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D.I. Callanach #3
Perfect Death
There’s no easy way to die…
Unknown to DI Luc Callanach and the newly promoted DCI Ava Turner, a serial killer has Edinburgh firmly in his grip. The killer is taking his victims in the coldest, most calculating way possible – engineering slow and painful deaths by poison, with his victims entirely unaware of the drugs flooding their bloodstream until it’s too late.
But how do you catch a killer who hides in the shadows? A killer whose pleasure comes from watching pain from afar? Faced with their most difficult case yet, Callanach and Turner soon realise they face a seemingly impossible task…
Unknown to DI Luc Callanach and the newly promoted DCI Ava Turner, a serial killer has Edinburgh firmly in his grip. The killer is taking his victims in the coldest, most calculating way possible – engineering slow and painful deaths by poison, with his victims entirely unaware of the drugs flooding their bloodstream until it’s too late.
But how do you catch a killer who hides in the shadows? A killer whose pleasure comes from watching pain from afar? Faced with their most difficult case yet, Callanach and Turner soon realise they face a seemingly impossible task…
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 25, 2018
About the author
Helen Sarah Fields
16 books1,597 followersAn international and Amazon #1 best-selling author, Helen is a former criminal and family law barrister. Every book in the Callanach series claimed an Amazon #1 bestseller flag. Her next book, the sixth in the series, 'Perfect Kill' is due out on 6 February 2020. Helen also writes as HS Chandler, and last year released legal thriller 'Degrees of Guilt'. Her previous audio book 'Perfect Crime' knocked Michelle Obama off the #1 spot. Translated into 15 languages, and also selling in the USA, Canada & Australasia, Helen's books have won global recognition. Her first historical thriller 'These Lost & Broken Things' comes out in May 2020. A further standalone thriller published by HarperColllins will come soon. She currently commutes between Hampshire, Scotland and California, where she lives with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 449 reviews
February 6, 2018
Helen Fields is back with another instalment of her popular Police Scotland series, where DI Luc Callanach has a new case to handle that will challenge everything he knows about policing. Callanach continues to adjust to his position within Police Scotland, much different from his INTERPOL days. After his colleague’s recent promotion, Callanach is adjusting to a new professional relationship with DCI Ava Turner, who has been forced to learn the ropes swiftly. While Callanach’s attention is drawn to an apparent victim of hypothermia, Turner receives disturbing news that her Chief Inspector has taken his own life in an apparent act of suicide. Unable to see what signs she might have missed, Turner liaises with her superior’s family, only to make a number of disturbing discoveries. Callanach tries to piece together his own case, but nothing is adding up. Just as he is making some progress, he receives a personal visitor who comes with a pile of unsolicited news that rocks him to the core. Trying to make sense of what he’s come to learn, Callanach goes somewhat rogue and keeps Turner at arm’s length in the middle of an important part of the investigation, earning him some ire from his DCI. When a few more cases of unexplained illnesses show signs of outside interference, Callanach and Turner realise that there may be a serial killer lurking in the shadows, their victims varied to the point that no similarities exist. With Edinburgh abuzz, Police Scotland must make some headway to locate this killer while also trying to better understand the Chief Inspector’s drastic final act. Fields has not lost any of the momentum with this series and is sure to appease series fans and those who love intense police procedurals.
I am happy to be able to continue this high-impact series that almost fell into my lap not too long ago. Fields is able to pull on all aspects of a well-developed police procedural without getting bogged down by too much of the frivolous banter. Fields has developed her characters perfectly and brings life to them with her subtle development of their personal foibles alongside their abilities to solve cases. DI Callanach continues to show why he is the perfect fit for the Major Investigative Team, while remaining highly vulnerable as he struggles to piece together some personal travesties that have befallen him. He contrasts nicely with DCI Turner, who is not only still compartmentalising the horrors of her past traumas, but also seeking to make a name for herself in a male dominated industry. Fighting to show compassion while not being deemed incapable, Turner puts on a hard exterior and demands much of her team. The rest of the characters work well to build a strong foundation for the story, which gets better as it builds. This more unique aspect of a serial killer lurking in plain sight is sure to work well for the dedicated reader, who gets glimpses into their own struggles while also watches as the victim total grows. I have loved all three of the series novels and am eager to get my hands on the fourth, set for release this coming summer. Those who enjoy this type of book should make a little more space on their to be read shelf, for they will not be disappointed.
Kudos, Madam Fields, for keeping things intense and allowing readers to bask in a well written procedural.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I am happy to be able to continue this high-impact series that almost fell into my lap not too long ago. Fields is able to pull on all aspects of a well-developed police procedural without getting bogged down by too much of the frivolous banter. Fields has developed her characters perfectly and brings life to them with her subtle development of their personal foibles alongside their abilities to solve cases. DI Callanach continues to show why he is the perfect fit for the Major Investigative Team, while remaining highly vulnerable as he struggles to piece together some personal travesties that have befallen him. He contrasts nicely with DCI Turner, who is not only still compartmentalising the horrors of her past traumas, but also seeking to make a name for herself in a male dominated industry. Fighting to show compassion while not being deemed incapable, Turner puts on a hard exterior and demands much of her team. The rest of the characters work well to build a strong foundation for the story, which gets better as it builds. This more unique aspect of a serial killer lurking in plain sight is sure to work well for the dedicated reader, who gets glimpses into their own struggles while also watches as the victim total grows. I have loved all three of the series novels and am eager to get my hands on the fourth, set for release this coming summer. Those who enjoy this type of book should make a little more space on their to be read shelf, for they will not be disappointed.
Kudos, Madam Fields, for keeping things intense and allowing readers to bask in a well written procedural.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
June 16, 2021
"Genoten van dit derde deel dat hier en daar wat (over the top) heldhaftige elementen bevat."
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2021...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2021...
January 30, 2018
This is a book in 2 parts really. We have the story of a serial killer poisoning people in Edinburgh but also the mystery of who killed former Detective Superintendent Begbie. This is the 3rd in the Callanach series but the first for me. I actually wondered why it's a series about him (will have to go back and read the others and I will) because it is just as much about his DCI Ava Turner. Maybe that's just a thing for this one book.
Regardless I really enjoyed both sides to this. The serial killer side is engaging and I really liked his motivation of wanting to feel and see other people's grief. Hmm maybe 'like' is not the right word! It's unusual anyway and for me that made it stand out against other crime books.
The other side is your old fashioned tale of corrupt police and dangerous gangland bosses. Normally guaranteed to turn me off but this one was done in a good way where I didn't have to read reems of words about the gangsters.
Having not read the previous two books I found it easy to like and learn about these two main police characters. I don't feel like I needed to have anything else first and there was plenty of backstory to know exactly who these two were. The supporting characters were also well rounded
It's a tense thriller and plays out over a surprisingly short amount of time adding to the intensity. Really worth a read
Free arc from netgalley
Regardless I really enjoyed both sides to this. The serial killer side is engaging and I really liked his motivation of wanting to feel and see other people's grief. Hmm maybe 'like' is not the right word! It's unusual anyway and for me that made it stand out against other crime books.
