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Detective Sheridan Holler #2
This Ends Now
A double murder. A missing body. A shocking death. Can DI Holler connect the three cases in time?
In Liverpool, a woman inexplicably leaps to her death. The following morning, two bodies are found on nearby Crosby Beach: a woman tied to a statue, and a man buried up to his neck and left to drown.
When a nine-month-old murder case is reopened, DI Sheridan Holler is shocked to uncover family connections between the victim, Daniel Parks, and the three unexplained deaths. With Daniel’s body still missing and the number-one suspect cleared of the crime, Holler’s cold case suddenly becomes a major murder investigation.
Someone seems hell-bent on destroying the Parks family—but why? And as the links between the victims become increasingly sinister, can DI Holler find who’s pulling the strings before the killer strikes again?
In Liverpool, a woman inexplicably leaps to her death. The following morning, two bodies are found on nearby Crosby Beach: a woman tied to a statue, and a man buried up to his neck and left to drown.
When a nine-month-old murder case is reopened, DI Sheridan Holler is shocked to uncover family connections between the victim, Daniel Parks, and the three unexplained deaths. With Daniel’s body still missing and the number-one suspect cleared of the crime, Holler’s cold case suddenly becomes a major murder investigation.
Someone seems hell-bent on destroying the Parks family—but why? And as the links between the victims become increasingly sinister, can DI Holler find who’s pulling the strings before the killer strikes again?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
1038 people are currently reading
3603 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Payne
6 books177 followersT.M. Payne’s Detective Sheridan Holler series will be published by Amazon Publishing in 2024 and 2025.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
July 11, 2024
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. Full of twists and turns. While I had my suspicions, some twists were a shock. This is the second book the Detective Sheridan Holler series.
The story starts off with a bang! A woman jumps off a building falling to her death.
Detective Holler is assigned a high profile case. A man went missing some time ago. He is presumed dead after intriguing evidence. The man accused of his death, the father, gets off. Then two bodies are found that just might be connected to the case, the parents of the man presumed dead.
This was unputdownable! I blew through this sucker so fast that my neck hurt! Very enjoyable and entertaining read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, T.M. Payne and NetGalley for the opportunity.
Publication October 15, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story starts off with a bang! A woman jumps off a building falling to her death.
Detective Holler is assigned a high profile case. A man went missing some time ago. He is presumed dead after intriguing evidence. The man accused of his death, the father, gets off. Then two bodies are found that just might be connected to the case, the parents of the man presumed dead.
This was unputdownable! I blew through this sucker so fast that my neck hurt! Very enjoyable and entertaining read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, T.M. Payne and NetGalley for the opportunity.
Publication October 15, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 31, 2024
This was a great mystery thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. I thought I had it figured out but a few twists were thrown in that proved me wrong! I really enjoyed all the characters and could tell the author did a lot of research before writing the book. Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy for my honest review. It’s out in publication now.
February 6, 2026
I’m telling you right now, this series is one of the most consistently good crime thriller runs I’ve read in a long time.
I just finished This Ends Now and I’m honestly so attached to these detectives at this point. The stories feel so real and grounded that it never feels overdone or dramatic just for shock value. It feels like you are right there with them while everything is unfolding.
The case in this one is layered and messy in the best way, with multiple threads that slowly start connecting. I love when a plot makes you lean in and pay attention instead of spoon feeding everything. There were a few turns that genuinely caught me off guard, but they still made total sense once everything clicked.
I did this on audiobook and that narrator just works for me. Her voice, the pacing, the tone, all of it pulls me in. With it being an English police series, it adds even more atmosphere. It feels like I am walking into each scene with them instead of just hearing a story.
I love this whole series. Every book has been a win for me and I only have one left, which I’m both excited and sad about. If you like crime stories that feel personal, tense, and actually believable, you’d eat this up.
I just finished This Ends Now and I’m honestly so attached to these detectives at this point. The stories feel so real and grounded that it never feels overdone or dramatic just for shock value. It feels like you are right there with them while everything is unfolding.
The case in this one is layered and messy in the best way, with multiple threads that slowly start connecting. I love when a plot makes you lean in and pay attention instead of spoon feeding everything. There were a few turns that genuinely caught me off guard, but they still made total sense once everything clicked.
I did this on audiobook and that narrator just works for me. Her voice, the pacing, the tone, all of it pulls me in. With it being an English police series, it adds even more atmosphere. It feels like I am walking into each scene with them instead of just hearing a story.
I love this whole series. Every book has been a win for me and I only have one left, which I’m both excited and sad about. If you like crime stories that feel personal, tense, and actually believable, you’d eat this up.
September 1, 2024
T.M. Payne gives a prologue to the book that is so amazing that you can't wait to keep reading to figure it all out. It's full of suspense and jaw-dropping action.
This suspenseful tale addresses dark topics such us a suicide, rape, and child abuse. It was an easy read that was captivating, even though at times it became a little too intense. Still, the plot was coherent and kept me guessing till the finish.
