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Death Trap
FROM THE BESTSELLING AND CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF SPARE ROOM, GANGLAND GIRLS TRLIOGY and the FLESH AND BLOOD SERIES
Dreda Say Mitchell was awarded an MBE in Her Majesty The Queen's 2020 New Year's Honours List
'Dreda Say Mitchell has been flying the flag for crime writing for years' BERNARDINE EVARISTO, author of Girl, Woman, Other , winner of the Booker Prize 2019
PRAISE FOR DEATH
'Breathless from the first word and thrilling to the last' LEE CHILD
'Wonderful vivid writing and a truly original voice' PETER JAMES
Teenager Nikki Bell is the only witness to the brutal murder of two members of her family and their cleaner. She's lucky to be alive. But the murder isn't a one-off. It's part of a bigger, more violent attack planned on affluent families in the area - and now Nikki, as the only living witness, is a dangerous threat to the well-orchestrated scheme.
As the net draws tighter around the killers, DI Rio Wray must do whatever it takes to keep Nikki alive. But when you're dealing with criminals, there's no line they won't cross . . . In a kill-or-be-killed-world, who will be first to pull the trigger?
Praise for Dreda Say
'As good as it gets' Lee Child
'Thrilling' Sunday Express Books of the Year
'Awesome tale from a talented writer' Sun
'Fast-paced and full of twists and turns. ' Crime Scene Magazine
Dreda Say Mitchell was awarded an MBE in Her Majesty The Queen's 2020 New Year's Honours List
'Dreda Say Mitchell has been flying the flag for crime writing for years' BERNARDINE EVARISTO, author of Girl, Woman, Other , winner of the Booker Prize 2019
PRAISE FOR DEATH
'Breathless from the first word and thrilling to the last' LEE CHILD
'Wonderful vivid writing and a truly original voice' PETER JAMES
Teenager Nikki Bell is the only witness to the brutal murder of two members of her family and their cleaner. She's lucky to be alive. But the murder isn't a one-off. It's part of a bigger, more violent attack planned on affluent families in the area - and now Nikki, as the only living witness, is a dangerous threat to the well-orchestrated scheme.
As the net draws tighter around the killers, DI Rio Wray must do whatever it takes to keep Nikki alive. But when you're dealing with criminals, there's no line they won't cross . . . In a kill-or-be-killed-world, who will be first to pull the trigger?
Praise for Dreda Say
'As good as it gets' Lee Child
'Thrilling' Sunday Express Books of the Year
'Awesome tale from a talented writer' Sun
'Fast-paced and full of twists and turns. ' Crime Scene Magazine
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2015
34 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Dreda Say Mitchell
46 books520 followersHer Majesty, The Queen appointed Dreda an MBE in her 2020 New Year’s Honours’ List. Dreda scooped the CWA’s John Creasey Dagger in 2004, the first time a Black British author has received this honour. Dreda and Ryan write across the crime and mystery genre – psychological thrillers, gritty gangland crime and fast-paced action books Spare Room, their first psychological thriller was a #1 UK and US Amazon Bestseller. Dreda is one of twelve acclaimed and bestselling international female writers contributing to a new Miss Marple anthology. Dreda is a passionate campaigner and speaker on social issues and the arts. She has been a frequent guest on television and radio including BBC Breakfast,, Celebrity Pointless and Celebrity Eggheads, The Stephen Nolan Show, Front Row and Woman’s Hour. She has presented Radio 4’s flagship books programme, Open Book. Dreda was named one of Britain’s 50 Remarkable Women by Lady Geek in association with Nokia. She was the 2011 chair of the Theakston Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival. Dreda was born and raised in the East End of London where she continues to live. Dreda’s family are from the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada and her name is pronounced with a long ‘ee’ sound in the middle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 6, 2018
This is my first thriller by this author that I have read. I thought it was an extremely well written fast-moving thriller.
Sixteen-year-old Nikki Bell dreamed of different ways to kill her parents. With her iPad she was on Yakkety-yak the local social networking craze, talking to people who gave her ideas in how to kill her parents. Of course she didn’t really want to kill them she was just sick to the death of them going on at her.
Breathless from the first word and thrilling to the last.