The other side is your old fashioned tale of corrupt police and dangerous gangland bosses. Normally guaranteed to turn me off but this one was done in a good way where I didn't have to read reems of words about the gangsters.
Having not read the previous two books I found it easy to like and learn about these two main police characters. I don't feel like I needed to have anything else first and there was plenty of backstory to know exactly who these two were. The supporting characters were also well rounded
It's a tense thriller and plays out over a surprisingly short amount of time adding to the intensity. Really worth a read
Free arc from netgalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2018
4 Stars
I can't stop, won't stop reading this series it so good. The perfect autumn detective read.
Review to Come
I can't stop, won't stop reading this series it so good. The perfect autumn detective read.
Review to Come
January 7, 2018
Oh hooray! I am so over the moon to get my hands on Perfect Death. I was aching for more, after finishing Perfect Prey. This is one of the series that I have been raving about for some time. This is one of the hottest new series out there. Perfect Death follows on beautifully from Perfect Remains and Perfect Prey. This is quality crime drama. It is the very welcome return of Scottish duo, DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach.
If you are new to the series, I recommend starting with book one, Perfect Remains. We slowly get to know and love Ava and Luc and their colleagues. DS Lively provides the blessed moments of comedy. With Ava and Luc, we get close colleagues with the potential for more. Think Mulder and Scully. Think underlying sexual tension. Fabulous. All of that and some dark bloody crime to give you the shivers.
Perfect Death sees Ava in a bit of an emotional muddle, with a new promotion and the sad loss of her friend, Begbie. Ava and Luc must navigate their special friendship, whilst Ava is the boss in work. DCI Ava Turner is distraught when her former colleague DCI Begbie is found dead in his car. It looks like he has taken his life. Ava launches her own private investigation, to get to the truth. This soon escalates and puts Ava in danger. Luc is assigned a bizarre case and has to contend with a visit from his estranged French mother. A teenage girl is found dead, due to hyperthermia. This could be accidental. But we are in Edinburgh and this is the Perfect series. Nothing is not as clear cut as it is seems. It is challenging and sinister, with a dark murderous figure in the background. Will Ava and Luc get to the truth to prevent further suffering?
Perfect Death is confident and bold. It cleverly gives you multiple perspectives, which take a while to tie together. It is a reflection on death and suffering. We see Ava's emotional response to the death of a close friend. Luckily, she has the gorgeous Luc to support her. We all need a Luc in our lives. Then we have a twisted killer, who is getting turned on by death and is feeding emotionally off the pain of the relatives. Chilling and disturbing.
Brilliant. Thought-provoking. Utterly perfect!
Highly recommended.
If you are new to the series, I recommend starting with book one, Perfect Remains. We slowly get to know and love Ava and Luc and their colleagues. DS Lively provides the blessed moments of comedy. With Ava and Luc, we get close colleagues with the potential for more. Think Mulder and Scully. Think underlying sexual tension. Fabulous. All of that and some dark bloody crime to give you the shivers.
Perfect Death sees Ava in a bit of an emotional muddle, with a new promotion and the sad loss of her friend, Begbie. Ava and Luc must navigate their special friendship, whilst Ava is the boss in work. DCI Ava Turner is distraught when her former colleague DCI Begbie is found dead in his car. It looks like he has taken his life. Ava launches her own private investigation, to get to the truth. This soon escalates and puts Ava in danger. Luc is assigned a bizarre case and has to contend with a visit from his estranged French mother. A teenage girl is found dead, due to hyperthermia. This could be accidental. But we are in Edinburgh and this is the Perfect series. Nothing is not as clear cut as it is seems. It is challenging and sinister, with a dark murderous figure in the background. Will Ava and Luc get to the truth to prevent further suffering?
Perfect Death is confident and bold. It cleverly gives you multiple perspectives, which take a while to tie together. It is a reflection on death and suffering. We see Ava's emotional response to the death of a close friend. Luckily, she has the gorgeous Luc to support her. We all need a Luc in our lives. Then we have a twisted killer, who is getting turned on by death and is feeding emotionally off the pain of the relatives. Chilling and disturbing.
Brilliant. Thought-provoking. Utterly perfect!
Highly recommended.
January 25, 2018
Edinburgh homicide detectives DI Luc Callanach & DCI Ava Turner are back. With Ava’s promotion, any chance of a romantic relationship has been scuppered & their friendship has suffered as well. In this outing they will be forced to rely on each other as they come up against a devious & damaged killer.
Climbing the ladder with Police Scotland has been a lot harder than Ava thought. Turns out it’s the small things she misses the most. No more casual chat with the crew, no more drinks after work & no more movie nights with Luc. Comradery is hard to come by & to top it off, her boss is a bitch on wheels. Office politics is a blood sport & Ava longs to actually work a case. She’s about to get her wish.
It all begins when the naked body of a young woman is found on Arthur’s Seat. With no obvious wounds, it appears to be death by misadventure. But as Luc investigates, small discrepancies begin to add up. Then the head of a charity organization dies under mysterious circumstances. Both families are gutted & the body count is just beginning.
Meanwhile Ava is left reeling after her former boss & mentor is found dead of apparent suicide. But he left a few surprises behind that threaten not just his family but the department itself. Ava has no choice but to secretly investigate his death & it’s not long before she’s in well over her head.
In alternate chapters we meet a killer whose methods & pathology will make your skin crawl. He’s a busy guy. Tension rises as we watch his meticulous plans take shape & you may find yourself yelling “Run away!” to characters who are unwittingly caught in his web. Because we know more than the police, watching them flounder for clues is excruciating & you truly have no idea who will be the next victim.
Running along side the 2 investigations are personal story lines for the 2 MC’s. Luc, in particular, is stunned when his estranged mother turns up to deliver some surprising news. It’s a cracker & no doubt this will unfold further in future books.
Familiar faces return to add colour to the story. Journalist Lance Proudfoot, Luc’s secret weapon, is back although by the time the dust settles he may think twice before offering his services again. And DS Lively continues to steal every scene with his blunt & humorous dialogue.
My only nitpicky comment is Ava’s tendency to go haring off without back-up into situations that are clearly dangerous. It’s an effective plot device to raise tension but her decisions seem out of sync with a police officer of her standing/experience & you’re left thinking “Wow, that’s a really bad idea”.
This is a fast paced & eminently readable story full of characters who have become old friends. The criminal investigations peak simultaneously for an explosive finish & I look forward to Perfect Silence.
Climbing the ladder with Police Scotland has been a lot harder than Ava thought. Turns out it’s the small things she misses the most. No more casual chat with the crew, no more drinks after work & no more movie nights with Luc. Comradery is hard to come by & to top it off, her boss is a bitch on wheels. Office politics is a blood sport & Ava longs to actually work a case. She’s about to get her wish.
It all begins when the naked body of a young woman is found on Arthur’s Seat. With no obvious wounds, it appears to be death by misadventure. But as Luc investigates, small discrepancies begin to add up. Then the head of a charity organization dies under mysterious circumstances. Both families are gutted & the body count is just beginning.
Meanwhile Ava is left reeling after her former boss & mentor is found dead of apparent suicide. But he left a few surprises behind that threaten not just his family but the department itself. Ava has no choice but to secretly investigate his death & it’s not long before she’s in well over her head.
In alternate chapters we meet a killer whose methods & pathology will make your skin crawl. He’s a busy guy. Tension rises as we watch his meticulous plans take shape & you may find yourself yelling “Run away!” to characters who are unwittingly caught in his web. Because we know more than the police, watching them flounder for clues is excruciating & you truly have no idea who will be the next victim.
Running along side the 2 investigations are personal story lines for the 2 MC’s. Luc, in particular, is stunned when his estranged mother turns up to deliver some surprising news. It’s a cracker & no doubt this will unfold further in future books.
Familiar faces return to add colour to the story. Journalist Lance Proudfoot, Luc’s secret weapon, is back although by the time the dust settles he may think twice before offering his services again. And DS Lively continues to steal every scene with his blunt & humorous dialogue.
My only nitpicky comment is Ava’s tendency to go haring off without back-up into situations that are clearly dangerous. It’s an effective plot device to raise tension but her decisions seem out of sync with a police officer of her standing/experience & you’re left thinking “Wow, that’s a really bad idea”.
This is a fast paced & eminently readable story full of characters who have become old friends. The criminal investigations peak simultaneously for an explosive finish & I look forward to Perfect Silence.
January 13, 2021
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Fields has done it again, creating an immersive page-turner that I couldn’t wait to finish. I don’t know where she gets her inspiration from, (I mean, some of the scenes in this series are pretty dark!), but, picking up a Fields book is always a guarantee of great fiction.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Fields has done it again, creating an immersive page-turner that I couldn’t wait to finish. I don’t know where she gets her inspiration from, (I mean, some of the scenes in this series are pretty dark!), but, picking up a Fields book is always a guarantee of great fiction.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
April 22, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the DI Callanach series by author Helen Fields. These books can be read as stand alone but I always like to read them in order to fully enjoy the sub plots etc.
I think that one of the strengths of this series are the characters. In DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach there is excellent chemistry. This book has Ava in a bit of an emotional turmoil, dealing with a recent promotion and the sudden loss of her friend DCI Begbie. DCI Ava Turner is distraught when her former colleague DCI Begbie is found dead in his car and everything points to suicide. But Ava is not convinced and launches her own private investigation, to get to the truth. With the unfolding of her discoveries Ava is now in danger. A teenage girl is found dead, due to hypothermia. This could be accidental. but is everything as it first appears? There is a dark murderous figure lurking in the background and Ava and Luc must uncover the truth to prevent further deaths.
This is an excellent series that I could easily imaging on television.
I think that one of the strengths of this series are the characters. In DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach there is excellent chemistry. This book has Ava in a bit of an emotional turmoil, dealing with a recent promotion and the sudden loss of her friend DCI Begbie. DCI Ava Turner is distraught when her former colleague DCI Begbie is found dead in his car and everything points to suicide. But Ava is not convinced and launches her own private investigation, to get to the truth. With the unfolding of her discoveries Ava is now in danger. A teenage girl is found dead, due to hypothermia. This could be accidental. but is everything as it first appears? There is a dark murderous figure lurking in the background and Ava and Luc must uncover the truth to prevent further deaths.
This is an excellent series that I could easily imaging on television.
January 22, 2018
After having read the previous two books in this series, I’ve come to expect a dark and gruesome story with a level of originality from Helen Fields. This third instalment is no different and the DI Callanach series just keeps getting better!
For one, there’s an absolutely fascinating killer on the loose. Charming, manipulative and apparently completely invisible. A killer whose pleasure comes from watching other people’s pain and grief. If that’s not original, I don’t know what is!
But there’s more! A former colleague is found dead. Is this a suicide or did something far more sinister happen? Newly promoted DCI Ava Turner may just find out some things she’s not exactly prepared for and some team members may even find themselves in danger. Meanwhile, DI Luc Callanach suddenly finds himself face to face with his mother. What does she want after all this time?
This is another well-paced, addictive and gripping addition to the series. With various layers, investigations and excellent character development, this had me hooked. Getting some insight into how a killer’s brain works is both utterly thrilling, creepy and terrifying. I also adore this team of detectives and how amidst all the gloom and doom, the author manages to throw in a dash of humour and sarcasm via the fabulous character of DS Lively. It’s this combination of things that keeps me coming back for more.
If Helen Fields wasn’t already on my list of go-to authors, she most certainly would be now. It’s going to be a long and excruciating wait for the next book but I know it will be worth the wait. In the meantime, you can catch up! Do yourself a favour and pick up these books, if you haven’t already. For the full experience, start at the beginning so you don’t miss out on truly interesting background stories. I promise this is one of the best crime thriller series out there and you won’t regret it!
For one, there’s an absolutely fascinating killer on the loose. Charming, manipulative and apparently completely invisible. A killer whose pleasure comes from watching other people’s pain and grief. If that’s not original, I don’t know what is!
But there’s more! A former colleague is found dead. Is this a suicide or did something far more sinister happen? Newly promoted DCI Ava Turner may just find out some things she’s not exactly prepared for and some team members may even find themselves in danger. Meanwhile, DI Luc Callanach suddenly finds himself face to face with his mother. What does she want after all this time?
This is another well-paced, addictive and gripping addition to the series. With various layers, investigations and excellent character development, this had me hooked. Getting some insight into how a killer’s brain works is both utterly thrilling, creepy and terrifying. I also adore this team of detectives and how amidst all the gloom and doom, the author manages to throw in a dash of humour and sarcasm via the fabulous character of DS Lively. It’s this combination of things that keeps me coming back for more.
If Helen Fields wasn’t already on my list of go-to authors, she most certainly would be now. It’s going to be a long and excruciating wait for the next book but I know it will be worth the wait. In the meantime, you can catch up! Do yourself a favour and pick up these books, if you haven’t already. For the full experience, start at the beginning so you don’t miss out on truly interesting background stories. I promise this is one of the best crime thriller series out there and you won’t regret it!
March 29, 2019
Perfect Death by Helen Fields is the third in the DI Luc Callanach series.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Luc Callanach is half French and half Scottish, living most of his life in France, and working for Interpol. Due to a false rape allegation made by co-worker Astrid Borde, he leaves France, his job, his friends, his mother. Very few are sad to see him go. With some assistance from his bosses, he heads to Edinburgh to take command of a homicide team. His welcome is not particularly warm. He and DS Lively will never be close, but they now tolerate each other - barely. Luc does make friends with a colleague, newly appointed DCI Ava Taylor, and finds an unlikely friend in a journalist.
My Synopsis: (I reveal little more than the official blurb, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
There is a lot going on in this one.
Retired DCI George Begbie is found dead behind the wheel of his vehicle, the result of a suicide. Ava does not believe her beloved mentor and friend would end his own life. But she finds there is a lot about him that had remained hidden.
19-year old Lily Eustis’s nude body is found on a mountainous ridge, apparently a victim of hypothermia. Her sister is in disbelief.
Cordelia Muir is getting sicker by the day, and thinks it’s just a stomach virus. Her son doesn’t really notice. Randall is working up the courage to play guitar on stage.
DC Tripp is the first to link the victims. There is a serial killer in town, and they must find the next victim before it’s too late.
