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Helen Grace #2
Pop Goes the Weasel
DI Helen Grace returns in Pop Goes the Weasel, the electrifying new thriller from M. J. Arlidge.
The body of a middle-aged man is discovered in Southampton's red-light district - horrifically mutilated, with his heart removed.
Hours later - and barely cold - the heart arrives with his wife and children by courier.
A pattern emerges when another male victim is found dead and eviscerated, his heart delivered soon afterwards.
The media call it Jack the Ripper in reverse; revenge against the men who lead sordid double lives visiting prostitutes. For Grace, only one thing is certain: there's a vicious serial-killer at large who must be halted at all costs . . .
The body of a middle-aged man is discovered in Southampton's red-light district - horrifically mutilated, with his heart removed.
Hours later - and barely cold - the heart arrives with his wife and children by courier.
A pattern emerges when another male victim is found dead and eviscerated, his heart delivered soon afterwards.
The media call it Jack the Ripper in reverse; revenge against the men who lead sordid double lives visiting prostitutes. For Grace, only one thing is certain: there's a vicious serial-killer at large who must be halted at all costs . . .
426 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
About the author
M.J. Arlidge
41 books3,265 followersM.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,764 reviews
December 23, 2017
4.5*
Book two from M.J. Arlidge picks up just one month after book one, Eeny-Meeny, and it’s shocking ending. No spoilers here...though I do recommend going back and starting from the beginning before diving into this one.
Helen and her team of detectives are once again called into a beyond-bizarre murder case. Men are being butchered in the seediest parts of town, and in such a gruesome manner. Their hearts are removed! With few clues and false leads, the team is running in circles with next to no results. Can they find the killer before another heart is harvested!
As much as I enjoyed Eeny-Meeny, Pop Goes the Weasel was just that much better. The characters were vivid, and with so much more depth to them! Helen, as always, continues to struggle with her past while trying to protect the future of those around her.
This book is close to 400 pages but we read it in lightning speed! The chapters are short and you can quickly breeze through them.
We are now quickly and anxiously moving on to book three The Doll’s House
A Traveling Sister read with Brenda!!
A huge thank you to Susanne for gifting me a copy of this book!! :)
Book two from M.J. Arlidge picks up just one month after book one, Eeny-Meeny, and it’s shocking ending. No spoilers here...though I do recommend going back and starting from the beginning before diving into this one.
Helen and her team of detectives are once again called into a beyond-bizarre murder case. Men are being butchered in the seediest parts of town, and in such a gruesome manner. Their hearts are removed! With few clues and false leads, the team is running in circles with next to no results. Can they find the killer before another heart is harvested!
As much as I enjoyed Eeny-Meeny, Pop Goes the Weasel was just that much better. The characters were vivid, and with so much more depth to them! Helen, as always, continues to struggle with her past while trying to protect the future of those around her.
This book is close to 400 pages but we read it in lightning speed! The chapters are short and you can quickly breeze through them.
We are now quickly and anxiously moving on to book three The Doll’s House
A Traveling Sister read with Brenda!!
A huge thank you to Susanne for gifting me a copy of this book!! :)
November 11, 2016
WARNING - this book is unputdownable! Sacrificing sleep, avoiding responsibilities and dragging this book everywhere, in the hopes of sneaking in ‘just one more chapter’, is inevitable. That’s the life I've been living for the last day and a half, at least. It was the short chapters that served as a catalyst for my obsession. Have I mentioned how much I adore short chapters?
Where this book lacked in character development, it more than made up for with the frenetic energy, the jarring twists and the grittiness. Oh, and the carnage. M.J. Arlidge doesn’t hold back with the gore or the deliciously addictive darkness that haunts Detective Inspector Grace, so be prepared.
I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Eeny Meeny, before picking this one up. It’s not a must, but I think missing out on the history of some of these characters, especially D.I. Grace and Charlie, would be a pretty big loss. Arlidge doesn’t spend a ton of time delving into the psyche of his characters, so not experiencing firsthand what happened to land D.I. Grace in the headspace she’s in now seems like a waste. Trying to figure her out is definitely part of the fun though.
What is clear - Helen Grace is tough; along with being smart, ambitious and great at tracking down leads. In this instance, she's hunting a prostitute who’s killing johns and ripping out their hearts - literally. It’s a bloody and convoluted mess. Mix in the many personalities at the station and it’s definitely a page turner. I’m so curious to see where the author takes us next.
Where this book lacked in character development, it more than made up for with the frenetic energy, the jarring twists and the grittiness. Oh, and the carnage. M.J. Arlidge doesn’t hold back with the gore or the deliciously addictive darkness that haunts Detective Inspector Grace, so be prepared.
I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Eeny Meeny, before picking this one up. It’s not a must, but I think missing out on the history of some of these characters, especially D.I. Grace and Charlie, would be a pretty big loss. Arlidge doesn’t spend a ton of time delving into the psyche of his characters, so not experiencing firsthand what happened to land D.I. Grace in the headspace she’s in now seems like a waste. Trying to figure her out is definitely part of the fun though.
What is clear - Helen Grace is tough; along with being smart, ambitious and great at tracking down leads. In this instance, she's hunting a prostitute who’s killing johns and ripping out their hearts - literally. It’s a bloody and convoluted mess. Mix in the many personalities at the station and it’s definitely a page turner. I’m so curious to see where the author takes us next.
December 18, 2017
5 Gruesome and Completely Gripping Stars!!
Well Blimey M. J. Arlidge, you sure got my attention with this one.
“Pop Goes the Weasel” features Detective Inspector Helen Grace back at it. This time, she finds a man’s body in a derelict house. He has been brutally murdered, his heart having been removed. It is then sent to his now widow in a brown cardboard box. A few days later it happens again. This time, the heart is sent to the man’s work place. It appears that these men had something in common: they were married and led secret lives, frequenting prostitutes. These men were seemingly killed by the same woman, a prostitute, hell bent on revenge. She is getting more cunning and more vicious as time goes on and it is up to DI Grace and her team to stop her.
This is a book that kept me up all night. I was like a rat in a maze rushing to get to the end. And what an end it was.
DI Grace is a tortured soul who lives, eats and breathes being a copper. Though she tries to act tough, in “Pop Goes the Weasel” you get to see a softer side of her, in more ways than one. Her past haunts her. And she can’t help but chase it down. DC Brooks has also been through the ringer, yet somehow she perseveres. She’s pretty darn great, if you ask me. DC Brook’s relationship with DI Grace is a complex one. Together however, they make quite the team. And they are going to need to work together to solve these murders because they are getting more gruesome and gory by the day.
“Pop Goes the Weasel” is the 2nd book in the Helen Grace series. It was frakking brilliant. I was on the edge of my seat, holding my damn breath for much of the time. The ending blew me away. It is now the 3rd book I’ve read in the series and suffice it to say that I just LOVE my Helen Grace. She is strong, smart and she has a vulnerable side that she works hard not to show. Needless to say, she is my kind of gal. M. J. Arlidge has written a series of suspenseful books with a main character who breaks your heart and you can’t help but want to know more about. In case its not obvious by now, I’m in.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.18.17.
Well Blimey M. J. Arlidge, you sure got my attention with this one.