The characters were compelling, convincing, and well-written. I enjoyed that the individuals' private lives and relationships were included. The novel also contains sporadic humorous moments that are just the right amount of lightheartedness.
It may be read as a stand-alone, although this is the second book in the series (I really need to read the first one). I will very certainly be reading more of this author's writing in the future. If you don't become easily triggered, I highly suggest this book to people who enjoy suspenseful police criminals.
This suspenseful tale addresses dark topics such us a suicide, rape, and child abuse. It was an easy read that was captivating, even though at times it became a little too intense. Still, the plot was coherent and kept me guessing till the finish.
The characters were compelling, convincing, and well-written. I enjoyed that the individuals' private lives and relationships were included. The novel also contains sporadic humorous moments that are just the right amount of lightheartedness.
It may be read as a stand-alone, although this is the second book in the series (I really need to read the first one). I will very certainly be reading more of this author's writing in the future. If you don't become easily triggered, I highly suggest this book to people who enjoy suspenseful police criminals.
March 15, 2026
Review on way
June 19, 2024
this book is second book in series and so very much gripped. a very addictive read. Detective Sheriden Holler and her team are re-opening a cold case. a young man went missing his body never found and his father was main suspect but was acquitted. and then two bodies are found on Crosby beach how are they connected. what i like about this series you get the main characters live s with a sense of humor. this story is a very twisty read so recommend
November 2, 2024
This was such a page turner. From the very first scene as an unknown woman leaps to her death, I was hooked. I loved the setting of Liverpool, which is fairly local to me, so I could really imagine the sights and sounds described within the pages. I doubt I'll look at Crosby Beach the same way!
The author crafted the characters so well, and I wanted to unravel why this family seemed to be subjected to so much horror. The plot was full of twists and turns and had me totally invested. I figured out some aspects but was still pleasantly surprised by the ending.
I enjoyed the relationship between Sheridan and Hill. Some truly entertaining moments between them had me laughing. It will be interesting to see how this develops over the series. I am going to read book one and will definitely keep up with the rest of the series.
I highly recommend if you like detective stories. Whodunit's, thrillers, and murder mysteries.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
The author crafted the characters so well, and I wanted to unravel why this family seemed to be subjected to so much horror. The plot was full of twists and turns and had me totally invested. I figured out some aspects but was still pleasantly surprised by the ending.
I enjoyed the relationship between Sheridan and Hill. Some truly entertaining moments between them had me laughing. It will be interesting to see how this develops over the series. I am going to read book one and will definitely keep up with the rest of the series.
I highly recommend if you like detective stories. Whodunit's, thrillers, and murder mysteries.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
November 4, 2025
4.5 stars! This had me guessing the whole book! Well done!
January 30, 2026
O-M-G! There is a LOT to unpack in this story. I was nowhere near close to figuring it out. And it seemed like Sheridan and team wouldn't either. From the beginning, there was an intertwined cold case, murder, and suicide. The pace held throughout. You often see "shocking revelations" when plots are described, and then it is not quite as shocking. The ones in this story are indeed shocking, unexpected, and gasp-worthy. The multilayered work storylines (e.g., murder), the multilayered personal storylines (Sam, Jonie, Anna), and the interpersonal (getting to know a new boss), were a lot to keep up with, but I never felt overwhelmed by them. I want to sit with the story a bit more. I may come back and update my thoughts here. Overall, it was a well-written story.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
June 23, 2024
The second in the police series set in Liverpool featuring DI Sheridan Holler. This is a gripping and very gritty read. A case of murder is reopened. The father has been investigated, everyone believing him guilty, but a conviction isn't secured as the evidence isn't comprehensive enough. Sheridan and her team are asked to reopen the investigation and find more evidence to secure a conviction.
This is a twisty story that deals with child abuse, rape and suicide. At times it became a little over the top but it was a quick and compelling read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
This is a twisty story that deals with child abuse, rape and suicide. At times it became a little over the top but it was a quick and compelling read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Read
July 3, 2024Sheridan's brother was murdered when he was twelve years old, his body was found, but the case is still unsolved.
She is assigned to a case of a double murder and a missing body of their son.
Meanwhile, a woman jumps to her death from a high rise restaurant after a phone call.
Sheridan feels that for the sake of the remaining family member, she has to solve the case of her missing brother.
This was an intricately planned crime.
What a fantastically unputdownable book! Unfortunately, life gets in the way, so I had no choice but to read when I had a spare moment!
The book has all the components I like in a police procedural. A strong female lead, excellent police work and a team that works together flawlessly.
I like the inclusion of the personal lives of the characters, the friendship, the empathy, the short chapters, and most of all, the inclusion of MAUD!
This is the second in the series - I need to get my hands on the first one - but can be read as a standalone.
I definitely want to read this author's books in the future.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who love a police procedural with a lot of suspense.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to read this book.
She is assigned to a case of a double murder and a missing body of their son.
Meanwhile, a woman jumps to her death from a high rise restaurant after a phone call.