Louis Jones, an Informant with links to the mob, is involved in a car crash, but disappears. Both Ava and Luc are interested in this man, but for different reasons. But they are barely on speaking terms.
Meanwhile, Luc’s estranged mother shows up with information that Luc can’t get his head around.
My Opinions:
I am still loving this series. It’s a great crime/mystery series. Please, read the first two books before picking up this one. You really need the background.
Helen Fields continues to add depth her characters in each book. I like Ailsa and Tripp being more involved, and I am beginning to like Lively. They add new dimensions to the books.
The writing is clear, the plot complex, with plenty of action, and a rather creepy, manipulative killer thrown in.
This book will definitely hold your interest from beginning to end. Definitely recommend the series.
July 8, 2020
Another great book from Helen Fields. Although this was slow to start it got much better and picked up very quickly halfway through and I raced to the end. I had no idea who was doing the killings, I had my guesses but, it wasn’t until much further in the book that I realised who it was.
So far these books have been brilliant and I hope they continue with all the others in this series.
So far these books have been brilliant and I hope they continue with all the others in this series.
June 16, 2018
You can never have enough Callanach indeed!
A teenager’s naked body is found in a remote area. Cause of death seems to be hypothermia, but further tests show the presence of a large amount of drugs in her body.
A woman is rushed to the hospital after days of having flu-like symptoms. She dies under suspicious circumstances. Cause of death: drug overdose.
Are the two cases connected? What is the motive for the killings? Is this manipulative psychopath going to strike again?
Helen Fields never disappoints! Perfect Death is yet another enjoyable and fast-paced thriller.
A teenager’s naked body is found in a remote area. Cause of death seems to be hypothermia, but further tests show the presence of a large amount of drugs in her body.
A woman is rushed to the hospital after days of having flu-like symptoms. She dies under suspicious circumstances. Cause of death: drug overdose.
Are the two cases connected? What is the motive for the killings? Is this manipulative psychopath going to strike again?
Helen Fields never disappoints! Perfect Death is yet another enjoyable and fast-paced thriller.
March 12, 2022
PERFECT DEATH, the third novel in the Luc Callanach series, is substandard when compared to first two books in the series (“Perfect Remains” and “Perfect Prey”). Nonetheless I feel it deserves a 3.5 rating.
Here are my problems with PERFECT DEATH:
* The psych/killer is truly unbelievable. Someone feeding emotionally off the pain of the relatives of those he kills? Simply too much! Helen Fields has strayed into the preposterous with this psycho killer — she is reaching beyond belief so as to continue to shock her readers.
* Ava Turner has continued her journey over to the dark side. From a very likeable character in Book 1 in the series to a very unlikeable character by Book 3.
* The main plot, which has to do with police corruption and Glasgow gangsters, is poorly handled. The author is out of her league with this story line. Having lifted thematic sections from Scottish authors in her first two books (Val McDermid and Chris Brookmyre), Fields has tried to appropriate thematic structures from Ian Rankin in Book 3. Rankin, who is an outstanding writer, is beyond Fields’ reach, because, at best, she is an average writer.
* No mention is made of the devastation that DC Salter experienced in Book 2 until more than 50% of the story has been completed, and then it is only briefly referred to. I would have expected Luc, in particular, to have been greatly affected by it. I would have expected readers to have been brought up-to-date regarding Salter’s fate at the beginning, when the team first convenes.
* Both Ava and Luc follow leads without adequate backup, putting both their lives in danger at different times. These miscalculations seemed designed to rack up the tension without any thought given to maintaining character integrity. It was a case of actions designed to further plot advancement rather than appropriate character evolution.
What saved this book from being an average read (true 3-star book) was the sudden flowering of DS Lively into a compassionate and complex character. Thus, I would rate this as a 3.5-star read, based solely on the development of DS Lively’s character.
Here are my problems with PERFECT DEATH:
* The psych/killer is truly unbelievable. Someone feeding emotionally off the pain of the relatives of those he kills? Simply too much! Helen Fields has strayed into the preposterous with this psycho killer — she is reaching beyond belief so as to continue to shock her readers.
* Ava Turner has continued her journey over to the dark side. From a very likeable character in Book 1 in the series to a very unlikeable character by Book 3.
* The main plot, which has to do with police corruption and Glasgow gangsters, is poorly handled. The author is out of her league with this story line. Having lifted thematic sections from Scottish authors in her first two books (Val McDermid and Chris Brookmyre), Fields has tried to appropriate thematic structures from Ian Rankin in Book 3. Rankin, who is an outstanding writer, is beyond Fields’ reach, because, at best, she is an average writer.
* No mention is made of the devastation that DC Salter experienced in Book 2 until more than 50% of the story has been completed, and then it is only briefly referred to. I would have expected Luc, in particular, to have been greatly affected by it. I would have expected readers to have been brought up-to-date regarding Salter’s fate at the beginning, when the team first convenes.
* Both Ava and Luc follow leads without adequate backup, putting both their lives in danger at different times. These miscalculations seemed designed to rack up the tension without any thought given to maintaining character integrity. It was a case of actions designed to further plot advancement rather than appropriate character evolution.
What saved this book from being an average read (true 3-star book) was the sudden flowering of DS Lively into a compassionate and complex character. Thus, I would rate this as a 3.5-star read, based solely on the development of DS Lively’s character.
January 13, 2018
There is is serial killer on the loose in Scotland and it is up to Callaghan and Turner to stop them while also dealing with major issues in their personal lives.
This was an enjoyable book, but being book 3 in the series and the first I have read I felt that I was missing a lot of back story. I think I will go back and read the first 2 books.
Thanks to Avon Books UK for a copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions
This was an enjoyable book, but being book 3 in the series and the first I have read I felt that I was missing a lot of back story. I think I will go back and read the first 2 books.
Thanks to Avon Books UK for a copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions
October 30, 2018
Totally addictive!
Utterly compelling!
Just loved it!
Highly recommended!
Can't wait for next book in the series!
Utterly compelling!
Just loved it!
Highly recommended!
Can't wait for next book in the series!
August 9, 2021
4.0 ⭐. Was weer een fijn geschreven boek. Ik vloog er doorheen. Benieuwd naar het vierde deel!
January 29, 2018
So back in early last year, I went to a Blackwell’s Bookstore event. I had just started my blog I wanted to review some local bookish events. So when it said two crime authors were featuring I was delighted. They were Helen Fields and Paul Finch, two authors I had never read before.
The event was eye opening and I’ve said it many times in previous posts that hearing Helen Fields discuss how book one in the series Perfect Remains came to fruition, reignited my love of crime fiction. I had swayed away to more chick lit and women’s fiction. So when I started to read Perfect Remains on my way home, sat on a cold bus, I was transported into this police world with a sexy French cop. It was so gory and fast-paced I was addicted. So if there were a Helen Fields fan club I would have the Platinum package as I adore her writing.
Getting onto book three Perfect Death, as the heavy envelope flopped through my letterbox I knew by the label that this was it. Thank goodness I hadn’t had to wait long as Perfect Prey (book 2) had only been out in the summer.
