and thought out. My attention was grabbed from the start and held throughout.
I look forward to reading much more by this fabulous author.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
March 27, 2025
In the depth of the night, 72 year old Miriam Narracott is founding wandering on Exmoor, her nightdress covered in blood and a knife in her hand. Inside her farmhouse lies her adult son Gabe, dead.
CSI Ally Dymon is due to return to work soon from her compassionate leave, but when approached by the new DI, she finds herself drawn back into her job.
This is obviously the second book in the series featuring Ally. We pick up straight off from where we left in Breackneck Point, and I was happy to be continuing with Ally, her friends and family, and her career.
This was a cleverly plotted book, and everything just fell into place but not before some twists and turns along the way. We met new characters, and old. And the care I felt for certain characters soon returned.
Told primarily from Ally's point of view, we do hear from Miriam at certain pivotal points along the way. I found her story to be sad and heartbreaking, and it adds so much depth to the overall story.
Loved this one, and I'm glad I started this immediately after finishing Breakneck Point and have since gone straight into Liars Island.
CSI Ally Dymon is due to return to work soon from her compassionate leave, but when approached by the new DI, she finds herself drawn back into her job.
This is obviously the second book in the series featuring Ally. We pick up straight off from where we left in Breackneck Point, and I was happy to be continuing with Ally, her friends and family, and her career.
This was a cleverly plotted book, and everything just fell into place but not before some twists and turns along the way. We met new characters, and old. And the care I felt for certain characters soon returned.
Told primarily from Ally's point of view, we do hear from Miriam at certain pivotal points along the way. I found her story to be sad and heartbreaking, and it adds so much depth to the overall story.
Loved this one, and I'm glad I started this immediately after finishing Breakneck Point and have since gone straight into Liars Island.
May 22, 2023
Thanks to @HQStories @harpercollins and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.
I loved the first in this series, 'Breakneck Point', and this follow up is even better.
We rejoin CSI Ally Diamond after the events of book one, and the author fills us in on where all the characters are now, physically and emotionally. The fallout from book one is a thread throughout the story, and the consequences of what happened, particularly to her daughter Megan is dealt with thoroughly, and fuels another really interesting plot thread.
Although not back in Major Crimes yet, Ally becomes involved in a strange case of what looks like a filicide, but is it really?
This book is rich in character development and plot, there are lots of twists, but the whole thing is so well structured that it always hangs together.
There are a few shocks along the way as well, (no spoilers), and these add to the richness of the story.
Easy five stars from me, highly recommended, looking forward to book three.
I loved the first in this series, 'Breakneck Point', and this follow up is even better.
We rejoin CSI Ally Diamond after the events of book one, and the author fills us in on where all the characters are now, physically and emotionally. The fallout from book one is a thread throughout the story, and the consequences of what happened, particularly to her daughter Megan is dealt with thoroughly, and fuels another really interesting plot thread.
Although not back in Major Crimes yet, Ally becomes involved in a strange case of what looks like a filicide, but is it really?
This book is rich in character development and plot, there are lots of twists, but the whole thing is so well structured that it always hangs together.
There are a few shocks along the way as well, (no spoilers), and these add to the richness of the story.
Easy five stars from me, highly recommended, looking forward to book three.
May 20, 2023
In the dead of night, 72-year-old Miriam Narracott is found wandering on Exmoor, holding a knife and covered in blood. Inside the family farmhouse lies the body of her adult son, Gabe. CSI Ally Dymond is on compassionate leave, but when approached by the new DI, recently arrived from London and eager to have Ally's keen eye and local knowledge on the case, she finds herself being drawn back in. With their only suspect Miriam unwilling – or unable – to talk, the team must dig into the family’s history.
The second outing for Ally & another engrossing multi layered murder mystery that had me gripped from the first page & I read this captivating in two sittings & found it hard to put down. I really like Ally who has personal problems to deal with as well as this mystery. There are the obligatory twists, turns & red herrings. The pace is fast & I was surprised where the inquiry led. I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second outing for Ally & another engrossing multi layered murder mystery that had me gripped from the first page & I read this captivating in two sittings & found it hard to put down. I really like Ally who has personal problems to deal with as well as this mystery. There are the obligatory twists, turns & red herrings. The pace is fast & I was surprised where the inquiry led. I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 23, 2023
This is the second book in the CSI Ally Diamond series (the first being Breakneck Point).
The book opens with our main character currently on compassionate leave following an incident in the first book. There is a murder discovered at Slaughterhouse Farm and try as she might to avoid getting involved, the pull of her skills and the desire to ensure justice is done, drag Ally into the enquiry.
What starts as a murder enquiry, soon turns into a much more complicated web of Inter-linked events and crimes.
I enjoyed feeling I was beside Ally, as she tried to piece the clues together, whilst also dealing with ‘life-challenges’.
The settings perfectly captured the dark, isolated feelings and there were moments I felt a distinct shiver.
A fast-paced thriller which kept me gripped, searching for answers, reading between the lines, chasing the conclusion and now wanting more. Thoroughly enjoyable, roll on book 3.