Sheridan feels that for the sake of the remaining family member, she has to solve the case of her missing brother.
This was an intricately planned crime.
What a fantastically unputdownable book! Unfortunately, life gets in the way, so I had no choice but to read when I had a spare moment!
The book has all the components I like in a police procedural. A strong female lead, excellent police work and a team that works together flawlessly.
I like the inclusion of the personal lives of the characters, the friendship, the empathy, the short chapters, and most of all, the inclusion of MAUD!
This is the second in the series - I need to get my hands on the first one - but can be read as a standalone.
I definitely want to read this author's books in the future.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who love a police procedural with a lot of suspense.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to read this book.
June 17, 2024
This Ends Now was an absolutely shocking and thrilling second book in the Detective Sheridan Holler series. It is set around two years after the first book, and can be read as a stand-alone book, if you haven’t read book one yet. (But after you read what punches T.M. Payne can pack in between the covers of this novel, you’ll be racing to grab book one!)
Payne starts off the novel with an absolutely brilliant prologue, filled with intrigue, jaw-dropping action, and it leaves you unable to wait to continue reading to make sense of it all.
Avoiding any spoilers is going to make this review hard to write, but the basic story is that DI Sheridan Holler and her DS Anna Markinson get assigned a high profile cold case by their new DCI Hill Knowles. Along the way, they get involved in a couple of other interesting cases that may or may not be connected to their cold case. A father was arrested and tried for the murder of his son. The father was acquitted, and the team is doing their due diligence to make sure that new evidence cannot be brought to light, to help with the finding and convicting of the real murderer, even if it was his father.
The sister of the presumed-dead young man attempts to help the police with their investigation, and was able to assist with some new clues. When DI Holler and team get closer to the answers, though, other drama kicks off, including more murders.
Will DI Holler and her crew ever get to the actual answers and solve the murders that are piling up in Liverpool?
Payne allows her characters to be humans, with wit, humor, intelligence, deception, lying, and well-intentioned plant thievery. It’s an excellent read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this wonderful ARC!!
Payne starts off the novel with an absolutely brilliant prologue, filled with intrigue, jaw-dropping action, and it leaves you unable to wait to continue reading to make sense of it all.
Avoiding any spoilers is going to make this review hard to write, but the basic story is that DI Sheridan Holler and her DS Anna Markinson get assigned a high profile cold case by their new DCI Hill Knowles. Along the way, they get involved in a couple of other interesting cases that may or may not be connected to their cold case. A father was arrested and tried for the murder of his son. The father was acquitted, and the team is doing their due diligence to make sure that new evidence cannot be brought to light, to help with the finding and convicting of the real murderer, even if it was his father.
The sister of the presumed-dead young man attempts to help the police with their investigation, and was able to assist with some new clues. When DI Holler and team get closer to the answers, though, other drama kicks off, including more murders.
Will DI Holler and her crew ever get to the actual answers and solve the murders that are piling up in Liverpool?
Payne allows her characters to be humans, with wit, humor, intelligence, deception, lying, and well-intentioned plant thievery. It’s an excellent read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this wonderful ARC!!
August 13, 2024
Only the second book in the series and I love them already. Sheridan Holler is a DI who has suffered her own family tragedy so has plenty of empathy for the victims in her cases.
In this novel she is asked by her new new DCI to investigate the cold case of Daniel Parks death. His father was accused but not convicted by the courts. Information comes in about a suicide at a rooftop bar and there appear to be links with Sheridans case.
The author draws her her valued experiences working in the criminal justice system and this shows. I love the camaraderie between the characters and colleagues, there is some appropriate humour to help them deal with the horrific scenes they encounter.
I love how, in the epilogue, all strands of the novel are brought together but also give a little indication of what we may see in the next installment. I, for one, cannot wait. A new go to author for me
In this novel she is asked by her new new DCI to investigate the cold case of Daniel Parks death. His father was accused but not convicted by the courts. Information comes in about a suicide at a rooftop bar and there appear to be links with Sheridans case.
The author draws her her valued experiences working in the criminal justice system and this shows. I love the camaraderie between the characters and colleagues, there is some appropriate humour to help them deal with the horrific scenes they encounter.
I love how, in the epilogue, all strands of the novel are brought together but also give a little indication of what we may see in the next installment. I, for one, cannot wait. A new go to author for me
October 19, 2024
Fabulous from start to finish. After the jaw dropping prologue (probably the best I’ve ever read) you just knew it was going to be a rollercoaster ride.
Tina has created sone really likeable characters in Sheridan, Sam, Anna & co. So looking forward to seeing how Chief Inspector ‘Hils’ develops in the coming books. I also really hope Steve, Anna’s estranged husband leaves her alone, but I guess that isn’t going to be the case.
Running alongside the main storyline there is the cold case investigation into the murder of Sheridan’s brother 30 years ago.
Tina’s background in the police really shines through. I can imagine some of the banter between Sheridan and her colleagues is taken from Tina’s memory as it sounds so authentic.
