Crossing the Line

Jessica Daniel #8

by Kerry Wilkinson

Long before Jessica Daniel became a police officer, Manchester was once a ghost city after dark. Fear ruled as people were afraid to be out by themselves, the notorious Stretford Slasher terrorizing its inhabitants.

Twenty-five years on and the media are feeling nostalgic over the milestone but Jessica has a new panic to worry about. Apparent strangers are being targeted in daylight, the attacker unworried about being caught. If only she and her team could find him...

It’s the coldest spring in memory and Jessica has old friends to look out for, plus secrets—so many secrets—that should have long been buried.

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Thriller, Serial Killer

402 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2014

About the author

Recent and upcoming UK releases:
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body

Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.

As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.

Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.

When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.

Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks

Find out more at: his website or Facebook

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerry Wilkinson manages to do something few mystery authors are capable of, combine a good story, strong characters and just enough humor to keep it from getting too dark. I love the wicked sense of humor on display in all the books in this series. I’m still chuckling over PC Pen-Thief and his spelling. And ear hair… Kerry Wilkinson is one of the few, other than Nelson DeMille, that can have me laughing while reading a mystery.

The story begins with a series of what appear to be random incidences of violence. Jessica has just been promoted to DI and her team struggle with these and other crimes. The fact that there are multiple crimes felt very realistic to me. With all the crime, I’m sure real detectives are always juggling multiple cases.

The book is called Stolen Children, but that storyline is just one of many. For my money, I would have called it Anarchy. Or I just read that the English version was called Crossing the Line. Now, that works! A lot of people are going to be mislead by the American title.

This is one of the strangest mysteries you’ll ever read. I can’t imagine anyone figuring out the ending to this.

My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.

[Sarah Joint · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book underwent a title change in the US, from The Stolen Children to Crossing the Line. It led to some confusion on my part as I searched for the book I was supposed to read, but I really prefer the new title. It makes way more sense.

Yet another great mystery featuring intrepid detective Jessica Daniel with an ending I never saw coming. I've been reading this series in order, and I really recommend starting from the beginning, but any could work as as standalone. It's just best to get the full experience. The characters have grown and changed so much since we began... but one thing remains, Jessica's biting remarks and wicked sense of humor. She's fun to read about and makes me laugh at least a couple times every book. The book slows down a little at some point, but soon picks up and the last few chapters stunned me. Certainly worth the read. Kerry Wilkinson always leaves me eager to read the next Jessica Daniel book as soon as I finish!

It's been 25 years since all of Manchester was afraid to come out after dark... a quarter of a century since The Stretford Slasher was caught and taken to prison. He always targeted woman alone, and his brutality was unlike the city had ever seen. It was a great relief when they put it behind them, but the anniversary is being brought up again as a way to sell newspapers. Former superintendent Niall Hambleton is the man who caught him those many years ago. He's retired now, but still pops in and has a special soft spot for Jessica, who has recently been promoted.

Jessica doesn't have much time to settle in before her plate fills up. Random attacks are happening all over the city, varying greatly in type and victim. One is incredibly brutal, the next almost a very cruel but harmless prank... and they continue. In typical Jessica fashion, she pushes boundaries and pursues any kind of lead relentlessly. If they aren't found soon, they may become almost as infamous as the slasher...

As is typical with this series, there's a nice balance of police work and personal life. There's a little side plot involving a man Jessica has arrested before trying to stay clean and on the right side of the law, and I really liked those parts. I always feel a little odd chuckling at a mystery like this, mostly at Jessica's descriptions of her coworkers, but that's what Kerry Wilkinson does, and it works.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

[Danielle (The Blonde Likes Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! I was really excited to read Crossing the Line (formerly called The Stolen Children), because I’d read the first book in the Jessica Daniel series and really enjoyed it! If I’m being honest, I was also a little nervous, because while the rest of the series is on my “to read” list, I haven’t read them yet, so I was hoping I’d be able to follow along okay, and luckily, I had no issues!