“Pop Goes the Weasel” features Detective Inspector Helen Grace back at it. This time, she finds a man’s body in a derelict house. He has been brutally murdered, his heart having been removed. It is then sent to his now widow in a brown cardboard box. A few days later it happens again. This time, the heart is sent to the man’s work place. It appears that these men had something in common: they were married and led secret lives, frequenting prostitutes. These men were seemingly killed by the same woman, a prostitute, hell bent on revenge. She is getting more cunning and more vicious as time goes on and it is up to DI Grace and her team to stop her.
This is a book that kept me up all night. I was like a rat in a maze rushing to get to the end. And what an end it was.
DI Grace is a tortured soul who lives, eats and breathes being a copper. Though she tries to act tough, in “Pop Goes the Weasel” you get to see a softer side of her, in more ways than one. Her past haunts her. And she can’t help but chase it down. DC Brooks has also been through the ringer, yet somehow she perseveres. She’s pretty darn great, if you ask me. DC Brook’s relationship with DI Grace is a complex one. Together however, they make quite the team. And they are going to need to work together to solve these murders because they are getting more gruesome and gory by the day.
“Pop Goes the Weasel” is the 2nd book in the Helen Grace series. It was frakking brilliant. I was on the edge of my seat, holding my damn breath for much of the time. The ending blew me away. It is now the 3rd book I’ve read in the series and suffice it to say that I just LOVE my Helen Grace. She is strong, smart and she has a vulnerable side that she works hard not to show. Needless to say, she is my kind of gal. M. J. Arlidge has written a series of suspenseful books with a main character who breaks your heart and you can’t help but want to know more about. In case its not obvious by now, I’m in.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.18.17.
August 26, 2015
“Pop Goes The Weasel” by M J Arlidge, in the Detective Helen Grace series, is the second book in this crime series…and I feel it is even better than his debut novel, Eeny Meeny, which I loved.
I would suggest that it is advisable that you read Eeny Meeny, before you read this novel, as the second book has spoilers, that will ruin it for you to go back and read the first book. Pop Goes The Weasel, is gory in some parts, but this is necessary to the plot and story.
Our Hero, Detective Inspector Helen Grace returns in this second book, and she is hunting down another serial killer. She still drives her Kawasaki motorcycle. There have been a series of murders in Southampton, linked to the sex trade. Some of the victims used an online prostitute site.
A religious man is found dead with his heart missing all within a prostitution area. So when his heart turns up at his family home…Why? What kind of a sadistic killer is out there? A Serial Killer on the loose! And then more men are savagely murdered. Why are they targeting married men who chose to visit prostitutes?
In this novel, the characters are basically the same from the first novel, but with the addition of a new boss, Ceri Harwood; and Helen and her do not get on! Helen also has to deal with her own issues and secrets in her personal life, while running an investigation, and keeping Emilia, the local reporter, at arm’s length.
The story is told from multiple POVs and allows for in-depth development of the characters. The chapters again are short, and make it difficult to put down. It is a real page-turner.
I am really enjoying this crime series, and will now move forward on to the next book in the series, “The Doll’s House.
I would suggest that it is advisable that you read Eeny Meeny, before you read this novel, as the second book has spoilers, that will ruin it for you to go back and read the first book. Pop Goes The Weasel, is gory in some parts, but this is necessary to the plot and story.
Our Hero, Detective Inspector Helen Grace returns in this second book, and she is hunting down another serial killer. She still drives her Kawasaki motorcycle. There have been a series of murders in Southampton, linked to the sex trade. Some of the victims used an online prostitute site.
A religious man is found dead with his heart missing all within a prostitution area. So when his heart turns up at his family home…Why? What kind of a sadistic killer is out there? A Serial Killer on the loose! And then more men are savagely murdered. Why are they targeting married men who chose to visit prostitutes?
In this novel, the characters are basically the same from the first novel, but with the addition of a new boss, Ceri Harwood; and Helen and her do not get on! Helen also has to deal with her own issues and secrets in her personal life, while running an investigation, and keeping Emilia, the local reporter, at arm’s length.
The story is told from multiple POVs and allows for in-depth development of the characters. The chapters again are short, and make it difficult to put down. It is a real page-turner.
I am really enjoying this crime series, and will now move forward on to the next book in the series, “The Doll’s House.
April 4, 2017
This is the second book in the Helen Grace Series. This is another series that I just love. This was an engrossing read with gruesome details in such a way that I couldn't stop reading it. It is unputdownable. With detailed character development and twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end. I loved this book better than the first book.
It is a dark gritty thriller.
DI Helen Grace and her team are faced a few months down the line with a growing string of male dead bodies, horribly mutilated, their hearts delivered in boxes to family or work place. This killer is so sadistic which pushes the investigation into the world of prostitution and unsuspecting johns. In a form of reverse Jack The Ripper, it appears as though a prostitute is brutally killing men with a vengeance though no clear motive or any clues left behind. For Grace only one thing is certain: there is a vicious serial killer at large who must be stopped at all costs.
The ending just blew me away with excitement. Very shocking and chilling! I can already tell that this series is going to be very addicting! Not for the faint of heart. Serial Killer lovers I feel will feel the same way.
June 7, 2017
'The world is full of killers, liars and thieves.'
There is not a lot of theft going on in this book, but there are plenty of liars and a lot of killing.
A man's body is found in an empty house. Then a gruesome memento of his killing is delivered to his wife and children.
Pop Goes The Weasel is #2 in the DI Helen Grace series and the third book in the series that I have read. I enjoyed the other two, but didn't think they were anything special. Pop Goes The Weasel, however, was an engrossing read. It was dark and twisted, with plenty of not obvious red herrings. I devoured this book and it certainly did not feel like it was 400+ pages long.
4.5 stars, and yes, I will be continuing with the series. I have become quite fond of DI Helen Grace and several of her associates. I am interested to learn what becomes of them.
Thank you to Penguin Group, Berkeley via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Pop Goes The Weasel for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
There is not a lot of theft going on in this book, but there are plenty of liars and a lot of killing.
A man's body is found in an empty house. Then a gruesome memento of his killing is delivered to his wife and children.
Pop Goes The Weasel is #2 in the DI Helen Grace series and the third book in the series that I have read. I enjoyed the other two, but didn't think they were anything special. Pop Goes The Weasel, however, was an engrossing read. It was dark and twisted, with plenty of not obvious red herrings. I devoured this book and it certainly did not feel like it was 400+ pages long.
4.5 stars, and yes, I will be continuing with the series. I have become quite fond of DI Helen Grace and several of her associates. I am interested to learn what becomes of them.
Thank you to Penguin Group, Berkeley via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Pop Goes The Weasel for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
May 10, 2018
Just lately it seems mystery and crime authors are competing with each other to create the most disgusting and nauseating murder scenes and M.J. Arlidge is up there with the best. Removing a person's heart (starting the procedure before they have actually died of course) and delivering it to their family in a Tupperware container is pretty hard to beat.
As this is a serial killer there is a lot of blood and a lot of Tupperware and it makes for enthralling reading. I raced through this book on the strength of the story alone. This was lucky because the characters went nowhere. Helen continued to be messed up in her head yet strangely competent at her job. Other cops fell by the wayside due to their own personal demons. And we had the pleasure (not) of the oh so stereotypical interfering and unethical journalist.