Tina has created sone really likeable characters in Sheridan, Sam, Anna & co. So looking forward to seeing how Chief Inspector ‘Hils’ develops in the coming books. I also really hope Steve, Anna’s estranged husband leaves her alone, but I guess that isn’t going to be the case.
Running alongside the main storyline there is the cold case investigation into the murder of Sheridan’s brother 30 years ago.
Tina’s background in the police really shines through. I can imagine some of the banter between Sheridan and her colleagues is taken from Tina’s memory as it sounds so authentic.
October 15, 2024
This was a really enjoyable police procedural with interesting characters and a reliable storyline. There are murders, drama, and a sprinkle of interpersonal relationships that keep you wanting to read more.
The narrator was delightful to listen to and was able to keep my attention throughout.
Definitely add this to your TBR list!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Brilliance Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this audiobook early in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator was delightful to listen to and was able to keep my attention throughout.
Definitely add this to your TBR list!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Brilliance Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this audiobook early in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2024
This is probably one of the best thrillers I have read in a while. After the shockingly explosive prologue, I was riveted by the constant flow of information that changed the river entirely. The ending is a sad triumph. I am hoping for more books like this in the series which I would love to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and the author for my copy of this audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and the author for my copy of this audiobook.
November 5, 2025
Book 2 in the DI Sheridan Holler. WOW what another great read !! Fast becoming one of my favourite series. The author has created some great main characters that are growing with each book. Brilliant storyline, lots of twists and turns. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2025
Normally I can at least work out a bit of the twists in a book like this, but I can honestly say I had no idea what was coming with every page turn. This was a quick read that kept me engaged and interested. The background is a bit heavy, but I thoroughly enjoyed this Goodreads giveaway win.
February 14, 2026
This was really good, lots of twists but cleverly plotted so that everything was tied up nicely at the end (except for the name mystery which I hope might be resolved in the next book!). The subject matter was very grim but there was some light relief in the form of Maud the cat.
December 27, 2024
A great sequel to the first book. Good to get to know the characters better. Lots of real life issues dealt with sensitively including examining a range of responses.
September 11, 2025
another brilliant part of this series, really do love the characters and cant get enough it all.
June 18, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to preview This Ends Now. This is a solid murder mystery thriller.
Set in England, several people are killed and the plot is set. Can the police investigate these cases and find out who is responsible for them.
This is a series book but stands alone as well.
Well written and very good novel. 4 stars
Set in England, several people are killed and the plot is set. Can the police investigate these cases and find out who is responsible for them.
This is a series book but stands alone as well.
Well written and very good novel. 4 stars
February 18, 2025
Brilliant
I absolutely enjoyed this book It was a page turner from the very first paragraph. The way the characters were introduced slowly but with so much thought to now they came across was amazing. Who would have known the scene and actions from the woman at restaurant would lead to such a complex story. I was really surprised how clever the whole story was completely knitted together.
The crime subject committed didn't sit well. How could people do such things. And still live their daily every day life. Without a moment of remorse or guilt . But it brings home live isn't all it seems. And how we can at some point all hide the truth and accommodate for it. Until it finally breaks us.
Sheridan was like a dog with a bone and she and her side kick Anna work so well together. In fact the whole team were amazing. Their own stories filtering through added a realist edge to the story. Well worth reading .
I'm really looking forward to reading their next crime
I absolutely enjoyed this book It was a page turner from the very first paragraph. The way the characters were introduced slowly but with so much thought to now they came across was amazing. Who would have known the scene and actions from the woman at restaurant would lead to such a complex story. I was really surprised how clever the whole story was completely knitted together.
The crime subject committed didn't sit well. How could people do such things. And still live their daily every day life. Without a moment of remorse or guilt . But it brings home live isn't all it seems. And how we can at some point all hide the truth and accommodate for it. Until it finally breaks us.
Sheridan was like a dog with a bone and she and her side kick Anna work so well together. In fact the whole team were amazing. Their own stories filtering through added a realist edge to the story. Well worth reading .
I'm really looking forward to reading their next crime
October 20, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
What a fantastic book, can't wait for no. 3!
The 2 detectives, Sheridan and Anna are a delight as is Sheridan's partner Sam and their cat is hilarious. Their boss grew on me quite a bit too (thumb up!)
The story is excellent, kept me gripped in my seat (bed). I can't say enough about the talented and humorous writing. The 1st in the series was great too. This writer is climbing up my 10 Favorite Authors list, so glad I discovered her thanks to NetGalley.
The plot is complicated and really smart with an ending that had me hate to say goodbye to the characters.
No. 3 please!
What a fantastic book, can't wait for no. 3!
The 2 detectives, Sheridan and Anna are a delight as is Sheridan's partner Sam and their cat is hilarious. Their boss grew on me quite a bit too (thumb up!)
The story is excellent, kept me gripped in my seat (bed). I can't say enough about the talented and humorous writing. The 1st in the series was great too. This writer is climbing up my 10 Favorite Authors list, so glad I discovered her thanks to NetGalley.