The eighth installment of the Jessica Daniel series follows Jessica and her team while they investigate a series of crimes that are seemingly unrelated. As more and more attacks happen, Jessica and her team scramble to solve them all and begin to question how the puzzle pieces fit together.
I did find that the book got off to a slow start, so I was originally wondering where the book was headed, until about halfway through when things really picked up! I especially loved the last third of the book, and the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat! The epilogue definitely has me dying for the next book!

I really love Jessica as our main character. I enjoyed her in the first book, and I’m happy to say that I loved her just as much in this installment! She’s smart, funny, and witty, and there were a number of times where I laughed out loud because of her one liners!

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture, and Kerry Wilkinson for my copy of the book. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review. Crossing the Line is out now, so be sure to pick this one up!

[Malia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first foray into Kerry Wilkinson's Jessica Daniel series and though there were occasional point when I was confused as to references to the life of the protagonist beforehand, I do think this could work as a standalone. Jessica Daniel has been promoted to DI and she and her team have to contend with a series of seemingly random violent events. I won't give away the plot, but there is a lot going on, and I counted four story lines, which could easily have made the book seem muddled, but somehow worked in the end. I liked Wilkinson's descriptions of Manchester, and though I have never been, it made the city seem multi-dimensional and almost a character in itself. As for Jessica, I didn't really connect to her that much, but that may be because I haven't read the previous books in the series yet. I did like her banter with her team and the way their procedure in solving the crime unfolded. There is also a sprinkling of humor, which occasionally lightened the mood in what is really a rather grim story.
Overall, I thought this was a clever mystery, with quite a few twists and turns I didn't see coming. I am not sure I will read all seven previous books in the series, but I would be interested in future additions now that I know Jessica Daniels and her team a bit better.

Thanks to Noelle Holton at Bookouture who supplied me with a copy of Crossing The Line in exchange for an honest review.

Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 5 out of 5 Thrilling Stars! I just #lovelovelove this book! Even though it was the 8th book in the series, this book can be easily read as a standalone. This was an engrossing page turner with a sturdy plot. I also enjoyed the side plot of the story as well. Jessica and her team were absolutely hilarious. I thought it was great that this book was humorous on top of being a great psychological thriller at the same time. I feel that most authors would not be able to pull this off. I can’t wait until I get the chance to read the previous books in this series! This book is Dani-approved!
For more of this review and others please visit touchmyspinebookreviews.com

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I started this series at the beginning and then unfortunately I fell behind as the old TBR pile has grown to epic proportions. But when I heard that we’re almost caught up to the UK releases here in the good old US I knew I had to jump back in a try and catch back up with Jess. I’m so glad I did, I had the best time reuniting with her and her team and while I’ve definitely missed out on some things not having read a few books, I easily caught up and I really didn’t feel confused or lost, so you could most definitely jump in here if you would like and I think you would be fine.

I’ve really come to love Jess, her sense of humor greatly appeals to me, she’s sarcastic and blunt, but that’s a coping mechanism because underneath it all she’s actually pretty warm and caring. I find her to be really relatable, she works hard and she constantly bends the rules, she’s wonderfully human and I can always understand why she skirts the boundaries. Izzy was the newest team member in the last book I read and I was pleased to see that not only is she still around, but so is Dave! I swear the rapport between Jess and Dave always makes me laugh, it’s so natural and fun.

Wilkinson keeps things moving at a rapid pace and there’s various subplots so there are no moments of boredom. This is set in the spring but Manchester is experiencing unseasonal weather with below freezing temperatures and I loved how the weather played such a huge role in the investigation. If you enjoy police procedurals with a strong, kick ass female lead you have to try this series! This was the best book for me in the series (that I’ve read!) and I’m really excited to make time for the next book.

[Denise]

"Just trust yourself and know where the lines are. It's not all black and white, there are shades of grey everywhere."

Jessica Daniel is back, and in this outing she has been promoted to DI after her last case and after she took a little hiatus from policing. Her gang is with her, and the reparte is resumed. In this particular police procedural, Jessica and her team are tasked with figuring out who is targeting people with random attacks after a councilman is doused with acid at a political rally. There are quite a few threads in this story and it's hard to figure out where it is going with all the activity going on. Jessica seems back to her normal self and life with Adam is good. She's working hard, as usual, but appears to have her demons in check.

I wouldn't say this is necesssarily tense or suspenseful, but it is a good example of investigative technique and the inherant difficulties in putting together a suspect after random crimes. The incidental inclusion of the "slasher" from a few years ago is only barely mentioned and not essential to the plot line. I think the point of this eighth in the series is to mainly get Jessica back on track after her breakdown.

I love the characters in this ongoing story and will always be eager for the next. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC to read and review.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the Jessica Daniel series by author Kerry Wilkinson. I have read several books in this series and enjoyed them but I felt this one didn't quite reach the highs of previous reads. I did feel it recovered a little in the last third of the book and accept that it's just one of those things.
The book starts with a masked attacker throwing acid in the face of a councillor during a visit by the Home Secretary. The incident starts the media reliving the attacks of the Stretford Slasher which occurred 25 years earlier.
I have given the book a 3 star rating but could easily crept into the 4 star band. Great characters as usual and will definitely continue with the series.

[Zannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy-crazy-balls, Crossing the Line is by far my favorite Kerry Wilkinson book. And I’m not just saying that because I am part of the Publication Day Blast. It’s for true and for real.

Let me preempt this by saying, you DO NOT need to have read any of the prior books to read Crossing the Line. Sure, it’s #8 in the series, but this functions very well as a stand-alone novel as well.

With that said, I am not going to delve deeply into the book description, as it is laid out at the top of this post.

First of all, very few psychological thrillers make me laugh, and there was quite a bit of humor and sarcasm in this book that made me chuckle out loud. My favorite line:

To call it a shithole would insult any holes that had been dug in the ground and filled with shit.

And some of the characters - PC Pen-Thief. Joy Bag Jane. Laughed. Out. Loud. A lot.

The pacing of the book was pretty solid. The first half of Crossing the Line was chugging up the hill slowly. Then, at approximately 60%, the train crests the top, and you go zipping downward - crashing into a pile of “What The Hell.”

As the book goes on...

Things seem like they are coming together, but are they? At about 75% I was beginning to wonder if there were going to be loose ends. There was a particular character that I enjoyed following, but hadn’t heard much about him near the end. BUT alas, he arrived again. I am delighted to report that this is a neat and tidy book with no loose ends leaving you to wonder. Loose ends make me cringe.

The only loose end is the cliffhanger at the end. I’m not reading the intro to the next book. I plan on going in blind b/c that how much I don’t want any spoilers! LOL

Kerry Wilkinson had a lot going on in this book. It’s all a good thing because it indeed kept me engaged the entire time.

From start to finish, Crossing the Line was a joy to read. After reading The Killer Inside, I stated my investment in the Jessica Daniel Series, and I still stand by that. I absolutely cannot wait to devour the rest of the series. The rebel in me doesn’t want to read any of them in any particular order, either. (That’s a lot of badassery for someone with OCD!)

5-sarcasm-humor-stars.

Thank you to Bookouture, Kerry Wilkinson and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for my review. My opinions are solely my own.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Just promoted DI Jessica Daniel is assigned to a kidnapping case. The grandchildren of retired Detective Superintendent Niall Hambleton who captured the Stretford Slasher twenty-five years earlier are the victims.

Helping another officer at a rally, Jessica witnesses a public figure doused with acid. The Stretford Slasher died in prison, but now another killer is on the loose; killing seemingly at random and in broad daylight. The townspeople are terrified. The police are uneasy.

There is much going on in this book. While it is well written, it is a little all over the place plot-wise. I almost like DI Jessica Daniel, but not a lot. There is something about her that rings untrue. (For me, anyway.) I appreciate the author’s attempt at injecting some humor into the story. Jessica’s use of nicknames for her various co-workers was amusing.

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.