So I started it yesterday and finished it today. I will go for the superficial and talk about the cover. So the cover I have used in my featured image and Bookstgram shot is an ARC copy, about A5 size so it’s a slightly enlarged version.
Here is how your copy will look:
Perfect Death: The new crime book you need to read from the bestseller of 2017 (A DI Callanach Thriller, Book 3) by [Fields, Helen]
So I am happy that each book in the series is called Perfect something and this cover is superb. It really reflects the storyline. I will have to get a copy to match my others on my bookcase.
So in book three, we are thrown back into the lives of Ava and Luc. What I like is the consistency between all three books. They all have the same level pace and the characters don’t suddenly change personalities. They are the roots that you cling to whilst reading as the whirling madness engulfs you page after page.
This book has much less gore than the previous two, was I disappointed? No, I was just surprised it enabled me to focus much more on the storyline which is very intense from page 1. I felt like this book was emotionally driven. It didn’t need the shock value of the gore it wasn’t about all that, it really was about the team and them growing together. We got to invest more in the characters. I see them like a movie in my head and I feel like I really know them more after reading Perfect Death.
As well as my love of the writing, I really enjoy that Edinburgh and its surrounding areas are heavily featured in the books. So much so that when I am walking around Edinburgh and I see a place mentioned in the book, it flings the characters to the four front of my mind and makes the stories come to life. I know how it feels to walk over a certain bridge or go down a little side street. I love having those moments.
I loved this book, it wasn’t what I was expecting, it was SO much more! The books can be read as standalone but I thoroughly encourage you to buy the set of three for your kindle and meet Luc and Ava from the start.
A cracker of top-notch crime fiction. Helen Fields stories have the ability to chase me under the covers with all the lights on. Deeply disturbing crime fiction that you just can’t help but want MORE. Bravo! Roll on book four……
For more of my review visit lovebooksgroup.blog
The event was eye opening and I’ve said it many times in previous posts that hearing Helen Fields discuss how book one in the series Perfect Remains came to fruition, reignited my love of crime fiction. I had swayed away to more chick lit and women’s fiction. So when I started to read Perfect Remains on my way home, sat on a cold bus, I was transported into this police world with a sexy French cop. It was so gory and fast-paced I was addicted. So if there were a Helen Fields fan club I would have the Platinum package as I adore her writing.
Getting onto book three Perfect Death, as the heavy envelope flopped through my letterbox I knew by the label that this was it. Thank goodness I hadn’t had to wait long as Perfect Prey (book 2) had only been out in the summer.
So I started it yesterday and finished it today. I will go for the superficial and talk about the cover. So the cover I have used in my featured image and Bookstgram shot is an ARC copy, about A5 size so it’s a slightly enlarged version.
Here is how your copy will look:
Perfect Death: The new crime book you need to read from the bestseller of 2017 (A DI Callanach Thriller, Book 3) by [Fields, Helen]
So I am happy that each book in the series is called Perfect something and this cover is superb. It really reflects the storyline. I will have to get a copy to match my others on my bookcase.
So in book three, we are thrown back into the lives of Ava and Luc. What I like is the consistency between all three books. They all have the same level pace and the characters don’t suddenly change personalities. They are the roots that you cling to whilst reading as the whirling madness engulfs you page after page.
This book has much less gore than the previous two, was I disappointed? No, I was just surprised it enabled me to focus much more on the storyline which is very intense from page 1. I felt like this book was emotionally driven. It didn’t need the shock value of the gore it wasn’t about all that, it really was about the team and them growing together. We got to invest more in the characters. I see them like a movie in my head and I feel like I really know them more after reading Perfect Death.
As well as my love of the writing, I really enjoy that Edinburgh and its surrounding areas are heavily featured in the books. So much so that when I am walking around Edinburgh and I see a place mentioned in the book, it flings the characters to the four front of my mind and makes the stories come to life. I know how it feels to walk over a certain bridge or go down a little side street. I love having those moments.
I loved this book, it wasn’t what I was expecting, it was SO much more! The books can be read as standalone but I thoroughly encourage you to buy the set of three for your kindle and meet Luc and Ava from the start.
A cracker of top-notch crime fiction. Helen Fields stories have the ability to chase me under the covers with all the lights on. Deeply disturbing crime fiction that you just can’t help but want MORE. Bravo! Roll on book four……
For more of my review visit lovebooksgroup.blog
August 2, 2020
Perfect Death is book three of Detective Inspector Callanach by Helen Sarah Fields. Detective Inspector Luc Callanach caught a case of the death of a young girl called Lily Eustis. At the same time newly promoted Detective Chief Inspector Ava Turner was trying to accept that her previous boss has died. However, a Detective Chief Inspector Ava Turner has to keep together because there was a killer loose in Edinburgh and her team needed her. The readers of Perfect Death will continue to follow the twists and turns into Detective Inspector Luc Callach investigation into the death of Lily Eustis.
Wow, another fantastic attention to this excellent series. I found this series by mistake and fell in love straight away. I love Helen Sarah Fields portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Perfect Death is well written and researched by Helen Sarah Fields. I like the description of the setting of this book and the way it allows me to imagine living in Scotland.
The readers of Perfect Death will learn about corruption in law enforcement in Scotland. Also, the readers of Perfect Death will understand the consequences of undiagnosed mental illness.
I recommend this book.
Wow, another fantastic attention to this excellent series. I found this series by mistake and fell in love straight away. I love Helen Sarah Fields portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Perfect Death is well written and researched by Helen Sarah Fields. I like the description of the setting of this book and the way it allows me to imagine living in Scotland.
The readers of Perfect Death will learn about corruption in law enforcement in Scotland. Also, the readers of Perfect Death will understand the consequences of undiagnosed mental illness.
I recommend this book.
December 22, 2017
Wow another stonking good read here in the Callanach series from Helen Fields - dark and twisted but with a really authentic edge, these are the books you bang through because you get so involved with all that is going on.
There were two sides to this beautifully plotted tale - both strands working well together to give an addictive and cleverly unpredictable read - Helen Fields writes with a strong emotional core that makes you feel the characters pain. Here we have a hidden poisoner - by the time you know something is wrong it is already too late - plus a rather problematic problem for our two main protagonists that started in previous books.
What I love about this series is the strong basis from which each mystery arises and the ongoing development of the main characters. Callanach and his mother for example - that familial relationship is really beautifully complex. Added into all that sort of thing is the different cases taken on, always wonderfully imagined and eminently creepy.
Overall fast becoming a favourite series of mine. More please!
Highly Recommended.
There were two sides to this beautifully plotted tale - both strands working well together to give an addictive and cleverly unpredictable read - Helen Fields writes with a strong emotional core that makes you feel the characters pain. Here we have a hidden poisoner - by the time you know something is wrong it is already too late - plus a rather problematic problem for our two main protagonists that started in previous books.
What I love about this series is the strong basis from which each mystery arises and the ongoing development of the main characters. Callanach and his mother for example - that familial relationship is really beautifully complex. Added into all that sort of thing is the different cases taken on, always wonderfully imagined and eminently creepy.
Overall fast becoming a favourite series of mine. More please!
Highly Recommended.
Read
October 21, 2018"There were different types of pain...the pain of loss...shocked pain...the slow dull ache of reality...followed by the mewling baby, self-pity."
There's someone in Edinburgh who enjoys sharing grief that others experience. An evil serial killer is wanting to get up close and personal with those who've experienced the death of a loved one. This sociopath wants to offer comfort -- so much so that maybe that monster is responsible for the deaths in the first place?
DI Luc Callanach and the newly promoted DCI Ava Turner are busy in the MIT. They've got a couple of poisoning deaths on one hand and a possible corruption case on the other. The teams divide to conquer and come quite close to blowing it all up as they face off some very dangerous people. These investigations are going to require tons of time and their best efforts as leads are met with dead ends and danger is lurking on every call-out. Callanach and Turner face some threats to their tenuous and fragile personal relationship as well. But Turner is Callanach's superior and she won't let him forget it. Both struggle with their own demons as they work to bring some justice in these two, big unrelated cases.
I love this series. So much so that I had to buy this one so that I could read it before downloading and reviewing the next installment, PERFECT SILENCE. I've read all 3 so far, in order, and would urge you to do the same so that you get the full picture of the two main characters. Both are quite unique and are becoming more real with each book. I really enjoy the camaraderie between them and enjoy their friendship and mutual respect. I almost feel as if I know them and I can't wait to see what happens next. Though the story is full of action, police procedural detail, and suspense, I feel so tense worrying about how things are going to play up that it creates a lot of tension. Instead of speeding up to get to what I hope is a successful conclusion, I slow down because I'm too worried that some member of the team will be hurt or lost and I don't want to face that. Anyway, if you're looking for great crime thrillers, this series has it all and I recommend it.
There's someone in Edinburgh who enjoys sharing grief that others experience. An evil serial killer is wanting to get up close and personal with those who've experienced the death of a loved one. This sociopath wants to offer comfort -- so much so that maybe that monster is responsible for the deaths in the first place?
DI Luc Callanach and the newly promoted DCI Ava Turner are busy in the MIT. They've got a couple of poisoning deaths on one hand and a possible corruption case on the other. The teams divide to conquer and come quite close to blowing it all up as they face off some very dangerous people. These investigations are going to require tons of time and their best efforts as leads are met with dead ends and danger is lurking on every call-out. Callanach and Turner face some threats to their tenuous and fragile personal relationship as well. But Turner is Callanach's superior and she won't let him forget it. Both struggle with their own demons as they work to bring some justice in these two, big unrelated cases.
I love this series. So much so that I had to buy this one so that I could read it before downloading and reviewing the next installment, PERFECT SILENCE. I've read all 3 so far, in order, and would urge you to do the same so that you get the full picture of the two main characters. Both are quite unique and are becoming more real with each book. I really enjoy the camaraderie between them and enjoy their friendship and mutual respect. I almost feel as if I know them and I can't wait to see what happens next. Though the story is full of action, police procedural detail, and suspense, I feel so tense worrying about how things are going to play up that it creates a lot of tension. Instead of speeding up to get to what I hope is a successful conclusion, I slow down because I'm too worried that some member of the team will be hurt or lost and I don't want to face that. Anyway, if you're looking for great crime thrillers, this series has it all and I recommend it.
February 26, 2018
Last year I won Perfect Remains in a Goodreads giveaway, after debating whether or not I wished to pick up the book, quickly finding out this was a series I would want to continue. At first, I wasn’t sure about Perfect Remains but it soon won me over. It wasn’t the strongest four-star rating I have ever handed out, but it guaranteed I would be back for more. Perfect Prey, on the other hand, blew me away. I enjoyed it so much more than I enjoyed the first book, leaving me desperate for book three. In fact, I was close to giving Perfect Prey a five-star rating – only holding back because of small elements. Thus, I went into Perfect Death with very high expectations.
Although Perfect Death is the third book in the DI Callanach series, it can be read as a standalone novel. As with any crime thriller, there is a start and an end point with the crime, ensuring you get closure. However, I would recommend you read the prior books first. Lots happens in relation to the personal lives of the characters, and to completely understand this you need to read the prior books. Not only are references made to events in the past, but certain elements build upon what we found out in the prior books. I’m not saying you cannot enjoy this without the prior books, I’m simply saying you’ll get a better experience if you read this series in order.
I’ll be completely honest about this one, I was uncertain at first. As I said, after the high of book two, I was expecting really big things for book three. However, when I started this one I feared a repeat of book one. Sure, I enjoyed the first book; however, I wasn’t completely happy with it. It was a book that won me over, not one that grabbed me from the very first page. In that sense, book three was like book one, but I did enjoy this one much more.
You see, it took a few chapters before this one completely sucked me in. I enjoyed seeing our characters again, but the story seemed to be rather slow moving. I think Perfect Prey has ruined me, leaving me with unrealistic expectations of what I can expect with each new Helen Fields book. They will all be fun reads, of that I’m sure, but I cannot expect to be sucked in at such a rapid pace ever time. With these stories, with the crimes Helen Fields writes, you need to stick around. Things build slowly, we get introduced to a lot of things throughout, and you need to take your time with things.
Once you reach a certain point, though, you’re lost to the story. Everything starts to come together and things build at a crazy rate. More and more is added, until you reach a climax that will leave you desperate for the next book. You fall in love with the characters, you get sucked in by the crime, and everything comes together so well. It may take a while, but once the book grabs you it refuses to let go.
Without a doubt, Perfect Death was another fun addition to the DI Callanch series. I’m already extremely excited for Perfect Silence – I’ll be grabbing it as soon as I can.
Although Perfect Death is the third book in the DI Callanach series, it can be read as a standalone novel. As with any crime thriller, there is a start and an end point with the crime, ensuring you get closure. However, I would recommend you read the prior books first. Lots happens in relation to the personal lives of the characters, and to completely understand this you need to read the prior books. Not only are references made to events in the past, but certain elements build upon what we found out in the prior books. I’m not saying you cannot enjoy this without the prior books, I’m simply saying you’ll get a better experience if you read this series in order.
I’ll be completely honest about this one, I was uncertain at first. As I said, after the high of book two, I was expecting really big things for book three. However, when I started this one I feared a repeat of book one. Sure, I enjoyed the first book; however, I wasn’t completely happy with it. It was a book that won me over, not one that grabbed me from the very first page. In that sense, book three was like book one, but I did enjoy this one much more.
You see, it took a few chapters before this one completely sucked me in. I enjoyed seeing our characters again, but the story seemed to be rather slow moving. I think Perfect Prey has ruined me, leaving me with unrealistic expectations of what I can expect with each new Helen Fields book. They will all be fun reads, of that I’m sure, but I cannot expect to be sucked in at such a rapid pace ever time. With these stories, with the crimes Helen Fields writes, you need to stick around. Things build slowly, we get introduced to a lot of things throughout, and you need to take your time with things.
Once you reach a certain point, though, you’re lost to the story. Everything starts to come together and things build at a crazy rate. More and more is added, until you reach a climax that will leave you desperate for the next book. You fall in love with the characters, you get sucked in by the crime, and everything comes together so well. It may take a while, but once the book grabs you it refuses to let go.
Without a doubt, Perfect Death was another fun addition to the DI Callanch series. I’m already extremely excited for Perfect Silence – I’ll be grabbing it as soon as I can.
December 6, 2017
I'm so pleased this author has another book out already (January 2018) Perfect Death has Luc Callanach investigating a young girl's death of hypothermia. Meanwhile a sudden death has Ava Turner reeling, will she be able to roll with the punches that keep coming?
To be honest I could not put this down. I love the Edinburgh jaunty friendship of the team & DS Lively had me giggling many times.
I really want this made into a tv series.
However it was the last 50 pages that had me terrified for them all, I couldn't read fast enough. So bloody an ending. I loved it.
To be honest I could not put this down. I love the Edinburgh jaunty friendship of the team & DS Lively had me giggling many times.
I really want this made into a tv series.
However it was the last 50 pages that had me terrified for them all, I couldn't read fast enough. So bloody an ending. I loved it.
February 16, 2018
I loved the first two books, especially DC Callanach’s character but I did not enjoy this book as much. The story felt quite extreme and unbelievable. I wondered if the book had been rushed to get it out following the success of the first two. I would still read the next book but hoping that there is a return to the standard of the first books. I’m also not so sure how long I can cope with the will they/won’t they dynamic between Callanach and Turner - its a bit Ross and Rachel from Friends!
December 10, 2019
Dies ist nun schon der 3. Band über Luc und Ava und nachdem ich den ersten Band absolut verschlungen habe, hab ich mich natürlich auch sehr auf diesen hier gefreut.
Aber wie auch schon der zweite Band, konnte auch dieser für mich nicht an den ersten Band heranreichen.
Zunächst hat das Privatleben der Ermittler für mich etwas zu viel Raum eingenommen. Ich mag es zwar, dass das Privatleben in der Reihe nicht zu kurz kommt, aber hier war es doch sehr präsent.
Insbesondere das Hin und Her zwischen Ava und Luc empfand ich eher als störend.
Aber auch was die Fälle anging, hatte ich ein paar Probleme.
So entkommt Luc einigen Situationen, die definitiv negative Konsequenzen nach sich ziehen würden, unverschämt einfach und Ava verhält sich wie ein naiver Teenie in einem YA Mystery Roman, obwohl sie es definitiv besser wissen müsste.
Die Fälle haben mich aber dennoch wieder gut unterhalten. Wie schon im ersten Band lässt uns die Autorin auch aus der Sicht des Täters lesen und das bekommt sie wieder einmal großartig hin.
Und auch die angesprochenen Thematiken haben mir gut gefallen.
Leider der schwächste Teil der Reihe, aber immer noch sehr solide. Ich freue mich auf jeden Fall auf den 4. Band und vielleicht schafft es ja dieser den ersten zu übertreffen.
Aber wie auch schon der zweite Band, konnte auch dieser für mich nicht an den ersten Band heranreichen.
Zunächst hat das Privatleben der Ermittler für mich etwas zu viel Raum eingenommen. Ich mag es zwar, dass das Privatleben in der Reihe nicht zu kurz kommt, aber hier war es doch sehr präsent.
Insbesondere das Hin und Her zwischen Ava und Luc empfand ich eher als störend.
Aber auch was die Fälle anging, hatte ich ein paar Probleme.
So entkommt Luc einigen Situationen, die definitiv negative Konsequenzen nach sich ziehen würden, unverschämt einfach und Ava verhält sich wie ein naiver Teenie in einem YA Mystery Roman, obwohl sie es definitiv besser wissen müsste.
Die Fälle haben mich aber dennoch wieder gut unterhalten. Wie schon im ersten Band lässt uns die Autorin auch aus der Sicht des Täters lesen und das bekommt sie wieder einmal großartig hin.
Und auch die angesprochenen Thematiken haben mir gut gefallen.
Leider der schwächste Teil der Reihe, aber immer noch sehr solide. Ich freue mich auf jeden Fall auf den 4. Band und vielleicht schafft es ja dieser den ersten zu übertreffen.
December 28, 2022
Another great installment in this crime detective series.
I really enjoy this series and this book was no expection. This was a very well written thriller with great characters and an interesting plot.
The only issue I had with this book, is that it felt slightly predictable. I guessed who the killer was a quarter of the way through. There wasn't as many twists or turns as there normally is.
Nonetheless, this book was still throughly enjoyable and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series which I'm yet to read.
I really enjoy this series and this book was no expection. This was a very well written thriller with great characters and an interesting plot.
The only issue I had with this book, is that it felt slightly predictable. I guessed who the killer was a quarter of the way through. There wasn't as many twists or turns as there normally is.
Nonetheless, this book was still throughly enjoyable and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series which I'm yet to read.
June 26, 2021
Geschreven voor vrouwenthrillers.nl
Perfecte dood is het derde deel in de serie met hoofdpersonages Luc Callanach en Ava Turner. Zij staan voor een onmogelijke taak om een moordenaar te vinden die zijn slachtoffers uitschakelt door middel van onder andere gif. De slachtoffers sterven een langzame dood, niet wetende dat zij gif in hun lichaam hebben. De moordenaar weet hoe hij uit de handen van de politie moet blijven en kiest zijn slachtoffers zorgvuldig uit. Hij observeert ze nauwkeurig, raakt bevriend met ze en vervolgens vermoordt hij ze. Terwijl Luc bezig is om deze moordenaar op te sporen, heeft Ava haar handen vol aan haar nieuwe functie als hoofdinspecteur. Wanneer haar oude baas Georgie Begbie opeens zelfmoord pleegt wil Ava niet accepteren dat hij daadwerkelijk zichzelf om het leven heeft gebracht. Als ze onderzoek doet ontdekt ze dat Begbie bezig was met gevaarlijke dingen waarbij Ava zichzelf op gevaarlijk gebied begeeft.
Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit verschillende perspectieven: Luc, Ava, de moordenaar en de nabestaanden van de slachtoffers. Waar de vorige delen vol zaten met gruwelijke en gedetailleerde moorden, zit dit maar weinig in Perfecte dood. Het verhaal begint vanuit het perspectief van de dader, wat ervoor zorgt dat het boek direct je aandacht heeft. Daarna komt het verhaal rustig op gang. De zelfmoord van hoofdinspecteur George Begbie vindt al vroeg in het boek plaats, wat vervolgens resulteert in een aparte zaak die je door het boek heen volgt. Daarna wordt het bij Luc duidelijk dat het overlijden van een meisje wellicht een moord kan zijn. Luc en Ava leer je door het verhaal heen steeds beter kennen. Af en toe wordt gerefereerd aan een gebeurtenis dat zich afspeelde in Perfecte resten. De dader zal voor veel lezers geen verrassing zijn, maar wat het motief voor de moorden is, blijft een raadsel. Doordat je al vrij snel weet wie de dader is, bevat het boek weinig spanning en nauwelijks plotwendingen. Verder is de plot goed opgebouwd. Gruwelijke gedetailleerde moorden zitten er niet in en de spanning is vrij laag, maar dat maakt het boek niet minder goed. Helen Fields weet hoe ze een goed boek in elkaar moet zetten die de aandacht van de lezers vast blijft houden.
Perfecte dood is een heerlijke thriller die vlot doorleest en waarbij je als lezer uitkijkt naar het volgende deel.