The plot is complicated and really smart with an ending that had me hate to say goodbye to the characters.
No. 3 please!
November 6, 2025
Definately four and a half stars because found the ending a little drawn out and I had suspected half the conclusion early on but a good twist at the end, although I wondered how the knew who would be their cellmates?
February 2, 2026
Well, this is a story that doesn't intend to deliver the warm and fuzzies. Unless you count Sheridan and Sam's cat, Maud, who is perhaps the fuzziest, and fussiest, part of the whole, tense, often stark, book. The book opens in dramatic style, the apparent suicide of a women who jumps from the top floor of a fancy city restaurant, and is swiftly followed by the kind of investigation that is the thing of nightmares. And that might just be the case for Sheridan, as the investigation takes a turn that cuts a little too close to home. With a new boss, a cold case, and a whole heap of emotional pressure, this is a story that confounds, confuses and ramps the unease right to the max. And I loved it.
Well, as much as you can love a book of this nature, that is. I can't say why this book delivered equal parts delight and skin crawling ickiness, but when you read it, you'll understand. In fact, it takes a long time for the extent of what is happening to be revealed, and be prepared for a whole raft of misdirection and sleight of hand as you navigate this difficult investigation alongside Sheridan and her team. The author does a superb job of steering us towards one conclusion or another, but which of them proves to the truth you'll only find out by reading. There are things we as readers are privy to that the investigative team are not, but not everything is as it seems and I loved how T.M. Payne has used this uncertainty, and much of Sheridan's own emotional pull on this case, to feed the growing conflict. It certainly kept me completely hooked and turning through the pages at speed.
I love the characters in this series. Sherian Holler is a superb lead character, well supported at work, by her DS, Anna Markinson, and DC Rob Wills, and, to a more or less disagreeable extent, her new boss, DCI Hill Knowles. For Sheridan, Anna and Hill, we get a glimpse of their personal lives as part of the story, which makes it easier to get to know, and like them over and above the other principal police characters. Anna has a very difficult personal situation that can be hard to read but is handled sensitively and kept largely off the page, although the sense of threat feeding through the latter stages of the book make me wonder what is store for her future. DCI Knowles is a very prickly character, but I kind of identified with her in a way, and as we learn more about here, and see her outside of work persona, the easier she is to understand. You just know it will be a turbulent, but fun, relationship between here and Sheridan.
And as for Sheridan, she not only has the support, but at home, particularly in the shape of her partner, Sam, and their friend, Joni, but also her wider family. There is a certain amount of personal pressure on her in relation to her brother's murder when she was much younger, but this feeds into, rather than distracts from, the storyline. I like the dynamic in play with Sheridan and the people in her life, the balance between the private and the professional being pitched just perfectly.
The author has created some very memorable characters in this book, ones who whilst you may not necessarily agree with their methods, you can understand the motivations. There are also bad guys you will love to hate, but placed in a situation where you will be questioning whether or two wrongs can ever make a right. The pacing is spot on, just enough time spent on establishing the characters without slowing the action, and the sense of frustration of the team at their every line of enquiry leading to a dead end just pulsing from the page. I also like how the end of the book kinds of rounds off a where are they now of the main players, creating anticipation, and a touch of dread, for the next book. This ended as perhaps it inevitably would given the nature of the investigation, but it certainly satisfied and I cannot wait to get stuck into book three, which is coming soon from mount TBR. Definitely recommend this series for fans of great police based crime fiction.
Well, as much as you can love a book of this nature, that is. I can't say why this book delivered equal parts delight and skin crawling ickiness, but when you read it, you'll understand. In fact, it takes a long time for the extent of what is happening to be revealed, and be prepared for a whole raft of misdirection and sleight of hand as you navigate this difficult investigation alongside Sheridan and her team. The author does a superb job of steering us towards one conclusion or another, but which of them proves to the truth you'll only find out by reading. There are things we as readers are privy to that the investigative team are not, but not everything is as it seems and I loved how T.M. Payne has used this uncertainty, and much of Sheridan's own emotional pull on this case, to feed the growing conflict. It certainly kept me completely hooked and turning through the pages at speed.
I love the characters in this series. Sherian Holler is a superb lead character, well supported at work, by her DS, Anna Markinson, and DC Rob Wills, and, to a more or less disagreeable extent, her new boss, DCI Hill Knowles. For Sheridan, Anna and Hill, we get a glimpse of their personal lives as part of the story, which makes it easier to get to know, and like them over and above the other principal police characters. Anna has a very difficult personal situation that can be hard to read but is handled sensitively and kept largely off the page, although the sense of threat feeding through the latter stages of the book make me wonder what is store for her future. DCI Knowles is a very prickly character, but I kind of identified with her in a way, and as we learn more about here, and see her outside of work persona, the easier she is to understand. You just know it will be a turbulent, but fun, relationship between here and Sheridan.