The book opens with our main character currently on compassionate leave following an incident in the first book. There is a murder discovered at Slaughterhouse Farm and try as she might to avoid getting involved, the pull of her skills and the desire to ensure justice is done, drag Ally into the enquiry.
What starts as a murder enquiry, soon turns into a much more complicated web of Inter-linked events and crimes.
I enjoyed feeling I was beside Ally, as she tried to piece the clues together, whilst also dealing with ‘life-challenges’.
The settings perfectly captured the dark, isolated feelings and there were moments I felt a distinct shiver.
A fast-paced thriller which kept me gripped, searching for answers, reading between the lines, chasing the conclusion and now wanting more. Thoroughly enjoyable, roll on book 3.
February 17, 2023
This is a new author starting a new series featuring a CSI called Ally Dymond.
This really picked my interest as Tina Orr Munro used to work in the SOCO (Scenes Of Crime Officers) team herself. Therefore the story adds much credibility in my mind.
This is the second book of the series depicting a crime taking place at Slaughterhouse Farm. Although on a compassionate leave (events took place on her first book Breakneck Point which I will also read)., Ally's professional opinion is requested by new DI Harriet Moore.
I really enjoyed this mystery as once again, the author has much first hand experience of that environment. The setting of North Devon is beautifully done and once again reflects personal experiences from the author herself.
A new author well worth following. I look forward to reading more from her.
This really picked my interest as Tina Orr Munro used to work in the SOCO (Scenes Of Crime Officers) team herself. Therefore the story adds much credibility in my mind.
This is the second book of the series depicting a crime taking place at Slaughterhouse Farm. Although on a compassionate leave (events took place on her first book Breakneck Point which I will also read)., Ally's professional opinion is requested by new DI Harriet Moore.
I really enjoyed this mystery as once again, the author has much first hand experience of that environment. The setting of North Devon is beautifully done and once again reflects personal experiences from the author herself.
A new author well worth following. I look forward to reading more from her.
April 25, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
The is the second instalment of the Ally Dymond series. Ally is a CSI in Devon, and mum to Megan. In this book we open with a farmer, Gabe, who is found dead on the kitchen floor on his farm, called Slaughterhouse Farm. Gabe’s elderly mum, Miriam, is found walking down a road covered in blood, holding a knife. Clearly it’s an open and shut case. Until Ally gets involved.
This is starting to become a really strong series. Ally is a great character, fearless, yet vulnerable, especially when it comes to her teenage daughter. The plot is really well thought out, and I really enjoy the writing style. There’s many subplots in this book, but all of those bring this story together really well. I can’t wait to revisit Ally in the next book.
The is the second instalment of the Ally Dymond series. Ally is a CSI in Devon, and mum to Megan. In this book we open with a farmer, Gabe, who is found dead on the kitchen floor on his farm, called Slaughterhouse Farm. Gabe’s elderly mum, Miriam, is found walking down a road covered in blood, holding a knife. Clearly it’s an open and shut case. Until Ally gets involved.
This is starting to become a really strong series. Ally is a great character, fearless, yet vulnerable, especially when it comes to her teenage daughter. The plot is really well thought out, and I really enjoy the writing style. There’s many subplots in this book, but all of those bring this story together really well. I can’t wait to revisit Ally in the next book.
May 18, 2023
Ally Dymond is still on compassionate leave from her job as a police CSI when a new senior officer asks for her help. Although she really doesn’t want to get involved, she finds herself drawn into the case. This is a well plotted book, with some interesting characters, and has a really authentic feel to it,. With plenty of intrigue and action to get stuck into, it covers themes that are all too present in real life, as well as exploring how both Ally and her daughter Megan are coping with what happened at Breakneck Point in the previous book. There are several side stories going on, which pull you in nicely, along with more back story about Miriam, an elderly murder suspect. Totally unexpected ending. I look forward to book 3 in this series to see where Ally goes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
June 5, 2023
The second book in the CSI Ally Dymond series has an impactful start and keeps the adrenaline pumping as the story progresses. The plot has many layers and twists that leave the reader disorientated and thinking, did that happen? Ally is a complex character with darkness, which, although understandable, does make her an unreliable narrator. A poignant element is running through this story, but the crime is gritty, and the sense of menace is evident in the criminal characters. The ending appears to leave Ally in a better place, but she still has secrets which may yet upend her world. It's a gripping thriller with a good setting and complex but believable characters. I like the well-described locations, the sensory imagery used to increase the suspense and tension, and the relationship interactions between the main protagonists.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
June 6, 2023
A woman is found wandering along a country lane. She is just waring a bloodstained nightie & is holding a bloody knife. She appears completely out of it but investigations lead to an old farmhouse where a man is found dead from stab wounds. CSI Ally Dymond is still on compassionate leave after her daughter's abduction but the new to the district DI wants to see if she can help. Ally is not flavour of the month with the local constabulary after being a whistle blower on corruption & unacceptable behaviour within that force. The case reveals lots of interwoven stories & characters. I enjoyed the first in the series & this one was as good. The author captures the setting & gives us a variety of believable characters. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book
October 22, 2023
Gripping second instalment in the brilliant CSI Ally Dymond series, which begins with an elderly woman found wandering Exmoor, covered in blood and carrying a kitchen knife.