Perfecte dood is het derde deel in de serie met hoofdpersonages Luc Callanach en Ava Turner. Zij staan voor een onmogelijke taak om een moordenaar te vinden die zijn slachtoffers uitschakelt door middel van onder andere gif. De slachtoffers sterven een langzame dood, niet wetende dat zij gif in hun lichaam hebben. De moordenaar weet hoe hij uit de handen van de politie moet blijven en kiest zijn slachtoffers zorgvuldig uit. Hij observeert ze nauwkeurig, raakt bevriend met ze en vervolgens vermoordt hij ze. Terwijl Luc bezig is om deze moordenaar op te sporen, heeft Ava haar handen vol aan haar nieuwe functie als hoofdinspecteur. Wanneer haar oude baas Georgie Begbie opeens zelfmoord pleegt wil Ava niet accepteren dat hij daadwerkelijk zichzelf om het leven heeft gebracht. Als ze onderzoek doet ontdekt ze dat Begbie bezig was met gevaarlijke dingen waarbij Ava zichzelf op gevaarlijk gebied begeeft.
Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit verschillende perspectieven: Luc, Ava, de moordenaar en de nabestaanden van de slachtoffers. Waar de vorige delen vol zaten met gruwelijke en gedetailleerde moorden, zit dit maar weinig in Perfecte dood. Het verhaal begint vanuit het perspectief van de dader, wat ervoor zorgt dat het boek direct je aandacht heeft. Daarna komt het verhaal rustig op gang. De zelfmoord van hoofdinspecteur George Begbie vindt al vroeg in het boek plaats, wat vervolgens resulteert in een aparte zaak die je door het boek heen volgt. Daarna wordt het bij Luc duidelijk dat het overlijden van een meisje wellicht een moord kan zijn. Luc en Ava leer je door het verhaal heen steeds beter kennen. Af en toe wordt gerefereerd aan een gebeurtenis dat zich afspeelde in Perfecte resten. De dader zal voor veel lezers geen verrassing zijn, maar wat het motief voor de moorden is, blijft een raadsel. Doordat je al vrij snel weet wie de dader is, bevat het boek weinig spanning en nauwelijks plotwendingen. Verder is de plot goed opgebouwd. Gruwelijke gedetailleerde moorden zitten er niet in en de spanning is vrij laag, maar dat maakt het boek niet minder goed. Helen Fields weet hoe ze een goed boek in elkaar moet zetten die de aandacht van de lezers vast blijft houden.
Perfecte dood is een heerlijke thriller die vlot doorleest en waarbij je als lezer uitkijkt naar het volgende deel.
December 24, 2021
"Iedereen die dacht dat een menselijk wezen binnen een paar seconden stierf, zoals in tv-series, was een sukkel. De dood was in de meeste gevallen een langzame stripteaseshow." ~ p9.
Wat een waanzinnig boek was dit weer! Heerlijk hoe alle losse lijnen uiteindelijk samen komen.
"Als ik mocht kiezen tussen pijn en angst zou ik altijd voor de pijn gaan." ~ p141.
Perfecte dood is het derde deel in de Callanach reeks, waarbij de rode draad inspecteurs Luc Callanach en Ava Turner zijn. Ik vind het heerlijk hoe het verhaal rondom deze twee personages is geschreven. Hoewel elk boek een eigen moordenaar heeft, wordt het gedragen door de interactie van Luc en Ava. Je leeft met ze mee, je snapt hun keuzes (of juist niet) en voelt hun pijn. Dat is de kracht van Helen Fields. Ze laat je als lezer meekijken in hun leven, en zonder zelf in gevaar te komen, ben je deel van een retespannend verhaal. Het is net als de vorige 2 delen soms heftig, gedetailleerd en vreselijk goed uitgedacht. Maar er zit naast al dat geweld ook een maatschappelijke boodschap in, die zeker niet gemist mag worden.
"We proberen de mensen van wie we houden te beschermen, en voordat we het weten zijn onze pogingen om het simpel te houden uitgegroeid tot een nieuw gevaar." ~ p297.
Met elk boek word ik meer fan van haar schrijven, en ben dan ook erg gelukkig dat deel 4 al in september verschijnt. Dikke 5 sterren, ik heb weer enorm genoten!
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
Wat een waanzinnig boek was dit weer! Heerlijk hoe alle losse lijnen uiteindelijk samen komen.
"Als ik mocht kiezen tussen pijn en angst zou ik altijd voor de pijn gaan." ~ p141.
Perfecte dood is het derde deel in de Callanach reeks, waarbij de rode draad inspecteurs Luc Callanach en Ava Turner zijn. Ik vind het heerlijk hoe het verhaal rondom deze twee personages is geschreven. Hoewel elk boek een eigen moordenaar heeft, wordt het gedragen door de interactie van Luc en Ava. Je leeft met ze mee, je snapt hun keuzes (of juist niet) en voelt hun pijn. Dat is de kracht van Helen Fields. Ze laat je als lezer meekijken in hun leven, en zonder zelf in gevaar te komen, ben je deel van een retespannend verhaal. Het is net als de vorige 2 delen soms heftig, gedetailleerd en vreselijk goed uitgedacht. Maar er zit naast al dat geweld ook een maatschappelijke boodschap in, die zeker niet gemist mag worden.
"We proberen de mensen van wie we houden te beschermen, en voordat we het weten zijn onze pogingen om het simpel te houden uitgegroeid tot een nieuw gevaar." ~ p297.
Met elk boek word ik meer fan van haar schrijven, en ben dan ook erg gelukkig dat deel 4 al in september verschijnt. Dikke 5 sterren, ik heb weer enorm genoten!
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February 11, 2018
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I loved the characters and the setting (I am a big fan of books set in Scotland). The plot for the book was superb, the writing style was spot on for the genre with just the right amount of detail for me, it was gritty, it gripped me and I loved it.
Personally I do think you need to have read the books in order to get the most out of the book (this is the third book in the series and the previous two are also very, very good).
For me this is one of the best crime series that is out and available at the moment - I really, really enjoyed it and am looking forward to book 4!! If you want a treat - get this book!!
I loved the characters and the setting (I am a big fan of books set in Scotland). The plot for the book was superb, the writing style was spot on for the genre with just the right amount of detail for me, it was gritty, it gripped me and I loved it.
Personally I do think you need to have read the books in order to get the most out of the book (this is the third book in the series and the previous two are also very, very good).
For me this is one of the best crime series that is out and available at the moment - I really, really enjoyed it and am looking forward to book 4!! If you want a treat - get this book!!
May 7, 2018
This is the third in this series and I’ve read them all. I like the characters of Luc and Ava as they seem very real as do the other characters in the police force. I enjoyed most of this book but found that waning as I felt some of Christian’s actions were overly melodramatic and didn’t ring true. The other aspect I couldn’t get to grips with were the Glasgow villains who were so stereotypical. I mean - one called Knuckles? Oh please 🙄
July 7, 2020
I’ve loved the first two books in this series but found it quite difficult to follow the plots in this one. I also felt that both Ava & Luc behaved in ways which were unrealistic. Nevertheless a good solid crime novel.
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