Roland Barry was a respectable, retired academic, beloved of his colleagues and friends. So why did he die so savagely, killed in a frenzied attack?
The latest case for the newly qualified Detective Inspector Kate Redman is a puzzle. So is the next murder case the Abbeyford police team deal with, given the victim is a much younger woman. But, as Kate and her colleagues begin to dig deeper into the evidence, a strange link between the two crimes become apparent. What is the real connection between the two murder victims…and will there be any more?
Fury is the eleventh full length novel in the bestselling Kate Redman Mysteries series, from crime writer Celina Grace, author of Hushabye and Pulse.
Praise for Celina Grace from Amazon and Goodreads reviewers:
"The gradual crescendo of action and pace remorselessly increases..."
"Love Kate. She is human, does not always make good choices just like us."
“At last, a mystery that delivers…I found this novel superb because I got all I needed to know and none of what I didn’t.”
“…a gripping detective story but the main character engages you, and as well as wanting to know how the mystery turns out you want to learn more about her too.”
“…amazing book, read it front to back in one visit, couldn`t help myself…”
“…the most enjoyable Kindle book I have so far read since the 'low cost electronic revolution' which has been sweeping my reading habits for the last couple of years! Thoroughly recommended.”
“This was my introduction to the author, and I'm so glad I discovered the book. Well-written and a real page turner.”
“I was awake till the early hours to finish it !! I really enjoyed it and the characters in it so I'm pleased I also have the sequel downloaded to read at some point. I know it should be great.”
“Attention to detail and great character building coupled with a mystery that keeps you guessing are all the ingredients that make me keep reading till the early hours of the morning.”
"Celina Grace has done it again, she compels you from page to page and chapter to chapter, a great, riveting read..."
"I found it difficult to put down and was completely distracted from all the other things I should have been doing with my time."
"This is a great series that I couldn't put down and grabbed the next book right away at 1 a.m. to keep reading."
I’ve been trying to get published as a writer since…. um… er…um…see, it was that long ago I can’t remember. A long time. I make it fifteen years and counting….
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
I'm going to be the ugly worm in the apple cart here because Fury, the 11th book in the Kate Redmond series, just didn't grab me like the superb novels normally do. Wonderfully written as always and with a cunning plot that got you thinking, it nevertheless felt a bit "flat" to me - like both the author and Kate were "treading water" with this novel and I just didn't feel as invested in the characters this time around. Kate has now got her promotion as an Inspector, with her former DCI (Anderton) on a sabbatical due to revelations at the end of the last novel. They are still seeing each other, but their relationship is also "treading water" while they both work out what they really want. Her work partner Mark is on parental leave with the adoption of his and Jeff's children and poor Kate is feeling his absence.To make matters worse the team has been lumbered with a very prickly DCI Nicola Weaver who has everyone's backs up. The thing I found most hard to believe was the way Kate dealt with her promotion because, bird, she was not acting like an Inspector and her work buddies weren't treating her like one. Although they're the best of buddies she's still their superior. It just felt like another day at the office. I'm not sure if it was because of the gap between this novel and the last but I was definitely left floundering. Part of the magic of these novels is that there is just as much emphasis on the characters backgrounds and their personal lives as there is of the actual crime. This is what draws you in and leaves you feeling invested in the characters but that just didn't happen with this story. The author had an exciting opportunity to show Kate stepping up and shining, but somehow she fell short. The only way I can explain it is that the plot was three dimensional but the characters were a very flat 2D. I'm hoping the next in the series is a return to form because I'm a massive fan of our bird Kate.
I received an ebook copy of this novel directly from the author. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my view/rating, which is my honest opinion.
I liked the story in general. It felt rushed in many places and too much focus in others. I read the ARC (I've also purchases the book as well) and am hoping the finished version is a little more polished. If you haven't tried the series, give it a go.
Another seemingly short book in the series. Not sure about the novellas. Do they need to be read or are they completely different story lines and characters?