[Claire Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The publisher, Panmacmillan, very kindly provided me a proof of Crossing The Line, the first novel by Kerry Wilkinson that I've read. I read a lot of crime novels, so it takes a really great book to get a rave review from me.

Crossing The Line features Detective Inspector Jessica Daniel, freshly promoted and eager to crack her challenging new case. As the bodies begin to mount up, DI Daniel risks her career and her life to discover the identity of the killer.

This book really challenged my ideas of what is right and wrong, who is guilty and who is innocent. DI Daniel is a fiesty character who is instantly likeable, down to earth and determined. The story grabbed my attention from the outset and held it throughout.

Full of surprises, this carefully crafted novel was the perfect introducing to this author. I'll be adding the rest of his books to my wishlist!

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to start by saying that I was in a state of dislike and/or confusion for the first half of this book. I had not read any of the previous seven books in the series. I am generally not a detective mystery fan but the premise, as described, piqued the interest of the thriller fan in me. The book started with the main character Jessica and her fellow officer friend at a police stake out of sorts. The banter between Jessica and her fellow officers throughout the novel literally drove me crazy. It felt forced, tedious and antagonistic. I began to wonder if I would be able to finish the story at this point. I found that the sections involving Jessica and non-officer characters were generally more interesting and flowed considerably better and I did enjoy the sections that were outside of the officer to officer content.

My biggest issue with this novel would be the title and book teaser. As it was described – why I chose to read THIS book – the premise was that of a retired detective and his missing grandchildren. At the 20% mark, there had been only one mention (in passing) of the grandchildren. I stopped and went back to the book description to see if I had confused my books. Nope – correct novel. At 35% with no more mention of said grandchildren, I went back and looked again. Nope - still the correct book. At 50% in, I decided it was just an error (although the title suggested otherwise). The subject of the children’s kidnapping entered at exactly 57% and concluded at 77%. Precisely one fifth of the novel was relative to the title and description and at that, was only introduced at over half way in.

The book had 4 major story lines - the detective/grandchildren, the current crimes, Jessica’s friend Toxic Tony and Jessica’s private life. I tend to be a minimalist so I like the parts of a story to work together and have a purpose without excessive verbiage. I cannot get over the fact that, to me, the whole kidnapping was unnecessary in the story. Maybe it ties up some loose ends from previous novels or sets the reader up for the next novel but I would have enjoyed it more if that section had been left out.
At about a third in, I really wanted to quit the novel but felt I had an obligation to finish it. At the 50% mark, my intended rating rose from 2 stars to 3 as the book quickly picked up pace and lost much of the police banter and seemed to concentrate more on story and characters. I don’t think it should have taken it that long for the reader to get into the story. Under normal circumstances, I most likely would have given up before reaching that point.

What I did like……

The author has great imagery. “It tasted like week-old pureed sprouts with the consistency of soggy toilet roll.” I liked the characterizations of Jessica and Toxic Tony. I especially liked the way the author would first write what Jessica thought – usually with a healthy dose of sarcasm and then what she actually replied. It made her character more personable. I was still feeling the 3 star rating up until the end of the novel when the story lines (with the exception of the detective/grandchildren) finally merged together. It was not an ending with a sudden “WOW!” twist that left my head swimming. It was more of a sense of satisfaction at the outcome with all the loose ends nicely tied up. While my experiences with the novel were hot and cold, the overall experience was positive. The Stolen Children wasn’t what I would label as a thriller/mystery but instead a steady paced mystery whose wonderful ending negated any unpleasant reactions and bumped it up from a 3 star rating to a 4 star. It left me with the feeling that I should go back and read some of the prior works. Due to the last line of the novel, I feel very confident that I will be reading the next novel in the series.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for offering a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are new murders that are a lot like the Stretford Slasher. Only problem is that the slasher was twenty five years ago. How could someone be coping the Slasher's way of killing? DI Jessica Daniel has decided she needs help on this one. Someone who knows the ins and outs of the Slasher, so she gets DS Niall Hambleton to help her. After all he arrested the Stretford Slasher. This maybe a mystery thriller story, but it has some wonderful
rapport between the characters. The one liners are hysterical!!! This is the first book I have read by this author. Now I need to get myself the other books to feel all caught up. Can Daniel's figure out who is the killer and why the recreations of the Slasher? Read the book to find out.

[Reg Mars]

Well guys I am dnfing this book at 11%

I wasn't getting into the story much at first so I ended up making a status on goodreads about it. Then later today on twitter the author ends up making a comment about what I said. The funny thing is that I ended up reading a little bit more after I posted that status. I was finally starting to like it a bit. I mean what he said wasn't anything bad but it really killed any chance of me finishing this story.

here is the link to the tweet: https://twitter.com/BookishinBed/stat...

Authors please don't do stuff like this. Not everyone is going to like your book. I was upset that I wasn't getting into the book because I saw it had high reviews from people I follow. Such a shame.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley has offered two of Kerry Wilkinson's stand-alone psychological suspense novels that I read and enjoyed. I didn't review Two Sisters here, but I did review The Girl Who Came Back. When I realized that Wilkinson's police procedurals featuring DS Jessica Daniel were available through Kindle Unlimited, I went through them like candy.

There are ten books in this UK series, and Crossing the Line, is the eighth installment here in the U.S.

I like the complex characters who become more fully developed and interesting with each new book and the skillful and well-thought out plots that are fresh and original. Oh, and I should not fail to mention the dialog that feels natural and is often cleverly amusing.

Although the books can be read as stand-alones, this is a series that benefits from seeing how the dynamic of each plot influences and alters the characters. The series gains strength as Jessica evolves and adapts to each experience. The changes in the secondary characters are less profound, but they, too, feel rounded and genuine.

Twenty-five ago, the Stretford Slasher was convicted. When he dies in prison, the media note the occasion, but then several apparently random acts of violence occur in broad daylight that evoke some of the fear experienced twenty-five years earlier. The attacks are violent, but not deadly, and the police have difficulty making any connections between the targets--except for the fact that they are all disagreeable bullies. There are a couple of other secondary story lines as well that keep the pace moving.

While the book can function in isolation, it is the way the books build, one on another, that makes this series so interesting. I can't wait for the next one.

Read in Oct.; blog review scheduled for November 27.

NetGalley/Bookouture

Crime/Police Procedural. Dec. 12, 2017. Print length: 300 pages.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my least favorite of the Jessica Daniel books to date. I wasn't happy with the way all aspects of the storyline played out. I felt like it was quite a bit different from the other books, and if I would not have read all of the other books, I wouldn't have connected much with Jessica in this one, and probably wouldn't continue on. As I've enjoyed all the ones previous to this very much, I'll continue on and hope things get better in the next one.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing the line by Kerry Wilkinson.
The Stretford slasher murdered eight women and was locked behind bars for life. The killer dies in prison. There are new series of attacks bearing all the hallmarks of the original victim in broad daylight. Detective inspector Jessica Daniels is heading up the investigation. Will she catch the murderer? Will she be able to connect the crimes before anyone else gets hurt?
Omg. Absolutely fantastic read. Loved the story. A thriller of a read. 5*.

[Elaine Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent well written story based on crimes in Manchester. A well written story with just the right amount of twists to make it both exciting and unpredictable. Worthy of a sleepless night to finish it. I would read more of her books.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually my first book I’ve read in the Jessica Daniel’s series and although it can totally be read as a standalone, I really wish I would have started from the beginning! It’s ok though, I’ll get there eventually.

I’m not going to lie, it took me a while to get through the first half of this book. I kept picking it up here and there but it just wasn’t drawing my attention like I really wished it would. I think because there was just SO much going on. We have all these random attacks happening in Manchester, plus on top of all of that, there’s a kidnapping thrown into the mix. It’s just a lot to keep up with.

I think what kept me going was Jessica herself. She had so much humor and snarky remarks going on throughout the book that you couldn’t help but like her. Jessica is trying to handle her new promotion as Detective Inspector while trying to solve all these crimes happening as well. She’s feisty and down to earth and I think that’s what made me hold on until the end.