September 19, 2016
This is the second full length novel involving Dreda Say Mitchell's detective Rio Wray.
When someone is looking for crime novels, one could certainly do worse than Mitchell's books - far worse.
Her novels are well-written, enjoyable crime novels with compelling characters. In this installment, Wray is investigating a series of home invasions that are growing more violent. In the opening, a young lady witnesses the violence while hidden and Wray works to solve these crimes before they continue.
Mitchell continues to introduce interesting characters with depth.
My only complaint is that this series of books continue to draw out sub-plots that might be better dealt with rather than continuing to keep them a mystery.
Still, this series is enjoyable, with future books well anticipated.
When someone is looking for crime novels, one could certainly do worse than Mitchell's books - far worse.
Her novels are well-written, enjoyable crime novels with compelling characters. In this installment, Wray is investigating a series of home invasions that are growing more violent. In the opening, a young lady witnesses the violence while hidden and Wray works to solve these crimes before they continue.
Mitchell continues to introduce interesting characters with depth.
My only complaint is that this series of books continue to draw out sub-plots that might be better dealt with rather than continuing to keep them a mystery.
Still, this series is enjoyable, with future books well anticipated.
January 21, 2016
This thriller begins with Nikki Bell on her ipad fantasising the many ways in which her parents should die, often an activity engaged in by angst ridden teens. The only problem is that does happen to Nikki, beginning with the murder of her aunt and uncle and their cleaner to which she is the only witness and then her entire family is wiped out. The sassy DI Wray, with the help of Calum Burns and Jack Strong investigates. She discovers that there is hit contract out on Nikki to be fulfilled in 5 days.
Whilst investigating the green belt gang that targets affluent families, Rio Wray tries to protect Nikki the best she can. Numerous obstacles are placed in her way and amidst a rising body count she finds herself suspended. This does not stop her pursuing the truth. Amidst a myriad of twists she finds the truth. However, can justice be served? The author gives us two alternate endings. Whilst some aspects of the novel are uneven, this is a thrilling gore infested roller coaster of a story. It is compulsive and gripping.
Whilst investigating the green belt gang that targets affluent families, Rio Wray tries to protect Nikki the best she can. Numerous obstacles are placed in her way and amidst a rising body count she finds herself suspended. This does not stop her pursuing the truth. Amidst a myriad of twists she finds the truth. However, can justice be served? The author gives us two alternate endings. Whilst some aspects of the novel are uneven, this is a thrilling gore infested roller coaster of a story. It is compulsive and gripping.
April 6, 2017
I was so disappointed with this book. I absolutely loved Vendetta (the first in this series of books) and this one just failed to live up to my expectations. I know this is contrary to the general consensus of reviews on here but I struggled to want to finish this book. Vendetta brilliant, this one not so much. A shame.
December 17, 2016
Terribly badly written with awful errors of grammar and spelling. Got to half way, then gave up.
November 2, 2018
Very childish and far fetched not very realistic.
March 13, 2025
Picked this up for 50p in a charity shop on a whim, took it on my night shift and I WAS HOOKED.
Thrillers aren’t my 1st choice (usually romance) very often but this story was engaging and kept you wanting more. The characters are likeable and the mystery left me unable to put this book down!
Spoilers below
The ONLY thing I didn’t like was the lack of conclusion for Calum and Rio’s marriage, I so badly wanted them to reconcile (but I guess that’s the Lover Girly in me)
Thrillers aren’t my 1st choice (usually romance) very often but this story was engaging and kept you wanting more. The characters are likeable and the mystery left me unable to put this book down!
Spoilers below
The ONLY thing I didn’t like was the lack of conclusion for Calum and Rio’s marriage, I so badly wanted them to reconcile (but I guess that’s the Lover Girly in me)
May 17, 2019
A series of burglaries with increasing violence the last raid ends in the executions of a husband and wife and their cleaner but unknown to the assailants there was a witness who survived. Now someone has paid for a hit on her. The race to find the gang and prevent the death of the witness is on. Great writing.
August 29, 2018
I loved this book. I enjoyed the characters and the quirkiness of their lives; I’d love to have Rio round for a glass or 2 of wine and have a good chat with her - just loved her within a few pages. DSM has given us another brilliant book.