Overall then - 5 stars for the excellent story minus 1 star for the annoying characters = 4 stars from me.
As this is a serial killer there is a lot of blood and a lot of Tupperware and it makes for enthralling reading. I raced through this book on the strength of the story alone. This was lucky because the characters went nowhere. Helen continued to be messed up in her head yet strangely competent at her job. Other cops fell by the wayside due to their own personal demons. And we had the pleasure (not) of the oh so stereotypical interfering and unethical journalist.
Overall then - 5 stars for the excellent story minus 1 star for the annoying characters = 4 stars from me.
October 5, 2018
A decent 3 star thriller. Not super great, but not bad by any means.
It has been a while since I read the first book in the series. Luckily there are lots of hints dropped as to what happened in the one so my mind was refreshed. This is also good because some of the content of the first book was important to this storyline.
I didn’t go higher than 3 because I was not really held on the edge of my seat. The story is more driven by repetitive shock value than suspense. Also, while I did not see the resolution coming, it was not a particularly mind-blowing moment for me when all was revealed.
I do like Helen Grace’s conflicted character. She is the best part of the series so far. The other characters around her are more like caricatures instead of characters. This is okay for a fun quick read, but not particularly awe inspiring.
I recommend this if you like your thrillers shocking but not too deep. If you need a very cerebral thriller, you may not enjoy this book or series very much.
It has been a while since I read the first book in the series. Luckily there are lots of hints dropped as to what happened in the one so my mind was refreshed. This is also good because some of the content of the first book was important to this storyline.
I didn’t go higher than 3 because I was not really held on the edge of my seat. The story is more driven by repetitive shock value than suspense. Also, while I did not see the resolution coming, it was not a particularly mind-blowing moment for me when all was revealed.
I do like Helen Grace’s conflicted character. She is the best part of the series so far. The other characters around her are more like caricatures instead of characters. This is okay for a fun quick read, but not particularly awe inspiring.
I recommend this if you like your thrillers shocking but not too deep. If you need a very cerebral thriller, you may not enjoy this book or series very much.
August 5, 2019
I've just found myself face to face with a new favorite series!
>His eyes blinked open, but he couldn’t see.
Liquid oozed down his cheeks as his eyeballs swiveled uselessly in their sockets. Sound was horribly muted, as if his ears were stuffed with cotton wool. Scrambling back to consciousness, the man felt a savage pain ripping through his throat and nostrils. An intense burning sensation, like a flame held steadily to his larynx. He wanted to sneeze, to retch, to spit out whatever it was that was tormenting him. But he was gagged, his mouth bound tightly with duct tape, so he had to swallow down his agony.
Eventually the stream of tears abated and his protesting eyes began to take in their surroundings. He was still in the derelict house, only now he was in the front bedroom, lying prostrate on the filthy bed. His nerves were jangling and he struggled wildly—he had to get away—but his arms and legs were bound tight to the iron bedstead. He yanked, pulled and twisted, but the nylon cords held firm.
Only now did he realize he was naked. A terrible thought pulsed through him—were they going to leave him here like this? To freeze to death? His skin had already raised its defenses—goose bumps erect with cold and terror—and he realized how perishingly cold it was.
He bellowed for all he was worth—but all he produced was a dull, buzzing moan. If he could just talk to them, reason with them . . . he could get them more money, and they would let him go. They couldn’t leave him here like this.
Suddenly he flinched, his nerves pulsing wildly. Something cold had come to rest on his thigh. Something hard. Something metal? A knife? Now it was drifting up his leg, toward . . . The man bucked furiously, tearing his muscles as he wrenched at the cords that held him. He knew now that this was a fight to the death.
He shrieked for all he was worth. But the tape held firm. His bonds wouldn’t yield. And there was no one to hear his screams anyway.
********
Pop Goes the Weasel by M.J. Arlidge is the second novel in the Helen Grace series, following right in the footsteps of the series debut, eeny meeny. Complete with brutal murders, multiple storylines, high wire tension, chilling twists, unforseeable turns, and believable characters doing their best to bring justice to the victims of crime. Even when it's hard to know who is more of a victim, the stormy life that created a murderer?
Or the one whose life is taken away. Believe it or not, Mr. Arlidge makes it very difficult to decide.
This series has ticked all the boxes in my favorites categories. Favorite author, check! Favorite audiobook, check! Favorite series, check! favorite narrator, check!
The unique quality of the Helen Grace series makes it very addictive! As if that wasn't enough the audiobooks make them even better! Much, much better!
Heres Why.
Elizabeth Bower's narrative performance is crisp, emotional, and down right magnificent! She takes the authors words clean off the pages, making the story come into your lap, up close and personal! As she portrays the characters, her voice allows the listener to become each character, feel every emotion.
Elizabeth easily earns all 5★'s for her performance!
And she is narrating all the books in the series! Big points for that!
The combination of the ingenious novels written by M.J. Arlidge and the accomplished narration by Elizabeth Bower make these audiobooks live and breathe!
>His eyes blinked open, but he couldn’t see.
Liquid oozed down his cheeks as his eyeballs swiveled uselessly in their sockets. Sound was horribly muted, as if his ears were stuffed with cotton wool. Scrambling back to consciousness, the man felt a savage pain ripping through his throat and nostrils. An intense burning sensation, like a flame held steadily to his larynx. He wanted to sneeze, to retch, to spit out whatever it was that was tormenting him. But he was gagged, his mouth bound tightly with duct tape, so he had to swallow down his agony.
Eventually the stream of tears abated and his protesting eyes began to take in their surroundings. He was still in the derelict house, only now he was in the front bedroom, lying prostrate on the filthy bed. His nerves were jangling and he struggled wildly—he had to get away—but his arms and legs were bound tight to the iron bedstead. He yanked, pulled and twisted, but the nylon cords held firm.
Only now did he realize he was naked. A terrible thought pulsed through him—were they going to leave him here like this? To freeze to death? His skin had already raised its defenses—goose bumps erect with cold and terror—and he realized how perishingly cold it was.
He bellowed for all he was worth—but all he produced was a dull, buzzing moan. If he could just talk to them, reason with them . . . he could get them more money, and they would let him go. They couldn’t leave him here like this.
Suddenly he flinched, his nerves pulsing wildly. Something cold had come to rest on his thigh. Something hard. Something metal? A knife? Now it was drifting up his leg, toward . . . The man bucked furiously, tearing his muscles as he wrenched at the cords that held him. He knew now that this was a fight to the death.
He shrieked for all he was worth. But the tape held firm. His bonds wouldn’t yield. And there was no one to hear his screams anyway.
********
Pop Goes the Weasel by M.J. Arlidge is the second novel in the Helen Grace series, following right in the footsteps of the series debut, eeny meeny. Complete with brutal murders, multiple storylines, high wire tension, chilling twists, unforseeable turns, and believable characters doing their best to bring justice to the victims of crime. Even when it's hard to know who is more of a victim, the stormy life that created a murderer?
Or the one whose life is taken away. Believe it or not, Mr. Arlidge makes it very difficult to decide.