The second half of the story was much better and I really found myself getting into it and trying to figure out how everything going on could possibly be linked together. The cases were heating up and Jessica’s true smarts were starting to shine.

I also like how this book had a darker underlying feel to it. A lot of underground stuff was happening and whenever I’m reading detective novels, I always love a dark side. This book was very true on it’s shades of grey and crossing lines. The cliff hanger at the end…WOW! That was enough to keep wanting to read more.

Overall, I would defiantly say I would go back to the beginning of this series. This would be a great detective series to start or you get enough backstory it seems like to be able to read these as standalones also! If you like detective novels, then this one would be for you.

**Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me a copy for review.**

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Inspector Jessica Daniel is newly promoted and facing a series of challenges which test her expertise and resources to the limit. Working the grim and dangerous streets of inner city Manchester is never easy and when a series of unrelated crimes spiral out of control, for her own peace of mind, Jessica needs to keep one step ahead of the criminal fraternity. The story gets off to a good start with the punchy investigation into the violent assault on a local councillor; then when further crimes start to escalate, Jessica and her team realise that they have something very dangerous to investigate.

This is my first experience of reading Kerry Wilkinson’s Jessica Daniel’s crime series, and as this is book eight, I felt like I had come rather late to the party. There seems to be a lot of back story to catch up on and there are oblique references to events of which new readers know nothing. I’m afraid, that I felt a little bit lost at times, which is why it’s always better to start at the beginning of a well established series. However, being a northerner, I did enjoy the Manchester setting, and the darker elements of Mancurian life were brought realistically to life.

Overall, the story was interesting and well controlled, although I did think that the first half of the book was a little slow in getting going, but once Jessica and her team started to work together better, the story became more interesting.

I’m not altogether sure that I would invest in the series from the beginning but if you like realistic northern crime in a gritty and uncompromising setting then my advice would be to start with book one, which was Locked In, and take it from there.

My thanks to Macmillan for my review copy of this book.

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book. And as with all of Kerry's other books, I was really looking forward to reading it. As usual I was not disappointed.
Some series I find when they start getting 7/8 books in, you can start to get a little fed up of them, or going off certain characters. Not with these books, I have enjoyed each and everyone of them.

Kerry has written this the 8th book as book one of Series two, so If you have not read any of the previous books you could pick up from this point and start from here. (personally i would read them all from book one first).
I just love Jessica, there is something about her that is real, and her character is believable, with all she has been through over the years you just can't help liking and admiring her.
In this book Jessica is back to work after being off following a case that messed with her life slightly (I don't want to give to much away). And following her last case she has now been promoted to Detective Inspector. We follow a few very good story lines in this book, and one of them is based around the Stretford Slasher, a name that i couldn't help giggling at when I first read it. But is really nothing to laugh at,
As usual with Kerry this book keeps you on the edge all the way through, and has some fantastic twists in it. All in all *A Bloody good read*

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading a novel set somewhere I know, in this case Manchester.
Crossing the Line is the eighth in the series, but also being advertised as the first of the second season.
I haven't read all of the books featuring Jessica and her team but it didn't stop me enjoying the book, some of the characters I was familiar with and I didn't struggle with the ones I had never read about previously
There are a few investigations taking place in the novel. A series of vicious attacks on people, a missing person and a cold case all make up for an exciting read.
Part of the novel was about Jessica's personal life and this was really the only part of the book that I felt I would have liked more if I had read all of the books. There were no spoilers but I would have appreciated these sections more if I knew what had happened earlier.
I'm glad that the humour that was in the first few books is still present. I was laughing a few times, especially at the start of the novel regarding MPs.
Like with so many other books now there is a cliff hanger ending. It was one that I hadn't expected at all so I am really looking forward to reading book nine. I will also be reading the books I haven't read soon.
Thanks to the publisher for the proof copy

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to Kerry Wilkinson for creating a series that even after 8 books still keeps me on the edge of my seat and excited to begin the next one. Jessica Daniel is a bad ass and come hell or high water she will find a way to bring closure to her cases. Each book can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend starting from the beginning as all of the books are action-packed and intense from beginning to end! I thank Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy (ARC) from the publisher but in no way did this influence my voluntary review of the book. All thoughts and opinions in this post are my own and I do not stand to profit from this promotion.


Here’s another great read from Bookoutur!

Crossing the Line is the 8th book in the Jessica Daniels series. However, each of the books can be read as a standalone novel. If you would like to begin with the first book of the series, The Killer Inside, you can.

Jessica Daniel has recently been reinstated and promoted to Detective Inspector at the Greater Manchester Police when a series of bizarre, and possibly related, attacks occur across the city. Jessica rushes to figure out what’s behind the attacks while simultaneously fielding off the press, coming to terms with some deeply personal troubles, and attempting to apprehend the stations dry-erase pen thief so she can update the whiteboard.

While some of the characters may not have been striking, Jessica’s dry wit, cynicism, and humorous defense leaps off the page. She’s uncomfortable in her new role at work as she doesn’t much stand on ceremony. The last thing she needs is an internal police scandal, but her calm and cool efficiency helps keeps the ol’ police cogs turning as smoothly as possible.

The grim humor from her perspective made this a unique detective noir. Usually this sort of “old-and-cantankerous before their time” role is played by a middle aged man who suffers substance abuse and has a string of broken relationships in his past. Jessica is nothing like that. I was pleased that Jessica wore this role so well. She’s been around a while and has a wealth of experience to back up her intuition and hard work. Her crotchety and smart-ass acts are expected of her and seem like a second cloak she’s worn for a long time, however they barely cover the warm and caring interior that she has for others.

The plot, however far-fetched at times, was well balanced and tightly woven together. It wasn’t ground-breaking for crime fiction, but the characters were likable and the writing was well done. The element of battling crime as well as bad PR was a creative twist that was well incorporated.

One of my favorite story telling elements is when the setting becomes it’s own character. Kerry Wilkinson’s setting of Manchester was perfectly characterized; it was nuanced and detailed. I don’t read many books that take such perverse pleasure in their setting. Manchester didn’t apologize for it’s northerness: it’s never done so before and can’t be bothered to do so now.

As the story closes, you’re left with just the right amount of closure to feel satisfied but enough anticipation for the next novel to be impatient for its release.

[Christen Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.I. Jessica Daniels is investigating two high profile cases. The first case involves random attacks on Manchester citizens. The attacker is quick, efficient and leaves no clues. The second case hits close to home when the grandchildren of her former boss are kidnapped. Jessica believes the kidnapping relates to one of her former boss’s old cases. Jessica must revisit the past but stay in the present to save two children and prevent another attack.
The Stolen Children tells the story of several horrific crimes. However, while reading I found myself laughing out loud. D.I. Daniels is witty, clever, and never short of a retort. Even in some of the most intense situations she manages to insert humor. The humor is not dark or insensitive as you may expect from a jaded detective but more comforting. It also provides a balance to a dark and sinister story line.
The two crimes in this book are told in two separate parts. It was like reading two different books. I enjoyed this aspect; it really showed off Daniels’ investigative skills as well as her dedication. I could easily see how this book could have been two books. Both parts were gripping and fast paced. Because the two crimes were so different, I had a hard time figuring out if they were connected. This made the story more compelling.
If there is anything negative to say about this book it would be, a lack of background into the characters. I understand this novel is part of a series, but very little is mentioned about the things that took place in previous books. When past events are mentioned, they are mentioned in a way that says something happened but not many details are given. Throughout the entire story I felt like I was missing important details; details that would have explained some of things that went unsaid between the characters.
Overall I enjoyed this book and found it gripping and entertaining. Although I wish there was more character background, the plot was tense and action filled. I am very interested to find out more about D.I. Daniels and her investigative team. I can see a binge reading of all the previous books in this series in my future.