Ally is a CSI, a single mum and a domestic abuse survivor, living in a cabin in the woods with her teenage daughter who is recovering from serious injuries.
Although Ally is on compassionate leave, her tenacity and reputation for calling out corruption means she is a valuable resource for the new DI who has just arrived from London with no knowledge of the area or the officers; and once again, Ally and her loved ones are at the heart of the danger.
Ally in particular is such an interesting and compelling MC, but all the characters are all very well drawn and the complicated twisting plot is handled very well, without recourse to any absurd suspension of disbelief moments.
Ally is a CSI, a single mum and a domestic abuse survivor, living in a cabin in the woods with her teenage daughter who is recovering from serious injuries.
Although Ally is on compassionate leave, her tenacity and reputation for calling out corruption means she is a valuable resource for the new DI who has just arrived from London with no knowledge of the area or the officers; and once again, Ally and her loved ones are at the heart of the danger.
Ally in particular is such an interesting and compelling MC, but all the characters are all very well drawn and the complicated twisting plot is handled very well, without recourse to any absurd suspension of disbelief moments.
November 1, 2023
This is book two in the CSI Ally Dymond Series and can be read as a standalone, though I am dying to read the first book as I want to get more of a back story for the characters. I was not sure what to expect from a new author to me, but I would rate this highly as a great series to get stuck into. I cannot wait to read the next book now. I like the fact that the story alternates between the main storyline but also Ally's life, with a great pace to it that kept me wanting to keep reading on. I guessed a couple of things that may happen but it didn't put me off reading it. The setting for the murder was perfect, with the descriptions the author uses you can really feel the bleakness and isolation of the farm house. It was such a great read and the ending was unbelievably good. I look forward to finding out what Ally's next case is going to be.
July 23, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book is set in the UK but has lots of American spellings throughout the narrative, which I found completely disruptive. I have not read the first book in the series but lots of details about what had happened were mentioned frequently, creating a boring level of repetition. The main female character had 'whistleblown' about colleagues but had killed someone and hidden that fact which did not sit well with me. I disliked the narrative style which dripped little feeders about conversations without revealing what had been said before reading further; this was not suspenseful, just irritating.
By halfway through I had to admit there was nothing I liked about the characters, narrative style or the story so I gave up.
This book is set in the UK but has lots of American spellings throughout the narrative, which I found completely disruptive. I have not read the first book in the series but lots of details about what had happened were mentioned frequently, creating a boring level of repetition. The main female character had 'whistleblown' about colleagues but had killed someone and hidden that fact which did not sit well with me. I disliked the narrative style which dripped little feeders about conversations without revealing what had been said before reading further; this was not suspenseful, just irritating.
By halfway through I had to admit there was nothing I liked about the characters, narrative style or the story so I gave up.
April 10, 2023
I read and enjoyed the first book in this series and this one was equally as good. I did make a note about the character who turned out to be the killer quite early on in the book, so I was on the right track from the get go, I felt this book to be quite slow moving and once again I question the likelihood of a. CSI officer getting as involved as she does in both these books. I still think the series would be more believable if Ally was a detective.
Having said that, it was a good read with an interesting story and a twist at the end, if you didn’t see it coming!
My thanks to the Author, the publishers and to NetGalley for an advanced e.reader copy of this book. The review is voluntary and entirely my personal opinion.
Having said that, it was a good read with an interesting story and a twist at the end, if you didn’t see it coming!
My thanks to the Author, the publishers and to NetGalley for an advanced e.reader copy of this book. The review is voluntary and entirely my personal opinion.
May 23, 2023
CSI Ally Dymond book 2.
When an elderly lady is found on the isolated moors late at night holding a knife and covered in blood it seems an open and shut case when her son is soon found dead from Stan sounds at their home. What could possibly make a devoted mother stab her beloved son to death.
Still on compassionate leave following the events in the previous book, Breakneck Point, Ally is asked by the new DI to take a look at the evidence. Seeing some things that seem inconsistent Ally isn't convinced events are as straight forward as they seem.
This is a cracking thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing right til the last page. I loved it and absolutely flew through it. Can't wait to read more from this brilliant author.
When an elderly lady is found on the isolated moors late at night holding a knife and covered in blood it seems an open and shut case when her son is soon found dead from Stan sounds at their home. What could possibly make a devoted mother stab her beloved son to death.
Still on compassionate leave following the events in the previous book, Breakneck Point, Ally is asked by the new DI to take a look at the evidence. Seeing some things that seem inconsistent Ally isn't convinced events are as straight forward as they seem.
This is a cracking thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing right til the last page. I loved it and absolutely flew through it. Can't wait to read more from this brilliant author.
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