This series has ticked all the boxes in my favorites categories. Favorite author, check! Favorite audiobook, check! Favorite series, check! favorite narrator, check!
The unique quality of the Helen Grace series makes it very addictive! As if that wasn't enough the audiobooks make them even better! Much, much better!
Heres Why.
Elizabeth Bower's narrative performance is crisp, emotional, and down right magnificent! She takes the authors words clean off the pages, making the story come into your lap, up close and personal! As she portrays the characters, her voice allows the listener to become each character, feel every emotion.
Elizabeth easily earns all 5★'s for her performance!
And she is narrating all the books in the series! Big points for that!
The combination of the ingenious novels written by M.J. Arlidge and the accomplished narration by Elizabeth Bower make these audiobooks live and breathe!
June 4, 2020
A murderous prostitute is on the loose. Police find her male customers’ bodies with their hearts removed, evidence of a vicious murder. Detective Inspector Helen Grace and the rest of Southampton Central have their hands full as they try to track down the killer before more men fall victim.
The balance between personal and professional, angst and dedication is well done in this series. All of the characters are developing well and in some ways it's an ensemble cast, despite a lot of the focus being on Grace. The plot is fast when it needs to be, detailed and thoughtful when there are things need exploring. The balancing act between these elements is well done and makes for an engaging, yet fast paced police procedural with tension, aggravation, and that most unlikely of things - a sympathetic and very sad serial killer.
The balance between personal and professional, angst and dedication is well done in this series. All of the characters are developing well and in some ways it's an ensemble cast, despite a lot of the focus being on Grace. The plot is fast when it needs to be, detailed and thoughtful when there are things need exploring. The balancing act between these elements is well done and makes for an engaging, yet fast paced police procedural with tension, aggravation, and that most unlikely of things - a sympathetic and very sad serial killer.
January 30, 2018
Barely putting down the first book to the Helen Grace Series, Eeny Meeny, Kaceey and I started reading this one and were soon were lost in the overgrown grassy and murky Coulee. There is plenty of action to this cat and mouse game that Helen and her colleagues were on with this sadistic killer in this game.
Pop goes the Weasel is a gripping, and disturbing entertaining story that soon became the favorite for the two for us. Even though this one was more gruesome and disturbing than the first in the series things just got better here for us with Helen and her colleagues. We loved how much more fascinating Helen became but still so much of her held back and we quickly became so engaged with these characters. We were very excited to see another of our favorite characters Detective Charlie Brooks back in for this story. We loved the relationship that started building between Helen and Charlie and felt ourselves wanting to leap out of the coulee cheering them on right to the end. We highly recommend.
For all my reviews featuring M.J. Arlidge please check out our Travelling Sister Blog
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
Pop goes the Weasel is a gripping, and disturbing entertaining story that soon became the favorite for the two for us. Even though this one was more gruesome and disturbing than the first in the series things just got better here for us with Helen and her colleagues. We loved how much more fascinating Helen became but still so much of her held back and we quickly became so engaged with these characters. We were very excited to see another of our favorite characters Detective Charlie Brooks back in for this story. We loved the relationship that started building between Helen and Charlie and felt ourselves wanting to leap out of the coulee cheering them on right to the end. We highly recommend.
For all my reviews featuring M.J. Arlidge please check out our Travelling Sister Blog
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
February 16, 2016
3.5 stars
Book 2 in the crime series featuring Detective Helen Grace picked up right where
left off, so I highly recommend for those considering to read this book that you read them in order. There are a lot of references that are important to know to help understand character relationships and development.
As in the first book, the author pushes the storyline forward with short, quick chapters-none lasting more than 5 pages. While I am usually a fan of short chapters, I think sometimes the plot was too heavy to wrap up things so quickly and it was a bit jarring at times.
This is also the second time the author has written a female antagonist. While the murders were cunning and disturbing, I found it interesting that once again there was a 'sympathetic' side shown to the killer, based on her upbringing and life experiences. When is it ever okay to entice, manipulate, abuse, then kill people with such horrific brutality?
This book did have some shining moments though, and while I'm not blown away with this series like I am with others, I haven't given up. I'm going to give book 3 a go and see if it helps make me a forever fan, or if it causes me to part ways with the confusing yet intriguing Detective Grace.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Book 2 in the crime series featuring Detective Helen Grace picked up right where
left off, so I highly recommend for those considering to read this book that you read them in order. There are a lot of references that are important to know to help understand character relationships and development. As in the first book, the author pushes the storyline forward with short, quick chapters-none lasting more than 5 pages. While I am usually a fan of short chapters, I think sometimes the plot was too heavy to wrap up things so quickly and it was a bit jarring at times.
This is also the second time the author has written a female antagonist. While the murders were cunning and disturbing, I found it interesting that once again there was a 'sympathetic' side shown to the killer, based on her upbringing and life experiences. When is it ever okay to entice, manipulate, abuse, then kill people with such horrific brutality?
This book did have some shining moments though, and while I'm not blown away with this series like I am with others, I haven't given up. I'm going to give book 3 a go and see if it helps make me a forever fan, or if it causes me to part ways with the confusing yet intriguing Detective Grace.
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 22, 2015
Sometimes I find a new author, a new series to follow that I think is absolutely terrific and give it a 5 star rating. Then I move onto the second book and it falls way short of my expectations. I really, really hate when that happens.
Fortunately, this is not one of those times. The second book in this series is just as good, if not better, than EENY MEENY (BK 1).
DI Helen Grace makes a wonderful series character. She has so many issues, but in such interesting ways. There is so much to her ... she has a need to keep everyone at a distance, yet she longs for someone to get close, be a friend. Her job means everything to her, even though she crosses the line from time to time. She may not be liked by her team, but she is respected.
Bodies of men are being found brutally murdered, with their hearts removed. These were all upstanding citizens in their communities found in areas that are mainly frequented by prostitutes. The first man's heart is delivered to his home for his wife to find. The second man's heart is delivered to his boss.
Helen has to find the connection that binds that victims together in order to find the killer.
The book is engaging starting with page 1 and does not let up until the very last word on the very last page.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys a well-written book about serial killers and/or crime, in general.
I won this book from FIRST TO READ while simultaneously being approved by NETGALLEY / PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW and the author. They have graciously supplied the digital book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Fortunately, this is not one of those times. The second book in this series is just as good, if not better, than EENY MEENY (BK 1).
DI Helen Grace makes a wonderful series character. She has so many issues, but in such interesting ways. There is so much to her ... she has a need to keep everyone at a distance, yet she longs for someone to get close, be a friend. Her job means everything to her, even though she crosses the line from time to time. She may not be liked by her team, but she is respected.
Bodies of men are being found brutally murdered, with their hearts removed. These were all upstanding citizens in their communities found in areas that are mainly frequented by prostitutes. The first man's heart is delivered to his home for his wife to find. The second man's heart is delivered to his boss.
Helen has to find the connection that binds that victims together in order to find the killer.
The book is engaging starting with page 1 and does not let up until the very last word on the very last page.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys a well-written book about serial killers and/or crime, in general.