Kate Redman has finally made it to DI but she's still not confident, still sticking her foot in it and still overthinking things.
In this book we get to learn that former DCI Anderton has a first name These two have to have one of the most awkward adult relationship I have ever seen. H/T to Jane Austen "Shall we ask him why a person of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, is ill qualified to recommend themselves to their partner?" Yes I get it Kate had a rough childhood but she is so neurotic at times I am glad that there is an ARS (ARV) and she isn't given a gun. I know in the beginning of relationships people walk on egg shells but this takes it to a whole new level.
As Kate's colleagues have grown up there are less visits to the pub and more visits to each others homes which somehow is also awkward more than not.
And lastly there is the crime solving. These must be the luckiest cops in the world because in a case that was fairly complex the solution kept plopping into their laps.
This is a short book 126 pages and ended at 93% on my kindle with 7% for info about the author's other books.
So good to read another Kate Redman mystery. I totally love this series. Each book features Kate and her team at Abbeyford police station. Every case is different and Kate finds herself trying to find links to three murders where the victims seem to have no link to each other, except for a small statue that has appeared in each of the victims homes.
Very good book if you are looking for a quick mystery read. The story is not very complicated but the characters are well defined. I have not read any books by this author but intend to read more of this series.
Newly-minted DI Kate Redman is faced with two diverse violent deaths. Something tugs at Kate’s intuition, telling her the cases may be connected somehow, but she can’t summon up the connection. It keeps niggling at her, eating at her brain. She’s worried they may be facing a serial killer.
She’s faced with a new DCI, Nicola Weaver, whom Kate and her team hate, and who clearly doesn’t like Kate. She’s trying to work out the relationship between she and her former DCI, Anderton. Their relationship began when he was still her boss, and it caused changes in both their lives; Kate is still unsure of where it’s going. Some of her former peers, now her employees, are acting out of character and she’s not sure if it’s because they resent her promotion or some other reason. Her best friend on the squad, Mark Olbeck, is on paternity leave, having adopted a baby with his partner, Jeff, and she misses their easy connection and ability to bounce ideas off of each other
This is a great entry in an excellent series. I like the author’s writing style – I feel like I am right there with Kate, sitting in a possible suspect’s smelly, slovenly house, or having a glass of wine with her and Anderton. I love the way the author gives a glimpse into each character’s mindset, and how she has allowed them all to grow and change over the course of the books. Kate seems very real to me, like a flesh and blood person. She doesn’t’ put herself in stupid situations, or violated protocol and go off half-cocked. She relies on her team and her intuition to bring home a win. The resolution to the case was a surprise to me, and the end of the book very satisfying. If you like gritty British police procedurals with gruesome crimes and strong intriguing characters, I highly recommend the Kate Redman books. I hope this series will be long-lived.
While it isn't the best in the series, it still was a good read. Kate's relationship with Anderton is progressing, but the rest of the characters have been pretty well left out this time. They are there, but there doesn't seem to be much connection. They mystery was predictable, and Kate's intuition kicks in at just the right moment. While it is not a happy ending for everyone, it seems that Kate and Anderton are going to be okay.
Kate Redman has recently been promoted to Detective Inspector, but she has a new female boss who appears to be undermining her. Still with the same friendly team at Abbeyford police station she is unsure of what she wants out of her relationship with Anderton. Soon they are all too busy investigating two murders to be able to worry about their private lives. Anxious to make her mark in her new role, Kate uses her intuition to find connections between the murders and soon she is travelling to the other end of the country in search of a suspect. This is an excellent stand-alone murder mystery with very human characters involved in up-to-date predicaments, but it is particularly rewarding for previous readers of the Kate Redman Mysteries to see how she is maturing and assuming responsibility as a policewoman. Other familiar characters deal with the responsibilities of parenthood and coping with life outside the police force and the blend of relationships and crime make for a great read.