And as for Sheridan, she not only has the support, but at home, particularly in the shape of her partner, Sam, and their friend, Joni, but also her wider family. There is a certain amount of personal pressure on her in relation to her brother's murder when she was much younger, but this feeds into, rather than distracts from, the storyline. I like the dynamic in play with Sheridan and the people in her life, the balance between the private and the professional being pitched just perfectly.
The author has created some very memorable characters in this book, ones who whilst you may not necessarily agree with their methods, you can understand the motivations. There are also bad guys you will love to hate, but placed in a situation where you will be questioning whether or two wrongs can ever make a right. The pacing is spot on, just enough time spent on establishing the characters without slowing the action, and the sense of frustration of the team at their every line of enquiry leading to a dead end just pulsing from the page. I also like how the end of the book kinds of rounds off a where are they now of the main players, creating anticipation, and a touch of dread, for the next book. This ended as perhaps it inevitably would given the nature of the investigation, but it certainly satisfied and I cannot wait to get stuck into book three, which is coming soon from mount TBR. Definitely recommend this series for fans of great police based crime fiction.
August 2, 2024
4.5* Book 1 was good, but omg, this knocks it out of the park.
Despite the lack of anything even vaguely Scouse - like in book 1 - other than the rooftop restaurant (that had me going as the scene of a crime but for COMPLETELY other reasons than what we shockingly see in just a couple of pages) that may be modelled on the real life Panoramic 34, this was an excellent, if really unpalatable with the reveals, tale of love, loyalty and justified revenge. I honestly didn't see the reveals coming, and had to admire the sang froid of a certain character who it turned out wasn't who they (using this neutral pronoun so as not to spoiler) seemed. Frankly, that person could have had a career on the stage/in film, had the circumstances been different. And, ugh, the planning that'd gone into the vengeance was to be admired, as were the reasons for it, despite the 'eye for an eye' ethos/feel. I wouldn't advocate it, but omg, was it deserved by those individuals that perpetrated unspeakable wrongdoings. There perhaps needs to be a word of warning, because some of the reveals may trigger readers, but at the same time, doing so would lose this tale its crux, so...
The tale works perfectly with the locale that is brought vividly to life. The revenge is executed with pure Machiavellian style and tbh, you had to feel for the victims, as well as admire their fortitude, cunning plan - no pun intended - and execution. I only started to see things that'd been present in plain sight once the reveals came, and in this book, and mine - again, no pun intended - the victims did right by doing wrong. I had immense sympathy with both, and admiration for how they took back control and exacted their revenge.
The investigations were very plausible and that the cops were mostly taken in, were too. I think there are certain crimes where law enforcement has sympathy and empathy for perpetrators, and this is one of them, so that the cops didn't prevent things from happening, wasn't a bad thing. I could totally see this book on the small screen, it's so vividly played by the ones seeking revenge. And, the tale was certainly one of 'revenge is a dish best served cold'. Stone cold, actually.
The red herring involving DS Sheridan's girlfriend was a tad overdone and out of the blue to make it more of a neon-bright herring, i.e. very obviously trying to throw readers off track, and took me out of the tale long enough for it to deserve a mention and lose it a 0.5*. But, it's still a great book, refreshingly set in the UK, with a believability and visual'ness that I think gets glossed over in US-set books/films/TV shows. I can't wait for book 3.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for my reading pleasure.
Despite the lack of anything even vaguely Scouse - like in book 1 - other than the rooftop restaurant (that had me going as the scene of a crime but for COMPLETELY other reasons than what we shockingly see in just a couple of pages) that may be modelled on the real life Panoramic 34, this was an excellent, if really unpalatable with the reveals, tale of love, loyalty and justified revenge. I honestly didn't see the reveals coming, and had to admire the sang froid of a certain character who it turned out wasn't who they (using this neutral pronoun so as not to spoiler) seemed. Frankly, that person could have had a career on the stage/in film, had the circumstances been different. And, ugh, the planning that'd gone into the vengeance was to be admired, as were the reasons for it, despite the 'eye for an eye' ethos/feel. I wouldn't advocate it, but omg, was it deserved by those individuals that perpetrated unspeakable wrongdoings. There perhaps needs to be a word of warning, because some of the reveals may trigger readers, but at the same time, doing so would lose this tale its crux, so...
The tale works perfectly with the locale that is brought vividly to life. The revenge is executed with pure Machiavellian style and tbh, you had to feel for the victims, as well as admire their fortitude, cunning plan - no pun intended - and execution. I only started to see things that'd been present in plain sight once the reveals came, and in this book, and mine - again, no pun intended - the victims did right by doing wrong. I had immense sympathy with both, and admiration for how they took back control and exacted their revenge.
The investigations were very plausible and that the cops were mostly taken in, were too. I think there are certain crimes where law enforcement has sympathy and empathy for perpetrators, and this is one of them, so that the cops didn't prevent things from happening, wasn't a bad thing. I could totally see this book on the small screen, it's so vividly played by the ones seeking revenge. And, the tale was certainly one of 'revenge is a dish best served cold'. Stone cold, actually.
The red herring involving DS Sheridan's girlfriend was a tad overdone and out of the blue to make it more of a neon-bright herring, i.e. very obviously trying to throw readers off track, and took me out of the tale long enough for it to deserve a mention and lose it a 0.5*. But, it's still a great book, refreshingly set in the UK, with a believability and visual'ness that I think gets glossed over in US-set books/films/TV shows. I can't wait for book 3.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for my reading pleasure.
October 10, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
T. M. Payne’s This Ends Now is a riveting addition to the Detective Sheridan Holler series, and the audiobook, narrated by Heather Bleasdale, elevates the experience to a whole new level.
This second installment in the series plunges listeners into a complex web of murder, mystery, and family secrets that will keep them hooked from start to finish.
The story begins with a series of chilling events: a woman inexplicably leaps to her death, and the next morning, two bodies are discovered on Crosby Beach—one tied to a statue and another buried up to his neck. DI Sheridan Holler is thrust into a high-stakes investigation that reopens a nine-month-old murder case with shocking family connections. As Holler delves deeper, she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to destroy the Parks family, and she must race against time to prevent the killer from striking again.
Heather Bleasdale’s narration is spectacular. Her ability to bring each character to life with distinct voices and emotional depth adds a rich layer to the storytelling. Bleasdale’s pacing is impeccable, maintaining the tension and suspense throughout the audiobook. Her portrayal of DI Holler is particularly noteworthy, capturing the detective’s determination and vulnerability with nuance and authenticity.
Payne’s writing is sharp and evocative, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The intricate connections between the characters and the unfolding mystery are expertly handled. The atmospheric descriptions of Liverpool and its surroundings add to the immersive experience, making the setting feel almost palpable.
This Ends Now explores of themes such as justice, revenge, and the impact of past traumas on the present. Payne delves into the psychological complexities of her characters, making their motivations and actions believable and compelling. The moral ambiguities faced by DI Holler and the other characters add depth to the narrative, prompting listeners to question their own assumptions and judgments.
This Ends Now is a gripping and well-crafted thriller that is further enhanced by Heather Bleasdale’s exceptional narration. T. M. Payne has delivered a story that is thrilling and thought-provoking, with characters that linger in your mind.
For fans of crime fiction and audiobooks, this is a must-listen.
T. M. Payne’s This Ends Now is a riveting addition to the Detective Sheridan Holler series, and the audiobook, narrated by Heather Bleasdale, elevates the experience to a whole new level.
This second installment in the series plunges listeners into a complex web of murder, mystery, and family secrets that will keep them hooked from start to finish.
The story begins with a series of chilling events: a woman inexplicably leaps to her death, and the next morning, two bodies are discovered on Crosby Beach—one tied to a statue and another buried up to his neck. DI Sheridan Holler is thrust into a high-stakes investigation that reopens a nine-month-old murder case with shocking family connections. As Holler delves deeper, she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to destroy the Parks family, and she must race against time to prevent the killer from striking again.
Heather Bleasdale’s narration is spectacular. Her ability to bring each character to life with distinct voices and emotional depth adds a rich layer to the storytelling. Bleasdale’s pacing is impeccable, maintaining the tension and suspense throughout the audiobook. Her portrayal of DI Holler is particularly noteworthy, capturing the detective’s determination and vulnerability with nuance and authenticity.
Payne’s writing is sharp and evocative, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The intricate connections between the characters and the unfolding mystery are expertly handled. The atmospheric descriptions of Liverpool and its surroundings add to the immersive experience, making the setting feel almost palpable.
This Ends Now explores of themes such as justice, revenge, and the impact of past traumas on the present. Payne delves into the psychological complexities of her characters, making their motivations and actions believable and compelling. The moral ambiguities faced by DI Holler and the other characters add depth to the narrative, prompting listeners to question their own assumptions and judgments.
This Ends Now is a gripping and well-crafted thriller that is further enhanced by Heather Bleasdale’s exceptional narration. T. M. Payne has delivered a story that is thrilling and thought-provoking, with characters that linger in your mind.
For fans of crime fiction and audiobooks, this is a must-listen.
November 3, 2024
Two bodies are found on the beach, the one which has Anthony Gorman's naked male statues facing out to sea and buried to different depths so some are standing upright and some look like they are walking out to sea. The bodies are of a man and a woman who have tape over their mouths and are cable tied to the statues and left there waiting for the tide to come in and drown them. The story is set in Liverpool. In the book there is a 180ft skyline structure which has a restaurant at the top, and a couple are sitting out in the cold waiting to order their meal, (those meals must be on fire if they don't want them to get cold), when a well dressed middle aged woman gets up from the next table, smiles at them and then throws herself over the ledge to her death. The couple are stunned.