I won this book from FIRST TO READ while simultaneously being approved by NETGALLEY / PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW and the author. They have graciously supplied the digital book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 21, 2016
What can I say I'll just shout this out I just LOVE this series Pop Goes The Weasel was brilliant in the way the plot was so well developed all the gang are back to solve an horrendous murder then we see Helen's character develop even further, she has to fight to be heard & was on the outer with Emilia the journo who I might say was one of the most annoying characters in the book.
The ending was brilliant blew me away I just hope No 3 is just as engrossing as this was , just Hope Emilia is long gone in the follow up 5 BIG FAT *S
The ending was brilliant blew me away I just hope No 3 is just as engrossing as this was , just Hope Emilia is long gone in the follow up 5 BIG FAT *S
August 31, 2020
This is turning into a really good police procedural series which has everything you'd expect in terms of fast pace, grim crime scenes and a shocking reveal.
I flew through this in just a few days. Although its part of a series it could be read as a standalone.
I flew through this in just a few days. Although its part of a series it could be read as a standalone.
September 24, 2015
Pop Goes the Weasel: A DI Helen Grace Thriller by M. J. Arlidge is a 2015 NAL publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A dark, intense, gritty, edge of your seat thriller!
This is the second book in the Helen Grace series and if you have not read the first book, I highly recommend you read it before starting this one, since the story pretty much picks up where the last one left off and there are spoilers.
As you may recall, Helen and her team were put to a real test with a heart pounding. race against time. chase to catch a serial killer.
Now, Helen is back on the job, (!!!), and trying to put the shattered pieces of her life back in order. But, the dynamic has changed with the entire squad under new leadership making Helen's life a pure misery, not to mention her old friend with the press who seems to have a personal vendetta against Helen, practically stalking her.
But, Helen doesn't have a great deal of time to address the political areas of her job because there is another serial on the lose and this time the target appears to be family men who hire prostitutes.
Any time the sex trade is under the microscope, you know things are going to be rough. The perverted depravity of men who claim to be good, faithful, family men will have their dark secret revealed, exposing their hypocrisy, and anyone could be the next victim.
I was incredibly impressed with Eeny Meany, the first book in the series, and of course we all know that when a debut novel is that good, the bar has been set and the second book will have some mighty big shoes to fill.
I am happy to report that not only did this novel maintain the level of excellence I was hoping for, but may have even exceeded it a bit. While the taut, sweaty palms, suspense in Eeny Meany isn't as prevalent in this book, the writing and characterization has really developed giving the reader a very realistic and human insight into the lives of the detectives working this case, which the media as dubbed “Jack the Ripper in Reverse”.
Tony and Charlie both have compelling story lines which expose the raw underbelly of human needs and the pressures of family and work, which can lead to tough choices and decisions.
But, Helen once again steals the show. This is one tough cookie, let me tell you. She's still relying on her special friend, still dealing with the emotional repercussions of the past, and coping with her fragile position on the force. Helen is one of the most puzzling and complex characters I have come across in a long time and I'm very curious to know what else, besides the obvious, lies behind some of her more bizarre behaviors. I really like her, warts and all.
The author doesn't sugarcoat the characters, the crimes, the drama, or the politics. It's so real, so dark, so suspenseful it feels like it's really happening, which made me squirm a little from time to time. I was pulled so deeply into the story, was so invested in the character's lives, and so absorbed by the twisted, sick games of a sadistic killer, I had to remind myself to breathe. The twist and turns took me where I sometimes didn't want to go, but then led me around a corner to an even more startling revelation. I could never have guessed how all of this would turn out, but at least this time Helen is given a slight reprieve in the end. She may not have long to bask in it, but I feel like she got her mojo back a little and will be a formidable force to be reckoned with in the future.
This is an outstanding series, highly recommended to those who read very dark, graphic, violent thrillers that explores the darker side of human nature, not only of the bad guys, but good guys as well.
4.5 stars
A dark, intense, gritty, edge of your seat thriller!
This is the second book in the Helen Grace series and if you have not read the first book, I highly recommend you read it before starting this one, since the story pretty much picks up where the last one left off and there are spoilers.
As you may recall, Helen and her team were put to a real test with a heart pounding. race against time. chase to catch a serial killer.
Now, Helen is back on the job, (!!!), and trying to put the shattered pieces of her life back in order. But, the dynamic has changed with the entire squad under new leadership making Helen's life a pure misery, not to mention her old friend with the press who seems to have a personal vendetta against Helen, practically stalking her.
But, Helen doesn't have a great deal of time to address the political areas of her job because there is another serial on the lose and this time the target appears to be family men who hire prostitutes.
Any time the sex trade is under the microscope, you know things are going to be rough. The perverted depravity of men who claim to be good, faithful, family men will have their dark secret revealed, exposing their hypocrisy, and anyone could be the next victim.
I was incredibly impressed with Eeny Meany, the first book in the series, and of course we all know that when a debut novel is that good, the bar has been set and the second book will have some mighty big shoes to fill.
I am happy to report that not only did this novel maintain the level of excellence I was hoping for, but may have even exceeded it a bit. While the taut, sweaty palms, suspense in Eeny Meany isn't as prevalent in this book, the writing and characterization has really developed giving the reader a very realistic and human insight into the lives of the detectives working this case, which the media as dubbed “Jack the Ripper in Reverse”.
Tony and Charlie both have compelling story lines which expose the raw underbelly of human needs and the pressures of family and work, which can lead to tough choices and decisions.
But, Helen once again steals the show. This is one tough cookie, let me tell you. She's still relying on her special friend, still dealing with the emotional repercussions of the past, and coping with her fragile position on the force. Helen is one of the most puzzling and complex characters I have come across in a long time and I'm very curious to know what else, besides the obvious, lies behind some of her more bizarre behaviors. I really like her, warts and all.
The author doesn't sugarcoat the characters, the crimes, the drama, or the politics. It's so real, so dark, so suspenseful it feels like it's really happening, which made me squirm a little from time to time. I was pulled so deeply into the story, was so invested in the character's lives, and so absorbed by the twisted, sick games of a sadistic killer, I had to remind myself to breathe. The twist and turns took me where I sometimes didn't want to go, but then led me around a corner to an even more startling revelation. I could never have guessed how all of this would turn out, but at least this time Helen is given a slight reprieve in the end. She may not have long to bask in it, but I feel like she got her mojo back a little and will be a formidable force to be reckoned with in the future.
This is an outstanding series, highly recommended to those who read very dark, graphic, violent thrillers that explores the darker side of human nature, not only of the bad guys, but good guys as well.
4.5 stars
July 19, 2016
In this sensational follow-up novel, Arlidge leads readers down the path with another psychological thriller that does not let up until the final sentence. Taking place a year after events in the previous novel, DI Helen Grace is back to work with a somewhat newly constituted team, as well as a new superior. When a man is found brutally murdered in a flop house, his heart cut from his body, Grace and the team commence their investigation. The organ is soon shipped to the family's doorstep, where a distraught wife is left to discover how sadistic the killer really can be. Soon, another man is found murdered in the same fashion, which pushes the investigation into the world of prostitution and unsuspecting johns. In a form of reverse Jack the Ripper, it appears as though a prostitute is brutally killing men out for a dalliance, though no clear motive or clues emerge. While she juggles this case, Grace is forced to handle a new Detective Superintendent as her superior, one who seeks to hover and garner all the praise. If that were not enough, the press is hounding the authorities for answers, with one honing in on Grace and using her to gain exclusive access. Digging into the deepest secrets that Grace possesses, this journalist seeks to gain the upper hand. As the reader soon learns (if it were not apparent), no one messes with Helen Grace and gets away with it. As the investigation turns up some solid leads, choices are made amongst the team members to gain the advantage, some successful and others utterly disastrous. Chasing the best lead she has, Grace is all but certain to make an arrest before it comes crashing down on her. However, intuitive reasoning might help her catch a killer, unless her independent streak puts her in the crosshairs of a prostitute with nothing to lose. A must-read for those who loved Eeny Meeny and the reader who finds solace (or excitement) in a psychological thriller.