September 18, 2020
Exciting
I have discovered this amazing author and have now read three of her books each one completely different. Two psychological thrillers and one killer book . Each one has an exiting ending. It's a can't put it down book
I have discovered this amazing author and have now read three of her books each one completely different. Two psychological thrillers and one killer book . Each one has an exiting ending. It's a can't put it down book
July 1, 2021
this book is very well written with a heck of alot of plot twists which could never see coming, right from the first line i was hooked and trying to predict the ending lmao its an amazing insight on police force for me too however its very fast paced which i loved !!
November 12, 2022
Good story on the whole but I did feel that not everything was explained at the end and I didn’t like the alternative ending, not sure why it is there really especially if you’re planning a sequel, which ending would you base it on!
August 2, 2017
Yes, found another good author, to add to my list, great thriller.
November 15, 2017
Very gripping and good Read
Gripping read could not put it down can't wait for more good reads would happily tell people about this book
Gripping read could not put it down can't wait for more good reads would happily tell people about this book
December 24, 2020
Good and fast paced but I could do without the sexual tension between Rio and Jack…
January 3, 2021
Good read, fast moving, you get tired reading it. Worthwhile read, needs a bit more character development, all characters are so predictable.
June 29, 2022
A great book but disappointed there were two endings. The 2nd ending was a little far fetched but a great read.
October 12, 2015
I was so excited to get this book and after reading Vendetta and wanting to read more about DI Rio Wray. She is back and with a whole book dedicated to her we get to see what she is all about. This latest book features the young teenager Nikki Bell. Her home situation is that of a normal teenager, where her IPad is more important than anyone or anything. When two of her family are murdered in cold blood and she becomes the only living witness her life becomes extremely complicated.
Rio Wray is actually NOT the typical ‘I live by my own rules’ kind of copper and I have to say it made a refreshing change. She is one that plays by the book and does things in accordance with the law. When she is called in to this murder case of Nikki’s family she has no idea just how involved in this case she will get. It’s soon clear that this is the tip of the iceberg and that these murders are not a one off, and are part of a larger gang operating in the area. Although Rio is working with other colleagues then one that features most highly is Jack Strong. It’s obvious from the outset there is no love lost between Rio and Jack, but the reasoning behind it isn’t obvious right away.
There is a LOT going on in this story but it flows seamlessly and then another very interesting character is introduced in the form of Calum Burns. Calum and Rio have a history although how much of a history and why is not revealed until much later in the book. I really liked Calum and though he brought another angle to the story. As well as Wray and her colleagues working on the murders, you have Rio and Calum unpicking their friendship history whilst trying to help each other in their current jobs.
There is a very different feel with this book and character than DSM has previously written but that’s certainly not a negative. The one thing that hasn’t changed is characters I loved and a plot full of suspense. There were plenty of goings on to keep the reader challenged and I devoured this book with the feeling that I really need to see what comes next for Rio.
This was overall another cracking book from DSM. Why the 4 stars and not 5? Well I would say this was a little slower to get started than some others, but once you are past that it ratchets up from 0-100 in a matter of pages. The other thing that totally threw me was the ending. I absolutely loved the ending and it made me feel that was the right outcome. However, when I turned the last page I was in for a surprise…the book then followed with an ‘alternative ending’. What on earth was that all about? Of course I had to read it, and then wished I hadn't. It then put a new spin on the story making me question which ending I preferred. I'm not sure whether I think that’s a good move or not, but I guess it gives you an insight into what the author has to face when deciding how to end a book. I am certainly going to be queuing up to pre-order the next book featuring Rio.
Rio Wray is actually NOT the typical ‘I live by my own rules’ kind of copper and I have to say it made a refreshing change. She is one that plays by the book and does things in accordance with the law. When she is called in to this murder case of Nikki’s family she has no idea just how involved in this case she will get. It’s soon clear that this is the tip of the iceberg and that these murders are not a one off, and are part of a larger gang operating in the area. Although Rio is working with other colleagues then one that features most highly is Jack Strong. It’s obvious from the outset there is no love lost between Rio and Jack, but the reasoning behind it isn’t obvious right away.