Detective Sheridan Holler and her sidekick Anna are tasked with looking into these deaths on the beach as the male of the two who was murdered had not long ago been found not guilty of murdering their son Daniel. Their surving child Jennifer, well she isn't a child anymore and neither was Daniel, but she is stunned too as her father was acquited of the charge as no body had ever been found for Daniel. She believed in her father's innocence. Then Sheridan and Anna discover that not only was it most likely that he had murdered his only son but was a child abuser and a rapist into the bargain. Not a lovely couple then as the wife seemed to be implicated too. The police are soon to discover that the bodies on the beach are linked with the woman who jumped off the ledge of that 180ft tall building.
Jennifer wants her parents deaths investigated and that of her disappeared brother too. Sheridan is beginning to find this far more complicated than they think, and the tension and gathering of information notches up rapidly. This was a very good plot and with good characters, albeit like many crime books these days, rather a lot of them. However it had me reading right through the afternoon and evening to finally reach who did what to whom and how and it wasn't quite the ending I was expecting!
Detective Sheridan Holler and her sidekick Anna are tasked with looking into these deaths on the beach as the male of the two who was murdered had not long ago been found not guilty of murdering their son Daniel. Their surving child Jennifer, well she isn't a child anymore and neither was Daniel, but she is stunned too as her father was acquited of the charge as no body had ever been found for Daniel. She believed in her father's innocence. Then Sheridan and Anna discover that not only was it most likely that he had murdered his only son but was a child abuser and a rapist into the bargain. Not a lovely couple then as the wife seemed to be implicated too. The police are soon to discover that the bodies on the beach are linked with the woman who jumped off the ledge of that 180ft tall building.
Jennifer wants her parents deaths investigated and that of her disappeared brother too. Sheridan is beginning to find this far more complicated than they think, and the tension and gathering of information notches up rapidly. This was a very good plot and with good characters, albeit like many crime books these days, rather a lot of them. However it had me reading right through the afternoon and evening to finally reach who did what to whom and how and it wasn't quite the ending I was expecting!
September 25, 2024
I was thrilled to have early access to the second DI Sheridan Holler book, This Ends Now, having loved the earlier Long Time Dead.
The book starts with a few seemingly separate story strands. Holler’s team are asked to re-look at a murder case, where a surprise not guilty verdict was delivered. While their colleagues in MIT start a murder investigation after a grim discovery on Crosby Beach, a desperate woman commits a very public suicide.
Very quickly, the links between all these apparently separate incidents become clear, and a murky tale ensues.
The book moves at a pace, no-one could accuse the author, TM Payne, of having written a slow burn. The writing flows so well, and the storyline is gripping; the short chapters draw you hungrily into the ‘one more chapter’ mentality. I found myself turning the pages quickly, finishing the book in under 48 hours. My apologies to the author for devouring, what I’m sure was a year of work, so quickly, but you made it impossible for me not to inhale the book.
I adore a police procedural series, and I loved getting reacquainted with the central characters, and all their quirks. Bizarrely I’m sure for non readers, the characters start to feel like friends, and I look forward to reading the next instalment in their lives. It’s Anna I’m most concerned for as I close the last page of This Ends Now. Hill is an intriguing new edition too, I look forward to learning more of her, including solving the mystery of her name. It’s good to see Maud is as irrepressible and unapologetic as ever, just as you would hope.
I have to mention how lovely the acknowledgments are, I always make a point of reading them. The mix of humour and tenderness says so much about the author, and knowing how much someone else vehemently dislikes beetroot, is a real source of comfort to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed This Ends Now, and I hope that the author is well under way with a plan, or maybe even a few thousand written words, for book 3.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
The book starts with a few seemingly separate story strands. Holler’s team are asked to re-look at a murder case, where a surprise not guilty verdict was delivered. While their colleagues in MIT start a murder investigation after a grim discovery on Crosby Beach, a desperate woman commits a very public suicide.
Very quickly, the links between all these apparently separate incidents become clear, and a murky tale ensues.
The book moves at a pace, no-one could accuse the author, TM Payne, of having written a slow burn. The writing flows so well, and the storyline is gripping; the short chapters draw you hungrily into the ‘one more chapter’ mentality. I found myself turning the pages quickly, finishing the book in under 48 hours. My apologies to the author for devouring, what I’m sure was a year of work, so quickly, but you made it impossible for me not to inhale the book.
I adore a police procedural series, and I loved getting reacquainted with the central characters, and all their quirks. Bizarrely I’m sure for non readers, the characters start to feel like friends, and I look forward to reading the next instalment in their lives. It’s Anna I’m most concerned for as I close the last page of This Ends Now. Hill is an intriguing new edition too, I look forward to learning more of her, including solving the mystery of her name. It’s good to see Maud is as irrepressible and unapologetic as ever, just as you would hope.
I have to mention how lovely the acknowledgments are, I always make a point of reading them. The mix of humour and tenderness says so much about the author, and knowing how much someone else vehemently dislikes beetroot, is a real source of comfort to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed This Ends Now, and I hope that the author is well under way with a plan, or maybe even a few thousand written words, for book 3.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
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