Arlidge uses a strong writing style to create a second novel that has parts that might be even more sadistic than the first. With a strong premise, the story flows extremely well and the short chapters force the reader to forge on, hanging at the end of every break and needing to learn just a little more. As with the previous novel, the characters presented herein come with their own backstories, most of which are developed as the case progresses and some of whom ever pull at the reader's heartstrings. This allows the reader to feel invested in the process and those who push the plot forward. Building on some of the past secrets revealed about Helen Grace, the reader learns a little more and discovers how she cuts the pressure of her work life with something completely taboo, while also remaining invested in processing the fallout from the previous novel's revelations. Arlidge does all this while ramping up the gore, the mind games, and the demand for more mental games to catch a killer. How a reader could walk away from this novel and not beg for more DI Helen Grace is beyond me. I am eternally grateful I can binge read them and have the third in the series all ready for quick consumption.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge for crafting this series. I can see past the gore and into the darkest depths of where you want to take the reader, and I want a front row seat!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Arlidge uses a strong writing style to create a second novel that has parts that might be even more sadistic than the first. With a strong premise, the story flows extremely well and the short chapters force the reader to forge on, hanging at the end of every break and needing to learn just a little more. As with the previous novel, the characters presented herein come with their own backstories, most of which are developed as the case progresses and some of whom ever pull at the reader's heartstrings. This allows the reader to feel invested in the process and those who push the plot forward. Building on some of the past secrets revealed about Helen Grace, the reader learns a little more and discovers how she cuts the pressure of her work life with something completely taboo, while also remaining invested in processing the fallout from the previous novel's revelations. Arlidge does all this while ramping up the gore, the mind games, and the demand for more mental games to catch a killer. How a reader could walk away from this novel and not beg for more DI Helen Grace is beyond me. I am eternally grateful I can binge read them and have the third in the series all ready for quick consumption.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge for crafting this series. I can see past the gore and into the darkest depths of where you want to take the reader, and I want a front row seat!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 25, 2019
I finished the book but I didn't like it much. Even less than book 1 so I decided not to go on with the rest of the series.
June 2, 2018
Brilliant second book to this series.love the characters of this book looking forward to the next book.this one about men being murdered who are involved in prostituting the killer leaving a box containing part of the victim to there family.great read.
February 20, 2018
Un singur colet și existența ta, aparent banală, este dată peste cap pentru totdeauna. O soție devotată, mamă iubitoare, găsește într-o dimineață, în pragul ușii un colet sinistru, în care găsește inima soțui său. În același timp, într-o casă dărăpănată, dintr-un cartier rău famat din Southampton, populat de prostituate, proxeneți și traficanți de droguri, este găsit trupul gol al unui bărbat, legat de pat și fără inimă.
Inspectoarea Helen Grace își continuă munca în secția de poliție din Southampton. Deși a trecut aproape un an de la șirul de crime care a zguduit orașul și a încercat din răsputeri să treacă peste toate bârfele de birou, Helen nu este sigură pe ea. Are un nou superior, Ceri Harwood, care preia atribuțiile coruptului Whittaker, dar care nu pare să fie pe aceeași lungime de undă cu Helen. De fapt, Helen o suspectează că privește această poziție drept o simplă treaptă pentru avansare.
Recenzia mea completa este aici http://www.cititornecunoscut.ro/2018/...
Inspectoarea Helen Grace își continuă munca în secția de poliție din Southampton. Deși a trecut aproape un an de la șirul de crime care a zguduit orașul și a încercat din răsputeri să treacă peste toate bârfele de birou, Helen nu este sigură pe ea. Are un nou superior, Ceri Harwood, care preia atribuțiile coruptului Whittaker, dar care nu pare să fie pe aceeași lungime de undă cu Helen. De fapt, Helen o suspectează că privește această poziție drept o simplă treaptă pentru avansare.
Recenzia mea completa este aici http://www.cititornecunoscut.ro/2018/...
November 3, 2016
Gostei bastante deste livro. No seguimento do 1º deste autor, continuamos com emoção e suspense, na resolução de crimes cometidos por um serial killer. Capítulos curtos, escrita fluida, que prende do inicio ao fim. Mas tenho de confessar, gostei mais do 1º... mas lá em casa já estão o 3º e o 4º livro desta saga. Ansiosa por os ler :)
November 11, 2016
Freaking fantastic book! Oh my goodness, I did not think the next book following Eeny Meeny would be this good, in my opinion this is better, much better so that's a high bit of praise indeed. Crime is my most loved and certainly most read genre, I can't get enough of it, so a fresh new author in the mix is really exciting.
Detective Inspector Helen Grace is BACK in this book, now firstly, let me say if you have not read Eeny Meeny this book does have spoilers in it about the first book, big ones, so if you read this first, when reading Eeny Meeny you are going to know the ending.
As I say, she's back, she is over the trauma (mostly) of what she went through in Eeny Meeny and she's got her eyes on the job. She has plenty to keep her busy with a killer on the loose in Pop Goes the Weasel. This killer means business and is not holding back on the gory gut churning killing spree they are on.
A man is found murdered in a derelict house frequently used by cheap prostitutes for entertaining their clients, he is not just murdered, he's cut open, like an autopsy the wrong way around and his heart has been clean cut removed. Gone. The words "don't go breaking my heart" come to mind.
The heart turns up, at his home, where he lived, delivered for his wife and family to see. Shock factor is high in this book. Not a very nice special delivery that one. But this is only just the beginning. This killer has a lot more messages and deliveries to make.
The police procedural elements in this book are good, as are the dynamics and the drama between working members of the police unit. It's very realistic in that a lot of the characters are flawed and the relationships between them are too. It's real world stuff. The work place is never all smooth sailing.
DI Helen Grace is a wonderfully written and flawed character, we get insights to her thinking process and human side as well as watching her do her thing really bloody well on the job. But she's not perfect, and boy there are some great scenes in this book when her facade comes tumbling down. Fantastic stuff.
The killer seems to be targeting men who frequent prostitutes and the investigation slowly brings information to the police of who they are looking for, the why of the killings will come much later. The killer is getting better and better at carving up the victims, practice makes perfect right? If you are at all squeamish, you might want to skip those bits. I have read much worse in crime books however.
The plot is tight and fast paced, I could not put the book down, just when the police seem to have things worked out, it flips and they are back at square one in this frustrating hunt for a vicious serial killer on a mission to prove one hell of a point. It's well written, it holds your attention, it grabs the imagination and you just gotta hold on for the ride.
I loved this, I loved it more than Eeny Meeny, I think it's better written, I think the characters are stronger and just overall it's a notch up for me. If the author keeps on writing at this level or even can keep going up a notch I am a fan and happy to read any book written.
If you have not read Eeny Meeny, do so first, get both together and have a double sitting of M.J. Arlidge, D.I. Helen Grace and the killers they hunt. You won't be bored, I promise. Brilliant book, loved it and a very easy 5 stars from this crime fan.
Detective Inspector Helen Grace is BACK in this book, now firstly, let me say if you have not read Eeny Meeny this book does have spoilers in it about the first book, big ones, so if you read this first, when reading Eeny Meeny you are going to know the ending.
As I say, she's back, she is over the trauma (mostly) of what she went through in Eeny Meeny and she's got her eyes on the job. She has plenty to keep her busy with a killer on the loose in Pop Goes the Weasel. This killer means business and is not holding back on the gory gut churning killing spree they are on.
A man is found murdered in a derelict house frequently used by cheap prostitutes for entertaining their clients, he is not just murdered, he's cut open, like an autopsy the wrong way around and his heart has been clean cut removed. Gone. The words "don't go breaking my heart" come to mind.
The heart turns up, at his home, where he lived, delivered for his wife and family to see. Shock factor is high in this book. Not a very nice special delivery that one. But this is only just the beginning. This killer has a lot more messages and deliveries to make.
The police procedural elements in this book are good, as are the dynamics and the drama between working members of the police unit. It's very realistic in that a lot of the characters are flawed and the relationships between them are too. It's real world stuff. The work place is never all smooth sailing.
DI Helen Grace is a wonderfully written and flawed character, we get insights to her thinking process and human side as well as watching her do her thing really bloody well on the job. But she's not perfect, and boy there are some great scenes in this book when her facade comes tumbling down. Fantastic stuff.
The killer seems to be targeting men who frequent prostitutes and the investigation slowly brings information to the police of who they are looking for, the why of the killings will come much later. The killer is getting better and better at carving up the victims, practice makes perfect right? If you are at all squeamish, you might want to skip those bits. I have read much worse in crime books however.
The plot is tight and fast paced, I could not put the book down, just when the police seem to have things worked out, it flips and they are back at square one in this frustrating hunt for a vicious serial killer on a mission to prove one hell of a point. It's well written, it holds your attention, it grabs the imagination and you just gotta hold on for the ride.
I loved this, I loved it more than Eeny Meeny, I think it's better written, I think the characters are stronger and just overall it's a notch up for me. If the author keeps on writing at this level or even can keep going up a notch I am a fan and happy to read any book written.
If you have not read Eeny Meeny, do so first, get both together and have a double sitting of M.J. Arlidge, D.I. Helen Grace and the killers they hunt. You won't be bored, I promise. Brilliant book, loved it and a very easy 5 stars from this crime fan.
November 8, 2017
Το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς σίγουρα είναι καλύτερο από το πρώτο. Η γραφή έχει βελτιωθεί όπως επίσης και οι χαρακτήρες και όλα έχουν ένα μεγαλύτερο βάθος σε αυτό το βιβλίο. Αυτή τη φορά δίνεται αρκετή σημασία σε λεπτομέρειες τύπου «ποιος» και «γιατί».
Οι δολοφονίες είναι και πάλι ανατριχιαστικές (το έχει το θεματάκι του ο συγγραφέας τελικά) οπότε όποιος δεν μπορεί καθόλου τις σκηνές βίας, θα πρέπει να προσπεράσει κάποιες σελίδες!
Εάν έχετε αρχίσει το πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς με πρωταγωνίστρια την Έλεν Γκρέις και έχετε αμφιβολίες για το αν θα συνεχίσετε με τα επόμενα βιβλία, κακώς τις έχετε! Όποιος τελειώσει με το «Α μπε μπα μπλομ», το καλύτερο που έχει να κάνει είναι να συνεχίσει με το «Γύρω γύρω όλοι»!
Πάμε τώρα στο «Σπίτι με τις κούκλες».
Οι δολοφονίες είναι και πάλι ανατριχιαστικές (το έχει το θεματάκι του ο συγγραφέας τελικά) οπότε όποιος δεν μπορεί καθόλου τις σκηνές βίας, θα πρέπει να προσπεράσει κάποιες σελίδες!
Εάν έχετε αρχίσει το πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς με πρωταγωνίστρια την Έλεν Γκρέις και έχετε αμφιβολίες για το αν θα συνεχίσετε με τα επόμενα βιβλία, κακώς τις έχετε! Όποιος τελειώσει με το «Α μπε μπα μπλομ», το καλύτερο που έχει να κάνει είναι να συνεχίσει με το «Γύρω γύρω όλοι»!
Πάμε τώρα στο «Σπίτι με τις κούκλες».
October 31, 2014
Detective Inspector Helen Grace returned to the job quickly after her last explosive case, but she was still having major issues. But when they were called to the dilapidated and abandoned building which was frequented by drug users and prostitutes alike, Grace didn’t expect the horror they would face. The dreadful mutilation was brutal – with the victim’s heart having been removed in an amateurish fashion there was blood was everywhere. But worse was to come when his worried wife received a parcel at the front door to their home…
The investigation found the man wasn’t what his wife and family had believed – there were secrets and lies; the need to uncover them made the investigative team cringe. And when another body was found under similar circumstances, with his heart being delivered to his place of work, Grace was terrified but certain this was the work of a sadistic and psychotic serial killer.
With the media involved and seeming to know pertinent points almost before the police, Grace felt she was being attacked from all sides. But shrug it off she must – this serial killer had to be stopped, and it seemed to be up to her. Would she find this killer before another body was found?
I struggled with this book. The editing issues were immense, starting almost from the very first page. With paragraphs running into each other, no breaks for change of scene or character, I was forever having to read back to see who was talking, and where we were in the story. It was confusing to say the least, and broke the flow of the story continually. I ended up skimming from at least half way… I understand that it is a review copy, so of course there would be a few errors – I didn’t expect them to be this bad though.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
The investigation found the man wasn’t what his wife and family had believed – there were secrets and lies; the need to uncover them made the investigative team cringe. And when another body was found under similar circumstances, with his heart being delivered to his place of work, Grace was terrified but certain this was the work of a sadistic and psychotic serial killer.
With the media involved and seeming to know pertinent points almost before the police, Grace felt she was being attacked from all sides. But shrug it off she must – this serial killer had to be stopped, and it seemed to be up to her. Would she find this killer before another body was found?
I struggled with this book. The editing issues were immense, starting almost from the very first page. With paragraphs running into each other, no breaks for change of scene or character, I was forever having to read back to see who was talking, and where we were in the story. It was confusing to say the least, and broke the flow of the story continually. I ended up skimming from at least half way… I understand that it is a review copy, so of course there would be a few errors – I didn’t expect them to be this bad though.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
May 15, 2016
This is M. J. Arlidge's second novel, and I think it's fantastic. My only problem was that I couldn't recall all the history of the characters from the first book, Eeny Meeny, but that didn't affect my enjoyment.
Helen, Charlie, Tony, and the rest of the crew work well together. Helen's new supervisor was a piece of work, as was the journalist, and neither of them appear to have suffered any consequences. The investigation was multifaceted with Tony undercover and others sent to check on things. I liked how the author kept them in touch with each other. Of course, it had its dead ends, turns, ups and downs. The story was heartbreaking once the truth came out.
There was one loose end involving Robert that might mean he shows up in a future book. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
Helen, Charlie, Tony, and the rest of the crew work well together. Helen's new supervisor was a piece of work, as was the journalist, and neither of them appear to have suffered any consequences. The investigation was multifaceted with Tony undercover and others sent to check on things. I liked how the author kept them in touch with each other. Of course, it had its dead ends, turns, ups and downs. The story was heartbreaking once the truth came out.
There was one loose end involving Robert that might mean he shows up in a future book. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
October 17, 2016
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv-8j...
Foi o segundo livro que li do Arlidge e embore o compare muito ao primeiro, gostei menos deste.
O thriller é intrigante e lê-se muito bem mas não achei nada de especial.
Não consigo criar grande empatia pelas personagens, principalmente pela Helen Grace...
Penso que tão depressa não leio Arlidge...
Foi o segundo livro que li do Arlidge e embore o compare muito ao primeiro, gostei menos deste.
O thriller é intrigante e lê-se muito bem mas não achei nada de especial.
Não consigo criar grande empatia pelas personagens, principalmente pela Helen Grace...
Penso que tão depressa não leio Arlidge...
August 10, 2021
Sincer va spun, nu cred ca o sa ma dezamageasca vreo carte scrisa de Arlidge. A fost la fel de buna ca primul volum - ok, primul a avut si elementul de "wow, ce pisici citesc?" dar si volumul acesta m-a surprins in mod placut :)
A fost o continuare a povestii, dar consider ca volumele se pot citi si ca romane de sine statoare - vorbesc de ce s-a intamplat in trecut, e normal, dar nu e foarte naspa daca sari volumele. Zic eu.
In volumul acesta avem un criminal care ucide barbatii care isi inseala nevestele si care trimite ulterior inimile lor catre sotiile indurerate.
Am adorat relatarea povestii, ritmul alert, dar si introspectiile personajelor - atat ale lui Helen, cat si a lui Charlie.
Stateam asa cu frica pentru personajele astea + altele de care m-am atasat.. daca se intampla ceva, daca mor, daca nu stiu ce? :)) La cum scrie Arlidge, ma pot astepta la orice.
Lectura a mers repede, cum ziceam, nu am simtit acele 400 de pagini - povestea te tine in priza si te face mai curios pagina dupa pagina. Iar la sfarsit, ramai cu multe intrebari si ganduri- aaa, deci asta era acolo, si de asta face X ceva.. si tot asa :)) Unele lucruri se leaga la sfarsit asa de bine!
Si totul se imbina intr-un crime veritabil!
Am cunoscut si personajele mai bine si am prins drag de ele - chiar si de reporterita imi place, ce surpriza! :)) E enervanta, marsava dar e inteligenta. De Helen nici nu mai zic - e super desteapta.
Va recomand din toata inima (ma cutremur cand vorbesc de inimi dat fiind subiectul cartii:))) chiar daca cititi thriler chiar daca nu.
Mare atentie! Da dependenta :)
A fost o continuare a povestii, dar consider ca volumele se pot citi si ca romane de sine statoare - vorbesc de ce s-a intamplat in trecut, e normal, dar nu e foarte naspa daca sari volumele. Zic eu.
In volumul acesta avem un criminal care ucide barbatii care isi inseala nevestele si care trimite ulterior inimile lor catre sotiile indurerate.
Am adorat relatarea povestii, ritmul alert, dar si introspectiile personajelor - atat ale lui Helen, cat si a lui Charlie.
Stateam asa cu frica pentru personajele astea + altele de care m-am atasat.. daca se intampla ceva, daca mor, daca nu stiu ce? :)) La cum scrie Arlidge, ma pot astepta la orice.
Lectura a mers repede, cum ziceam, nu am simtit acele 400 de pagini - povestea te tine in priza si te face mai curios pagina dupa pagina. Iar la sfarsit, ramai cu multe intrebari si ganduri- aaa, deci asta era acolo, si de asta face X ceva.. si tot asa :)) Unele lucruri se leaga la sfarsit asa de bine!
Si totul se imbina intr-un crime veritabil!
Am cunoscut si personajele mai bine si am prins drag de ele - chiar si de reporterita imi place, ce surpriza! :)) E enervanta, marsava dar e inteligenta. De Helen nici nu mai zic - e super desteapta.
Va recomand din toata inima (ma cutremur cand vorbesc de inimi dat fiind subiectul cartii:))) chiar daca cititi thriler chiar daca nu.
Mare atentie! Da dependenta :)
February 19, 2016
So, we come to book two in the series and for me this was a better read.
A male body turns up dead in a red light district with his heart missing which is then delivered to his wife at home in a package. Shocking in the extreme, the case is taken on by DI Grace. More bodies are discovered also in prostitution areas which leads to the MIT team concluding they have another serial killer on their hands. More bodies, more missing parts delivered to loved ones - why?
Characters from the previous book are carried through into this one and I would recommend reading these books in order otherwise spoilers from book two will detract your enjoyment from book one. We do meet one new character in the shape of Grace's boss who on the surface looks like a team player, however, all is not always as it would appear. What I really liked is that DI Grace's character is more fleshed out in this book as we discover more about her, what drives her and for me her character becomes more likable as a result. The pace again is very fast and kept me racing through the pages. The culmination is sad and almost understandable which sounds odd about the discovery of a serial killer, but once the pieces fall into place, empathy is felt.
I very much enjoyed this book, much more so than book one and because I was still in the zone went straight onto book three.
Highly recommend.
A male body turns up dead in a red light district with his heart missing which is then delivered to his wife at home in a package. Shocking in the extreme, the case is taken on by DI Grace. More bodies are discovered also in prostitution areas which leads to the MIT team concluding they have another serial killer on their hands. More bodies, more missing parts delivered to loved ones - why?
Characters from the previous book are carried through into this one and I would recommend reading these books in order otherwise spoilers from book two will detract your enjoyment from book one. We do meet one new character in the shape of Grace's boss who on the surface looks like a team player, however, all is not always as it would appear. What I really liked is that DI Grace's character is more fleshed out in this book as we discover more about her, what drives her and for me her character becomes more likable as a result. The pace again is very fast and kept me racing through the pages. The culmination is sad and almost understandable which sounds odd about the discovery of a serial killer, but once the pieces fall into place, empathy is felt.
I very much enjoyed this book, much more so than book one and because I was still in the zone went straight onto book three.
Highly recommend.
February 6, 2017
The second book in the Helen Grace series is as good as the first book. The characters evolve and Helen is more humane and realizing that her past is her past and she trying to live the moment and help.
A serial killer strikes again
The victims are married men who enjoy prostitutes
A search takes place
The killer is on the loose and time is of an essence
A serial killer strikes again
The victims are married men who enjoy prostitutes
A search takes place
The killer is on the loose and time is of an essence
June 28, 2021
Mejor que el primero.
Entretenido y devorable.
Entretenido y devorable.
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