There is a LOT going on in this story but it flows seamlessly and then another very interesting character is introduced in the form of Calum Burns. Calum and Rio have a history although how much of a history and why is not revealed until much later in the book. I really liked Calum and though he brought another angle to the story. As well as Wray and her colleagues working on the murders, you have Rio and Calum unpicking their friendship history whilst trying to help each other in their current jobs.
There is a very different feel with this book and character than DSM has previously written but that’s certainly not a negative. The one thing that hasn’t changed is characters I loved and a plot full of suspense. There were plenty of goings on to keep the reader challenged and I devoured this book with the feeling that I really need to see what comes next for Rio.
This was overall another cracking book from DSM. Why the 4 stars and not 5? Well I would say this was a little slower to get started than some others, but once you are past that it ratchets up from 0-100 in a matter of pages. The other thing that totally threw me was the ending. I absolutely loved the ending and it made me feel that was the right outcome. However, when I turned the last page I was in for a surprise…the book then followed with an ‘alternative ending’. What on earth was that all about? Of course I had to read it, and then wished I hadn't. It then put a new spin on the story making me question which ending I preferred. I'm not sure whether I think that’s a good move or not, but I guess it gives you an insight into what the author has to face when deciding how to end a book. I am certainly going to be queuing up to pre-order the next book featuring Rio.
Read
September 26, 2016A very good book. This book has very good characters and story lines. I will read her other books
December 6, 2015
Well what can I say... I was Buzz in when I received a copy of this book through the post.
And couldn't wait to start it. Not far into the book I realized how much i was going to enjoy it and I ordered the Kindle copy for my Mum to read.
Di Rio Wray is back. I really do like her, I like her attitude towards people, and she doesn't seem to care if people know that she doesn't like them. Sometimes though things take a different turn, and you might find that someone you don't like turns out to be someone not so bad after all. Sometimes you just need to understand the truth.
I love the writing style of Dreda, she has a knack of getting you really involved in her books. At some stage I really am going to have to go back and re read Hit Girls, Geezer girls and Gangster Girls.
I actually thought I had read all her books, but while writing this review have just seen that I never read Killer Tune. But I am about to put that right as I have just purchased it for my kindle at a super price of £1.49 (price at time of this review)
Anyway i'm going off somewhere again aint i... back to what I come here for. to tell you a bit about Death trap.
This book kicks off brutally. Right away with Murder. Nikki Bell witnesses Murder. She is the only person that apparently has ever survived this gang that seems to be targeting wealthy families.
It's left to Rio to decide how to crack this, who she can trust, who she needs helping her and most of all keeping her witness safe.
Callum Burns is also back, and this time we get to find out a whole lot more of his past and his connection with Rio. I really liked these two character. Rio and Callum, there is just something about them both that made me want to know more and more about them.
Rio is taken on a Journey and a half with this case. I enjoyed the way this book went, and believe we could be seeing a lot more from Rio in the near future, I certainly hope so anyway.
And couldn't wait to start it. Not far into the book I realized how much i was going to enjoy it and I ordered the Kindle copy for my Mum to read.
Di Rio Wray is back. I really do like her, I like her attitude towards people, and she doesn't seem to care if people know that she doesn't like them. Sometimes though things take a different turn, and you might find that someone you don't like turns out to be someone not so bad after all. Sometimes you just need to understand the truth.
I love the writing style of Dreda, she has a knack of getting you really involved in her books. At some stage I really am going to have to go back and re read Hit Girls, Geezer girls and Gangster Girls.
I actually thought I had read all her books, but while writing this review have just seen that I never read Killer Tune. But I am about to put that right as I have just purchased it for my kindle at a super price of £1.49 (price at time of this review)
Anyway i'm going off somewhere again aint i... back to what I come here for. to tell you a bit about Death trap.
This book kicks off brutally. Right away with Murder. Nikki Bell witnesses Murder. She is the only person that apparently has ever survived this gang that seems to be targeting wealthy families.
It's left to Rio to decide how to crack this, who she can trust, who she needs helping her and most of all keeping her witness safe.
Callum Burns is also back, and this time we get to find out a whole lot more of his past and his connection with Rio. I really liked these two character. Rio and Callum, there is just something about them both that made me want to know more and more about them.