Murder and Moore Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Kerry Wilkinson's Crossing the Line, the 8th installment in the Jessica Daniel serial thriller series, this novel would make you think twice on what you do and to whom you do it to. It all started when someone assaulted a solicitor by throwing citric acid on their face. That had put Detective Inspector Jessica Daniel on the scene with her partner Isobel to dig deep into the background of their first victim. Later on, then someone else was assaulted by a bat, someone who's bearing a mask from an Anarchy group and making a scathing statement. While this was going on, Jessica dealt with the heat from her police department and then of her mother, when she went searching for Tony Franingham, someone she had met in the past and having issues with drugs. While they kept an eye for an elusive drug dealer, they've come across a third victim and tried to put the pieces together to form this big puzzle. But during a festival, someone close to her had become attacked by the same masked person. While the picture had grown to a bigger mystery, they started to connect the dots to connect them to their perp... the connection is unpredictable and unfathomable. When they have found the guy, she dealt with the kidnapping to someone at the force, someone who needed to make a bold statement about one of their own's false accusations about the Stretford Slasher's arrest. In the end, Jessica fights for her life to deal with the drug dealer in a battle of wit and brawn to solve both cases.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bookouture and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Crossing the Line. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Crossing the Line is the eighth book in a series featuring main character Detective (now Detective Inspector) Jessica Daniel. The Stretford Slasher, a serial killer responsible for murdering eight women decades before, dies in prison. When a set of attacks that are remarkably similar to those original ones have the police running in many directions, Jessica enlists the help of the individual who captured the Slasher in the first place. After Detective Superintendent Niall Hambleton and his family are targeted, will the police be able to put the pieces together in time?

The Jessica Daniel novels are like a worn pair of jeans for me - they are broken in and comfortable, but holes are starting to appear. Crossing the Line is just more of the same and does not have enough to set it apart from the novels that have come before. I like how author Kerry Wilkinson crafts a police procedural thriller, with the reader being taken along for the investigation, but I am growing tired of the character of Jessica Daniel. Readers who are new to the series should start from the beginning if possible, if nothing else than to get the full history of Jessica Daniel. I would not recommend Crossing the Line as a standalone, as its strength lies with the history of the characters and not the current plot line.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the outset, Jessica is a feisty, fearless investigator and her straight-talking frequently made me smile. To balance things out, she also has a vulnerability from the fact that she is coming to terms with not being able to have children. She has a believable, multi-faceted personality and a great depth of character, even without having read the previous novels in the series. However, she seemed to go into self-destruct mode towards the end, trying to take down a dangerous suspect single-handedly, which was never going to end well. Maybe she got too bolshy and blasé or maybe she was reeling from the new discoveries about her well-liked and trusted friend and colleague, but it just seemed too maverick and unprofessional. Watching the major sleazebag get his comeuppance was unashamedly satisfying, but it didn't ring true - I'm sure no cop would really go down this route. I was also highly dubious about the identity and plausability of the attacker when it finally came to light.


full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just Love Kerry Wilkinson's Books But this one did not have the sparkle like the rest of his books.

DI Jessica Daniel is helping another officer at a rally and witnesses a public figure doused with acid. The Stretford Slasher died in prison and now another killer is on the loose! and is killing people at random and in broad daylight!! People who live here are terrified and very uneasy. The police are none the wiser who is doing it.
Now, Jessica Daniel has been assigned to a a new case; Retired Detective Superintendent Niall Hambleton who'grandchildren have been kidnapped. He arrested the Stretford Slasher some twenty-five years earlier.
Now Breathe! I felt there was so much going on in this book you needed to take notes. It was well written but it did not have the sparkle Kerry's books have, which was a shame.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.

[Shellbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

JD number 8. I've only given this book 4 stars, because I thought it wasn't as good as the previous books in the series. I did enjoy it, but I thought it was just a little bit boring. Jessica gets herself injected with drugs, which I wasn't expecting at all, but the guy Scott Dewhurst (or the egghead) who does the injecting gets shot in the head, which I think was a great ending for him because he was one evil knobhead. After which the book ends with police finding Jessica's glasses at the crime scene. I'm starting on book number 9 straight away, because I'm dying to no what's going to happen next.