Another excellent addition to the Kate Redman series by Celina Grace. I have loved every book in this series and this was no exception.
The strength, in my opinion, of the Kate Redman series is that not only are the crimes interesting and a bit tough to figure out, but the main recurring characters continue to change, mature and expand their lives. So many series have the main characters as static, but this author allows them to mature and age as people normally do. I love that. I will never tire of these characters because there is always something new about their lives.
I was lucky enough to read an early copy and I cannot recommend this book and the entire series highly enough. Pick one up and read it, you'll be glad you did. Since there is so much change in the recurring characters, I would recommend starting with one of the early books in the series and going from there.
The eleventh novel of Kate Redman series, recently promoted to Detective Inspector, confirms on every score Celina Grace’s ability to create intriguing plots, described with a flowing style and which hook you until the last page. In this novel, Kate has to deal with a serial killing case that will ask not only to confront herself with an unsolved mystery, but also with personal dilemmas that she’ll need to solve. In an intertwining climax impacting her work and private life, the authoress leads us into a fast-paced and captivating story. What I love most about this series is the protagonist: never prosaic, concrete, a woman who struggles to achieve her goals, through falls and rises. One of us. I loved it and I highly recommend it.
Wow. I am emotionally drained. I mean that in a good way. I absolutely love the Kate Redman books and feel it is a privilege to follow her continuing life story, watching her grow and develop, both professionally and personally. This is one of the rare series that has a real , genuine feel to it. If fact I think it is the best detective thriller I have ever read. We see Kate’s first outing as a Detective Inspector and it’s a cracking story. The ending leaves you drained , having experienced the tension but leaves you wanting more. I hope it’s not so long till the next one. Thank you so much Celina. An awesome read indeed.
A re-read to finish off the published books in the series.Looking forward to the next one, hopefully not to far in the future. Dr. Roland Barry a retired academic arrives back at his isolated cottage. Inside he feels that there is something wrong, but it's too late. The next morning his body is found. It is for the newly promoted DI Kate Redman and her team to investigate this first, but not last, murder, Another very good addition to this well-written series. Not just an interesting mystery but enjoyable to read how these characters evolve over the years. Received an ARC
Another great mystery in the Kate Redman series. Kate finally gets her promotion and becomes the boss of several of her coworkers. Two separate murder cases seem to be unsolvable. Will they or won't they solve these crimes. Enjoyed going along with them as they attempted to figure it all out.
Another outstanding detective story with Kate Redman. She makes one outstanding story. This time she has not one but two cases to solve. Both of them are puzzling. Don’t miss out is this intriguing read. Received a free copy and reviewed because 8 loved it.
Captivating from start to finish with interesting characters and the connections and dynamics between and among them. One of my favorite Kate Redman books so far.
Newly minted DI Kate Redmond picks up her first case following her promotion.
Roland Barry, a retired professor dies a horrible death by stabbing. He lives in the country in an isolated home. No neighbors and he kept to himself pretty much. No one seems to know much about him. The case drags on...
When another death occurs, a woman this time who was strangled, Kate and her team are assigned to that one, too. This lady had a boyfriend and lived in a well populated area. Perhaps the team will have more success in solving this case.
Something is bothering Kate. She begins to wonder if the cases are related. As the investigation continues, it is discovered that a third person was stabbed to death. Could he have known the first two murdered people? What is the connection? A trip to the Lakes area proves quite fruitful for Kate. She finds the connection.
This book is very well written and plotted. I enjoyed seeing the “old gang” again. It has been awhile since I picked up one of Ms. Grace's novel, and it sure was a treat.The characters are so real, it is as thought the reader personally knows them. I figured out Theo's “problem” as soon as it came up, but it was nice seeing my suspicions validated. While Kate's DCI boss was a problem for her and Chloe at first, it seemed to work out okay – at least for Kate. I wish the best for Kate and her ex-copper boyfriend. Oh, and I found the heavy use of “bird” more than a little annoying as did another reviewer. Another thing that bothered me was in the description of the book it says that teacher Roland Barry was much liked and “beloved.” Well, I didn't read one word about him. In fact, the police weren't able to gather hardly any information about him.
Oh dear.....Celina, PLEASE get a proper proofreader. As with Creed, I've knocked this one's score down to only 3* and that has NO bearing whatsoever on the terrific story but the presentation again.....many mistakes but the worst for me being getting your own characters' names wrong....yes, more than one and more than twice in one case !! It's so ruined it and such a bloody shame. Firstly, we hear of Roland Barry lunching with his sister Barbara, yet once he's died and Kate traces his next-of-kin, her name has altered to Winifred !! Then curiosity spelt as curiousity, although written correctly further in, there are odd apostrophe mistakes, then Callihan morphing to Cahillan AND then Cahill, adding proper insult to injury whilst turning the air blue around me !! Right at the beginning Theo asked Kate for a private meeting and that was totally forgotten about and never materialised, nor was ever referred to again. Certain words had needless spaces added, like will power, run down and light hearted and then paydirt needed a space !! Highly frustrating to read..... Oh, I took a guess at Anderton being named Ted. Thought that would've suited him. I wasn't especially keen on what it turns out to be !! I still adore Kate and her team, and how she always relates to them all, notwithstanding her promotion. I also liked how she thanked Lucy.....a touching moment. Then Nicola, her new boss was a lovely new addition. Once more, an interesting and easy read and I DO love this series, but just wish she'd get someone to properly check her books.
While I am a fan of Kate Redman mysteries and enjoy them very much, I have to say that although this story was good I could not, in good faith, give it 5 stars. Had it been any other author, I probably would have given it less, but I gave Ms. Grace a bit of a pass on having committed one of the worst faux pas an author could ever do as I really like her work. By way of explanation, I submit the following, i.e.: The second murder in this story is about a yoga teacher who is a former social worker, by the name of Amanda CALLIHAN. That seems to be fine, except as we get further into the book, her name seems to change to CAHILL. As we proceed, sometimes she is Callihan and sometimes she is Cahill. This is unforgivable. You don't interchange characters or their names nonchalantly. At least good authors don't. If Ms. Grace proofreads herself she does herself no favor, as she is seeing what she thought she wrote rather than what she actually wrote. Happens all the time. That is why you hire a proofreader. Now, if Ms. Grace did hire a proofreader, then she should get rid of him/her immediately, because whoever it is is reading words, not context. I will remain a fan, but I have to say that this author has disappointed me big time.
Two murders within the first couple of chapters are not the usual way the Kate Redman books commence. She and her team, she is now a DI, are baffled but eventually Kate has one of her 'light bulb' moments and notices something in both crime scenes. this book rattles along at a great pace with distance issues coming to the surface. Kate also is trying to work out her relationship with DCI Alterton………….you finally find our his first name and doubt anyone could guess it correctly. Really enjoyable book with some great descriptions of the countryside. I will never look at a wheat field in the same way again. The point that Kate also becomes aware of is how everyone in her team have changed and how quickly you get that bit older...………..not explained that very well but read the book and you will understand what I am trying to say.
I received an early copy, but enjoyed this so much I bought it as well. Kate Redman (and the rest of the team) are very convincing. I love the interactions between them, especially as they are from the West Country (like me), so there's the occasional bit of slang and detail that makes me smile with it's accuracy The advantage with the Kate Redman series, is that the crimes aren't dwelt on, so there's never any uncomfortable, gratuitous violence - there's just enough information to make me wonder about the reasoning behind the crime, and the nature of the perpetrator - an unusual level of depth that often isn't found in thrillers or mystery novels This is an excellent addition to the series - both Ms Grace's writing style and the characters mature and improve as the series progresses. Well done bird - another great addition to the series.
Received an ARC from the Author for an honest review. Read and liked the first 3 books in the series, read some of the others out of order, and have not yet read books 6 till 9. What I said about the other books, too much romance, Kate being to insecure as to what she should do, I will not repeat that here. For me she should cut her losses, split from the man who does nothing for me and the story - and is not even a police-man anymore, being forced in early retirement (or fired?). The case is ok, but the book without the unnecessary parts (romance etc.) would have been 50% shorter, more like a novella. Will read one more, when it is published and then decide wether to stop reading these. There are way better books / series, sorry to say, but my time is to short to read books I do not really like.
From the moment I started this book I knew I didn’t like it, but I trudged thru it till the end. It’s a superficial murder mystery being worked by a newly promoted DI who’s not very bright and more concerned with her team’s lives/ social lives , whether or not to move in with her older boyfriend and her spur of the moment Halloween party than seriously solving the murder. Catching her boss having sex with one her team members in the office was especially lame. Characters weren’t developed at all and her detective skills were mostly digging thru victims houses and boxes for clues. This book felt like a 10,000 ft fly over of the supposed story. I hope I didn’t pay for this book. There are so many other well written murder mystery novels out there- don’t waste your time on this one like I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kate Redman has been promoted to Detective Inspector and a new case looms. But, wait, make that two cases...no wait... Kate's quick mind connects two unseemingly unrelated cases, but making headway does not come easily. The added distractions of work colleagues and home life further complicate matters as Kate works to solve this tangled puzzle.
I adore Kate; I really do. Her life has been monumentally challenging, but she perseveres and generally meets each problem head-on. Other reviewers have mentioned that Fury is a slower paced book and I quite agree. Rather than seeing this as a deficit, I like the chance Kate has to catch her breath, look around, and make an informed choice as to her next move. Everything doesn't need to be an "end of the world" situation. This method of storytelling feels more real to me.
Another absolutely great read from Celina Grace, I love the Kate Redman series. Each book is a standalone read but as you read more, you get to see how the characters evolve over the years as well as getting lost in the latest crime. I wish now that I had read them in order and at some point I might actually do that. I think I only have one more now to read. *********************************** Roland Barry was a respectable, retired academic, beloved of his colleagues and friends. So why did he die so savagely, killed in a frenzied attack?
The latest case for the newly qualified Detective Inspector Kate Redman is a puzzle. So is the next murder case the Abbeyford police team deal with, given the victim is a much younger woman. But, as Kate and her colleagues begin to dig deeper into the evidence, a strange link between the two crimes become apparent. What is the real connection between the two murder victims…and will there be any more?
Kate Redman has been promoted to Det. Inspector, is unexpectedly happy in her love life, and is enjoying her favorite season of the year so a new case is perfect to let her stretch her wings. The story is well-paced, the suspects clever, and the cast well fleshed out. I like Kate’s intelligence and her vulnerability. She’s not a perfect person and she stumbles just like anyone else, but she sets things right and moves on. She’s clever, has good intuition, and can follow the clues. I think we could be friends!
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Another great continuation in the life of Kate Redman.
Newly promoted to DI, Kate gets called to the scene of a brutal murder that apparently had no reasons to start with.
Once they get a break, because of another murder that has a tie in with the first ones, Kate starts putting her clues together and unraveling not just one, but multiple murders that probably could have been prevented by just having the authorities simply doing their jobs several years earlier.
Well defined characters, lots of twist, and a strong willed and tough detective team gets the job done.
DCI Anderton is suspended and so there's an Acting DCI for Kate and the team (they don't like her).
After Kate spots something at two murder scenes, the team works hard to discover if there is a connection between the two cases.
I enjoyed the investigations.
**** I know it's picky but one of the victims was called Callihan, Cahill and Cahillan. When I noticed the second name, I tried to find if there was a "previously known as" but I couldn't spot one. Add the third version and so the names are clearly wrong. Sloppy