Rio is taken on a Journey and a half with this case. I enjoyed the way this book went, and believe we could be seeing a lot more from Rio in the near future, I certainly hope so anyway.
November 30, 2015
Death Trap is another humdinger of a thriller from Dreda Say Mitchell. This time DI Rio Wray is the investigating officer. Determined, principled and ambitious, she’s used to facing prejudice, but is determined not to use her gender or colour to help her get on. When Rio first appeared, in Vendetta, it was clear she played by the rules, but in Death Trap she’s forced to choose between following procedure and saving a young girl’s life.
Teenager Nikki Bell is the sole survivor of a bloodbath at the home of her aunt and uncle and the only witness to the gang who carried out the killings. When her presence at the scene of the crime becomes known it’s clear she is in deadly danger. She’s not an easy kid to protect, a mixture of vulnerability, rebellion and sheer bloody mindedness, but Rio will do anything to keep her safe.
Doing anything means she is forced to work with recently disgraced and demoted policeman Jack Strong and to swallow her pride and seek help from her former best friend and ex-lover Calum Burns, now a security consultant. Rio has every reason to despise Strong and feel betrayed by Calum. And it’s as fascinating to see the truth about these men burrow its way to the surface as it is to follow Rio’s desperate journey to find the killers before it’s too late for Nikki.
The action is explosive and the twists and turns mesmerising. But as always Dreda Say Mitchell peoples the story with a range of complex and totally believable characters. Even those on the periphery have their own histories, needs and desires. There are no stereotypes and this enriches the novel enormously. Characters often behave in unexpected ways, yet these always make sense when we learn their motives.
And the ever generous author provides us with even more to think about when we close the book because there are two possible endings!
Teenager Nikki Bell is the sole survivor of a bloodbath at the home of her aunt and uncle and the only witness to the gang who carried out the killings. When her presence at the scene of the crime becomes known it’s clear she is in deadly danger. She’s not an easy kid to protect, a mixture of vulnerability, rebellion and sheer bloody mindedness, but Rio will do anything to keep her safe.
Doing anything means she is forced to work with recently disgraced and demoted policeman Jack Strong and to swallow her pride and seek help from her former best friend and ex-lover Calum Burns, now a security consultant. Rio has every reason to despise Strong and feel betrayed by Calum. And it’s as fascinating to see the truth about these men burrow its way to the surface as it is to follow Rio’s desperate journey to find the killers before it’s too late for Nikki.
The action is explosive and the twists and turns mesmerising. But as always Dreda Say Mitchell peoples the story with a range of complex and totally believable characters. Even those on the periphery have their own histories, needs and desires. There are no stereotypes and this enriches the novel enormously. Characters often behave in unexpected ways, yet these always make sense when we learn their motives.
And the ever generous author provides us with even more to think about when we close the book because there are two possible endings!
September 20, 2016
Excellent book! 5 stars!
December 7, 2015
Dredas usual standard interesting believable characters - like that we saw Rio & Callum's relationship explored more - leaving just enough for another book ❤️
In short loved it as much as everything else she has written - clever lady X
In short loved it as much as everything else she has written - clever lady X
December 7, 2015
Gripping stuff couldn't put it down a great twist at the end
I would recommend this book to. Anyone who likesespecially crime thrillers enjoyed all the other books the author has written
I would recommend this book to. Anyone who likesespecially crime thrillers enjoyed all the other books the author has written
February 5, 2016
Another page turner from Dreda. There's so many twists and turns especially towards the final chapters, you have to keep reading on and on ..... .I'm such a fan of the sassy Rio Wray...I imagine her looking like Beyoncé , but with a 'fro'.
May 18, 2016
Wow!
Another great book by a great author. Couldn't put it down. Hope a sequel is made. Want to read about these characters again.
Another great book by a great author. Couldn't put it down. Hope a sequel is made. Want to read about these characters again.
May 26, 2016
Death Trap
I loved this book from start to finish. If you love mystery you will love this book. So many twists turns and shock's.
I loved this book from start to finish. If you love mystery you will love this book. So many twists turns and shock's.
July 7, 2017
An amazing book!! Such a page turner,recommend it to everyone.
March 23, 2016
First book I have read by this author. Good plot but lacked delivery. The ending has a good twist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews